Going for gold

The incredible surroundings of the Buckingham Palace garden provided the setting for the DofE Gold Award Celebration in May. 

Beautiful sunshine and the inspirational words of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh made it an unforgettable day for 26 of our gold achievers. These cadets and young adults (many of whom are now Sea Cadets volunteers) worked incredibly hard for this award – we’re so proud of their commitment and dedication. 

One of our gold recipients, PO (SCC) Miles Hayward – a cadet turned volunteer at Brentwood Unit – was even chosen to give a speech to the 2,000 guests, explaining how Sea Cadets’ DofE programme helped him become a paddlesports instructor and environmental campaigner.

In the year to 31 March 2025, Sea Cadets’ DofE participants volunteered a combined 20,098 hours in their communities, worth over £128k in positive impact to society. 

BZ to everyone who earned a gold, silver or bronze award in the past year, and a huge thanks to the team of volunteers and employees who deliver our excellent DofE offering. Their dedication is epitomised by our recently retired National Staff Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Steve Coles RNR (above centre), who was presented with a long-service certificate by DofE’s UK Director Jackie Bull in recognition of his 56 years of support to the awards. 

Photos: Sea Cadets