Grandfather who was one of the first to complete Duke of Edinburgh sees his grandson follow his lead
One of the first Nottinghamshire residents to complete the Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed a special moment as he watched his grandson completing the same award, 60 years on.
Tony Miller said it was a special moment as he watched his grandson Alec Boaden received the gold DofE award at St. James Palace, Westminster, which was presented by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Alec, 18, who recently completed his studies at The Minster School, Southwell, said it was a great day for the both of them.
His grandfather, Tony, said: "It brought back so many marvellous memories for me personally, back to when I received my gold DofE award at Buckingham Palace.
"I, along with three other Nottinghamshire boy's, achieved our awards through the Boy's Brigade movement."
Tony was part of the first group in Nottinghamshire to achieve the gold award, just three years on from the scheme launch date in 1956.
He received his award in 1959, and it was presented to him by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
To achieve gold, you must first complete bronze and silver, which each take 12-months to achieve.
DofE is the world's leading youth achievement award and challenges young people to learn new skills and volunteer.
"The memories flooded back to me during the ceremony," said Tony. "The four of us — Bill Peck, Dave Thorpe, Malcolm Richards and myself — when we all mutually shared our DofE experiences's.
"[There was] personal challenges, hard work and tremendous fun, especially our outward bound seamanship training aboard our B.B. boat The Stedfast, a fully restored ocean going lifeboat."
The four Nottinghamshire lads sailed the River Trent to the Humber estuary, and ended at the North Sea.
"What an adventure for boy's from land-locked Nottingham," he said.
Tony said he celebrated his grandson's achievements by going on a private river trip with his old friend Bill, who Tony had completed his gold experience with, 60 years ago.
