IT was a special evening at the Shire Hall on Monday 28th April for five ladies of Girlguiding Gwent. They received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards following several years of hard work and commitment. The girls were presented with their awards after telling the audience about their personal journeys. Some loved the expedition section, others hated it. For most, the residential element where they have to go away from home for a minimum of four nights and work with people they haven't met before was their biggest highlight. Bethan Lydford of Monmouth Rangers did her residential at the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales, she spent the week in an orange boiler suit and had a ball! Bethan was presented with her award by the Deputy Mayor of Monmouth, Jane Gunter. Hannah Curtis of Bulwark Rangers went to the south coast for her residential where she worked on a children's summer camp. It was a really different experience and one she thoroughly enjoyed. The celebrations are not over yet, as the girls will also be invited to St James' Palace for their final presentation by the Duke of Edinburgh.