Annual Report of the Board of Trustees For year ending March 2025
Scout Association Registration Number: 16895
1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Group Chair’s Report
We are now entering our third year without a Chair in position.
I have very mixed feelings as I compile this report. Delight that the Group is flourishing and growing, as we start the trial of a new section for Squirrels, mixed with real sadness that with all the opportunities and support that the Group offer to the young people in the village we cannot get parents, carers, friends or relatives to help as trustees for a few evenings each year.
Our Group continues to offer young people the chance to thrive and achieve a wide range of life skills and once again I offer a huge vote of thanks to all of our section leaders as they fulfil multiple roles to keep the Group running.
Carl, Ali, Jamie, Sam and their amazing teams continue to encourage all the young people in our Group by offering a wide range of activities both here on site in Yapton and at various events around the country.
Our Treasurer Clare, who was in post for many years has moved on and with no offers of help from last year’s AGM Carl has stepped in temporarily to fill this role in addition to his primary role as Explorer Scout Leader.
We were delighted to welcome Mark Hewson to the Trustee board after the 2024 AGM. It would be amazing if a few more would step up to help maintain the hall, organise fundraising and help ensure the Group is being run safely and legally. This would relieve the section leaders enabling them to concentrate on their vital section roles.
Please consider offering your help to the Group, talk to any one of us at the meeting or email yaton.scouts@gmail.com if you would like to know more about what is involved.
Thank You
Katrina
Group Secretary
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Group Leader Volunteer’s Report
Welcome to our new and old members of our scouting family. It’s good to see you all. It has been a long and difficult year but we survived it. Scouting has started to go digital. The old system was phase out and the new one had issues but it’s getting there. The year ahead looks exciting.
The growth of the group has taken off big time. Beavers and Cubs are running at full capacity. Scouts has a few spaces left, even they are filling up fast. Each section has exciting programmes inside and outside. They are fulfilling all the badges. Many bronze, silver, gold awards have been given out over the past year.
I’m please to say Yapton has a new section. Squirrels for 4 to 6-year-olds. We have 5 new leaders who have taken on the task.
With great sadness the group are losing a tremendous asset. Clare Mossop has been with us for many years. She stared when her son became one of my Beavers (and he graduated from university a few years back!), she has held the envious task of being the groups treasurer for many years. I know it’s not been an easy time. I would like to thank Clare for all the hours she has spent sorting it out. You are going to be missed. Carl has taken on the role temporarily. So let us know if you’re interested in taken on the role.
We welcome back Mark Hewson to the group. Many years ago, he moved into the village and became our group scout leader. He has now become a member of our trustee board
If you have some time and are looking for a new venture, please feel free to come and talk to us. There are roles for all, you could become a helper in a section or a trustee or a ground person. We have many jobs to keep you busy.
I would like to thank all the leaders, (and their other halves) helpers, trustees, for all their hard work and effort they give to the group. Without their dedication there would be no Group.
Debbie & Matt
Group Lead Volunteers
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Beaver Section
This report provides a summary of the exciting and productive year our members have had, highlighting the diverse activities undertaken and the significant progress made towards achieving various badges. It has been a year filled with learning, adventure, community spirit, and personal growth for all involved.
Activities and Events
Throughout the past year, our members have participated in a wide array of engaging and educational activities designed to foster teamwork, develop new skills, and provide memorable experiences. Key highlights include:
Underwater Camp: An immersive experience that introduced members to the aquatic world, combining educational elements with adventurous outdoor activities.
Remembrance Evening: A poignant and respectful evening dedicated to honouring those who served, promoting reflection and understanding of historical events.
Christingle Evening: A festive and meaningful gathering that brought members together in a spirit of community and celebration.
Highland Games Evening: A fun and energetic event, providing a taste of traditional Scottish challenges and promoting physical activity and friendly competition.
Morse Code Learning: Members delved into the basics of Morse code, developing new communication skills and understanding the history of this unique system.
District Trip to Amberley Museum: A fantastic educational outing with the wider district, offering insights into local history, industry, and rural life.
Christmas Party: A joyous occasion for all members to celebrate the festive season together, building camaraderie and enjoying a well-deserved break.
Hot and Spicy Food Challenge: A culinary adventure that encouraged members to expand their palates and try new and exciting flavours.
Seed Planting for Home Gardens: An initiative promoting environmental awareness and practical gardening skills, allowing members to nurture their own plants at home.
Scavenger Hunt at Hotham Park: A thrilling outdoor adventure that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration within a local green space.
Badges Achieved
Our members have dedicated themselves to personal development and skill acquisition, proudly working towards and achieving a variety of challenging and rewarding badges. These badges represent a commitment to learning and demonstrate proficiency in key areas:
Cycling Badge: Demonstrating safe cycling practices, road awareness, and maintenance skills.
Disability Awareness Badge: Fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusive attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
First Aid Badge: Equipping members with essential life-saving skills and the confidence to respond in emergency situations.
Hikes Badge: Encouraging physical endurance, navigation skills, and an appreciation for the outdoors through organised hikes.
Nights Away Badge: Building resilience, independence, and teamwork through overnight camping and residential experiences.
Gardeners Badge: Developing practical gardening knowledge, including planting, care, and understanding of the natural world.
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Healthy Eating Badge: Promoting awareness of balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
This past year has been incredibly successful, thanks to the enthusiasm of our members, the dedication of our leaders, and the support of our community. The diverse range of activities and the focus on badge achievement have provided invaluable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and memorable experiences. We look forward to another year of exciting adventures and continued success!
Samantha (Ratty)
Beaver Scout Leader
Beaver Annual Awards
Best attendance Noah Cobb Most improved Austin Porter Outstanding Beaver Oliver Frost
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Cub Scout Leader’s Report
We have had another busy and exciting year within the Cub Section and our numbers have remained high, we currently have 35 Cubs regularly attending each week, which means we are currently full and have five on the waiting list due to the success of Beavers feeding into us. It is great to see so many young people in the village (and further afield) wanting to partake in Scouting.
Over the past year, our Cub group has enjoyed a wide array of activities and events, creating a fulfilling experience for all involved. Among the highlights were the successful completion of Silver Awards, the memorable Summer Camp which provided an awesome time at Knockhatch whilst also doing lots of adventurous outdoor activities whilst learning new skills away from home and our joint Flipout Winter “Camp” with the Scouts. These key moments exemplified the commitment and enthusiasm of our young members, showcasing their hard work and engagement.
Throughout the year, we held numerous meetings covering a variety of themes. The Athletics Evening was well received, alongside interesting activities such as Fencing & Air Rifle Shooting, which took place on multiple occasions. Our Cubs participated in unique experiences like re-homing pigeons where we made bird boxes for the DIY Badge which we then put up around the village. We also did various games evenings, helping them develop new skills and enjoy their time together. Special events including the Christmas Party and the ever-popular Cubs Got Talent provided opportunities for fun and creativity, while the Communications Evening and the Pancake evening fostered learning and teamwork among our Cubs.
All in all it has been another great year and it is great to report on all that we have been up to. It is great that we are able to put on such a varied programme of activities for the Children who live in the village and the surrounding areas. The Cubs have worked extremely hard and we have given out a whopping 540 badges this year which is more than double from last year including The Chief Scouts Silver Award which is excellent.
In terms of events, our members made fantastic memories at Summer Camp, where they experienced five days of outdoor fun and adventure. The Supeta Sailing Trip and Oars of Fun further enhanced their adventurous spirit, and our participation in the Remembrance Parade demonstrated our commitment to community values. Notable events like the Flipout Sleepover, Christingle, and St George's Day Parade ensured that the year was filled with excitement and camaraderie, culminating in the celebration of Chief Scout Awards which recognises the dedication of those members who exemplify the ethos of Scouting.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our leaders: Matt, Fred, Jeff & Paul, and not forgetting Debbie and the young leaders, Millie and Tom who come along each week to give us a hand. It's been a bit of a weird year for me in more recent months with the implementation of my new shift pattern at work meaning I'm not around as much. The leaders have all stepped up and worked as a team to deliver an awesome programme which is evident in our numbers so my thanks goes out to them their hard work, dedication, and guidance have played an incredibly important role in creating a supportive and enjoyable environment for our Cubs.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans in store. Within the last two weeks we have had two new leaders, Cat and Emma join the team which promises to bring some fresh new ideas and experience to the section. Our Cubs can look forward to another Summer Camp and the engaging activity of raft building, plus we are doing Archery this term which is new for the group which promises to be a highlight of the upcoming year.
I would finally like to take this opportunity to thank all the children for their enthusiasm and energy throughout the year, making it a pleasure for the leaders to guide them. A special acknowledgment goes to parents for their support, and the tireless efforts of all volunteers behind the scenes who help make our group successful. Together, we look forward to another year of Scouting adventures.
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Cub Annual Awards 2024-25
At this time of year we get to award certain Cubs who have shown skills and attributes to being a good Cub Scout and commend them for this, however I would like to start by saying that we are extremely proud of all our Cubs. Each week we run a varied programme and they get stuck in to whatever we do and put in 100% effort and when we go out and about their behaviour is excellent and we are commended on this from members of the public so Thank you to you all.
This year we are handing out 4 Awards to the following Cubs :
Isaac - Isaac turns up to Cubs each week with a smile on his face and approaches everything with such enthusiasm. Like his mother says, “He's like a spaniel”. He has so much energy and enthusiasm which he puts into all he does and is showing great qualities of a leader. Well done!
Noah & Chester - Both Noah and Chester have grown in confidence since starting Cubs. They are always keen to help out and get stuck into all activities we do. It's great to see how Scouting can bring these qualities out in the young people. Well done!
Lizzie - Lizzie although she is only 8 and has only recently joined the group is a great role model to the Cubs and reflects this in her attitude to earning badges. She is keen to do badges both at Cubs and home and has earnt an impressive amount in the short time she has been with us and is working towards more. Well done!
Jamie (Akela)
Cub Scout Leader
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Scout Leader’s Report April 2024 – March 2025
This past year has provided our scout group with an opportunity to engage in a variety of exciting and enriching experiences. During the year we have covered a wide range of scouting skills and developed team building, social skills and more importantly, self-confidence and independence. At 1st Yapton and Ford, we aim to develop the skills for life and self confidence that scouts will need to face the many situations that they come across as they move on in the world. We have had a varied, inclusive and interesting program that covered many scouting skills.
We have developed our pioneering and knotting skills; making useful camp gadgets and stretchers to carry ‘injured’ scouts and trebuchets to see which patrol could fire their easter egg the furthest! Our map reading, compass and orienteering skills have been challenged on scout led hikes around the British countryside, treasure trails around Arundel and Yapton and map reading challenges. We have talked about respect and learnt about different cultures and have taken part in international themed games, crafts and cooked food from different countries. Emergency first aid skills have been developed during the year with evenings dedicated to practising and enacting emergency aid and fire safety situations, using potential real life style scenarios (and lots of over acting from the scout leaders!) We have had several offsite activities including, a night hike, beach trip and several local hikes. Cooking is always a favourite with the scouts and we have cooked pancakes, held a pot luck pizza evening, masterchef challenges and cooked sausages on open fires. We also learnt how to throw axes and fire air rifles with two of our scouts Izzy Shrubb McAnaspie and Eddie Court representing Yapton at the district air rifle competition.
We had great fun during our weekend navigation camp where the scouts honed their map reading and compass skills and our ongoing community project with Yapton Parish council was great success, where our scouts helped to build a path at Yapton playing fields and collected numerous bags of rubbish from the local area.
We have also managed to join up with Middleton scouts for some pioneering fun!
The most challenging camp we do at Scouts is the expedition weekend where scouts take responsibility for planning a route, setting a menu, budgeting, purchasing food, navigating a hike (whilst carrying all their equipment in backpacks), setting up camp and independently cooking their meals. This is a major achievement and was successfully completed by several of the older scouts.
Our week-long summer camp at Broadstone Warren was the highlight of the year and a great success, offering members the chance to bond and develop important skills in a supportive environment. The scouts developed their independence, camping skills, had loads of fun, experienced challenging and adventurous activities and planned, cooked and cleared up all their meals.
We also celebrated the achievements of our members, a total of 307 badges have been awarded and four Chief Scout Awards presented, recognising their dedication to scouting values and personal development.
This year’s scouting has been about developing independence, resilience, self-esteem, problem solving, team building, social and leadership skills but more importantly about developing friendships and having fun!
As we look ahead to the coming year, there are many exciting opportunities for skill development, team-building activities, and fun planned for our scouts. These plans will help to maintain the enthusiasm and engagement of our members as they continue to learn and grow.
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
We have an amazing scouting team at Yapton and Ford and I would particularly like to give a big thank you to Jason, Grant and Mike - for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the year. Their commitment has been invaluable in creating a positive and enriching experience for each scout. We could not run scouts without the leaders who volunteer and give up their time and energy to maintain their training and provide the scouts with such an amazing and varied program. Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, help and support.
We also have the pleasure of having two young leaders who give up their Friday evenings to help us at scouts and a big thank you goes to, Shawn and Sean for their help and support during scout evenings, hikes and camps. They are amazing role models for the younger scouts.
A big thank you also goes to our Group Scout Leader Debbie and Assistant Group Scout leader Matt, for their support and assistance whenever it is needed and our executive committee members in our Yapton and Ford scouting family for their hard work, support and assistance. They all do so much behind the scenes to enable the children in our community to enjoy scouting and deserve a very special thank you. I would especially like to give a huge thank you to Clare who was our treasurer and Katrina our secretary.
Scout Annual Awards
Noah Jenkins– I am proud to recommend Noah for an award in recognition of his steady leadership, mature demeanour, and dedication to learning and personal growth within our troop. Noah has shown an impressive ability to lead his patrol quietly and competently. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his presence is always felt— dependable, and calm under pressure. His patrol members respect him not just for what he does, but for how he does it: with patience, thoughtfulness, and quiet confidence. Noah is always open to learning new skills and ready to take on new challenges, showing perseverance and curiosity in everything he tackles. His willingness to grow and to help others grow with him speaks volumes about his character.
Ellis Brindly – I am pleased to recommend Ellis for an award in recognition of his exceptional talent, determination, and growing leadership within our troop. Ellis has shown that he is capable of achieving anything he sets his mind to. A Scout with many talents, Ellis approaches each challenge with enthusiasm and focus. What makes Ellis truly stand out, however, is his caring and supportive nature. He is always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and take the time to help others—especially younger Scouts who look up to him. It has been a joy to watch him grow and develop his mentoring skills, sharing his knowledge with patience and generosity.
Bethany Bray– It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Bethany for an award this year. Throughout this past year, Bethany has demonstrated a cool, calm, and mature outlook when faced with challenges—an impressive quality for someone her age. Whether working on troop projects, assisting younger Scouts, or contributing to community service efforts, she approaches each task with thoughtfulness and growing confidence. Bethany leads not by demanding attention but by quietly setting a strong example. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and often does so without being asked, showing true initiative and a deep sense of responsibility to her troop and community.
Ali
Scout Leader
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1[st] Yapton & Ford AGM Report 2025
Explorer Scout Leader’s Report April 2024 – March 2025
Another year has flown by for the Explorer section. We had plenty of nights away; two expeditions (approx 30km over two days and one night) for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and the Chief Scout Platinum Award. The now traditional District survival camp with all three Explorer units represented; very fresh pheasant and rabbit were on the menu. A chill camp at the end of the GCSE/A-Level exam period to give the Explorers a chance to wind down.
Of course there was the obligatory summer camp; this year we went to Ferny Crofts in the New Forest (36 Explorers and 6 adults!). They climbed, hiked, pioneered, and tested their aim at both archery and crossbows. We took a coach to Poole and visited Brownsea Island; the birth place of Scouting, and cycled 19km round the New Forest. Three foolish leaders and a few hardy Explorers did it twice, the leaders were a bit broken by tea time.....
On the first Saturday in March we joined forces with the other units in the District, and along with 8000 other Scouts & Guides, we descended on London for the Monoploy Run. We set them off from Hyde Park by 10am and met them at Victoria Station for a well-earned McDonalds about 6pm before catching the (very full) train home.
In the hut we've run a digital maker session, lots of cooking (what is it about teenagers and food...), escape rooms, and war hammer painting to name a few. This coming year we are looking forward to some air rifle sessions at the SHOTS range, our annual summer BBQ at the beach, and the West Sussex International Jamboree at Ardingly over the summer holidays.
Carl
Peregrine Explorer Scout Unit
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1st Yapton & Ford Scout Group (Charity no. 1044130) Receipts and payments account For the year from 0110412024 To 3110312025 Receipts and payments 202412025 Unrestricted funds 202312024 Unrestrlcted funds Recei Donations le acies and similar income Membershi subscri lions Donations Activities and Cam £8,184.00 £10.33 £10,469.66 £18 663. £6 161.50 £1,100.00 £3,624.00 £10 885.50 Sub total ross Fundraisin Ya lon Villa Eas undraisin events £247.50 £123.52 £371.02 £79.46 £79.46 Sub total Scout hut income Potter's House Pre-school Ex lorers & Guides Other Scout hut income £20,431.43 £1 051.00 £1,887.00 £23 369A3 £17,819.01 £1 259.00 £2 813.00 £21891.01 Sub total Total Gross Income £42.404 £32.855.97 Asset and investment sales. etc. £0.00 £0.00 Total receipts £41404. £32.855.97 LT700002 IFebruary 2024) 1 of3
1st Yapton & Ford Scout Group (Charity no. 1044130) Receipts and payments account Yea[ start dale Year end date For the year from 0110412024 To 3110312025 Receipts and payments 202412025 Unrestrlcted funds 202312024 Unrestricted funds Pa ments Membershi subscri Activities and Cam Adult Trainin Rent Water and Sewera Electrici Insurance Buildin Maintenan Housekee Cam Subsid Unifom)s, Bad es and AGM Awards ment Purchased Subsri lions, Donations & Business Rates Sub total lions aid on Nalionavcoun IArealDislrict £5 219.50 £11.690.38 £250.00 £10,000.00 £1,237.45 £2,993.77 £1,333.92 £1,289.58 £536.75 £88.25 £1,384.77 £2,323.62 £328.36 £3 567.00 £4 170.12 £0.00 £0.00 £1.002.05 £2,593.26 £1.217.68 £423.61 £701.39 £848.50 £1,442.10 £1,568.10 £286.48 Fundraisin ex Other funLlraisin enses costs £0.00 £0.00 Sub total Total Gross Expenditure £17.820. Asset and investment purchases. et¢. £0.00 £0.00 Total payments £38.676. £17,820.29 Net of receipts/(payments) Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end £3,728. £15,035.68 £74.894. £71.156.26 LT700002 (February 20241 2of3
1st Yapton & Ford Scout Group (Charity no. 1044130) Receipts and payments account Year start dale Year end dale For the year from 3110312025 0110412024 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 202412025 Unrestricted funds 202312024 Unrestricted funds Cash funds Grou account Cub account CashlFloals £73.141.44 £1.687.44 £55.47 £71,156.26 £0.00 £0.00 £71156.26 Total $h funds Total net assets £74 884.3 £71,156.26 The above recelpts and payments account and statement of assets and liabllltses were approved by the Trustees on 2nd June 2025 (the date of the Trustee Board meeting that approved the accounts) and slgned on thelr behalf by: naturelDate Print Name Katrina McAnaspie Clare Mossop Group Secretary Group Treasurer 1st Ya ton and Ford Scout Grou - Char Number 1044130 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of 1st Yapton and Ford Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of 1 st Yapton and Ford Scout Group lthe charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the aeeounts in accordan th the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act,). I report in Tespect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directs'ons given by the Charity Commission under sectson 145{51{bl of the Acl. Independent emaminerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confifm thal no material mattefs have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect- 1. accounting records were not kept in respeGt of the charity as required by seclion 130 of the Act., Of 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enab a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Samantha Thompson FCA Independent Examiner Samantha Thompson Limited 1 Halliford Drive Bognor Regis P022 OAB Dale LT700002 (February 20241 3of3