Governance & Board of Trustees

The Chair for the County of Avon. Working closely with the Lead Volunteer, to provide strategic vision, and governance oversite for the county.

I’ve been involved in Scouting for about 50 years now, so I guess I’m someone who got the bug and have never left. I’ve a couple of roles at Group, District and County level. I’m a Scout Leader in Westbury on Trym, a Group I’ve been connected with during all my time as Scout, a Young Leader Trainer in Cabot and I am a County team leader for what must be the smallest team of just me (at the moment). No doubt the best part of being in Scouting is seeing our Young People grow and develop. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Scouts who have gone on to be doctors and even climb Mount Everest, but each of those young people I’ve had the privilege of meeting has, in some way, benefited from their positive experiences in Scouts.

I’ve been asked what superpower might help me in my roles. I don’t know if it’s a superpower but I’d really like to be able to have the skill to recruit more adults to support our wonderful movement. And, just for the record, I’ve also been asked what might surprise you about me. Well I’m a national rugby sevens champion from my younger years! Continuing the theme of recruitment I’d like to complete filling out a team to support our county leaders in respect of Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Communications, Premises and interaction with our Community. At a time of great change, that’s a bit of a challenge at the moment, but, who knows, anything’s possible.

The lead volunteer within the County of Avon. Working closely with the Chair of the Trustees Board, to provide strategic vision, leadership and operational effectiveness to the County. Achieved with support of the nine District Lead Volunteers and County leadership Team.

My journey with Scouting began in my youth as a cub and scout. After a break, I returned to Scouting in 1987 when my eldest son joined the cubs. I decided to help out with the scout troop and stayed involved for the next ten years. This led me to the role of Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, and I also became part of the county training team from 1990 until 2022.

In 2002, I was fortunate to be part of the leadership team that took 36 scouts to Thailand for the World Scout Jamboree. When I returned, I became the District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) and helped establish Explorer Scouts in Severn Vale. I also led one of the 2019 contingents to North America World Scout Jamboree.

Over the years, I took on various roles in Scouting at both the district and county levels. In October 2022, I became the County Commissioner, and today I serve as the County Lead Volunteer.

Throughout my Scouting journey, I have been privileged to support and witness the growth and development of many young minds. Scouting has been a significant part of my life, offering continuous opportunities for learning and teaching.

Responsible for ensuring all of our young people within the County have a voice and are able to shape their movement at appropriate times.  The County Youth Forums (Ignite and Sparks) give the young people the best opportunity to have a say but they also work with all of the District Youth Leads in Avon to make sure the Youth Shaped Scouting in the Districts is the best it can be.

Tony has held many appointments over the last 40 years, from active volunteering to time as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser/Assessor, Explorer Belt Adviser and terms on HQ/national teams for activities and working in special project groups and district management. 
After a short break Tony returned to Scouting reviving earlier roles and more recently serving for over a decade as a District Trustee and since 2020 as a County Trustee. Having careers spanning many industries, electrical, heritage tourism and aviation and with a wide interest base outside of Scouting including practical volunteering for National Trust, Heritage Railway, Lundy Island and several more Tony, doesn’t sit still for too long. Liking to apply his experiences to sorting through issues and problems, dealing with the detail. 
Asked ‘why do you do it?’ the response was ‘If I really knew why, I’d probably give up tomorrow, there is always something new and exciting.’ 

In my youth I was a Cub and Scout with the All Souls 77th in Coventry and have many happy memories of friendships made, skills acquired, experiences lived and fun had camping on Rough Close.
I am now retired having spent a long career in Financial Services and accountancy.
I was keen to volunteer with an organisation that meant something to me and that makes a difference to young people’s lives so Avon Scouts seemed a perfect fit. As a result I became a Trustee Board Member just over a year ago.
I now line manage the Operations Manager of Woodhouse park and take an active role in both the short term and longer term planning and strategy development processes.
I’m in awe at how much amazing work the Avon Scout movement does and it is a privilege to be part of the leadership team.
I have many years of leadership, coaching and project management experience behind me and I’m keen to keep using my skills to support this amazing organisation.