Four young people from Easington were among the thousands of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients who were invited to celebrate their achievements at Buckingham Palace on Sunday, May 12.
Jack Holden, Harvey Smith, Shae Whitrod and Georgina Pitt, along with their parents and supporters, joined around 3,000 fellow Gold Award holders in the palace gardens for a special ceremony that featured guest speakers including comedian and musician Bill Bailey, Hull-born singer Calum Scott – who received a huge cheer from the Easington group – and international chef Jon Watts, who shared how he completed his Duke of Edinburgh Award while in prison.
The event also included appearances from scientists, media professionals, and of course, the Duke of Edinburgh himself, His Royal Highness Prince Edward.
The Gold Award holders enjoyed tea served in Youth Without Limits mugs and cupcakes in the sunny Buckingham Palace gardens – a stark contrast to the wet and cold expeditions, sporting challenges, gardening, churchyard clearing, and cookery that helped earn them their awards.
A highlight of the day was a walkabout by Prince Edward, who spoke with young people about their experiences and home regions. Easington’s long-time Duke of Edinburgh supporter Geoff Keyworth was among those who had the chance to speak with the Duke, and took the opportunity to promote the village’s Duke of Edinburgh unit. Prince Edward was said to be well informed about the Easington group, which is the only independent unit operating from the village’s youth club.
A fifth Gold Award holder, Alex Ogilvie, will attend her own celebration at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh in July.
Congratulations were extended to all on a tremendous achievement and for representing the next generation with pride.