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← Horrabridge Scout Group

2025-04-04-accounts

Registered Scout Group Number: 10016059/10014331 Registered Charity Number1137266 (Horrabridge Only)

2025 Annual Report

Buckland and Horrabridge Scouts

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Contents

Agenda for 2025 AGM – Page 3 Group Chairs Introduction – Page 4 Group Scout Leaders Report – Page 5 Squirrels Section Report – Page Beaver Section Report – Page 7 Cub Section Report – Page 8 Scout Section Report – Page 9 Trustee Report – Page 10 Group Treasurers Report Buckland – Page 16 Group Treasurers Report Horrabridge – Page 18 Group Information – Page 23 Volunteering – Page 24 Minutes of the 2024 AGM – Page 25

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Buckland and Horrabridge Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025. Time: 1800

Venue: Horrabridge Scout Field, St Johns Road, Horrabridge

AGENDA

1. Introduction and welcome

2. Apologies for absence

3. Governance topics

4. Review of the previous year

5. Making appointments

6. Presentations

a. Section Reports – Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Closing remarks and any other business

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Group Chair’s Introduction

I am pleased to present this years Annual Report for Buckland and Horrabridge Scout Group. We have had a full year of activities in each of our sections and I would like to thank all of the leaders and their assistants for their hard work in planning and delivering programmes that enable our young people to experience new challenges and have fun. Please take a look at each of the section reports to find out what has been going on during the year!

I would like to thank all of my fellow Executive Committee members, who work hard all year round behind the scenes to keep the Group in good order. I would like to particularly thank Ben Watson our Group Scout Leader for his continuing commitment to the Group. Ben not only makes sure our adult helpers are well trained and well led, but he also oversees everything that happens within the group.

We have room on the Trustee Board for some more parent representatives, this is not an onerous task, it involves meeting several times per year helping us to forward plan and provide feedback to the Board. If you are interested in volunteering for this role, please talk to your section leader who will let you know more.

We are also still actively looking for more adult volunteers to work with our sections.

Please consider helping us, or talk to family and friends to encourage others to contact us. Volunteering can be a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing.

It’s a great feeling knowing that you are helping young people get skills for life and you might even lean a lot about yourself along the way.

If you can only help occasionally, that’s ok. Whether you would like to be an activity planner , tea maker or craft creator, we appreciate any time that you can spare. Talk to any of the leaders or contact me directly if you would like to learn more.

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Group Scout Leaders Report

GSL’s Report, AGM 2025.

Beaver Section Report

Beaver Leaders Report, AGM 2025.

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Cub Section Report

2025 AGM Cub Section Leader Report

Scout Section Report

2025 AGM Scout Section Leader Report

Trustee Report

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Buckland and Horrabridge Scout Group Trustee’ Annual Report for the period from 1 April 2024to 31 March 2025

Section A: Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name Buckland and Horrabridge Scouts (joint group)

Registered Charity Number 1137266

Scout Association HQ registration number: 10014331(Buckland) 10016059 (Horrabridge)

During the period to 31 March 2024, the trustees who managed the charity were:

Section B; Structure, Governance and Management

Governance and Management

The groups governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the association and Policy, Organisation and Rules (PUR) of the Scout Association. The Group is a trust established under these rules which are common to all Scout Groups. The trustees are appointed in accordance with the POR of the Scout Association.

The group is managed but its Trustee Boach, the members of which are the charity trustees. As trustees, they are responsible for complying with the legislation applicable to charities. The includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returned to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Trustee Board consists of 4 independent representatives: Chair, Treasurers x2 and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader. Assistant Group Scout Leader and parent representatives who between them represent all the sections (Beavers, Cubs and Scouts). The Trustee Board have met on two occasions this financial year. Additional correspondence between the group has taken place on an ad hoc basis via email to arrange specific events such as fundraising.

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Members if the Trustee Board are elected or appointed at the Annual General Meeting of the Group Scout Council, which includes all adult and associate members of the Scout Group (including the parents and guardians and young members) and all our Leaders.

All new members of the Trustee Board must complete training in accordance with with Scout Association POR, including completing the Trustee Induction training within five months of joining the Board. All members of the Board, along with all adult volunteers having contact with young people on a repeated basis, or on nights away activities are DBS checked.

The Trustee Board exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the objectives of the charity and is responsible for:

Risks and Internal Controls

The Trustee Board periodically reviews and monitors the main risks to which they believe the Group is exposed. The main areas of concern include:

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members: The Group contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy through capitation fees, and takes out additional insurance if needed. We provide accident and injury insurance for adult helpers who are not uniformed leaders. Risks assessments are undertaken before all activities.

Reduced in come from fundraising: the Group relies on income from subscriptions and fundraising. Subscriptions are charged each term and we aim to keep them as low as possible, to ensure that scouting is accessible to everyone. In January 2025, the Trustees supported a raise in subscription fees from £36 to £40 per term in order to meet outgoings. It is possible that a further raise will be required during the next financial year.

The group have participated in fundraising events at local village fairs and events.

The group have applied to local charities for financial grants, these have been awarded by Horrabridge Cavaliers and were a beneficiary of grant money awarded by the executers for Dr Bernhard Raeke. The money donated by the cavaliers, alongside grants from the previous financial year have contributed towards the purchase and installation of fencing for the bottom perimeter of the Horrabridge Scout field. The second grant will be ringfenced to replace the fencing parallel to the highway and improve facilities in the field (subject to planning conditions).

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The group holds a reserve to ensure we would be able to continue our activities, or wind them down in an orderly manner should there be a major reduction in income.

Reduction or loss of leaders: The Group relies entirely on volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. Most importantly we need a certain number of uniformed leaders to be able to continue to operate our four sections (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) at full strength. Some of these volunteers are drawn from among parents of the young people who join the group. The commitment required is substantial and understandable leaders often which to move on or step down after a few years. If we were unable to maintain the necessary level of uniformed leaders, we might have to close the entire Group. This is perhaps the greatest risk that the Group faces, and is once that requires contact attention from the Leaders and Trustees to ensure that we are constantly recruiting and developing new leaders. Buckland and Horrabridge Groups remain merged due to a lack of leaders for either group to run independently.

Reduction of loss of members: Squirrels have a have a waiting list, the remaining sections do not but are running at capacity based on current leader numbers. Many of our young members originally joined as Beavers at age six and have worked their way up through the sections, but where spaces are available, we also have young people who join at older ages, either new to Scouting or transferring from another Group. We tend to lose some young people as they get older, because of other commitments. If there were to be a substantial reduction in the membership of a section, then we might have to reduce the size of section of a section or close it all together.

Field Maintenance: The Group own a field which prior to the merge was an asset of Horrabridge Group. The antisocial behaviour and vandalism issues that were experienced at the field last year have ceased. This has enabled a maintenance schedule to start and securing the fencing. The group were able to use this for a meeting for all section in May 2025 and have plans to continue to do so during the summer and autumn months. A small working party of leaders, trustees and parents has been formed to undertake routine maintenance in house which results in significant cost savings or the group. Further support to maintain this is required otherwise the group will have to factor in contractor costs for maintenance which will reduce funds available for running group activities.

Joint Merge of Group: After three years as running as a merged group, the trustees voted to make this a permanent arrangement via an EGM in Nov 2024, we continue to work with District Scouting representatives to formalise this arrangement.This is to ensure that the group can remain active. It is important that both groups maintain and identity and the group is accessible to young people and their families from both locations. Buckland Abbey has recently been secured as a venue for the provision of indoor activities and Horrabridge have a field for the provision of outdoor activities. Historically Horrabridge have used the Youth Club for the provision of indoor activities. There is a significant cost saving incentive for using Buckland Abbey and this will directly benefit the group. There will be occasions where the Horrabridge Youth Club will still be used and a number of group activities will take place in the local areas making use of the open spaces and moorland.

The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. All payments require two signatories and expenditure is approved by the group. The group has comprehensive insurance polices to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

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Section C Objectives and Activities

The purpose of scouting is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution towards society.

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Scouting takes place, when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on these values and:

All people of the Scout group, whether they are young people, or adult volunteers, make a Scout Promise in which they promise to do their best to help other people and to be trusted, loyal, friendly and considerate, to have the courage in difficulty, to have self respect and respect to others.

The group arranges a programme of weekly meetings during school term time, with indoor and outdoor activities for young people aged between 4-14 years. The Squirrels Section is for young people aged 4-6 years and meet alternate Saturday mornings. The Beavers section is for young people aged between 6 – 8 years. The cubs section is for young people aged between 8 – 10.5 years. The Scouts section is for young people aged between 10.5 and 14 years. All sections meet on a Wednesday evening.

The group also organise weekend and holiday activity including camps and community engagement events. The group also participates in programmes of events that are organised at District, County or National levels.

Young people in Scouting can earn badges in recognition of skills learned, challenges met and activities carried out. Our regular programmes and camp activities are designed to meet the requirements for these badges. Young people who participate fully in the groups activities will complete enough activities and challenges to be rewarded with the Chief Scout award, which they can wear on their uniform with justified pride.

To help young people in their personal development, if and when our leaders judge they are ready for the challenge, they may be given a position of responsibility. For example, at age eight, nine or ten, a young person may be promoted to the role of ‘sixer’ or ‘seconder’ within the cubs section. The Scout group is organised in patrols, and young people take responsibility as Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders. The group also have support from young leaders who assist adult leaders in the planning and running of a programme for younger people.

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Public Benefit Statement

The group meets the Charty Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of community development headings. Subscriptions fees are set at a level that covers on the immediate running costs of the Group and the Capitation fees to the Scout Association, to ensure that they remain as low as possible and do not unduly restrict membership. We admit members primarily from the local areas of Horrabridge and Buckland Monachorum and the surrounding villages.

As charity trustees, members of the Trustee Board must pay due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance where relevant to our decision making.

Section D: Achievement and Performance

During 2024/25 financial year, the group have run a full programme of activities and camps. The group has remained popular across the local community, with all sections well attended.

The group have participated in a number of local community events including remembrance parades, St Georges Day Parade, village fairs and carol singing.

Section E: Financial Review

Reserve Funds

The group has sufficient reserve funds to continue activity of the group or to conduct an orderly wind down of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short.

Investment Policy

The group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments such as stocks and shares. All funds are held in cash using mainstream bank and building societies. The group, whilst merge currently have two separate accounts and these are managed by sperate treasurers. At present, all funds are held in instant access account.

The Group are working towards a joint bank account to engage easier management of finances and to provide better clarity of the whole groups income and outgoings.

Section F: Other Information and Future Plans

Rather than actively seeking to expand, our priority is to operate the sections that we have, to offer our young members as rich and exiting programme as possible. Our leaders are very active in planning and running events. Each year, we give young people in every section the opportunity to participate in camps and residential activities to provide the right level of challenge for their age group

Section G: Declaration

The Trustee have confirmed that they have approved the Trustee’s report above.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Group Treasurer

Group Chair

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Treasurer Report Buckland

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Treasurer Report Horrabridge

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Group Information

Group Chair: Hannah Gethin

Group Scout Leader: Ben Watson

Squirrels Section Leader: Kayleigh Dawes/ Tom Johnston

Beaver Section Leader: Philippa Malone/Tom Johnston

Cub Section Leader: Francis Hayes

Scout Section Leader : Elena Watson

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Volunteering- It Could Be You!

Would you like to be part of a team, make a real difference to young peoples lives and have a positive impact on society?

Horrabridge and Buckland Scouts are a successful group with great facilities and a dedicated group of volunteers. We would like to build on that success and provide greater Scouting for more young people for years to come. We are recruiting now at all sections in the Group to strengthen are volunteer group.

No previous experience or skills are required. There are a range of roles to choose from; depending on where you and we feel you would best fit. Any necessary training will be provided.

All you need is enthusiasm to help Scouting ‘actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering then to make a positive contribution to society’. We do this though adults working in partnership with you people.

Being a leader in Scouting is hugely rewarding and great fun – most of the time! It will give you a chance to try new activities and experiences and develop your own confidence and skills such as leadership, team working and planning, which will be of value to you and employers.

If you think you might be interested and would like a completely non comital chat about our volunteering opportunities then email then speak to one of the leaders or chair. After that you can come along and try it out. In the meantime there is a safeguarding process to go though, including criminal records checks and references. All being well, you will soon be joining the adventure and sharing the rewards that Scouting has to offer.

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Minutes of the 2024 AGM

Minutes AGM 18/9/24

Attendees: Ben Watson, Angelina Watson, Hannah Gethin, Christine James, Claire Meyerhoff, Sarah Pascall, Julie Blackmore, Jessica Jennison, Drew Burdett, Pip Burdett, Claire Morris, Kerry Browne, Kate Warren, Rowan Cooper, Angela Ladell, Jill Palmer, Kayleigh Dawes, Jen Topp, Brian East.

Apologies: Tania Belcher, Trevor Munroe, Lewis Belcher, Craig Shore

Hannah welcomed all.

Introductions done.

Last year’s minutes agreed.

Review of the last year: Ben read out his reports from scouts/cubs/beavers including:

Hannah read out her report.

Accounts were accepted and both sets have independently verified.

Ben nominated to re-elect Hannah as chair, seconded by Christine.

Sarah nominated to re-elect Christine as treasurer, seconded by Drew Burdett.

Sarah nominated Angelina as treasurer for Buckland, seconded by Hannah.

Trustee Appointment: Sarah Pascall, Jessica Jennison, Tanya Belcher to remain.

Julie Blackmore, Drew Burdett, Pip Burdett, Kayleigh Dawes, Jen Toop all volunteered and gave details.

Group Admin: Claire Meyerhof

Reappoint John Belcher as President of Buckland Scouts- nominated Hannah, seconded Julie Blackmore.

Questions: None.

AOB: None.

Meeting closed.

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Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266) Receipts and payments account

Year start date Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 1st April 2024 To 31st March 2025
Receipts and payments
Receipts Unrestricted funds
£
2024/25
3,048
-
1,488
25,000
500
3,341		 Unrestricted funds
£
2023/24
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions 3,048 1,856
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) -
1,488		 -
1,371
Legacies 25,000
Donations 500 750
Gift Aid 3,341 -
Other similar income -
Sub total 30,400 1,235
Grants
Maintenenace grant - -
Other grants 100
Sub total - 100
Fundraising events (gross)
Duck race/Coronation Fair 504
Christmas Market 46
Village fair 320 -
Sub total 320 549
Scout hut income
Hire of building - -
Other Scout hut income - Buckland share of rent 96 535
Sub total
Asset and investment sales, etc.
Total Gross Income		 96 535
30,816 2,419
-
- -

LT700002 (February 2024)

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Total receipts

30,816

2,419

Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266) Receipts and payments account

Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account		 Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account		 Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account		 Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account		 Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account		 Total receipts
30,816
2,419
Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266)
Receipts and payments account
Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 1st April 2024 To 31st March 2025
Receipts and payments
Payments Unrestricted funds
£
2024/25
30
192
376
1,050
53
20
19		 Unrestricted funds
£
2023/24
Charitable Payments
Youth programme and activities -
Adult support and training 30 -
Rent 192 1,070
Insurance 376 477
Maintenance 1,050
Materials and equipment -
Printing and photocopying -
Contribution to camp costs -
Uniforms and badges 53 221
AGM and trustee expenses -
Lottery licence 20 20
Remembrance Day Wreath 19 16
Sub total 1,739 1,804
Fundraising expenses
Coronation Fair 11
Christmas Market 5
Christmas Raffle -
Other fundraising costs - -
Total Gross Expenditure
Sub total		 - - 16
1,739 1,820

LT700002 (February 2024)

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----- Start of picture text -----
- -
Asset and investment purchases, etc.
Total payments 1,739 1,820
Net of receipts/(payments) 29,077 599
Cash funds last year end 3,192 2,872
Cash funds this year end 32,269 3,192
----- End of picture text -----

Horrabridge Scout Group (Charity no. 1137266) Receipts and payments account

Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 1st April 2024 To 31st March 2025
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31st March 2025 31st March 2024
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 32,269 3,192
Total cash funds 32,269 3,192
(agree balances with receipts and payments account) ok ok
Total net assets 32,269 3,192

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 4th June 2025 and signed on their behalf by

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature Print Name
Hannah Gethin (Chair)
Christine James (Treasurer)
----- End of picture text -----

LT700002 (February 2024)

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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Horrabridge Scout Group

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Horrabridge Scout Group for the year ended 31st March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Horrabridge Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Horrabridge Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Horrabridge Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to

Bign e d> . understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Mr Ian Burke

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any):

Address: 30 Pencreber Road, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SG

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