## 1[st] Catisfield Scout Group ## Period of Report For the year 1[st] February 2020 to 31[st] January 2021 Presented at the virtual Annual General Meeting on 17[th] May 2021 Registered Charity Number: 1036211 **1[st] Catisfield Scout Group** 1[st] Catisfield Scout Group 134 Blackbrook Road, Fareham, PO15 5BY **Name of Charity Principal / Contact Address** **Names of all trustees** (all voting members of the committee) **Andrew Prescott (AP)** , Chair | **Hazel Stevens (HS)** , Treasurer | **Dave Braines (DB)** , Secretary | **Lesley Bruton (LB)** , Group Scout Leader | | **Angela Kerfoot** ( **AK** ), Leader – Mountain Beavers | **Sabine Braines (SB),** Leader – Discovery Scouts | **John Campbell (JC)** , Quartermaster and Assistant Leader – Discovery Scouts | **Melissa Chorlton** ( **MC)** , Leader – Merlin Explorers | | **Bill Starkey (BS)** , Parent Representative | **Eileen Leach (EL),** Representative **| Derek Kelson (DK)** , Parent Representative | **Daren Emmons** ( **DE** ), Parent Representative | **Becci Hatt (BH)** , Parent Representative **Note: Bob Turner** and **Rob McClurg** have stood down as Executive Members and trustees during this period. ## **Governance** All decisions that are either material to the group or relate to any form of financial approval are approved via the Executive Committee that is formed by the above Trustees. The Executive Committee meets every two months (or more regularly as required for key decisions) and has a standing agenda that includes Financial Statement from the Treasurer, and update on group sections from the Group Scout Leader. All meetings have a formal agenda with Actions and Decisions, along with key discussion points documented. This includes all voting decisions. The Group executes activities as defined in the Scout Association Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) as available on the Scout Association website and updated as required. Trustee training is available from the Scout Association online, and in this reporting period many of the Executive have undertaken different elements of this training. ## **Sections** - Mountain Beaver Colony – Wednesday Evening - Python Cub Pack – Thursday Evening - Discovery Scout Troop – Wednesday Evening - Merlin Explorer Unit - Thursday Evening ## **Chair’s Update** This is my seventh year as Chair, and I think I can safely say it has been a challenging and somewhat different year to all others. COVID has undoubtedly, like most of you, turned our Scout Group upside down. Within a matter of weeks of the initial lockdown, the leaders had mobilised on zoom-based section meetings - this is a whole new way of meeting and requires a different approach to face-to-face. I would like to personally thank the section leaders and their teams in how they moved so quickly, and provided what many parents have commented to me as the only way of their children connecting with their friends during a protracted period of time - a really fantastic achievement. We then returned to scouting face-toface, but again that brought a whole new set of challenges - from one-way systems, to enhanced cleaning, face masks, hand washing - and all in a way that can still motivate and inspire the children - something I am confident we have achieved and again my thanks go out to a great set of leaders that have responded so positively in what have been challenging times. After another lockdown period, we are just restarting face-to-face scouting again, and with some level of hope, no return to further lockdowns, but the group does this with a whole new set of skills and options for the future. Other things have happened in the last 12 months with the group. We completed the demolition of the original Scout HQ building (dating back to the 1950’s), and have returned that area and the area adjacent to the entrance to grass. This has enabled us to move the fire-pit to a more open area where can hopefully fit the whole group round at some point when restrictions allow. We also made the tough decision to stop running Jumble Sales. Whilst we know this was a popular community event each month, we were continually struggling to find volunteers to run it. We will now focus our fund raising on specific events once conditions allow. Now we have adjusted the site, the next few months will see a new hedge line planted on the western boundary, and establishing the promised rose garden in memory of Rose Fogwill, our previous Group Scout Leader in the old playground area. Finally, a thank you to the Executive, and our supporters. A whole range of contributions in time and effort make the group the success it is today. From mowing the lawn, to electric work, to accounts, it all makes the group the success it is today with over 100 young people across all of our sections. Andrew Prescott, Chair ## **Group Scout Leader’s Update** When we went into lockdown last spring we all wondered what this would mean for local scouting – a few weeks later we were up and running with ‘Virtual Scouting’ on Zoom. It was a steep learning curve for a lot of us but with some help from those ‘that know’ and social media Scouting Facebook groups for virtual programme ideas we were on a roll. We held weekly section Zoom meetings and our leaders did a sterling job of keeping the Young People entertained – I’d like to thank all the Group leaders for doing such an amazing job during what has been a very difficult and challenging year for everyone. The Young People and parents have been great in supporting the online activities and challenges we set. In July at the end of term we arranged a ‘Virtual Group Camp’ and we had the Young People camping out in their gardens and making dens indoors. They ‘pimped’ their tents and dens and had great fun cooking meals and playing games and naturally we had a ‘virtual’ camp fire with songs. Parents sent in photos which were posted on our Group Facebook site throughout the camp so everyone could see what was going on. We had a design a camp badge competition and the entrants were inspiring. There was a vote for the winner and the favourite badge was made up and given to all camp participants. The winning designer was Adam Barfoot in the Beavers, well done Adam. It was a lovely way to end the term and we even pre-recorded an opening and closing ceremony at the Scout hut with guest appearances from most of the leaders. We were able to finally demolish the small hut during the summer holidays and the area has now been turfed making the site look even bigger with more space for the Young People to run around. The site continues to be improved and we are in the process of making a new fire circle and setting up raised planting beds – a big thank you to the leaders and Executive Committee members who have been helping with all the site improvements. There will be a planter for each section to plant up and two will be used for Rose’s commemorative roses - they are currently growing nicely in my garden We will then put Rose’s bench out with her roses. So, things are looking up now and it’s been great to see everyone returning to face-to-face Scouting – long may it continue! Lesley Bruton, Group Scout Leader ## **Approval** The Trustees (Committee) declare that they have approved the trustees report above. _Signed by two trustees on behalf of the Committee_ The committee considered and approved this report on 17[th ] May 2021. |Signature|Printed name|Role / Designation|Date of Signature| |---|---|---|---| |................|......................|..............................|..........................| |................|......................|..............................|..........................| ## **1ST CATISFIELD SCOUT GROUP** ## Treasurer’s Report for Year Ending 31st January 2021 ## **Financial Year 1[st] February 2020 – 31[st] January 2021** Note the accounts are prepared on receipts and payments basis and not on accruals basis. Full account detail is within 1[st] Catisfield FreeAgent reporting. ## **INCOME STATEMENT** Income for the year was £37,099. The income detail as summarised below: |Category|Value (£)| |---|---| |Subscriptions|12,906| |Clothing Purchase|83| |Donation|214| |Camps & Activities|205| |Gift Aid|3,381| |HQ Rental|2,115| |Jumble Sale Proceeds|347| |Fundraising|37| |Grant Income|17,811| |**TOTAL**|**37,099**| ## **MAIN COSTS** Gross Expenditure for the Year is £22,252 for the Receipts and Payments Account as presented for the year end submission. The expenditure is summarised below: |Category|Value (£)| |---|---| |Jumble Sale Expenses|135| |Water Supply Costs|780| |HQ Maintenance|5,102| |Badge Costs|711| |Clothing Purchases|106| |Sundries|97| |Bank/Finance Charges|8| |Insurance|807| |Staff Training|0| |Bad Debts W/O|0| |Energy Costs|1,636| |HQ Refurbishment|10,577| |Camps & Activities Costs|13| |Leaders Expenses|652| |---|---| |Equipment Purchase|0| |Capitation|4,628| |Explorer Unit Expenses|0| |**TOTAL**|25,252| ## **RETAINED EARNINGS** The total Retained Income (profit) for the current year is £11,847 (Income less Expenditure). ## **BALANCE SHEET** Shows Assets of £12,710 which is made up of: |Category|Value (£)| |---|---| |Current Account|16,960| |Nationwide Savings Account|100| |District Loan|-4,250| |Accounts Receivable (inc Invoices not paid)|-100| |Accounts Payable (inc Camp & Event Funds held)|0| |**TOTAL**|12,710| Independent examiner's report to the trustees of 1•t Catisfield Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1 $1 Catisfield Scout Group for Ihe year ended 31st January 2021. Responslbllltles and basis of report As Ihe charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's 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(51{b) of the Act. Independent examiner's slatoment 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 malerial respect.. 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no material concerns and have come across no other significant matters in connection with the examination to whi¢h attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. •L4- Paul Betteridge FCA LLB 5 May 2021 ## **APPENDIX ONE: Section Reports** ## **Mountain Beaver Colony Report** Wow what a year, from three national lockdowns and switching Beavers to Zoom, to going from Assistant Beaver Leader to Beaver Leader, a role which I’m still trying to get my head round and still learning. I officially took over in November, in the middle of lockdown 2. In that time, we lost one of our young leaders to another Explorer unit, but gained another leader in Sarah McArdle. We have a very healthy membership and many on the waiting list. After we had all got to grips with Zoom, we did loads of fun activities including, making Chinese window flowers, junk modelling, healthy eating and fitness, watching planes landing and taking off from Heathrow, cracking messages in Morse Code, and making Armpit Rocky Road!! That was a first for me and went down a treat with the Beavers. All of these activities covered many different badges including, Communicator, Health and Fitness, Build, and My World. As well all these activities we have had some fabulous guests joining us. We’ve seen some exotic animals with Jungle Jo, made lots of noise with Rhythmicity, meet a First Aider, and had a great story with Conrad Burderkin. We’ve also had two Beavers achieve their Chief Scout Bronze Award, well done Adam Barfoot and Imogen Prescott. I would just like to say a massive thank you to all the Mountain Colony leaders for helping to make all these activities lots of fun and enjoyable for the Beavers – Eleanor Coutts, Edel Relph, Sarah McArdle, Eileen Leach, our young leaders Lewis and Toby, and in particular Mel Chorlton who has been a massive help to me with the transition to Beaver Leader, I couldn’t have done it without her. Also, a big thank you to Lesley Bruton and all the other Leaders at 1[st] Catisfield for all your help and support. Angela Kerfoot / River – Beaver Scout Leader ## **Python Cub Pack Report** I’ve been writing these reports every year for many many years now but this year my annual report bears little resemblance to previous years. Going into total lockdown last spring was a shock for everyone and it didn’t seem possible that we would be able to carry on with any Scouting at all. However, after Easter we were back with Virtual Scouting and thank goodness for Zoom! The Cubs embraced the weekly zoom meetings and challenges we set them. We played games, did scavenger hunts and even managed to complete some badges, we did the Astronomers badge, Chef, Artist, Personal & Home Safety badges plus some of the Cubs independently gained badges e.g., Home Help, Animal Carer, Hobbies, Collector and many more. We encouraged the Cubs to camp in their gardens or make indoor dens and sleep in them – and they loved it! We counted these nights towards their ‘Nights Away’ staged badges and between them they racked up a LOT of nights. We did a 1[st] Catisfield Virtual Camp at the end of the summer term and nearly all of the Cubs took part. They put up tents and made dens, they decorated them and flooded facebook with all the fabulous pictures. They made ‘Mocktails’ cooked dinner, played games, had a campfire and cooked their breakfast the next day. It was a lovely way to end the summer term. A great favourite with the Cubs was our ‘Cooking with Kaa’ sessions - the Cubs made Sweetcorn fritters, pizza bagels, Sponge cake and Christmas cookies and Yule logs. Parents took lots of photos of all the cooking and activities so we have lots of great photos to remind us of what we all got up to. We made space models & book covers and we had some excellent special guests visit us too. We had a crazy magician, Jungle Jo with all her reptiles & amphibians, a drumming session, a space session, Horus Birds of Prey plus the best storyteller ever, Conrad Burdekin who made a return visit for a fun poetry session. The Cubs tuned in week after week and really embraced everything with enthusiasm and I’d like to thank the parents for their contribution as without their support and encouragement the last year would have been very different. I’m so proud of everything the Cubs have achieved this past year, seeing their smiling faces on Zoom every week has made the effort all worthwhile. As ever, without the support of my Cub leaders, we wouldn’t have been able to keep going and now that we are able to return face-to-face we look forward to doing all the activities we couldn’t do through a computer screen – hurrah! Lesley Bruton / Akela – Pythons Cub Pack Leader ## **Discovery Scout Report** Never did we ever imagine life changing so much in one year, it has been resilience and adaptation at its best and scouting continued to provide the support and values it prides itself on. Our Expedition Challenge weekend in March 2020 was attended by 15 of our scouts who successfully navigated their way across the marshes of the New Forest - it comprised 2 days of walking for at least 4 hours and an overnight camp, most (if not all) had never done this kind of challenge before so it was a huge achievement for all. Once we’d realised that face-to-face was not going to be an option for some time, we came up with an online programme, it was important to keep the connection going and was fun to create a light-hearted varied programme including; escape rooms, lots of cooking (thank you John), games and quizzes, and even a virtual trip to a nature reserve in Tanzania! The group virtual camp was well attended and many of the scouts enjoyed camping in the garden over the summer months. On returning back to scouting after the summer we made the decision to merge the two scout troops so that we could run one programme and focus on badge work to continue to work towards their Gold Awards. The zoom sessions were well attended and along with a small backlog from the previous term, we ended up handing out almost 300 badges (digital citizen, digital maker, meteorologist, local knowledge, crafts, world, personal, expedition and creative challenge badges) and investing 11 new members. We also said goodbye to several of our older scouts most of whom moved up to Merlin Explorers which is excellent! I would like to thank the whole group; sections and support, for keeping everything moving and helping us all to adapt, especially Andrew who taught us the ways of zoom and set it all up for us! And a huge thank you to our scout leaders who all attended the online sessions and who stepped way out of their comfort zones to run sessions too, it was a learning curve for all. The scout hut also looks fantastic with lots of work continuing over lockdown and we look forward to using all that fabulous outdoor space over the coming months. Sabine Braines, Scout Leader - Discovery Troop Leader ## **Merlin Explorer Report** This past year has been truly exceptional, both for Scouting in general and Merlin Explorers. Our membership has grown steadily despite restrictions and 2 lockdowns and we now have 16 members and a new Explorer Scout Leader! I took over as Explorer Scout Leader in May 2020 during lockdown 1 – a big leap into the unknown as I had been a Beaver Scout Leader for a long time. We also gained 2 new assistant leaders, bringing the Merlin leader team to 6. We all soon got used to the format of Zoom meetings and, during the summer term, we did a wide variety of online activities ranging from armpit fudge and microwave mug cakes to marshmallow tower building and a virtual escape room. During the autumn term we were able to meet face-to-face for a while and we made the most of the outdoors, making our own stoves and cooking on them and taking part in an incident hike amongst other things. Spring 2021 saw us back on Zoom again taking part in a drumming workshop, doing Taskmaster challenges, cooking pancakes and tortilla pizzas and vegetable carving. We also organised a presentation about the top awards in Explorer Scouts which was well attended with many Explorers expressing an interest in signing up to do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. I would like to say a huge thanks to the Merlin leader team for helping to make all these exciting activities happen - Rachel Butcher, Cogy Coghlan, Andy Smith, Will Chorlton and Daren Emmons, to Lesley Bruton the Group Scout Leader, and also to all the other leaders from 1st Catisfield for their help and support. Finally, I would like to thank all the parents and members of Merlin ESU for your help and support throughout the year. We hope the next 12 months will be even more action-packed and successful as the last. Melissa Chorlton, Leader - Merlin Explorer Scout Leader