XVII Colchester Sea Scout Group
Annual Report and Financial Statement, 2023-2024
Group Scout Leader’s AGM Report 2023-2024
It is impossible to write a Group Scout Leader’s report (as we are waiting on the final date for Transformation when my title will become Lead Group Volunteer) without acknowledging each and every volunteer who gives up untold hours to provide fantastic opportunities for the young people in our care.
The year started with the Cub section having their September Camp at Mersea. The Cubs undertook their DIY badge and went on a hike, as well has indulging in some great food! They also practiced their fire lighting skills and made their own pizzas. The beavers also held a sleepover at Mersea.
We held a Group Christmas Meal day at Thorrington, with the Beavers and Cubs having a craft session and a visit to the assault course and 3D maze, followed by a hot brunch. The Scouts and Explorers took part in various activities including the 3D maze and bouldering, followed by a 3-course Christmas meal.
As we moved into 2024, the Group celebrated its 90[th] year of delivering Scouting in Colchester. We held a badge competition which was won by Martha Simpkins and the badge now adorns everyone’s uniform. We took a group photograph where all sections were represented, and thanks must go to the staff at the Corporal Budd VC Army Gymnasium for allowing us free use of the raked seating in the sports hall for this. In next year’s report, we will have held a Group Camp at Gilwell Park, the home of UK Scouting as part of our 90[th] year celebrations.
Once again, we have had a good year of fundraising. Our main source of funds comes from the annual Plant Sale and huge thanks must go to Ben Green, Marleen Batchelor and Colin Batchelor and their team for organising, ordering, sorting and delivering the plants. Sara Cheeld and family also need thanks for their efforts with the Christmas pudding sale. If you are able to help with either of these events, we would very much welcome your help. Also, please help to support the events by buying even more plants and puddings!
In the spring, we sadly lost a longtime stalwart of the Group, Mary Francis. Mary was Akela at the 17[th] for 28 years before Jon Hay and remained as a Group Supporter and Vice President. Her memorial service was held at Layer-de-la-Haye Church and the Group arranged for a guard of honour to show our genuine appreciation for Mary’s support over many years. She will be sadly missed.
This year we have added to our fleet with the purchase of a secondhand Colvic 20, to be renamed “Puffin” (whilst of course following the correct procedure to appease Poseidon and the 4 wind gods!). She is currently undergoing significant maintenance and rejuvenation, and we expect her to be in use for the 2025 season. Puffin will enable for longer water sessions to be run, as she is fitted with a sea toilet and a stove…lots of tea and cake please!
Our water programme will be detailed later in the report, but we had our largest turn out ever at the Group Sail Day who were given a taster session on the water and served some excellent food. At this event, we were able to present a number of awards. We also hosted a number of former 17[th] members in the evening as a reunion as part of our 90[th] year of Scouting.
Summer Camp this year was at the Essex International Jamboree, joining with approximately 8000 young people, leaders and staff in a field outside Chelmsford. The Cubs, Scouts and Explorers who attended took part in a plethora of activities throughout the week, ranging from using a TV green screen to present the weather forecast to setting up a sweet making business and everything in between! Lots of the group and unit were present as staff members too, with some impressive titles
such as Director of Safety. We played host to 2[nd] Fairview Scouts, a group from Nova Scotia in Canada. It’s fair to say that they were blown away by then quality of food we have on 17[th] camps! After the previous Jamboree was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, it was fantastic that an event like this was able to take place again.
At the end of the summer, we were able to support the Mersea Week dinghy races with 3 ribs and the launch, with the role of Safety Officer taken on by myself for the second year running. We have supported this activity for many years now and once again we were praised for our readiness, skills and professionalism. We were unable to support Mersea’s Round the Island race by providing safety cover this year, due to running a sailing session for Lexden Guides. However, a team of leaders (George, Jasper, Danielle, Adam) took part in the race in the Group’s Xenon and Wayfarer and came in a respectable 19[th] and 20[th] place out of 44. James Simpkins (Explorers) and his dad came in 28[th] place in their Mirror, improving their time from last year by an hour!
The Group still meets in the Army Pavilion and we are grateful for our continued relationship with the Army and Sodexo who manage the Gymnasium and Pavilion. We are always looking out for a bigger venue and will keep you informed if we are able to find anywhere as a more permanent home. Our water base on Mersea continues to provide a home for our boating activities and we are always looking to improve and develop this amazing resource.
This report started with acknowledging the volunteers in the Group. They are an incredibly dedicated team of people, constantly striving to provide outstanding activities and experiences for young people. Their commitment to the Group and its young people cannot be underestimated. It is also worth noting that we are fortunate to have a fantastic group of young people who push, stretch, challenge and entertain us in equal measure. It has been a privilege to be the Group Scout Leader this year and I look forward to reporting to you next year of our continued success!
Ian Edgar Group Scout Leader
Group Chair’s AGM Report 2022-2023
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to all our team members, volunteers, and supporters who have dedicated countless hours to provide exceptional opportunities for the young people in our care. Your commitment and passion have once again played a crucial role in another successful 12 months for the Colchester 17th Sea Scouts Group.
This year has been one of celebration and achievement, as we started our 90th year of delivering scouting in Colchester. The enthusiasm from all sections was incredible, and we commemorated this milestone with a badge competition, a group photo, and our group camp at Gilwell Park.
Across the sections, our young members engaged in a wide range of activities, from camps and hikes to community projects. The Cubs kicked off the year with their September Camp at Mersea, earning badges and developing skills in fire lighting and cooking. Our Beavers participated in various district and group events and enjoyed sleepovers that offered them memorable experiences. The Scouts had a fantastic year, highlighted by their attendance at the Essex International Jamboree, where they immersed themselves in a variety of exciting activities alongside Scouts from around the world. The Explorers, as always, excelled with their focus on water-based activities and continued to support the group in many ways, including their young leaders assisting with the younger sections.
We expanded our fleet this year, adding the Colvic 20, which we’ve named "Puffin." This new addition will allow us to run longer sessions, enhancing the water-based experiences.
Our summer camp was at the Essex International Jamboree, which brought together over 8,000 participants, and we were honoured to host a group from Canada. It was a great reminder of how international scouting creates opportunities for building friendships and cultural exchange.
Our annual Group Sail Day was hugely successful, with many young people trying sailing for the first time, and we’re proud of our ongoing water program, which forms the backbone of what makes our group unique.
I would like to acknowledge the significant work of the team that supported our fundraising activities. The Plant Sale and Christmas pudding sale were once again key contributors to our funds. These events require immense effort, and I cannot thank enough all who helped organise, sell, and support us.
This year, we also celebrated the life and contributions of Mary Francis, a stalwart of our group for over 28 years. Her impact and legacy within our group will be felt for many years to come, and she will be greatly missed.
Finally, I want to recognise the dedication of our entire leadership team and volunteers. From weekly meetings to camps, and everything in between, it is their passion and energy that makes our program possible.
As I conclude, I want to reiterate how proud I am to serve as the Group Chair. The young people in our group inspire us all with their enthusiasm and resilience, and I am excited for what lies ahead as we continue our journey together. Thank you all for your contributions, big and small, in making this another successful year for the 17th Colchester Sea Scouts.
Ben Green Group Chair
Treasurer’s report financial year ending 31st March 2024
The financial year for 17[th] Colchester Sea Scouts runs from 1[st] April until 31[st] March. Our financial statements and accounts for the year 2023/2024 have been produced on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the guidance from both The Scout Association and the Charity Commission.
The 2023/24 accounts show a healthy position at year end, being able to carry forward a surplus of £5,564 into the new financial year.
Income
Our income for the year to March 31[st] 2024 amounted to £65,346 in comparison to £71,734 in 2023, which was down to a reduction in grants and completion of the RYA courses in 2023.
Expenditure
Our expenditure was down by £10,949 compared to last year £70,731 in 2023-£59,782 in 2024. The higher expenditure in 2023 resulted from the purchase of a new trailer and the additional maintenance cost for Mersea HQ.
The continuous efforts and work from our volunteer leaders, helpers and parents is greatly appreciated and as a result the Group manages to secure additional funds through the running of sailing events, courses, supporting with Mersea Regatta, plant sale and other fundraiser events & gift aid etc.
The support from parents is of great importance to allow the Group to run a varied programme of events, invest in new equipment and keep up with increase in running costs.
It would be enormously helpful if this could be enhanced by any sponsorship or additional fundraising ideas from parents, including applying for grant.
17th Colchester Sea Scout Group
Income and Expenditure for the year ending 31st March 2024
| Total Receipts Total Payments Net Income / (expenditure) for the year Cash, bank and invested funds b/fwd Cash, bank and invested funds c/fwd Statement of Monetary Assets and Liabilities @ 31st Barclays Group Account Barclays Mersea Hut Account Summer Camp Savings Account Capitation Savings Account Petty Cash (Beavers) Petty Cash (Cubs) Petty Cash (Scouts) Petty Cash (Total) Total |
2024 £ 65,346 (59,782) 5,564 39,774 45,338 March 2024 2024 £ 14,974 16,519 13,010 647 45,150 43 68 77 188 45,338 0.00 |
2023 £ 71,734 (70,731) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,003 | ||
| 38,772 | ||
| 39,774 | ||
| 2023 £ 23,582 10,431 4,933 628 |
||
| 39,573 | ||
| 43 98 60 |
||
| 201 | ||
| 39,774 | ||
| 0.00 |
| 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group | 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group | 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group | 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income and expenditure breakdown for year ended 31st March 2024 | ||||
| Income | £ | Expenditure | £ | |
| Subscriptions | 7,079 | Membershipfees | (5,544) | |
| Explorers Rent | 1,071 | |||
| Gift Aid | - | |||
| Activities | Cost Activities | |||
| Summer Camp2024 & 2025 | 5,593 | Summer Camp2024 & 2025 | (5,024) | |
| Summer Camp2023 | 9,667 | Summer Camp2023 | (7,903) | |
| Courses | 15,878 | Courses | (7,692) | |
| Sailingat Mersea | 2,816 | Sailingat Mersea | (3,484) | |
| Clothingand Badges | 343 | Clothingand Badges | (262) | |
| Other Activities(float) | 3,033 | Other Activities | (3,392) | |
| Negative receipts(refunds) | (45) | PettyCash | (13) | |
| Equipment/ Assets | Purchase Equipment/ Asset | |||
| Equipment | Equipment | (3,269) | ||
| Fundraising | Cost Fundraising | |||
| Plant Sale | 5,578 | Plant Sale | (1,853) | |
| Xmas Puddings | 1,546 | Xmas Puddings | (1,385) | |
| Other/TBD | 0 | Other/TBD | (134) | |
| Donations(incl Bridge Club Tea & Amazon | 2,330 |
Donations | (191) | |
| Grants | 10,355 | Grants | 0 | |
| Interest | ||||
| Bank Interest | 97 | |||
| Running Costs | ||||
| MeetingVenue(Pavilion) | (1,925) | |||
| Storage | (1,404) | |||
| UtilityBills | (2,153) | |||
| Insurance | (5,745) | |||
| Maintenance Buildings | 7 | Maintenance Buildings | (1,577.01) | |
| Maintenance Equipment | - | Maintenance Equipment | (6,833.00) | |
| Total Income | 65,346 | Total Expenditure | (59,782.4) | |
| Net Income/Expenditure | 5,563.56 |
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
| Monetary Assets Barclays Group Account Barclays Mersea Hut Account Petty cash Summer Camp Savings Account Capitation Savings Account Monetary Assets Non-Monetary Assets Mersea HQ Mersea HQ - Contents Zodiac 4.7m RIB with 40HP outboard XS 5m RIB with 50HP outboard Topaz Xenon x 2 c/with launching trolleys Dagger Kayaks x 10 Topaz Uno Sailing Dinghies x 7 18ft Oyster Sailing Dinghes x 3 Canadian Canoes x 2 Trailers and misc boat equipment Motor Launch and 10HP Inboard Engine XS RIB with 70HP outboard XS RIB with 40HP outboard Topaz Vibe Sailing Dinghies x 1 Kyoti 4WD ATV Wayfairer Dinghyx1 Taz Trolley GB856 Black Trailer Xeonon Launch Trolley Non-Monetary Assets |
£ £ £ 01/04/2023 In-year 31/03/2024 Balance Movement Balance 23,582 (8,608) 14,974 10,431 6,088 16,519 201 (13) 188 4,933 8,077 13,010 628 20 647 |
|---|---|
| 39,774 5,564 45,338 |
|
| Estimated Value 1/4/23 Additions/Disposals/Change in value Estimated Value 31/3/24 250,000 0 250,000 5,832 (583) 5,249 4,287 (214) 4,073 8,574 (429) 8,145 4,287 (214) 4,073 4,021 (201) 3,820 7,716 (386) 7,331 1,617 (81) 1,537 857 (43) 815 2,572 (129) 2,444 5,787 (289) 5,498 17,148 (857) 16,290 12,861 (643) 12,218 2,143 (107) 2,036 8,110 (1,622) 6,488 475 (24) 451 878 (22) 856 4,816 (963) 3,852 1,844 (31) 1,813 |
|
| 343,825 -6,808 335,173 |
Vehicles - 20% depreciation Mersea HQ - Contents - 10% depreciation Mersea HQ - 0% depreciation Boats - 5% depreciation
Reserves policy:
It has been agreed at Executive Committee level that the Group will maintain minimum cash reserves of £10,000. This was historically the figure needed to replace an outboard engine allowing the Group to continue functioning if an outboard was lost or stolen. It is also the estimated figure needed to refund payments for a summer camp if this event had to be cancelled at short notice. This figure will be reviewed by the Executive Committee on an annual basis, taking into consideration current pricing and likely impacts of inflation.
Bank account details:
The Group currently operates 4 bank accounts (deposits at 31/03/24)
-
Group current account (£14,974)
-
Mersea HQ current account (£16,519) – restricted fund, to be used for Mersea income and expenses only
-
Capitation savings account (£647) – restricted fund, to be used for payment of the Scouting HQ membership fee for all youth members
-
Summer Camp savings account (£13010) – restricted fund, to be used for payments for the purpose of the Group’s Summer Camp each year
Beaver Scout AGM Report 2023-2024
Beaver Scout Leaders: Ellie Pavey, George Cheeld
Assistant Beaver Scout Leader: Gill Murgia
Section Sssistants: Aidan Burrell-Saward, Will Cleminson
The colony has been low on numbers since April. We are steadily climbing back up, our current number being 16. We are aiming to get back up to around 20-24 by the end of the year.
We currently have quite a few names on the waiting list, both boys and girls, and at the moment are able to take in all those who are old enough to join.
We have put a lot of effort into increasing the number of badges achieved and all those who have moved up to cubs recently have been achieving their bronze awards. We have been attending district and group events and have even attended and organised sleepovers as well. This includes the next district beaver sleepover in October.
We have presented all sorts of badges the past few terms including sports, nautical skills, hobbies, space, and quite a few challenge awards as well.
We have done a good range of indoor and outdoor activities over the summer, and plan to continue this throughout the winter.
George and I want to thank all of our leaders and helpers, including our young leaders and those who have now gone off to university. Also, those who helped at various points throughout the year and those not even in our group. We would not have been able to run the section without you.
Ellie Pavey and George Cheeld Beaver Scout Leaders
Cub Scout AGM Report 2023-2024
Cub Scout Leader: Jonathan Hay
Assistant Cub Scout Leader: Emma Hopkins, Simon Hurley, Danielle McClean, Aaron Traynor
We started the year with 25 Cubs in the Pack and ended it with 26. 8 went on to the troop, 1 left Scouting and we have had 11 Beavers join us over the year and 2 from the waiting list.
The leadership team now comprises 5 warranted leaders. Due to external commitments, we do not enjoy a full quota of leaders every week, but we plan for this and have managed with the valued help over the year of the Explorer Scouts Martha Simpkins, Oscar Parker & Declan Capp.
Attendance is excellent and the Cubs participate in all the activities with great enthusiasm. This year three Chief Scout Silver Awards were presented; the highest award achievable in the Cub section and are to be congratulated and many are well on their way to doing the same. We have also awarded a further 102 other badges over the year plus 20 joining in badges. We were also pleased to ‘promote’ Holly McDermott to the role of Senior Sixer, a job that she did with great enthusiasm.
In September 16 members of the Pack attended our annual Pack camp down at our HQ at Mersea. The Cubs took part in various activities towards their Chef’s badge, as well as hiking into camp along the sea wall, pitching tents, building shelters, fire lighting, cooking on rockets stoves and teamwork skills.
In the Autumn term the Cubs covered various activities both individually or as part of a team in their Sixes:
Mini pioneering / teamwork Emergency aid Air activities badge
Skills challenge badge including ironing scarves, brushing shoes, changing light bulbs. We also covered some knot tying and made Christmas tree decorations
The Pack was well represented at the Christmas craft/brunch day down at Mersea.
The new year saw us cover the Local Knowledge badge, the Skills challenge badge and we also enjoyed a pancake night and teamwork challenge evenings. The Explorers ran a couple of evenings including honey tasting and the Cubs got involved in running games too!
The Pack was represented at the annual St. Georges Day parade and they all looked very smart.
May camp down at Mersea traditionally for the youngest Pack members was a success covering DIY, beach art, crabbing and a visit to the Lifeboat station given to us by Simon Hurley (Baloo), himself a member of the Lifeboat crew. We welcomed the previous Baloo, Michael Francis and he presented a cheque to Mersea Lifeboat station in memory of his late wife Mary who was Akela for 28 years.
During the Summer term we were taken out on the water in various boats by Explorer Scouts & Scouts. There are too many to name, but BIG thanks go to all involved as the Cubs had a great time igniting their enthusiasm for sailing and giving them a taste of things to come.
Although we finished at the tail end of July, 1 of the older Cubs joined the Scouts and Explorers and attended Jamboree in Chelmsford. They had a great week taking part in a huge array of activities
ranging from Abseiling to presenting the weather on TV! All concerned had a great week and once again were a credit to themselves and a pleasure to spend a week with.
My thanks once again over the last year go to the leadership team in no particular order for their friendship & support: Emma Hopkins Simon Hurley Aaron Traynor Ian Edgar (Scouts) Steve & Paula Deighton George Cheeld Ellie Pavey Adam Skull Jasper Smith ………………………………..…and a big ‘thank you’ to the Cub Scouts and their parents for their continued enthusiasm.
Jonathan Hay Cub Scout Leader
Scout AGM Report 2023-2024
Scout Leader: Ian Edgar
Assistant Scout Leader: Paula Deighton, Sarah Gibson, Adam Skull, Jasper Smith, Cameron Whyte Scout Section Assistant: Chris Dorrian
Group Skills Instructor: Jack Kellett
This year has been another successful and enjoyable time for the Scout section. The Scouts had a varied programme in the autumn term with Pavilion nights including completing their Hobbies badge. They also completed their Model Maker badge, support by the free Warhammer resources provided by Games Workshop. Unfortunately we had to cancel our planned backwoods weekend due to the weather forecast. We rounded off the term with a trip to Go Bananas.
In addition to the usual Wednesday night activities, Scouts attended other group events. A number of Scouts attended the Christmas meal and activity day held at Thorrington. The Scout section helped raise money through selling Christmas puddings. The Scouts helped serve tea, sandwiches and cakes at a Bridge Club Tea.
The spring term 2024 saw the Scout programme host Royal Navy Youth Engagement team in a joint meeting with the Explorers. We also hosted the Essex Therapy Dogs as we learned about their charity and the services they provide. We had a pancake night and a Zoom pizza cooking night. The Scouts also attended the St George’s day parade. Several Scouts completed their RYA Level 1 Powerboat qualification.
The summer term 2024 saw our usual Mersea sailing nights. We completed the Forester badge with planting at Mersea and visiting Thorrington to learn about coppicing and forest management. A large number of Scouts attended the sailing weekends. We also pitched tents ready for summer camp. The Scouts completed their Athletics badge at the Pavilion.
Summer Camp this year was held at the Essex International Jamboree in Chelmsford which 15 Scouts attended – see report above.
There are currently 25 Scouts in the troop. The leadership team for this year will be Ian Edgar, Paula Deighton, Adam Skull, Jasper Smith, Chris Dorrian, Dan Smith and Jack Kellett. There are currently 4 Explorer Scout young leaders working with the section.
Ian Edgar Scout Leader
Explorer Scout AGM Report 2022-2023
Explorer Scout Leader: Hannah Smith
Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders: Steve Deighton, Pete Bartholomew, Phil Bartholomew, Clare Hurley, Roland Victory, Richard Nunn
We are a District based Explorer Scout Unit and also, importantly, in partnership with the 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group. We place a strong emphasis on water-based activities, as well as enjoying many shore-based events. We meet at the Colchester Garrison Pavilion and at the 17th Colchester’s HQ at Mersea on Tuesday nights between 7.30 and 9.30pm.
We wear the Sea Scout uniform with ties, although we still wear the scarf of the 17th Colchester for other less formal activities. The 17th Colchester Sea Scout Group is Royal Navy Recognised, and the Explorer Unit shares that recognition. It is one of the few Explorer Scout Units to carry this prestigious recognition with such numbers as we have.
Membership of the Unit is available to both boys and girls aged between 14 and 18 years old.
Autumn 2023
This term we worked on an International project which contributes towards the young people’s ongoing award work. We also carved pumpkins, made Diya lamps to celebrate Diwali and painted glasses to reflect on Remembrance day. We joined the district for a Christmas bowling outing.
Spring 2024
This term focused on expedition training, in order to be prepared for future Platinum, Diamond and King’s Scout award expedition opportunities. A group completed their Diamond expedition in the South Downs at the end of March.
Summer 2024
The paddleboards were used alongside sailing and kayaking opportunities throughout the summer term. We also completed a lot of crafting and general preparing of EIJ. The term was concluded by a water fight and BBQ. During the holiday, the majority of the explorer unit attended EIJ, either as participants or staff.
Young Leaders
Members of the Unit regularly assist with all the other sections within the 17th Group. This secures the relationship with younger members of the Group, providing them with an insight into the opportunities offered in joining the ESU – the best type of promotion for future recruitment.
Awards
Badges awarded this year include 6 Platinum Awards, Hikes, Musician, Nautical Skills, Physical Recreation, Racquet Sports and Water Activities badges.
Currently we have a large leadership team however last year was tricky with lots of leaders being unavailable due to work or personal reasons. Numbers remained steady with 15 on the books at the lend of the Summer term.
Hannah Smith Explorer Scout Leader
Mersea HQ AGM Report 2022-2023
RYA Centre
A very busy year for our volunteer instructors and the support from the often-needed logistics team. The new Powerboat Instructors have been operating on Courses. We held Level 2 Powerboat Courses in September and finished off 2023 with a RN Sea Scout Explorer Course Weekend, this saw Explorer Scouts from all over the UK attending to undertake sailing & powerboat courses. We held a further RYA First Aid Course making sure our explorers keep their training up to date.
Into 2024 & we held two more RN RYA sessions, the first one was for adult Leaders to gain powerboating qualifications; the second in June was for safety boat courses. We held a RYA Powerboat Level 1 course for the Scouts, further Level 2 Courses in May and finished up with our annual Whitsun Course week for the Scouts & Explorers. Members of the Group also achieved their VHF Qualifications
Kayak & paddleboarding
Following the acquisition of the paddleboards, we have now managed to get 9 adults qualified across both kayaking & paddleboarding. We have been able to offer these activities when tides and conditions do not always allow the access for sailing.
Fleet
As always, the fleet is kept in tip top shape, this takes many hours of work and effort and a fair bit of money! We have decided to sell the vibe, the boat was not used as much as it should be. We have purchased a cabin motor boat, she is a Colvic 20. She is currently undergoing an extensive re-paint and general update, she will be called Puffin, look out for her next season!
Headquarters
The headquarters whilst quite old is in good condition, the grounds outside are maintained by John. We have had a number of residential weekends for other groups and also 3[rd] party agencies. We have also had a number of daytime hires during the period.
Group sailing
We ran four sailing weekends over the summer period, all of which were fully subscribed. We also took a large number on day sail basis each time; it is so good to see everyone fully back to normal. There have been taster sessions for the Beavers & Cubs, and both the Scouts and Explorers have managed evenings in the summer term.
Community
To help assist with the financing of the Mersea facility we offer on the water experience sessions to other Scout Groups, from Beavers through to Explorers. They can also rent the accommodation for residential stays. Since the last report we have offered a lot of sessions - made a lot of young people smile, a few even managed a scream(!!) and, importantly, only a couple did not enjoy the experience. We have taken out 188 people for these experience sessions from other Scout & Guide Groups over the review period.
The team have offered support to Mersea Island Rowing club for their annual Gig meet with launching and safety boat support. We have worked closely with Dabchicks Sailing club in use of facilities and other joint ventures.
Ian Edgar has led the team for safety boat support for Mersea Week as Safety Officer, with some amazing reviews and thankyous.
Kayaking
7 members of the group undertook their King Scout Expedition, 4 days & 3 nights in canoes down the river Wye
Teamwork
None of the above just happens - the level of programme we are offering requires serious support. Over the year we have welcomed new faces to assist with the running of these sessions - some are from the Group and others are from out of the Group who just like to be on the water and are prepared to work whilst doing it. We are also seeing the dividends paying off in the young people we have been training who, in turn, are now all able to offer instruction to others. We continue to wear the water team clothing with some pride!
Costing
The more the equipment is used, the more it requires upkeep. A few volunteers work round the clock to ensure boats are available for every session and this costs large sums of money. But thanks to the commitment from the youngsters and the volunteering to take others out (instructors, safety boat, etc) we have seen Mersea HQ become a financially viable asset, whilst keeping costs to our Group at, what I believe to be, a very affordable rate when compared to all other centres offering this type of activity. It should be noted that the RN Scheme sessions bought in a lot of revenue; these have now ceased as the Scheme finds some re-direction.
Now to the “Thank You’s” …
To name everyone would take forever - so to all the people who have assisted myself with the successful running of the Mersea facility, I thank you on behalf of every person you have made smile this year. It should be also noted that this is all done by volunteers.
To the Adults that ensure the residential weekends happen and run smoothly, I offer special thanks (we can’t even guarantee you a bed now). And finally to John, who diligently attends the HQ, often to remove rubbish and sort ‘odd jobs’, cut the grass (which looks superb), sort out the fire alarm when trips on, and get sails repaired at very short notice, the Group offers their sincere thanks and gratitude.
Steve Deighton Assistant Group Scout Leader Principal 17th Colchester Sea Scouts RYA Centre Mersea Activity Co-ordinator
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of XVII Colchester Sea Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the XVII Colchester Sea Scout Group for the year ended 31st March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report'.- As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 theTrust'5 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 stalemenl.. 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.. Accounting records were nol kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act., or 2. The accounts do not 8ccord with those records. I h8ve no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the 8xamination to which attention should be drawn in this report in ord8r to enable a proper underslanding of the accounts to be reached. Sign8d'. Name. Claire Gray Professional qualification.. FCA Address. Unil 3, Upp Hall Farm, Salmons Lane, Colchest8r, Essex C06 IRY Date. 31st Jan 2025