Five ex cadets from 487 (Kingstanding) Squadron were re-united on Wednesday 21 February when they attended St James's Palace to be presented to the Duke of Edinburgh. They were joined by one serving cadet from 165 (Castle Bromwich) Squadron.

The Six Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing cadets and accompanying staff all arrived outside the Palace and joined the long queue of 360 other Gold Award recipients and their guests, and were taken to the Queen Ann State Room - normally reserved for guests waiting to be presented to the Queen in the throne room next door but one.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh then spoke to each group of 15 young people and once more showed his sharpness and humour getting ripples of laughter from every group. He then left the room after being presented to 3 VIP guests nominated by the D of E award itself. The young people then had their Gold Award certificates presented to them individually by Debra Searle, the well known rower and BBC television presenter and Gold Award holder who then gave a short address linking her Gold Award to her occupation which was well received by all.

This was also a very special day for two members of staff from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing who accompanied the Award winning cadets.

Warrant Officer Keir Hart of 165 (Castle Bromwich) Squadron was invited by the D of E Award Scheme to attend this presentation as a Room Marshall, an honour in itself. As a Marshall he had the task of ensuring that all the young people in the room conducted themselves in the customary manner during the ceremony and when introduced to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Keir himself was presented to the Duke Of Edinburgh who thanked him for his endeavours. This role is indeed rare for a Warrant Officer and reflects well on WO Hart's performance and commitment to the scheme - he is a D of E Gold Expedition Assessor and he is only the 3 rd member of the Wing ever to have been invited to undertake the role of Marshall.

Squadron Leader Bryan Coats, the Wing D of E Awards Officer was also invited on behalf of the D of E Scheme to attend as a VIP guest (The first ever for the Wing). His itinerary was slightly different, he was introduced to various VIP guests including Debra Searle MBE, Bill Turnbull (BBC 1 Morning news presenter) and Peter Westcarf the Chief Executive Officer of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme itself.

Following the Awards ceremony everyone crowded into the St James's Palace Courtyard, where the Guards on Duty had hundreds of photographs taken with the new Gold Award holders.

Warrant Officer Hart said, " It was terrific, and as my daughter was also getting her Award it made the day even more special. St James's Palace is an impressive place, and I had a great sense of pride in being there and actually taking part in the proceedings".

Squadron Leader Bryan Coats said, " This is the culmination of the award for our cadets, and it is indeed a very special day for them and their families. This was also a very special occasion for me, to have been invited as a VIP guest, it was a day I will not forget. A most rewarding and memorable experience".

Article Submitted by:-
AWO Hart (D of E assessor).
Sqn Ldr B Coats RAF VR(T) Wg DoE / MV Officer
22Feb07