2024-04-01-accounts

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Annual Report for 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024

Charity No: 1119788

Charity Name .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Registration Number ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Trustee Members for the period .............................................................................................................................. 3 District Team ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Groups ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Properties .................................................................................................................................................................... 6 General ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Management ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 General ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Building & equipment risk ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Injuries to members ................................................................................................................................................... 8 Reduced income ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Reduction in leaders & adult volunteers ................................................................................................................ 8 Reduction in youth members ................................................................................................................................... 8 Our mission ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Values .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Why is Scouting needed today? .............................................................................................................................. 8 Our vision for 2024/25 .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Our objectives ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Reserves Policy ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Investment Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Treasurers Report ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Waltham Forest Scout District ............................................................................................................................... 17 Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner ....................................................................................... 17 Basis of Independent Examiner's report .............................................................................................................. 17

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION

Charity Name

Waltham Forest Scout District

Registration Number

1119788

Principal Address

Trustee Members for the period

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Meetings Attended
Trustee Name Position
(since last AGM)
Mark Miller District Chair 100%
Vacant District Secretary 0%
Teddy Edwards District Treasurer 80%
Paul Symons District Commissioner 100%
Jay Janny-Brewster District Youth Commissioner (since 08/03/24) 100%
Thomas Smith District Explorer Scout Commissioner (since 26/01/24) 100%
Alan Towler Elected Member 100%
Chris Harrison Elected Member 80%
Zuzana Khan Elected Member 80%
Lauren Holmes DC Nominated Member 20%
William Hurlock DC Nominated Member 80%
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District Team

The District is led by the District Commissioner, the following roles are part of the ‘District Team’.

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Name Position Dates acted
Paul Symons District Commissioner 08/10/2019 – Present
Mark Miller District Chair 10/09/2023 – Present
Jay Janny-Brewster District Youth Commissioner 08/03/24 - Present
Vacant District Scout Network Commissioner
Thomas Smith District Explorer Scout Commissioner 26/01/24 - present
Dan Townsend Asst. District Commissioner Scouts 08/10/2019 – Present
Vacant Asst. District Commissioner Cubs
Sara-Jane Edwards Asst. District Commissioner Beavers 08/10/2019 – Present
Sam Gash Asst. District Commissioner Squirrels 24/10/2022 - Present
Ian Langbridge Asst. District Commissioner Activities 30/09/2022 - Present
Lesley Walker Active Support Unit Manager 08/10/2019 – Present
Peter Rogers Active Support Unit Manager (Boathouse) 15/03/2021 - Present
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Groups

There are 16 Scout Groups in the District. Each is managed by a Group Scout Leader (GSL) and will consist of none or more Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, and Scout Troops. The District runs three Explorer Units and a Network Unit.

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Group Address
1st Higham's Park Summer: Michael Mallinson Scout Centre, The Charter Road,
Woodford Green, IG8 6RE
Winter: All Saints Church Hall, Church Ave, Higham's Park, E4
9QD
1st Leyton Grange Park United Reformed Church Hall, Grange Park Road,
Leyton, E10 5EP
1st Waltham Forest South-Noor Ul Noor ul Islam Primary School, 135 Dawlish Road, Leyton, E10
Islam Scout Group 6QW
2nd Leytonstone Ken Fuller Hall, 104 – 110 Malvern Road, Leytonstone,
E11 3DL
5th Walthamstow (St. John's) St Johns Church Hall, Brookscroft Road, Walthamstow,
E17 4LH
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Group Address
7th Walthamstow
Pathfinder Lodge, 1 Stephenson Road, Walthamstow,
E17 7LE
10th Chingford St Francis Hall, Hawkswood Crescent, Chingford,
E4 7UH
10th Leyton Harvey Hall, Ive Farm Lane, Off Church Road, Leyton,
E10 5LX
14th Walthamstow 205 Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3NU
15th Chingford 40A Whitehall Gardens, Chingford, E4 6EH
21st Walthamstow Winchester Road Winchester Road Methodist Church, Winchester Road,
Higham's Park, E4 9JP
23rd Chingford 24 Baily Close, Chingford, E4 9HG
30th Walthamstow - Al-Fath Scout Wadham Lodge Sports Center, Kitchener Road,
Group Walthamstow, E17 4LL
31st Walthamstow (Fatima Elizabeth Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill, Walthamstow, E17
Scout Group) 9RZ
32nd Chingford St Teresa’s Hall, Station Road, Chingford, E4 7EN
37th Chingford (SS Peter & Paul) Beavers & Cubs: All Saints (Old Church), Old Church Road,
Chingford, E4 8BU
Scouts: Peter & Paul Parish Church, The Green, Chingford, E4 7EN
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Explorer Unit Address
Basilisks ESU Wingrove Hall, Beech Hall Road, London, E4 9LT
Longhorn ESU 40A Whitehall Gardens, Chingford, E4 6EH
Sloths ESU 205 Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3NU
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Network Address
The Boat House Crew - Scout Network The Boathouse, The Charter Road, Higham's Park, IG8 9RE
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Properties

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Name Address Notes
Bulwer Road 77a Bulwer Road Leyton E11 1DD Freehold (see note 1)
The Boat House The Boathouse, Charter Road IG8 9RE Lease City of London
(see note 2)
Danemead Camp Site Cock Lane, Broxbourne Common, 25% share (£4,250)
Broxbourne Hartfordshire EN1 8GG
Michael Mallinson The Charter Road, IG8 9RE Lease Waltham Forest
Scout Centre (to (see note 3)
30/11/23)
Wingrove Hall Beech Hall Road, London E4 9NT Lease Waltham Forest
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Note 1 – Bulwer Road

In June 2018 the former district of Waltham Forest South District Scouts had the land and premises at Bulwer Road valued by Mason Archer - Chartered Surveyors. In their opinion the market value of the freehold interest in the property was £770,000. During the course of this exercise, it was established that the former district could not prove legal ownership of the property. This has now been rectified and the land is registered with the Land Registry April 2024

Note 2 – The Boat House

The City of London terminated our tenancy at this property, and it has therefore been handed back 30[th] June 2024.

Note 3 – Michael Mallinson Scout Centre

This property was handed back to Waltham Forest Council on 30[th] November 2023.

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

General

Waltham Forest District Scout Council is a registered charity under the umbrella of The Scouts. It operates within the rules laid down in the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scouts.

The District's governing documents are those of The Scouts. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules document.

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scouts.

Management

The District is managed by the District Board of Trustees, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. As Charity Trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Board of Trustees consists of three independent representatives being the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer together with Elected, Nominated, Coopted and Ex-Officio members. Meetings are normally bimonthly

Members of the Board of Trustees complete 'Essential Information for Trustee Board Members’, GDPR, Safety and Safeguarding training within the first five months of joining the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities

This District Board of Trustees exists to support the District’s Leaders in meeting their responsibilities and are responsible for:

The maintenance of District property;
The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
District public occasions;
Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.

RISK & INTERNAL CONTROL

General

The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered. The Board of Trustees has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been

Building & equipment risk

Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centres and other Scout

buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

Injuries to members

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District, through membership fees contributes to The Scouts national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. The District has insurance for non-member adults helping with District activities.

Reduced income

Reduced income from fund raising. The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis or a temporary basis.

Reduction in leaders & adult volunteers

Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the District as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the District. Recruitment and retention are closely monitored in the District and the Team put in place appropriate support if numbers are low.

Reduction in youth members

Reduction or loss of members. The District provides activities for young people aged 6 to 18 and young adults aged 18-25. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the District as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the District. Recruitment and retention are closely monitored in the District and the Team put in place appropriate support if numbers are low. We know that our Explorer age member numbers are low and are planning to try and rectify this now Covid restrictions are lifted.

OBJECTIVES

Our mission

Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Values

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Care : We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

Respect : We have self-respect and respect for others.

Integrity : We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

Cooperation : We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends. Belief : We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

Why is Scouting needed today?

We are equipped to meet the needs of young people and society...

…across divided communities Scouts brings people together. We offer shared experiences and a place to meet those of different backgrounds, promoting mutual understanding and building friendships.
…in a time of uncertainty Scouts helps young people develop the values, self-belief and belief in others that will help them become confident, active citizens. We offer a place to belong, skills to succeed and are optimistic about the future.
…when there is a lack of community engagement Scouts gives young people opportunities to improve the lives of those around them, taking positive social action in their local, national and international communities.
…in an age of increased competition Scouts develops skills for life; the character, practical and employability skills that young people will carry with them into adulthood, helping them to succeed.

Our vision for 2024/25

As part of a national movement, we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders who deliver an inspiring program.

Our objectives

We want to…

…grow. We believe Scouts changes lives so we want to give every young person in Waltham Forest the opportunity to join.
…become more inclusive. Everyone, regardless of their background, should be able to participate in Scouts.
…be more youth shaped. Every young person should be shaping their experience and developing their leadership potential.
…impact our communities. Through social action, Scouts makes a difference not just to the individual but to whole communities.

Within our District we aim to:

Ensure we are a resilient charity, responding to our external environment
Provide District support to adult Scout volunteers in Waltham Forest
Provide District activities for young people to complement the activities provided by Groups and Units
Review, maintain and use our buildings to support activities for young people in our Borough
Increase and diversify our restricted and unrestricted income so we continue to meet the needs of young people

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DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL REPORT

June 2023/24 saw our first District Camp as Waltham Forest District. The weather was good and feedback afterwards indicates that everyone had a great time. I would like to thank everyone who made it happen.

The number of young people in the District, at the census in January, were up again showing that what we do is enjoyed by our young people. That is down to the excellent work done by our volunteers in the Groups week in, week out. Well done to you all.

Sadly this year we handed back the Michael Mallinson Centre to Waltham Forest Council. We had been over running on the lease for 15 years with no sign of a new lease from the council that would allow us to justify expenditure and so the building had become unusable.

As always we have an action plan in place for 2024/5 and together we can get a lot on the list done.

Mandatory training continues to be something that requires close monitoring and I would like to thank everyone who has kept up to date in a timely fashion.

Mark Miller took over as Chair at the last AGM and I would like to thank him, all the trustees and the District Team for their support and guidance during the year.

Paul Symons District Commissioner

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PUBLIC BENEFITS STATEMENT

of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves Policy

of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. The District Executive Committee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months running costs in reserves.

The District held reserves of £209,088.83 (2023: £184,879.81) at the balance sheet date. This is above the level required for operating expenses.

Investment Policy

therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks.

Treasurers Report

The accounts below are for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

1: Accounting Policies

prepared in accordance with the Charity SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting & Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK & Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK & Republic of Ireland’ & the Charities Act 2011. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The accounts have been prepared on an Accrual accounting methodology to give a true & fair view of their financial activities & financial position.

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Income –

All Income comes from Membership subscriptions, Income from hire of the properties and activities, and this year from Government/Local Council Grants.

Expenditure –

the category.

Taxation –

The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund Accounting –

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the object of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature & purpose of each fund is included in the notes top the financial statements.

Going Concern –

months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

2: Financial Review

INCOME –

Membership Subscriptions - was £4,246 (2023/24) compared with £3,947 (2022/23 only). Don’t be alarmed at the large amount of Membership fee that is shown of this year’s accounts as it relates to both 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. I prepayment has been taken in the account to

Donations – The district prescribed to Amazon Smile whereby a percentage of revenue is returned to the district of £21.62.

Expenditure -

Last year reported that the Trustees have also trying to register the boat house to the local water company. This was completed and during the year the water bill when down. This was short lived as next year 2024/2025 we were hit by a closing bill of £482.

Bulwer Road – With the property soon to be legal ownership in April 2024 by the district. The Trustees are looking for a surveyor to legally Value the property to added to the balance sheet as a Asset.

The high Energy cost is due that the district is out of contract with the supplier and most of the cost is standing charges.

Van – The introduction of the ULEZ starting in August 2023, the Trustees have taken the decision to disposing the vehicle under the scrappage scheme from the Mayor of London. This happened on 22[nd] August 2023 receiving a £7,000 payment.

Wingrove Hall – has continued to be used by the community and scouting during the last year. The new chairs have been purchased £1,134 as stated in last year summary. The building has generated a profit of £6,564 compared with £3,362 profit 2022/3.

District Camp – As the District Team Leader said above there was a district camp for all the Scouts groups. The event was well managed and resulted in a surplus of £8,000 which will be used for future events.

Mally – As stated this was handed back to the local council and we need to spend extra on clearing the property out before hand back. Therefore, the waste bill for the skip hire, the rebates from Gas and Electric were obtain resulting in a £2,640 loss compare with £4,663 the previous year 2022/23.

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22/23

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Balance Sheet

'"altham Forest Scout Distri Balance Sheel •aiJbi4yr¢hJ 2022.2021 FIIED ..I8SEtS Il'p Danomawl &HQ SJI4LI) S)0 sh ¢k 5.19&51 5.417. TOTAL FIAID A&SEts 14991.78 CLTIREIT ..IS8ETS 1100 Debkf icffltrol Attounl .si& .Ili?.J) 1114 Gan8gh)M' Ba 37 137 lJ)S Tipr44LSL Bank .{J.01 1116 BMl8o Shq) B•nk J& 1214 Curr•nlAttnI iJffjYlJ X>.&)& 1217 Chingford LSIJ 3.131 4.19.51 1218 lin tt•nxum tnI PA.Tr?. .75?.01 1211J SlI11 155 ILO .SIN&h LSC B4nk..ttsh 3.&17.6 2.WIQS2 Izll B8th'ornC&4h 37.19 IZIS Bul8eShqJ CA )o(x) IKIM) IZIIJ Aclpiiho4Suptth C4th I&IO Prop&)Tr•rtJ TOTALCLTIRThT ASSETS I.642

Balance Sheel{ continue)

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||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |as|af|Fist|March|2024| |223-2024|2022-2023| |206|Depriciation of VAN|-|-|4,204.00| |2000|Accruals|:|-|1927.41| |TOTAL CURRENT|UABILITIES|.|«|6,131.31| |Total Asset|less Current Liabilities|205,088.83|193,640.28| |LONG TERM LIABILITIES| |Tatal Long Term Liabilities|-|-| |NET|ASSETS|209,088.83|193,640.28| |CAPITAL AND|RESERVES| |Pal ACCOUNT|16,258.45|3,550.01| |4012|Funds|held|Por|Networks|3000|3| |4013|Funds|held|For|Explorer Units|Ho|6 ,U5t 4S| |Bid|Fund|held|for|Beavers|-|LA| |3007|Funels|held for|Gangshow|Soa?|253.47| |S020|Funds held|by WF Badges|SALES|1 ue| |S021|Funds|heldfor|[ntl|& Jamboree|1|ESTs|1211.88| |3022|Funds held for Active Support|10.85|TAG| |311|Retained|Profit|& Undistributed|Reserves|TOBY|175|Aaa5| |Total|Capital and Reserves|205,088.83|193,640.28|

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The above balance sheet and accompanying Income & Expenditure account were approved by ‘ 4 . a“ the trustees on: 24 {ar [> 5 Chairs signature: iM! ; Hj Aler

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER REPORT

Waltham Forest Scout District

| report on the accounts of the Waltham Forest Scout District (“The District”) for the period ending 31st March 2024. Which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes set out on pages 14-16.

This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that | might state to the charity's trustees those matters | am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, | do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than The District and the District’s trustees for my examination work.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The District’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not requiredfor this period (under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

e Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charities Act);
e To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
e To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by The District and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements
To keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Colin Batsford FCA

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SIN
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Address: 85 Mapleton Crescent, Enfield, EN3 5RD

Date: OF [oL Iz AN

EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURES

No Names have been withheld or omitted from the Trustees Annual Report

FUND HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES ON BEHALF OF OTHERS

Waltham Forest District Scouts does not hold any funds as custodian trustees.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION

Charity Name

Registration Number

Trustee Members for the period

District Team

Groups

Properties

Note 1 – Bulwer Road

Note 2 – The Boat House

Note 3 – Michael Mallinson Scout Centre

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

General

Management

Responsibilities

RISK & INTERNAL CONTROL

General

Building & equipment risk

Injuries to members

Reduced income

Reduction in leaders & adult volunteers

Reduction in youth members

OBJECTIVES

Our mission

Values

Why is Scouting needed today?

Our vision for 2024/25

Our objectives

We want to…

Within our District we aim to:

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves Policy

Investment Policy

Treasurers Report

1: Accounting Policies

Income –

Expenditure –

Taxation –

Fund Accounting –

Going Concern –

2: Financial Review

INCOME –

Expenditure -

22/23

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Balance Sheel{ continue)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER REPORT

Waltham Forest Scout District

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

Name: Colin Batsford FCA

Date: OF [oL Iz AN

EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURES