Minute’s silence for the Duke
Blairgowrie group members pay their respects to royal
Leaders and participants from the Blairgowrie Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Open Group gathered for a socially-distanced minute’s silence in the Wellmeadow on Sunday to mark the passing of the founder of the award, Prince Philip, who died last week aged 99.
The small gathering came about following a suggestion by Scott Macgregor, who completed the Gold level of the award.
He said: “I spoke to Prince Philip a couple of times, once when I was presented with the Gold Award and then, again, when I completed the Duke of Edinburgh Leaders course at the Britannia Royal Naval College.”
Leaders and participants from the Blairgowrie Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Open Group gathered for a socially-distanced minute’s silence in the Wellmeadow on Sunday to mark the passing of the founder of the award, Prince Philip, who died last week aged 99.
The small gathering came about following a suggestion by Scott Macgregor, who completed the Gold level of the award programme.
Explaining why he wanted to mark the occasion, he said: “When I heard about Prince Philip passing away I got in touch with the community council, who lowered the flag in the Wellmeadow to half-mast, and with the Blairgowrie Open Group about doing something to pay our respects.
“I spoke to Prince Philip a couple of times, once when I was presented with the Gold Award and then again when I completed the Duke of Edinburgh Leaders’ course at the Britannia Royal Naval College.
“He was a nice gentleman.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is such a good programme to be involved in, you meet new people and go to different places, and I would totally recommend it to young people.”
Norman Smith is the current chair of the Blairgowrie Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Open Group and has been involved with it since its inception 20 years ago.
Thanking everyone for attending, he said: “We’re acutely aware of the Covid restrictions on gatherings of people but as we are a walking group and most of those who came along walked here we were permitted to show our respects with a minute’s silence in the Wellmeadow.
“We got together to mark the passing of the founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“The awards were founded 65 years ago and were based on the experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh at school at Gordonstoun.
“Since then, over 6.7 million young people in 144 countries worldwide have participated in the award scheme at some level.
“The Duke of Edinburgh himself stayed involved with the award, attending presentations to Gold level participants until 2017 when he was well into his nineties.
“I was at two presentations and was impressed by his enthusiasm. He went round and spoke to everyone and his rapport with people and his knowledge was obvious.
“What really struck me was that he knew how much work open groups like ours put in.
“In the 20 years that the Blairgowrie Open Group has been operating, over 500 young people have gone through the awards, which is great.”
Among those at the gathering were Fern Smith and Fraser Birnie, who completed their Gold Award in 2016.
Fraser told the Blairie that the experience had taught them “discipline, perseverance and the importance of not giving up” and said that it was good preparation for going to university.
Fern, who went on to study sport and fitness at university and completed her work experience as a volunteer leader for the Blairgowrie Open Group, said: “I wanted to come along to show my support for the group and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“Taking part in the award pushes you beyond your comfort zone but the group leaders are always there for you.
“I think the open group and the opportunities it offers young people plays an important role in the local community.”
Gregor Thomas completed his Gold Award in 2012.
He said: “I wanted to show my gratitude to the group and Prince Philip for all the doors that completing the award opened up for me.
“It helped me get to university, it taught me self-motivation and it gave me a sense of self-worth.”
Victoria Merrouche completed the Bronze and Silver levels of the award.
She said: “I got a lot out of taking part in the award, I met new people and learned about working with them as a team, I developed leadership skills and got a qualification as well.
“And the skills I gained through the volunteering helped me to get a job as well so having the chance to do all that has made a big difference to my life.
“It’s a great opportunity for young people and I wanted to come along and pay my respects.”