"I joined 1st Kingston Hill, Norman pack in 1967, and stayed within the Group for the next 10 years. Although not the most exemplary member with regard to uniform and badge work, I was to be found at the forefront when it came to the other activities. If there was an element of adventure, a chance to get muddy or wet then I would be there and loving every minute.

 For my teenage years 1st Kingston Hill or Polyapes were second homes. I enjoyed full-on Scouting under the Howard leadership team until 1978, at which point the memory becomes a bit murky as life as a Venture took hold. In 1982 Deborah and I were married and living in Whitton, although we continued for a few years to participate in Scout life, it all had to stop when our own little charges came along.

In 1995 our son Ben joined a local Beaver Colony and I signed up to give occasional assistance. Not long after, I fell victim to the skilful recruitment techniques of Phil Hunt, GSL of 3rd Whitton, initially only to be on the Group Exec. However, the meetings were cleverly held in the stores, where the air was thick with the familiar smells of camp life. It was then very hard to resist a further invitation to don a uniform and run the Scout Troop. With the integration of girls into the membership, Joanna and Michelle – our twin daughters – began their Scouting life. Taking advantage of local resources, the Troop was involved with all the District activities, and so it was that I became involved with the organisation of some of those events and a regular attendee of the DSL’s council. The merger of Richmond and Twickenham Districts created an opening for ADC Scouts and although uncertain that I was qualified to take on the position, I dived in, with a view to ‘doing my best’. Guidance from District and County teams has been invaluable, as has the assistance of the many new friends I have made within the District membership.

When it became apparent that Robin Corti was to be allowed to escape another extended term as DC, a number of Scouting colleagues suggested that I should apply for the post. Presuming it to be their usual wry humour, I dismissed the idea. I now hope that they were being serious, and that the offer of the appointment is not as big a surprise to them as it was to me.

With the Centenary celebrations just around the corner, and the new County strategy for growth, this is an exciting time to be a part of this great movement. Robin has always striven to keep the District moving forward whilst maintaining a good measure of long standing traditions; it’s my intention to continue this sensible formula and to ‘do my best’ to justify the trust that has been afforded me".