st Clevel
I,i/i;,, ,. .
t4
East Cleveland District Scout Council
Annual Report and Accounts
2025-2026
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## **EAST CLEVELAND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **2025 - 2026**
|**President:**|Vacant||
|---|---|---|
|**District Lead Volunteers**|Sean Champion||
||Ben Fountain (Resigned January 2026)||
|**District Youth Leads**|Joe Wilmot||
||Luke Powell (Resigned March 2026)||
|**Trustees:**|||
|**Ex Officio:**|||
|**District Chair**|Stephen Horner|Ex-officio all sub-committees|
|**District Lead Volunteer**|Sean Champion|Ex-officio all sub-committees|
|**District Youth Lead**|Joe Wilmot||
|**District Treasurer**|Lisa Sidgwick||
|**Nominated:**|Mark Lightfoot||
||Sue Pinder||
|**Elected:**|Ben Fountain||
||Michael Fountain|Kettleness Chair|
|**BANKERS:**|HSBC Bank plc|The Co-operative Bank –|
||12Westgate,|Business|
||Guisborough,|PO Box 4931|
||TS14 6BE|Swindon|
|||SN4 4PL|
|**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:**|Rachel Wilmot||
|**SCOUT ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION:**|015603||
|**CHARITY REGISTRATION:**|||
|**Charity Name:**|EAST CLEVELAND SCOUT DISTRICT COUNCIL||
|**Registration Number:**|1015637||
|**Contact Name and Address:**|Sean Champion||
||30 East Crescent||
||Loftus||
||Saltburn-by-the-Sea||
||TS13 4LB||
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Trustees Annual Report Structure, Governance and Management
The District'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. The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. 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 Committee consists of two independent representatives, Chair and Treasurer, together with one District Lead Volunteer, District Youth Lead, nominated and elected members which meets 4-6 times a year.
District trustees must act collectively, and in the best interests of its members to:
- Comply with the Policy,
- Organisation and Rules of Scouts.
- Make sure buildings and equipment owned by and/or used by the District are working well.
- Look after the District finances.
- Have the right insurance for people, property, and equipment.
- Make sure there are sufficient resources for Scouts to operate. This includes, but is not limited to
- supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities.
- Promote and support the development of Scouts in the local area.
- Follow POR, key policies (including safety, safeguardi ng, data protection, and equality, diversity and inclusion), and charity regulations.
- Make sure that a positive image of Scouts exists in the local community.
- Appoint and manage the operation of any Trustee Board sub-teams, including appointing a sub-team leader to lead the sub-teams.
- Make sure that young people are meaningfully involved in decisionmaking at all levels within the District.
- The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups, Explorer Scout Units, Scout Network and Scout Active Support Units in the District as necessary.
- Appoint and manage the operation of an Appointments Advisory Committee, including appointing an Appointments Committee Chair to lead it.
- Supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and the trusteeship of property.
- Appoint Administrators, Advisers, and Co-opted trustees.
- Approve the Annual Report and Annual Accounts after their examination by an appropriate auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer.
- Present the Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the Scout Council at the Annual General Meeting; file a copy with the County Trustee Board; and if a registered charity, to submit them to the appropriate charity regulator.
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
- Maintain confidentiality regarding appropriate Trustee Board business.
- Where staff are employed, act as a responsible employer in accordance with Scouting’s values and relevant legislation.
- Make sure line management responsibilities for employed staff are clearly established and communicated.
The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
## Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the District 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 progressive Training Programme operates successfully through all Sections in the District, ensuring the provision of varied and thematic activities. Experiences based on a varied activities programme has ensured all young people are achieving their potentials.
The District meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charities Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Financial Review
The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District. The District Trustee Board considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £11k.
The District's Income and Expenditure is small and therefore does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks. The District Trustees regularly monitor the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the District obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the District Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Sean Champion District Lead Volunteer
Stephen Horner District Chair
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Annual Accounts 2025 – 2026
## Receipts & Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
||**2025-2026**|**2025-2026**|**2025-2026**|**2024-2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**General funds**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|Total receipts for the year (p 4)|31493.42||31,493.42|41,446.61|
|Total payments for the year (p 5)|(36,682.62)||( 36,682.62)|( 53,757.12)|
|Net receipts (payments) for the year|-5189.20||( 5,189.20)|( 12,310.51)|
|Cash, bank and similar funds b/f|71615.95||71,615.95|83,963.43|
|Cash, bank and similar funds c/f|66,426.75||£ 66,426.75|£ 71,615.95|
## Note
The District acts as an agent for The Scout Association and Cleveland Scout Council for the HQ and County Levies that are collected from each group and then forwarded to Cleveland Scout Council. These sums would, unless deducted from both Total Receipts and Total Payments, distort the value of both gross income and total expenditure of the District as defined by The Charity Commission and by which The Scout Association determines the level of 'audit'
The above account summary, receipts and payments details, and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:
District Chairman District Lead Volunteer
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Receipts for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
|2025-2026
2025-2026
Restricted
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
less: Paid
Explorers subs
INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED
DONATIONS / GRANTS
House of Commons
Redcar and Eston
ACTIVITIES
Training
Seeonee Lair Fees
District Events
Beavers
Cub Scouts
Scouts
Explorer subs
Young Leaders
Camp Payments in to Explorer Account
OTHER INCOME
Badge sales (Kettleness)
Badge/necker sales
Less outstanding receipt
Equipment Hire
Miscelleneous
Sundry Income
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR
Explorer Scouts|2025-2026
**2024-2025**
Total
**Total**
18,639.50
18,414.00
( 18,810.00)
( 35,174.00)
**170.50**
**-£**
( 16,760.00)
27.00
2,415.00
0.00
0.00
21,127.84
-
21,127.84
1,037.87
7,000.00
2,000.00
2,120.00|2025-2026
**2024-2025**
Total
**Total**
18,639.50
18,414.00
( 18,810.00)
( 35,174.00)
**170.50**
**-£**
( 16,760.00)
27.00
2,415.00
0.00
0.00
21,127.84
-
21,127.84
1,037.87
7,000.00
2,000.00
2,120.00|
|---|---|---|
|||21,127.84
7,000.00
2,120.00|
||**3,037.87**
**£**
17,919.00
-
-
592.50
6,190.00|9,120.00
19,964.22
-
160.00
236.00
-
-|
||**24,701.50**
**£**
20,360.22
-
-
66.00
120.22
3,797.55
5,023.33
10.00
40.00
24.00|20,360.22|
||**3,897.55**
**£**
-|5,183.55|
|||-|
||||
||**£ 31,493.42**|£ 41,446.61|
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Payments for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
|**2025-2026**
**2025-2026**
2025-2026
**2024-2025**
**restricted funds**
General Funds
**General Funds**
PREMISES (Seeonee Lair)
Rent
11.78
317.01
Rates
335.33
139.72
Utilities
3,267.29
2,358.38
Insurance
1,341.28
1,639.83
Building Maintenance
17,553.67
4,142.98
Repairs and renewals
1332.22
2074.25
**23,841.57**
**£**
10,672.17
DONATIONS / GRANTS
Miscellaneous
193.25
-
Total
**193.25**
**£**
-
ACTIVITIES
Training
2,005.00
District Events: Beavers, Scouts and Cubs
1,104.03
1,013.51
Explorer Scouts & Young Leaders
5,354.97
4,143.13
-
New Equipment
1,061.22
**7,520.22**
**£**
7,161.64
EXPLORER PAYMENT TO DISTRICT
1,089.00
**1,089.00**
**£**
-
FUND RAISING EXPENSES
-
-
ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES
Admin/Establishment
157.25
Less outstanding cheque
-
-
REFUNDS
157.25
TRUSTEES EXPENSES
595.00
705.50
OTHER EXPENSES
40.49
256.47
**635.49**
**£**
961.97
OTHER EXPENDITURE
YL/Explorer Kneckers/Badges
789.45
Explorer Clothing
803.50
Explorer OSM fee
Equipment Purchases
4,586.38
District clothing
Badge Purchases
3,177.69
6,450.10
Less outstanding cheques
Bank charges (Kettleness)
37.00
74.80
Bank charges (Badges)
33.40
75.60
Bank charge (Council)
0.00
22.80
Bank charges (Explorers)
15.00
63.60
Sundries
140.00
810.02
21,127.84
**3,403.09**
34,804.09
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR
**£ 36,682.62**
£ 53,757.12|**2025-2026**
**2025-2026**
2025-2026
**2024-2025**
**restricted funds**
General Funds
**General Funds**
PREMISES (Seeonee Lair)
Rent
11.78
317.01
Rates
335.33
139.72
Utilities
3,267.29
2,358.38
Insurance
1,341.28
1,639.83
Building Maintenance
17,553.67
4,142.98
Repairs and renewals
1332.22
2074.25
**23,841.57**
**£**
10,672.17
DONATIONS / GRANTS
Miscellaneous
193.25
-
Total
**193.25**
**£**
-
ACTIVITIES
Training
2,005.00
District Events: Beavers, Scouts and Cubs
1,104.03
1,013.51
Explorer Scouts & Young Leaders
5,354.97
4,143.13
-
New Equipment
1,061.22
**7,520.22**
**£**
7,161.64
EXPLORER PAYMENT TO DISTRICT
1,089.00
**1,089.00**
**£**
-
FUND RAISING EXPENSES
-
-
ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES
Admin/Establishment
157.25
Less outstanding cheque
-
-
REFUNDS
157.25
TRUSTEES EXPENSES
595.00
705.50
OTHER EXPENSES
40.49
256.47
**635.49**
**£**
961.97
OTHER EXPENDITURE
YL/Explorer Kneckers/Badges
789.45
Explorer Clothing
803.50
Explorer OSM fee
Equipment Purchases
4,586.38
District clothing
Badge Purchases
3,177.69
6,450.10
Less outstanding cheques
Bank charges (Kettleness)
37.00
74.80
Bank charges (Badges)
33.40
75.60
Bank charge (Council)
0.00
22.80
Bank charges (Explorers)
15.00
63.60
Sundries
140.00
810.02
21,127.84
**3,403.09**
34,804.09
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR
**£ 36,682.62**
£ 53,757.12|**2025-2026**
**2025-2026**
2025-2026
**2024-2025**
**restricted funds**
General Funds
**General Funds**
PREMISES (Seeonee Lair)
Rent
11.78
317.01
Rates
335.33
139.72
Utilities
3,267.29
2,358.38
Insurance
1,341.28
1,639.83
Building Maintenance
17,553.67
4,142.98
Repairs and renewals
1332.22
2074.25
**23,841.57**
**£**
10,672.17
DONATIONS / GRANTS
Miscellaneous
193.25
-
Total
**193.25**
**£**
-
ACTIVITIES
Training
2,005.00
District Events: Beavers, Scouts and Cubs
1,104.03
1,013.51
Explorer Scouts & Young Leaders
5,354.97
4,143.13
-
New Equipment
1,061.22
**7,520.22**
**£**
7,161.64
EXPLORER PAYMENT TO DISTRICT
1,089.00
**1,089.00**
**£**
-
FUND RAISING EXPENSES
-
-
ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES
Admin/Establishment
157.25
Less outstanding cheque
-
-
REFUNDS
157.25
TRUSTEES EXPENSES
595.00
705.50
OTHER EXPENSES
40.49
256.47
**635.49**
**£**
961.97
OTHER EXPENDITURE
YL/Explorer Kneckers/Badges
789.45
Explorer Clothing
803.50
Explorer OSM fee
Equipment Purchases
4,586.38
District clothing
Badge Purchases
3,177.69
6,450.10
Less outstanding cheques
Bank charges (Kettleness)
37.00
74.80
Bank charges (Badges)
33.40
75.60
Bank charge (Council)
0.00
22.80
Bank charges (Explorers)
15.00
63.60
Sundries
140.00
810.02
21,127.84
**3,403.09**
34,804.09
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR
**£ 36,682.62**
£ 53,757.12|
|---|---|---|
|||10,672.17
-|
||**193.25**
**£**
1,104.03
5,354.97
1,061.22|-
2,005.00
1,013.51
4,143.13
-|
||**7,520.22**
**£**
1,089.00
**1,089.00**
**£**
-
-|7,161.64|
|||-
-
157.25
-|
||595.00
40.49|157.25
705.50
256.47|
||**635.49**
**£**
961.97
789.45
803.50
4,586.38
3,177.69
6,450.10
37.00
74.80
33.40
75.60
0.00
22.80
15.00
63.60
140.00
810.02
21,127.84||
||**3,403.09**
**£ 36,682.62**|34,804.09|
|||£ 53,757.12|
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Statement of Assets & Liabilities for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
||||||2025-2026|**2024-2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||General Funds|**General Funds**|
||||||£|£|
|**MONETARY ASSETS**|||||||
|Bank Current Account|--|District|||19,590.49|19,255.02|
||||Young Leaders|**202.40**|||
||||District ESU|**343.00**|||
|Held in District Accoun|||Scouts|**396.88**|||
||||Cub Scouts|**622.46**|||
||||Beaver Scouts|**555.94**|||
||||1st Brotton SG|**9039.45**|||
||--|Kettleness|||31,798.75|38,860.98|
||--|Badges|||1,228.64|642.18|
||--|Explorers|||13,808.87|12,857.77|
|Cash in hand|--|District|||£0.00|£0.00|
|||Kettleness
p o e s|||£0.00|£0.00|
|||Explorers|||£0.00|£0.00|
|||Badges|||||
||||||**66,426.75**|71,615.95|
|DEBTORS|||||||
|Outstanding debts owing to|||Kettleness(Overdue fees)||£0.00|£0.00|
||||Badge||£0.00|£0.00|
||||||£0.00|£0.00|
|NON-MONETARY ASSETS|||||||
|Badge stocks (resale valuation)|||District||£3,048.56|£3,239.67|
||||Kettleness||£0.00|£0.00|
||||||**£3,048.56**|£3,239.67|
|**Equipment**|||||||
|District|||||£0.00|£0.00|
|Kettleness|||||£0.00|£0.00|
|Beaver Scouts|||||£0.00|£0.00|
|Cub Scouts|||||£0.00|£0.00|
|Scouts|||||£0.00|£0.00|
|Explorers|||||£0.00|£0.00|
||||||**£0.00**|£0.00|
## **LIABILITIES**
The District has no liabilities
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of East Cleveland Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of District for the year ended 31st March 2026.
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of East Cleveland Scout Council**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of District for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity’s trustees of the East Cleveland Scout Council, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the East Cleveland Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Basis of 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. The process undertaken does 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 – the report is limited to those matters set out below.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. No material matter has come to my attention that gives me reasonable cause to believe that:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the East Cleveland Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or that
- the accounts do not accord with those records.
I confirm that there are no matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name: Rachel Wilmot
Address:
Date: 18[th] July 2026
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## District Reports
## **District Chair**
I would first like to formally welcome the Recar & Eston as now part of the East Cleveland District, I hope you have a most rewarding time as part of our district.
From the meetings I have attended and the communications I have read the East Cleveland District scouts are in a very healthy position. There have been several very well supported district events that have been very successful with all age groups benefiting from these events.
We have lost one of our two District Lead Volunteers; Ben, during this year through his work commitments, I thank him on behalf of the trust and wish him well in future scouting roles.
Sean has continued with the Lead Volunteer role and continues to work energetically and tirelessly in this role and I would like to take this opportunity to record my thanks and the thanks of the district to him.
May I also take this opportunity to thank Lisa Sidgwick in her role as District Treasurer in looking after the accounts and keeping us on a secure footing, and to Sue Pinder for taking the minutes at the Trustees meetings in the absence of a district secretary.
I would like to thank all the District Trustees not only for the work that they put in but for the support they have given to me since I took on this role.
Finally, a big thank you to all the leaders and volunteers throughout the district once again for all the time effort you have all contributed.
**Steve Horner – District Chair**
## **District Lead Volunteers Report**
This report also includes Redcar & Eston, who, although not formally part of the District during the reporting period, have become increasingly involved in our activities. It has been encouraging to see the two Districts working more closely together, developing stronger relationships and beginning to take part in joint activities. This collaborative approach is already delivering benefits and provides a strong foundation for the future.
It has been another positive and productive year for the District with much to celebrate and recognise, the year was kicked off by the unavailing of our new joint District and County badge which sees the new design retaining the original District badge and new yellow border around the County badge, these are displayed on a blue background with a red border to reflect our District colours.
As with any organisation, there have been a few comings and goings across our teams throughout the year. Most notably, Ben stepped down from his District Lead Volunteer role. I would like to give my sincere thanks for the time, dedication and commitment that Ben has given to the District. His contribution has been greatly appreciated, and I am pleased that he continues to support Scouting through his involvement with the Kettleness team. I would also like to thank Dan T and Luke P for their times in District roles.
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
Kettleness continues to go from strength to strength. The team does a fantastic job maintaining both the building and grounds, ensuring that it remains a welcoming and a high-quality facility for all who use it. The number of bookings and the site's popularity are a testament to their hard work, commitment and attention to detail. The success of Kettleness simply would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who give their time.
Across the District, our programme teams continue to deliver excellent opportunities for young people. It has been particularly pleasing to see the younger sections working so effectively, providing exciting and engaging programmes that allow our members to develop skills for life. Our Explorer provision has also begun working much more closely together, and it is hoped that our Scout sections will continue to build on this collaborative approach in the coming year. I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering such a fantastic District programme. It has been a real pleasure to be part of and to see the positive impact it has on our young people.
Membership growth remains a key area of focus and I am delighted to report that, as of January 2026, the District had grown by 13 young people compared with the previous year. This marks our second consecutive year of growth and demonstrates the excellent work taking place across our Groups and sections. While any growth is encouraging, I recognise there is still more to do, and increasing membership will be a major part of our plans for the coming year.
I would also like to thank our Trustee Board for their support, guidance and oversight throughout the year. Their work behind the scenes ensures that the District continues to operate effectively and responsibly. Special thanks must go to Steve our District Chair and to Lisa for her role as Treasurer and for the significant contribution she makes to the financial stability of the District. I would also like to recognise Rachel, who has been a tremendous help with the accounts and whose support has been greatly appreciated.
This year has also seen Joe take on increasing responsibility in his role as District Youth Lead. It has been great to see him developing within the position and helping to give our young people a stronger voice in shaping the future of Scouting within the District.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sue. As always, Sue has been an absolute diamond for the District, providing endless support, guidance and encouragement whenever it has been needed. Her commitment and willingness to help never goes unnoticed, and it is no exaggeration to say that without Sue's support the District would not be achieving anywhere near as much as it does. On behalf of everyone, thank you for everything you do.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I am confident that by continuing to work together, building on our recent growth and strengthening our partnerships across the Districts, we can continue to provide outstanding opportunities for even more young people. Thank you to all our volunteers, trustees, supporters and young people who make this possible. Your commitment is what makes our District such a special place.
**Sean Champion – District Lead Volunteer**
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
## **District Programme Team Report**
## **Beavers**
The District Beaver section enjoyed a fantastic year of outdoor adventure and learning. One of the highlights was the Wool Trail at Errington Woods, which attracted over 100 Beavers from across the district. The event provided young people with the opportunity to explore the woodland environment, follow the trail, complete a variety of challenges, and work together while developing their knowledge of nature and the outdoors.
Another memorable activity was a trip to the Washington Wetland Centre, where Beavers learned about local wildlife, habitats, and conservation. Through guided activities and handson experiences, they discovered more about the importance of protecting wetlands and the species that depend on them. The visit was both educational and enjoyable, helping to inspire curiosity about the natural world while providing a fun day out for all involved.
## **Cubs**
It's been a busy year for the Cub section as we continue to grow the District programme.
The autumn term saw the rearranged Monopoly in Saltburn, and the District Cub Quiz, both of which were well supported and good fun. Into the New Year, we once again held our mini golf tournament at Holey Molies. And then in the summer term we had our District sleepover in Beamish Museum. The Packs that went had a great time - if not much sleep - and we were well looked after by the Beamish staff.
Looking forward we're hoping to build on the regular programme we have no, and will be looking to get more Packs involved in District events.
## **Scouts**
Throughout the year, Scouts have taken part in some memorable experiences. From the challenge and adventure of How Stean Gorge to exploring the fascinating natural rock formations at Brimham Rocks, they have built confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Some also travelled to London, where a visit to the Houses of Parliament provided a valuable insight into British history, politics, and democracy.
**Dan Barber, Alec Silver, Ian Zipfel – Programme Team**
## **District 14 – 18 Provision**
The District 14–18 provision has enjoyed another successful year, delivering a varied programme of adventure, learning and social activities for Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders.
Highlights for our Explorer Scouts included an adventurous weekend to Brimham Rocks and How Stean Gorge, a memorable visit to London with a tour of the Houses of Parliament, and an Explorer Weekend in November. Alongside these larger events, Explorers also came together for a range of social activities, including a Christmas Party and Quiz, helping to strengthen friendships across the District.
Our Young Leader Unit has continued to meet on the first Friday of most months, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills while sharing experiences from the sections they support. Throughout the year, Young Leaders have also taken part in activities such as bowling, a tour of HMS Protector and the Dark Skies event at Danby Moors Centre. The Young Leader Training Weekend was particularly well attended, with excellent engagement from participants as they progressed through the Young Leader Scheme.
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
These opportunities would not be possible without the commitment of our volunteer team, whose dedication continues to provide exciting experiences and valuable leadership development for our 14–18 members. We look forward to building on this success with an even bigger programme in the coming year.
## **Kettleness**
It‘s been another year of continued improvements across a wide range of projects – but not without its challenges of course - the building is 143 years old!
**Work Weekends** - This last year has seen two highly productive Work Weekends, held in September 2025 and March 2026. Across both weekends, a wide range of tasks were completed, making a significant contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the site. Fencing, hedge planting and laying, decorating were just a few of the jobs tackled! Thank you to everyone who attended and gave their time, energy and effort to support this important work.
**Facility Improvements and Maintenance** - Activity Hut refurbishment, Steve and his Band of Merry Men (former colleagues and golfing partners) have now completed their 4 year quest to rebuild the Activity Hut. All four walls have been fully rebuilt and should be good for another 40 years or so! This was no mean feat, given the amount of planning required, the North Yorkshire coastal weather and the fact that they have managed to do all this whilst ensuring that the building remained available for use by our guests, at all times. An excellent achievement, I’m sure you’ll agree. We’re indebted to Steve and his team for their effort on this – many thanks to all involved.
**Bookings** - Although bookings were slower at the start of the year, demand has remained very strong overall, with a healthy balance of returning groups and new customers.
This continued level of interest reinforces the site’s excellent reputation as an affordable and attractive destination for group visits.
There’s only a few weekends remaining available in November and December at this time – so get in touch with the Booking Secretary (seeoneelair@gmail.com ) asap if you want to book them!
**Financial Summary** - Financial management remains a focal point, the centre’s financial situation remains healthy, allowing for the numerous projects to be undertaken, whilst providing a reasonable level of security, although we are starting to identify some larger, future projects that may require assistance from external funding in order to go ahead.
We are also currently in discussions with Northumbrian Water, who have requested that we move to a metered water connection. This may have an impact on future costs, but we are hoping to mitigate this with them.
**Acknowledgements** - As ever, I’d like to give my personal thanks to everyone who has taken the time to assist with the running and maintenance of the Seeonee Lair site and buildings at Kettleness, ensuring the site remains a well-maintained and welcoming space. A special mention to Steve Swales for his continued commitment as Site Manager, Warden and Booking Secretary and also to Jane Rose for her accounting abilities as Treasurer — your efforts are greatly appreciated. **Mike Fountain – Kettleness Team Leader.**
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
Youth Awards 2025 – 2026
## **13** Chief Scout Acorn Awards
**33** Chief Scout Bronze Awards
**33** Chief Scout Silver Awards
**11** Chief Scout Gold Awards
**13** Chief Scout Platinum Awards
**10** Chief Scout Diamond Awards
**6** Young Leader Awards
**0** King Scout Award
_East Cleveland District Scout Council_
Adult Volunteer Awards 2025 – 2026
**5** Chief Scout's 5 years Service Award
**6** Chief Scout's 10 years Service Award **2** Chief Scout's 15 years Service Award **5** Chief Scout's 20 years Service Award Chief Scout's 25 years Service Award **1** Chief Scout's 30 years Service Award **2** Chief Scout's 40 years Service Award Chief Scout's 50 years Service Award Chief Scout's 60 years Service Award **1** Chief Scout's 70 years Service Award Commendation Award
Chief Scout’s Commendation
**1** Award for Merit
Bar to the Award for Merit
**1** Silver Acorn
Bar to the Silver Acorn
Silver Wolf