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2025-03-31-accounts

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Trustees’ Annual Report and

Statement of Accounts for the period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

1

2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Section A – Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: 2ndRayleigh Scout Group
Registered Charity Number:
1032521
Charity’s principal address:
The Trustee Board (Charity Trustees 2024/25): The Trustee Board (Charity Trustees 2024/25):
Karen Vassallo Group Lead Volunteer (ex-officio)
Trevor Izod Chairman (until AGM 2027)
Paul Stanley Group Treasurer (term ended 06/11/2024)
Pamela Potter Group Treasurer (term start 06/03/2025)
Alison Jones Trustee (until AGM 2027)
Simon Smith Trustee (until AGM 2026)
Martin Wragg Trustee (until AGM 2027)
Keely Buckle Trustee (until 23/06/2025)
Nicole Lupton Trustee (until 23/06/2025)
Beaver Colony - Beaver Colony - Alison Jones, (Rabbit) - Section Team Leader
Andy Merchant (Otter) – Team Member
Colin Patient (Badger) – Team Helper
Pam Potter (Leopard) – Team Helper
Luke Jones (Hippo) – Young Leader
Meredith Anslow (Mouse) – Young Leader
Ruby Jobber (Hedgehog) – Young Leader
Tiyanni Manyika (Squirrel) – Young Leader
Jack Malyan (Meerkat) – Young Leader
Cub Pack - Matthew Buckley (Akela) – Section Team Leader - Matthew Buckley (Akela) – Section Team Leader
Beverley Kingston (Rikki) - Team Member
Jeremy Lowe (Hathi) - Team Member
Pat House (Bagheera) - Team Member
Cameron Howes (Kaa) – Young Leader
Ryan Roberts – Young Leader
Violet Davison-Lacey (Baloo) - Young Leader
Ethan Macmahon (Shere Khan) – Young Leader
Scout Troop
-
- Simon Smith - Section Team Leader
Bryne Smith - Team Member
Nick White – Team Member
Matt Buckley - Team Member
Bailey Aston - Team Helper
*Scout Active Support - *Scout Active Support - Mike Walsh, Chair
Sue Beckwith, Secretary
Tony Fry, Treasurer

(*ceased to function from 29[th] November 2024 due to changes in the organisation of Scouting.)

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Section B – Structure, governance and management

Governing Document

The Group’s governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association.

Constitution

The Group is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and the constitution is as set out in section 5.4 of the POR.

The Group was registered with the Scout Association on 13[th] September 1924 and comprises a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop.

Group Scout Council

The Group Scout Council is the electoral body to which the Group Trustee Board is accountable. Membership of the Group Scout Council is open to:

Trustee Selection

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Trustee Board

The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as Charity Trustees, to make sure the Group is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance. Effective Trustee support helps other volunteers run the Scout programme that gives young people skills for life.

The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer, Group Lead Volunteer and 5 trustees and has met 4 times in the past year. Members of the Trust Board are required to complete the following mandatory training within 6 months of joining the board:

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

The Group Trust Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation’s policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life.

Members of the Group Trust Board must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout Group and in the best interests of its members to:

Risk and Internal Control

The Group Trust Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Section C – Objectives and activities

The Purpose of Scouting

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The Values of Scouting

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others.

Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief – We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

Co-operation – we make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.

5 2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

The Scout Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and;

The activities of the Group are:

Public benefit statement

The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship and community development.

Health and Safety

Group activities continue to be planned and managed by leaders to mitigate risks. There were no major accidents.

Training

All training is fully up-to-date.

Section D – Achievements and performance

Another successful year at 2[nd] Rayleigh is behind us, and what an eventful one it has been as the Group turned 100 years old. The Centenary celebrations kicked off with a fabulous Family Fun Day at Belchamps in May and ended with a very enjoyable adult evening in September. There was also a Thanksgiving Church Service dedicated to the history of the Group.

The event saw many of our Volunteers receiving certificates for long service to 2[nd] Rayleigh, ranging from 25 years to 38 years, and one of our Cub Team Members, Pat House, was specifically recognised for her 66 years dedication to the Scout Movement. A big thank you goes to everyone that gave their time to help prepare for the celebrations. We are running at almost full capacity and still have waiting lists of youngsters keen to join us. The waiting list has 18 children of beaver age with another 10 not old enough yet. The census this year showed a membership of 77 young people and 14 adults in scout roles. None of these volunteers receive any payments for the roles they carry out.

6 2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Our team of dedicated volunteers continue to provide varied, exciting and challenging programmes, and many of the young people have achieved Chief Scout Awards.

Thank you as always to our selfless and hardworking Trustees, Adult Members, and Young Leaders who make 2[nd] Rayleigh the successful Group that it is, we could not do it without you all. I say every year, my job as Group Lead Volunteer (formerly Group Scout Leader) is made so much easier because of the enthusiasm, dedication and support of you all, and I am proud to be part of such a great team.

I would like to welcome Pam Potter (some of you may know her as a Beaver Scout Helper), in her new role as Group Treasurer and Trustee, who has taken over from Paul Stanley. Thank you to Paul for his many years’ service, particularly through the financial challenges of the Covid lockdown, and thank you to Pam for agreeing to take on this role.

It has also been a challenging year for members as we embrace the new Scout system under the digital transformation, particularly in terms of the Group structure and training needs. The new online system has not been without teething problems, but again, our members have powered through and adapted under the new regime whilst still providing excellent opportunities and life skills for our young people.

Finally, I would like to thank the parents for your support. The relationship between the volunteers and parents at 2[nd] Rayleigh has always been a big part of our success, and we value that very much.

After 100 years of Scouting at 2[nd] Rayleigh, I am looking forward to being part of the 101[st] year ahead!

Karen Vassallo Group Lead Volunteer

Section E - Financial Review

The Group had total receipts for the year to the 31 March 2025 of £30,332.69 and total payments of £23,658.41.

The financial report for 2024/25 has been subject to independent examination and has been found to be an accurate reflection of the Group’s financial position.

Fundraising events brought in much needed funds and raised £4469.11 in the past year. The breakdown of this is as follows:-

Tea towels £ 230.00 Fun Day 2024 £1390.90 100 Year Buffet £1388.12 Hoodies etc. £ 30.00 Bag packing £ 639.98 Christmas Cards £ 790.11

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Reserves Policy

The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £6,000. This figure will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it remains in line with expenditure.

Should the level of reserves fall below this level, the Trust Board will make efforts to restore the level as soon as possible.

Should the level of reserves be above this figure, the Trust Board will work to reduce them by purchasing equipment and subsidising the cost of activities and events for all members of the Group.

Investment Policy

The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

Section F – Other Information

GROUP CHAIR’S REPORT

A warm welcome to the 2[nd] Rayleigh AGM. Over the last year we were able to celebrate our centenary year with a fun day and an evening buffet. I think everyone will agree that they were a fitting tribute to the Group, and to all the hard work that has gone into running the group over the years. Many of our old leaders and helpers attended the evening and it was great to see them all.

As usual the last year has seen a full program of events, including various visits, nights away, and camps. Plenty of badge work and many awards were achieved. The section leader’s reports give a fuller picture of the year’s events.

Again, I thank all the leaders and helpers for the work that they have put in over the year. There is a lot to organise creating a busy schedule throughout the year, well done.

Trevor Izod Group Chair

BEAVER COLONY REPORT

We have had another successful year in the Beaver Colony. We are still full with 24 beavers and a very long waiting list.

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

At our weekly meetings we have worked on many of the activity badges and challenge awards. The beavers learnt a lot about penguins in an evening planned by our young leaders. Some of the other highlights this year have included visits from Reptiles Etc (Animal Friend) and Baloo, the comfort dog (Disability Awareness). We also enjoyed a trip to the Synagogue in Westcliff (Faith) and did pond dipping at Hanningfield Reservoir (World). We all had a great day out at our family fun day, to celebrate 2[nd] Rayleigh’s 100[th] Birthday.

We have enjoyed a few nights away, with our Renewal of Promise camp at Belchamps and a sleepover at Monkey Bizzness, where we were allowed to sleep in the soft play area with the cubs. We have also attended many district events this year. Our oldest beavers took part in the District Hike in October, hiking an impressive 7 miles from Cherry Orchard to Hockley Woods and back again. We had a good turnout for the pantomime of ‘Dick Whittington’ in November which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. December’s carol service included a bake off (which I had the difficult task of judging!) and several beavers made Christingles at the local church service. Our colony came 4[th] in the Swimming Gala in February and 6[th] in the District Quiz in March - Well done to everyone who has represented our colony this year.

Most of our older beavers have gone on to gain the Chief Scout Bronze Award, which is the highest award that a beaver scout can get. This takes a lot of work and commitment to the colony and we are very proud of their efforts. Well done to Isaac Stubley, Aden Jelfs, Riggs Merchant, Brodie Latter and Jack Spalding (who has since joined the cub pack). Several of our other Beavers are very close to getting the bronze with only one or two more challenges to complete.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our adult helpers – Andy (Otter), Colin (Badger) and Pam (Leopard) and to our young leaders – Luke (Hippo), Meredith (Mouse), Ruby (Hedgehog), Tiyanni (Squirrel) and Jack (Meerkat) for their continued help and assistance which is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank all the parents who support our activities, enabling the colony to go out and about on our many adventures.

Alison Jones “Rabbit” Beaver Colony Team Leader

CUB PACK REPORT

Wow – what a year it’s been! Looking back, I honestly couldn’t be prouder of our Cubs and the amazing Cub team that’s helped make everything happen. It’s been full-on fun, adventure, learning, and a whole lot of laughter and some sleepless camps!

From camping trips and fire lighting to team games, badge work, sleepovers, and everything in between – our Cubs have thrown themselves into it all with energy,

9 2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

enthusiasm, and a fantastic attitude. They’ve shown real teamwork, kindness, and courage, and it’s been incredible to watch them grow in confidence week by week. We’ve had some brilliant highlights – whether it was nailing a new skill, smashing the junk model challenge, or just seeing friendships grow and new Cubs being welcomed in with open arms. Every single Cub has brought something special to the group, and we’re lucky to have such a brilliant bunch.

Huge shoutout to the Cub team – you’re absolute legends. Whether you’re running games, organising chaos, keeping the energy going, or just being that friendly face a Cub needs after a rough school day – none of this would happen without you. It’s been a real team effort, and I can’t thank you enough for the time, effort, and love you all put in.

And of course, thanks to the parents and carers for all your support – lifts, constant WhatsApp messages, and weekly support. You’re part of the Cub family too. Here’s to another year of adventure, silliness, and making memories. Go Cubs!

Matt Buckley “Akela” Cub Pack Team Leader

SCOUT TROOP REPORT

Another year has gone by, and another year of scouting completed! It has been great to continue the journey of scouting by recently welcoming the fourteen new cubs moving up boosting our troop numbers which has consisted of ten scouts for most of the year, so we now have twenty-four scouts but two are leaving at the start of April and moving onto explorers.

The scouts have taken part in various activities this year including cooking on open fires, making stretchers, catapults, cooking pancakes on gas in the hall, working towards badges and the Essex challenge 2024, they have played Unihoc, minefields, dodge ball and other games. The scouts also enjoyed two nights at Belchamp’s recently on the archery and air rifle ranges and a couple of hikes were undertaken in the local area and two evening playing wide games in Hockley woods. We have worked towards various badges with seven earning the Essex Challenge 2024 award and around thirty-five badges earned by the ten scouts with us through the year.

We attended the District Renewal of promise event at a very muddy campsite in May, though the days had nicer weather. Three scouts camped both nights, two camped one night and three attended during the day. Five scouts also attended the 80[th] Anniversary D-Day event outside the mill hall during an evening in June. Three scouts completed the district skills weekend in June, learning new camping skills like peg carving, tent pitching and cooking on fires, with an activity and wide game in the evening. Four scouts attended the district weekend visit to the Dockland Scout Project in September based at the West India Dock Complex on the east side of London, where they took part in various water

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

boating activities including canoeing, rowing and sailing and stayed on the Lord Amory, the only permanently moored campsite in the UK.

I would like to thank the 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Team who regularly come along to help as without this none of the above could happen so thanks to Bryne, Nick, Bailey and Matt for their commitment and support during the meetings.

Simon Smith Scout Troop Team Leader

Section G - Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signed: Karen Vassallo Trevor Izod
Full Name(s): Karen Vassallo Trevor Izod Karen Vassallo Trevor Izod
Position: Group Lead Volunteer Chairman Group Lead Volunteer Chairman
Date: 19thMay 2025 19thMay 2025

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

2[nd] RAYLEIGH (HOLY TRINITY) SCOUT GROUP

SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2025

CONSOLIDATED (to 31/03/2025)

RECEIPTS
£
PAYMENTS
£
Subscriptions
9,176.08
Donations
30.51
Fund Raising
4,469.11
Outings/Activities
2,748.77
Uniform/Badge sales
109.50
Camp receipts
3,926.35
Hike
120.00
Interest
32.36
Town Museum Event
-
Tax refund
4,741.01
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Payments from divisions
-
-
-
4,979.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS
30,332.69
Brought Forward @ 1 Apr
CASH IN HAND
784.85
CASH IN BANK
7,913.98
39,031.52
Capitation
4,293.00
Refreshments purchased
208.42
Uniform/Badges purchased
979.14
Outings/Activities
6,505.78
Camp expenses
2,754.59
Donations
306.35
Materials (eve meet's)
1,214.46
Equipment (tents etc)
539.48
Stationery, Postage etc
51.15
Prizes
-
Insurance
*Use of Church Hall
Miscellaneous
250.17
-
314.88
Storage
240.00
Subscriptions refunds Hike
OSM Annual Fee
718.61
-
24.00
Town Museum Event
Payments to Group
254.38
-
-
5,004.00
-
TOTAL PAYMENTS
23,658.41
Carried Forward @ 31 Mar
CASH IN HAND
3,560.66
CASH IN BANK
11,812.45
39,031.52

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Cash Totals

(to 31/03/2025)

Cash in Hand Cash in Bank Total Funds
Group General Account - 8,335.55 8,335.55
Beavers 48.90 1,007.58 1,056.48
Cubs 2,374.57
243.83
243.83 2,618.40
Scouts 1,137.19 2,225.49 3,362.68
SAS -
-
- -
Totals
3,560.66
3,560.66
11,812.45 15,373.11
11,812.45 15,373.11 11,812.45 15,373.11

Signed: Pamela Potter

Pamela Potter (Treasurer)

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Group

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 2[nd] Rayleigh Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Claire Baker

Name: Claire Baker

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): MAAT

Address: ……..

Date: 20[th] May 2025

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

THIS PAGE IS BLANK

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2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521

Skills For Life

Resilience, Initiative, Independence, Tenacity, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Coding, Cooking, First Aid…….

The Beaver Scout Promise

I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful and to love God.

The Cub Scout Promise

I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the King, to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law.

The Scout Promise

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the King, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law

16 2[nd] Rayleigh (Holy Trinity) Scout Group – registered charity number 1032521