## **South East Berkshire District Scout Council** District Registration No: 10213 ## **The 41st Annual General Meeting** **Zoom Meeting:** Registration Link: https://zoom.us/j/4315898450 Meeting ID 431 589 8450, password BP98451234 Tuesday 13[th] July 2021 ## **South East Berkshire District Scout Council** ## **41[st] Annual General Meeting** To be held via Zoom - Meeting ID 431 589 8450, password BP98451234 https://zoom.us/j/4315898450 ## **Tuesday 13[th] July 2021 7.45pm for an 8.00pm start** ## **AGENDA** 1. Introduction and welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. To approve the minutes of the 40[th] AGM held on 24[th] September 2020 4. The District Commissioner’s Review of Scouting in South East Berkshire District 5. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Executive Committee including the annual Statement of the Accounts 6. To approve the District Commissioner’s Nomination of the District Chair 7. Election of the District Secretary 8. Election of the District Treasurer 9. Elect or reselect persons to the District Scout Council on the recommendation of the District Commissioner and the District Executive Committee 10. Election of members to the District Executive Committee 11. To approve the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Executive Committee 12. Elections of Group Scouters to represent the District on Berkshire County Scout Council 13. To appoint the Independent Examiner 14. Presentations 15. Comments by County Commissioner or their representative 16. Close of Meeting Page **2** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## **3. Minutes of the 40[th] Annual General Meeting** _held via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions._ ## _**Thursday 24[th] September 2020 at 8.00pm**_ _1._ _**Welcome:** Steve Richards (District Commissioner) welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending via Zoom, a first for a SE Berks AGM. Present: Nigel Bevan (County Commissioner), Sally Bangs (AGSL & BSL 2[nd] Bracknell), Peter Christmas (ESL 1[st] Binfield & DoE Adviser), Oliver Fisher (ADC Beavers & BSL 1[st] Binfield), Tony Fulford (DASU Manager & District Vice-President), Petra Hardie (District Secretary), Fiona Jones (GSL 1[st] South Ascot), Michael King (Chair 1[st] Sunningdale), Dale Kipp (District Executive), Margaret Kemp (District Executive & Scout Shop Manager), Karan Mehra (District Treasurer), Bob Meldrum (ACC Activities), Andrew Moss (CSL 2[nd] Bracknell), Michael Parker (GSL The Parks), Alex Richards (ADC Scouts & ASL 2[nd] Bracknell), Derek Salter (ADC Support, AGSL 2[nd] Bracknell & District Vice-President), Betty Scurry (District Scouter – Cubs & District VicePresident), Peter Scurry (DASU Member & District Vice-President), Katrina Shepherd (District Beaver Leader), Alex Sizeland (GSL 1[st] Binfield), Sam Winterson (District Executive & Earlywood Management Board), Grant Wyatt (Group Treasurer 1[st] Sunningdale)._ _**2. Apologies:** Apologies were received from the following people: Gerald Hill (DASU Member & District Vice President), Jane Hills (DASU Member), Cathryn Joiner (DASU), Steve Prower (GSL 2[nd] Bracknell & District Vice President), James Wood (GSL 1[st] Sunningdale)._ _**3. To approve the Minutes of the 39[th] Annual General Meeting held on 11[th] June 2019** The Minutes were circulated prior to the meeting and elicited no comments. They were proposed by Tony Fulford and seconded by Sally Bangs. All attendees accepted the Minutes as a fair and accurate record via a show of hands._ ## _**4. To receive the District Commissioner’s Review of Scouting in South East Berkshire District**_ _A copy of the District Commissioner’s Review and all section reports are in the Annual Report. All Sections are progressing well with the Risk Assessments required prior to a full return to Scouting. The District is fortunate in being able to draw on experience within to support Groups in getting the Risk Assessments signed off._ _**5. The District Treasurer’s overview of the accounts for the financial year** A copy of the accounts for the financial year were circulated prior to the meeting to the Executive Committee. There were no questions. Karan noted that the aim of the District is to support as many Groups as possible with their activities but that is proving difficult in the current environment. The DC thanked Karan for his report._ _**6. To Approve the Annual Report and statement of accounts of the Trustees** The District Executive Committee, as Trustees, had approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts. The DC asked for someone to propose that the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts be accepted. It was proposed by Tony Fulford, seconded by Derek Salter and unanimously agreed that they be accepted._ _**7. To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination for District Chairman** The DC had not been able to find anyone to take on this position and so the role of Chairman remains vacant. The Chairman asked all present to consider if they would be willing to step into the role or to advise if they know anyone who would be willing to be considered._ Page **3** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## _**8. Election of District Secretary**_ _Petra Hardie has offered to stand as District Secretary, having recently left the role of Group Secretary for 1[st] Sunningdale. There have been no other nominations. Steve Richards nominated, and Tony Fulford seconded, all were unanimously in favour._ _**9. Election of District Treasurer** Karan Mehra has been proposed by Steve Richards and seconded by Margaret Kemp. There have been no other nominations. The Chairman asked for approval from the floor and this was agreed by a unanimous show of hands._ _**10. To elect persons to the District Executive Committee** In accordance with POR rule 4.25 f ii, the meeting must agree the number of persons who may be elected from the District Scout Council. The District Executive Committee has recommended that this be SIX and this was agreed by a show of hands._ _The following people were formally proposed and seconded by the due date:_ _Margaret Kemp Dale Kipp Steve Prower Alex Richards Derek Salter Sam Winterson_ _These people were approved by a show of hands to serve on the District Executive Committee._ ## _**11. To note the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Executive Committee**_ _The District Commissioner has not at this point nominated anyone._ ## _**12. To note intended co-options to the District Executive Committee**_ _The District Executive Committee will at their next meeting, or at any future meeting, coopt members onto the Executive. Currently there are none._ ## _**13. Confirmation of South East Berkshire District’s nominations to Berkshire County Scout Council**_ _The following nominations have been received to act as representatives on Berkshire County Scout Council: Carolyne Brambley as adult representative, and Simon Quantrell as youth representative. All had been proposed by Tony Fulford and seconded by Alex Sizeland and were approved by a show of hands._ _**14. To appoint an Independent Examiner** The Chairman thanked Mark Sayers who had examined the Accounts again this year. Mark has kindly agreed to being nominated again, by Karan Mehra, and seconded by Betty Scurry for the ensuing year. This was unanimously agreed by a show of hands._ ## _**15. Presentations**_ _There have been no physical presentations recently due to social distancing restrictions, but the Annual Report shows a list of those who have received awards over the past year. The Scout Association have only recently returned to work so are dealing with a backlog of paperwork which is holding up some of the certification. The District Commissioner is planning on visiting Groups and making physical presentations as soon as possible. Congratulations to all of those who have been recognised for their contribution to Scouting._ Page **4** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## _**16. The County Commissioner, Nigel Bevan**_ _Nigel acknowledged the different circumstances for the meting and was pleased to see so many people involved. The Section Reports were encouraging and is pleased to see a return to the usual Scouting activities as soon as possible. Most of this financial year relates to the pre lockdown period so he noted that next years reports are going to be challenging. It is good to see the Risk Assessments being completed allowing Young People to engage in outdoor activities. Nigel advised that the County have refocussed on how best they can support Sections and Groups and have identified six areas:_ _1. Adult volunteers – there is likely to be a loss of volunteers due to changes in personal circumstances, so County are looking at how to retain and recruit adult volunteers._ _2. Young people – changes anticipated again so recruitment is a focus._ _3. Programme – the County website has ready made programmes that can be used by all Groups._ _4. Meeting areas/ HQ’s – tips and ideas that Groups have found useful and have_ - _worked well are on the County website._ _5. Finance – County are focusing on a Hardship Fund for Groups that are struggling and to widen out access to County funds. Also, 25% of Groups were not registered for Gift Aid, this has now been addressed._ _6. Mandatory Training – HQ is pushing hard on this following the recent tragedy and its good to see that all Groups are fulfilling this requirement._ _Steve Richards noted that all Groups had applied for the local Grants and £60,000 have been received within the District._ ## _**19. Closing remarks**_ _The DC closed the formal part of the evening, thanking everyone for attending and for their support over the past 12 months. We all hope that restrictions will ease, and we can get back to normal. Scouting has survived for 113 years and we will get through this and be able to meet in person again soon._ _The meeting closed at 8.30pm._ ## **4. DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW OF SCOUTING IN SOUTH EAST BERKSHIRE** I started my report last year with ‘To say that it has been an interesting year is probably an understatement!’ I am sure you will agree that since then things have continued in a similar vein, which makes it all the more commendable that the Leaders in SE Berks have on the whole been able to continue providing Scouting to our young people, whether that be by Zoom, using Facebook and other social media, and face to face when Government regulations allowed. So, a big THANK YOU for all your efforts, let’s hope that come September we can get back to something like normal Scouting. I’d also like to thank everyone for submitting the relevant Risk Assessments and Activity Notifications, which help to ensure that we are operating in accordance with Scout Association rules and regulations. Despite the pandemic, the annual Scout census took place at the end of January and, although our number of young people decreased by 13.5%, this was the second lowest District decrease in Berkshire, and well below the national average of about 24%. As you will see elsewhere in the Annual Report, Beavers decreased the most. Hopefully, when we get back to regular face to face Scouting these numbers will increase. The Scout Association will be conducting a ‘light’ census this October, so that they can see how numbers are compared with January. It is pleasing that face to face Scouting is now making a return, and I am sure that we are all looking forward to when the various restrictions that have been in place for so long are lifted. Page **5** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** As you will probably be aware, we lost several long-standing members of the District over the last year: Peter Minchin, John Allen, Julie Woo and Dean Wood. They had all made a tremendous contribution to Scouting over many years and are sadly missed. Looking forward, County are organising ALPS2, hopefully we will have several attending from our District. Also in 2022, the World Scout Moot will be taking place in Ireland. We have one participant from the District going, I’m sure he will have a great time. We also have two members attending as IST. As you will know, WINGS 2020 was originally postponed until 2021, and then subsequently cancelled completely. There is no news yet on when the next WINGS will take place. Thank you again for all that you have done in what have been extremely difficult circumstances, I feel sure that out young people have benefited greatly from your efforts. Yours in Scouting, and stay safe, ## **Steve Richards** _District Commissioner_ ## **5. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE INCLUDING THE ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS** There has not been much activity over the last year due to the Covid restrictions. The increase in the District’s funds is the grants received from the Council. These grants will hopefully allow to kick start scouting in our district in the coming year. The District also decided to forego the capitation from the annual subscription for 2021. ## **Karan Mehra** District Treasurer **District Executive Committee Trustees 2020/21** Chair _vacant_ Secretary Petra Hardie Treasurer Karan Mehra Ex Officio District Commissioner Steve Richards District Scout Network Commissioner _vacant_ District Explorer Scout Leader _vacant_ District Youth Commissioner _vacant_ Elected 1. Margaret Kemp 2. Dale Kipp 3. Steve Prower 4. Alex Richards 5. Derek Salter 6. Sam Winterson Nominated None Examiner of Accounts Mark Sayers Bankers (a) Nat West Bank plc (b) Virgin Money (c) HSBC plc (d) CAF Bank Page **6** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** tyffjtrict Re0stratlL¥) No. 10213 Charlty Regtstratlrth No. 1021251 lorth ar l*tA ru 202010 Totsl Receiptsfoi theyeaf Totsl E￿pend￿U¢Q ltsrtr￿ year Not movement In lund5 E50,370.79 -21,920.47 £28.49).32 £57.578,93 .E47,124.99 £10.453S4 Cash & Bank broyht forwaTd £xsn.c8 £85,457.72 Mtyements in Earlywood Dep￿1 aryl Th)n£athltems IncludL4d Dbove -£857.95 4.334.57 C&th, ÈankaThl sknlltrluhds Carl￿ fr￿Ward £1￿.169.16 £915YY.fj9 31. 2019 2020 E46.395.95 £28.779.62 £E.STI.96 £37.415S3 119.169.46 E24,-149. É31,(M)4.40 £6,637.89 E29.5B4.93 It5￿P A¢￿U￿t DASLIAccount 7ewJ70iniconv of the5￿th E¢WBerk%hi￿DIstrirtSwJt(1Wjnti￿. Ho*Ywer. tht otsers (ArenotcGntrolled dlreulybythesouth lastBerk5hwvLb5trttt&outCoiw*ll. t£h8ifdb* Tlustees b Cl8trirlCornrnwir siévè Rtha Hg¢K¥¥y D1$wT￿ls￿lI K8r8n Wf¥ Page 7 of 21 41" Annual Gènèral Meètlng- 13 July 2021 ## **Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021** ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** ## **MONETARY ASSETS** |**2020/2021**
**District Executive Account**
Nat West current account
£32,985.63
Virgin Bank
£13,410.32
**£46,395.95**
District Exec. movement in funds
£22,046.08
_Represents_
District Funds
£27,939.85
Restricted Funds
£16,358.30
International
£2,097.80
**£46,395.95**
**Scout Shop Account**
Nat West current account
£8,154.76
Virgin Bank
£20,557.52
Cash in hand
£67.34
**£28,779.62**
_Scout Shop movement in funds_
‐£2,224.78
**District Active Support Unit (formerly District Fellowship)**
Nat West current account
£1,284.64
Virgin Money
£5,292.75
Cash in hand
£0.57
**£6,577.96**
_DASU movement in funds_
‐£59.93
**Earleywood Account**
HSBC current account
£39,437.55
Stripe Balance
£493.22
Cash in hand
£10.00
Cheques outstanding
Cheques not cleared
‐£2,524.84
**£37,415.93**
_Earleywood movement in funds_
£7,831.00
Represents|**2019/2020**
£11,024.69
£13,325.18
**£24,349.87**
£3,785.87
£17,493.77
£4,758.30
£2,097.80
**£24,349.87**
£10,406.34
£20,480.72
£117.34
**£31,004.40**
‐£416.32
£3,378.78
£3,258.54
£0.57
**£6,637.89**
£1,053.70
£31,603.11
£10.00
‐£2,028.18
**£29,584.93**
£1,696.12| |---|---| ||| Page **8** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** |Transfer from Berkshire County
Deposits & Prepayments
Accumulated Operating Income/Expenditure
Restricted reserves
**Total Monetary Assets**|£6,413.89
£1,250.25
£25,751.39
£4,375.40
**£37,790.93**
**£119,169.46**|£6,413.89
£2,483.20
£17,062.44
£4,375.40
**£30,334.93**
**£91,577.09**| |---|---|---| Page **9** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** |**Consolidated Receipts**|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**For the year 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021**|||||||||| ||||||||||| |**RECEIPTS**|||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| |MembershipSubscriptions||||||£2,915.50|||| ||||||||||| |**District**|||||||||| |Bank Interest(Virgin)|£85.14|||||£80.00|||| |International Funds||||||£1,451.43|||| |Grants|£20,097.42||||||||| |Donations|£173.71||||||||| |Wings 2020 Refund|£1,600.00||||||||| |**Scout Shop**|||||||||| |Sales|£3,515.79|||||£15,064.20|||| |Bank Interest|£76.80|||||£146.19|||| |**District ASU**|||||||||| |Subscriptions||||||£170.00|||| |Scout ShopDividend|£5.86|||||£4.64|||| |Interest|£34.21||||||||| |Donation(inc Gift Aid)||||||£63.96|||| |Downshire Golf Club|||||||||| |Brass Band Concert|||||||||| |Ascot Round Table||||||£900.00|||| |Annual subscription rebate|||||||||| ||||||||||| |**Earleywood**|||||||||| |Site Fees incl ClimbingWall & CampingFees|£4,612.30|||||£36,584.01|||| |Badge Sales/Miscellaneous|£738.56|||||£199.00|||| |Grants|£19,431.00||||||||| |Extraordinaryincome|||||||||| ||||||||||| |**Total Receipts**|||||||||| Page **10** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** |**Consolidated Expenditure**||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**For theyear 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021**||||||||||||| |||||||||||||| |**Expenditure**|||||||||**2019/2020**|||| |**District**||||||||||||| |Secretarial & Administration|£409.41|||||||£171.95||||| |AGM||||||||£114.05||||| |Restricted Funds(WSJ Deposits)||||||||||||| |Insurance(Inc shoprebate)|£100.78|||||||£97.04||||| |District Expenses|||||||||||£383.04|| |||||||||||||| |||||||||||||| |**Beaver Scout Section**||||||||||||| |Badges & Medals||||||||||||| |Newton Coaches ‐ Beavers Challenge||||||||||||| |Gilwell Funday||||||||£252.99|||£252.99|| |||||||||||||| |**Cub Scout Section**||||||||||||| |WSJ 2019 Surplus||||||||||||| |Wings 2020 Surplis||||||||||||| |Cub Fun day||||||||||||| |||||||||||||| |**Scout Section**||||||||||||| |Wings 2020||||||||‐£344.09||||| |Eurojam|‐£600.00|||||||£600.00||||| |Earltwood CampingDay||||||||£325.20||||| |Badges & Certificates||||||||||||| |WSJ 2019 Surplus||||||||‐£556.08||||£25.03| |||||||||||||| |**Scout Shop**||||||||||||| |Stock Purchases|£2,741.13|||||||£13,295.95||||| |Insurance|£475.54|||||||£445.32||||| |Dividend|£1,075.49|||||||£856.72||||| |ShopExpenses & Credit Card Charges|£519.57|||||||£566.44||||| |HQCosts|£352.03|||||||£144.00||||| |Electricity|£653.61|||||||£348.28||£15,656.71||| |||||||||||||| |**District ASU**||||||||||||| |MeetingExpenses||||||||||||| |Devonshire Golf Club ‐ Meals||||||||||||| |Scarves,Flags & Badges||||||||£54.24||||| |Cub Cake||||||||||||| |Donations|£100.00|||||||£50.00|||£104.24|| |||||||||||||| |**Earleywood**||||||||||||| |Insurance|£6,230.70|||||||£6,443.99||||| |Utilities|£3,004.96|||||||£5,731.41||||| |Maintenance|£3,839.70|||||||£10,971.06||||| |Cleaning|£1,350.00|||||||£2,897.72||||| |Activities,Badges & Misc Equipment|£1,387.10|||||||£3,047.77||||| |Miscellaneous Other|‐£94.55|||||||£1,236.03||||| |Depreciation|£375.00|||||||£375.00||||| |Extra‐ordinaryexpenditure||||||||||£30,702.98||| |||||||||||||| |**Total Expenditure**||||||||||£47,124.99||| Page **11** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the SOUTH EAST BERKSHIRE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL** I report on the accounts of the South East Berkshire District Scout Council for the year ended 31[st] March 2021, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees for my examination work. ## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner** The District’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts [under Section 145 of the Charities Act]; - To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners [under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and - To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the District and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention. - 1) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records - 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Mark Sayers Qualifications: Chartered Financial Planner & Chartered MCSI Chartered Wealth Manager FPFS, ACIB, CFPTM Chartered MCSI Address: 6 Bedfordshire Down, Warfield Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 3UA. Date: 6[th] June 2021. Page **12** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** |**Membership 2021**|**Total**
**Members**|**Beavers**|**Cubs**|**Scouts**|**Adults**|**Active**
**Support**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |1st Ascot|59|10|18|15|16|| |1st Binfield|110|24|33|38|15|| |2nd Bracknell|139|43|46|20|30|1| |4th Bracknell|56|11|11|23|11|| |6th Bracknell|42|13|11|6|12|| |1st South Ascot|88|20|28|23|17|| |1st Sunningdale|94|24|24|30|16|| |1st Warfield|51|13|18|10|10|| |The Parks|44|9|13|5|17|| |District Scouts Network|20|||||| |Explorers|54|||||| |District ASUs|18|||||| |Officers|0|||||| |Commissioners|1|||||| |District Leaders|2|||||| |Administrators|0|||||| |||||||| |**Total**|**778**|**167**|**202**|**170**|**144**|**1**| ## **6. Approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair** Dale Kipp ## **7. Election of the District Secretary** Petra Hardie ## **8. Election of the District Treasurer** Karan Mehra ## **9. Elect or reselect persons to the District Scout Council on the recommendation of the District Commissioner and the District Executive Committee** None ## **10. Election of members to the District Executive Committee** Margaret Kemp Steve Prower Alex Richards Steve Ricketts Derek Salter Sam Winterson Page **13** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## **11. To approve the DC’s nominations to the District Executive Committee** None ## **12. Elections of Group Scouters to represent the District on Berkshire County Scout Council** Carolyne Brambley Simon Quantrell ## **13. To appoint an Independent Examiner** Mark Sayers ## **14. Presentations** ## **15. Comments by County Commissioner or their representative** Page **14** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** ## **BEAVER SCOUT SECTION REVIEW 2020/2021** No one would have predicted the impact Covid-19 would have had on Scouting and our Young People. The lockdown meant that face to face activities remained suspended for the majority of the year, the move to remote scouting was a challenge, especially for the Beaver age group. Online meetings were run by a majority of the colonies throughout the first half of the year, this offered our Young People the ability to carry on with Scouting activities, as well as providing a way for them to engage with their friends they were not able to meet up with. Thank you to all the leaders who ran these sessions. Many of our colonies did return to face to face Scouting for some of the year, although there was a noticeable reduction in the number of Beavers returning to Scouting. I am hopeful that the numbers start to increase as we return to normality. Even during this unusual year I am pleased to report that across the District we have still managed to award 40 Beavers with their Chief Scout Bronze Award, this is an amazing achievement. I would like to thank all the Leaders and our Beavers for their perseverance during this year, I hope that we can get together as a District in the not too distant future. Oliver Fisher _Assistant District Commissioner – Beaver Scouts_ ## **CUB SCOUT SECTION - ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21** In spite of lockdown most Packs have been continuing to function by using Zoom and arranging outdoor activities. Most Cubs are new young ones who have come up from Beavers. Despite the recent poor weather conditions, outdoor activities have been varied and all Leaders should be commended for using their imagination to provide an interesting programme and keeping their Packs motivated and keen to continue with Scouting activities. Many packs have been using Earleywood and making the most of climbing, crate stacking, fire lighting and even cooking. Betty Scurry _District Cub Leader_ ## **SCOUT SECTION REVIEW** At the time of the Annual Census in January, the various Scout Troops around the District were generally in reasonably good shape, despite the number of Scouts in the District decreasing from 196 to 170 over the last year. This was obviously due to the pandemic, and we are hopeful that our numbers will increase as the year progresses and we get back to ‘normal’ Scouting. This year, most Troops from the District should have been attending WINGS, postponed form last year. Sadly, along with various other events, WINGS was cancelled completely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a new date has not yet been set, but it is unlikely to be before 2024. Page **15** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** Finally, I would like to thank all the Leaders and adults who have supported our Scout Troops over the last year, especially over such a difficult time. ## **Alex Richards** _Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)_ ## **EXPLORER SCOUT REVIEW** There are now seven Groups in South East Berkshire have an active Explorer Unit attached to them; 1st Ascot (All Saints), 1st Binfield, 1st Sunningdale, 2nd Bracknell, 4th Bracknell, 6th Bracknell and, since April this year, 1[st] South Ascot. In normal circumstances, they would all hold weekly meetings during term-time, however this has obviously been somewhat restricted over the past year. Thankfully, thins are now looking up, and I am sure all our Explorers are looking forward to getting back to regular meetings. Obviously, WINGS did not take place last year, having been postponed until this year. Sadly, that too fell victim to the continuing pandemic. I'd like to thank all the District Explorer Leaders, and other adults, for all you have been doing for the Explorers in SE Berkshire, and we all look forward to happier times. ## **Steve Richards** _District Commissioner_ ## **SCOUT NETWORK REVIEW** As I’ve said in past reviews, Network is a difficult Section to work with compared to the other Sections, as many of the Unit are away most of the year at university which means numbers and interest for activities are low. While Network are less active than other Sections, being in Network does keep people in touch with Scouting, especially if they are away at university, and they will hopefully return to a more active Scouting role at some point in the future One positive development at Network level has been at 1[st] Sunningdale. Several of their Explorers had turned 18, but wanted to continue in Scouting. The solution was for form a Group Network unit, the first in the District. It will be interesting to see how this works out, and maybe something for other Groups to consider. ## **Steve Richards** _District Commissioner_ ## **DISTRICT SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT UNIT REVIEW** “There’s nothing **to** report.” That was my first thought when I started to think about what I might say. And there is a certain amount of truth in that statement. We haven’t been able to help at any District Scout events as we usually do because there haven’t been any. Nor have we been able to assist at WINGS or Gang Show or make what has become a regular annual trip for many of us to hear the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra. All cancelled. The same fate beheld other non-Scouting events where we had been regular helpers, such as The Moat Gardens at Windsor Castle and Ascot fireworks. Even our much-loved Annual New Year Dinner had to go by the board. Page **16** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** However there were some positives. Our Chairman decided that we must all keep in touch and, like many others, he embarked upon a steep learning curve and set up Zoom meetings. Thus we were all kept up to date with everything that was (or wasn’t!) happening in the Scouting world We even had extra meetings to mark Founder’s Day on 22[nd] February and St..George’s Day on 23[rd] April. Also Margaret Kemp managed to continue to run the Scout Shop from her own home with orders being emailed to her and collections happening on her driveway. Others also kept up work at Earleywood. We have even managed to recruit a few more members. There is I’m afraid some very sad news to report. During the year we were sorry to say a final goodbye to three of our very long-standing and much-loved members, although none to Covid. Like so many others in this horrendous year we were not able to mark their passing in the usual way, but our thoughts and prayers are nonetheless with their families and friends. We continue to look forward with hope and expectation to the year ahead, ## **Judy Herridge** _DASU Co-ordinator, Administration_ ## **- Scout Shop Annual Report 2020/21** The shop has had a challenging year due to several factors the main one being Covid-19 restrictions that have effected everyone. We have been unable to reopen at Cooper’s Hill so we have moved all uniform stock to my house and all badge stock to Allan’s house. We have had to clear and sort everything at the Scout Shop and put items into storage as our new building will not be ready for several months. I can at least say it will be at Braybrooke. Also, John Allen passed away in January. John helped at the shop for several years keeping the grass cut around the building and helping with badges when Allan was on holiday. Allan and I continue to offer a click and collect service from our houses, and this will remain until we are able to move into our new building. I would like to thank everyone for continuing to support the shop, and thank you to Allan for living so near to me, which makes it much easier for leaders to collect their orders. Thank you also to Alison and Jason for helping to clear the old building and sorting out my storage problems. Margaret _Scout Shop Manager_ ## **– Gang Show Annual Report 2020/21** The February 2021 Show did not take place due to Scout HQ and Government guidelines. Unfortunately, this situation continues until further notice. Irene Gallacher _South East Berkshire Gang Show Active Support Manager_ ## **Earleywood Update 2020/21** Page **17** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** It's been another tough year for Earleywood as we miss having the buzz of so many young people exploring our 9 acres of woodland. With the easing of some lockdown restrictions, it's been great to see an increasing number of young people using the site and more activities and camps starting to take place. Financially we have been quite lucky through a tightening of our spending and a number of Covid grants. We have had all of our large bookings cancelled through this year, which we are typically so dependent on for maintaining and developing the site. Our annual costs of £15,000 don't change whether we have visitors or not. Some highlights from this year include: - Our biggest spend this year has been on our new Climbing Tower roof, which we are hoping will enable more use of the tower throughout the year. - We have converted our Hosts room into a lovely new Leaders room, which has two single beds in it. We have created a new smaller secure Site Office. - So far this year we have held 3 working parties and been grateful to over 60 people who have attended and helped us improve the site. - Thanks to those who attended our recent Annual Review (4th July) which was held outside in the pouring rain. - We appointed Derek Salter to the Earleywood Management Board as Health & Safety Director. Reviewing all our existing policies and ensuring that the site is compliant with the various H&S rules. - When the site has been closed to Scouting groups we have opened up our facilities to non scouting users who have made the most of the bouldering wall, mini golf, orienteering course and campfire circle. This has seen over 500 young people discover the site, many of whom have no connection to Scouting. - We have partnered with Natural Wonder a new local Forest School that is just setting itself up and was looking for a site that would be available during the school day. An arrangement that is working well for Earleywood. - We have welcomed 3 new hosts to our Hosting team (Helen, Geoff and Petra), but we do always need more - so do let me know if you can think of anyone who might be able to volunteer the odd hour a week to meet and greet users of our site. - Speaking of hosts, Bob Chandler has been on a painting frenzy and given our many picnic tables a new lease of life, as well as supporting a group to repaint our chapel area and install a new arch to the chapel. - During the lockdowns we built a new Bug Hotel over an area of land that was typically damp all year round and prevented campers from using that area. It's great to see that only last week we spotted our first toads and buglife moving in. - New activities being discussed for the site are a Cave Bus, which we are just preparing a business case for and actively looking for any grants or fundraising opportunities (please let me know if you have any ideas!). - We also have a drawing designed for a new metal beam to be installed off the climbing tower, to allow for disabled climbing and crate staking. Again, this would need fundraising as the cost is beyond our annual surplus. - We are also exploring the area behind our car park to see if we could make more use of it for any Scouting activities. - As mentioned last year wildlife at Earleywood continues to flourish with sightings of frogs, toads, newts, badgers, deer, foxes, owls, woodpeckers, buzzards and even mandarin ducks enjoying the flooded stream becoming a river earlier in the year. - Another small win for our Finance Director was going digital with our banking, which will allow us to start to move into the 21st Century and actually view payments online. So we now have a new Barclays account. - I finally succumbed to the hints from our two DCs (South East and South) and was appointed Chairperson earlier this year. So we are actively looking for a new Marketing Director, Fundraising Lead and Minutes Secretary, please contact me if you would like more information or know anyone suitable. Page **18** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** A big thank you to all of the Earleywood Management Board, our Hosts and Instructors who work so tirelessly to keep the site running. It would be remiss of me not to make a special call out to Phill Wood and Ben Shirvill who work extremely hard to make the site as great as it is for young people. Sam Winterson _Chair, Earleywood Management Board/Manager, Earleywood ASU_ ## **LONG AND GOOD SERVICE AWARDS 2020/2021 (correct at time of going to press)** |**5 Years**||| |---|---|---| |Zoe Arden|CSL|1stWarfield| |Vanessa Crook|Group Executive|1stSunningdale| |Ian Fabris|SL|The Parks| |Oliver Fisher|BSL|1stBinfield| |Sarah Franks|ASL|2ndBracknell| |Liam Fricker|CSL|1stBinfield| |Petra Hardie|District Secretary|SE Berks| |Becky Hayes|ACSL/AESL|6thBracknell| |Tanya Jacobs|CSA|2ndBracknell| |Ben Kelly|ASL|6thBracknell| |Andrew Moss|CSL|2ndBracknell| |Elaine Newall|ABSL|1stSunningdale| |Michael Parker|GSL|The Parks| |Kamana Paul|ACSL|The Parks| |Christine Richards|GASU|2ndBracknell| |Ben Shirvill|ACSL|1stWarfield| |Adam Sinclair|SL|6thBracknell| |Alex Sizeland|GSL|1stBinfield| |Michel Szymaniec|BSA|2ndBracknell| |Sarah Targett|ACSL|1stSunningdale| |Matt White|AESL|1stBinfield| |Sam Winterson|District Executive|SE Berks| |Grant Wyatt|Group Treasurer|1stSunningdale| |**10 Years**||| |Matthew Coles|AESL|1stBinfield| |Steve Foster|BSA|2ndBracknell| |Ade Hone|ASL|1stBinfield| |Fiona Jones|GSL|1stSouth Ascot| |Paul Richardson|Group Supporter|2ndBracknell| |Annick Tremblay|AESL|2ndBracknell| |**15 Years**||| |Marian Carter|District Supporter|SE Berks| |Neil Coles|CSL|2ndBracknell| |Hilary Crofton|GSL/CSL|1stSunningdale| |David Ferrington|SL|2ndBracknell| |Cathryn Joiner|ASU Member|DASU| |Colin Thorne|Group Executive|2ndBracknell| |Anne Wetherall|ACSL/Group Executive|1stAscot (All Saints)| |James Wood|GSL/SL|1stSunningdale| ## **20 Years** Page **19** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** Kris Christmas CSL 1[st] Binfield James Kirkby SL 1[st] Ascot Steve Prower GSL 2[nd] Bracknell Helen Robinson TA/County Scouter SE Berks/Royal Berkshire **25 Years** John Allen ASU Member DASU Allan Coles Badge Secretary SE Berks Mark Grubb SL 4[th] Bracknell Judy Herridge ASU Co-ordinator DASU Dale Kipp Group President/Dist Exec 2[nd] Bracknell/SE Berks Peter Minchin GSL 4[th] Bracknell Ken Robinson ESL 4[th] Bracknell **30 Years** Bob Chandler ASU Member DASU Ken Robinson ESL 4[th] Bracknell **40 Years** Margaret Kemp Manager Scout Shop ASU **Commissioners Commendation** Charlie Brewer ABSL 1[st] Sunningdale Hilary Crofton GSL/CSL 1[st] Sunningdale Christian Leigh ESL 1[st] Sunningdale Elaine Newall ABSL 1[st] Sunningdale Isaac Roberts Beaver Scout 2[nd] Bracknell Betty Scurry District Scouter Cub Scouts Ben Shirvill ACSL 1[st] Warfield Geoff Streeter Occasional Helper 1[st] Sunningdale Sarah Targett ACSL 1[st] Sunningdale Clare Warren Occasional Helper 1[st] Sunningdale Andrew Wheeler AESL 1[st] Sunningdale James Wood GSL 1[st] Sunningdale Linda Wood Occasional Helper 1[st] Sunningdale Kris Christmas James Kirkby Steve Prower Helen Robinson ## **Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service** Nigel Carter Group Secretary 6[th] Bracknell Matt Coles AESL 1[st] Binfield Neil Coles CSL 2[nd] Bracknell Richard Creber Group Executive 2[nd] Bracknell Vanessa Crook Group Executive 1[st] Sunningdale Ian Fabris SL The Parks Oliver Fisher BSL/ADC (Beavers) 1[st] Binfield/SE Berks Tony Flood Group Executive 1[st] Sunningdale Stephen Foster BSA 2[nd] Bracknell Duncan Hullis Group Chairman 1[st] Binfield Sebastian Jans Group Executive 1[st] Sunningdale Fiona Jones GSL 1[st] South Ascot Christian Leigh ESL 1[st] Sunningdale Beverly O’Connell Group Treasurer 4[th] Bracknell Paul Page ABSL The Parks Michael Parker GSL The Parks Katrina Sheppard District Leader Beaver Scouts Page **20** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021** Mary Shields Nights Away Adviser SE Berks Alex Sizeland GSL 1[st] Binfield Louise Sparshott-Garrick Group Treasurer 2[nd] Bracknell Colin Thorne Group Executive 2[nd] Bracknell Sam Winterson District Executive SE Berks Ian Wooster Group Executive 2[nd] Bracknell **Award for Merit** Mark Grubb SL 4[th] Bracknell James Wood GSL/SL 1[st] Sunningdale ## **Bar to the Award for Merit** Peter Christmas ESL/County DoE Adviser 1[st] Binfield/Royal Berkshire |**WOOD BADGES AWARDED 2020/2021**|**WOOD BADGES AWARDED 2020/2021**|| |---|---|---| |Chris Adkins|ABSL|1stSouth Ascot| |Ian Fabris|SL|The Parks| |David Ferrington|SL|2ndBracknell| |Fiona Jones|BSL|1stSouth Ascot| |Margaret Kemp|Manager|Scout Shop ASU| |Chris Kinch|SL|2ndBracknell| |Betty Scurry|District Scouter|Cub Scouts, SE Berks| |Sarah Targett|ACSL|1stSunningdale| |Annick Tremblay|AESL|2ndBracknell| |James Wood|ASL|1stSunningdale| ## **Many congratulations to all those named above** We in South East Berkshire are very grateful to all those who have given their time and effort to contribute to the Aims of the Scout Association. Page **21** of **21** **41[st] Annual General Meeting – 13 July 2021**