Selfie at the Palace, (L-R) front row Abigail Halligan, Leah Service and Anna Grace Donnelly, behind them Joel Roxborough.
Four young Cullybackey residents incorporating three former Army Cadets from Cullybackey Detachment Army Cadet Force, along with an honorary member of the team gaining her award through Causeway Open Awards, joined together to celebrate achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award in Buckingham Palace Garden, hosted by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in his role as Patron of the DofE charity.
Northern Regional College student Anna Grace Donnelly (18), Queen’s University student Abigail Halligan (22) currently on placement at in Loreto College, Coleraine, Ulster University student Leah Service (20) and the only gentleman on the team Joel Roxborough (22) who is at the Butchery Academy in Cranswick Country Foods, Cullybackey, joined thousands of young people and their loved ones from across the UK for a festival-style celebration on Friday 10th May2024.
(L-R) Joel Roxborough, Anna Grace Donnelly, Abigail Halligan and Leah Service, in Buckingham Palace Gardens receiving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
It had been quite a journey for the four who had been suffered many cancellations and set backs to completing their award due to COVID 19.
Eventually they completed their four day Gold expedition in April 2023 through Binevenagh in the far north of the Sperrins, and finishing along on the North Coast grounds of Kinbane Castle.
The four adventurers finally got to celebrate their award at Buckingham Palace in the presence of HM Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
Before attending Buckingham Palace, the former Irish Guards cap badged cadets and their families visited the building next door, Wellington Barracks home for the Foot Battalion, one of which are Irish Guards. They were treated to a tour by Major R. Wilmont MBE Assistant Adjutant of Wellington Barracks, when they were shown the offices, with spectacular views of the Palace, and the museum.
Major R Wilmont MBE (front) gives the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Holders and their families a guided tour of the Regimental Headquarters of the Irish Guards, Wellington Barracks.
During the tour they also seen where the soldiers reside, relax and prepare for changing of the guard - adorning their traditional Bear Skins with the St Patrick blue plums and red jackets, to perform their ceremonial duties at the Royal Palaces situated within London.
Afterwards the local young people proceeded to the Palace where the special day was suitably accompanied by glorious weather. It all added to the day, which recognised young people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.
Buckingham Palace Garden was transformed into a festival-style celebration for the young people and their loved ones, with giant deckchairs, bunting and garden games and activities. Attendees had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and other inspiring speakers.
The former cadets had started their Duke of Edinburgh journey by litter picking with donated litter pickers and refuge sacks from Cranswick Country Foods, while other endeavours seen them delivering food parcels to the vulnerable through Cullybackey Community Partnership and Evergreen’s Club, and collecting ring pulls for Blesma.
Eighteen-year-old Northern Regional College student Anna Grace Donnelly also received the prestigious Diana Award for her efforts during COVID 19.
Cullybackey student Anna Grace said:
“This is a fantastic award to have on my CV. I would also like to thank the instructors in the Army Cadet Force for assisting me with the award.”
Also in attendance at the Buckingham Palace Celebrations was the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadets Duke of Edinburgh Officer Captain Jason Jack.
Captain Jack congratulated the team saying:
“Part of the Army Cadet Force curriculum is to provide the opportunity to challenge our young cadets and adult volunteers by gaining their Bronze, Silver, and Gold. I would like to congratulate the team for gaining the Gold Award and on behalf of the Battalion, wish them all continued success as they continue their learning journey in University, College and the work place”.
About The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
A Gold DofE programme is a non-competitive personal challenge, open to all young people, which takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. Young people build their own programmes with activities in five sections – Physical, Skills, Volunteering, a five-day Residential and a four-day Expedition.
While working towards their Award, young people discover new talents and passions, give back to their communities, broaden their horizons, build their resilience and self-belief and gain skills employers value– like teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.