Malcolm Kelly DofE Recognition

Duke of Edinburgh Awards have now recognised Malcolm Kelly as the first receiver of both the Silver and Gold awards.  Below can also be found on the DofE website store gallery.

I took my Silver award the first year it began in 1956 and my Gold the following year. They were presented by Lord Derby who was the Lord Lt. of Lancaster at Knowsley Hall, Preston, Lancashire. 3 bronze were awarded and 1 silver. I was asked by the YMCA if I would put a group of young boys through the course and I agreed providing I could take part myself! As I had already some community work with underprivileged young folk in Salford I took on the challenge. The first was getting them kitted out as some had never been out of Salford or even on a train. I managed to get free rail passes for them and boots were provided from generous donors. We went to the lakes, Yorkshires and Wales and it was wonderful to see them flourish. The following years more wanted to join – even girls!

We moved to the Isle of Man in 1970 and I became Coroner for almost 30 years – it was a crown appointment at the time. This enabled me to continue charity work and over 40 years ago I started the Manx Housing Trust, I am still Chairman and at the moment we are housing 140 families. I retired as Chairman of Age Concern after almost the same amount of years, I am now Patron.

Alison Barnes who is an organiser over here I see on a regular basis I had the honour of presenting the bronze and silver awards 2 years ago at the Gaiety theatre. I did a voice recording for her of my early days in England.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme really sparked me as it has done to millions of people.

I have just remembered Princess Diana sent a cheque at the start of the Manx Housing Trust, I wrote to her as she was involved with homeless people and to my surprise she sent a donation, I just wish we had saved the cheque to prove it!

Malcom K.