Awards scheme will live on as his legacy
Prince Philip will be remembered for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which he set up in 1956.
The idea behind the award was simple. To equip and empower young people to build skills, confidence and resilience and to give them the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community.
There are three different levels of the award, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and each is more challenging than the last. To achieve their award each young person must learn and develop a new skill, engage in regular physical activity, volunteer and complete an expedition.
Richard Robson, Head of Geography and Director of Cocurricular Provision at Scarborough College, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has positively changed the lives of so many young people throughout the UK and around the world.
“At Scarborough College, pupils past and present have achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards by trying out new sports and activities, learning new skills and volunteering in their local communities.
“They, like millions of others in the world, have made a difference to their own lives and the lives of countless others. Without the Duke of Edinburgh this would not have been possible.
“He showed incredible vision in setting up an Award scheme that is accessible to all.
“I had the honour of meeting and speaking with the
Duke of Edinburgh a few years ago at an awards ceremony in London. The build-up to the meeting was a mixture of anticipation and nervousness on my part, but I should not have worried. The Duke of Edinburgh had the ability to put people at ease almost immediately.
“I will always remember his wonderful sense of humour and his genuine interest in what I had to say.
“He was a remarkable man whose legacy will live on far into the future.”
Margaret Kirby wrote to The Scarborough News with this recollection:
“In 1963 I was a member of the Ranger Guides in Scarborough.
Myself and two other Ranger Guides were the first girls in Scarborough to be awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold award in that town. Originally the scheme was just for boys.
“I well remember meeting the Duke at Holyrood Palace when I went to receive my certificate.
“The Duke asked what I did and I replied that I was assistant to the Clerk of the Magistrates Court.
“His reply: ‘The poor motorist always gets it in the neck!’ A short while earlier the Duke had been at court for a motoring offence.
“Another example of his sense of humour.”