SPONSORED: Local Legend encouraging the next generation
Local Legend sponsor, Polly Bowden from Nelson Auto Glass Specialists with our October winner, Andrew Peacock. Photo: Supplied
A dedicated cub leader at the Stoke Scout Group, Andrew Peacock is a true Local Legend. For the past seven years, he has been an essential part of the group, guiding children aged 8 to 11 through their scouting journey. Nominated by Jodie Thomas, who says his contributions go far beyond the expected. Andrew’s approach to leadership stems in creating a fun and supportive environment for the kids. “I guess I am the clown of the group!” he says. Alongside a dedicated team of leaders, including Kerry, Bryony, Phil and ‘the two Chris’s’, Andrew has helped shape the Stoke Scout’s into a thriving group. “They are great people, we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. They do all the hard yards, and I just get to turn up and do the fun stuff!”
Andrew’s involvement with the Scouts began when his wife’s son joined, but even after his stepson moved on, Andrew stayed. “It is my way of giving back,” he explains. The group, run entirely by volunteers, relies on fundraising to provide activities and opportunities for the kids. “We do it because we think it is really important to give kids as much of a positive childhood experience as we can.” The leaders work tirelessly to offer unique experiences that push the kids to step out of their comfort zones. “We encourage them to get stuck in, get their hands dirty, and do things that they wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to do.” He believes this hands-on approach helps develop more productive young people in the long run.
Beyond his work with the Scouts, Andrew donates his time and business resources, mentor's kids who need extra support, and regularly participates in local initiatives like Mitre 10 Mega Helping Hands. His dedication is unwavering, and Andrew hopes that his efforts inspire others to volunteer. “There is a lot of reward in the sense that it encourages the new generation to get stuck in and do things,” he says. “I hope in the future our kids say, ‘hey, I remember that Scout leader I had,’ and hopefully they, in turn, get involved as well.”