Scouts 1st Buxton Lamas REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS 202412025 sSEA@e 91q ## **Contents Page** - Agenda - AGM Minutes: 2024 - Subs Policy - Hardship Policy - Trustee Annual Report - Independent Accountant Report - Total Income and Expenditure Report - Net Movement Report - Statement of Assets Report - Camp and Events Income and Expenditure Report - Chair Report - Group Lead Volunteer Report - Squirrels Section Report - Beavers Section Report - Cubs Section Report - Scouts Section Report - Explorers Section Report ## 1st Buxton Lamas Sea Scout Council ## Annual General Meeting ## 19th July 2025 at 2.30pm ## Buxton Scout HQ, BALAY Park, Buxton, NR10 5EX ## **AGENDA** ## **1. Introduction and welcome** ## **2. Apologies for absence** ## **3. Governance Topics** - **a.** Approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting on 13th July 2024 - **b.** Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rule (POR) - **c.** Note the Group’s financial year - **d.** Approve appointed and community members of the Group Scout Council - **e.** Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board - **f.** Agree the quorum for future meetings of the Group Scout Council (excluding this AGM) - **g.** Approve the Hardship policy. ## **4. Review of the previous year** - **a.** The Group Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts in 1st Buxton Lamas Group - **b.** Receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board, including the Annual Statement of Accounts ## **5. Making Appointments** - **a.** Appoint the Group Chair, following recommendation from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board - **b.** Appoint the Group Treasurer, following recommendation from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board - **c.** Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board - **d.** Appoint the Independent Examiner ## **6. Closing remarks** ## **Annual General Meeting** ## **Date: Saturday 13th July 2024 at 4.00pm** ## **Venue: 1[st] Buxton Lamas Scout HQ, Buxton, NR10 5EX** ## **Attendees** - Trustee Board Members: S Riseley (Group Lead Volunteer), J Keller (Chair), R Watson (Deputy Chair), S Gray (Group Admin/Secretary), C O’Brien (Group Treasurer), J Gillingwater, C Hall, J Hall, S Hall, H Morgan, K Spinks, L Spinks, S Spinks, - Group Leaders: S Riseley (Group Lead Volunteer), S Spinks (Deputy Group Lead Volunteer), R Breeze (Group Skills Instructor) - Squirrels Team: K Spinks (Team Leader), J Masters, H Morgan, S Gray, R Spinks Beavers Team: H Lowson (Team Leader), J Aldous, T Leggett Cubs Team: S Chambers, H Curtis Scouts Team: S Spinks, L Spinks, A Manners Explorers: H Morgan (Team Leader), I Marcer, C Martlew - Squirrels and their families: K Brandish, T Halsey, T Kiddell, A Martlew, E O’Brien, S Soman, J Wells, - Beavers and their families: R Bindley, F Boultwood, F Curson, J Magee, A Pitcher, H Sheehy, T Tipple - Cubs and their families: R Curtis, T Lowson, R Mead, M Schofield, - Scouts and their families: H Aldous, H Burbidge, L Curtis, E Lowson, O Sayer, L Schofield, - Explorers and their families: T Aldous, D Burn, T Eddison, E Flowerdew, B Marcer, J Marcer, E Watts, D Willmott - Special guests and members of the public: C Begley, J Ellis, P Gillingwater, V Marcer, J Marshall, R Roth, R Rush, E Rush, R Spinks, V Spinks ## **Minutes** ## **1. Welcome** Group Chair, Jeremy Keller, opened the meeting at 4.00pm by welcoming everyone. He then gave housekeeping instructions, the emergency procedure in event of a fire and informed those present of the method of voting. ## **2. Apologies for absence** Apologies were received from A Jarrett and G Rust-Andrews. ## **3. Governance Topics** ## **a. Minutes of previous AGM** The minutes of the previous AGM held on 10th September 2023 had been included in the report pack. The Group Trustee Board reviewed and approved the minutes at their meeting held on 2nd July 2024. Chair proposed these as a correct record and Helene Morgan seconded. ## **b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and** ## **Rules** In line with the recommendation from Scout Headquarters, the Group Trustee Board proposed to adopt the model constitution from Chapter 5 of Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). A copy of this was available for review and inspection prior to and during the meeting. The Group Scout Council voted to approve. ## **c. Note the Group’s financial year** Chair informed the meeting that our charity’s financial year is 1 April to 31 March. ## **d. Approve appointed and community members of the Group Scout Council** Chair advised that the Group Scout Council can admit other people to membership and the following people were nominated to join; Vereen Marcer, Robin and Eileen Rush, Val and Roy Spinks and Rosemary Roth. The Group Scout Council voted to approve the nominations and admitted those members to the Council as well as the ex-officio list in POR Rule 5.4.4. ## **e. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the** ## **Trustee Board** Following good practice recommendations from the Charity Governance Code, POR states Trustee Boards should have a minimum of 5, and no more than 12, Trustees in total. This includes ex-officio and co-opted Trustees. The outgoing Trustee Board agreed with the recommendation that a minimum of 5 and maximum of 12 people are appointed. Chair proposed that the Group Scout Council approve the recommendation. The Group Scout Council voted to approve the recommendation. ## **f. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the Group Scout Council (excluding this AGM)** The outgoing Trustee Board recommended the quorum be set at 15 people. The Group Scout Council voted to approve the recommendation. ## **4. Review of the previous year** ## **a. Group Lead Volunteer’s review** Sean Riseley presented his annual review of scouting in 1st Buxton Lamas Sea Scout Group and invited other Section Team Leaders to present their reports. Copies of all annual reports had been circulated in the report pack prior to the meeting and were also available during the meeting. ## **b. Receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee** ## **Board, including the Annual Statement of Accounts** The Group Trustee Board had approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, and had received the report on the accounts from Rebecca Duale, Independent Examiner. There were no questions from the Group Scout Council regarding the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Annual Accounts. Chair thanked Sonia Gray for compiling the accounts while the group was without a Treasurer. ## **5. Making Appointments** ## **a. Appoint the Group Chair** Jeremy Keller hands the chairmanship of the meeting over to Sean Riseley, Group Lead Volunteer. Following recommendation from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board it was proposed that Jeremy Keller should be appointed as Group Chair. The Group Scout Council voted to approve the proposed recommendation. Sean Riseley handed the chairmanship of the meeting back to Jeremy Keller. ## **6. Approval of nomination for Group Chair** Chair Nomination: Jeremy Keller (Sean Riseley) Seconded: Clive Gritten **Approved** Deputy Chair: Rosy Watson Seconded: Clive Gritten **Approved** ## **7. Election of Group Secretary and Group Treasurer** Secretary Nomination: N/A Seconded: N/A **N/A** Treasurer Nomination: CJ O’Brien (by Jeremy Keller) Seconded: Karen Spinks **Approved** ## **8. Re-election of Board of Trustees** The following nominations were unanimously agreed: Julia Hall, Stephen Hall, Callum Hall, Steve Spinks, Sean Riseley as GSL ## **9. Election of new Trustees to the Board** The following nominations were unanimously agreed: Krystyna Martlew ## **10. Agree a quorum for meetings of the Board of Trustees** The suggested quorum of 15 at an AGM and 5 at a Board of Trustees Meeting before votes can be held was unanimously approved. ## **11. Approval of the Board of Trustees constitution** Chair stated that the Group Executive Committee will apply The Scout Association constitution as stated in POR (rule 3.23) where circumstances and support allow. Those present were informed that copies of said rules could be provided on request or accessed on the The Scout Association Website (www.scouts.org.uk). This was unanimously agreed by those present via a show of hands. ## **12. Presentations** Karen Spinks announced the Recipient of the Robin Rush Endeavour Award for Squirrels, presented by Robin Rush. Helen Lowson announced the recipient of the Goodwin Endeavour Award for Beavers. Gunner presented the award. Sean Riseley announced the recipient of the Rust-Andrews Endeavour Award for Cubs, Paul Davis announced the recipient of the Dick Smithson Endeavour Award for Scouts. Sean Riseley announced the recipient of the Dr Briscoe Endeavour Award for Explorers. Badges were given to attending young people. Top Section awards were announced and given out to attending young people, with those absent being mentioned. The meeting closed at 5.20pm. Scouts t Buxt¢)n Sta st￿rts s Poll Dear P¥errt I Cw Membwshy subsulpt￿$ a vital partof Scouting." with￿1 these being paid womptly Lwr finances and the yc*Jng people's en￿)Yrnent may SLrffer. Subs help to Pay many diffeMt things - such a5 Insuran￿ HQ COS￿ artivites. etc. We are also required to pay an amount to Scwt5 UK HQ for eath young person c¥i i¥Jr records. All leadèrs and trustees give their freely.. thev receive no money at alL With effect from 1st September 2023 thè amount for sub5 PEr tsmi are Squirnels.. £35 8ea¥ers.' £410 Cub& Scout5 ExpLorer5.' £45 Subs pavil￿ts wiu be wuested termly. We will rewe5t this payment in the first week of each term. Winter Term ISePtem￿r to Decem￿rI payments nwst be made by 1st November Spring Term Ilanuary to March) payments must be made by 1st Fetxuary SLwnmer Term (AprA to jl￿VI payments r￿st be made by 1st May Subs payffthts should be made by BACS tothe detaits below: Sort code: 20-03-26 Attount numbw. 30374717 Account name: Fyst Buxton Lamas Sea SCO￿ Grol Reference: j￿r thild's namè -subs- Ithis t5 Vitalfor us to matth the payment retf*ds) In the unlikely @vent that your subs are r￿t up to dats your child wiu not be able to attend fw the Second half ol the terThL Tlws also indude5 r￿￿-weeklY meetings e.g. C￿Trps. trip& etc. If you ¥e financial drffKulty, h4M ary queries or would like to ¢SsoJss other paymert option5 then pLease get in touch our Trea5LY or y￿1 child's Section leader as 500n a5 p0s￿bLe. Thank YOLL 1st BUXtr￿ Lamas Trustee Boa aoT. JULY 2025 ## **Hardship Policy** We recognise that there are circumstances where members of The Scout Association may be unable to meet the financial commitments for key Scouting events, or continuing to pay subscriptions but their participation would be both deserving and of significant benefit. This policy outlines the framework for handling cases of financial hardship. ## **What is financial hardship?** Many people face financial difficulties at some point in their lives, often due to unexpected changes in their personal or financial circumstances. For instance, they may lose their job or experience a serious illness that prevents them from working for an extended period. Such changes can lead to a significant reduction in income, forcing individuals to adapt to their new financial situation. Financial hardship can deeply affect children, causing emotional stress, academic struggles, and social isolation. They may feel anxious or insecure, miss school, or lack access to healthy food and medical care. Long-term, these challenges can impact their mental health and future opportunities, though strong community support can help lessen the effects. The aim of this policy is to ensure a fair and accessible process for those who are adversely impacted by financial hardship. It is well recognised that community support and programs like Scouting, can make a significant difference for children. Scouting, in particular, offers children a safe space to build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and form positive relationships. These resources can help children thrive academically and emotionally, even during tough times, while reducing the long-term impact of financial hardship. ## **Confidentiality** Information relating to individual hardship cases is often highly personal and is treated as strictly confidential. Any record of discussion of a hardship case at the Board of Trustee meetings will be reported in Confidential Minutes, separate to the normal minutes. ## **Implementation** Buxton Scouts Board of Trustees have set aside a ‘Sponsored Scout fund’ to support any child on Buxton’s census in ‘financial hardship’. This fund will be known within Buxton Scouts as the Board of Trustees “Sponsored Scout”. The fund will be supported by specific donations to this fund, raised by and behalf of the Board of Trustees. The total amount available for support (the Sponsored Scout fund) in a given calendar year is set at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Board of Trustees will not routinely allocate support beyond this total. Discussing financial hardship can be a difficult subject to discuss with young people, parents/guardians/carers and leaders. When a young person’s parents, guardians or carers approach the relevant Section leaders, the Section Leader should enter discussions within the constraints of this policy. The Leader(s) may ask the Group Lead Volunteer (GLV), Board of Trustees Chairman (BoT Chair), and / or the Treasurer to form a “Sponsored Scout panel”. The Sponsored Scout panel will also offer additional support to the young person’s parent, guardian or carer through signposting to further financial support available to local people. This might include but is not limited to - The Client Hardship Service Norfolk County Council - Community Fridges Norfolk Recycles Help for Households The primary consideration must always be the young person: if they are keen and active members then we should be doing everything we can to enable them to participate. A section grant is also available so a leader can offset the cost for some activities they feel are in danger of being exclusive due to cost. Final approval of using funds from the ‘Sponsored Scout’ fund requires the agreement of the Board of Trustees. Hardship cases are always considered on a case-by-case basis, and only where sufficient funds are available from the amount agreed at the beginning of the year. In the event the fund is spent before the end of the Scouting year, applications will be declined by the Board of Trustees. ## **Commitment to Scouting** The applicant should show a regular commitment to the Group, commensurate with the subsidy requested. The following is a minimum: - Membership of the Association - 6 months of regular attendance confirmed by their relevant Section Leader ## **Financial situation** The Group normally uses the financial acceptance criteria employed by Norfolk County Council for free school meals. This provides an independent, known benchmark as a guideline that can help make the best judgement of ‘financial hardship’. The criteria at the time of writing include: ■ Universal Credit - with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax - Income Support - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - The guaranteed element of Pension Credit - Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) - Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 Young people and adults who are carers or are considered ‘looked after children’ (in care) would also be eligible. The grants are usually provided on a matched funding basis (i.e. the recipient must usually make a financial contribution alongside the group’s grant). In special circumstances, grants may be made without matching funding. ## **Payment options** This would be directly from the Group funds to the camp/event treasury and preferably by bank transfer with a clear and auditable marker for the Treasurer and scrutineer. Loans / delayed payments should be avoided as they are hard to enforce. ## **Subscriptions** In cases of hardship, the Sponsored Scout Panel will submit their recommendation to the Board of Trustees. For example, a recommendation may be made that subscriptions may be reduced, for a set period of time. This rate will be agreed by the Board of Trustees. ## **Uniform** Support may be provided for members in financial hardship to purchase uniforms. Used items of uniform may also be offered subject to availability. ## **Policy Revision** **Version 0.1 Hardship and Sponsored Scout policy. R Watson 15/11/2024** Scouts 1st Buxton Lam¥• Sea SCO￿ Group Trustee5' Annual Report YE8Y ended.. 315t March 2025 CharTty Number 112B234 HQ Re9iStration Number. 40834 Address= BALAY Park. Cukntts Meaduw. Ayisham Roa¢J. Buxton. NRIO SEX Charity Trustees.. Jeremy Keller- Chair (from 10th September 2023 to 19th july 20251 R05y Watson Oeputy Chair Ifrotn 10th September 2023 to 19th July 20251 Helene Mtsryan- Treasurer ffrom 8th October 2023 to 30th Septernber 20241 CJ O'Brien- Treasu¢r Ilrom 13th july 20241 Sean Riseley- Group Lead Volunteer (from 7th Novernber 2024 to 17th February 20251 Steve SpiDks- Oeputy Group Le3d Volunteer Ilrom 8th December 2024 to 16th February 20251 Steve Spinks- Group Lead Volunteer ffrorn 17th February 20251 Kry5tyna M2rtlew- Note Taker (from 13th July 20241 Callum Hall- Trustee (from 3rd Septetnber 20221 julia Hail- Trustee (from 21stJune 20081 Stephen Hall- Trustee lfrotn 6th july 20191 Advisers.. Auditor. Rebecca Duale FCCA Director of Accovnting Forward Ltd 2 Fairylay. CDStessey. Nop￿ICh. England. NR8 SEU Strurture. Govemance and Management The Group s governing documents arethose of The S¢outAssociation. They consistof a Royal Charter. which in tum gives 4uth¢rity to the Bylaws of the Ass￿latIon and The Potiry. Organisation and Rules of The ScoutAssociation. The Group 15 a trust e5tsblished Jnder its r￿leS which are cornmon to all Scouts. The Trustee5 are appointed in accordance with the Policy. Organ15ation and Rules of the Scout Association. The Group is managed by the Group Tru5tre Board. the membèrs ot which are the 'Charity Trustee5 of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are reswr15ible for complying With legislation appbcable to charityes. This indudes the registration. keeping proper accounts and making feturns to the Charity Comtni55ion as appropriate. ThÈTruStee Board consists of at Least 6 Trustees including Chèir and Treasurer and meet5 every two months. Member5 of the Trustee Board complete "Being a Scouts Trnstee" learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board. Thi5 GroupTru5tee exist5to make sure thecharity l$well-managed. risks are as5es5ed and miti9ated. buildings and Equiprnent are in gotsd working order. and everyone follow5 (egal requirements and the organisation'5 polities PagelofS and rule5. Thelr support h*lp$ othw volunteers wn hlgh qu&iity •nd programrno• that 9￿¥ young skills for life. Risk and Iniwml CoTrtrol The Group Trust￿￿ aoard has iden￿rIed the major rf5ks to which ihey belkqve the Group is exwséd. these hawg been wed sy5tEms have been estabkn5hed to m￿gate against ihern. ThÈ m•in areas of concern that havq identified are.. DarnagE to thè bulldlng, propeTty equipment Th• Grotsp has $VffiCient￿llL1i￿gS andconterts Instsran¢e irt pL7ce to mitigate against pefmanent1055. Injury to IEader5. helpers. supporter5 members. The Group IhrDuyh the t&pttation f@@$ ¢ortfibute5 to the Scotst Association s national aC￿￿ent insurance policy. RiskAssessmenls arè tsndertaken befoie all a¢fvities. Reduced incotnefrom fundraising. The Group 15 pfimarilyreliant tspon Intome Irom Subscriptions and fundraising. The Grwp does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should theTe be ? rnaior reduthon in rncome. The committee (tsyld rèise the value of 5vb5criptifjn5 to increèse the income lo the Group on an Oryein9 basis. erther tefflporarilyorperrt>•ftefttly. Reduction or 1055 Of le8ders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to an(J art young people in their personal development empowering them to Make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scoutiny As ScDuts we are guided by these values.. > Integrrty- We act with inte9rity." we are honest trustworthy and loy•L Re5pert- We have self-respect and resped for others. Care- We 5UPPOrt others and t3kÈ care of the worLé in which we INe. Betief - We explore our faith5, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation- We tnake a positive difference.. we co-operate with others ènd make frrend5. Tho Scout Method Scouting tske5 plate when young peopte. in partnership with adults, work tryether base¢ on the Values of Scouting Enjoy whatthey are doin9 and have fun Tèke part in 3cbvitbes Indoors and outdoors Leam by doing Share in Spir￿ual rfiection Take rÈsponsibilKty and make choice5 Undertake Dew chatLeDging activi￿e$ Make and by theli Promise. PaBeZo13 The Group meets the Charity Commission's pUbL￿C benefrt crtsria under both thè advancèmort of education and the advancement of ¢iti2enshSp or community derfelopment headings. Achievements and Performance The group 15 thriving and welll We have noticed waiting lists are being managed well and 5VPPOrt is prO￿￿e￿. the 5ection5 are growin9 again. We have acceptsble levels of leoders. an¢J we hope to have a few more join this year. We have a150 wdded some recruitment strategie5 to help 9¢tto know our parents, and understand hew they mav bE ablÈ to help. We have worked on recruiting other clubs to hire out our pretnises. thi5 allows • new club tojoin the cornrnynity and experience the great facilities we have here at Scout hut. Whith in turn help5 us allow the Subscriptions to remain the same pritr. ènd also heLp5 us raise money for other irnprovements needed tts Our hut The Group has been running some fanta5tit Èvents over the past year. some ol which intlvde the Race Night and Village Sale. Both raisin9 a huge amount for our group and supporting those attending Noriam In Au9USt We Look forward to future events and ourfundraisirig team is progressing well. We have Struggled to find a new secretary or admini5tratDr for the group. Aosy has graciousl¥ volunteered to help in the interim to ertsu￿ everything runs smoothly. We have sin¢e been able to recruit Louise whe has kindly agreed to help and support us in this role and we look forward to Louise stepping into her role trom September. Finanaal Rev4ew Reserve5 Policy The Group s policy on reserves is to hold suffioent resour￿5 to ¢ontinuethe charitable acbwties of the Grevp should , income and fvndraising activttse5 foll shorL The Group Twstee Board considers thatthe group should h¢Ld a sum equivalent to 12 month5 running costs, circa £8000. The Group held sufficient reserwes atyear end to cover operating expenses. Investment Policy The Group does not have suffiaent tunds to invest in longer term investment5. The Group has theref¢re adopted a risk averse strategyto the investrnent of its funds. Allfunds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societie5. Further Plan5 To recruit new adults to thefollowing roles.. Leader5 and Assistants to work with young people btheen 4-18 years old in the 5ecUon5 With the Ios5 of a couple of the trustee members. we hope to recruit trustees to supwrt the Group Scout Leaderls in running the group Ensure new and existing leader5 are 5UPPOrted in completing their training. We are iontinuing to raise funds to exparFd the HQ building with a new cover over the back patio area and install other minor conveniences to benefit gioups that hire out our faci￿ties. We will continue tG *assess and signffiiantly increase our fundraising opportunities. We have many future idea5 and pLèns we a￿ working towards. Declaration The trustees dedare that they have approved the trustees. report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signed.......... R05y Watson IDepJty Chairl Steve Spinks (Group Lead VoluDteerl Page3of3 2 F•kw•y. Coiivi•#y. NRS JEU 0160J JJ7222 ACCOUIITIIIG IIVIJO SEX rJd¥X l tha I AeeouNTJF• J1"W￿2& m￿r&ev*¥I14￿ts￿_AcCA I31￿?1 Buxton Lamas Sea Scouts – Total Income and Expenditure Statement For Period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025 ||2025|2024| |---|---|---| |**Income**||| |Donation/Fundraising|£1,231.93|£4,138.14| |Events/Camps|£12,059.35|£7,621.94| |Equipment Sale|£180.00|£744.00| |HQ Hire|£2,300.20|£903.00| |Subscription|£9,124.50|£10,812.50| |Transfer from Savings|£0.00|£2,000.00| |T-Shirts|£250.00|£162.00| |**Total Income**|**£25,145.98**|**£26,381.58**| |**Expenses**||| |Activities|£838.12|£1180.24| |Badge Resources|£1.629.97|£1,262.24| |Capitation|£5,081.90|£5,178.00| |Insurance|£1,056.43|£52.00| |Events/Camps|£8,505.05|£8,170.26| |Equipment|£1,769.11|£483.67| |Utilities|£1,406.69|£1,163.50| |Training|£300.00|£12.00| |T-Shirt Expenses|£0.00|£103.62| |HQ Maintenance|£646.90|£971.56| |Administration (OSM, Website,|£588.91|£304.41| |Domain)||| |**Total Expenses**|**£20,193.11**|**£18,881.50**| |**Total Net Income (Outgoings)**|**£4,952.87**|**£7,500.08**| Net Movement in Bank and Cash Balances Opening Cash Balances as of 1[st] April 2024 |Current Account|£6,332.25|| |---|---|---| |Savings Account|£12,029.79|| |||**£18,362.04**| |losing Cash Balances as of 31stMarch|2025|| |Current Account|£9,313.93|| |Savings Account|£12,121.98|| |||**£21,435.91**| |Net Movement in Bank and Cash|£3,073.87|| |Balances||| Closing Cash Balances as of 31[st] March 2025 Net Movement per Accounting Records Net Movement per Cash Book in 2024 / 2025 £3,073.87 Add Transfers from Current Account to Savings Account £0.00 £3,073.87 Add Savings account Bank Interest not on Cash Book £177.66 Net Movement in Year per Accounting Records **£3,251.56** STATEMENT OF ASSETS AS OF 31[ST] MARCH 2025 ## Monetary Assets |onetary Assets|| |---|---| |Current Account|£9,313.93| |Savings Account|£12,121.98| |**Total Monetary Assets**|**£21,435.91**| ## Non - Monetary Assets – Replacement Value |Scout HQ Building (Insured Replacement Value)|£197,637| |---|---| |Air Rifles|£1,500| |Archery|£1,600| |Axe Throwing|£1,500| |AV Equipment|£700| |Fixture and Fittings|£120| |Flags|£3,500| |Hiking Equipment|£150| |Kitchen Appliances|£3,000| |Maintenance Equipment|£800| |Miscellaneous|£300| |Outdoor Cooking Equipment|£2,500| |Safety Equipment|£2,000| |Storage|£12,500| |Tables and Chairs|£9,000| |Tents|£7,500| |Trailers|£4,000| |Watercraft|£26,000| |Total Non-Monetary Assets|£274,307| |**TOTAL ASSETS**|**£295,742.91**| Camps and Events Income and Expenditure for the period ended 31[st] March 2025 |Camps/Events|Income|Expenditure|Net Income| |---|---|---|---| |Hillwalking|£1,623.85|£1,069.39|£554.46| |Waters Activities 2024|£1,540.00|£1,408.31|£131.69| |Norfolk 24|£413.00|£476.08|-£63.08| |Cub Camp 24|£720.00|£722.52|-£2.52| |Duck Race|£770.00|£192.50|£577.50| |BeWILDerwoods|£479.00|£473.00|£6.00| |Explorers Camp|£55.00|£57.47|-£2.47| |Urban Clay|£58.40|£58.40|£0.00| |BPA|£60.00|£60.00|£0.00| |Beavers Sleepover|£98.00|£55.41|£42.59| |Pleasurewoods Hills|£442.00|£442.00|£0.00| |District Shooting Competition|£0.00|£56.00|-£56.00| |County Shooting Competition|£0.00|£60.00|-£60.00| |Garage Sale|£375.11|£145.97|£229.14| |Remembrance Parade|£0.00|£68.00|-£68.00| |Village Sale|£70.00|£0.00|£70.00| |Race Night|£85.00|£0.00|£85.00| |Water Activities 2025|£330.00|£625.00|-£295.00| |NORJAM|£5,315.00|£2,535.00|£2,780.00| |Totals|£12,059.25|£8,505.05|£3,554.20| Some events overlapped with next financial year. ## **Chairman's Report for the Annual General Meeting - Buxton Scouts** **Date:** July 7, 2025 **Location:** Buxton Scout Hall ## **Introduction** Good afternoon, everyone. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Annual General Meeting of Buxton Scouts. My name is Rosy Watson, and I have been the vice-chair for Buxton scouts from 2023. As a child, I was not a scout, or a guide. Pony club and swimming galas were my thing. Scouting was new to me as a parent. I saw the Scouts parade at a remembrance service one year, and I was astonished at how smart and proud the young people were to march behind their section flags. My son has been a part of Scouting since beavers, and this year he will go to NorJam as a scout. The opportunities for him to learn skills for life have as valuable as they have been varied. His achievements are celebrated, and he bursts with pride every time a new badge is awarded. I think Nanny is proud of her sewing skills too. As we reflect on the past year, I continue to be filled with pride for the remarkable achievements and commitment of our scouts, leaders, and Trustee board members. ## **Values in Action** The Scouting values of care, respect, integrity, cooperation, and exploring beliefs are as relevant to the Trustee board as they are to our young people. These values remind us that our duty is to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all. - **Care:** Today, we would like to introduce a new hardship policy, to support young people who would otherwise be unable to access the fantastic opportunities that Scouting has to offer. This will be funded by a separate fundraising route – “sponsor a scout” where local businesses, or members of the community can donate an amount. - **Respect:** As a new leadership team, respect for one another has been crucial to avoid too much disruption to the everyday at Buxton Scouts. We respectfully thank both Sean and Jeremy for there volunteering in their leadership roles, and hope that they make just as much of an impact in their next adventures. Thank you. - **Integrity:** A full year with a dedicated treasurer has given the Trustee board and leaders a sound understanding of the Buxton Scouts financial status, with work being completed to improve financial transparency even further. This will allow leaders to access the funds they need to continue to deliver the exciting opportunities to our young people. - **Cooperation:** Teamwork and cooperation have been evident with a number of events the trustee board have contributed to, such as the race night and Buxton yard sale. - **Exploring Beliefs:** The role of the trustee board is to make sure Scouts is run safely and legally. Together, we make sure the charity element is well managed, our risks are assessed and mitigated and our building and kit is safe to use There might be moments when there are different views on how to best achieve a specific goal but I am delighted to work with a group of people who aren’t afraid to disagree, and remind each other that we’re on the same team. The board is made up of a diverse bunch of people, with good mix of ‘old and new’ to scouting. We all believe that having a diverse group of people can only be a good thing. If you think you might like to join us, please do come and talk to us. There is a place for you at our table. ## **Looking Ahead** In closing, I would like to extend my genuine gratitude to our young people, their families and carers, our leaders (and their families!) and our Trustee board for their support. Together, we have achieved great things, and I am confident that the coming year will bring even more success and fulfillment. ## Group Lead Volunteer Annual Report 2025 Well, this has been an interesting year, I started the year as Sean’s deputy GLV. Six months in Sean decided to take a change of direction and asked if I would like to take the GLV role. I have been involved with 1[St] Buxton Lamas scout group for quite a few years in various roles so the decision to help run the group was an easy one. We started the year in a good place, and I feel it has gone from strength to strength. We have had an interesting time dealing with a new online membership system which has been fun for everyone to get to grips with at every level. We provide the scouting experience for Young People from 4 years to 18 years across Squirrels, Bevers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. Currently we have 97 Young People spread over all those sections and 34 Adults having fun looking after them. It has been sad to say goodbye to leaders and helpers over the year, but I wish them all well in their new adventures. On a positive note, we have been able to invest new leaders into the group throughout the year, but we are always looking for more leaders, helpers and trustee members. Please take the time to look at your skills and ambitions, could you be the next person to help? Alongside the Leaders there are some very special young people, the young leaders provide great support to leaders, and we would all struggle with out them. Over the last year we have been very busy fund raising, this is not just done by the adults, all ages get involved and this is a big part of scouting. I’m sure the section leads will tell you what they have been doing but our biggest event this year has been the Village sale and craft fair. Thank you to Becks who has been the driving force behind this event making it into a great day and opening our group up to the local public. This has not only helped us raise money for the group but also promoted enquires for new young people wanting to join us and some adults that are interested in Leadership and the Board of Trustees. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Leaders and Board members, we all enjoy what we do and get rewarded by the smiles on the young people’s faces and the laughter we hear. But I could not do any of this with the support and friendship from all the leaders and the Board members. So, I thank you all. That only leaves me to say, please feel free to come and chat with myself or any of the leaders and Board members to find out why we give up our time to be involved in scouting, and what rewards we get from it. Could you be the next? 1[st] Buxton Sea Squirrels AGM Report 2025 Hello, and welcome to the report on what we have been getting up to as we reach the end of our 3[rd] year as a Squirrel drey here at Buxton, and what a year it has been. Let’s get the more boring formality of statistics out of the way early doors. This year we have seen our squirrels earn a total of 136 badges covering all aspects of the program and with some using their outdoor and extracurricular activities such as swimming to earn badges outside of the section. We have also had the absolute privilege to award 5 Squirrels their Chief Acorn award. This is the highest award that a squirrel can earn and takes hard work over all their badges as well as good attendance and an overall fantastic attitude while they are with us. Those who achieved this are Alice Martlew, Harry Wright, Theo Cox, Theo Halsey and Sidney Soman. Well done to you all. You should be proud of your big achievements, I know I am. We currently have 13 squirrels, 1 young leader, and 5 leaders. Our retention of Squirrels going on the Beavers is fantastic, and hopefully this is helping the leaders there with our well rounded and already accustomed young people. We do have a small waiting list but with enquiries coming in all of the time we only anticipate that the drey will be growing, and that’s where we need your help, but I’ll come back to that later. That’s the formalities out of the way, now to the fun stuff because that is actually what this is all about, along with a smidgen of learning and growing too. We started our 2024 year on an absolute high, taking part in the District day at Bewilderwood which saw Squirrels and Beavers from all over the district come together for a fun day out exploring all the park had to offer. We soon had squirrels in their natural habit up trees and scampering around the woodland, and they certainly held their own, if not very outnumbered by some bigger Beavers in the setting. But the one thing us leaders took from the day was how amazing and impeccably behaved they all were. It can seem daunting going to a big open park venue like that even with your parents, but as leaders we thoroughly enjoyed taking them and were truly blessed that day with an awesome drey of squirrels who walked and climbed and went on a boat, all with us by their side. And giving some of them the confidence to do that is what us volunteers do this for, and also receiving the parents faith and trust to do so, so thankyou to them all. We have spent a lot of time getting to know each other. Not only part of a challenge badge criteria, but very important in promoting good socializing skills and encouraging friendships and bonds, which in scouting can last a life time. We learned how to question and answer with good heart and found out how communication is the key to learning and this is a life skill many of us, even by adulthood, could sometimes do with a reminder of. Many of our youngest squirrels can find this to be one of the first social settings they are in without parents, even before a first day at school for some. We all fully support and encourage this and with great results in what may otherwise be a very scary situation to find yourself in aged only just 4. Making them feel safe, included, heard and respected are all key factors in those first few trial sessions which can make the whole experience so much better. We have made giant art using wild items, launched rockets into the sky, and probably giggled hard enough to propel ourselves there too at the amazing results of the rockets and predicting where they may land. Privileged to have such an amazing setting as we do here, we held a campfire, which consisted of safety rules briefing around fires, and also how to sing some crazy campfire songs which we were grateful to a scouting legend, Scary, coming to pass on all her silly song knowledge. And yes, she can live up to her name at times, but as a Squirrel Leader too, we knew we were in good hands. Our older section, the Albion Explorers, were kind enough to build us a crazy golf course using all of their skills and made it awesome to see the younger ones enjoy something produced by the older sections, bridging the gap and making it all relevant. The Remembrance day parade was as good as always with young people taking the walk in their stride and thinking about why we do it. We have crafted like no other, not only for Halloween, Mothers Day, Christmas and Easter but also for our amazing village and craft sale, which saw hand decorated fridge magnets by squirrels and leaders raising funds for a fun trip or new equipment. And there are some of those still available and for sale today, so please do have a look. The squirrels have embraced some cooking, not only indoors cooking pizza and pancakes, but on the campfire cooking and also using our earth ovens outside to make cookies. The grounds here are fabulous and have given us room to scavenger hunt, bug hunt, easter egg hunt, equipment hunt and sometimes hunt for the young people as they lose themselves in the nature surrounding us. They have grown and planted some giant sunflowers from seeds which are busy growing and we have a competition to guess which will get the tallest so please enter. Axe throwing has also happened, and no, not real metal axes, yet, but some lovely foam sets bought by previously donated money from Aylsham Show grants and they really are a lot of fun. No snow this year but it did not stop our annual snowball fight which is such a fantastic time for children and leaders alike. We have met superheroes in the shape of carers and lifeboat crew and been superheroes, both dressing up and designing our own powers, along with walking the village and helping the local community with a litter pick. Walcott beach provided us with the location, and the British weather didn’t let us down for our family beach outing. Seeing us all laugh and play and even fit in some badge work with building moats and castles and bridges was truly beautiful. Although I think I may also owe a few very keen and dedicated and dare I say competitive parents a brilliant builder badge too for some of the amazing creations. So, all of this, in one hour a week, it doesn’t seem possible but I haven’t even mentioned so many more adventures we have shared. None of this is possible without our volunteer team. They are worth celebrating too. Our two young leaders at the start of the year, Ruby aka Twig and Chloe aka Chipmunk. Ruby was signed off and achieved her Young Leader Badge and Belt award, and I maybe a little bias, but it was very deserving. She has stood by my side as my daughter and young leader for the entire of squirrels so far, and was one of the main reasons I did this as she was the one who told me I could do it and would be good at it. Now as she takes a gap year after finishing education, we want to thank her for her dedication, and kind and compassionate nurturing nature which has helped and guided so many squirrels. We are not so secretly hoping she my return as a adult leader now too. Chloe has been volunteering with us as part of her DofE scheme and has been the voice and action for the young people, always happy to sing, dance and be a focus of movement. Thank you Chloe for all you have inspired in others by being you and shining. We wish you well as you leave us to pursue your drama career and studies. Jenny, my number 2, has really flourished this year, going from strength to strength in confidence and ability and is really proving to be a great leader. CJ, while juggling life, children and being our group treasurer, has been an organization guru. We have just welcomed our newest leader, Alice, who after seeing her son go through the Squirrel process and all of the benefits they found it had, was keen to take on the role. Her investiture took place on the beach, both her favourite place and very fitting for a Sea Scout group. I already know she will be an amazing asset and addition to our team. But sadly, Helene, who is also our Explorer Leader as well a playing a huge part in D of E, is stepping back from our drey. We would like to thank her for her enthusiasm, the activeness she brings and also for sharing her competitive spirit and impeccable colouring in skills. She may well be back from time to time to help out and is always most welcome. And a bit about me, I’m still just as passionate about this squirrel drey and all within Buxton Scout group as I ever have been. I have completed my wood beads and taken a role for District as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, something else I am passionate about. That just leaves me the bit I was coming back to. We always need new volunteers at every level in scouting and indeed here at Buxton. We all as parents and carers shape our young people, and when done correctly and as well as we do here at Buxton, scouting does that too. If you have ever been a scout, guide, cadet or anything uniformed, even a footballer on a team you know all the benefits of how that helps you grow. At Buxton, we want to keep nurturing our young people and need adults to help with that. Many of you will have skills we can use, please don’t be afraid to get in touch with any of our leaders and let’s all help to not only raise a village but a generation of amazing young people. Thank you Karen (Fox) Squirrel Lead SEhVEI2&s sklls. fi￿ s*y. fnt •KI cme m•1 thrys tlw do scrArtry I￿v￿r￿e on brlthart Mtxl *t Imt • hwy ol rAW gip aT¥J a l(* cl AGMR rtju 2015 cabs *•Èr*rtesltVifier. Ib￿￿10 fF• *th754w•oI ID ID ftr• pMI IJ d 5Tr¥1ES. Here15 a fEtaP h•ftbEeTrthryu¥er thE la# VE•r¥t*wrtW**￿¥l9lA¥I￿￿Trthr$ 5f•tm *•5 a arn1 wara1 O¢¢¢ff*¢t¥At*wt ¥¢ry l•rtLY4•1ei•be WKkliv4 H4 crrtm•5 l¥ht& WP•tk• tyw#kn• th•L louty tse1￿ the ChrNEmM ¥¥*f•w5IY¥oNtheyur thr15MX Pwry. PIEW YNr t¥E celEbr>iedCIv*5ellE* vellrtyir￿lOe￿lLyth ind SLYne Chlnap N1 ￿ e¥h 51a¥ed41 e5pK1all¥lho￿WcthW their wpls To ￿Tr£I1￿12￿ rnust I￿1* p¥k beIr4enth￿4tt 1*4EupthEkn ID hE* us tLykn •mtsJ ha5bEEn SDrn￿h f￿. Lir•p knryX¥ AGMR rtjul 202 es ara W- - Blickli Hik¢ Id & Arefr 1[st] Buxton Lamas Sea Scouts - Leaders Report -Year ending July 2025 This year we started with around fifteen scouts and have seen numbers increase to around twenty two with another three cubs joining us imminently. We have had two young people join the troop from outside of Scouting which has been very welcome. We have awarded 24 badges this year so far, with another 70 now due to be awarded after recent camping and water based activities. The Adult leadership team has remained at five regular uniformed leaders and we are assisted by two young leaders from the Explorer section who have been a real asset to the team in planning and running activities. I feel very fortunate to be supported by such a good team of leaders. The Autumn term of 2024 included a visit to Happisburgh Lifeboat, a Bat walk, some life skills sessions, such as basic car maintenance, cooking, ironing and shoe polishing (whether these last three skills have been put to use at home is yet to be reported back). We rounded up the year with a revisit of a popular event from last year; an E-Sports night at the Scout hut, with racing simulator, Mario Kart tournament and retro console games. The early part of this year included sessions of Swimming at Mermaid Pool, near Aylsham, a Treasure Hunt & Geocaching session, a couple of sessions on firelighting and cooking on outdoor stoves and a really enjoyable evening at the Warhammer store in Norwich, which was planned and booked by Adam, where the young people got to build and paint their own models to earn their Model makers badge. Spring term started with the Annual District Shooting & Archery competition. This annual event held at Gresham’s School in Holt, allows the young people, both in the Scout and Explorer sections to compete in target sport challenges for a chance to win individual and team medals. I am very proud to say that the Scout section came away with Bronze in the team Archery competition and an individual medal. For a team that hadn’t had a lot of experience or coaching this was a great result. Other meetings included more navigation, some knots and lashings instruction, and the Young Leaders planned and ran an Olympic themed evening. The Water Activities Weekend over the second May Bank holiday weekend was attended by eight of our Scouts and several leaders, which was another great event and a lot of fun for all involved, some having their first taste of camping as Scouts. Thanks to Super Chef Adam for his culinary skills. We made another trip to Happisburgh, this time to the Lighthouse, for a talk and tour of the building with a very interesting and knowledgeable group of the trustees who look after and maintain the building, we had a perfect evening of weather for this to give some stunning views over the coast and the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower. We rounded up the term with some outdoor activities; an Angling session at Blickling Lake and a couple of Kayaking sessions, where we took the young people in two groups to Mayton Bridge for a lovely summer evening’s paddling session. As we finish the year of regular Scouting in Term Time we are very much looking forward to taking Scouts and Explorers to The Norfolk International Jamboree at the Norfolk Showground in August. The Leadership team have been very active in planning fundraising events to assist in reducing the costs of the event for the young people and this has been very successful with Duck Race Tickets, Car Parking at Itteringham Open Gardens and a Race Night at the Scout Hut - all helping to raise money to send the young people on a week long camp that they will have fantastic memories of for the rest of their lives. Special thanks to Helene Morgan for taking on much of the role of co-ordinating fundraising and the management of the Norjam booking and to Becks O’Brien for her endless enthusiasm and creative ideas. The Scout section is, as I have said before, very lucky to have such a committed leadership team who have all continued to give many hours of their time. I must say a massive thank you to my team of leaders - Steve Spinks is not only a huge help and who I certainly couldn't carry out this role without, but has also taken on the role of Group Lead Volunteer in this last year alongside turning up every week to our Scout sessions. I am sure he should legally change his address to Balay Park as he is here more than at home. And also huge thanks to Lily-Mai Spinks (despite abandoning us to go to Uni for some of this year), Anthony Manners, and Adam Curtiss for the time and effort put into assisting with the section on troop nights and on the various camps and other weekend events throughout the year. Thanks also go to Daniel Coombes and Pat Johns for their help and support when you have been called into action. Also big thanks to Danny Syrett for diving in and helping between sections when we have needed you, especially the Summer Angling session, you always help when you can and it is massively appreciated. Thanks also to CJ O’Brien for helping out at the Water Activities weekend, I think CJ had as much if not more fun than the Scouts. To the young leaders who have helped in this last year, Daisy May Burn and Connor Morgan, your help is greatly appreciated and you are both well on the way to hopefully making great future leaders. This year also a massive thanks to Chris Martlew from the Explorers Section for going through the hassle of getting himself on the permit assessors list which has enabled leaders to now be assessed for gaining or as in my case, re-newing Kayaking permits to take the young people on to the water and making full use of the kit we have invested in over the past few years. Also, a thank you to the other section leaders and the Board of trustees for everything they do to take the “other stuff” on that means the Section leaders and volunteers can get on with delivering the programs and not have to worry about the admin details, accounts, registration and insurances. And I have to say another “Thank You” to our long suffering families who are so supportive of the Adult leaders of the group and I’m sure don’t really notice when we go missing for the “Two Hours a week” that we were all promised that this role takes up of your time when we signed up! Thank you to all scouts, parents and their families, and the board of Trustees for giving their time and effort into making this scout group a great success. Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. I sincerely believe that this entire group from Squirrels, to Explorers and the leadership teams behind them make a large positive impact towards this mission, giving young people skills, courage and confidence to make that contribution to society. Paul Davis Team Leader - Scout Section What an absolutely brilliant year we have had! So much fun, so many activities and so so many laughs! We’ve had a very successful year, our numbers are on the rise for another year, we currently have 20 Explorers and a waiting list, some of our new members come to us with no Scouting background. As ever when our Explorers turn 18 they have to leave us, and this summer we lose Jess and Ethan who have both been amazing and we will miss them terribly! Good luck guys! We have had a very busy year of events; Norfolk 24, an Explorer only event held at Two Mile Bottom in Thetford last September was brilliant, 24 hours of nonstop activities for all Norfolk Explorers which included archery, shooting, giant inflatables, backwoods cooking, cinema, kayaking, canoeing & paddleboarding as well as a disco and 3am campfire. We had a good turn out of 11 Explorers, I think the majority managed to stay awake for the entire 24 hours this year (unlike the previous year!) Unfortunately it isn’t running this September due to Norjam, but hopefully it will be back for September 2026! We had brilliant success in the County shooting comp with Ethan, Daisy, Thomas & Emily bringing back many medals and awards, just losing out at the last minute for the overall team award. We had a fabulous turnout for our Remembrance Parade in November, a very fun last minute sleepout at the hut also in November with some amazing cakes, yummy homemade pizzas in the earth ovens and giant inflatable burritos! We had BPA in February which is a 24 hour 19 mile night hike with challenges along the way. Our team of Daisy, Connor, Tobias, Luke and Anna did AMAZING almost completing the entire route in extremely cold conditions - there was snow! We then had the district shooting competition at Greshams in March where we brought home Gold & Bronze in Team shooting and Silver in Team Archery. I believe we may have cleared up most of the medals in the individuals between our two teams, they were both absolutely outstanding! Norfolk Scouts took Pleasurewood Hills in May where we had 15 Explorers in attendance, brilliant day, we all had such a good time! Our second ever Albion DofE team completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition in June. It was in extremely hot conditions, yet they kept going and didn’t give up! Amazing resilience by them all. Well done guys, you were all awesome! We are very much looking forward to Norjam with Buxton Scouts in August and a two night survival camp in September! In between all of this, we have been night canoeing, building a crazy golf course for our younger Squirrel section, foraging, tree planting, abseiling, climbing & zip lining at the Horstead Centre, had an ‘international art with Dan’ session, made warhammer models, built fires, played games and so much more! Looking back over the year, I’m not really sure how we have fitted it all in! Currently we are in the process of building our community book swap boxes which we hope to be out in the community somewhere in the coming months, so look out for those! This is part of the Platinum & Diamond Top Awards. I am very proud to say we have presented two Platinum Top Awards this year, this is an outstanding achievement and shows true dedication & determination, congratulations to Ethan & Connor. This summer we have another potential 10 Platinum and 2 Diamond Top Awards! Super excited and so proud of all our Explorers! As ever, I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us this year, our GLV Steve (and Sean for the first part of the year), other section leaders (especially the Scout leaders), committee members, Explorers and parents. I have an awesome team of leaders and really couldn’t do it without them, a special thank you to Chris, Danny and Ian. Here’s to another amazing year! **----- Start of picture text -----**
Helene
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