South East Berkshire District Scout Council
District Registration No: 10213
The 42[nd] Annual General Meeting
Braybrooke Community Hall Monday 11[th] July 2022
South East Berkshire District Scout Council
42[nd] Annual General Meeting
Monday 11[th] July 2022 7.45pm for an 8.00pm start
AGENDA
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Introduction and welcome
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Apologies for absence
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To approve the minutes of the 41[st] AGM held on 13[th] July 2021
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The District Commissioner’s Review of Scouting in the South East Berkshire District
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The District Treasurer’s overview of the Accounts for the financial year 2021/22
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To approve the Annual Report and the Statement of the Accounts of the Trustees
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To approve the District Commissioner’s Nomination of the District Chair
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Election of the District Secretary
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Election of the District Treasurer
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Election of members to the District Executive Committee
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To note the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Executive Committee
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To note intended co-options to the District Executive Committee
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Confirmation of South East Berkshire District Scout Council’s nominations as members of Berkshire County Scout Council
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To appoint the Independent Examiner
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Appointment of District Vice President(s)
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Close of Meeting
Page 2 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
3. Minutes of the 41[st] Annual General Meeting
held via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Tuesday 13[th] July 2021 at 8.00pm
1. Welcome:
Steve Richards (District Commissioner) welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending via Zoom. There is every hope that the next AGM in 2022 will be in person. Present: Tony Fulford (District Vice President, DASU Manager), Petra Hardie (District Secretary), Fiona Jones (GSL 1[st] South Ascot), Margaret Kemp (District Executive & Scout Shop Manager), Karan Mehra (District Treasurer), Derek Salter (ADC Support, AGSL 2[nd] Bracknell, Earleywood Management Board & District Vice President), Sam Winterson (District Executive & Earleywood Management Board), Steve Ricketts (District Executive), Jeff Wood (DASU), Steve Prower (GSL 2[nd] Bracknell & District Vice President).
2. Apologies:
Apologies were received from the following people: Nigel Bevan (County Commissioner), Sally Bangs (AGSL & BSL 2[nd] Bracknell), Peter Christmas (ESL 1[st] Binfield & DoE Adviser), Grant Wyatt (Group Treasurer, 1[st] Sunningdale), Cathryn Joiner (DASU), Sharon Withy (DASU), John Burns (DASU), Shirley Burns (DASU), Irene Gallacher (Gang Show & DASU), Ann Nesfield (Secretary 1[st] Binfield), Ann Minchin (GSL 4[th] Bracknell), Hilary Crofton (GSL 1[st] Sunningdale), Judy Herridge (DASU), Graeme Thompson (DC, South Berks), Alex Sizeland (GSL 1[st] Binfield).
3. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 24[th] September 2020
The Minutes were circulated prior to the meeting with just one change. Tony Fulford’s title is District Vice President as well as DASU Manager. With this amendment they were proposed by Jeff Wood and seconded by Tony Fulford. 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. The impact of Covid was the main theme with the loss of some adults noted although this was not excessive and balanced by some new recruits within the District.
5. The District Treasurer’s overview of the accounts for the financial year and to Approve the Annual Report and statement of accounts of the Trustees
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 it had been a quiet year with some expenditure on fixed costs. District did not charge capitation this year and it had been agreed to ringfence £10,000 for the new Scout Shop refurbishment. The DC thanked Karan for his report.
6. To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination for District Chairman
Dale Kipp, a member of the District Executive has agreed to stand as Chair and was nominated by the DC.
Page 3 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
7. Election of District Secretary
Petra Hardie agreed to stand again as District Secretary, there have been no other nominations. Steve Ricketts nominated, and Jeff Wood seconded, all were unanimously in favour. The DC thanked Petra for her efforts.
8. Election of District Treasurer
Karan Mehra has been proposed by Margaret Kemp and seconded by Jeff Wood. There have been no other nominations. The Chairman asked for approval from the floor, and this was agreed by a unanimous show of hands. The DC thanked Karan for all of his hard work over the past year.
9. To elect persons to the District Executive Committee
The following people were formally proposed and seconded by the due date:
i. Margaret Kemp
ii. Steve Prower
iii. Alex Richards
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iv. Derek Salter
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v. Sam Winterson
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vi. Steve Ricketts
Steve Ricketts brings a wealth of experience with him to the Committee. They were proposed by Fiona Jones and seconded by Jeff Wood. All were approved by a show of hands to serve on the District Executive Committee.
10.To note the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Executive Committee
The District Commissioner has no nominations.
11.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.
12.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. Both were proposed by Derek Salter and seconded Margaret Kemp and were approved by a show of hands.
13.To appoint an Independent Examiner
The Chairman thanked Mark Sayers who had examined the Accounts again this year. Mark has been nominated again, by Karan Mehra, and seconded by Margaret Kemp. This was unanimously agreed by a show of hands.
14.Presentations
Presentations from all of the Groups are included in the Annual Report. There have been a significant number of long & good service awards, some presented in person, others virtually. Peter Christmas has been awarded the Bar to the Award of Merit.
15.The County Commissioner
Unfortunately, the County Commissioner was unable to attend at the last minute but sent his apologies and passed on his thanks to all for their incredible effort to keep Scouting going in the South East Berkshire District.
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
16.Closing remarks
Fiona Jones thanked the District Commissioner for all of his hard work and support over the previous 12 months in difficult circumstances and noted that it had been invaluable.
The meeting closed at 8.20pm.
Page 5 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
4. DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW OF SCOUTING IN SOUTH EAST BERKSHIRE
Although the situation has improved considerably in the two years since I said, ‘To say that it has been an interesting year is probably an understatement!’, the spectre of Covid-19 is still having an impact although, thankfully, we are getting back to something like the life we knew before it struck. Scouting in the District has continued, although with modified programmes to take account of the various restrictions we have been under over the past year.
The annual Scout census took place at the end of January with the number of young people going down from 593 in 2021 to 524 this year, a decrease of 13%. On a positive note, however, the number of adults in the District increased by 19% to 197, which is good news, as recruiting adult volunteers is never an easy task. I’m sure that now we are basically back to normal our young people numbers will increase.
As you will probably be aware, Peter Scurry sadly passed away last October. He was the first District Commissioner for South East Berkshire when the original District was split into South Berkshire and South East Berkshire in 1980. Peter was the South East Berkshire District Commissioner for just over 12 years and was a great stalwart for Scouting in general and the District in particular; he is greatly missed.
ALPS22, a county wide event, will be taking place this August, and we have 15 Explorers and six adults attending from SE Berks. Sadly, the World Scout Moot that should have taken place in Ireland this year was cancelled. We do however have five participants going to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year; it will be a great experience for them all. There is still no news on when the next WINGS might take place.
This is my last review as District Commissioner, having been in role for just over eight years. It has been an interesting experience (especially the past two years!), but I feel the time has come for me to step aside. I’d like to thank everyone for the support you have given me over my time as DC, it has been much appreciated.
Yours in Scouting,
Steve Richards District Commissioner
Page 6 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
5. THE DISTRICT TREASURERS OVERVIEW OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2021/ 22
DISTRICT TREASURERS REPORT
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. The District has also decided to forgo the capitation from the annual subscription for 2022.
A significant event to report since the production of the Annual Report is the decision to close the Scout shop. This is because the leasing arrangements offered by the Council are not commercially viable. The stock is currently being sold off with a final closure planned for 20[th] July 2022.
Karan Mehra
District Treasurer
District Executive Committee Trustees 2021/22 Chair Dale Kipp Deputy Chair Steve Ricketts 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
- Margaret Kemp 2. Steve Prower 3. Alex Richards 4. Derek Salter 5. Sam Winterson
Nominated None
Examiner of Accounts Mark Sayers
Bankers
(a) Nat West Bank plc (b) Virgin Money (c) HSBC plc (d) CAF Bank
District Registration No. 10213 Charity Registration No. 1021253
Page 7 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
Yotsl Receipts fortheyear Totsi Expettdltufe lorthe Netmo%tThnt Infvnds £67264.97 457.506.68 9,75&29 f50370.79 -£21,920.47 £28A50.32 sh & B•nkbrouthtforwa £I,169A6 £9177.(8 Movements Sn Earl00 Depwlt•nd (ash tsms Induded •bove .E2W.30 4857.95 Cash. nkOnd slmMarfunds¢arrledforwar £5.45 £ll9.169A6 f57.632.05 £30202.48 £W6.n £31554.20 £U6.WAS £I6.395.95 £28,779.62 £6J77.96 £37,415.93 £U9.1fj9.46 S¢wtShopA£count DASUA¢tcvnt EostBerkslNreSr0Fello1Npt1dElVwacQrnfe.frtsn tlje Commtsskn vtswpdrtcomrunder the o¢0¥oIthe&thEO5tBt1k5IHreD5tritr5cGuecoufttsI. Howe. theossets cre D)tcontrdkddireityby thsotjth Eo¥t8ErtshtrtDIstsktScouLcouncll. sId Dn behaoItheTruStee5 *. C¢btrktChalnnJ A$ed topyavaftyb fvrln5pecthn •tthe AGM DkirktCommls5brJer HoAor¥ry DIStrIrtTreastyrer Karan Mehta fAn•r¥LM•th- 11 Jutyf 2022 Page g of 22 Page 8 of 22 42. Annual General Meetlng- 11 July 2022
| Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | Consolidated Accounts for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||
| MONETARY ASSETS | |||||||||
| 2021/2022 | 2020/2021 | ||||||||
| District Executive Account | |||||||||
| Nat West current account | £44,203.93 | £32,985.63 | |||||||
| Virgin Bank | £13,428.12 | £13,410.32 | |||||||
| £57,632.05 | £46,395.95 | ||||||||
| District Exec. movement in funds | £11,236.10 | £22,046.08 | |||||||
| Represents | |||||||||
| District Funds | £46,555.75 | £27,939.85 | |||||||
| Restricted Funds | £8,883.50 | £16,358.30 | |||||||
| International | £2,192.80 | £2,097.80 | |||||||
| £57,632.05 | £46,395.95 | ||||||||
| Scout Shop Account | |||||||||
| Nat West current account | £9,550.30 | £8,154.76 | |||||||
| Virgin Bank | £20,608.75 | £20,557.52 | |||||||
| Cash in hand | £43.43 | £67.34 | |||||||
| £30,202.48 | £28,779.62 | ||||||||
| Scout Shop movement infunds | £1,422.86 | -£2,224.78 | |||||||
| District Active Support Unit(formerly District Fellowship) | |||||||||
| Nat West current account | £1,341.21 | £1,284.64 | |||||||
| Virgin Money | £5,314.94 | £5,292.75 | |||||||
| Cash in hand | £0.57 | £0.57 | |||||||
| £6,656.72 | £6,577.96 | ||||||||
| DASU movement infunds | £78.76 | -£59.93 | |||||||
| Earleywood Account | |||||||||
| HSBC current account | £31,492.22 | £39,437.55 | |||||||
| Stripe Balance | £493.22 | ||||||||
| Cash in hand | £10.00 | £10.00 | |||||||
| Cheques outstanding | £51.98 | ||||||||
| Cheques not cleared | -£2,524.84 | ||||||||
| £31,554.20 | £37,415.93 | ||||||||
| Earleywood movement infunds | -£5,861.73 | £7,831.00 | |||||||
| Represents | |||||||||
| Transfer from Berkshire County | £6,413.89 | £6,413.89 | |||||||
| Deposits & Prepayments | £1,250.25 | ||||||||
| Net Fixed Assets Adjustment | -£375.00 | ||||||||
| Accumulated OperatingIncome/Expenditure | £22,771.96 | £25,751.39 | |||||||
| Restricted reserves | £2,368.35 | £4,375.40 | |||||||
| £31,554.20 | £37,415.93 | ||||||||
| Total Monetary Assets | £126,045.45 | £119,169.46 |
Page 9 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
| Consolidated Receipts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | |||||
| RECEIPTS | |||||
| 2021/2022 | |||||
| MembershipSubscriptions | |||||
| District | |||||
| Bank Interest(Virgin) | £17.80 | ||||
| International Funds | £95.00 | ||||
| Grants | £9,332.19 | ||||
| Donations | |||||
| WSJ 2023 | £1,045.20 | ||||
| Alps22 | £3,080.00 | ||||
| Wings 2020 Refund | £13,570.19 | ||||
| Scout Shop | |||||
| Sales | £13,883.59 | ||||
| Bank Interest | £27.32 | £13,910.91 | |||
| District ASU | |||||
| Subscriptions | |||||
| Scout ShopDividend | |||||
| Interest | £22.19 | ||||
| Donation(inc Gift Aid) | |||||
| Downshire Golf Club | |||||
| Gift Aid | £31.57 | ||||
| Ascot Round Table | £300.00 | ||||
| Annual subscription rebate | £353.76 | ||||
| Earleywood | |||||
| Site Fees includingClimbingWall & CampingFees | £31,256.15 | ||||
| Badge Sales/Miscellaneous | £2,839.96 | ||||
| Grants | £5,334.00 | ||||
| Extraordinaryincome | £39,430.11 | ||||
| Total Receipts | £67,264.97 |
Page 10 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
| Consolidated Expenditure | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For theyear 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 | ||||||
| Expenditure | 2021/2022 | |||||
| District | ||||||
| Secretarial & Administration | £190.52 | |||||
| AGM | ||||||
| Subscriptions | £308.30 | |||||
| Insurance(Inc shoprebate) | £95.27 | |||||
| District Expenses | £594.09 | |||||
| Beaver Scout Section | ||||||
| Badges & Medals | ||||||
| Newton Coaches - Beavers Challenge | ||||||
| Gilwell Funday | ||||||
| Cub Scout Section | ||||||
| WSJ 2019 Surplus | ||||||
| Wings 2020 Surplis | ||||||
| Cub Fun day | ||||||
| Scout Section | ||||||
| Wings 2020 Refund | £1,740.00 | |||||
| Eurojam | ||||||
| Earleywood CampingDay | ||||||
| Badges & Certificates | ||||||
| WSJ 2019 Surplus | £1,740.00 | |||||
| Scout Shop | ||||||
| Stock Purchases | £11,978.01 | |||||
| Insurance | £431.00 | |||||
| Dividend | ||||||
| ShopExpenses & Credit Card Charges | £79.04 | |||||
| HQCosts | ||||||
| Electricity | £12,488.05 | |||||
| District ASU | ||||||
| MeetingExpenses | ||||||
| Devonshire Golf Club - Meals | ||||||
| Scarves,Flags & Badges | ||||||
| Cub Cake | ||||||
| Donations | £275.00 | £275.00 | ||||
| Earleywood | ||||||
| Insurance | £2,785.11 | |||||
| Utilities | £5,254.70 | |||||
| Maintenance | £27,244.43 | |||||
| Cleaning | £2,377.26 | |||||
| Activities,Badges & Misc Equipment | £4,073.49 | |||||
| Miscellaneous Other | £299.55 | |||||
| Depreciation | £375.00 | |||||
| Extra-ordinaryexpenditure | £42,409.54 | |||||
| Total Expenditure | £57,506.68 |
Page 11 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
Independent examlner's report lo the Irvstees ol the South Eosl 6•wkshlre Dlslrfct Scovt Council I report to the Irustees on my exominolion of the accounts of the South East B8rkshire District Scoul Council lor the yeor ended 3] hAorch 2022. Responsibifitie3 and bosis of report As the chorily Irvslee5 of the South East Berkshire Diitrict Scout Council you ore responsible for the preparation ol the account5 in occordance with the iequifem&nts ot the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Acl'l. I report in respect ot my exorninotion of Ihe South East Berhlie District Scoul Council occounls carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act ond in carrying out my examination I hove followed oll the opplicable Direction5 9ivgn by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl ol the Act. Independent examlner'5 5tatemenl I have completed my exomination. I confirm that no moteriol matters hov& come to my allenlion in connection with the examinotion giving mè cause to believe thot in ony molerial re5peLI". occounting records were not kept in respect of the South E05t Berk5hYe District Scout Council os required by 5eclion l M of the Act., or 2. the account5 do nol occord with those records." or 3. the occounts do comply witrh the opplicoble requirements concerning the form and contènt ol occounls sel out in the Chorili&s (Accounts and Report51 Regulation5 2(X)8 ond ony requirÈmenl Ihal the occounts give o 'lru8 cind for view which Is nol o maller consiclered os part of on independent examinotion. I have no concerns ond hove come acrosg no other mofters in connection with the exorllinolion lo which attention should be drown in thi5 report in orcler to enable o proper undet0nd1rng of thp nr.r.niint5 tn be reoched. Name." Mark Sayers Chartered & Cerliffied Finoncial Plonner Qvolilicolions.. Chorlered Finonciol Plonner FPFS. & Chorlered MCSI Chortered Weollh Monoger CFPIM Charlered MCSI. ond ACIB. Addre55". & 8eQlord5hire Down. Wartièld Brocknell. Berkshire RG42 3UA. Date.. 41P July 2022. Page 12tsf22 42. Annual General Meetlng- 11 July 2022
| Membership 2022 | Total Members |
Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Adults | Active Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Ascot | 61 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 18 | |
| 1st Binfield | 103 | 20 | 29 | 31 | 23 | |
| 2nd Bracknell | 125 | 30 | 42 | 14 | 36 | 3 |
| 4th Bracknell | 68 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | |
| 6th Bracknell | 36 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 15 | |
| 1st South Ascot | 65 | 13 | 20 | 12 | 20 | |
| 1st Sunningdale | 82 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 19 | |
| 1st Warfield | 39 | 8 | 15 | 6 | 10 | |
| The Parks | 41 | 12 | 15 | 2 | 12 | |
| District Scouts Network | 21 | |||||
| Explorers | 80 | |||||
| District ASUs | 21 | |||||
| Officers | 0 | |||||
| Commissioners | 1 | |||||
| District Leaders | 2 | |||||
| Administrators | 0 | |||||
| Total 2022 | 745 | 135 | 184 | 125 | 173 | 3 |
| 2021 | 778 | 167 | 202 | 170 | 144 | 1 |
7. Approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair
Dale Kipp
8. Election of the District Secretary
Petra Hardie
9. Election of the District Treasurer
Karan Mehra
10. Election of members to the District Executive Committee
Steve Prower Alex Richards Derek Salter Sam Winterson Steve Ricketts
Page 13 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
11. TO NOTE THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS NOMINCATIONS TO THE DISTRICT EXECUTUVE COMMITTEE
None
12. TO NOTE INTENDED CO-OPTIONS TO THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
None
13. CONFIRMATION OF SOUTH EAST BERKSHIRE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL’S NOMINATIONS AS MEMBERS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL
Carolyne Brambley Craig Barter
14. TO APPOINT THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mark Sayers
15. APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT VICE PRESDENT(S)
16. Comments by County Commissioner or their representative
Page 14 of 22
42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
BEAVER SCOUT SECTION REVIEW 2021/2022
It has been great getting back to ‘normal’ scouting this year, although the impact of Covid has been felt by the Beaver Colonies with reduced numbers of both adults and young people.
The Beavers have been busy this year, completing 62 external activities including cycling, Ice Skating, Farm Visits and Bowling. 12 camp/sleepovers were held this year with 202 nights away being awarded.
A total of 42 Chief Scout Bronze Awards were awarded during the year. Well done to the Beavers who achieved this.
Finally, I would like to thank all the Leaders and adults who have supported us over the last year.
Oliver Fisher
Assistant District Commissioner – Beaver Scouts
- CUB SCOUT SECTION ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22
Cub numbers held up quite well between the censuses in January 2021 and January 2022, with the total number of Cubs in the District only decreasing by a total of 18. As would be expected, there were differences around the District, with two Packs increasing in size and four Packs only decreasing by one or two Cubs. Cub Leaders have been putting on varied activities and endeavouring to deliver an interesting programme to keep their Packs motivated and keen to continue with Scouting activities. Many packs have been taking advantage of having Earleywood close by, and making the most of climbing, crate stacking, fire lighting and cooking.
Steve Richards District Commissioner
SCOUT SECTION REVIEW 2021/22
The after-effects of Covid-19 have definitely had an effect on Scout numbers since January 2021; at the time of the Annual Census in January 2022, the number of Scouts in the District had decreased from 170 to 125. Although quite a large decrease, not all Troops were impacted, with one Troop increasing in numbers, one staying the same and two Troops only decreasing by a couple of Scouts. Some of the decrease was also due to Scouts having moved to Explorers, but Cubs not yet being of Scout age. We are hopeful that our numbers will increase as the year progresses.
Last year, most Troops from the District should have been attending WINGS, postponed from 2020. Sadly, along with various other events, WINGS was cancelled completely. A new date has not yet been set, but it is unlikely to be before 2024. I know that one Group are attending the Kent International Jamboree (KIJ) this year, they will no doubt have a great time.
It has also been nice to see a steady number for activity/ nights away permits coming through. This is a good sign that leaders are filling them in and that Scout groups are on the way to resuming activity and camping as before the pandemic.
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
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, let’s hope that moving forward our Scout Troops are able to get back to a completely normal routine.
Alex Richards
Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)
EXPLORER SCOUT REVIEW 2021/22
There are now seven Groups in South East Berkshire that have an active Explorer Unit attached to them; 1[st] Ascot (All Saints), 1[st] Binfield, 1[st] Sunningdale, 2[nd] Bracknell, 4[th] Bracknell, 6[th] Bracknell and 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, things are now looking up, and I am sure all our Explorers are looking forward to getting back to regular meetings. The good news is that the number of Explorers in SE Berks has increased significantly over the past year, with a total of 54 being recorded on the 2021 census, which was up to 80 on this year’s census.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, WINGS ended up being cancelled completely; currently, there is no news as to when the next WINGS might take place. However, County have organised Alps22 this summer, and 15 Explorers from SE Berks (representing five different Units), accompanied by three Leaders are taking part, it will be a wonderful experience for them. Next year’s World Scout Jamboree is taking place in South Korea, and five Explorers from the District have been selected to take part, congratulations to them all. Again, it will be a great experience, and I know that they have been hard at work fund-raising.
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 look forward to lots of activities and camps in the future.
Steve Richards
District Commissioner
SCOUT NETWORK REVIEW 2021/22
As I’ve reported in the past, Network is a difficult Section to work with compared to other Sections. Many members of the Unit are away most of the year at university or college which means numbers and interest in taking part in activities is low. However, although Network are less active than other Sections, being a Network member does at least keep people in touch with Scouting, they are away from the area, and they will hopefully return to a more active Scouting role at some point in the future
Steve Richards
District Commissioner
APPOINTMENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEW 2021/22
The biggest change this year is that the Appointments Advisory Committee panel meetings have moved to Zoom instead of face to face.
The panel members and Leader’s feedback is very positive as everyone asked after their meeting have said the format is far more efficient and less daunting than having to find a location and sit outside nervously waiting to be called in.
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
Since January 2022 we have held eight online panel meetings and managed to see four Leaders each time within a two-hour session; this is definitely the way forward and I cannot see the panel meetings being face to face again.
The panel members have changed over the past year with some having stepped down, however we have successfully recruited another panel member and now with our five active panel members manage to co-ordinate the panel meetings between us.
We are always looking for more panel members, so feel free to contact me to discuss this opportunity.
My thanks go out to my fellow panel members Alex, Karan, Gerald and Shelagh for successfully running the online meetings and keeping to the tight timetable.
Derek Salter
Appointments Advisory Committee – Panel member
DISTRICT SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT UNIT REVIEW 2021/22
When Judy started her review of 2021, she began with “There is nothing to report”!! I now find myself is a similar predicament. This last year as an ASU we have not been able to help at any District events or activities because once again there have not been any. All our usual activities both Scouting and non-Scouting did not take place with the exception of the Ascot Fireworks and at this we did assist.
However, ASU members continued to help with the Scout Shop, albeit under very different circumstances, and also at Earleywood. The work that these members have done has been greatly appreciated both in SE Berks and S Berks Districts.
We have been able to hold our regular meetings either by Zoom or face-to-face though attendance has been on the low side at times.
During the year Judy said she wished to stand down as our Administrator Coordinator after many years in the role. I have been very grateful to Judy for all the reliable support and friendship she has given me over these years and for which I thank her very much. With Judy standing down this then left me with the problem of finding a replacement. Fortunately, all was not lost – Irene Gallacher came to the rescue and took on this role and I am very grateful to her for doing so.
Unfortunately, the year has not been without its sadness. In October a very good friend of our ASU and the District – Peter Scurry – died. With many of the Covid restrictions being removed several of our ASU and other Scouting friends were able to attend his funeral.
Looking forward we have one date in our diaries – the Parent and Child Camp at Earleywood in September and hopefully we will be able to add other events in the not-too-distant future.
Tony Fulford Manager South East Berks Active Support Unit
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
- Scout Shop Annual Report 2021/22
Sales have been very good this year nearly £1400.00 considering Alan and I have been running from our homes on a collection only basis. I won’t deny it has been very difficult having to invoice every customer.
Unfortunately, a decision has been made to close the Scout shop, and we will cease trading at the end of the summer term.
I would like to thank everyone that has supported the shop during my time as manager, nearly 35 years Alan has been badge secretary for 15 years and Alison has over 10 years’ service. Jason has helped when he could since he was a venture scout.
During that time, we have supported the groups in both South and South East Berks Districts paying out a dividend every year and giving parents discount on uniform. Also helping Explorers earn their Duke of Edinburgh award by volunteering at the shop.
Margaret Kemp Scout Shop Manager
GANG SHOW REVIEW 2021/22
Permission was applied to hold a 50[th] Anniversary Gang Show in February 2023. South Executive Committee gave temporary permission until the Gang Show Management Committee could report on project costs and uptake of Cast and Volunteer numbers.
Auditions for 10 July 2022 will take place and Rehearsals for September 2022 have been circulated to all local Districts.
The Producer and Production Team have put in place a show schedule for the 50[th] Anniversary Show.
We would like to see a good response to the auditions, and we hope to have a favourable decision after the next South Executive Committee Meeting.
Irene Gallacher Chairperson S.E. Berks Gang Show
EARLEYWOOD REVIEW 2021/22
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Sadly, like many other wooded areas we had significant damage from the storms!! Over 15 trees came down, which has been quite costly to the site to manage and remove. This was on top of a number of trees that had already been approved for removal by Windsor & Maidenhead Council‘s tree team due to their condition. As part of our plan to maintain the site we also planted over 100 trees that were gifted to Earleywood by the Woodland Trust. These have been planted at strategic points around the site as well as a new major tree line along the front perimeter.
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We are delighted that our site has a great new High Ropes course which we purchased from the Wings team. We have cleared an unused area of the site and removed the weeds. We are aiming to have permit holders trained this month and the facility up and running in July.
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
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We’ve had a number of successful Working Party groups; from normal volunteers, Explorers (inc Alps), Duke of Edinburgh and Corporate groups. This work is so important to keep the campsite in good condition.
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Our beloved Flumper the Dumper has been sold on as this vintage truck was not suitable for the site. Instead, we have replaced her with a more suitable smaller vehicle.
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Another recent purchase was a Parachute which has been put up to provide an additional area and shelter which looks fab!
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We have invested in a Climbing Beam which will enable new activities for disabled users as well as bringing Crate Stacking within the climbing area.
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One thing we heard from visitors was a desire to enable leaders to charge their mobile phones overnight. So, we have created a charging station available to leaders.
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Another new activity launched this year is soft archery. This is a great way of introducing young people to archery.
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Over the Spring we have made a significant investment in our outside toilets to make them better for users and easier to clean.
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Financially the site is stable in the short term and can cover our annual running costs of £17,500 a year. We have also been able to invest in many great new features and improvements. But we still struggle with the long-term improvements that the site needs as both buildings really need replacing and our current income does not allow any reserves to be dedicated to such a big need. This will have to be set up as a separate project with significant fundraising requirements.
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Lastly, I want to thank the amazing team of volunteers who make Earleywood the success that it is. They are the real unsung heroes of the site who give up so much of their time to ensure our young people have so much fun! This includes our team of Hosts, Climbing Instructors, Rifle Shooting Instructors, Archery Instructors and my peers on our Management Board.
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This year our long-standing Activities Director Andy Pevy has stepped down from his role on our Board. I’d like to thank Andy for all that he has done over the years to ensure the success of Earleywood. He passes the baton on to Ben Shrivill, who is already embracing this new role.
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I’d also like to thank Hilary Crofton for supporting us in the critical role of managing our bookings. At a time when we needed help, she has continued to not only support us, but also looked into improving some of our processes.
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Our site is only as good as the volunteers who run it and support us. We have a number of open roles: Marketing, Fundraising, Hosting, Bookings Coordination, Activities. So, if you or anyone you know can help us with just a few hours a month, then please do contact me.
Sam Winterson
Chair, Earleywood Management Board/Manager, Earleywood ASU
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
LONG AND GOOD SERVICE AWARDS 2021/2022 (appointments as of date of award)
5 Years Tracy Boyd Group Treasurer 6[th] Bracknell David Brittain Group Executive 1[st] Sunningdale Penny Fox LTM South East Berks John Freeme ABSL 1[st] Ascot Chris Gunton Group Chair 6[th] Bracknell Tony Jenkyn SL 1[st] Warfield Damon McCarthy Group Executive 1[st] Binfield Euan Murray CSL 2[nd] Bracknell Alex Poole Group Executive 1[st] Ascot Alan Prior ACSL 2[nd] Bracknell Jackie Rawes CSL 1[st] Binfield Irene Stow Group Treasurer 1[st] Warfield 10 Years Chris Adkins AGSL 1[st] South Ascot Nigel Carter Group Secretary 6[th] Bracknell Dennis Clay ASL 1[st] Sunningdale Jon Dye SL 2[nd] Bracknell Jenny Kemp ASL 1[st] Ascot Christian Leigh ESL 1[st] Sunningdale Mike Maughan Skills Instructor South East Berks Bev O’Connell Group Treasurer 4[th] Bracknell Daniel Parker AESL 4[th] Bracknell Mary Shields Nights Away Adviser South East Berks
15 Years Gavin Cox Duncan Hullis Steve Richards Derek Salter Matt Wallace Ian Wooster
Gavin Cox AGSL 1[st] Ascot Duncan Hullis Group Chair 1[st] Binfield Steve Richards DC South East Berks Derek Salter AGSL 2[nd] Bracknell Matt Wallace Group Treasurer 1[st] Binfield Ian Wooster Group Executive 2[nd] Bracknell 20 Years Jason Dale ACSL 1[st] Warfield 25 Years 30 Years Peter Christmas DSL 1[st] Binfield 50 Years John Burns DASU South East Berks Commissioners Commendation Charlie Brewer OH 1[st] Sunningdale Nicole Brown-Calvet Scout 2[nd] Bracknell Allan Coles Badge Secretary South East Berks John Connelly A friend & supporter of 1[st] Sunningdale Joel Gabb Scout 2[nd] Bracknell Lucas Gibbs Scout 1[st] South Ascot
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
| Maisy Gibbs | Explorer Scout | 1stSouth Ascot |
|---|---|---|
| Ralph Gibbs | Scout | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Lauren Harage | Explorer Scout | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Toby Jones | Cub Scout | 1stSouth Ascot |
| William Jones | Scout | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Margaret Kemp | Scout Shop Manager | South East Berks |
| Matt Newall | Group Secretary | 1stSunningdale |
| Anna Silveira | Group Administrator | The Parks |
| Linda Wood | OH | 1stSunningdale |
| Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service | ||
| Chris Adkins | BSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Tracy Boyd | Group treasurer | 6thBracknell |
| Patrick Doherty | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Liam Fricker | CSL | 1stBinfield |
| Nick Garrick | BSL/Administrator | 2ndBracknell/SE Berks |
| Chris Gunton | Group Chair | 6thBracknell |
| Petra Hardie | District Secretary | South East Berks |
| Andrew Moss | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Euan Murray | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Alan Prior | ACSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Jackie Rawes | CSL | 1stBinfield |
| Paul Richardson | Group Supporter | 2ndBracknell |
| Sarah Targett | ACSL | 1stSunningdale |
| Grant Wyatt | Group Treasurer | 1stSunningdale |
| Award for Merit | ||
| David Ferrington | SL | 2ndBracknell |
| Sandy Keen | ASL | 4thBracknell |
| Karen Woolls | ACSL | 4thBracknell |
| Bar to the Award for Merit | ||
| Peter Christmas | DSL | 1stBinfield |
| WOOD BADGES AWARDED 2021/2022 | ||
| Carly Anderson | ABSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Sally Bangs | AGSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Iain Bell | ABSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Greg Borthwick | ASL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| James Brown | ABSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Thierry Catheya | ASL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Hilary Crofton | GSL | 1stSunningdale |
| Patrick Doherty | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Alastair Doodson | CSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| David Fennell | ABSL | 1stBinfield |
| Kelly Fricker | ABSL | 1stBinfield |
| Liam Fricker | CSL | 1stBinfield |
| Nick Garrick | BSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Nicky Jones | ACSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Christian Leigh | ESL | 1stSunningdale |
| Andrew Moss | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Euan Murray | CSL | 2ndBracknell |
| Elaine Newall | ABSL | 1stSunningdale |
| Alan Prior | ACSL | 2ndBracknell |
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022
| Jackie Rawes | CSL | 1stBinfield |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Smyth | ACSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
| Derek Salter | AGSL/ADC Support | 2ndBracknell/South East Berks |
| Alex Sizeland | GSL | 1stBinfield |
| Jenny Smyth | ACSL | 1stSouth Ascot |
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.
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42[nd] Annual General Meeting – 11 July 2022