Welcome Our New Board of Trustee Chair – BoB Symons, who tells us a bit himself

I had 18 years activity with Scouting from cubs to leadership. I was a scout leader then Venture Leader, (Wood Bead holder) I worked on the district as a water-based permit holder. After learning to kayak at Gilwell Park I continued to Level 3 coaching in Sea and Inland Kayak with the British Canoe Union When age got the better of me for paddling the type of water I liked, I moved to Scuba diving and became a Master Scuba Instructor but following an accident on a bicycle I unfortunately had to stop diving and moved on to cycling. I continue to cycle race and enjoy long distance riding including Jon o Groats to Lands End. I have now gone back to kayaking and work with the Scout and Guides as a BC Coach and district permit holder.

My working life was entirely in Logistics. Roles included regional and national leadership in transport and warehousing. After retiring I returned as a consultant, and later part of a Project Leadership team delivering a £25m refurbishment of the National Distribution Centre. This was completed in March, and I am now retired. Within that time, I learned and developed the required leadership skills to communicate across all levels.

I have undertaken a number of roles in the community:

Chairman of the School of Governors

Chairman of the Parish Council

Chairman of the Avon Local Council Association

I am married to Tina, we have one son and two grandchildren and the other love in my life is my dog Bela!