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2023-03-31-accounts

Northampton District Scouts ANNUAL REPORT 2022/2023

CONTENTS

The District Trustee Board

Chair Report

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District Commissioner Report

ADC Squirrel Report

ADC Cubs Report

ADC Scouts Report

DESC Report

District Youth Commissioners Report District Assets

Fernie Fields Scout Shop Scout Band Gang Show

Wales (Yr Hen Felin)

Overstone Campsite and Activity Centre

Financial Report from Chair of Finance and General Purpose Committee

DISTRICT TRUSTEE BOARD

July 2023

District Chair ( Ex Officio ) District Commissioner ( Ex Officio ) District Treasurer ( Ex Officio ) District Secretary ( Ex Officio ) District Youth Commissioner ( Ex Officio )

Mike Billingham Ian Malcomson Caroline Lomas Jan Brooker Liam Claris

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District Explorer Scout Commissioner ( Ex Officio ) District Scout Network Commissioner ( Ex Officio ) Trustee Board Member ( Elected ) Trustee Board Member ( Elected ) Trustee Board Member ( Elected ) Trustee Board Member ( Elected ) Trustee Board Member (Elected)

Matt Ager Ben Ousley Ian Claris Chris Gyles Gary Jackson Elaine Farr Esther Phillips

District Finance Officer ( Co-Opted ) Member Co-Opted

Stephen Humphrey David Shrewsbury

PRESIDENT / VICE PRESIDENTS July 2023

President (elect)

Dominic Goble

DL

Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President

Alistair Cochran Bernard Ingram Brian Bodily Derek Bampkin John Sharman Bob Stubbs Sheila Shrives Stuart Little

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Vice President

Walter Loweth

CHAIR REPORT

I have always said that ‘once a scouter always a scouter’! So, it comes as little surprise that, having retired from scouting on a number of occasions, I find myself once again back involved.

I could hardly refuse Ian’s invitation to support him in his new role as District Commissioner, having persuaded him to take over from me as GSL for the 4[th] . I was confident that with his skills and enthusiasm, he would do an excellent job then, and remain equally confident that he will likewise do his scouting best for Northampton District.

As is often the way with Scouting, I had hardly got my feet under the table before POR sought to significantly change the rules and policies and I found myself being the shortest ever serving Executive Chairman. Now being cast as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, along with fellow Trustees, our focus is now rightly directed at governance of the district and its assets.

I was most impressed with the excellent work that had been undertaken by the EC over recent years and their achievements. The amount and quality of the information now available to them, particularly that relating to finance of the district and its assets, is vital and will greatly assist the Board in fulfilling their new responsibilities as Trustees.

Regrettably it has been a year in which a number of Scouting stalwarts have ‘gone-home’. Those who have moved on to greener pastures, and those who have or are planning to retire (we will see). Needless to say we remain extremely grateful for their many years of loyal, reliable, hardworking, dedication for the benefit of Scouting.

Talking of Stalwarts, I was delighted to be able to likewise persuade David Shrewsbury out of retirement, to join us and assist in dealing with the considerable long-term issues we face relating to land-parcels and buildings. His skills, experience and dedication to Scouting will be of great assistance to the Board.

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Without doubt the greatest challenge we have faced this year has been to ensure the conclusion of the Asset Review that has taken some three years of considerable time and dedication from those review committee members. The Board is extremely grateful for their excellent work and the quality of their information and recommendations, as well as the cooperation and support of our asset managers and all adult volunteers in this process

Needless to say, our next major challenge is to ensure that the, much needed, outcome of the asset review is now developed into a robust, fully supported, detailed plan to ensure that Northampton District, through its significant assets, continues to provide, the very best of Scouting opportunities and activities for all of our young (even younger now) members.

I am confident that, with the District Commissioner’s excellent leadership, the continued support and dedication of all members of the Board of Trustees, and all of our adult volunteers, Northampton District will continue to grow its membership and continue to provide the very best that scouting has to offer.

Mike Billingham Chairman Board of Trustees

DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT

This first year of my term as DC has been somewhat of a whirlwind. We have an expansive, complex District with many moving parts, and so much potential to be a shining star in the constellations of Scouting. We serve a community of around 200,000 people, representing huge diversity in culture, economic status, and faith. As of last census, we are reaching 1,351 young people and 466 adults – an increase of 13.8% and 5.2% respectively – which puts us second only to schools in provision for young people within the town, but still only scratches the surface.

The most concerning thing for me in researching the District and considering whether to take the DC role on or not, was hearing the words “I didn’t know Scouting was still a thing”. Our Movement is one hundred and thirteen years old, and yet there are people that don’t know that it’s still a thing. As a Scouter, this seems odd – we see Scouting everywhere. It’s part of our lives. We see newsletters and invitations to volunteer from Gilwell, from County, from everywhere. How can people think it’s still not a thing?

Answering that question was a fundamental part of why I ultimately wanted to take on the challenge of the DC role. Of course, the District has many other challenges – you will all be familiar with the unique challenge the Districts assets pose. But the visibility of the District is absolutely key to everything. There is a technique I learned, funnily enough as a Venture Scout, of trying to divest yourself of your own biases and environments, and put yourself in a position somewhere along the lines of outside looking in. When you do that, an easy conclusion is found – we, as Scouts, are very good at advertising Scouting to other Scouts. This is borne out by the communications we get. I receive join requests, or requests for information, from all sorts of random places – “how do I join Scouts”, “I’m trying to find a place in Scouts for my daughter – we live in Carlisle”, “I didn’t realise you could volunteer for Scouts without having been a Scout”. The Scouts main website answers all of these queries and more – why do I, as a random DC, receive these communiques rather than The Scouts? I’ve no idea. But I do know that by far the largest demographic that uses The Scouts website isn’t parents, or people looking to join Scouting – it’s Scouters.

In reviewing the GSLs and asking them directly what their Groups need, the number one thing that came out – more volunteers. No DC has a magic leader tree, unfortunately. But visibility

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of Scouting is the seed to grow one. How do we get more volunteers? By letting them know that they can volunteer, and Scouting is very much a thing they can do. Anyone can do. With more volunteers comes a greater variety of personalities and skills, which should in turn not only help the Groups, but also with the work that lies ahead of us with the assets.

So that has been one of the guiding stars – let the world know that the District is a thing, that Scouting is still very much a thing, and everyone is welcome to join us in our great adventures to come.

In all of this, I thank everyone that has come on board, embracing my ideas or telling me where I’m just plain crazy, but otherwise helping to move the District forward. The GSLs especially, who having been moving towards a better level of cooperation and communication, and all the good folk who have taken on District roles, particularly the ADCs who have been working to reforge the District’s Section volunteers into teams that we lost so much of a sense for during COVID.

I think, whatever your role within Scouting is, everything you do begins with one word: care. If you care about what you are doing, if you care for the young people we work for, if you care about your Groups, your Sections, your District – everything else comes from a natural extension of that. I may not be a dyed-in-the-wool Northamptonian, this is not the District I grew up in nor where I learned my own foundations of what it means to be a Scouting volunteer. But I do care deeply for it, and I revel in seeing that care reflected in so many of you. We care, and that is how we all, as a team, go about making this District the best it can possibly be.

I’d like to finish off by thanking everyone that has moved the District forward over this past year: our District chair Mike, secretary of everything Jan, treasurer Caroline, financial wizard Stephen, all of those who have taken on the responsibilities of Trustees – Elaine, Steven, Chris, Hazel, Ian, and Gary – and Esther, who has been part of the F&GP team. Similarly, everyone that has come on board as part of the District Team – Liam, Luke, Matt, Ben, yet another Ian, Sammi, Tracey, and Rebekah. Everyone that looks after the assets, be they part of asset management teams or volunteers that help to keep things moving there. I would also like to thank all of the young people that have come on board with the District Youth Executive, stepping up to take some responsibility for the direction the District is moving. This is a big ask of a young person, and they have all exceeded my expectations for these first few months of the Youth Exec’s existence. And finally my deputy, Sue, who is definitely a rock of sensibility tethering some of my wilder flights of imagination.

I would also like to thank all of those stalwarts of the District who decided that this 2022/23 period was their time to go home to a well-earned eternal rest. I am sure all of our memories of them will remain with us until we, in turn, receive that call to come home too.

In Scouting, with the kindest of regards for everything you bring to this wonderful District of ours.

Ian R Malcomson

District Commissioner

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ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (ADC) SQUIRRELS

It's been a fantastic first year for Squirrels across Northampton District with 8 dreys across 7 different groups now offering Scouting to 4 to 6 year olds with another couple of groups planning to open by the end of the year. At the time of the census we had 106 Squirrels and this number is growing rapidly.

The Squirrels attended their first District St George's Day event as well as an activity day alongside the District Beaver Camp. This saw Squirrels completing numerous outdoor and adventurous activities including the cavebus, rocket launching, soft archery and crafts all with a pirate theme.

Following the Squirrel Day I agreed to take on the ADC Squirrel role and I plan to bring the Squirrel leaders together to form a team who can continue to deliver District wide events and activities.

I will also be offering guidance to groups looking to open a Squirrel Drey and continuing to give support to those already in action if needed. If anyone wants to talk Squirrels I'm all ears!

Vicky Ager ADC Squirrels

ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (ADC)CUBS

I feel honoured to be ADC Cubs for Northampton for not even a year. I have felt welcomed by everyone into this role, and amazing support from Cub Leaders across the District.

We have had an incredible District Cub Camp, first one since Covid, and even though there are many things we can learn from it, it was a great success with each group providing super activities for the Cubs to use towards their badges.

Its still early days but moving forward I hope to visit each group and see their cubs in action from September onwards. I will be organising regular meetings from Autumn to keep the contact flowing.

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I feel this has been a positive start and look forward to the future.

Tracey Bates ADC Cubs

ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (ADC) SCOUTS

July 2022 - Oct 2022

District Scout Camp (in conjunction with Jota/Joti) - successful with 9 scout groups attended, plus a guest scout group from Cogenhoe Sea Scouts

Nov 2022 - June 2023

I was newly appointed to ADC Scout role.

Big Sleep Out - District Scouts & Explorers Scouts raised awareness of homelessness and raised funds for The Northampton Hope Centre - the event was hugely successful and well attended by many groups across the district, special thanks to Tim May (46th) and all the district leaders and helpers who worked together to make this event a continued success.

District Scout Leaders meeting was well attended, where new and experienced Leaders shared their enthusiasm of future events, team building, recruitment etc.

District St George's Day Celebration @Overstone Again, well attended by Scout sections who enjoyed the variety of activities.

Looking forward to continue to help groups provide excellent scouting experiences for their young people.

Sammi Betts ADC Scouts

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DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT COMMISSIONER (DESC)

Explorers this year has seen some changes with Tim Walker stepping down from the role of DESC and myself picking up the role. Tim worked extremely hard to drive Explorers into the position it is today and I’m only too pleased to continue and build on his good work. Many thanks to Ian with his continued support as I progress in the role.

The DESC role has continued to be supported by the fantastic Team of Leaders who are responsible for the delivery and achievements of Explorers within the District. This year has seen Explorers becoming more visible across the District to other sections with their participation in many District Events and Camps including The Big Sleep Out, St Georges Day, District Beaver and Squirrel Camp and District Cub Camp. They have taken on various roles of support at these events from catering for all at The Big Sleep Out and running and delivering activities at camps.

We have offered a range of different Nights Away experiences and Events including The Big Sleep Out, London Monopoly run where Explorers where running around London playing life size live monopoly against other Scouts and Explorers from across the country.

We are planning for Explorers to attend a fun filled weekend at the Wales Centre later this year. This year also sees the reintroduction of Explorer Unit lead camps with Mountain Lions offering two opportunities later this year.

Explorers have continued to gain a wide range of the senior awards and DofE Bronze and Silver awards. We continue to have an amazing uptake to the DofE programme. Explorers have been awarded 6 Platinum Awards, 11 Bronze DofE, 4 Silver DofE, 1 Gold DofE (network) and 10 Young Leader Belts so far this year. This year our membership currently is 78 Explorers attending a regular weekly unit, 98 Young Leaders across the District Groups.

We have continued to deliver amazing young leader training with many thanks going to Laura Parry and Lee Jones for enabling this. We have given out 10 Young Leader Belts for completion of all Young Leader Training.

This year is going to see the revamp of the Scouts to Explorer link up process with the aim of making the process of moving on seamless for the young people. We hope to achieve this by wider presence by Explorers at District Events and building a gradual link up starting from the age of 12 with the S2E team visiting and running activities with the scout groups. Followed by age 13 plus Scouts joining Explorers at end of term joint nights, supplemented by various other S2E events. We are hoping to see the launch of new Explorer Units in this coming year, this will be very much dependent upon recruiting the required leadership. If you feel you would like to join the Explorer team or know of some-one that may, please get in touch. desc@northamptonscouts.org.uk

Lastly, I would like to thank the hard work and efforts of the Explorer Leadership Team and Supporters because without you it would not be possible to deliver such amazing scouting experiences to the Explorers. You have supported the Explorers in continuing a quality youth lead programme.

Matt Ager District Explorer Scout Commissioner

DISTRICT YOUTH

COMMISSIONER (DYC)

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Well what a six months it has been for the DYC! We have established the District Youth Exec with three units attending regularly.

The DYE helped me organise this year’s St George’s Day Celebration and I thank them very much and the other Explorers that came along on the day to help.

I am now also turning my attention to the senior award programme (Platinum, Diamond and King’s Scout Awards) which will be creating a pathway for Explorers and Network members to be able to achieve their top awards.

Mentoring is in place for King Scout Award support and the Explorer programme should be supporting the DofE team with facilitating the International, Community and Values elements of the first two awards.

County are also looking at reinvigorating the Scout of the World Award within the District and also supporting those that wish to undertake their Explorer Belt Award.

I look forward to meeting more young people and leaders across the District so that everyone can understand the full path available to young people from Squirrel Scouts to the oldest Network members.

Liam Claris

District Youth Commissioner

DISTRICT NETWORK COMMISSIONERS (DNC)

When Ben Ousley and myself were appointed District Scout Network Commissioners in June 2022 we had just about come through the Covid pandemic. After an initial meeting in the late Summer, a programme of activities was arranged up to Christmas including a bowling trip, archery session and Kelly Kettles at Overstone.

A key part of Scout Network is Service. When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022 the Scout Network nationally were invited to take part in ‘Operation Feather’, supporting the Lying in State in Westminster Hall, London. Around 150 Scouts nationally took part and we are proud of Ashley Henderson who was successful in being selected from our District and also Liam Claris who supported the event with the Queen’s Scout Working Party.

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More recently, Reece Smith was selected as part of a national Scout Network team to support the King’s Coronation.

Senior Awards are a major part of the Scout Network so we were delighted when Matt Alcock completed his Queen’s Scout Award, the last do so before the change to the King’s Scout Award. Congratulations Matt, well deserved.

January 2023 was census time and the Compass system showed 73 members of Northampton District in the 18-25 age range and 12 of these had their primary role as Scout Network. This also showed that 61 members aged 18-25 had Group roles already providing valuable service supporting the younger Sections within Northampton District.

Although the Scout Network offers seven more years of Scouting in the Senior Section, most 18-25 year olds have many other commitments, whether that be in a Group Role, further education, career, family commitments or, indeed, a combination of these. Scout HQ are presently undertaking a review of the 14-24 age group.

The way Scout Network is currently organised is like the ebb and flow of the tide. One minute it’s going forward with enthusiasm and determination, the next receding back to the ocean. I believe what is needed is Stability, Identity, Leadership and Direction. Scouting for the 18+ age group started in 1918 and, for most of that time, has a long and successful history. I hope that HQs current review will learn from the successes of the past 105 years of Scouting for the Senior Section and point the 18-25 age group in the right direction for the future.

Ian Rivett / Ben Ousley District Scout Network Commissioners

07885 819290

FERNIE FIELDS REPORT

The big news this year is that our manager, Dave Watts, passed away suddenly last November. His careful stewardship of Fernie Fields has really only been fully appreciated in his absence as the tasks he performed have come to light. We are still looking for a new manager to care for the Centre.

The major maintenance item in the past year has been repairs to the outside lighting system and thanks are due to those District volunteers who achieved that work.

Fernie Fields continues to benefit from several regular hirers who provide a steady income to support the facility. These include various community groups – a slimming club, three art groups and a sports group – as well as being home to Explorer Scout Units. Fernie also benefits from one-off hires from various Scouting users, both District and County, for training and for meetings. The building continues to store Gang Show items in the loft and garage for which no income is currently received.

Hire prices increased in April 2023 reflecting the challenge of rising costs, particularly power price rises. Fernie is still recovering income levels following the Covid shutdowns. Pre-Covid, Fernie income was exceeding £9,000 a year, and it is looking on track to be back at this level in 2023.

The Centre works well with its neighbour, the football club.

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As part of a review of communication processes in Northampton Scout District to harmonise booking methods across all Northampton Scout District facilities, Fernie had a new email address this year for making bookings which is: bookings.fernie@northamptonscouts.org.uk

Thanks are due to James Collyer who manages the bookings diary, and to Caroline Lomas who monitors invoice payments to the District Bank Account.

Booking availability and further details can be seen on the Fernie Fields web page at: https://www.northamptonscouts.org.uk/campsites-facilities/fernie-felds

Our Invoicing Administrator retired in April 2023, and future invoices will be issued by our District Treasurer, Caroline Lomas, who is also looking after centre management matters until a new manager can be appointed.

Alan March

SCOUT SHOP REPORT

Northampton District Scout Shop

The shop continues to be a good asset for the District, with many people still wanting to 'try before buy' and have the service that is given, rather than direct online.

At the end of trading on March 31st we tallied almost the same as the previous year at £35,500 in till transactions for the year.

The Squirrel Scout range of uniforms were introduced during the year, and for the year for offered at a near 'cost' price to help ensure a healthy start to our newest section. We still offer at a well below recommended retail price.

A few numbers:-

19,650 items sold, including:-

130 Squirrel Sweatshirts

180 Beaver Sweatshirts

200 Cub Sweatshirts

150 Scout Shirts

45 Leader Shirts 830 World Badges 890 District Badges 630 Youth Neckers

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Pop-Up shops and a delivery service still continue as/when, and subject to staff availability. Staff continue to give fantastic service amongst their other Scouting commitments. We do however struggle at times to cover all shifts.

When appropriate, and subject to staff being available, we engage with young people (Explorers/Young Leaders) in experiencing retail work and gaining their Duke of Edinburgh award service section..

Hoping you will continue supporting the shop over the coming year ...

Chris Robinson-Smith

SASu Manager - Northampton District Scout Shop

SCOUT BAND REPORT

This year has seen the band slowly get back to being able to do various activities and events, along with weekly practice nights.

The Scout band attended their annual Remembrance parades at Moulton village and Burton Latimer in November 2022 which had not happened since 2019 and where they were well received.

In April the band were again in demand for St Georges day celebrations attending parades and events over a period of three days around the county at Pitsford village, Daventry Country Park and Wicksteed Park.

The drum section has had a couple of opportunities to attend workshops lead by His Majesty’s Royal Marines alongside other drummers from around the UK. The other sections will have the same opportunity over the next 12 months. The band will also be attending a training day with The Household Calvary band at some point in the coming year.

The band have also re-started going around to scout groups to run sessions around the music stage badge and so far, we have had a couple of new recruits. We are also doing a competition where the winners will be announced at the end of July when we have finished the last group.

We are also pleased to be able to participate in this year’s Northampton carnival and will be joined by Sale Scout and Guide band.

If you would like to book us for your group, please contact us on any of the following:

Sue Graystone on Email: bandmastersue63@gmail.com

Or northamptonscoutband@live.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Northamptonscoutband http://twitter.com/NorScoutBand

Twitter:

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Instagram: https://linktr.ee/northscoutband

Sue Graystone Bandmaster

GANG SHOW REPORT

As everyone is aware we had to stop the 2020 show due to the small issue of the pandemic. Due to uncertainty about if we would be able to hold a show in 2021 and 2022 a show was not planned.

We have been unable to pull one together for this year. The plan is to try and hold some form of show in 2024 albeit on a smaller scale.

The show provides the opportunity to perform on stage in front of a reasonable (hopefully) sized audience. It helps develop confidence and teamwork. If you have any skills that could be useful please get in touch.

Alistair Brooker on behalf of Gang Show

WALES (YR HEN FELIN) REPORT

It has been an interesting year at Yr Hen Felin, the Districts own centre in the heart of North Wales. We continued to recover from the pandemic with more people returning to the centre and again the County continuing to ensure its senior award expeditions, which all Gold run from the centre, carried on with their expansion. Nearly 100 young people from across the County (many from Northampton District) did their Award scheme expeditions at the centre.

The County also ran two successful adult training weekends in Mountain activities. Many other bookings took place and it was pleasing to see the centre back properly in use.

The asset review concluded and from this a new team took on different aspects of running the centre with a new web presence and new ideas being worked on this has already driven more bookings from Groups in Northampton, Northamptonshire and from further afield.

Whilst the centre predominantly leads to the older sections usage it was good to see more local Groups looking at using it for their younger young people and we were pleased to support the 1st Corwen Scout Group on a mountain activity day hike. We are now working on the aspect of limited permits for Leaders from Northampton District to offer their young people the chance to take part in more Adventures.

As we go forward into the future we see the chance to enhance the range of activities offered by Groups from the District and to build on the things that are done more locally. We would actively encourage everyone to consider using Yr Hen Felin for their activities to get their young people to take part in adventures in a lovely part of the world being North Wales which offers so much and can really support you in all that you are trying to achieve to develop your young people.

If you want Adventure,

Then you can hire

The YHF team

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OVERSTONE SCOUT CAMPSITE AND ACTIVITY CENTRE REPORT

Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre

I cannot start to write this report without first mentioning Dave Watts who sadly passed away last November. Dave had many roles over the years but for many like me he was ‘Mr Overstone’. Dave managed Fernie Fields and Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre for many years. I do not believe there were many days in the year where Dave was not at Overstone for some reason. Whether it was carrying out repairs, maintenance, tidying up, meeting contractors or campers or just walking around keeping an eye on a site he loved and cherished.

Thanks, Dave, for everything you did, you are sorely missed.

So, what do you put in an annual report, well I thought long and hard and based on comments and feedback, from the District, it is obvious that not all the members know what happens at Overstone and how decisions are made, so I think it is prudent to try to explain how Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre is run, what we do, and what it costs as well as highlighting some achievements.

The Overstone Management Team

Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre is run on behalf of the District by The Overstone Management Team (OMT). The OMT are made up from members of The Overstone Scout Active Support Unit, (SASU), it is led by the Overstone SASU Manager appointed by the District Commissioner. Apart from the Manager all members of the OMT have SASU Co-ordinator roles.

The SASU Co-Ordinators are Richard McTaggart (Finance), Elaine Farr (Bookings / Secretary), Phil Sydee (Maintenance), Chris Trasler, Colin Edge & Mike Rushton.

The OMT, are responsible for looking after the management of the site that includes budgeting, safety & compliance, planning any works and all the bookings. It also helps run the Tuck Shop and supports District events.

Maintenance tasks on site and day to day running are carried out by the Overstone SASU Membership which at the present time number 34 members in total including the Manager and Co-Ordinators. Of these 34 members, 13 are identified as their Primary Roles in Scouting and 21 as Secondary Roles.

We try to run the OMT like a Scout Group where the Manager is representative of the GSL and the Co-ordinators are the Leaders, we have regular meetings where we identify and plan works on site, including works that require outside contactors, look at the bookings and manage the

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budget requirements. Our Executive are the District Executive, and are accountable for agreeing major works, the finance and safety requirements on site.

To put things simply, The OMT are responsible for doing things correctly and the District Executive are accountable for making sure they are done.

Finance

As mentioned previously the OMT is responsible for setting a budget which is approved by the District Executive. We start the budget process in early September by looking at the prices we will be charging for the following financial year, in the hope we can get them agreed by the Finance & General-Purpose Committee (F&GP) and District Executive and then published and sent out to the Leaders by the beginning of November, it doesn’t always work, this year it was January, but we do try.

Although we monitor our expenditure monthly, planning for the following financial year also starts in earnest in September, when we start to look at the charges for electricity, gas and water for the coming 12 months. We all know these have been volatile in the last year and this obviously affects Overstone as well.

The Overstone budget once approved by the District Executive is carefully managed and if we require to spend more overall or on a specific item then we have to put a proposal to the F&GP committee to seek approval and subject to the amount this may have to go through to the Executive Committee.

Below is the finance report for the last financial year where we show the budget that was approved for 2022 / 2023 the actual income and expenditure as well as the actual income and expenditure for 2021 / 2022 for comparison.

Setting the overall budget last year was difficult as the year before (2021 / 2022) was impacted by the pandemic and our income and outgoings were not normal. Bookings was considerably down but was offset by local council grants of around £24,000. We finally had to settle on a budget for 2022 / 2023 that predicated an overall loss of over £21,000. However, with a lot of hard work from individuals, cutting back on expenditure, chasing up on time payments we managed to come in with a little over £189 deficit.

Income – we have a matrix that helps us calculate what our income will be through bookings and activities, sometimes we get this right and other time we are slightly out. As can be seen below, overall bookings (Camping and the use of Knights Lodge) were up on budget along with Archery, however we didn’t bring in the income we would have liked on Shooting, The CaveBus and the Hammock Site. The Tuck Shop proved a very popular addition and returned a little over a 30% surplus on expenditure. Other items shown in the income were just used as vehicle for paying in for events and clothing and either paying out directly or to transfer to other District Accounts. Overall income was £5,916 above the budget forecast.

Expenditure – As said previously prices for electricity, gas and water have been rather volatile, so setting the correct budget for these was difficult but with a physical usage reduction on site and some credit we had with our water supplier we managed to reduce our outgoings in these areas. Other areas where we reduced our outgoings was through waste disposal and building cleaning. General maintenance wasn’t as reduced as we would have wished. Within this area there is a budget of £3,000 for tree work, unfortunately we had to spend an extra £1,500 on tree safety (£4,500 in total). Activities maintenance was also reduced in the last year, but that can’t be guaranteed year on year. Overall expenditure was £15,404 below the budget forecast.

As can be seen from these accounts there was a major expenditure outside the budgeted items. This was for the purchase of a sit on lawn mower. A business case was put forward based on a requirement that a new sit on lawn mower would soon be required to replace the aged tractor that is used on the campsites plus a saving of a minimum of £2,400 per year for contractors cutting the main field. This was agreed by the F&GP and the District Executive.

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2022 / 2023 Income and Expenditure -

Booking Fees
Shooting Fees
Archery Fees
Climbing Wall Fees
Hammock Camp Site Fees
Ultimate Frisbee Golf Fees
Cave Bus Fees
Tuck Shop Receipts
JOTA 2021 Event Receipts
SASU Clothing Receipts
District Leaders Weekend
Bell Boats Fees
Interest Received
Other Income
Total Income
General Maintenance
Waste Removal
Building Cleaning
Cleaning Supplies
Gas
Electricity
Water
Grass Cutting
Activities Maintenance
PHC - Non-domestic Rates
Admin		 2022 / 2023
2022 / 2023
2021 / 2022
Income
Budget
Actual
Income
Actual
Income
£20,300.00
£24,945.70
£8,979.85
£2,100.00
£1,715.00
£809.75
£2,100.00
£2,402.50
£1,153.75
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£900.00
£404.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£3,000.00
£1,535.00
£690.00
£1,300.00
£2,521.96
£666.70
£0.00
£0.00
£1,050.00
£0.00
£466.95
N/A
£0.00
£670.47
N/A
£0.00
£230.00
N/A
£0.00
£29.27
£0.00
£0.00
£695.60
£24,334.00
£29,700.00
£35,616.45
£37,684.05
2022 / 2023
2022 / 2023
2021 / 20222
Expenditure
Budget
Actual
Expenditure
Actual
Expenditure
£9,500.00
£8,170.43
£4,653.93
£3,600.00
£1,914.89
£1,146.77
£8,840.00
£4,600.00
£2,260.00
£800.00
£826.65
£65.68
£2,300.00
£1,589.52
£1,118.15
£11,500.00
£8,466.22
£5,058.63
£2,500.00
£165.00
£7.00
£2,400.00
£2,251.92
£2,047.20
£3,600.00
£1,809.44
£3,187.70
£150.00
£60.16
£30.71
£30.00
£0.00
£0.00

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Monthly Bank Account Fees
Sanitary Product Disposal
Cave Bus Contingency
Tuck Shop (Stock)
NDS COVID Contingency Fund
Telephone & Broadband
Venue Booking
Card Payment Processing
NatWest Bank Transfer
Website Hosting & Support
JOTA 2021 Event Expenses
Overstone SASU Expenses
SASU Clothing Orders
District Leaders Weekend
Sub-total Running Expenses		 £100.00
£72.00
£96.00
£600.00
£561.60
£46.80
£2,200.00
£1,460.00
£1,218.00
£1,000.00
£1,926.85
£849.86
£0.00
£0.00
£13,743.32
£325.00
£323.13
£266.33
£550.00
£0.00
£0.00
£500.00
£82.80
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£2,344.74
£240.00
£240.00
£180.00
£0.00
£0.00
£215.19
£575.00
£152.27
N/A
£0.00
£462.68
N/A
£0.00
£670.47
N/A		 £100.00
£72.00
£96.00
£600.00
£561.60
£46.80
£2,200.00
£1,460.00
£1,218.00
£1,000.00
£1,926.85
£849.86
£0.00
£0.00
£13,743.32
£325.00
£323.13
£266.33
£550.00
£0.00
£0.00
£500.00
£82.80
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£2,344.74
£240.00
£240.00
£180.00
£0.00
£0.00
£215.19
£575.00
£152.27
N/A
£0.00
£462.68
N/A
£0.00
£670.47
N/A		 £100.00
£72.00
£96.00
£600.00
£561.60
£46.80
£2,200.00
£1,460.00
£1,218.00
£1,000.00
£1,926.85
£849.86
£0.00
£0.00
£13,743.32
£325.00
£323.13
£266.33
£550.00
£0.00
£0.00
£500.00
£82.80
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£2,344.74
£240.00
£240.00
£180.00
£0.00
£0.00
£215.19
£575.00
£152.27
N/A
£0.00
£462.68
N/A
£0.00
£670.47
N/A
£51,310.00
£35,806.03
£38,536.01
Defcit / Surplus for Year -£21,610.00 -£189.58 -£851.96
Major Expenditure Outside
Budgeted Items		 £6,953.60 £5,878.70
Net Reduction/Increase in
Bank Balance for Year		 -£7,143.18 -£6,730.66

Safety & Compliance

A major part of the requirements of the OMT is to manage safety and compliance on behalf of the Trustees for the site. This includes making sure that the site is a safe as it can be for all users, this includes but not limited too, water, gas and electrical supplies, asbestos, fire safety (alarms and extinguishers) and tree safety as well as ensuring that risks are reduced around the site which includes using Knights Lodge, the Activities as well as Camping. For further details of what is covered please use the following link Managing a safe Scout premises | Scouts. If you own your own building or hire a building for your Scout meetings, I recommend you refer to this link to understand your responsibilities.

I am not going to use this report to say we are fully compliant with everything, there are still things outstanding, but we are aware of our shortcoming, and we are working towards getting things done.

Finally, under this section, it should be noted the onus is not only on the OMT and the District to ensure a safe environment when using Overstone, individuals must take safety very seriously when using the site based on but not limed too, what you are actually doing, the number of young people and their individual abilities as well as things like the weather.

General Maintenance

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Members of the SASU meet weekly on a Wednesday from 10am and every 2[nd] Saturday of the month. At these time we carry out general works including restocking the toilets, testing fire alarms, tidying the site, checking activities, repairing minor faults or damage and grass cutting, painting buildings and carrying out minor projects.

I am grateful I also have a core team that give up their time on a Monday and a Friday to do some extra works, that we can’t complete on a Wednesday. There is always something to do.

It is estimated that on average over 60 hours of work is carried out each week at Overstone and this doesn’t include meeting and greeting outside District Scout Groups on a Friday or giving access to School Groups and contractors during the day or supplementary trips to pick up cleaning stores, tuck shop supplies and fuel for the machines we use.

Achievements During the Year

I do believe overall we had a good year at Overstone and here are a few of the highlights.

I suppose for me the main achievement is seeing the site come back to life. I think everyone would agree that during the tree works of late 2021 the site was rather depressing, but since the woods fully reopened in January 2022 it has come on in leaps and bounds. A lot of hard work by the SASU has enabled more of the woods to be accessible and usable, and we have been able to reassign the campsites and demarcate them by the planting of nearly 1000 hedging plants. We have planted Chestnut Copse near Owl Campsite and opened up a large area near the Hammock Campsite for general use. There is still work to be done but the site is looking very healthy.

In April the St Georges Day Celebration was held at Overstone, activities included Tomahawk Throwing, Shooting, Archery and the CaveBus. 11 Groups attended and members all renewed their promise.

At the beginning of May the Overstone Scout Website went live (Overstone Campsite & Activity Centre | Skills for Life (overstonescoutcampsite.org.uk). On the website you can find what is booked and what is available, price lists, risk assessment and lots of other information. It is still work in progress and continually developing.

Also, at the start of May we celebrated the Overstone Chapel 70[th] Anniversary of its dedication by the Bishop of Peterborough, Dr Spencer Leeson. During the celebration a Candle of Remembrance was lit by a Beaver Scout from the 38th Northampton (Moulton) Scout Group in Memory of all Scout Members called to Higher Service and a plaque was also unveiled by the Chair of the District Executive in Memory of all Scouts throughout the world, who have died, suffered and lost loved ones, during the Covid Pandemic.

Another 70[th] Anniversary was soon to follow when we reopened up the Campfire Circle as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting following a donation of a fire bowl by Rotary Nene Valley. Everyone gathered at 9:30 for a recording of ‘Diu Regnare’ followed by a Bugle Call called ‘Majesty’ and played by Sue Graystone a Scout Leader in the District. A Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, and a Scout from the 22nd Northampton (Whitehills) Scout Group lit the Beacon at 9:45pm whilst listening to a song for the commonwealth, ‘A Life Lived with Grace’. Following the lighting of the Beacon Alistair Brooker led everyone in a traditional Scout Campfire Singalong. Although not all the seating was complete at the time, I pleased to report that the final seating was installed in March this year.

There has been a couple of new activities installed at Overstone, Frisbee Golf and NFC Trail and we now have the Tuck Shop that has proved very popular.

Other additions around the site include Gateways. Our pioneering expert Garry Warr has installed them on the entrance to Roy’s Challenge, Frisbee Golf, The Camp Fire and Crow Campsite. More will be installed later in the year when the resource become available.

Knights Lodge was booked out most weekends during the school terms, but there was some spare capacity available.

There were about 20 camping bookings made that amounted to 500 camping nights from InDistrict members during the year. This broke down to around 100 nights for a one-night camp and 400 for two nights. This translates to around 300 members camping during the year. This

19

does not include the use of Knights Lodge, or a Group Camp and a Family Camp held on the fields. There was similar number of Associated Members camping during the year.

The Future

Obviously, the report can’t be concluded without mentioning the future of Overstone and what that means to PHC, Will Smith Chalet and The Royal. I like many of you do not like seeing the buildings standing empty and not being used, but a culmination of safety issues and major upgrades are required if these building are ever to be used again. There are many differing views as to what should be done, but that decision lies with the District Executive as part of the Strategic Review.

The OMT and the SASU will carry on maintaining the site and have some minor plans to try to improve the facilities we have available for all members of the District.

Conclusion

In finishing I must say a big thank you for the support I get from members of the Overstone SASU and particularly the OMT. The SASU has some very special members, (some like me who are not getting any younger), who put in an extraordinary amount of time, effort and work in ensuring Overstone is available to all. It is not my intention to write all your names down, but you know who you are, and I am very proud of what you do, what you achieve and your continued commitment.

To all the other members in the District, there are two things you can do to support Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre: -

If you have any comments, queries, suggestions about Overstone or you want a tour of the site, please get in touch, I am happy to meet you at Overstone for a chat and coffee.

Malcolm Dyer

Scout Active Support Unit Manager - Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre Northampton District Scouts Tel: - 07843 171769 Email: - malcolm.dyer@northamptonscouts.org.uk www.overstonescoutcampsite.org.uk

FINANCIAL REPORT

Registered Charity Number: 1110610 NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

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TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31[st] MARCH 2023

NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023 Registered Charity Number: 1110610

Address: Fernie Fields Scout and Community Centre Fernie Fields

21

Moulton

Northampton NN3 7BD

Trustees: Mr M Billingham – Chair – Appointed 02.07.22

Ms T Bates – Resigned 20.10.22 Mrs E A Farr BSc

Mr G A Jackson

Ms C Lomas

Mr I Malcomson

Mrs S Robinson-Smith – Resigned 11.12.22 Mr T Walker – Resigned 31.12.22

Mr F France

Mr S Humphrey

Ms H Rayson

Independent Examiner:

Mr C Gyles – Appointed 02.07.22 Mr S Tilley – Appointed 02.07.22 Mr I Claris – Appointed 02.07.22 Mr B Ousley – Appointed 02.07.22 Mrs J Brooker – Appointed 21.10.22 Mr L Claris – Appointed 01.09.22 Mr Matt Ager – Appointed 01.01.23 Lorraine Scullion MAAT 17 Peregrine Place East Hunsbury Northampton NN4 0SL

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NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023

INDEX Page
Legal and Administrative Information 1
Report of the Trustees 2 - 5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6
Statement of fnancial Activities 7
Statement of fnancial position 8

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Notes to the financial statements

9 - 12

NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023 Page 2

The Trustees of Northampton and District Scouts present their report, together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2023

Governing Document

The Northampton District Scout Council is a charitable trust formed by a Royal Charter which gives authority to the Bye Laws and the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. Trustees are appointed, supported and trained in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and Trustees who acted during the year are listed in this document.

Objectives of the Charity

The district actively engaged with, and supported young people living in the Northampton Scout District in their personal development empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

This is achieved by young people, in partnership with adults, working together based on the values of Scouting and enjoying what they are doing and having fun, taking part in indoor and outdoor activities, learning by doing, sharing in spiritual reflection, making choices, undertaking new and challenging activities and making and living their Scout Promise.

Public Benefit Statement

24

Scouting complies with two key principles set by the Charity Commission with regard to public benefit in that it helps young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Scouting in Northampton District is open to young people aged 6-25 and adults.

Full membership is restricted to young people and adults who are willing to make the Scout Promise. The district has processes in place to support those who need help to pay subscriptions, buy uniform or take part in activities so that young people are not excluded from activities if they are unable to pay. The benefits of Scouting are further demonstrated throughout this report.

The Trustees believe they have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.

Achievements and Performance

Without doubt the greatest challenge we have faced this year has been to ensure the conclusion of the Asset Review that has taken some three years of considerable time and dedication from those review committee members. The Board is extremely grateful for their excellent work and the quality of their information and recommendations, as well as the cooperation and support of our asset managers and all adult volunteers in this process.

On the more traditional Scouting side, we have seen the introduction of Squirrels across the District with seven groups now offering Scouting to young people from just 4 years

NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023 Page 3

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old. This has helped to see Northampton District grow with an almost 14% increase in the number of young people.

Financial Review

During the financial year to April 2022 – March 2023

Income received £202,012 (2022:£206.289).

Expenses incurred £203,392 (2022:£176,297)

.

Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and are satisfied that there are control measures in place to mitigate these risks.

Reserves Policy

Northampton District Scouts Executive Committee have agreed that the District should maintain sufficient level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to continue over a period of up to three months should a shortfall in income occur and to take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time.

Plans for the future

Moving into 23/24 the District has a number of plans to continue to provide a high standard of Scouting to the young people of Northampton and build the resilience of the District and its Assets.

Asset Development Plan(s): To map out future development of the District’s Assets, including regular maintenance expenditure hitherto managed on an ad-hoc basis. To develop sustainable assets that are either self-supporting, or of net gain to the District, whether financially or in tangible benefits to Scouting and the activities of the young members of the District.

Explorers: To develop Explorers from the central massif model to the Units themselves, providing the Units with greater flexibility and freedom to facilitate their support for their local Scout Troops. To better manage the relationship between Units and Troops, and encourage the growth of the Section, the ratio of Groups to Units is to develop from around 6:1 to closer to 2:1 (that is, one Unit per 2 Groups, or increasing functional Units from 4 to 11 over the course of 5 years).

You Shape Northampton: To encourage and develop the participation of young members in the running of the District, from their Sections through to the District itself. The first phase was to initiate the District Youth Executive (name to be changed as the District Executive moves to Trustee Board convention) and to encourage the District Unit Forum. Next phases include establishment of a

26

NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023 Page 4

District Troop Forum, representatives of which can participate in District Scout Council meetings (c.f.,POR), and a greater relationship between the Youth Exec, the Forums, and Section Forums and Councils (eg.,PLCs, Troop and Pack Forums, Log Chews).

Scouting Community: Development of the District as part of the community of the town, being considered and involved in town events and moving from something on the periphery of the town’s vision to a recognised and supported aspect of youth provision.

Growth: The National development plan encouraging Scouting growth is being engaged with by District and County. Part of the Explorers DP (as above) connects there, but other opportunities being looked at are:

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NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2023 Page 5

Statement of the Trustees Responsibilities

Legislation requires that the Trustees prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the operation of the Charity. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Appropriate Charity legislation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the trustees at a management meeting held on 7[th] July 2023 and signed on their behalf

Mr M Billingham Chair

Ms C Lomas Treasurer

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NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Registered Charity Number: 1110610

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH DRAF
2023 DRAFT DRAFT T
Unrestric Res
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total ted te
2023 2023 2023 2022 20
£ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2,695 - 2,695 1,796
163,09
Charitable activities 1 163,090 - 0 133,376
Investments 744 - 744 62
Other trading activities 35,483 - 35,483 44,055
Grants - - - 27,000
202,01
Total Income and endowments 202,012 - 2 206,289
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 25,125 - 25,125 26,319
178,26
Charitable Activities 2 178,267 - 7 149,978
Other - - - -
203,39
Total Expenditure 203,392 - 2 176,297
Transfer between funds - - - -
Net movement in (1,380
funds (1,380) - ) 29,992
Total funds brought 879,12
forward 878,071 1,049 0 848,079 1
Total funds carried 877,7
forward 876,691 1,049 40 878,071 1,

All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.

There are no recognised gains or losses other than those included in the Statement of Financial

Activities shown above.

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District Commissioner : Ian Malcomson. District Chair : Mike Billingham. Patron : HM The King. President : HRH The Duke of Kent. Founder : Robert Baden-Powell OM. Chief Scout : Lt Cdr (Hon) Bear Grylls RN

Registered Charity Numbers 1110610 (England and Wales) Incorporated by Royal Charter.

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