We're Not the Same, We're Different in a Good Way

This time last year, I caught Tooli, in a crowd of purple, as she collected her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in the Local Town Hall.

This year, there were too many participants to fit into the Town Hall. Tooli's school accounted for around 100 of the 400 recipients. Each school filed in in turn; each DOE Co-ordinater summarised their achievements, which range from volunteering in charity shops, guides, scouts, learning to play instruments, learning to knit, learning to sail, learning to horse ride, playing volleyball, netball, football, hockey, travelling by boat, by horse, by bike, living somewhere unknown to them.

It is quite humbling to sit and watch all these kids file through and collect their awards, they do give a lot of time and effort to achieve, and what is more humbling is the effort the VOLUNTEERS who run this Award Scheme give to these kids. But they get back! One of the best speakers of the night was the On Campus Cop from one of the schools who runs DOE for them. He was completely overwhelmed, by having to speak to a crowd of 700 parents and friends, and the experiences he had gained with the young folk whilst out on their expeditions. His enthusiasm and gratitude to the children was infectious, and if I wasn't such a lazy cow, I'd be right in there too!

It was amazing to see the change in Tooli - last year, she was still quite reserved and within herself; this year.... mmmm. Loud and out there.

What a year, and it's quite sad, that apart from the official garden party with Phil, this is the last of these events we will get to attend.