2024-12-31-accounts - The Dittons Scout Group

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Annual Report of the Dittons Scouts Annual General Meeting, Friday March 14[th] , 2025

Highlighting the 2024 adventures of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers

Dittons Mission Statement the Purpose of Scouting at the Dittons

Our values are at the heart of all we do in Scouting:

Integrity - We’re honest, we try to do the right thing (even if no-one’s watching) and we stay true to ourselves.

Respect - We’re thoughtful of people’s feelings and values, treating everyone as we’d like to be treated ourselves.

Care - We’re kind to others, looking after the world we live in.

Belief - We explore our beliefs and attitudes with wide-open minds.

Co-operation - We work with others to change the world for the better, making friends along the way.

Group Activity Report by Suzan Baker, Dittons Group Lead Volunteer

In this 2024 annual report we are particularly thrilled to highlight the incredible fun, camaraderie, and joy that our outdoor events, particularly camping, offer to all our Dittons scout sections. These events serve as a cornerstone of our scouting program, providing an invaluable opportunity for scouts to immerse themselves in nature, foster friendships, and create unforgettable memories. The Surrey Scouts experience enjoyed at the huge Ardingly Showground in Scoutabout ‘24 was a particularly cherished highlight of 2024, as it allowed scouts and adults alike to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with outdoor adventures - while basking in more heat wave sunshine. Cubs camped twice during 2024 and Explorers endured (I mean enjoyed!) their wettest camp ever in Scotland!

During these camping adventures, our cubs, scouts, explorers (and adults!) engage in a wide array of exciting activities, from hiking and map reading to climbing and archery. These activities not only promote physical fitness and outdoor skills but also encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, the bonds forged around our many campfires are truly special, as we all come together to share stories, laughter, and create a genuine sense of belonging to our group – the combined wearing of our splendid Dittons purple helps.

In the report pages that follow each section details their activities and these words, combined with the pictures, show exactly what makes us all very proud. Proud of all our Dittons volunteers and proud of each of our young people and I want to say a big thank you to all our Section Team members who have once again put in a great deal of hard work and freely given up hours of their time to provide quality Scouting at the Dittons over 2024.

A massive thank you once again to our 2024 activity planners, badge capturers, cake makers, nail hammerers, lift givers, mini bus drivers, question asking and OSM answering, bonfire building, BBQ burning, picnic making, uniform washing, sideline cheering, email reading, form filling in helpers from every single Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer at The Dittons – we definitely could not run scouting without you, our Dittons community .

Enjoying Volunteering – it definitely is for all!

Always looking for new team members to pull on purple, join in the fun and grace next year’s report!

The Group Trustee Board – Annette Williams, Chair of Trustees

The Group Trustee Board plays a vital role in the running of a Scout Group. Trustees make decisions and carry out administrative tasks to ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to young people in the Group. Trustees must act collectively as Charity Trustees of the Scout Group. The committee also exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Trustees hold legal and financial accountability for the management of The Scout Group, including the upkeep of the Shack, the property and equipment at The Dittons, fundraising efforts, and the overall administration of the Group’s finances. This vital role supports our section teams in carrying out scouting activities. According to the group reserves policy, which will be reviewed in 2025,

the aim is to build a fund to enable The Dittons to purchase the freehold of our field if possible and to and significantly improve and extend our buildings.

Membership is open to all through elections at the AGM or by co-option throughout the year.
All Dittons Trustees are registered with the Charity Commission as Trustees of The Dittons.

Scouts is just a great place to volunteer.

Every volunteer is welcomed.
Every volunteer is supported.

 Every volunteer is valued.

 Every volunteer gains skills (and has fun!)

Trustees 2024	Group Lead Volunteer	Secretary	Treasurer
	Suzan Baker	Louise O’Gorman	Diana Goodhugh
Paul Bartlett	Stuart Jack	Melanie Uzunoglu	Pamela Forsyth
Matt Davies	Julia Hawkins	Jess Cresswell	Vacant…

Chair - Annette Williams

Smiles from our volunteer Trustees – could

you join us?

- Objectives of The Dittons Scout Group Public Benefit Statement

The purpose of Scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. Scouting uses a method, which is young people in partnership with adults: enjoying what they are doing; learning by doing; participating in varied and progressive activities; making choices for themselves; taking responsibility for their own actions; working in groups; taking increasing responsibility for others; taking part in activities outdoors; sharing in prayer and worship; and making and living out their Scout Promise.

Under the Charities Act 2006 The Scout Association is required to demonstrate that our aims are for the public benefit. Our assessment is that we have met the public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. The activities outlined in this report highlight the areas of work that achieves these aims.

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Anyone here from Dittons? District Cross Country 2024
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Theres only one thing Dittons like more than cooking and that is ...cooking on fires!

The Dittons Fair by Rebecca Walker, Fair Chair

Report on The Dittons Fair – Sunday 12[th] May 2024

We held our 68th Dittons Fair on May 12 2024 and it was another magical day! Thousands of people flocked to Giggs Hill Green for what’s become the largest community event in the local area. The sun shone (again!), the arena was flooded with a sea of purple as the Dittons Beavers, Cubs and Scouts helped to open the Fair and the BBQs didn’t stop flipping burgers for over four hours.

Our leaders cooled off in ‘Soak the Leader’, the cheering from the crowds as the pigs raced was deafening and our arena acts gave us some show stopping performances. Everywhere you looked there were smiles.

A huge thank you is due to each one of you for all your contributions towards making it a huge success: from promoting the Fair by programme selling to stall donations to volunteering on the day (over 200 of you!) – We just couldn’t do it without all your effort

and support. Many thanks also to our leaders, who work as volunteers week in, week out, for our children, but who also come out in force for the fair and are there from 7am until 7pm when we lock up the Green and head to the pub.

This is our only fundraiser and the only ‘volunteering requirement’ we have of all the families that join The Dittons.

It is this one day, of maximum effort, that ensures the continuation of The Dittons Scout Group. We keep our Dittons Membership Charge to a minimum and the Fair is therefore our main source of income to keep our beloved and unique Shack alive and well and scouting activities going strong!

See you on the Green to do it all over again on May 11[th] 2025

1932 Committee by Paul Bartlett, Chair of Committee & Estates Manager

Our wonderful building, The Shack, which we are so fortunate to own outright, requires a lot of time, love and attention to keep it usable and intact and during 2024 we have continued this TLC: volunteers have overseen and undertaken maintenance of the Shack, fire alarm servicing, fire extinguisher checks, wireless Internet access and a lot of ad-hoc work.

The kitchen refurbishment has finally started. The builder was selected, but selecting the commercial kitchen installer was proving challenging and time consuming. Three different suppliers were providing three different quotes, which made comparison difficult.

Whilst this was ongoing, an application was made to Elmbridge Borough Council for a contribution from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). We were successful and were granted £25,000 towards the building works. We were simultaneously also encouraged and supported by our Dittons’ Surrey County Councillor, Nick Darby, to

apply for a grant from ‘Your Fund Surrey’. Councillor Darby’s endorsement saw the Dittons Scout Group receive an additional sum of £27,658 towards the commercial kitchen costs. Our applications to these funds did not negatively impact any other organisation, since all funding requests were granted. The Dittons will still need to use money raised through the annual Fair to complete the kitchen refurbishment. The key point of note, is that this external funding allows the Dittons the financial opportunity to actively consider construction of other activity buildings for our young people (for example an indoor shooting range), without having to wait for future Dittons Fairs to raise the money.

The photographs show that the kitchen has been enlarged into an ‘L’ shape, following the extension into the next door “Uncle’s Room”. New double-glazed windows have been installed and a secure door now opens onto the field. Commercial grade stainless steel equipment will be fitted, counters and cupboards, which will ensure its longevity. A new serving hatch will be created into the hall, with removable panelling to retain the hall’s character. We will have a full height fridge & freezer, a commercial dishwasher and an on-demand water heater – no more washing up in cold water!

The garages and sheds outside of the Shack continue to demand their own TLC and Stuart has been doing a fantastic job of tidying, organising and fixing them as required. Additionally, he has arranged the refurbishment of the much loved centenary camp fire circle, which we looking forward to enjoying with the coming of Spring and Summer.

All volunteers at the Dittons continue to strive to provide the best facilities for the Group’s young people and I thank everyone for their hard work, especially Stuart Jack and Aidan McGuinness .

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The kitchen has served
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Dittons Beavers

Montreal Colony Leadership Team in 2024 Toronto Colony Leadership Team in 2024 Team Leader - David Cooper Team Leader - Pamela Forsyth Section Team in 2024 - Jess Cresswell, Nicola Riggs, Aileen Section Team in 2024 - Annette Williams, Terezie Wickenden, Widdowson, Jon O’Sullivan, Tom Goodacre, Marc Cohen, Lisa Becky Lawson, Lee McCarthy, Katie Tiller, Rachel Surgeoner Jenkinson Swayne, James Walker Explorer Young Leader: Explorer Young Leaders : Joshua Baird & Jack Briscoe

This past year has seen a range of activities and events that have kept the Beavers engaged and excited. Under the leadership of David and Pamela, the beavers navigated through various challenges, culminating in another successful year filled with memorable events. Events like the Dittons AGM provided a platform for showcasing their talents and the Beaver Fun Day brought joy to all participants. Throughout the year, the Beavers enjoyed numerous weekly meetings where they participated in activities such as creating Mother's Day cards, playing frisbee golf, and learning about emergency aid. The group also hosted an Easter egg hunt combined with a Moving On Ceremony, creating a sense of growth and celebration for the children.

Additionally, the group took part in fun activities such as ten-pin bowling and a garden badge, which encouraged creativity and teamwork. The highlights from this year also included the Christmas Carol Concert and a festive Christmas party, both of which brought the group together during the holiday season. Several events were organised during the year, including cross-country training sessions and competitions which helped instill a spirit of competition and camaraderie among the Beavers. Both Colonies also visited the Safari Adventure Golf in Hersham and also enjoyed sledging and mini ringos at The Oakwood Centre, Sandown Park during the autumn term. The participation in Esher District events, such as the Beaver party, further demonstrated the group's dedication to community involvement. Notably, the Esher District Cross Country Competition injected an element of challenge and excitement into the year. Montreal Colony won the District Cross Country team race, with Toronto Colony finishing a close second of the 11 competing District Colonies.

The whole Beaver team has ensured that all children had a positive and constructive experience, the energy and enthusiasm shown by the children has ensured all meetings are enjoyable. Significant contributions, particularly through the tough summer term, were made from all the excellent team of helpers. Finally, a thank you to the parents and all volunteers for supporting the group; your involvement made all the difference in providing our Beavers with enriching experiences in 2024. The Dittons Scout Group will bid farewell to David Cooper in July of 2025. David has been an integral part of the Beaver leadership team for 35 years, please don’t under estimate how much his absence will be felt. David has contributed an immense amount of time and energy, helping to shape the program and guide the children. His dedication over the decades has made a lasting impact on many young lives, and he will be missed by all – put July 13[th] 2025 in your diary and prepare to celebrate! is

3 Beavers from Montreal and 10 from Toronto earned their prestigious Chief Scout’s Bronze Award , the highest badge a Beaver can earn – Congratulations!

Dittons Cubs

Mowgli Cub Pack Leadership Team in 2024 Zulu Cub Pack Leadership team in 2024 Team Leader – Suzan Baker Team Leader – Matt Davies & Craig Behrens Team members - - Lloyd Smith, Simon Morris, Steve Team members - Stephen Wakefield, Alasdair Young, Natalie Audsley, Charlie Balbirnie, Wing Yin Wong, Amy Graham Packer, James Green & Karen Faulder Explorer Young Leaders – Ted Ferguson, Josh Baird & Explorer Young Leaders – Neve Davies, Catherine Bartlett & Orson Skittles Lauren Widdowson

Our past year in Cubs has certainly been a memorable one, marked by incredible teamwork and wonderful experiences. A significant highlight was our volunteer team of parents and young leaders, who have been unwavering in their enthusiastic support, ensuring that no challenge went unmet. Our Cubs Cause Chaos camp in September provided a particularly enchanting weekend, where everyone enjoyed the largest campfire we’ve ever seen contrasting with the serenity of being under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of owls all around. Despite some incredibly rainy weather during earlier June District camp, the spirit of our Cubs remained positive, there were no complaints and it showcased the enthusiasm and resilience of everyone. Cubs really can go camping!

Throughout the year we had meetings that catered to a wide range of activities designed to both educate and entertain. Our sessions included engaging games, cooking lessons, and preparations for various outdoor adventures. These gatherings not only provided valuable skills, such as emergency aid and outdoor challenges, but also fostered a sense of community among the Cubs. We also took part in several exciting events outside our regular meetings: the District Hike, District Quizzes, the District Sausage Sizzle in October; the Cubs sold programmes in the local streets before enjoying the atmosphere of the Dittons Fair. Another engaging outdoor activity, the Cross Country Training sessions and the resulting District Cross Country competition encouraged the Cubs to embrace healthy rivalry and teamwork. And we celebrated with a win and a very large shield!

A significant moment in our annual calendar was the presentation in 2024 of five Chief Scout Silver Awards , recognizing the dedication and hard work of our Cubs. This achievement stands as a testament to their commitment to Scouting and the skills they have developed throughout the year. Looking ahead, we are excited for more camping adventures and hiking opportunities, along with the diverse activities that make our nights at Cubs enjoyable and enriching. We are committed to providing an engaging programme that caters to the interests and growth of our young members. None of this would be possible without the young leaders, the team leaders and team members who have worked tirelessly over the past year. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and Dittons appreciate everything you do for our Cubs.

Dittons Scouts

Scout Troop (Wednesday) Leadership Team in 2024 Team Leader – Jackie Bourne & Tony Butcher

Scout Troop (Thursday) Leadership Team in 2024 Team Leader – Allen Widdowson

Team members - Will Kendrick, Gavin Bacon & Martin Team members - Jonathan Yates, Richard Hunt, Martin Brown Yates & Phil Hawkins Explorer Young Leaders – Kai Butcher & Drew Swallow

As always, 2024 has been no different and the scout troops have once again been packed with engaging activities, meetings, and events that have truly showcased the spirit of our Dittons scouting community. This was a year for large scale outdoor adventures as the scouts took part in a Derbyshire Camp, Scoutabout '24, Alton Towers adventures and another week-long summer sailing trip in Guernsey.

Scoutabout '24 occurs every three years, takes place with 5,000 other Surrey scouts and guides in Ardingley Showground and really is something special. There were diving, driving archery, shooting, enormous inflatables, camp fire songs, laser tag, crafts and water slides to enjoy. The music on the Saturday evening gave the whole field a festival atmosphere; all in all a really special weekend experience for adults and young people alike.

Our meetings have been filled with a wide variety of activities that kept our scouts both active and entertained. Highlights included outdoor experiences like Fires with S’mores, Pioneering, Night Hikes and Navigation, alongside engaging events such as Masterchef, Pancake Day, and games at the Shack. Each gathering provided opportunities for development in skills and teamwork. Throughout the year, our scouts also participated in an array of events, underlining the group’s dedication to learning and adventure. Noteworthy experiences included the additional events such as Action for Nature, District Scouting Skills, and various hikes which allowed participants to embrace the outdoors and develop their scouting skills. We won the Scout section of the District Cross Country – again!

A special mention must go to our Wednesday Troop volunteers, Martin Brown and Gavin Bacon, for completing their Scout Section team training. Their commitment to enhancing their skills to work with young people is commendable and greatly benefits our group. Stephen Wakefield moved from his time with Zulu cubs to join the Thursday scout troop team. We thank all leaders for their hard work throughout the year; their dedication is evident in the enjoyable activities and the supportive environment they help create.

We are also pleased to note that during this past year; one Chief Scout Gold Award - was presented, recognising the hard work and achievement of Harrison Davey - it is always heart-warming to see commitment for and enjoyment of scouting rewarded.It’s been a great year of Scouting and it’s been a pleasure for the whole Leadership team to see Scouts enjoying their time outdoors experiencing new challenges and adventures.

Ever wondered how those Night Hike team Summer Sailing Scoutabout tents return to their bags?

Dittons Explorers

Section Leaders - Tom Wilkinson & Julia Hawkins Esher District Explorer Support – Philippa Guildford

Section Team - Stuart Jack, Ro Guildford & Aidan Mcguinness

Network – Ed Bartlett, Summer Whelan, Edward Cruthers, Neve Davies, Ted Fergusson, Lauren Widdowson, Ben Sheppard & Josh Baird

Over 2024, The Dittons Explorer Scout Unit has been busy with a wide array of activities and achievements. One key highlight, that made us all very proud, was the notable achievement of Ro Guildford, who received a Kings Scout Award in September 2024. This prestigious accolade reflects both Ro’s commitment to Scouting (she has been a Dittons Cub, Scout, Explorer and Network Young Leader) along with her personal development through a mixture of International, Community and Values based challenges over many years.

The group participated in numerous meetings that catered to the Explorers interests and skills. These meetings included several Explorer-led evenings that encouraged leadership and teamwork among participants. Events such as the Master Chef challenge and a creative Dragons’ Den evening allowed the Explorers to showcase their culinary skills and innovative ideas. Regular meetings mixed activities such as laser quest, backwoods cooking, and games evenings. The Explorers were also actively engaged in District events, such as the Cooking Competition and the District Incident Hunt, which provided opportunities for them to work together, enhancing their skills and camaraderie throughout the year. Noteworthy events on the calendar included the exciting (but very wet!) summer Camp to Scotland and community engagement activities like the Remembrance Sunday service. These events not only helped foster Scouting values but also provided memorable experiences that the Explorers will carry with them – skills for life. Looking ahead, there is much to look forward to in the coming year. The group is planning an international trip to Germany, where Explorers will have the opportunity to engage in new experiences and further their Scouting journey

As we look at the current membership, we wish to express our gratitude to the Young Leaders and Network members who have made such significant contributions to explorers and the whole Dittons group, especially by working with other sections of the Dittons. Their dedication is invaluable and has definitely made an impact on the development of the younger members and the overall success of our group. We would like to take a moment to thank all the Explorers for their enthusiasm and energy, which continually makes volunteering with the group a rewarding experience. Together, we look forward to a promising and exciting year ahead in the world of Scouting. Finally, we would finish by thanking Steve Baird for his years of hard work as a Dittons Explorer leader and with our Duke of Edinburgh teams – we wish you all the very best in your new adventures.

The Duke of Edinburgh award has continued to be a key part of our programme.. 4 Explorers/Network undertook their Practice & Qualifying Gold award expeditions this year, with 2 achieving their Gold Awards in 2024 ! A real success for The Dittons and the result of a lot of hard work by our young people, support from parents and a lot of hours of Dittons Leaders – we thank them all. 6 Explorers have started their Young Leader journey with us this year by starting the Young Leader training scheme. Finally by going above and beyond their Duke of Edinburgh Awards we have been happy to award 3 Chief Scout Platinum Awards and 1 King's Scout Award.

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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustoés 1fOtrJg SLOW LKEOuf On accounts for the year ended WL* Charity no (If any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (°the Trust") for the year ended Responslbllltles and basis of report As the chariws trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in aGGordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out unaer sethon 145 oTine 2irii Act ano"In carying out rny examinatron, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have corne to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disdosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material the accountlng records were not kept in accordance wlth section 130 of the Charities Act; or th6 accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities dlTU j itvyultaliui rb £006 ultim thai ijlly iEwiiwfiUrt that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come acxoss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in nn4pr tn pnghlp. A nrnnp.r I Indsbrptandinn nf thp. Intq tn hp. rA2f.ho.fl Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: 0% Name: Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon(s) or body IER Oct 2018

Address: .kQ aos Sectton B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and ouidanr& for.ftLwniDfjos), Give here brief details of any Items that the examiner wlshes to disclose. IER Oct 2018