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Golden ONs Reunite at St James Palace for Duke of Edinburgh Awards

02 October 2019

8 ONs were reunited at St James’ Palace London on Tuesday 1st October at the award ceremony for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Dora Hannyngton (13-18), Harriet Watts (11-18), Rebecca Gaffney (10-19), Lara Wells (17-19), Charlotte Cooper (17-19), Bronwen Laxton (13-19), James Hill (08-19) and Gabriel Youngs (14-19) had all achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during their time at Norwich School.

The reunited ONs were among the almost 500 from around the UK who were receiving their awards that day. They had an audience with HRH The Earl of Wessex who asked them about their experiences on DofE, particularly on expeditions which were something different from walking/trekking. He was very enthusiastic about the group who had cycled around the Yorkshire Dales. Without hesitation, all of the ONs said that DofE had been an amazing experience and they would do it again.

Many of these ONs had travelled from their university studies to attend the event, in some cases considerable distances – Bronwen from Cardiff, James from Newcastle, and Gabriel from Dublin.

Pictured above (L-R): Dora Hannyngton, Harriet Watts, Rebecca Gaffney, Lara Wells, Charlotte Cooper, Bronwen Laxton, James Hill, Gabriel Youngs

The Gold Award certificates were presented by world record-breaking explorer and endurance athlete George Bullard, who swam the English Channel aged just 14, and at 19 completed the longest unsupported Polar trek. George was born in Gressenhall and educated in Norfolk and spoke to all the award achievers about the importance of ambition and a positive attitude, to believe in yourself, and ‘carpe diem’ - seize the day and the opportunity when it appears.

It was also a day of celebration for one member of Norwich School staff. Dr Andrew Hinsley joined the former pupils at the Palace to be presented with a thoroughly deserved recognition certificate for his outstanding 25 years service as an assessor and co-ordinator on the DofE Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award schemes.

Dr Hinsley joined the 8 ON Gold Award recipients for a photo opportunity outside the Palace.

Gold Award holders have the opportunity to return to the Palace for future Awards ceremonies by volunteering to be a VIP Host. That would be another fabulous DofE experience.

Congratulations to all our ONs on a wonderful achievement!