Have you heard of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme?
It aims to "give all young people the chance to develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future".
Jolly good thing, I hear you say.
Now Gail is supposed to be supervising Gregor, a young lad who lives on our street, and who has, for his Duke of Edinburgh community service project, undertaken to devote an hour every Sunday morning to picking up litter in an area of Aberdeen near to the North Sea shore.
Well up to now he has been just emailing Gail photos as proof of his endeavours, but last Sunday I persuaded her that we really should go along and see for ourselves what he's been up to.
It has to be said that standing around watching someone pick up litter is pretty dull work, so Gail and I joined Gregor's parents plus Bonnie and Jack for a brisk walk around the lighthouse whilst Gregor got on with his task.
When we returned we found Gregor had been busy.
Gail delegated the job of sniffing out the contents of the rubbish bag to the acknowledged expert.
I confess I was a bit disappointed not to detect any decomposing seagull, or left over fish suppers.
There were quite a few beer cans (remember we are in Scotland) and these could be recycled.
It was a chilly day and I expect you have been admiring Gregor's splendid hat.
I must admit, I had been rather hoping that Gregor would bring along his lovely Norwegian friend Aurora to help, as I knew from earlier photos that she had joined him one previous time when she was over on a visit.
But sadly Aurora was back home on the other side of the North Sea, and today it was just Gregor. I do hope you will all join me in congratulating him on his dedication to cleaning up our environment.
Oh and I am now waiting with eager anticipation for my invite to join Gregor on one of those exciting overnight adventures involving long hikes and camping out in the mountains, as I believe these are also an essential part of the DofE award programme.
I would be such an asset, after all.
Rubbish on Aberdeen beach ? What is the world coming to ?
ReplyDeleteSorry, Bertie, but aren't they supposed to go on some of those hikes/camping events by themselves?
ReplyDeleteGregor is a fine lad, cleaning up. It's a shame that it has to be done.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Well done Gregor. It is a shame that there are not more youngsters participating in this excellent scheme.
ReplyDeleteBertie, we hope you get to participate on an overnight trek in the mountains one day.
Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie
Bertie an asset you would be indeed. Well done Gregor. Pity about no roadkill we could have played CSI together. Have a terrific Thursday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly.
Oh Bertie,
ReplyDeleteYou should see our neighbourhood at the moment...I think we should move to Scotland. We have had a refuse removal workers strike here and our bins have been cooking in the sun for 14 days now...urrrgh! (Not very pleasant at all!)
Well done to Gregor...and to your Gail too.
Lotsaluv from your friends in SA
Oh you should definitely get that award an overnight camping tricks sounds fab. Please congratulate Gregor for us on his good work and his fab hat
ReplyDeleteurban hounds
What a nice young lad Gregor is! Such a great (and important) project he picked. We give him two paws up for his efforts.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
BRAVO to Gregor!!! WELL DONE. Excellent Pawject.
ReplyDeleteAND good fur GAIL fur snoopervising his Fine Work.
Yes, hearty congratulations to Gregor ... and to you as well for figuring a way to join in on the adventures!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. Is there a "checking out 5* hotel beds" option in the DofE these days.....? Deccy x
ReplyDeleteYeap. we do believe you would be a great camping asset, a trained attack dog and trash checker is very useful.
ReplyDeleteYoue Pals
Susie & Bites
Pees: You pass on to Gregor, thanks,wish there was more like him keeping the world clean!!!
That's such a nice thing for Gregor to do. And his hat is totally pawesome. I want one!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the lad is doing a fine job. But we sure are glad that you went to snoopervise
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
Bertie what a fantastic program...good for the youth, good for the country and environment and good for the soul to see such devotion Gregor has for the challenge. We thank you and Gail for tagging along last week and for the great pictures. I might add you look like you were having way too much fun too.
ReplyDeleteHugs your BFFF
Madi
Fantastic! Out of the Sin Bin and into the garbage, Bertie!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Gregor, on great work. This is super neat.
I wag for Gregor!
Well done Gregor.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Gregor and Bertie! We applaud you :D
ReplyDeleteWyatt and Stanzie
I haven't had time to go to the beach lately! I think Grace's friends are doing their duke of Edinburgh, why can't I?
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Pippa
Hello there!
ReplyDeleteMy mummy got told about the DofE thingy, i don't think he is doing it though!!
Milo :)
Try selling Gregor on how you can double as a heat-generating source if the camping trip gets cold and it rains and he loses all the matches and can't start a fire. You could even save his life! Be sure and post photos. Should get you a CBE or Knighthood.
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