,yi.
Annual Revikn-.:;
202512026 .
Scouts
Dringhouses
York
## Contents
|Contents||
|---|---|
|A Report from the Chair|3|
|Lead Volunteer’s Report|4|
|Meet the Team|5|
|The Trustee Board (core members)|5|
|The Senior Leadership Team|6|
|The Leadership Team|8|
|Squirrel Scouts|8|
|Beaver Scouts|9|
|Cub Scouts|10|
|Scouts|11|
|Explorer Scouts|12|
|Vacancies|12|
|Roll of Honour|13|
|Group Awards|14|
|The Chairman’s Cup|14|
|Section Reports|15|
|Squirrels|16|
|Beavers
17||
|Cubs|18|
|Scouts|19|
|Explorers|20|
|Trustees’ Annual Report|22|
|Financial Summary|26|
|Receipts and Payments|26|
|Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period|27|
|Independent Examiners Report|28|
2 **|** Page
## A Report from the Chair
## **(including statement of Public Benefit)**
Our constitution lays out the purpose of Dringhouses Scouts: To actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The activities we provide and decisions we make are aligned to fulfil that purpose.
We have a trustee board of 11 people who have been recruited according to the rules laid out by the Scout Association. They bring wide experience and skills to the board enabling us to continue to apply the Scout Association and the Charity Commission rules and guidance to improve our delivery of scouting and the governance of the group.
The focus this year has been driven by the Scout Associations emphasis on safety and safeguarding accountability. We have given attention to compliance reporting, financial stability and maintenance of our building and equipment. Decisions are governed by delivery of benefit to members, their families, our local and wider community and measured against our purpose.
We have 106 other volunteers (not trustees) including 54 uniformed leaders, who are the frontline delivery team making sure we are continually providing a fun, adventurous and challenging programme to our 300+ young people. This review sets out examples of that programme delivered over the last 12 months as well as the achievements of our young people in gaining national awards and our leaders being recognised for their training, dedication, and exceptional service.
Recruitment and training of leaders and volunteers remain a high priority. We are working hard to ensure our aging building is able to withstand our vigorous use and provide the right environment. We are working on replacing the roof, improving our heating system and finding ways to increase storage for our large equipment stores.
Our financial report and accounts are fully laid out in this review; we are grateful for the support of parents and the wider community in our fundraising activities including several station collections, these supplement the income from subscriptions. We have had unwavering support from Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward and St Edward the Confessor Church. We currently use several platforms including Easy Funding, Recycle 4 Charity, PayPal Giving, Just Giving and Crowd Funder. This fundraising helps us maintain the building, equipment and our Membership Support Fund.
I would like to offer my personal thanks to all volunteers, young leaders and adults, behind the scenes and visible, who give so much to the Group, it is a privilege to be part of such a team.
## **Annie**
**Annie Bennett, Group Chair**
3 **|** Page
## Lead Volunteer’s Report
## What an amazing year!
Firstly, the inevitable heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who make the group the success it is. This year we hit 310 children and young people in the Group. This makes us the largest Scout Group in the Northeast Region. While growth is a good indicator of success we are nearing capacity. A better indicator for me is retention and that is very high too at 96.2% (including leavers at 18), this tells me our members are happy and want to stay (and those that do leave mainly cite having too much else to do as the reason for leaving). My takeaway is that we are doing well but, as you’d expect, we’ll strive to make it even better.
I’d like to also highlight the work of our Trustee Board and in helping us set the standard for policy compliance. I think it is fair to say, when it comes to safety standards and Charity and Scout Association compliance, we pave the way for others to follow. And I must not forget to mention our volunteers who all complete their mandatory learning courses on time and increase our capability to deliver adventure by gaining qualifications and permits to safely run activities that we would otherwise be paying for.
I suppose I could continue to praise the team and the excellent work that they do ad nauseam; however, I do want to focus on our children and young people a little. I have very much enjoyed seeing children grow into confident young adults as they move up through the sections of the group. In particular this year I have enjoyed hearing stories from Squirrels who attended our first overnight experience (Camp Nightwing); from Beavers, some of whom told me all about meeting Santa at the District Christmas Party and meeting animals at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park; from Cubs who enjoyed dancing to loud music while washing up at Winter Camp and others who tried out bell boating on The Ouse for the first time; from Scouts who experienced torrential rain at Ignite in September, but had a great time and remember the sound of the rain hitting the tent overnight and others who enjoyed taking part in York Pride with other Scouts and people from all walks of life; and finally from Explorers- whose stories of via ferrata in Switzerland and sleeping in a hut on a mountain, campfire songs, Go Karting, and the mud at Junior warrior were all amazing. I guess what I’m celebrating here is the growth of the individual through active participation, feeling valued and having a place to belong all the while creating memories, memories that stay with us- I still remember baking potatoes in a campfire as a Cub a little while ago… well I was 10 so let’s call it 20 years ago…..
And this is Scouting for me, a group of volunteers creating a safe space where children grow and learn through doing, becoming better citizens and future leaders and it’s a place I’m proud to belong. I’m looking forward to the 2026/7 year and have already seen so much fun and adventure since the start of the year that I cannot wait to see and join in with the rest of the year’s activities/
My best wishes to everyone and thanks for making Dringhouses Scouts a great place to be
## Dave
**David Thorne, Group Lead Volunteer**
4 **|** Page
## Meet the Team
## The Trustee Board (core members)
Members of the Trustee Board make decisions and carry out administrative tasks to ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to all young people in the Group and that the Group is compliant with the relevant legislation and managed in line with Charity Commission regulations and the Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scouts.
Annie Bennett Group Chair
Annie became involved with the Group as a parent. She began helping at Group Camp and when asked if she would Chair the executive committee (now the Board of Trustees), decided it was a post she could bring her organisational skills to and help the Group without being a uniformed member. Now retired and with grandchildren in Scouting, she can give more time to support the great team of volunteers we have.
Jan Moor
## Group Treasurer
Jan was a Brownie and Guide when she was growing up and absolutely loved it. Jan was very keen her two children should have the same rewarding experiences and so both her children were in Scouting/Guiding. Jan has a child in the Group, who is now a leader/active support, having started 13 years ago as a Beaver.
Jan joined the group as a Parent Rep on the Executive Committee (particularly helping with fundraising). She later took on the Group Secretary role from 2019, and moved to being Treasurer in 2024 - both of which has given her the ability to support the working of the Group a bit more, using her business skills, in between significant travelling for her job.
Lucy Leinster Group Secretary Lucy has two sons who attend Beavers and Cubs, and both very much enjoy the activities each group has to offer. In 2024, Lucy was appointed as Secretary and can use her company secretarial experience to support the group in this role. Lucy was also co-opted as a trustee.
Wendy Hewitt
## Group Co-Treasurer
Wendy started volunteering with the group at the 40th anniversary camp -with Debbie in the tea van. However, she has been involved since her eldest son was a Beaver Scout over 20 years ago. Wendy was the Group Secretary until 2019 when she agreed to start to take over the treasurer role. Wendy, who works in the church office, is also unofficial (and much valued) caretaker of the HQ.
Wendy enjoys the camaraderie of being part of a team and the ever-expanding Group. She also enjoys the challenge of the treasurer role and getting to grips with spreadsheets!
5 **|** Page
## The Senior Leadership Team
The Management Team coordinates all Scouting activities within the Group. The Group Chair and Treasurer are also a part of the Senior Leadership Team. The full team is listed below in alphabetical order.
## Andy Elliott Group Team Leader (Explorers)
Andy was a youth member of the Yorvik Explorer Unit and after returning from university decided to become part of the volunteer team at Dringhouses Scouts. You probably will not see many photographs of Andy at events as he is usually the one taking them all!
Having been an Explorer leader for about six years, Andy agreed to take on the Group Team Leader role for Explorers in 2021 when the vacancy arose.
Andy’s daughter is in Cubs and son is in Squirrels.
## Charlotte McCarthy Group Team Leader (Scouts)
Charlotte began Scouting in 1997 as an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader at St Chad’s Greys Scouts where she had been a Young Leader, Venture Scout and Band Member. She moved to Holgate Scouts as an Assistant Beaver Leader in 2001 but a year later moved to the Scouts Section as an Assistant Leader to support Andy, the Section Leader, who unbeknownst to her at the time, would become her husband. Charlotte is part of a large Scouting family who then married into another large scouting family!
“I love working with the older age ranges so applied and was honoured to represent North Yorkshire in the UK at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in 2007 as an Assistant Unit Leader working with Explorers. I had a short stint as the Ebor District Explorer Scout Commissioner but felt this was too much with a young family, so took a break.
When my eldest, Georgia, joined Beavers in 2015 (Now an Explorer) and Katie was looking for leaders and running a parent helper rota, I did my rostered nights and found I had really missed Scouting, so I was lured back and Joined Friday Beavers “ _I am really lucky to have a very supportive family who are all involved in the group in one way or another!_ ”
## Chris Rundle
## Group Team Leader (Squirrels)
Chris first became involved with Dringhouses Scouts when his eldest son joined Beavers in 2020 (he’s now in Scouts). He joined the working group on Squirrels in 2021 to consider the options for starting this new section and then decided he should be part of launching Squirrels for real as a Section Leader. In November 2022 he also took on the role of Group Team Leader for Squirrels.
It is nearly 5 years since squirrels started and our youngest age group continue to keep us on our toes with their interests and abilities. The support from group leaders, parents and squirrels has been great, as has seeing our first squirrels move through Beavers and Cubs.
6 **|** Page
David Thorne
Group Lead Volunteer
Dave started his Scouting career as a Cub Scout with the 1st Epping Ash and later 1st Holtspur Scout Groups. ‘A few’ years later he returned as Assistant Beaver Scout Leader with Dringhouses, transferring to be Cub Section Leader a year later.
From January 2021 Dave was Acting Group Scout Leader responsible for leading the team managing the Group, finally accepting the inevitable and becoming the Lead Volunteer for the group in late 2022.
Dave helps with District admin and IT and sits on the District Awards Panel.
Dave has had two children go through the Group, one of whom returned as an adult volunteer.
## Georgina Warwick Group Team Leader (Cubs)
Nicola Silke
Following in her father's footsteps, Georgina joined Scouting in September 2014 as an assistant Beaver leader for 14th Harrogate and she’s still helping there today. After moving to York in the early part of 2019, Georgina soon started volunteering as an assistant Cub Leader at Dringhouses Scouts and progressed to Team Leader for Tuesday Cubs in September 2024 and the Group Team Leader for Cubs at the same time.
## Group Team Leader (Beavers)
Nicola joined Dringhouses Scouts in September 2018 as a Section Assistant, after being “accosted” on a "sunny" group camp to join Beavers. She quickly progressed to Assistant Leader in December 2018 and became Team Leader in September 2019.
Nicola has been involved with the group since 2012 when her eldest daughter joined Cubs.
“I joined on a trial basis and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. It's a great feeling seeing the Beavers take part in and enjoy the activities and challenges set out for them. For me it's an amazing way to be able to give something back to the local community.”
Justin Moss
## Group Support Team Leader
Moving to York about ten years ago and having been an Air Scout in his youth, Justin eagerly signed up his son for Beavers (Squirrels weren't available at the time). After attending the first group camp as a parent, he was inspired to support the group and became the Cub parent representative around 2019. When his son advanced to Scouts in 2021 he joined the Support Team and took over its leadership from Martin in 2022. And in 2025 Justin took on the management of the annual Group Camp.
7 **|** Page
## The Leadership Team
Team Leaders are responsible for coordinating the programme for their night and liaising with the sections before and after as appropriate.
## Squirrel Scouts
Squirrels is for children aged four and five years old. We have three Squirrel Scout dreys in the Group.
Chris Rundle Team Leader- Monday Squirrels
See the Senior Leadership section above
## Lisa Auckland
## Team Leader- Tuesday Squirrels
Lisa has been involved in Dringhouses Scouts as a parent since 2014 and in 2024 was able to commit to regular help with Squirrels. Since joining she has become the Team Leader of the latest Squirrel Drey to be added to the Group on a Tuesday evening.
## Ash Elliott
## Team Leader- Friday Squirrels
After attending her first group camp in 2023 as a parent, Ash joined Dringhouses Scouts as a Team Member at Friday Beavers and in 2024 started helping at Squirrels too, becoming the Team Leader for Friday Squirrels.
8 **|** Page
## Beaver Scouts
Beavers is for children aged six to eight years old. We have three Beaver Scout colonies in the Group.
|Nicola Silke|Team Leader(Beaver Scouts)- TuesdayBeavers|
|---|---|
||See the Senior Leadership Team section above|
|Olga Iwaszkiewicz-|Team Leader (Beaver Scouts)- Wednesday Beavers|
|Bogdańska||
||Olga started with the Group in February 2019, initially to help her daughter’s|
||confdence when she joined. She became an Assistant Leader with Wednesday|
||Beavers but, when the opportunity came, it took her about a minute to decide|
||to move to the Section Leader role.|
||“The idea of teaching Beavers new skills during weekly meetings and camps|
||and seeing how proud they are when they succeed or when they receive a|
||badge puts the biggest smile on my face and pride in my heart. Week to week|
||I can see how the Beavers grow in confdence”.|
||“Inspiration from other Scout Leaders motivates me every day and confrms to|
||me that I want to stay in The Scouts for a long time.”|
|Vacancy|Team Leader(Beaver Scouts)- Friday Beavers|
||Vacancy, temporarily being covered by Nicola Silke|
9 **|** Page
## Cub Scouts
The Cubs section is for children aged eight to ten and a half. We have three Cub Scout Packs in the Group.
|Georgina Warwick|Team Leader(Cub Scouts)- Tuesday“Romans” Cubs|
|---|---|
||See the Senior Leadership Team section above|
|Natasha Bayston|Team Leader(Cub Scouts)- Thursday“Saxons” Cubs|
||Natasha has been with the group since she joined as a scout in 2011. She|
||stayed as a young leader for Cubs when she fnished scouts in 2014. In 2018|
||she was given an application for assistant section leader and became the|
||assistant section leader of Thursday Cubs. In 2019 she took over from Tina as|
||the section leader for Thursday Cubs.|
|David Thorne|Team Leader(Cub Scouts)- Friday“Vikings” Cubs|
||See the Senior Leadership Team section above|
10 **|** Page
## Scouts
The Scout Section is for young people aged ten and a half to fourteen years old. We have three Scout Troops in the Group.
Matt Nicholas Team Leader (Scouts)- Tuesday “Dringhouses PC” Scouts Matt started as a leader with Dringhouses in September 2024. He has been within Scouts since he was a Cub going though Scouts and Explorers where he earned his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and Queens Scouts Award. He has been a young leader in his hometown of Saffron Walden until he left for university in 2011. After University he returned to Scouting as an assistant leader in Doncaster. He has attended the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015 as part of the International Support Team and as a participant attended The World Scout Moot in Iceland in 2018. Now the Team Leader of Tuesday Scouts he has interests in hiking and orienteering and has recently volunteered to assist in running Duke of Edinburgh training and expeditions. Jonny Fry Team Leader (Scouts)- Thursday “St Edward’s” Scouts Jonny started at Dringhouses as a Beaver and, despite being away from York at different points in time has always maintained a connection with the group. As a Dringhouses member, he cycled from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, attended the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011, completed his Queen’s Scout Award, and earned his Explorer Belt in Morocco. In 2017 Jonny was a member of the Colour Party at the National Scout Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle and has since returned to help as a Team Leader to celebrate the achievements of Queen’s and King’s Scouts and others who have received Scouting awards. Jonny was awarded his Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service in 2021 and is Team Leader at Thursday Scouts.
## Charlotte McCarthy Team Leader (Scouts)- Friday “St Helen’s” Scouts
See the Senior Leadership Team section above
11 **|** Page
## Explorer Scouts
The Explorer Scout section is for young people aged fourteen to seventeen. We are partnered with two District Explorer Scout Units (ESU). Young Leaders are also Explorer Scouts; they assist other sections within the Group. Young Leaders need not be a member of an Explorer Scout Unit, and they may also be volunteering with the Group as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
|Vacancy|District Team Leader(Explorer Scouts)- Monday“Nordic” ESU|
|---|---|
|AndyElliott|District Team Leader(Explorer Scouts)- Wednesday“Yorvik” ESU|
||See the Senior Leadership Team section above|
## Iain McIntyre Group Team Leader (Explorer Scout Young Leaders)
Iain's Scouting journey began in Cumbria where he was a Cub, a Scout and then a Venture Scout circa the mid-90’s. He only returned to Scouting in 2016 as a Section Assistant with St Edwards Troop at Dringhouses, moving in 2019 to be a Team Member at Monday Explorers. In December 2018 Iain was asked to help with the running of the Young Leaders part of Dringhouses Explorer Scout section and coordinate their volunteering with the other sections (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) and to manage their training needs. Iain also holds the groups Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator role Iain has a daughter at Cubs and Scouts
## Vacancies
|Vacancies|We are currentlyrecruitingfor the followinguniformedpositions:|
|---|---|
||●Team Members, all Squirrels nights|
||●Team Members, Wednesday Beavers|
||●Team Leader, Friday Beavers|
||●Team Members, all Cubs nights|
||●Team Members, All Scout nights|
||●Team Leader, Monday Explorers|
12 **|** Page
## Roll of Honour
Congratulations to all the adult volunteers that have been recognised for their service to Scouting this year:
Chief Scouts Commendation for Meritorious Conduct This is awarded for meritorious conduct of a high standard e.g. acts of bravery with no risk to life, or dedication to the Scouts despite the difficulties they have endured. **● Georgina Warwick** , Group Team Leader (Cubs) In recognition of their lifesaving actions in responding to an emergency while at work, their compassion and respect for dignity while preserving life and the wellbeing of all present. An inspiring example of professionalism, Scouting values and calmness under pressure.
Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service is given in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout's recognition of the very real contribution made to the Association by the individual concerned. ● **Nicola Silke** , Group Team Leader (Beavers) King’s Scout Award The King’s Scout Award is the top achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members and comprises a variety of activities to complete. It’s closely linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award ● **Charlie Selby** , Group Support Team
Length of service awards are available to Members and Associate Members of the Association with eligible roles that accrue service, uniformed or not, the following awards were issued this year:
Chief Scout’s 40 Years Service Award ● Alan Furby Chief Scout’s 10 Years Service Award ● Andy Elliott ● Pippa Hammond
13 **|** Page
## Group Awards
Congratulations to all our young people receiving awards this year, all recipients will also receive a £10 voucher to spend in Go Outdoors:
Squirrel of the year: Bobby Burrows Monday Freya Nowak Tuesday Lara Kaltenbacher Friday Beaver of the year: Rafe Cunningham Tuesday Seth Holt Wednesday Adam Ziober Friday Cub of the year: Callum Wilce Romans (Tuesday) Ben Turner Saxons (Thursday) Alexandra Ziober Vikings (Friday) Scout of the year: Bonnie Thompson Dringhouses PC Troop (Tuesday) Asher Chimalilo St Edward’s Troop (Thursday) Henry Smith & Kate Wood St Helen’s Troop (Friday) Explorer Scout of the year: Hayley Banks Nordic Explorers (Monday) Ellie Jarratt Jorvik Explorers (Wednesday) Georgia McCarthy & Lizzie Selby Young Leaders
## The Chairman’s Cup
The Chairman’s Cups are awarded every year to an adult and a youth member of the Group who have made significant effort over and above what is normally expected. They also receive a £20 voucher to spend at Go Outdoors.
**Chairman’s Cup – Youth Members:** Millie Eastman
**Chairman’s Cup – Adult Volunteers:** Ash Elliott
14 **|** Page
## Section Reports
First, a few pictures:
15 **|** Page
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Squirrels
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This year was another busy and exciting one for our squirrel scouts, with a vibrant calendar full of memorable firsts and engaging activities. Our weekly meetings provided a supportive space for squirrels to develop new skills, build confidence, and broaden their experiences. These sessions played a key role in helping 21 of our members earn their Chief Scouts Acorn badge—a fantastic achievement.
In January, we hosted our very first squirrel sleep over where we joined with Copmanthorpe squirrels and showed that squirrels can spend a night away from home and parents enjoying a range of activities as well as indoor camping. Weekly meetings also took us out and about in Dringhouses, where we explored various local environments, visited the different spaces we live near and saw the plants and animals that live there. A particular highlight was a visit to BBC
Radio York - the Squirrels were fascinated to see how the station operates and keeps us informed and entertained.
Among other firsts, 14 squirrels participated in the inaugural County squirrel event, ‘Squirrel Tales’, where imaginative activities brought stories to life and showcased the creativity of our young members. We also joined in a range of district events including the popular Christmas party, an energetic sports day, and flying our flags for the first time on parade on St George’s Day. Squirrels marched with enthusiasm, celebrating their achievements and leading the group.
Our joint bonfire night meeting with
Copmanthorpe was a roaring success, with everyone enjoying campfire popcorn by the warmth of the fire. Group camp activities kept spirits high and eyes open, while the group party at agility showed that squirrels can climb, jump and slide as well as anyone. The squirrels’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and adventurous spirit shown throughout the year have made every event a resounding success. We look forward to building on this momentum, embracing new opportunities, and creating even more memories in the year ahead.
16 **|** Page
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Beavers
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It has been a fantastic year for our Beavers, filled with learning, adventure, and fun.
We kicked off the summer term with a special visit to Abbeyfields Care Home to commemorate VE Day. During this memorable evening, residents shared their personal stories of wartime life, including experiences of rationing, offering the Beavers a valuable insight into our countries history. Over the term, we also enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, including a games night, cycling, taking part in the Cat Trial in town, and den building in Knavesmire Wood. A visit to Askham Bryan Wildlife Park gave the Beavers the opportunity to learn about amphibians and a range of other animals.
In the
autumn term, we continued our adventures with more nights out, where we learned about the Green Cross Code and developed basic navigation skills. Creativity was in full swing as the Beavers dressed as superheroes and worked together to create mini plays.
We also welcomed a visit from the RNLI, who taught us all about water safety. The term was rounded off with plenty of festive fun, including the district Beaver and Squirrel Christmas party, our group Christmas party, a Christmas games night, and our annual carol singing evening at Ged Bell Butcher’s.
Spring brought opportunities to develop teamwork through various challenges, including K’Nex building and games as part of our Winter Olympics night. The Beavers also learned about emergency aid and enjoyed hands-on science experiments. We finished the year with an exciting Beaver sleepover at Elvington, which was a real highlight.
17 **|** Page
It has been another fantastic year for the Cubs, filled with adventure, challenge, teamwork and plenty of fun.
Our Cubs have represented their Packs at a number of District events, including both Rugby and Rounders competitions. These events provided excellent opportunities for them to develop their sporting skills, demonstrate teamwork, and make new friends from across the District. We came second too!
Several Cubs also took part in the Junior Warrior event, where they embraced a variety of physical challenges with enthusiasm, determination and resilience, they also embraced the mud!. It was wonderful to see them encouraging one another and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones.
Water activities were a highlight of the year, with Cubs enjoying Bell Boating sessions. They learned new skills, worked together effectively as crews, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience on the water.
Camping remains a key part of the Cub experience, and this year included a successful Group Camp where Cubs enjoyed outdoor activities, campfires and the opportunity to strengthen friendships. But you cannot
beat hike and a game of pooh sticks on a bridge for fun….. unless you count Ten Pin Bowling, apparently that beast everything. A great year…. On to the next one!
18 **|** Page
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Scouts
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The past year has been an exciting and busy one for the Scout section, delivering a varied programme of adventure, skills and teamwork. We currently support 65 Scouts across three troops, meeting on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, giving young people regular opportunities to build confidence, resilience and independence. We were extremely proud to see six Scouts achieve their Gold Award, the highest award available in the Scout section, reflecting significant personal commitment and achievement.
The autumn term focused on welcoming Scouts back, reinforcing Scout values and teamwork. Creative ‑ activities such as ‘Artastic’ and a newspaper fashion show encouraged self expression, while ‑ world focused sessions explored global awareness, values and issues such as water. Practical life skills were developed through Money Skills, including a Tesco field trip, alongside cooking activities from around the world. Troop Forum sessions ensured Scouts had a voice in shaping their programme.
Throughout the year, leaders worked collaboratively to deliver joint programmes across all three troops, ensuring a consistent level of Scouting and equal opportunities regardless of meeting night. This approach strengthened shared standards and built a strong sense of group identity.
During the winter and early spring terms, Scouts focused on independence and Expedition Award preparation, developing navigation, route planning, kit selection and safety skills, supported by practical and outdoor activities. As the lighter evenings returned, the programme moved firmly outdoors, with activities including Geocaching, Pioneering, Fire Lighting, Tent Pitching, First Aid and Countryside Code awareness.
Joint activities with Explorers strengthened links between sections, and the year concluded with the Best of Yorkshire Summer Camp 2026, where Scouts took part in adventurous activities including kayaking, climbing, caving, canyoning and walking, successfully putting their skills into practice. Alongside weekly meetings, Scouts also participated in St George’s Day celebrations, fundraising at York Station, Group Camp and Ignite Camp, contributing positively to the community.
Looking ahead, encouraging greater participation in camps and residential experiences will remain a priority, as camps are central to Scouting and play a vital role in developing confidence, independence and lifelong friendships.
19 **|** Page
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Explorers
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We started the summer at Kandersteg International Scout Centre, what a week this was! As a leadership team we are so proud of the Explorers that spent the week making friends from around the world, rock climbing, rafting, swimming in a lake and even surviving a slightly wet walk up to a mountain lodge. The views on the way back down the next day made up for the miserable weather the day before!
After a well needed rest in September we went to North Yorkshire Scouts’ Ignite event, this is always a fantastic weekend filled with
great activities and time for the Explorers to spend time with other Explorers from
around the County. The weather tried to dampen spirits, but failed as it just added to the stories that are still being told! Some of our Explorers showed the UK Chief Volunteer around the camp.
October saw us
attend Escape, another County event that sees our Explorers spend 24 hours evading capture and travelling between bases around a set area. This is always a fun event, but it definitely falls in the type 2 fun category!
Winter camp this year was held at York Scout Activity Centre, the Explorers shared the camp with the Scouts and spent the camp cooking on fires for every meal, it was a lovely chilled champ where the Scouts & Explorers got time to plan, shop for, and cook their own meals.
District Explorer camp was again a great event, this is where all Explorer units from the City of York district camp together and it’s fantastic to see so many Explorers from the city at these events. During our term programme we’ve been getting out and about too, with the usual night hikes, climbing, kayaking, first aid skills, Ice skating & more.
We also have to give a special mention to Charlie Selby for achieving their King Scout award, well done Charlie!!
20 **|** Page
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## Trustees’ Annual Report
**From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026**
## **Reference and administration details**
Registered charity name: Dringhouses (Parish Church) Scout Group Registered charity number: 1064151 Registered number with Scout Association: 37243 Charity's contact address: Scout HQ, St Edward the Confessor Church,
Scout HQ, St Edward the Confessor Church, Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, YORK, YO24 1QG
## **Trustees**
Group Trustee Board for the above period: Group Lead Volunteer David Thorne Chairperson Annie Bennett Treasurer Jan Moor Treasury Team Member/Church Rep Wendy Hewitt Group Secretary Lucy Leinster Mike Hewitt Safety Officer Trustee Justin Moss Trustee Catherine Bell Trustee Susan Rundle Trustee Gareth Mines Trustee James Etherington
## **Structure, governance and management**
The Group is registered with The Scout Association’s under their Royal Charter which gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association. The Group is run according to Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) which contains guidance from The Scout Association and closely observes Charity Commission guidelines. We have a constitution which is based on the model outlined in POR but adapted to our specific needs. Management of the Scouting provision is outlined in the Group Development Plan.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the POR. The Group is managed by the Group Lead Volunteer, supported by the Group Senior Leadership team and the Group Trustee Board.
The Group Trustee Board:
- Maintains Group Property
- Administers the Group’s finances, including fundraising
- Is responsible for risk management and Insurance
- Runs Group public occasions
- Assists with recruitment of leaders and other adult support
22 **|** Page
## ● Appoints any sub-groups that may be required.
The attendance record of the trustee board has risen in line with the target of 80% set in the previous annual report and was in fact 86%.
## **Risk and internal control**
The risks associated with running a scout group are given priority by The Trustee Board and the teams associated with the day to day running of the group. A Risk Register is in place and regularly reviewed and updated.
We have a Safety Officer in place who is a Trustee. The Risk Register outlines the Governance risks to the group, the most serious of which have been identified as:
Injury to members, leaders, helpers, supporters, and the public. Risk assessments are undertaken, in line with POR, before all activities and are approved as outlined therein. The Group takes risk to the person very seriously and regularly reviews all continuing risk assessments. The Group is Insured through The Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy (paid annually through capitation fees) and additionally takes out insurance to cover occasional helpers.
Safeguarding of members, leaders, supporters and the public. Every volunteer is vetted; DBS checked and must undertake safe-guarding training shortly after appointment and review at regular intervals. The Scout Association policy (Yellow Card) is strictly adhered to.
Damage to the building, property, and equipment. Should the building be uninhabitable the Group would seek accommodation in the Church, with neighbouring organisations, and other scout groups. Equipment could be borrowed from other groups until insurance claims are made. Adequate insurance is in place and regularly reviewed. We would undertake immediate action to rectify any damage.
Reduced income from fundraising. The Group is reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. In the absence of fund-raising income, the Committee would raise the level of subscriptions and institute cost-cutting measures.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant on volunteers. We are constantly seeking and recruiting new leaders. However, if there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level and recruitment was unsuccessful, we would appeal to the District Lead Volunteer for assistance but ultimately the number of sections may need to be reduced.
The full Risk Register and disaster planning documents can be seen on request.
## **Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document.**
As stated in POR:
“Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
- Enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- Take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- Learn by doing
- Share in spiritual reflection
- Take responsibility and make choices
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● Undertake new and challenging activities
- Make and live by their Promise
In planning our activities to meet The Scout Association’s objectives, we also keep in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
## **Achievements and performance.**
The Group is maintained at 14 sections, each meeting during term time. There is a small waiting list which is operated in line with the published formal policy.
The annual census return submitted to The Scout Association in February 2025 puts the group in the category of one of the largest in the District and County, however trustees and leadership are mindful of maintaining the quality of the programme the group provides.
Community activities have continued and are comprehensively covered in the Lead Volunteers Report as are camps, events, and award (Badge) achievement.
Our active Explorer and Young Leaders section provide the group with a great pool of young people who remain in the group as adult volunteers when they turn 18.
The Group continues to lead the way in training compliance with all members being up to date with The Scout Associations mandatory ongoing training. The newly released versions of much training have meant all members have to comply in a set period and our leaders are making good progress.
The group youth membership on the 31[st] March 2025 was 295 young people.
## **Financial review - completed**
Due to good financial management and budgeting we were able to maintain subs at the current level, despite another rise in Capitation (per member sum paid to the Scout Association) and ongoing building, vehicle and equipment increases in costs. We are also able to support 4 children with our Member Support Fund, thanks to a consistent yearly donation from St Edward’s Church.
We replaced our minibuses in April 2025, early in this financial year with good second-hand replacements. Unfortunately, the previous ones, Jeff and Babs, were becoming unreliable and costly in repairs. We also purchased a much-needed second-hand van for transporting equipment. These purchases were able to come out of current funds (supported by the donation in memory of Rob Dobson), meaning that we still have our sinking fund for an ongoing replacement approach.
Gift aid claims continue to be regularly taking place to benefit the group from a steady predictable income. The remainder of our income came from continued strong fundraising (just over £3,000), together with hiring of the minibuses.
Our largest expenditure was on Camps and Activities, with an even greater number taking place, with 33% uplift, due to more members in the group and more camps across the sections.
The majority of our running costs e.g. premises and minibus have continued to be on the high side. Roof repairs (using some of our sinking fund) and maintenance have been carried out on the building. We are currently sourcing funding to completely replace the roof (as it has become apparent that this is required), so that we can use the sinking fund for a new heating system and additional storage.
## **Reserves policy - completed**
The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. Due to the increase in numbers and increases in costs of the last few years, the Board of Trustees has increased the amount of money that the Group should hold in reserve to a sum of £20,000 as well as the two sinking funds described below.
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At the end of March 2026, the minibus fund was £31,130 (2025: £29,130) and the premises fund was £12,675 (2025: £17,815). Each year, we will set aside: £2,000 for premises expenses, and £5,000 for the minibus fund so that we have sufficient cash balances to replace the buses when they are deemed too old to be used. The Reserves Policy is reviewed annually, and it is likely that we will reduce the minibus fund going forward.
We have fully utilised grant funding received in the previous financial year which has been used towards membership hardship cases and the purchase of tents (ongoing phased replacement). Our year-end cash balance is £80,628 (2024: £92,226) which is greater than the sinking funds and current camp/activities income yet to spend, meaning that the Group is operating within its reserves. We were planning the decline due to minibuses replacement and buying a van.
A savings account continues to hold monies not needed for the day to day running of the Group, particularly the sinking funds, to earn interest in the meantime, however no other investments have been made or are planned.
In line with the advice received from our Independent Examiner, we are continuing to show the value of our other assets, which currently consist of our two minibuses, one van and one trailer.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees by
**Annie Bennett, Group Chair Janet Moor, Group Treasurer**
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## Financial Summary
For the Period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
## Receipts and Payments
|All fgures in GBP|**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted funds**||**Total funds**||**Last year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2025/26**||**2025/26**||**2025/26**||**2024/25**|
|**Receipts**|**£**||**£**||**£**||**£**|
|**Donations, legacies and similar**
**income**||||||||
|Membership subscriptions|49,817||||**49,817**||44,116|
|less: membership subscriptions
paid to National/County/ District|-20,687||||**-20,687**||-18,810|
|Net membership subscriptions
retained|29,130||**0**||**29,130**||**25,306**|
|Gift aid|12,854||||**12,854**||13,311|
|**Sub total**|**41,984**||**0**||**41,984**||**38,617**|
|**Grants and donations**||||||||
|Grants received|0||1,076||**1,076**||3,166|
|**Sub total**|**0**||**1,076**||**1,076**||**3,166**|
|**Fundraising (gross)**||||||||
|Station collections et|3,286||0||**3,286**||10,029|
|**Sub total**|**3,286**||**0**||**3,286**||**10,029**|
|**Activities**||||||||
|Camps and activities|58,471||||**58,471**||47,978|
|Minibus hirings|19,205||||**19,205**||618|
|Badges and neckers|125||||**125**||97|
|**Sub total**|**77,802**||**0**||**77,802**||**48,693**|
|Interest|987||||**987**||991|
|Property rent income|50||||**50**||435|
|**Sub total**|**1,037**||**0**||**1,037**||**1,426**|
|Miscellaneous|0||||**0**||0|
|||||||||
|**_Total receipts_**|**124,109**||**1,076**||**125,185**||**101,931**|
|**Payments**||||||||
|Subscription - Go Cardless fees|-1,957||||**-1,957**||-1,356|
|Camps|-61,847||-1,106||**-62,953**||-45,479|
|Section activities|-4,474||||**-4,474**||-3,602|
|Ground rent, fuel, insurance,
repairs and renewals|-8,315||-7,140||**-15,455**||-8,174|
26 **|** Page
|All fgures in GBP|**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted funds**||**Total funds**||**Last year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2025/26**||**2025/26**||**2025/26**||**2024/25**|
|Equipment|-7,265||||**-7,265**||-2,019|
|Minibus expenses|-37,704||||**-37,704**||-8,595|
|Badges, neckers and uniform|-5,075||||**-5,075**||-2,799|
|Administration|-633||||**-633**||-976|
|**Sub total**|**-127,270**||**-8,246**||**-135,516**||**-73,000**|
|Fundraising expenses|-123||||**-123**||-464|
|**Sub total**|**-123**||**0**||**-123**||**-464**|
|Bank charges|-31||||**-31**|||
|Miscellaneous|-1,112||||**-1,112**||-87|
|**_Total payments_**|**-128,536**||**-8,246**||**-136,782**||**-73,551**|
|**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**|**-4,427**||**-7,170**||**-11,597**||**28,380**|
|**Transfers between funds**||||||||
|**Cash funds last year end**|**92,226**||**0**||**92,226**||63,847|
|**_Cash funds this year end_**|**87,799**||**-7,170.30**||**80,629**||**92,226**|
## Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted funds**|**Restricted funds**||**Total**||**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**31/03/2026**||**31/03/2026**|||**31/03/2026**||**31/03/2025**|
||**£**||**£**|||**£**||**£**|
|**Cash funds**|||||||||
|**Current account**|62,799||- 7,170|||55,628||38,847|
|**United Trust Bank**|25,000|||||25,000||25,000|
|**Total**|**87,799**||**- 7,170**|||**80,628**||**63,847**|
||||||||||
|**Other assets**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted funds**|||**Total**|||
||**31/03/2026**||**31/03/2026**|||**31/03/2026**||**31/03/2025**|
||**£**||**£**|||||**£**|
|**Motor vehicles**|**39,500**||**-**|||**39,500**||**-**|
|**Equipment etc**|**-**||**-**|||**-**||**-**|
The above receipts and payments accounts and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by
Annie Bennett, **Group Chair**
Janet Moor, **Group Treasurer**
27 **|** Page
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@ 2026 Oringhouses (Parish Church) Scout Group
The Scout HUL St. Edward The Confessor Church. Tadcaster Road. York Y024 IQG
Tel: 07719 079567
Email:
Registered Charity Number: 1064151 (England & Wales)
291 Page