An adventurous food store supervisor is looking forward to trip to London by Royal Appointment.
James Richards, 25, has been summoned to St James’ Palace, in London, to receive his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
It will be presented by His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, on Wednesday, October 26.
James, who works in the M&S Food Hall at their store at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, is thrilled at the prospect of meeting royalty although he admits to being a little nervous.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be honest but everything is done in strict order. I can only take along one guest so my mum, Sue Richards, is coming along.
“We have been given strict instructions on what time to arrive, dress code and what we can and can’t do. It’s really formal but I am sure mum will enjoy the day!”
James began his Gold Award in September 2002 and only completed it earlier this year.
He said: “The problem was I had to suspend the projects I was doing towards completing my award when I went to university and it was only after I graduated that I was able to return to the task of completing them.
“It’s been a great experience though and I’d recommend the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme to any young person, it teaches you so much.”
James read politics and journalism at Manchester University between 2004 and 2007.
He said: “I did my Bronze Award over a 12 month period beginning in 2000 and then did my Silver over a two year period before going to university. I’d started my Gold Award but couldn’t really do much while I was studying in Manchester.
“However, lots of friends who started it with me stopped after getting their Bronze or Silver Awards or dropped out along the way. So I am quite proud I stuck with it and finally made the grade.”
James, who has worked at M&S in Eagles Meadow for two years, says he enjoyed the expedition element of the Gold Award the most despite the fact it proved to be one of the hardest things he has ever done.
He said: “I did my expedition in the Lake District. We had to spend two days training and planning before walking, unaided, between set map points over a two day period.
“You have to carry all your food, tent and supplies with you and can’t have any outside help so it’s not easy.
“We failed on a technicality the first time as one of the team of four had to drop out and the rules are quite clear that all four have to complete the task.
“So even though I did it I had to do it all over again with the full complement of four in the team. We also had to do service, physical, skill and residential elements to complete the award.”
James, who lives at home with his parents, Sue and Gary Richards and two brothers, Matthew and Tom, added that he is looking forward to not only representing himself at St James Palace but M&S at Eagles Meadow.
He said: “My colleagues have been fantastic since I started at M&S and I’d like to think I’ll be representing them too. I am proud to have completed the award and it will be a wonderful day that I’m sure I’ll remember forever.”
Store Manager Katie Jones added: “We are all extremely proud of James because securing a Duke of Edinburgh gold award is an amazing achievement.
“We’re looking forward to hearing about his day at the palace when he comes back, it’s not every day that you get to meet royalty.”
