New DC for France & Iberia

BSO are delighted to welcome Bob Thorpe (AAC Events) to his new role as District Commissioner for France & Iberia.

Bob initially joined the British Scouting Overseas team back in January 2020 answering our call for an Assistant Area Commissioner (Events) to help us deliver fantastic events and activities across the area.. Although relatively new to Scouting, having been involved at a local level as the Group Scout Leader of 1^st Hedgerley in South Buckinghamshire since 2015, he is very proud of the fact that he has had experience of BSO (BSA as it was) as a Cub Scout whilst living in Singapore in the 1960’s.

Over the last difficult year, Bob has built a very motivated and effective Events team, leading the organisation of two hugely successful Area Virtual Camps, both of which attracted over 800 young people and adults from across BSO and with some UK groups joining in too. These camps really helped to make a big difference to young lives during the extensive lockdowns with opportunities for young people and their leaders to come together online and meet up. Bob is actively working on plans with his team to ensure we continue with some creative and exciting activities throughout 2021.

Previously, Bob’s spent 4 years in the Army as an Officer in the Royal Corps of Transport followed by 10 years as a Helicopter Pilot in the Army Air Corps. These logistics and operational experiences allowed Bob to have a second successful career in business bringing his extensive leadership and management experience to the role of District Commissioner.

Currently, Bob keeps himself very busy not only with his Scouting activities, but by volunteering as the Chairperson of 656 Squadron Association, the only Army Air Corps squadron with its own veterans organisation.

Nathan Prince (BSO Area Commissioner) said “I am delighted that the search team were unanimous in their selection of Bob as France & Iberia’s new DC. Bob brings with him a wealth of managerial experience which I know will benefit the District massively”.

Bob is as excited as we are to be taking on this new challenge in Scouting, looking forward to leading and supporting the fantastic leaders and volunteers in France & Iberia.