A volunteer from Melksham has been recognised at Buckingham Palace for 55 years of service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), in a special celebration hosted by the current Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.
Steve Coles, who has supported thousands of young people to develop new skills and build their self-belief, completed his own Gold DofE Award in 1973 and has been volunteering his time for the charity for over 55 years.
He joined thousands of other volunteers, award holders and their loved ones at the palace on Monday 12th May for a festival-style celebration.
Throughout his decades of service, Steve has helped countless young people as a DofE expedition assessor, trainer and mentor. He also spent 12 years as the DofE manager for the Sea Cadets, where he saw over 11,000 young people begin their award journey and more than 3,000 complete it.
He is credited as the driving force behind the growth of the DofE programme within the Sea Cadets. When Steve began the role, around 150 young people completed their award each year; now that figure is around 450 annually.
Steve was one of a select few invited to speak directly with The Duke of Edinburgh at the event. When Steve mentioned that he would be stepping back after 59 years with the Sea Cadets, The Duke joked, “You can’t do that!” He then asked Steve where he was from, and Steve explained that he now lives in Melksham, although he began his cadet journey in Bristol — where the two had met before during a visit by The Duke to the city docks.
Reflecting on his volunteering, Steve told The Duke that having completed the DofE himself, he felt compelled to help others experience the same opportunities. “I get the pleasure of seeing young people take part,” he said. “It’s a privileged position I’ve been in, and I’ve been able to give back.”
The Buckingham Palace reception was one of four celebrations held over two days to honour more than 8,000 young people who have completed their Gold Award through schools, youth groups, community organisations and workplaces across the UK.
Attendees also heard from speakers and celebrity DofE Award holders including comedian Bill Bailey, space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, content creator Big Manny, and singer Calum Scott.
The Gold DofE programme is a non-competitive personal challenge for young people that takes at least 12 months to complete. Participants design their own programme across five sections – physical, skills, volunteering, a four-day expedition and a five-day residential.
Pictured: DofE volunteer Steve Coles meets HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Gold Award celebrations Picture Credit: Ian Smithers
