New Blythe District Commissioner

It gives me great pleasure to share with you that Peter Hopton has agreed to lead Blythe District from 1st September 2022.

Peter will be known to many of you as “the guy with the camera” at our County and District events but his passion and love for Scouting goes far beyond the lens and following an extensive search and recruitment process, I know that Peter is the best person to lead Blythe District through the exciting times we have ahead over the next couple of years.

Due to other volunteer commitments I have agreed that Peters start date will be 1st September 2022 but I will work with Peter over the summer to make sure he is ready to hit the ground running to support you in your various roles across the District. Until then I will remain as your Acting District Commissioner and continue to be your point of contact for NAN forms, Permits, Activities and other general queries.

Peter said, “I’ve been in Scouting none stop since the age of 6, (having turned 30 this year). Through Scouts in Solihull I have had some amazing opportunities such as attending World Scout Jamborees, Moots, doing DofE Gold and QSA. Scouts prepared me for life outside of Solihull, whiles I was at University in Epsom, Surrey I was an assistant Explorer leader at a group with over 100 Explorers which included its own challenges. After University I returned to Solihull and took up the role of County Communications Manager, so I’m sure many of you have met me at some point taking photos at events around the County, this role will have to take a back seat as I take on this new opportunity, but I’ll probably still have my camera in my bag. I have recently taken up a new job as a graphic designer in Solihull, which gives me more time and contact with the county to be able to take on this new role, despite living in Tamworth.”

“Due to a prior commitment to Girlguiding Staffordshire this Summer I will not be taking on my new role of DC until this September, but I will be around at a few meetings and events to help me get up to speed on all things Blythe. I’m really excited to be taking on this new role and am very thankful to everyone who has supported me in this process. I hope to get to know you all soon and can’t wait to work with you to help deliver the amazing things I know this District can achieve!”

As Peter has said, he’s looking forward to catching up with all of you at various events over the summer, starting with Biblins this weekend!

Of course, with Peter starting in the role, it leaves a new vacancy for a Communications Manager – Someone with a passion for sharing the story of Scouting to the wider community as well as helping us communicate better as a County. If this is something that interests you then please reach out to me on cc@solihullscouts.org.uk.

I’m sure you will all join me in thanking Peter for joining me on this path of development for Solihull Scouts and I look forward to continue working with him in this new role.

Mat Spencer, County Commissioner.