Plymouth College staff member honoured with MBE

Published: 15 June, 2011

Plymouth College outdoor activities manager, David Compton, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (D of E) and charity work in The Gambia.

David, who has worked at the school for 36 years and taught geography until 2007, started his D of E journey when he was 14 years old.  After achieving his own bronze, silver and gold awards, he became an assistant leader.  He took over the running of D of E at Plymouth College at least 20 years ago and is on the Plymouth Executive Committee.  David has supported thousands of young people on their D of E journeys and has led many expeditions to Morocco, France, Scotland and Dartmoor.

The school's link with The Gambia started 31 years ago when David's form decided to sponsor a child in a developing country.  The Gambia Aid Project was born, leading to annual sometimes twice-yearly trips to Kerewan Samba Sira and more recently, Bissary Mardi.  Over the years David and pupils have been involved in projects that have seen the building of classrooms, library, dining room and other facilities at a local school, the installation of clean water systems and the setting up of a health post. Three years ago David organised the shipping of a giant container of books, clothes, medical supplies, computers and sports equipment.

As well as D of E and The Gambia, David also trains and manages the school's Ten Tors teams.  The event in May this year marked his 37th year of involvement.

"All of us at Plymouth College are incredibly proud to see David honoured with an MBE", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "He has given so much of his time to supporting and encouraging both the young people at this school and the communities in The Gambia, and I am delighted that his dedication and commitment to all of them has been recognised in such a high-profile way."