New 497 (Daventry) member of staff Civilian Instructor Amy Seymour this week attended St James's Palace for her Gold Award presentation. On entering the impressive palace surroundings, the guests were entertained by the playing by the Blues and Royals band before taking their seats for the presentations. Amy's group were presented their certificates by singer and presenter Cheryl Baker, after being presented to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. He spoke to a number of individuals in the group, including Amy, suggesting that as a number of them had covered various musical instruments for their skill, they formed their own band. He is also particularly interested in anyone who does their expedition abroad or by kayak or cycle. The group then also had an official photo with Cheryl Baker and had the opportunity to look around the state rooms after the ceremony was over. Afterwards Amy said "It was a really fantastic experience and a good way to complete the Duke of Edinburgh scheme".

Cadets from 497 enjoyed a presentation from Amy on both the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in general and her experiences in particular. She showed them photos and slides of some of her experiences, from lifeguarding for the Pasque Hospice to surfing, from clay pigeon shooting to passing Grade 8 Musical Theatre with distinction after taking singing lessons.

The cadets were particularly interested in Amy's gold residential with the Marine Ship and her expedition to Tanzania , which included climbing Meru and Killimanjaro, going on safari and helping with a community project. Amy taught them some Swahili and told them some of the things she'd learnt about the culture and way of life in Tanzania Everyone was amused to learn why zebras hang out with wildebeest (the zebras can run faster so when the lions arrive, the wildebeest make the easier target). Finally they were given the opportunity to try the food Amy ate in Africa and to try on a kanga, a wrapround skirt that the women of Tanzania wear. All the cadets agreed they had been encouraged to really work at getting their D of E awards, so the squadron is now looking forward to a very productive year in this area.