AGM
18th June 2024 8pm By Zoom
Preparing young people with skills for life
We're Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people aged 4-25 develop skills for life. Are you ready to join the adventure?
1st Broomfield Scout Group Registered Charity no. 1016433
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CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page(s) | |
| Welcome from the Group Lead Volunteer | 3 |
| Minutes of the 2023 AGM | 4-5 |
| Trust Board Report | 6 |
| Financial review | 7-10 |
| Section Reports | |
| Scouts | 11 |
| Beavers (Wednesday) | 12-13 |
| Cubs (Kantankye) | 14-19 |
| Beavers (Thursday) | 20-23 |
| Cubs (Dinizulu) | 24-28 |
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1[st] ontacts Broomfield Scout Group C
Chair
Chair Malcolm Taylor Group Scout Leader Linda O’Riordan Group Treasurer John Wallis Scout Leader Shane Donnelly Weds. Cub Leader Steff Smith Weds. Beaver Leader Charlotte Moore Thurs. Beaver Leader Sarah Mott Thurs. Cub Leader Ruth Reed Kraken Explorer Scouts Ruth Reed Waiting List Steff Smith
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Welcome to our 2024 AGM & Review
This is my first report as GLV, taking over the mantle from Malcolm.
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone within the group from Leaders, Assistants and Executive Board for making me feel welcome.
My son was a Beaver, Cub and Scout at 1st Broomfield nearly 20 years ago and my daughter Megan is an assistant with Kantankye Cubs, other than this my exposure to Scouting has been very limited and the role of GLV has been huge learning curve for me. Now I am retired I have the chance to do something for the community and the young people in it hence why I agreed to take on the role.
My role within 1st Broomfield is to ensure the Leaders and Assistants are looked after and supported. That a quality programme is given to the young people attending. Ensuring the sustainability of the group and to create a positive and enriching experience of the young people.
The Leaders have provided me with quarterly reports which I put together and submit to the Broomfield Times. There have been some great articles that the sections have submitted and I’m sure you’ll recognise some of the photos of the young people that are there to demonstrate what the sections have been up to.
I’ve under taken a number of reviews and I must thank everyone I have done for being patient whilst I get my head around the process. What shines through is how much all the volunteers love what they are doing.
The Book Sale in February was another great success and I must thank Roger and Sue Cole whose time and effort are mind blowing – apparently its 45 years since the very first book sale. Also, Steff Smith, Linda McInnis and John Wallis need a mention and thank you. It was fascinating to see the set up and progress over the week at the scout hut, from a chaotic jumble at the beginning to a truly amazing and well organised sale – if anyone can set up a time lapse camera for us it would be fascinating for all to see next year. I’m sorry I can’t mention everyone who helped set up and provide delicious cakes, but this and the skip collection have made it possible to not put the fees up again this year, the last major change to the fees was back in 2015. So next year please put the February half term in your diaries and come and give a hand setting up as this is when the bulk of the help is needed (even if it’s just for a few hours) or helping the Saturday and Sunday with the sale itself or making cakes – as they say many hands make light work.
At present we have 130 young people, 19 adult volunteers and 2 young leaders, with a healthy waiting list. At present we have 2 beaver and 2 Cub colonies and only 1 Scout colony for these young people to feed into, so we are on the search for more volunteers to help out. If you think this is something you may like to have a good at, please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a taster session.
Finally – I would like to thank all the volunteers who over the last year have helped the group continue to thrive and for making 1st Broomfield Scouts such an enjoyable experience for the young people it service.
Linda O’Riordan
Group Lead Volunteer
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AGM Minutes
MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD 15[th] June 2023
Group Chairman, Malcolm Taylor, welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that there would first be some entertainment. The Thursday Beavers & Dinizulu (Thursday) Cubs then put on an excellent sign language performance of “Lost in the Woods” from ‘Frozen’.
Following the entertainment the Cubs & Beavers left and Malcolm thanked everyone for coming and once again welcomed everyone and our Guests – Co-District Commissioner Suzanne Ball & District Chairman Roger Cole & his wife. He advised that this was our first face-to-face-AGM for four years and that forthcoming changes within Scouting, that would not affect the young people, within the governance & financial management of the Group would be reflected in the agenda for the meeting.
The most obvious change would be that the Group Executive Committee becomes the Group Trustee Board. This was primarily a titular change as the members of the current Committee were already recognised as Trustees by the Charity Commission. Malcolm thanked John Wallis, Group Treasurer, for the compilation & preparation of the Annual Report & Accounts. The meeting was declared quorate.
Apologies for absence had been given by Jason & Steff Smith, Shane Donnelly, Paddy Passfield, Hasad Khan, Will David & Rachel Wiltshire.
Minutes of the AGM held on 21st June 2022 were APPROVED.
Governance
Malcolm advised that it was required that the Group’s Constitution be accepted by the Meeting. The existing Constitution had been amended to reflect changes the Chapter 5 of Policy Organisation & Rules. This had been adopted at the Group Executive Meeting of 25th April 2023. He proposed that this be accepted. Seconded Martin Chapman – APPROVED
To note the Group’s financial year is from 1st January to 31st December.
The meeting was required to agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board. There are currently eight elected members to the Trustee Board.
Malcolm proposed that this number be retained, seconded Martin Chapman – APPROVED
To agree the quorum for meeting of the Group Scout Council (AGM). The recommendation from the last Executive Meeting is that the quorum be set at eleven. Proposed Malcolm Taylor, seconded Martin Chapman – APPROVED To agree the quorum for trustee Board Meetings. The Charity Commission statement of good practice is that the Trustee Board quorum should be set at one third of trustee Board members plus one (six). This was the recommendation from the last Executive Meeting. Proposed Malcolm Taylor, seconded Rev. Dawn Butcher –
APPROVED
The Annual Report & Accounts had been presented prior to the Meeting. John Wallis, Group Treasurer, gave a brief explanation of the accounts statement and the financial position of the Group. Appointments
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Regretfully a number of individuals had had to stand down during the year due to increased work commitments. Simon Webb (GSL) & Graham Jarvis (Trustee). Malcolm thanked them for their service & assistance. Kirstie Zanco would also be stepping down as a Trustee having taken up an appointment as Assistant Scout Leader.
Suzanne Ball (DC), nominated Malcolm as Group Chairman. APPROVED
Group Secretary, Rachel Wiltshire had been proposed & seconded. APPROVED
Group Treasurer, John Wallis had expressed his willingness to continue to serve. APPROVED Elected Members to the Group Trustee Board, the following had been proposed –
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Sanjay Anderson
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Martin Chapman
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Will David
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Magan Janse van Rensburg
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Hasad Khan
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Jason Smith
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Rachel Wilshire - All APPROVED
As we did not have a GSL there were no nominations for the Trustee Board.
The following were co-opted to the Trustee Board –
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Rev. Dawn Burcher & Linda MacInnes
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John Wallis asked that the meeting reappoint Alun Powell as the Group’s Independent Examiner – APPROVED
Malcolm invited Co-DC Suzanne Ball to say a few words. Suzanne said that as ever it was always good to visit Broomfield. She complimented the young people on their performance and reminded the meeting that Scouting was always in need of volunteers, no matter how little time people had to spare. Malcolm thanked the guests and everyone for their attendance and advised that there would now be awards given to those in attendance.
AWARDS
Wednesday Beaver Colony: Gabriel Nunes-Morais, Matthew Heneo-Barrett, Darla Jackson & Alice Newman Thursday Beaver Colony: Henry Mitchel, Alex Janse Van Rensburg, Beau Thomas Dinizulu (Thursday) Cub Pack: Kodi Sayer, Joe Dobinson, Christopher Luetchford
Malcolm explained that the Group had two special awards – The Fred Buck Award for Scouting Spirit and The Derek Cox Award for Thoughtfulness. Both had been donated by the families of these individuals who had been long serving members of the Group. The decision as to whom should receive these awards was made by the leaders.
The recipient of the Fred Buck Award (Ralph Acharya – Kantankye Pack) was not present.
The Derek Cox Award was usually given to an individual who had shown ‘thoughtfulness’ in their dealings with others. This year there was to be a change to the usual award. Malcolm recounted an incident during the recent Plainsman Hike, in terrible weather conditions when the four young ladies of the Broomfield Scout Team
came across an injured individual. They comforted him, gave first aid, called the ambulance and stayed with the person until assistance came. It was unanimously agreed that it should be given to Isla Packard, Lara Passfield, Layla Arslam & Poppy Moore. The Award was presented to Poppy.
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GROUP EXECUTIVE/TRUST BOARD REPORT 2023
The past year has seen the start of much change; as the Scout Association embark upon its “TRANSFORMATION” programme. This will not affect the way Scouting id provided to our young people but titles and local organisational changes will become apparent.
It has also been a year of change as we welcomed Linda O’Riordan as our Group Scout Leader (or Group Lead Volunteer, in the new parlance) – and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the year to come. One of the main changes within the Transformation process is the change of the Group Executive Committee to a Group Trust Board. The members of the Group Executive Committee have always been Trustees of the Group property, not only in name but as identified by the Charity Commission; the change of title now emphasises that first and foremost.
The Group’s main fundraising activities have continued through our waste paper & cardboard collections. We now have two skip changes per week to accommodate the volume of recycled material we receive but also to try and reduce the amount of “windblow” from an overfull skip. Our principal fund-raiser “The Great Broomfield Book Sale” continues apace thanks to the efforts of our dedicated Book Sale Team of Roger, Sue, Steff, John, Linda M and their team of helpers on the weekend.
Without the funds raised from these events we would be unable to offer the many activities that the Group provides and maintain our annual subscription at the same level as five years ago.
Such is the wear and tear on our car park, from the movement of heavy skips, that we have decided to have the entire car park resurfaced to provide a firm surface for vehicle movement. This work will be undertaken during the summer break of 2024.
Over the years we have suffered from incidents of vandalism around the HQ. As a consequence during the past year, we have installed CCTV cameras to provide additional security to the building perimeter and car park. All recordings are kept in accordance with Information Commissioner’s recommendations. Recordings are erased after one month – if not required for criminal proceedings.
I would personally like to thank all my colleagues on the Trust Board for their help, assistance and support over the past year and to thanks Rev. Dawn Butcher for her time of the Board and wish her well as she leaves Broomfield to her new Parish in Warley. I would also like to thank Linda MacInnes for her many years of service and support on the Group Executive/Trust Board. Linda will, however, be remaining a member of the Book Sale Team.
Malcolm Taylor
Group Chairman/Trust Board Chair
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Treasurers Report 2023
The financial wellbeing of the Group continues to be strong. The accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis, which excludes £3,412 received shortly after year-end from Chelmsford City Council.
It is very comforting to see the Group grow and flourish with record numbers of young people – as evidenced by subs payments – which has been held at pre-Covid levels for some years now.
I remain eternally grateful to everyone that helps with the successful annual book sale and to Essex Reclamation Ltd for their strong support of the group with subsidised waste paper collection.
Despite higher utility prices now seen, I remain confident that we have a strong diversified income and this will enable the Group to continue to subside many activities for a growing number of young people (as long as we have leaders to help) and to invest in our equipment and headquarters (e.g., refitted Kitchen and toilet facilities)
As a part time Leader, I am also extremely grateful for the many hours willingly given for free by our fantastic volunteer team, it can re relentless at times, but also and always extremely rewarding.
Notes to the accounts:
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1) Subs – Another record amount, due to the increased numbers
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2) Gift Aid – Claimed for the first time since the Pandemic following an increase in valid declarations held (from 30% to 60%). The breakdown is: -
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2021 £289
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2022 £1059
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2023 £1228
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Interest added £42
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3) Income for activities and events – Parents’ contributions to camping and other activities. This is similar to 2022 after allowance for £10,898 re Essex Jamboree 2024
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4) Book Sale – Another fantastic result and a new record amount – includes £2202 from sale of higher value books online – Thanks to Roger & Sue Cole and Steff Smith for their sterling efforts throughout the year and not least to all our Book Sale helpers.
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5) Waste Paper Income - Our income from the waste paper skip (value of paper and Recycling Credits) is lower in 2023 due to (1) a delay in receipt of £3,412 from Chelmsford City Council and (2) £500 drop in amount of paper, which is one reason for doubling skip capacity (at a cost) as overflowing skips were putting people off donating and causing an issue with overflowing skips. Thank you again to Essex Reclamation Ltd for their continued support, without which we would not be able to continue this facility.
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6) Hire of Building – This is the annual (subsidised) rent paid by Broomfield Brownies
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7) Membership Fees - were paid as normal to district at £41.50 per child/young leader.
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8) Youth programme and activities – This is the amount we pay for all camping and hut-based activities before income received from parents.
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9) Wastepaper Skip Charges – A new cost for the group, but a second weekly collection was deemed unavoidable to prevent overflowing skips (Please flatten all cardboard…)
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10) Utility costs - both showed large rises, due to 3-year fixed contract ending in July 2023.
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11) Insurance – This cost increase reflects a re-evaluation rebuild cost of the HQ and buildings We have stayed with The Scout Association insurers (Unity) for many years but will consider other quotes before next renewal.
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12) Repairs & Renewals – The main element of this charge was £290 for Fire Safety inspection and renewal of extinguishers.
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13) Materials and Equipment – No major purchases in 2023, the largest single item was some racking in the new Garage £166.
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14) Uniforms - basic uniform is provided free to leaders, with replacements when required.
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15) AGM & Trustee Expenses – These include awards presented at the AGM and small gifts to leaders at Christmas.
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16) Bank Charges - These relates to around 3% of income collected via Go Cardless which is split between database management (Online Scout Manager) and a merchant charge (Go Cardless). Also includes Barclaycard merchant charges for card payments (e.g. at Book Sale). Of this figure £398 relates to Essex Jamboree 2024 which is included in payments
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17) Cleaning – Increased as expected s we did not have a cleaner for much of 2022
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18) Badges – all badges are supplied to the young people for joining in or achievement – free of charge
John Wallis
Group Treasurer
Reserves Policy of 1st Broomfield Scout Group
It is the policy of the Group to hold one year’s expenditure in reserve to cover loss of our two large income streams namely the Book Sale and Waste Paper recycling (approximately £15,000 in total). These form an exceptionally large part of our fund raising. This reserve policy is reviewed regularly by the Group Executive (Trustees) who are satisfied that sufficient reserves remain to carry on the daily running of the Group.
Following the completion of the new activities/storage building alongside the HQ further reserves will be established to enable provision for a refurbished kitchen area and improved disabled access with improvements to WC facilities. Long term we will also need to build reserves for the rebuilding of the (pre-fab) concrete walls built in 1974 and will not last for ever.
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Receipts and Payments Account
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||||
| Notes | Receipts | funds | funds | ||
| Donations, Legacies and similar Income | |||||
| 1 | Membership Subscriptions | £7,417 | £8,185 | ||
| Donations Received | £3,918 | £40 | |||
| 2 | Gift Aid | £0 | £2,618 | ||
| 3 | Income for Youth programme and activities | £8,120 | £16,870 | ||
| Sub Total | 16,705 27,713 ~~ee~~ |
||||
| Grants | |||||
| Other Grant Sub Total Fundraising events (Gross) |
£2,867 2,867 ~~—~~ |
£0 - ~~oo~~ |
|||
| 4 | Book Sale | £6,339 | £6,545 | ||
| 5 | Waste Paper income & Recycling Credits | £7,662 | £3,776 | ||
| General Fundraising | £0 | £285 | |||
| Sub Total | 14,001 10,607 ~~—_~~ |
||||
| Scout Hut Income | |||||
| Sale of Assets | £100 | £0 | |||
| 6 | Hire of Building | £250 | £250 | ||
| Sub Total | 350 250 ~~Co)~~ |
||||
| Investment income | |||||
| Bank Interest | £128 | £369 | |||
| Sub Total | 128 369 ~~Co~~ |
||||
| Total Gross Income 34,051 38,939 ~~J~~ |
|||||
| Asset and investment sales, etc. | £0 | £0 | |||
| Total receipts 4,051 38,939 ~~a~~ |
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| Payments | 2022 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Unrestricted funds | Unrestricted funds | |||
| 7 Membership Fees paid to District |
-£2,963 | -£4,731 | |||
| 8 Youth programme and activities |
-£17,250 | -£20,806 | |||
| Refunds Issued on Activities | -£246 | £0 | |||
| Adult Support & Training | -£440 | -£80 | |||
| 9 Wastepaper Skip Charges |
-£166 | -£2,290 | |||
| Waste Disposal | -£383 | -£395 | |||
| Water & Sewerage | -£330 | -£432 | |||
| 10 Electricity & Gas |
-£742 | -£1,032 | |||
| 11 Insurance |
-£1,475 | -£2,105 | |||
| 12 Repairs & Renewals |
-£8,168 | -£519 | |||
| 13 Materials & Equipment |
-£2,332 | -£522 | |||
| Printing & Photocopying | -£79 | -£242 | |||
| 14 Uniforms |
-£625 | -£443 | |||
| 15 AGM & Trustee Expenses |
-£153 | -£353 | |||
| 16 Bank Charges |
-£530 | -£1,032 | |||
| 17 Cleaning |
-£634 | -£1,763 | |||
| Donations made | -£168 | -£107 | |||
| 18 Badges |
-£1,763 | -£1,506 | |||
| Sub Total | - 38,448 - 38,358 ~~rr~~ |
||||
| Fund Raising Expenses | -£67 | -£167 | |||
| Total Gross Expenditure - 38,515 - 38,525 ~~a~~ |
|||||
| Asset and investment purchases etc. | |||||
| Major Building costs | £0 | -£1,660 | |||
| Total payments - 38,515 - 40,185 ~~a~~ |
|||||
| Net Receipts/(Payments) | -£4,464 | -£1,246 | |||
| Cash funds last year end | £57,987 | £53,524 | |||
| Cash funds thisyear end 53,524 52,278 ~~a~~ |
|||||
| Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year | Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year | ||||
| Notes Cash funds (Unrestricted Funds) |
2022 | 2023 | |||
| Bank current account | Bank current account | £2,239 | £2,429 | ||
| Bank deposit accounts | Bank deposit accounts | £27,533 | £24,849 | ||
| Bank Notice Account | Bank Notice Account | £23,752 | £25,000 | ||
| Total cash funds 53,524 52,278 ~~ao~~ |
|||||
| Non-Monetary assets for charity's own use | |||||
| Badge stock | Badge stock | £450 | £450 | ||
| Uniform Stock | Uniform Stock | £495 | £495 | ||
| Land and buildings | Land and buildings | £389,000 | £389,000 | ||
| Scouting equipment, furniture etc (depreciated at 5% p.a.) | Scouting equipment, furniture etc (depreciated at 5% p.a.) | £42,533 | £40,903 | ||
| Sub total 432,478 430,848 ~~a~~ |
|||||
| Liabilities | £0 | £0 | |||
| Total Group Assets ~~ee~~ |
481,928 | 483,126 |
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SECTION REPORTS
Scout Troop
Busy Year for Scouts. We have three new leaders join us;
Adam Taylor Shirin Lee Kirstie Zanco
We managed to get in several camps over the year.
Our first overnight was a hike and a night in the hut with movies. This was an opportunity to have the new scouts experience a night away from home with the group.
We then did a mini summer camp split between Skreens and Riffhams. This comprised of activity days at Skreens and general camping skills at Riffhams. This was particularly well attended.
he next camping trip was the survival weekend at Riffhams in the pouring rain. Challenging for the Scouts and again the best attended survival camp we have had in a couple of years.
Recently we attended both County Backpack which the Novice team won as well as Plainsman Hike.
A number of the Scouts were awarded the Chief Scouts award for the medical incident last year.
We have endeavoured all year to tailor the meetings to achieving the various badges.
The group has grown hugely and we are now up to 34 Scout which is testament to the skill of the leaders and the popularity of the group.
Jamboree coming up and next year’s highlight is a planned camping trip to Brownsea Island.
Shane, Paddy, Kirstie, Adam & Shirin.
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Wednesday Beavers
Summer term 2023 was a busy one for Wednesday's beaver colony. We earned several badges: Money Skills badge by discussing how best to
spend and save our money, the history of money and the value of different coins; Gardeners badge we learnt about the seasons and growing herbs and our Cycle badge by discussing the importance of bike safety, pumping tyres and showing off our very impressive cycle skills on the field. We were also were out and about this term, making the most of the light nights and improved weather, visiting Riffhams in Danbury and having a go at slack lining and a blindfolded trail.
A long hike (the longest walk ever according to some) was rewarded with a picnic and a play on the fort at Hylands park. Our biggest outing was to Gilwell park, the home of scouting, to the Fundays event. Beavers got to experience a range of activities, from rafting to caving, to grass sledding and more. We continued to make the most of the good weather by enjoying some cricket games up at Broomfield cricket club (a big thank you for hosting us goes to them) and a super night of watery games to cool us down. The last evening of the term saw us on the field donned in our fencing gear as we learned how to duel with a [foam] sword.
During the Summer break we had an extra session to join in with the Dreamlive event that was held for the South Korean Jamboree. We made Korean flags out of hamma beads, mosaic paper and listened to Bear Grylls talk during the opening ceremony. There were a few technical issues but it was a fun morning.
Autumn term was also busy. We did archery on the field, used our bouldering wall, played a range of team and individual games including games using our new parachute. We made good turn mice for International Gratitude Day with Beavers taking them home and adding a knot for each good turn they did. We hiked to Broomfield War Memorial and had a quiet moment of reflection before heading back for a hot chocolate at the hut. Beavers earned their Air Activities 1 badge, their cook’s badge and international badge as well as many achieving badges for work they did at home.
Christmas was great fun. We had a Christmas Lego Sleepover at Braintree Museum with lots of Lego themed activities to keep us going till bedtime. We went into the City Centre to enjoy the Christmas lights and also a bag of chips! Our final Christmas treat was the cinema where we watched Wonka.
During the Spring term beavers earned their Emergency Aid 1 badge learning how to call for help, put someone in the recovery position and how to treat minor injuries. We celebrated Chinese New Year and
St David’s Day (a lot of Welsh cakes were made and eaten that night!), and entered the District Craft Competition. The two highlights of the term were our visit to the Council Chambers and CCTV control and our trip to Skreens park to find the Easter Bunnies – the eggs were well earned that night!
This term also saw us say goodbye to Sarah Warren one of our sectional assistants. She has moved to New Zealand to further her career in midwifery. We miss her as she was a valued member of the team but we wish her all the best in her new adventure.
Charlotte, Amy, Jayne, Sarah and John (the BLT)
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Kantankye Cubs (Wednesday) Report
When I wrote last year’s report in June, we were getting ready for a camp at Thriftwood, and this was a great success. Loads of activities had been booked - Cubs tackled the assault course, tried their best at climbing on the postman’s walk and vertical assault course, had great fun in the peddlarz (little paddle boats) and the cresta run was still as popular as ever. We really enjoyed the site evening campfire, Cerian helped out with this and was amazing! Everyone had such a great time that we have booked again for this summer!
We always try to pack in lots of outdoor activities in the summer term and so made a few visits to Skreens Park Activity Centre. Scout Leaders Shane and Paddy kindly ran a couple of climbing sessions for us and we spent time on the lake paddleboarding. Cubs tried out the zipwire and back on the ground we had campfires with of course, marshmallow toasting. Cubs also “did a good turn” at Skreens by litter picking the site. We finished off the term with the traditional water games and sent the Cubs home nicely soaked through!
A busy start to the Autumn Term, with preparation for Camp as Cubs decorated crockery bags, and then an exciting fencing session – thanks John for running this.
The Autumn camp had a medieval theme, Cubs made shields, swords, helmets and horses. They built castles, did some axe throwing and followed an orienteering course around the site to find their lunch. Saturday evening called for a medieval banquet, with Cubs helping out with the cooking. The weekend finished with a Grand Tournament, to include jousting and sword fighting – points being earned for the most dramatic performance, sound effects provided by Leaders with coconut shells…. It was a great weekend enjoyed by us all.
The rest of the Autumn Term was just as busy, Cubs delivered the Broomfield Times, taught each other (and the Leaders) a new skill, completed the science and the international badge. We visited the Fire Station, Cubs were able to look around, find out about a fire engine, slide down the pole and best of all have a go with a fire hose!
Cubs also took part in Parliament week with games and debating, we hiked around the town centre to complete a quiz and get some chips, and we finished off the term with a Christmas Sleepover at the HQ with loads of games, craft and fun.
January 2024 saw us back at Belchamps for a return of our popular Egyptian themed Camp. Hieroglyphics, wide games in the dark, making canopic jars, navigating through the pyramid (the caving simulator), and the assault course. Pyramid pioneering and wrapping up Cubs in toilet roll! Campfire and the Leaders’ favorite activity, the mummification challenge. Leaders had been very busy and creative to
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set this up for the Cubs, who responded with great enthusiasm, and a few screams. A great camp as ever, and we all picked up some Ancient Egyptian facts along the way.
Back at the HQ, pack nights continued to be busy, Cubs started completing some of the Essex Challenge activities including a giant marble run, we had a visit from firefighters who brought search and rescue drones, this was a great evening! Thanks to John D. and Simon from LFB.
We also had a visit from Essex Police who brought uniforms to try on and a squad car to look around, another really interesting meeting. The Cubs also got to take their own fingerprints! Many thanks to PCSOs Pamela and Molly.
Cubs entered the District Handicraft Competition with a number of winners and places, well done Cubs! They made tiny pancakes, cooked over a night light – delicious! Cubs practised putting up tents and had a go on the bouldering wall, John ran a money skills evening for them and they also prepared routes and hiked around Broomfield. Many of our Cub parents helped out delivering book sale flyers, and also with the book sale set up, sale weekend, providing cakes and the clear up, thanks to all those involved.
We were able to enter two teams into the District Swimming Gala this year, with great success. Our Cubs won the Cub Cup and as this year there was a Scout team when our massive points total was added to theirs this meant 1[st] Broomfield won the overall trophy, amazing swimming Cubs, they were also brilliant the way they supported and encouraged each other.
Looking ahead, we are off to Riffhams shortly (3rd-5th May) for a Viking themed camp, lots of preparation already underway. We don’t currently have anyone to tow the trailer for us to camps – if any parent/carer would be willing to do this in future please do get in touch on the email below.
We’ve had another great year with the Cubs, loads of achievements, fun, skills learned and confidence built. Over 120 badges earned, including 4 Chief Scout’s Silver Awards, well done to Ralph, Theo, Freya and Harriet for achieving the highest award in Cubs.
Our thanks to everyone who has helped us out over the year, if anyone would like to join in with the fun, we are always happy to welcome new members to the Leader Team. We’d also really like to have some Young Leaders aged 13 – 18, just drop us an email on broomfieldcubs@live.co.uk.
The Kantankye Cub Leader Team: Steff, Andrea, Cerian, Maya and Megan
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Thursday Beavers, 2nd Colony
It’s been another fantastically varied and fun-filled year for 1[st] Broomfield Beavers 2[nd] Colony!
We began the year with some parachute games whilst welcoming some new faces to the group! Before undertaking some more adventurous activities with a spot of bouldering and fencing .
As we entered autumn, we were blessed with some warm weather for our Magical themed Camp at Thriftwood . Our budding wizards and witches had great fun participating in a range of activities including the Cave Bus , Cresta Run , obstacle course alongside a range of magical crafting activities and campfire fun !
For many of the Beavers this was also their first overnight stay, which they took in their strides fantastically.
With autumn in full swing the Beavers enjoyed an evening out at Riffhams with campfires , marshmallows camp songs and the investment of several of our newest beavers!
The group then had a fantastic time with our local Police Community Support Offices (Karen & Paul). The Beavers had the opportunity to ask lots of interesting questions, exploring a police car before trying on various bits of kit!
As winter set in and the nights got longer, it didn’t stop the Beavers continuing to participate in interesting activities.
This included recognising Rememberance Day and creating wreaths alongside their own friendship wreathes.
As we approach the end of 2023 the Beavers were again out and about on another sleepover!
This time a Lego Brick themed sleepover at Braintree Museum. Despite some frosty temperatures outside, the beavers were in amazing spirits playing various lego-theme games before getting tucked up in their sleeping bags.
We rounded off 2023 with a Xmas party of course! This included Christmas games and food, but the star of the show? The chocolate fountain obviously!
2024 kicked off with Civic Week . Learning about democracy and local government. This included the Beavers quizzing several local councillors, testing out the mayor’s chair and meeting bell, before getting a sneak peek at the City’s CCTV hub.
We took one giant leap into February with Space Week ! A fun evening spotting the International Space Station flying over Chelmsford, learning about the ISS & Mars Perseverance Rover, before exploring some famous constellations via pasta & marshmallows obviously!
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February also saw our 3[rd] overnight of the year with a Beavers Around the World themed camp ! After going through passport control, the Beavers had a great time taking part in a range of activities (abseiling, low ropes, wobbly ladder, and a nature walk). With the beavers all suitably tired from their various around the world exploits, we finished off with a nice in-flight meal & in-flight movie!
As we approached the start of Spring the Beavers Get Busy competition was upon us! As the reigning holders of the trophy 2[nd] Colony didn’t want to give up the title without a fight! The Beavers submitted entries including edible campfires and teddy sleeping bags. Our entry was capped off with a 3D camp diorama that included a treehouse made almost entirely out of lolly sticks! With competition fierce this year, the 2[nd] Colony were this years Runners Up, which was a fantastic achievement!
To end the term & welcome in the spring the Beavers headed over to Skreens Activity Centre for a very VERY windy and pretty wet Easter themed hike ! But despite the tough conditions the Easter Egg treat to finish saw smiles all round!
As we’ve entered the spring months the Beavers have continued to keep busy with Earth Day Celebrations , St George’s Day Parade & Games Week !
We’re all now looking forward to the summer months, where we have lots of other fun filled activities planned!
Also, a big thanks for all our parent helpers who have supported along the way!
Paul (Heron), Sarah (Otter) & Ruth (Kingfisher)
1[st] Broomfield Beavers 2[nd] Colony - Section Leaders
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Dinizulu Cub Pack Report (Thursdays) We started the summer term last year with 21 Cubs, over the course of the year that went up to 29 and after moving some Cubs on to Scouts we are ~~ss~~ back to 26, we have a new leader Leo Zanco, Mowgli which is fabulous, Leo was a young leader with us until he turned 18 yrs. and is now a full Leader.
The last year has been very busy, Cubs have learnt so many skills over the course of the year, we started with some Makaton, as part of their Disability Badge, we did fire lighting over at Riffhams and invested our newest members into the section. Cubs have learnt about map skills, and they went on their first unaccompanied hike, which was a great success, the chip shop pit stop mid-point was just enough to keep them going to get to the end, Cubs have since worked out their own hike route – some of these may take a while to complete! They discovered lots of interesting facts about Rainforests for Rainforest Day, and went hunting round the school field to work out how many different varieties of trees we have in the local area and the different levels they grow at to give us our ecosystem compared to that in a Rainforest. We went on a litter pick and decided that some areas of Broomfield are very well looked after and others need a lot more.
We went to the Gilwell Funday in June, Gilwell is the home of UK Scouting, and the Funday is for Beavers and Cubs across the UK, it was a brilliant day out, we did loads of activities, grass sledging, angry birds, rockets with water and air pressure some of the Cubs got wetter than others! rafting, pedal car racing, climbing, inflatable assault courses to name a few, and a picnic lunch with a Magician, we’re looking forwards to going again this year!
We had interesting night at Broomfield Cricket Club – we had been practising our throwing so lots of running was needed, now to brush up on our batting skills, thanks to Simon and Spencer for running this evening, it was a great way to end the term.
We had our first proper Summer Camp, over at Skreens, and we had the Scouts join us for some of the time which was great fun, Cubs got to put up their tents, they did some excellent pioneering – once we had worked out our clove hitches and square lashing and achieved some passable washing stands, then we had a great time Kayaking and getting wet! Cubs showered on camp! Thanks to Paddy and Shane the Scout leaders, Cubs did Angel throwing, Abseiling and Air rifles, they did some bushcraft skills and decorated their t-shirts from natural materials, they learnt a new game and brushed up the ancient art of Tree Climbing. Thanks to Martin and Siobhan for staying and helping with this camp. Then it was pack down and yes, the Cubs had to take their tents down themselves – they had watched the scouts earlier in the morning so it wasn’t too daunting.
During the Summer Holiday it was the South Korean World Scout Jamboree – you might have seen or heard some of the ‘news’ on that – well, we met in the HQ and did our best to join the UK Contingent via modern technology, we met for breakfast and made the South Korean flag – then had to hunt and find several other flags and put them together and work out what countries they were from. We listened to our Chief Scout Bear Grylls as he opened the World Scout Jamboree, he was very inspiring. and we played some international games on the field, Cubs wondered where the World Scout Jamboree will be when they are old enough to go?
We started back in September with Knots galore! And the Cubs who had been on Summer Camp had remembered most of how to do the clove hitch, so that was a start, especially when some of the older Cubs went to Situation Skreens, an activity day run by Essex County Scouts – it was a fantastic day and really got us thinking as a team, and we met with lots of Explorers who had been to the WSJ in South Korea so we were able to ask them about it – most said although it wasn’t what had been planned they had had a better time and really seen the capital and lots of culture by spending more time in the capital and meeting people. And when we got to the knot base – we nailed it – the explorers sat back
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and watched as the Cubs remembered their pioneering skills. Cubs have had a couple of sessions on our bouldering wall which was great, alongside Fencing with John -Thanks John!
Cubs did lots of things for the Broomfield Cottage Gardeners Autumn Show and we had some fabulous entries and winners for this, Well done cubs.
We had a visit from the local Policing Team who spoke to us about being safe, and then they let us try on their police vests, jackets, hats, riot gear and check out the police car and its siren! So much fun! Then after half term we did some Halloween activities, apple bobbing, doughnuts on string, and came up with some Firework safety posters ready for the weekend. Cubs made some excellent Remembrance posters with thoughtful reflections on them. Cubs had a go at ironing their scarves, and sewing on badges with the help of Sarah and Amy, as well as the young leaders too. We had an international night on America and tried some line dancing, learning about Thanksgiving and the story of the Mayflower and Pilgrims, and the Native Americans. We finished the term with a Christmas hike, on what seemed like the wettest day ever! The McD’s chips revived everyone and Cubs located all the Christmas items on the list. The following week we didn’t care what the weather did, as we enjoyed a chocolate fountain with yummy food and party games wearing our Christmas jumpers.
In January we went to the City Council Chambers and met some of the local Councillors who told us about what they did, and asked us for what we wanted for the city, we also went down into the basement of the building and saw the CCTV room – so many screens! And we spotted another Scout group going through the city centre. The district ran it’s Cub Handicraft Competition in March so several weeks saw Cubs making pine cone animals, potato print wrapping paper, more sun catchers, bird feeders, paper flowers and edible snowmen. It was the first time we’d entered this and it was really interesting to see what all the other Packs had done, a great effort Cubs. We also had a couple of nights learning about Money Skills with John, this was really good, and then just as Cubs thought they had sassed it, they had to budget for a camp meal and it needed to be healthy, this was quite challenging!
We also had our Camps, at Thriftwood where we had the Beavers join us for a day and they had a sleepover whilst we camped, it was a very busy camp! Cubs did science, lots of activities, we had a super campfire with the Beavers. Then we had another camp at Hockley and went to Belchamps for some activities, built some great shelters, made light sabres, Mandalorian Magnets, and our own Death Star, we made star constellations with spaghetti and marshmallows, we had lots of parents join us at different times over this camp which was fantastic help – thank you!
Our last camp was at Riffhams, oh it was a wet one!!, but not enough to stop Cubs! We had a lovely campfire with singing led by the Cubs, and marshmallows and smores, we did pioneering ballistas with varying degrees of success! We hiked out to Danbury fortunately at that point it had stopped raining and the sun appeared, Cubs voted on what to have for tea one night, they built more shelters – these were getting quite technical and played wide games in the woods. We watched the Jungle Book film one night which the Cubs enjoyed. Thanks to Siobhan and the parents who all pitched in at different points to help! It took 2 days when we got home for the tents to dry out!
We finished the term with an Easter Hunt at Skreens – again we’d booked the most wet and windy day to do this! Luckily no Cubs took off in the wind and all went home with their choccy Easter Eggs!
All in all, another action-packed year! We’re still learning and improving and wanting to do more, over the last year we have awarded 256 Badges, we have had two Cubs gain their Silver Chief Scout Award, which is the highest award a Cub can get, so Well done to Joe and Luke!
We thank all our parents who weekly come along and help out, and join us at camps, do consider joining us on a more regular basis, it doesn’t have to be every week and you know you’ll have fun!
We also thank our Young Leaders, Libby and Ewan, you inspire the Cubs more than you realise. Thank you! Dinizulu Leader Team Ruth, Leo and Sarah
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1st Broomfield Scout Group Reg Charity 1016433 Receipts and Payments Account For the year ended 31st December 2023 and payments 2022 2023 Notes Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds Receipts Donations, Legacies and similar Income Membership Subscriptions Donations Received Gift Aid Income for Youth programme and activities £7,417 £3.918 £0 £8,120 £8,185 £40 £2,618 £16,870 Grants Other Grant £2,867 £0 Fundralsing events (Grossl B¢x)k Sale Waste Paper income & Recyding Credits General Fundraising £6,339 £7,662 £0 £6.545 £3,776 £285 Sub Total Scout Hut Income Sale of Assels Hire of Building £100 £250 £0 £250 Sub Total Investment income Bank Interest £128 £369 Total Gross Income Asset and investment sales. etc. £0 £0 Total receipts 1 LT700002 (July 2021)
1st Broomfield Scout Group Reg. Charity 1016433 Receipts and Payments Account For the year ended 31st December 2023 Receipts and payments 2022 2023 Notes Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds Payments Charitable Payments Membership Fees paid to District Youth programme and activities Refunds Issued on Activities 10 Adult SupFKJrt & Training Wastepaper Skip Charges Waste Disposal Water & Sewerage 11 Electricity & Gas Insurance 12 Repairs & Renewals 13 Materials & Equipment Printing & Photocopying Unrfoms AGM & Trustee Expenses OSM Bank Charges Cleaning 14 Donations made Badges -£2.963 17,250 4.731 20,806 £0 -£80 -£2.290 395 168 -£383 -£330 742 1,475 8,168 2.332 -£79 -£625 153 530 432 1,032 2,105 519 522 242 443 353 1,032 1,763 -£107 -£634 -£168 JJ 1,763 -£1,506 Fund Raising Expenses Fund Raising Expenses 67 167 Total Gross Expenditure Asset and investment purchases etc. Major Building costs £0 -£1.660 Total payments Net Receipts/(Payments) 4,464 1,246 Cash funds last year end £57,987 £53,524 Cash funds this year end 2 LT700002 (July 2021)
1st Broomfield Scout Group Reg. Charity 1016433 Receipts and Payments Account Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 2022 2023 Notes Unrestrithd funds Unrostrictèd funds Cash funds Bank current account £2.239 £2,429 Bank deposil accounts Bank Notice Account £27,533 £23,752 £24.849 £25.000 Total cash funds (agree balan with receipts and payments account} ok ok Non-monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock Unifom Stock £450 £500 £495 £700 Land and buildings £389,000 £389,000 Scouting equipment, fvmiture etc (depreciated at 5% p.a.) Other £42.533 £40,903 Sub total Assets 15 Expenses incurred but not invoiced £0 £0 Sub total £0 £0 Total Group Assets The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 2024 (the date of the Executive Committee meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by Signature Name OF4 Treasurer.................................................................................................................... 3 LT700002 (July 2021)
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of I" Broomfield Scout Group Scout CounciL I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1st Broomfield Scout Group for the year ended 31" December 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Scout Group. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chariknes Act 2011 I'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the 1st Broomfield Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have folLowed aLL the applicabLe Directions given by the Charity Commission under secknon 1451Sllbl of the ACL Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no materiaL matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to bekneve that in any materiaL respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 1st BroomfieLd Scout Group as required by section 130 of the ACL or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shouLd be drawn in this report in orderto enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name.. ALun PoweLI ReLevant professionaL quaLification or membership of professional bodies {if any): Economist Address: 14 Butlers Close. BroomfieLd, Chelmsford CM 17BE Date: 18 r-f¥pa lo 14