Scou 41, AGM 20
Agenda
109[th] Ormskirk And District Annual General Meeting Wednesday 12th June 2024
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Introduction and welcome
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Apologies for absence
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Governance topics
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Review of the previous year
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Making appointments
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Closing remarks
Minutes from the 108th AGM
Wednesday 7th June 2023, 7.30pm
Presentation of the fags: thanks to the Explorers and Steve Kirby
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Welcome and introduction. Heather Lomas, Chairman, welcomed everyone Special welcome to Gail Stanley, Craig Dewar-Willox and Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Julian and Mary Finch
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Apologies. Apologies from invited guests; Mayor of West Lancs Cllr Maureen Nixon. Ormskirk & District Scouts leadership team; leaders at 40th, Sue Gregg, Andrew Senior, Sue Gregg,
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Approval of the minutes of 2022 Annual General Meeting. The 107th Annual General Meeting held on 8th June 2022 were proposed and seconded by Tolu Oshinowo and approved by a show of hands.
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Governance topics . Proposed by the Chair that the District adopt model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules this was seconded by Paul Britton and approved by show of hands. Those present were requested to note the date of the financial year 1st April to 31st March. Those present were asked to agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board this was seconded by Hugh Miller and approved by show of hands. Those present were asked to agree the quorum of 15 for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), Paula Slobin seconded the recommendation and was approved by a show of hands. Those present were asked to agree the quorum for meetings of the District Trustee Board and meetings of any sub-committees Mike Nolan seconded this proposal, and it was approved by a show of hands.
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Review of the previous year, The District Commissioner’s review of Scouting in Ormskirk and District in the Annual report is available on the District website. Thanks to Liz Wainwright for producing it. Chris Charlton DC said “you’re all amazing” from Squirrels to Explorers there have been so many activities. Over 700 at the Gathering, it was a great event and this year they are hoping that it will be bigger and better than last year. More Squirrel Dreys have opened over the year, a new Explorer unit, new Network commissioner. Chris is proud to say that we have offered fantastic scouting over the year and thank you. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts. Annual statement of accounts has been approved by the District Executive. The way membership fees are reported has changed this year which is why it looks different this year to previous years and it looks worse than it is. New roof on District HQ which look like a loss this year as it was from grants we received last year. No vote is required however the District Scout Council received and considers this report.
6. Making appointments
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a. Approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair. Chris would like nominate Heather Lomas as District chair. A show of hands approved
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b. Election of the District Secretary. Fay is stepping down as District secretary and is now taking up a role in the programme team. The role of secretary is vacant and Heather asked if anyone is interested to please contact her. c. Election of the District Treasurer. John Brindle is stepping down as District Treasurer. Many thanks for all of his hard work. Eddie Webb was appointed as District treasurer. John Brindle seconded this appointment and it was approved by a show of hands.
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d. Elections of members to the District Trustee Board. Elected to persons to the District Trustee Board – Chris Neville, Mike Pye, Pete Richardson, Andrew Senior and approved by a show of hands.
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e. DC nominations to the District Trustee board are Luke Pargetar, Hugh Millar, John Brindle
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f. Alan Venn was prosposed, seconded and approved as Scrutineer / Independent Examiner / Auditor
End of the formal part of the meeting
District Chair
Welcome to the 109th Annual report for Ormskirk and District Scouts.
What a wonderful year we have had! As you read further through our annual report you will be able to see all the fantastic life changing opportunities we have been able to provide to our young people. We should be very proud of the work we do in the community and the impact we have. Please do take some time to read, reflect and celebrate the work we have done over the last 12 months. I would like to take a moment to thank Chris, the District Team and the wider volunteer teams in the Groups across the District for all that they do, each and every week. We really couldn't do it without you.
Heather Lomas - District Chair
Financial Report
Ormskirk & District Scout Council
Summarised Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ended 31st March 2024
Opening funds CAF District Account
£ 102,556.00
| Opening funds CAF District Account £ 102,556.00 |
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| Revenue Expenditure Capitation & membership fees £ 7,989.50 £ - Donations and gift aid £ 4,705.80 £ 5,011.80 Trading £ - £ - Administration £ - £ 2,948.05 Activities & events £ 52,229.26 £ 44,612.24 Development / Sectional Funds £ - £ 800.00 Training £ 338.00 £ 320.00 Equipment £ - £ 779.81 Inter scout events / Jamboree 23 £ 2,083.00 £ 1,505.00 DHQ £ 6,583.75 £ 9,650.21 Loans to Groups £ 750.00 £ 3,000.00 Misc £ 398.89 £ 71.25 Interest £ 135.85 £ - Badge Account (Correction) £ - £ 437.67 District Scout Shop -cash sales £ 1,293.20 £ 1,278.00 District Scout Shop £ 13,202.00 £ 10,337.01 District Badges £ 9,737.30 7724.15 District Explorers £ 71,982.81 £ 59,806.04 |
Balance 22/23 £ 7,989.50 -£ 2,523.93 -£ 306.00 £ 1,000.00 £ - -£ 905.22 -£ 2,948.05 -£ 2,688.99 £ 7,617.02 £ 4,565.76 -£ 800.00 -£ 480.00 £ 18.00 -£ 1,769.00 -£ 779.81 £ 15.00 £ 578.00 -£ 6,710.00 -£ 3,066.46 -£ 7,114.96 -£ 2,250.00 £ 327.64 - £ 135.85 - -£ 437.67 - £ 15.20 £ 2,864.99 £ 271.64 £ 2,013.15 £ 4,907.36 £ 12,176.77 -£ 3,906.56 |
| Totals: £ 171,429.36 £ 148,281.23 Total Revenue £ 171,429.36 Total Expenditure £ 148,281.23 Balance Monetary assets Opening balance Closing Balance District CAF Account £ 102,556.00 £ 62,457.89 Explorer CAF Account £ 9,745.36 £ 22,236.75 Explorer Equals Account £ 2,433.75 Shop CAF Account £ 12,143.19 £ 14,247.85 Badge CAF Account £ 4,907.36 £ 6,979.24 Badge Equals Account £ - £ 17.78 Cash in hand (Shop Account) £ - £ 104.75 Unaccountable losses (Shop Account) £ - £ - District Creditors £ 45,072.00 £ - Creditors (Group Badge Accounts) £ - £ 1,369.66 Debtors (Group Badge Accounts) £ 207.04 £ 476.73 Creditor (Shop Account) £ - £ - Debtors (Shop Account) £ - £ 50.00 Non-monetary assets Shop stock £ 4,785.01 £ 5,499.10 Badge stock £ 5,204.00 £ 6,094.76 Land & buildings £ 171,000.00 £ 171,000.00 Fixtures & fttings £ 3,700.00 £ 3,700.00 Equipment £ 18,700.00 £ 19,400.00 |
£ 23,148.13 -£ 15,338.90 £ 23,148.13 Movement -£ 40,098.11 £ 12,491.39 £ 2,433.75 £ 2,104.66 £ 2,071.88 £ 17.78 £ 104.75 £ 45,072.00 -£ 1,369.66 £ 269.69 £ - £ 50.00 £ 23,148.13 Difference £0.00 |
District Commissioner
We have had another year of growth, an achievement not enjoyed in all Districts in West Lancs. This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of every single volunteer in the District. I am proud to lead such a fantastic team.
This year has seen a move towards Transformation including the formation of a District Management team. This includes Paul Cochrane who is heading our Programme Team, Hugh Miller managing the Support function, Sue Goldstraw overseeing Volunteer Development and Colin Marshall looking after our 14 – 24 year olds. Along with our Youth Lead, Rhys Evans, we are passionate about looking after all our volunteers, making their time in Scouting enjoyable and rewarding. I would like to thank my new team, the members who have been involved at a District level prior to these changes and those who are continuing in their role.
We have continued to provide support where it is needed, as well as offering advice and guidance for groups on growing their numbers of young people and adults, developing the programme they are running or even advising on compliance and the new trustee boards. Thank you to all in the District who have provided valuable assistance at Group level to help bridge gaps in adult volunteers, supported the Trustee Boards as they try to understand their new responsibilities and organised a range of activities for the young people. It has been very much appreciated by both adults and children.
There will be programme section reports. However, I would like to highlight a few of our successes. Our newest section - Squirrels (4 and 5 year olds) is continuing to grow and we now have 9 Squirrel dreys with more starting in September. It has been a pleasure to see them taking part in District events and nights away, including the District Gathering in September. This event attracted over 900 of our Scouting family with ages from 4 – 94. Next was Remembrance Sunday when Ormskirk & District Scouts were represented at more than a dozen parades throughout the whole District. Finally, in this 2023-2024 Scouting Year we had a fantastic celebration of St George’s Day with a parade through Ormskirk and our promise renewal in Coronation Park. This was our showcase event affirming that Scouting is alive and well and an integral part of the local community. I am looking forward to celebrating and recognising the time and dedication shown by our amazing adult volunteers at the All-Members’ District BBQ in July. This will include the presentation of the annual awards normally given at the District AGM.
Finally, I make no apology for repeating my closing statement from last year. Each and every one of you is a valued member of Ormskirk and District and you all have my heartfelt thanks for everything you do. Please keep up the good work that makes us such a fantastic District.
Chris Charlton - District Commissioner
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[Adult Training]
I am delighted that Sandra Birchall has taken on the role of Local Training Manager and is gradually picking up the reins and thank you to everyone who has helped with validation and administration this year, it is really appreciated. Also thank you to everyone who has completed any training this year, and congratulations to all those who have been awarded their wood beads. I am really pleased that in this month’s compliance report from HQ, Ormskirk and District are 100% compliant for Safety and Safeguarding. Please can we keep it that way. First Aid is nearly up to date, and Sandra is working very hard in making sure we have enough training provision to allow the Leaders whose training is overdue to get it done before the August deadline. If anyone would like to help with any aspect of training, please contact sandra.birchall@ormskirkscouts.org.uk
Chris Charlton
District Programme Team
I think we’re developing well as a team and I look forward to adding new members to the Programme Team to complement the existing members and offer even more opportunity to the Young People in Ormskirk and District Scouts. I would finally like to thank the District Team, Section Teams and all Permit Holders for their support.
Paul Cochrane – District Programme Leader
What a wonderful year for our littlest Scouts! With almost 100 Squirrels now in the District!
Our Squirrels have taken part in lots of Scouting activities including St. George’s Day, the District Gathering and County Squirrel Day - ”Puddle and Waddle”. Not to mention the excellent provision provided by their individual groups.
Well done to all our Squirrel Dreys and their dedicated Leaders for taking on this exciting new challenge and doing such and incredible job!
We can’t wait to see you “go nuts” with your fantastic programme in the years to come!
We have enjoyed an exciting year and through transformation we’re bringing a team of dedicated, hard working and skilled Leaders together. I feel privileged to work with the team and my focus is to support them and make sure they have everything they need to provide our Young People in Ormskirk the opportunities they need. Please find below a summary from the Team.
As usual there has been a variety of fantastic opportunities given to our young people on their colony nights. The offerings are increased by what is on offer by the district team to supplement programmes. Most recently was the district overnight camp based on an Olympics theme.
In July we will be celebrating all of those beavers who have worked so hard to gain the top award, The Chief Scout Bronze award in a joint fun day with the cub section. Over 60 young people will be invited to come together and celebrate.
I want to finish by saying thank you to all of the leaders who give up their time to make beavers so enjoyable for young people all across the district. Thanks also to the beaver team for your support as we look ahead to new and exciting challenges.
Paula Slobin - District Beaver Leader
During 2023, Cub Scouts took over Manchester Aviation Park and took part in the County Air Activities day – I think the highlight was getting to sit on Concorde and explore a number of planes and how they are used. In 2024 Cub Scouts went to the Crocky Trail in Cheshire and spent the day on the trail and many rides that are there.
We have presented 58 Chief Scout Silver Awards which is wonderful and a testament to the leaders to provide the programme to do this. The children that are receiving these should be proud of what they have done and achieved. As like last year, we will hold a recognition day in July to celebrate the fantastic work that the children have put in to gain this award.
I would like to thank Anne Gilham & Mike Selway for the support that they have given me coming out of lockdown as well as Chris Charlton who although I have lost from my District team, still supports me when her time allows. Finally thank you to everyone who has provided scouting to the children in the District. Your enthusiasm and energy is a testament to the safe, fun, exciting and adventurous activities that you provide for the Cubs, giving them #skills for life.
Paul Britton - District Cub Leader
The Scout section has had an amazing varied twelve months across Ormskirk and District.
June heralded the return of Solstice, revitalised with digital geocaches hidden across the District. With the whole District heading to Gathering in September, we then had troops riding into Oblivion at Alton Towers. Moonlight saw a huge turnout of Scouts for catchers to fail to find, and we also ran our first Training Weekend for the next generation of Patrol Leaders. May brought a huge turnout to the highlight of the year, County Rally, with axe throwing, competitions, new river activities and a whole bunch more!
Thanks to all the leaders who lead our Scouts on everyday adventures and prepare them with Skills for Life! Jacob Richmond - District Scout Leader Scouts
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Explorers have continued to grow as a section with more members and young leaders enjoying the many District Events as well as their Unit programmes. With no Unit in Skelmersdale and a waiting list starting to grow, a new Unit was started in September based at West Lancs College with the name, Skem ‘N’ Ems, chosen by their members. This Unit was also given a startup grant and received Scouting support which included a radio interview for DC Hill.
District Explorer events included attending the County Camp, Alcatraz on Anglesey, the Gathering, Walking Days, Roller-skating (where Network were invited), Moonlight where Ormskirk Explorers competed in 19 different teams and the highlight for many, the Go-karting Grand Prix. The Water sport and activities camp at Great Tower was a good opportunity to try out new skills.
The section had over 30 members travelling with West Lancs on Internationals, it has been wonderful to see them taking these opportunities and to learn about their experiences on their return.
The big event this year is Red Rose 2024 and there has already been a lot of preparation from the large Explorer contingent.
Thank you to the Explorer leader teams in place at each Unit for all their hard work giving the members such a good year.
Network have also had a excellent year with growing attendance at their meetings and the opportunity to go to the larger camps. Many of the network members are also leaders at Groups where their input is greatly appreciated.
In addition to this support Network have organised Ormskirk Opoly and an archery tournament as linking events encouraging members to continue their Scouting journey once they reach 18.
They organised and ran the Christmas Carol service which was well received. They also organised a fund-raising barn dance which was enjoyed by all and the Gang Show where the hard work paid off.
They also had fun attending the Reconnected Camp in September and the Network Gathering at a wet Welsh campsite.
We are very lucky in Ormskirk to have such an excellent Network who are growing all the time.
Thank you to all the members of Network who have put such a lot in.
Both Explorers and Network send out a monthly newsletter which is used as a source of information about future adventures as well as seeing what has been going on.
Colin Marshall - 14-24 Team Leader
District Activity Leader
During the year we’ve continued to sort out permits that are available in the district and looking at how we can provide opportunity for leaders going forward. Activity wise we have introduced fencing and thank you to support from Council and through their contribution we have purchased our own set of District fencing equipment.
Activities and permits are important to assist with programme we offer to our young people so we will be continuing to develop teams for fencing, archery, shooting, and water activities and we’ll continue to look to provide opportunity to hone skills for leaders. If you wish to work towards an activity permit, then please contact me and we can look to see how we get you on the correct path.
Finally thank you to all permit holders for giving up their time to run sessions.
Pat Fairclough – District Activity Leader
District Events Leader
This year has been massive for District led events, with over 750 Young People from 91% of the groups in the district at The Gathering and once you add in the leaders and parent helpers we got to over 900. Moonlight saw over 220 Scouts and many more Explorers entering the event with another record number of teams and growth in popularity. The event is a highlight of the year for our Young people. We had over 500 people at St George’s Day Parade this year, and it was amazing to see everyone with happy smiling faces in Coronation Park. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have all had at least one district wide section event and camp already in 2024, with many more in the calendar!! Looking forward, we have over 30% of district Scouts and Explorers at Red Rose, and 20% of the groups in the district are taking Minis as well for their mission to Mars.
We also have The Gathering at a new location with lots of activities designed to provide a taste of all the awesome that scouting can bring! We can’t wait to see you all at District Events over the next year!
A massive thank you to all those people who have offered support to run our District events.
Andrew Senior – District Events Leader
Legal & Administrative Details
Ormskirk & District Scouts
Registered Charity No. 1068959
District Registration The Scout Association 12911 Governing Instrument
The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association by authority of a Royal Charter dated January 1912.
Aims
Our mission - Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our values - We act with care, respect, integrity, cooperation, exploring our own and others’ beliefs.
Legal and Administrative information
Principal Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
Investment The Scout Association, Short Term Investment Service, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW
Independent Examiner Alan Venn
71 Claughton Avenue Clayton-le-Woods, Leyland Web Site www.ormskirkscouts.org.uk District HQ Hall Lane, Lathom, L40 5UQ Contact Address Hall Lane, Lathom, L40 5UQ
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2024.
The Legal and administrative information as set out forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice. - Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The accounts have been drawn up on a Receipts and Payments basis, which is consistent with the previous year.
Trustees
The District is a trust established under the rules of The Scout Association, which are common to all Groups, Districts, and Counties.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation & Rules of The Scout Association. No Trustee had a personal interest in any assets of the Ormskirk & District Scouts.
District Executive Committee
| Trustees: Ex-Offcio | District Commissioner Chris Charlton |
|---|---|
| District Chairman Heather Lomas | |
| Deputy District Chair John Brindle | |
| District Explorer Scout Commissioner Colin Marshall | |
| District Youth Commissioner Erin McGee (Until January 2024) | |
| District Youth Commissioner Rhys Evans (From January 2024) | |
| Trustees: Elected | John Brindle |
| Hugh Miller | |
| Mike Pye | |
| Steve Swainson | |
| Trustees: Nominated | Luke Pargeter |
| Chris Nevill | |
| Andrew Senior | |
| Pete Richardson |
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