With over 45 years of dedicated specialist Pump knowledge and service. Andy Steele, CDR Pumps Export Sales Manager is a key member of our sales team here at CDR Pumps.

His achievements also extend to Scouts. He has been recognised as the proud recipient of the prestigious Scouts ‘Wood Badge’ Award.
Andy has been leading his local Scout team for over seven years and has implemented vital Scouts training.

We were keen to ask Andy more about his Scout experience and achievements.

1. Why did you become a scout leader? 
   
   My eldest Grandson – his group was in danger of closing because of the lack of leaders. I was persuaded to go along as a non-appointment helper for a while, but within a few weeks was handed an application form to become an assistant cub scout leader – haven’t regretted it a bit.
   
2. What do you love about the role? 
   
   So many positives about the role – learning new skills myself and being able to pass these onto the cubs. Seeing them become more confident in themselves, growing their own skill levels, maturing into sensible teenagers. The great feedback we receive from their parents/guardians about the training programmes that we put together and how much the kids enjoy it. Also meeting them later on in life and seeing how they have progressed in their careers, one sticks in my mind, who had joined the army and when seeing him on leave thanked me & all the other leaders, his time in the Scout organisation had helped him a lot in his chosen occupation.
   
3. What memories do you have of being in the scouts yourself? 
   
   Greenfield camping – great fun!
   
4. Why are scouts so important for kids? 
   
   Scouting helps youths to develop their academic and leadership skills and builds self-confidence that can influence their adult life and help make a positive contribution to society. It enables them to form lifelong friendships worldwide and as well as finding new ventures and taking part in a variety of volunteer experiences.
   
5. What is the wood award badge all about? 
   
   This is a scouting leadership programme for adult leaders in the Scout movement throughout the world. The course is aimed to make them better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills and creating a commitment to the Scout movement. Once the course is completed participants are awarded the Wood Badge and commit to ongoing learning.
   
6. What advice would you have for kids leaving the scouts? 
   
   Remember your time in the Scout movement, it’s not the end of your adventures, it’s about who you meet on the way and what you have learnt.

Massive congratulations to Andy from the whole team at CDR Pumps.