Seven Abbotsholme School pupils visited London on Monday 13th October to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.
George Atherden, Charlotte Thornewill, Rebecca Winbow, Harriet Chiles, Nicholas Fisher, Will Amy, all whom left Abbotsholme in July, and Joseph Donnachie, OA’ 08.
His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, greeted the students and asked them about their experiences. Out of the 25 in their group at this occasion, only Abbotsholme pupils could proudly say they had sent pupils overseas as part of the award, as well as some completing in their award in canoes.
When asked whether they managed to canoe the entire time, they did admit to having to carry the boat at times! This reply became part of a speech made by Chris Hollins (BBC and Strictly Come Dancing star) in which he said you never know when the skills learnt from Duke of Edinburgh, such as carrying a canoe, might come in handy! Those of our party who did decide to walk mentioned the snow they faced which seemed to impress His Royal Highness.
Rebecca Winbow said on behalf of the students (the magnificent seven!), “We would like to thank Joy Holmes who worked tirelessly to keep us on track and organised, and Rory Sellar whom without his support we could not have completed this monumental activity.”
“We really appreciated all of their efforts, as well as putting up with our moaning in the cold weather; we can’t thank you enough.”