Registered charity number 1019814
1st Bramhall Scout Group
Report and Accounts
31 December 2017 1st Bramhall Scout Group Trust Information and Administration Details For the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017
Charity Name 1st Bramhall Scout Group Principal Address The Bramley Centre, Bramley Close Bramhall, Stockport SK7 2DT Charity Number 1019814 Group Registration Number 4861 Scout District Ladybrook Valley Scout County Greater Manchester East
TRUSTEES Trustee Name Office Dates acted if not for whole year David Pechey President Julie Bottomley Vice President David Wyld Vice President Sir Peter Fahy Group Chairman Matthew Hack Group Secretary Richard Baker Group Treasurer Andrew Corrie Group Scout Leader Barry Aitken Assistant Group Scout Leader Paul Winterburn Explorer Scout Leader Geoff Twiss Transport Manager Val Ashton Hirings Manager until 10 April 2017 Vicki Goldblatt Hirings Manager from 10 April 2017 Phil Pine Committee Member Nick Cavill Scout Parent Representative Judith Henshaw Explorer Parent Representative until 17 February 2017 Katie Bartlett Explorer Parent Representative from 10 April 2017 Max Rose Cub Parent Representative Fiona Hull Beaver Parent Representative until 12 September 2017
Accountants: Bankers: GJ Wood and Co. Royal Bank of Scotland 263 Buxton Road 50 Bramhall Lane South Great Moor, Stockport Bramhall, Stockport SK2 7NR SK7 1AJ
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1st Bramhall Scout Group. – Trustees Annual Report
Structure, Governance and Management
Introduction
Tracing its origins back to 1909, only two years after the founding of the Scout Movement, 1st Bramhall Scout Group is one of the oldest Scout Groups in the country. The Group is part of the Ladybrook Valley Scout District, which itself is part of Greater Manchester East Scout County. The Group is registered with The Scout Association under Registration Number 4861 and is established as a Trust under its rules which are common to all Scout Groups. The Group’s governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association (POR).
The Group Executive
The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee. Collectively, they act as ”Charity Trustees” of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. They are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Group Executive Committee consists of:
“Ex-Officio” Members, appointed by virtue of their role. These are the Group Chairman, Group Secretary, Group Treasurer, Group Scout Leader (GSL) and Assistant Group Scout Leader (AGSL). In addition, the Explorer Scout Leader and the Section Leaders are members if they have indicated as such to the AGM. Elected Members are persons elected at the AGM. Generally they are appointed to fulfil specific roles such as Transport Manager, Hirings Manager etc. Persons nominated by the Group Scout Leader, eg Parent Representatives for each section.
The Group Executive meets approximately every two months and take on much of the administrative burden of the Group, including looking after the Bramley Centre, our Headquarters building, leaving the Leaders to plan activities and run the Section Programmes.
The Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting his responsibilities and is specifically responsible for:
The protection and maintenance of Group property and equipment; The raising of funds, the setting of subscription rates and the administration and management of the Group’s finances; Approving the Annual Report and Accounts and presenting it to the Scout Council at the Annual General Meeting; The payment of Capitation Fee to District and County; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; Developing local scouting and promoting a positive local image of scouting; Ensuring that safety and safeguarding procedures are implemented and operating effectively; Group public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; 2
Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisers other than those who are elected.
Risks and Internal Control
The Group Executive Committee has identified the following major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed. These have been reviewed and systems established to mitigate them.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. Through payment of the Capitation Fee to the District and County, the Group contributes to The Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk assessments are undertaken before all activities and communicated to all adults taking part. There are nominated trained First Aiders on all activities. The Group has a Safety Adviser who also fulfils that role at District Level. The Group has a Fire Safety Officer who undertakes Fire Safety Assessments, provides Fire Training to Adult Volunteers and Hirers and conducts practice evacuations. The Buildings sub-committee reviews and updates the Buildings Risk Assessment. All adults in the Group are required to complete the Scout Association Ongoing Safety Course and are expected to be familiar with the Purple Card ‘Safe Scouting: A Code of Conduct’ and to understand that Safety is a joint responsibility of all adults in the group, irrespective of their role.
Safeguarding. Keeping young people safe is a paramount responsibility of all adults in Scouting. The AGSL, together with the District Appointments Advisory Committee, ensures that adults are checked through the DBS (formerly CRB) and the Scout Association’s systems before appointment and that renewal takes place prior to expiry. All adults in the Group are required to complete the Scout Association Safeguarding Awareness Course. The Yellow Card which contains essential information on safeguarding is given to all adults. The GSL is the appointed officer responsible for safeguarding issues.
Leader Competence. In order to underpin safe quality Scouting for young people it is very important that all adults holding Scout appointments receive training that is appropriate to their roles. Undergoing training within a stated period is a requirement of all appointments. The Scout Association’s module-based training scheme for adult volunteers is managed at County level in Greater Manchester East Scout County. In the District a nominated Assistant District Commissioner working with line managers and the Appointments Advisory Committee support and assist adults to fulfil their training commitment within the time allowed. The AGSL works with the District personnel to ensure that all training is up to date. Furthermore, as all appointments are for a limited period, a system is in place for reviewing appointments and identifying any further training needs.
Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The Group has sufficient insurance cover in place with Unity Insurance for the buildings, contents, public liability, vehicles, trailers, canoes and equipment. Appropriate training is given to all users. Certain items of equipment have been identified for regular checking, testing or maintenance.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section, or the group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. A similar risk exists from a reduction or loss of young people.
Reduced income. The Group is reliant upon income from both subscriptions and the hiring of the Bramley Centre to third party organisations. Hiring income could fall due to reduced demand or due to reduced availability as a result of more section activities. 3
The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee has the option to increase subscriptions and/or increase income from fund-raising activities.
General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR). The Group is fully aware of it’s responsibilities and obligations under GDPR and will in 2018 be joining a new system of electronic storage and communication that is being introduced by Greater Manchester East Scout County. All groups within Ladybrook Valley District will be using this system. It will ensure that all Personal Data and Scouting Data will be held on County servers rather than on personal computers. New procedures on the paper storage of information will also be introduced.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the group are as a unit of The Scout Association. The aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.
The Scouting Programme is provided to young people between the ages of 6 and 25. The Beaver Section covers the ages from 6 to 8, Cubs cover 8 to 10½, Scouts cover 10½ to 14. 14 to 18 year olds are in the Explorer Unit which is administered by the District. 18 to 25 year olds are in the Scout Network section which is administered by the County.
The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
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GROUP CHAIRMANS REPORT
The enormous strength of scouting is its adult volunteers who provide challenging, fun and exciting activities to hundreds of thousands of young people across the world. This is no different at 1st Bramhall. But it’s not just about the section leaders but also other volunteers who provide the back up on the finance, buildings, transport and other vital support.
Over the past year there have been so many trips and camps and badges and other awards but just so many amazing youngsters who pitch into everything with great enthusiasm and have made that decision to stand out from the crowd.
The group has continued to invest in training and in new equipment and we are always looking to develop further and offer more. I want to thank all our volunteers for their huge support but particularly recognise the leaders and their families who make such sacrifices of time and energy and are always there for the young people. Scouting has to be about fun and adventure but has always got to meet the highest standards of safety, child protection and security of personal information.
I know at 1st Bramhall we will not stand still. If you would like to play a bigger part in this great movement we would love to hear from you.
ANNUAL CENSUS
The annual census, taken at 31 January 2018, showed 155 (prior year:149) young people in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with a further 27 (prior year:39) in the Explorer Unit, which is a District Section. Most sections are full and operate waiting lists.
Young people 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Beavers: Colts 23 24 22 42 24 Kits 25 24 25 Cubs: Pine 24 33 24 54 36 Fir 24 27 29 Scouts 59 41 44 50 50 Total 155 149 144 146 110 Explorers 27 39 47 41 35
Leader/Sectional 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 assistants Beavers: Colts 4 3 8 6 2 Kits 3 3 6 Cubs: Pine 3 4 4 8 5 Fir 7 5 10 Scouts 14 10 9 11 9 Total 31 27 37 25 16
These numbers don’t include all the Occasional Helpers and Young Explorer Leaders who are so valuable in assisting on section nights and other activities. 5
GROUP SCOUT LEADERS REPORT
Nobody glancing through the pages of this year’s Annual Report can fail to be impressed by the quality and quantity of the programmes that have been provided in each of our sections over the past twelve months. The range of events, activities and opportunities for our members are second to none. Week in and week out we offer a programme that for our members is full of “fun and adventure” - that’s why they join and that’s why they stay. But as Leaders we know we offer far more than that – through our balanced, progressive programme we know we offer “skills for life” that they wouldn’t get anywhere else.
Because of the quality of the programmes being delivered, this year we have had a high level of achievements (badges, challenges, and awards) in all sections culminating with the Chief Scout’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards – the top awards in Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts respectively. These are all important steps on the journey to what should be everyone’s ultimate goal – the Queens Scout Award and we are delighted (and immensely proud) that Molly Henshaw, a former Scout and Explorer Scout with us and now one of our Assistant Scout Leaders, became a Queen’s Scout this year, and had the honour of taking part in the National Scout St George’s Day Service at Windsor Castle in April. Many congratulations to all our award recipients.
Two 1st Bramhall members receiving their Queens Scout Award and Chief Scout’s Gold Award from Sir Peter Fahy (Chair,1st Bramhall) and Cllr Linda Holt ( of Stockport).
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None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication, commitment, enthusiasm, and energy of our team of volunteer Leaders and Helpers. We were sorry to lose Leaders, Arron Greenwood, Vicki O’Neil, Jo Trask, Ollie Franklin, Claudia Gristwood, Rachel Winterburn, and Sarah Heath and we thank them for all their help with the Group which is much appreciated.
We extend a warm 1st Bramhalll welcome to our new Leaders Reza Gholami, Kate Vincent, Tom Chruszrz, Anna Kane, Ellie Gristwood, Anna Winterburn, Fleur Binnington, Molly Henshaw, and Lorraine Shenton.
We are the oldest and largest Scout Group in the District and we have some ambitious development plans. There is no automatic right to a place in the Group – we have waiting lists in all sections for young people wanting to join but who can’t because we are full – so each and every member of the Group needs to show their loyalty and commitment to 1st Bramhall at all times and we ask all parents to support the Group and encourage the youngsters to do the same. Two recent occasions have been disappointing – the response from parents to our request for more help with Beavers and Cubs was poor, and our representation at the District St George’s Day Service was our lowest ever and well below what we would expect.
We have a great year ahead and as the Group approaches its 110 years anniversary in 2019 let’s all of us resolve to do our bit to celebrate its success, and make it even bigger and stronger for the benefit of our young people and the community we serve.
Andrew Corrie (“Skip”) Group Scout Leader.
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SECTION REPORTS
Colts Beaver Colony - 2017
2017 was another fantastic year for Colts and looking back over the course of the year it is amazing what the Beavers achieved as individuals, as a Colony and as part of the wider Group.
We started the year in January with the District Panto trip to Stockport Plaza to see Peter Pan. We followed this up with the ‘Come to the Fair’ themed District Fun Day in March, where we made new friends with Beavers from other colonies in Ladybrook Valley District. We had a ‘Night at the Museum’ Sleepover with Kits at Catalyst Science Museum in Widnes, where we had fun on the interactive exhibits, made soap and slept in the glass observatory.
In April we proudly took part in the St George’s Day parade, renewing our Promise with other Beavers in the District.
In May we visited Tesco and earned our Farm to Fork badge. We took a train to Poynton with our families, meeting up with the Cubs and Scouts and walked back to Bramhall as part of JOTT (Jamboree On The Trail), and enjoyed our reward of fish & chips with everyone back at the Scout Hut. We cheered on Bubbles the 1st Bramhall Beaver Duck as he again took part in the Scout & Guide race at the annual Bramhall Park Duck race. Unfortunately there was no glory in 2017 but maybe 2018 will be his year?
In June we spent an evening in Bramhall Park following an Explorer led trail, and had a meeting in Happy Valley where we went bug collecting and pond dipping. Thankfully only one Beaver got wet! In September we had a night away at Ashley with the Cubs. We hiked in the pouring rain, trekked through fields of mud and made sure that we took lots of dirty washing back home!
We took part in the Group Service in November and went on a Bear Hunt in December as the Beavers put on a special performance for their families.
In 2017 we have managed to earn and award a record 276 badges! This includes all 6 different Challenge badges and 8 different Activity badges including Nights Away, Hikes, Communicator, Creative, Experiment, Safety, Space and Camp Craft. Proudly, 9 of our Beavers earned their Chief Scout Bronze Award, the highest award that a young person can achieve as a Beaver Scout, before they moved up to Cubs.
Sadly we said farewell to Darcy (aka Vikki O’Neill) and Woodie (Caroline Noone) during the early summer, but welcomed Ariel (Anna Kane) and Ringo (Tom Chruszcz) as Leaders in September.
Planning and running the Beaver programme is a real team effort and a huge thanks should be given to all the Leaders and Young Leader who have made and continue to make Colts the successful Colony it is. It is a real testament to their energy and commitment. We would also like to thank our Group Exec for everything they do behind the scenes to facilitate our adventures and the parents who support our activities, particularly those parents who stepped forward during the summer when we were short of leaders.
Finally, the biggest thanks of all should go to the Beavers. Their energy, enthusiasm, sense of fun and adventure are what make this role so rewarding. We look forward to them continuing to challenge us to deliver fun and excitement throughout 2018 and beyond.
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Kits Beaver Colony - 2017
The past year has been a busy year for Kits Beavers. The Beavers have been working towards a variety of badges and 5 Beavers earned the highest achievement a Beaver can be awarded - the Chief Scout Bronze Award.
In March we joined up with Colts Beavers and had a “Night at the Museum” Sleepover at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes. We did a range of activities which included a science show and making a bar of soap. The Beavers slept under the stars in the glass-walled Observatory Gallery. A great time was had by all!
We joined other Beavers from the Ladybrook Valley District in a few events over the year:- the Pantomime at Stockport Plaza, the Beaver fun day and St George’s Day Parade.
During our Wednesday night meetings the Beavers enjoyed a variety of different activities which included, a trip to Tesco for a Farm to Fork visit, Burns night where they learnt two different Scottish dances, a Chinese evening of origami and learning to write their names in Chinese and an evening finding out all about DNA plus bouldering, archery, cooking and a construction night.
Finally my time as BSL at Kits Beavers has come to an end. I’m not leaving 1st Bramhall altogether (I’d miss it too much!) just changing roles and becoming an assistant leader at Explorers. I would like to say thank you to leaders Rikki - Dawn Aitken, Oo - Anna Winterburn, Raz - Reza Gholami, Harrier - Barry Aitken and to the young leaders: Sticks - Anna Gill-Owens, Squash - Josh Garvey. Thank you for all your help and commitment with running the Colony. But the biggest thank you goes to all the Beavers both past and present, who make Kits the fantastic colony it is. I wish you all well in your scouting journey.
Patch
Fir Cub Pack - 2017
It has been a year of changes for Fir Cub Pack. We sadly said goodbye to the last of our original founding Cubs and with them two of our leaders: Chil and Jacala. However, we welcomed lots of new Cubs swimming up from Beavers and also Fero (Caroline Noone) as a new Cub leader. We also welcomed one new young leader – Rocky (Owen Prydderch) and two of our young leaders turned 18 and were invested as Assistant Cubs Scout Leaders: Kaa (Ellie Gristwood) and Oo (Anna Winterburn).
As always, our year has been packed with activities. We started off with Cub Olympics – straw javelin, cotton wool ball shot put, paper plate discus and followed this up with a great couple of nights on First aid from Millie’s Trust. Luckily, we didn’t need to put any of our first aid into practice when we did pancake night the following week!
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We had our first Cub sleepover at the Hut – the Cubs helped to cook their own dinner then we played games and watched the Jungle book.
Five of our Cubs ran nights as “Akela” and in doing so completed their “Akela Challenge” and earned their Chief Scout Silver Award. Their planning and organisation skills were amazing and we had everything ranging from Taekwondo sessions to slime making evenings. Our superb young leaders also did their fair share of running great nights.
We had a bouncing night at Jump heaven and took this unusual setting as a place to invest some of newest cubs. The Cubs did a fantastic job of cleaning up our local area with several litter picking nights at Lumb Lane Park, Happy Valley and Brookvale Industrial estate.
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We celebrated a scorching May with an “Akela challenge” – The Cubs had to walk the length of Bramhall Park in the river. We put them in at the Bridge lane end and the walked/slipped/slid though slime weeds and duck poo to the other end. They negotiated the weir and finished off by jumping into the plunge pool. We had another hot night at Cheadle Fire Station – firing the water hoses helped cool us down a little though. The water theme continued with a smashing night paddle boarding at Sale Water Park and we finished our term with our annual bike ride down the Middlewood way.
The highlight of our Summer was our annual joint Camp with Pine pack. This year we went to Ashworth Valley and had a back to basics camp. The cubs foraged for food and wood and cooked
11 their own dinners on a camp fire. The water theme was resumed as we made boats to sail down the valley and both Akela’s invested new cubs in the freezing river.
The autumn term started with a walk to the Strawberry Pig in Poynton – we practiced our countryside code and were rewarded with chips at the other end. Backwoods cooking night followed. Spaghetti hoops, bread sticks and S’mores cooked on fires the cubs had set and lit themselves – aided by 3 dad helpers. We celebrated remembrance night by making Poppies and finding out about local soldiers from Bramhall. A member of the Royal Marines called Spud came to talk to us about what it is like being a soldier in a War, he showed us his medals and we got to ask him questions.
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In the run up to Christmas we went to the Happy Potter to make Christmas decorations and had a fabulous end of year evening at the Chil Factore - the unusual location for investiture was repeated again here where Ko invested several Cubs at the top of the tube run. The year ended with our annual Christmas party ably organised and run by our young leaders.
Finally, there was plenty of sewing activity for parents, as the Cubs earnt an incredible 353 badges this year! These include the Adventure, Skills, Outdoors, and Teamwork Challenge badges. The World, Cyclist, Entertainer, Fire Safety, Artist, Backwoods Cooking and Road Safety Activity badges and the Hikes, Air Activities, Digital citizen, Nights Away, Nautical Skills, Emergency Aid, Time On The Water and Paddle Sports Staged Activity Badges.
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Pine Cub Pack - 2017
Another great year with the Cubs with loads of fun, noise and the usual mud
We remain full with between 24 and 28 Cubs at any one time. The Cubs are always great fun and full of enthusiasm but that also means lots of noise and energy so I am always grateful for all the help we get from the other leaders, young leaders and parents
Camps The highlight of Cubs is always the camps and this year we had 4 nights away, one on the winter expedition, two on our summer camp and then a sneaky one night away in September with the Beavers
Winter expedition
We headed down to Staffordshire and hiked around Rudyard Lake which is a great walk with plenty to see on the way. The Cubs navigated the walk and completed a treasure hunt on the way
Summer camp
Another year – another campsite. This year we went to Ashworth Valley for our annual summer camp with Fir Cubs. We had great weather and all had a fabulous time including an incident packed hike, a catapult making competition and investing our newest Cubs in the river.
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Autumn Camp
We went away in September with the Beavers and had a great time with them. This time we invested some Cubs right underneath runway 2 of Manchester Airport!
Other activities
We had a successful JOTT (jamboree on the trail) along with the Beavers and Scouts and a somewhat eventful cycling trip at Sale Waterpark – a previously unrecognised law of physics says that all cub bikes are attracted to each other causing them all to collide!
However, without a doubt our best two evenings were when we visited Sunrise and Hillcrest Homes to meet the residents. As leaders we weren’t sure how this would go but Papu persuaded us to give it a try and it was a revelation. The Cubs behaved impeccably and really enjoyed meeting the residents, who in turn really seemed to enjoy meeting the Cubs, many of them recalled being in Scouts or Guides in their youth and really appreciated the time the Cubs spent with them. We will definitely be going back on a semi regular basis.
Leaders and other issues
At the moment we have a strong team of leaders with 4 of us sharing the load and all bringing different skills to the team. We have one young leader at the moment as the others are now doing exams but will be recruiting a couple more very soon as they are a wonderful resource and help enormously
We remain really grateful for all the parental support we receive, driving buses, coming on camps and supporting in so many ways 15
1st Bramhall Scout Troop - 2017
The Scout section grew throughout the year, taking in lots of Cubs and filling eight patrols. We ended the year with 60 scouts.
In 2017 we were delighted to be joined by new leaders Fleur Binnington and Adel Kassim. Both have contributed greatly and really made their mark on the Troop. The Scout section continues to look for more adult help.
Camps:
The year started with a weekend trip to Ennerdale in early January for our PL’s and APL’s Winter Expedition. Eighteen Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders planned walking routes and navigated their way round some incredibly beautiful Lake District hills, achieving large sections of their Expedition Adventure Challenge badges.
A District Science Camp saw 21 scouts learn about all things tech while earning their hippo badges for the muddiest, windiest camp we have seen in several years.
Following a request from some of the scouts we rethemed our traditional Scoutcraft camp into the all new I’m A Scout – Get me Out! Camp. The scouts still learned traditional skills such as fire lighting, axe and saw safety, cooking and teamwork, only this time they were competing for meals. Challenges were set, including ‘Shooting Stars’, ‘Creepy Crawlers’, ‘Reach for the Stars’, ‘Light my Fire’ and who could forget the bush tucker trial where meal worm biscuits and sprouts tested the toughest of our scouts. Each challenge earned points for the team and individual, but most importantly earned the team either a luxury, standard or basic meal.
Summer 2017 - Twenty five scouts spent 8 glorious nights on Anglesey for a very 17 special summer camp. Wind was a theme this year and the summer camp was Nights probably the windiest ever. Tents were blown over, tent poles snapped and some away offered in toilet tents actually blew away. It didn’t stop us cooking on open fires, 2017 kayaking, camping, playing, making waterslides and rafts, air rifle shooting, archery, pioneering and exploring. We had a fabulous 424 two-day incident journey; a two day hike with incidents on the way. This year we Nights away experienced included a car crash scene that the scouts stumbled upon and had to deal with. The by our highlight for many was a coasteering trip. scouts in 2017 Our ever popular Windermere Watersports Weekend in September was a great success and 30 Scouts attended. The Scouts took part in sailing, Canadian canoes, raft building and waterskiing.
Events and Troop nights:
We had a Police emergency night, had a visit from an MP, spent a night sleeping rough with the Retrak charity, went caving, swimming, had a great Foodie Friday event, wide games, scrapheap challenge and so much more. Some bases included climbing, cooking, a mechanics badge, fencing, candlemaking and archery.
We attended St Georges Day, Remembrance Day, and Group parades.
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Awards:
All of the activities we do, whether on troop nights, events or at camps, are part of a balanced program. Completed challenges count towards the Chief Scouts Gold Award, the highest award in the Scout section. In 2017 the following Scouts achieved the Chief Scouts Gold Award: Owen Prydderch, Eleanor Hudghton, Cameron Murdoch, Henry Carolan, Rowan Stamp, Josh Garvey, Guy Noblett and Lucas Patterson-Guitterez
Thanks:
A Scout Troop of our size takes a huge amount of organisation and a massive thank you must go to our very special team of Leaders who give their time so enthusiastically.
Scout Leader Peter Boxall Whittle Assistant Scout Leaders Pauline Wardrop Flipper Kay Hack Kappa Geoff Twiss Coxswain Fleur Binnington Kite Dave Franklin OD Matthew Danby Danby Jo Trask Duke Adel Kassim Bagheera
Leaders at University Molly Henshaw Holly Boxall Sarah Thornley
GSL but with us most Fridays! Andrew Corrie Skip
Special Projects Ric Buckley Rohan
Treasurer Ian Castledine
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The XBU Explorer Section - 2017
The Explorer section had a busy year in 2017, with a wide range of activities targeting communication, leadership, listening skills, negotiation, and practical life skills, all aimed at helping with the explorers’ own development, whilst maintaining the advised scouting development Zones of Beliefs and Attitudes, Community, Fitness, Creative, Global & Outdoor and Adventure.
We are proud to be able to provide a significant amount of volunteer help for the other sections, which continues to ensure a positive representation of the Explorer section within all the 1st Bramhall sections, showing Beavers, Cubs and Scouts where their scouting adventure can lead them. DofE also provides an excellent basis for the programme where there is a heavy mix of “Out and about” activities involving navigation, survival, cooking and communication skills. DofE without doubt provides young people with the tools to tackle the challenges of their future lives.
We also have six participants in the young leader scheme and two more additionally enrolled onto the next training weekend later this year. This gives individuals a massive head start in leadership skills for their future.
Our summer camp last year was in Norfolk and a stunner. The week was based on team building with a large amount of fun activities to increase everyone skills. We also did Go- karting, high ropes, a stunning coastal night hike, cycling, orienteering, and the most epic mud fight on the estuary flats.
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We even managed the muddiest investiture ever.
This year the Explorers weekly programme has had an emphasis on “wholesome scouting” where we have ensured the balance between the development zones, but has still included, Golf lessons, animal skinning & cooking, navigation, climbing, wild food foraging, Laser Archery… the list goes on.
All this is only possible with the help of our brilliant XBU leader team and the enthusiasm and dedication from a fine bunch of explorers. If you are interested in working with 14-18 year olds we always need the help.
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Financial Review
The financial statement for the year is set out on pages 23 to 31. The books and accounts have been independently examined by G J Wood & Co, for which we thank them and their report is attached to the statement.
The finances of the Group remain sound. Despite the purchase of a minibus and higher spend on activities and camps, cash reserves fell by less than £1,000 in the year. The annual surplus at £3,271 was £1,035 lower than the previous year.
Income Subscription income at around £23,000 is in line with last year as most of the sections remain full, reflecting the attractiveness of our programme to young people and their parents in the area.
Income from hiring the Bramley Centre increased slightly to £19,000 reflecting the hard work by our Hirings Manager, Vicki Goldblatt in looking after our hirers and bringing in new ones to fill the vacant slots as well as one-off hires. During 2017, we said goodbye to our previous Hirings Manager, Val Ashton and thank her for all the hard work she did for us.
Income from Fund raising activities was slightly down on last year. The Group Bonfire faced direct competition on the same night from a much bigger event, but our simpler, more family-oriented event still attracts a loyal following and the event contributed a net £1,882 (2016:£2,486) to our funds.
£861 income from the December 2016 M&S Bagpack was received in 2017. We receive half the money collected, whilst the balance goes to M&S own local charity.
We were grateful for an extremely generous donation from IBM of £1,600 which was spent on equipment to assist in the activities programme. As numbers of young people increase, we find that expenditure on new and replacement equipment increases.
Expenditure The demands of a much more adventurous Scouting Programme and higher numbers have meant an increase in expenditure on activities, equipment and camps. Similarly, the demands on our minibus provision has caused an increase in repair spend during the year, ultimately leading to the replacement of an old high-mileage minibus with a much newer model.
Expenditure on the Bramley Centre headquarters building was slightly lower than the previous year as fewer repairs were required. The increased use of the building has required a change to the Cleaning contract to cover more of the building and more often.
Maintenance contracts continue to be in place for several items, including pest control, cleaning, waste removal, gardening, fire alarm, fire equipment and the boilers.
Equipment purchased in 2017 included new tents, Tillies, wetsuits, toilet tents, generator and lights, metal tables and other camping equipment.
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Future plans
It is anticipated that 2018 will involve substantial expenditure on the Bramley Centre building with the refurbishment of the toilets, and on equipment, where we will be improving our watersports provision, which is one of our most popular activities.
Reserves Policy
The group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income fall short or large amounts of expenditure are required on, for example, repairs and maintenance on the Bramley Centre building or on transport. The Group transfers £3,000 annually from the General Unrestricted Fund into a Transport Reserve Fund in order to finance replacement minibuses. It is intended to replace a minibus every 3-5 years. The Group Executive Committee considers that the current level of reserves is sufficient.
Investment Policy
The Group has adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its liquid funds which are held in cash using a mainstream bank. Longer term investments are held in low-risk investments – a National Savings Investment Account and an Invesco Perpetual High Income Fund.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:
------Sir Peter Fahy Matthew Hack Andrew Corrie
Chairman Secretary Group Scout Leader
Date: Date: Date:
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1st Bramhall Scout Group
Independent Examiner's Report
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2017, which are set out on pages 23 to 31.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Gary Wood, FCCA G.J. Wood & Co. Ltd. 263 Buxton Road Great Moor Stockport SK2 7NR
22 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Balance Sheet
31 December 2017
2017 2016 Note £ £
Fixed assets Tangible assets 2 327,326 321,806 Investments 3 31,785 31,664 359,111 353,470
Current Assets Bank and cash (Group) 71,458 72,167 Bank and cash (Sections) 2,016 2,040 73,474 74,207
Current Liabilities Other creditors 1,661 - 1,661 -
Net Current Assets 71,813 74,207
Total Assets less Current Laibilities 430,924 427,677
Funds
General Unrestricted Fund 319,200 306,953 Revaluation reserve 111,458 111,458 Transport Reserve Fund 266 9,266 430,924 427,677
Approved on behalf of the Group Executive Committee on………………………
……………………………………………. Chair
……………………………………………. Treasurer
23 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Notes to the Financial Statements
31 December 2017
1 Accounting policies a) Basis of accounting Receipts and Payments The accounts for both the current and comparative years have been prepared under the receipts and payments basis as permitted under the Charities Act 2011.
Land and buildings Land and buildings have been revalued by the trustees and are included in the accounts at their valuation, in accordance with applicable accounting standards. b) Capital expenditure Fixed assets are shown in the accounts at cost less accumulated depreciation, with the exception of land and buildings, which is shown at the Trustees valuation of £340,000. The cost of equipment is written off in full during the year of acquisition. For insurance purposes, equipment is valued at £55,714. c) Depreciation Provision for depreciation is made at the following rates:
Buildings 0.5 % straight line Garage 5% straight line Minibus and trailers 25% straight line
2 Tangible fixed assets Land & Garage Minibus & Total Building trailers Cost or valuation At 1 January 2017 340,000 3,778 11,234 355,012 Additions - - 12,000 12,000 At 31 December 2017 340,000 3,778 23,234 367,012
Depreciation At 1 January 2017 25,500 2,835 4,871 33,206 Depreciation for the year 1,700 189 4,591 6,480 27,200 3,024 9,462 39,686
Net Book value 2017 312,800 754 13,772 327,326
Net Book value 2016 314,500 943 6,363 321,806
24 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Notes to the Financial Statements
31 December 2017
3 Investments 2017 2016 £ £
National Savings Investment Account 25,825 25,704
Perpetual High Income Fund 5,960 5,960
31,785 31,664
The market value of the Perpetual High Income Fund at 31 December 2017 was £32,395 (2016: £31,121).
4 Funds The Group Executive approved a transfer of £12,000 from the Transport Reserve Fund to the General Unrestricted Fund to reflect the acquisition of the new minibus. The Group Executive approved a transfer of of £3,000 from the General Unrestricted Fund to a general designated fund, the Transport Reserve Fund. This fund has been set up to provide for future vehicle replacement costs.
25 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Beaver Colony Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Incoming resources Subscriptions from group 1,650 750 Pantomime 428 198 Activities 1,150 233 Camps 130 - 3,358 1,181
Resources expended
Activities 2,488 748 Badges and trophies 56 46 Bank charges - 20 Camps 165 - Equipment and consumables 58 - Pantomime 440 220 Sundry 21 111 3,228 1,145
Net incoming resources 130 36
Bank and cash balance at 1 January 2017 133 97
Bank and cash balance at 31 December 2017 263 133
26 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Pine Cub Pack Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Incoming resources Activities 319 351 Camps 942 355 Subscriptions from group 500 510 1,761 1,216
Resources expended
Activities 506 416 Badges and uniforms 140 79 Blackpool - 440 Camps 904 90 Equipment and consumables 93 - 1,643 1,025
Net incoming resources 118 191
Bank and cash balance at 1 January 2017 424 233
Bank and cash balance at 31 December 2017 542 424
27 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Fir Cub Pack Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Incoming resources Activities 936 837 Camps 1,075 1,517 Subscriptions from group 1,540 1,000 3,551 3,354
Resources expended
Activities 2,112 1,291 Badges and uniforms 261 332 Camps 830 1,573 Sundry 70 150 3,273 3,346
Net incoming resources 278 8
Bank and cash balance at 1 January 2017 149 141
Bank and cash balance at 31 December 2017 427 149
28 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Scout Troop Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Incoming resources Activities 419 1,098 Camps 7,590 8,423 Subscriptions from group 2,000 1,000 Sundry income 10 - 10,019 10,521
Resources expended
Activities 2,475 2,161 Camps 7,808 9,038 Equipment and consumables 285 105 10,568 11,304
Net outgoing resources (549) (783)
Bank and cash balance at 1 January 2017 1,331 2,114
Bank and cash balance at 31 December 2017 782 1,331
29 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Group Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Incoming resources
Bagpack income 861 - Bonfire Night 3,703 4,129 Camp - 4,008 Gift Aid 3,324 3,441 Letting income 19,199 18,438 Other income 2,500 1,861 Subscriptions 22,801 23,144 52,388 55,021
Investment income and interest Bank deposit interest 36 390 Invesco Perpetual income 1,076 986 Interest receivable 121 153 1,233 1,529
Total incoming resources 53,621 56,550
Resources expended
Property costs Building maintenance 1,591 4,023 Cleaning 5,248 4,525 Electricity 3,070 3,074 Gas 889 1,205 General rates 1,179 1,217 Internet and telephone 316 297 Water rates 1,086 1,009 13,379 15,350
Group Scout costs Camp 20 4,688 Capitation fee 6,035 5,602 Group Scout Activities 627 - OSM costs 110 - Other expenses 90 109 Payments to sections 5,690 3,260 Sponsorship - 200 Training 185 860 Uniform and badges 1,906 1,052 14,663 15,771
30 1st Bramhall Scout Group
Group Statement of Financial Activities
31 December 2017
2017 2016 £ £
Other resources expended Examiner's fee 120 120 Charitable Donations 450 - Depreciation 6,480 4,011 Equipment 3,013 3,758 Fundraising Bonfire 1,821 1,643 Hiring costs 196 - Insurance 6,195 6,253 Loss on sale of fixed assets - 3,115 Other expenses 366 277 Postage 20 50 Printing, stationery and sundry 68 - Vehicle and transport costs 3,201 1,896 Website 378 - 22,308 21,123
Total resources expended 50,350 52,244
Net incoming resources 3,271 4,306
Funds at 1 January 2017 314,181 309,875
Funds at 31 December 2017 317,452 314,181
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