## **Watford North District Scout Council** ## **Trustee’s Report 2023** During 2023 so much has happened, changed, and is still developing! There are however constants that shine out – a passion for Scouting, dedication from leaders, supporters and of course those taking part at all levels and ages. Watford North has shown resilience and determination through difficult times, and we are certain that as we transform into the future there will be no lowering of standards nor lack of intention to succeed. It has been a busy year – as ever! Lees Wood, our amazing camp site, continues to look to the future. Plans to improve and update are underway with building plans submitted and the appointment of a dedicated fundraising team to develop ideas to fund the plans for the site. This valuable resource is cared for by a great team of volunteers committed to its future. The District is in a good place financially managed so ably by Andrew Reeve. Whilst there has been increases in both the County and National Capitation Fees for 2023, we have managed to limit the District rate to a very modest increase. The District is led by David Collette, a lifelong member of the Scout Movement who brings vision, patience and dedication along with hours of hard work to ensure that Watford North not only thrives but is a happy place delivering Scouting at its best. A 10% increase in membership across the District speaks for itself. My thanks go to David and to Andrew from us all. Members from Watford North were amongst the young people who attended the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. This presented exciting & wonderful experiences for all involved. The weather unfortunately intervened! This did not stop our members adapting to make the best of a very difficult situation. All returned safely with stories and above all with smiles! Watford North has a new Group – the 7[th ] North Watford. This is Muslim led based in Gammons Lane. An exciting addition to the District and offering new opportunities to bring Scouting to more young people. Next year’s Census will reflect the membership in this new Group. Activities through out the District continued during the year – District Cub Camp, Beavers Construction, Night Owls Competition, Beaver’s Day Trip, the North Star Challenge, Cubs London Day Out, Scouts Green Beret Competition and so much more on a weekly basis. Explorers and Network took part the County led Peak Assault and London Monopoly. 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 & above all to ensure a united District. Watford North is doing well & a District of which we are all very proud! **Margaret F. Howard** WATFORD NORTH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL (CHARITY No. 1017809) FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INCOME Membership Subscriptions DonationslGrants Activrties Fund Raising Jamboree Bank Interest Sundry Lochearnhead 2024 44,528.69 1,184.00 20,061.14 761.57 4,612.58 154.69 11,492.70 3,550.00 Total 86,345.37 EXPENDITURE Membership Subscriptions Donations Activities Jamboree Fund Raising District Team Expenses Equipment Training AGM Subscriptions Insurances l Licences Sundry Lochearnhead 2024 Transfer to Savings 31,053.50 760.00 24,466.83 6,434.97 54.00 1,143.94 1,817.17 0.00 170.69 76.25 400.77 3,433.87 1,395.00 10,271.00 Total £81,477.99 de en t Examiner, Re ort on the Ac Report to the tnESteeshnernbers of tford North District Scout Counul Charity No 1017809 On acMunts for the year ended 31° December 2023 Resp•otlv• Msponslbllltlos ol trust••s and •xamln•r he Charit￿s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the aco)unts. The charivs trustees conslder that an audit is not required for thls year undei seclion 144 of the Chariks Act 2011 Ithe Charibes Acll and that an independent examInal￿n is needed. It is my responsibility to:. ' examine the a¢xounts under 8ecllon 145 of the CharMte8 A( • to follow the PrOc￿￿leS lald down in the general Directions glven by the Charlty Commission lundei seGtion145151{bl ol the Charrties Act). and • to stste whether particular matters have ￿me to my attention. B•sls of Ind•p•nd•nt •xamln•r's $tat•m•nt My examination was Carr￿d out in accoidance with general Diiectlons given by the Charity Commlsslon. An examinatlon include8 a rev*ew of the ac£ountlng records kept by the chartty and a comparlson of the accounts presented whh th050 rec4)rds. 11 also Includes conslderation of any unusual lemi$ or dlsclosures In the a¢r￿unts. and seeking eXplana￿On5 from the trustee8 COn￿rnIng any suth matters. The procedures undertaken do not provk4e all the evidence that would be requlred In an audll, and consequently no oplnion Is given a8 to hether the aLrounls present a'true and fair, vbw and the report is Ilmlted to those matters sel out In the statement ￿lOW. Ind•ynd•Tht •xamln•r stat•m•n¢ In connectlon wlh my examlnalon, no matter ha8 come lo my att8ntlon'. l) whlth glve8 me rea80nable cau8e to belleve that In, any material resped. the requirements.. . to keep aceounllng reo)rd8 In aceordanL¥ wKh 8ectlon 130 01 the Charities Acl., . to prepare accounts whlth a￿ord wtth the •rxountbng rècords and comply wlth the accountlng requlrements of the Charities Act have not been mel,. OT 2) to whlth. In my oplnlon, attentlon should be drawn In order to enable a proper under8tandlng of the accounts to be reached. Slgned Date 8 Jun6 2024 Namg Chrlstlne Hlr*ey Addre88 182, Devon Road Lulon Beds LU2 ORL