Prince star guest at anniversary do Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, met dozens of Staffordshire youngsters at a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebration held in Stafford.
His Royal Highness arrived at Shugborough by helicopter at 11.30am for the 50th anniversary event hosted by the Staffordshire Youth Service, which co-ordinates the award scheme in the county.
He was greeted by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Lieutenant-Colonel David German, who introduced him to a group of youngsters waiting to meet him on the steps to the house.
David Chatterton, aged 18, from Weeping Cross, who attends Walton High School, was one of the first award recipients spoken to by the Earl.
He said: “He asked us who had completed their gold award so I said that I had. He noticed I was wearing a T-shirt which stated I’d done my gold expedition in Canada so I told him about that. I think it is fantastic that he came here to see us all.”
Harriet Pearson, 15, from Stafford, who attends Blessed William Howard Catholic High School, said: “He was a very nice man, very friendly and jokey. I told him I am currently working towards my bronze award.”
Exciting
The Earl also cut a celebratory cake with the help of the youngest person currently on the Staffordshire Duke of Edinburgh scheme, Eloise Cook, and the oldest recipient of a gold award present at the event, Shirley Henderson.
Eloise, 14, from Fradley, attends the Friary School in Lichfield and is working towards her bronze award. She said: “It has been a really exciting day. He was really nice when he spoke to me.
“I told him I hope to go on to do all of the awards.”
Shirley, aged 46, from Penkridge, said she was “surprised and delighted” to be asked to help cut the cake.
She said she was involved in the South Staffordshire scheme and had brought along pupils from Ounsdale High School, Wombourne.
Other youngsters who met the Earl were from Staffordshire Youth Service, Blessed William Catholic High School, Stafford, Thomas Alleyne’s High, Uttoxeter, Kingsmead Technology College, Cannock, Ounsdale High in Wombourne, The Friary School, Lichfield, Staffordshire Wing Air Cadets, Staffordshire Guides, Cardinal Griffin High, Cannock, Blythe Bridge High, King Edward VI School, Lichfield and Weston Road High School, Stafford.
Eric Drinkwater, county council cabinet support member for lifelong learning, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a cherished memory of youth for thousands of Staffordshire people, and it is as popular now as it has ever been.
“Taking part in the scheme can be hugely enjoyable and educating but it also requires commitment, dedication and hard work.
“Yesterday’s visit to Shugborough gave us the opportunity to celebrate all those who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh award and those who are taking part now.”
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