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Watford North District Scout Council
Trustees Report 2021
It is a pleasure to report that life...and Scouting in Watford North ... is getting back to normal! As we bounce back and recover from the Pandemic the UK and British Scouting overseas is showing record growth of some 16%; the biggest since World War II. The numbers are so encouraging - 360 000 has become 420 000 - with our biggest youth membership growth in 80 years! This speaks volumes about everything that we are offering young people at all levels of the Scouting Movement.
I am pleased to report that Watford North has been a part of this growth increasing membership numbers of young people from 519 to 552; a rise of 6%. Really good news and validating, as always, the work that is done within the District to support and encourage our young people.
The Watford North has 9 Groups, 9 Beaver Colonies, 11 Cub Packs, 9 Scout Troops, 3 Explorer Units, 1 Network Unit and 2 Active Service Units ... much to be proud of and to be celebrated.
The task of finding adult leaders continues and does hamper more growth; we have 195 adult leaders, and this is down from 234 in 2020! However, the waiting list has been reduced from 110 to 59 which is good news and yet more evidence of the amazing work taking place. We are continually looking for new members to join the District. Roles are so varied and there really is something for everyone. The span and depth of activity in Watford North is startling and the more you look the more you find!
The District is busy and thriving thanks to the tireless work of our adult leaders led most ably by our District Commissioner David Collette. David’s passion for Scouting has been lifelong and he leads with enthusiasm, solid knowledge and above all with direction and a clear understanding of what needs to be done. The District is in such good shape thanks, in part, to his dedication and my thanks go to David from us all.
We will again be supporting 6 young people who are going to the World Scout Jamboree to be held in South Korea in 2023. Exciting and wonderful opportunities for all involved.
Places to meet are now secure with new leases – huge thanks to Roger Sands and to local councillors for their assistance. The last of the new leases is with
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solicitors and will be finalised shortly. A lot of work has been done to ensure the future of Groups who rely on their meeting places and without the care and attention that has been given many would have been in jeopardy. Thank you, Roger!
It’s taking time but we are delighted to see that all sections are returning to camping and to the many outdoor activities enjoyed by Scouts. Thanks must go to the extraordinary efforts made by leaders to restore confidence and rejuvenate lost passions. The District Camp was a big success and congratulations to all who helped to make this happen. The past two years have been challenging for us all and it is lovely to see youngsters out and about rekindling past enthusiasms.
Lees Wood is a wonderful part of the District. A Strategy Planning Team was set up to look at the site and its needs both now and in the future. This is working well, we have seen short, medium and now long term projects taking shape proving that mountains can be moved and that voices will be heard to create and execute meaningful plans. The future of Lees Wood is looking good!
Finally, a huge thank you to the Executive Committee Members who give freely of their time to ensure that problems are swiftly solved, accounts are managed, support offered where needed and above all to ensure a united District. Andrew Reeve crunches the numbers and Berniece Newlan the words...thank you to you both for your hard work and the support you give me on a regular basis.
……Watford North is doing well and a beacon for Scouting!
Margaret F. Howard
WATFORD NORTH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL (CHARITY No. 1017809)
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Membership Subscriptions | 35,000.66 |
| Donations/Grants | 500.00 |
| Activities | 10,597.96 |
| Fund Raising | 247.64 |
| Jamboree | 600.00 |
| Bank Interest | 1.39 |
| Sundry | 4,905.96 |
| Total | 51,853.61 |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Membership Subscriptions | 26,592.54 |
| Donations | 0.00 |
| Activities | 11,280.17 |
| Jamboree | 0.00 |
| Fund Raising | 231.64 |
| District Team Expenses | 859.32 |
| Equipment | 224.93 |
| Training | 170.00 |
| AGM | 0.00 |
| Subscriptions | 35.00 |
| Insurances / Licences | 281.49 |
| Sundry | 2,294.96 |
| Transfer to Savings | 3,195.96 |
| Total | £45,166.01 |
Inde endent Examiner's Re ort on the Accounts Report to the Irusleeslmembers of Watford North District Scout Counc41 Charity No 1017809 On accounts for the year ended 31$¢ December 2021 Respgctive responsibilities of trustees and examingr The charity's Iruslees 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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Chaiities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility to'.- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act lo follow the procedures laid down in the general Direelions given by the Charity Commission lunder section14515llbl of the Charities Act), and lo stale whether particular mattets have come lo my attention. Basis of independent examiner's ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the ChaTity 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 indudes consideration of any unusual lemis or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanatsons from the trustees (x)llcerning 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 lo whether the accounts present a 'lrue and fair, view and the report is limited lo those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examingr's ststgment In connection with my examination, no matter has come lo my allenlion: 11 which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in. any material respect, the requirements.. lo keep accounting records in aOrdanCe with section 130 of the Charities Act., to prepare accounts which accord with the 8CCOUllting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Char(ties Act have not been mel,. or 2) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Signed Date Name 18lh March 2022 Christine Hickey Address 182, Devon Road Lulon Beds LU2 ORL