2021-03-31-accounts

WOLVERHAMPTON

SOUTH

DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT

2020/2021

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 16th September 2021

WELCOME

The District Commissioner, District Chairman and Executive members welcome you all to the Annual General Meeting being held as a ZOOM meeting.

The Executive Committee has met throughout the year to examine and discuss matters relating to Scouting in the District and the attached reports relate to these activities in greater detail.

We extend a warm welcome to our visitors.

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer.

2. Apologies for absence.

3. Chairman’s remarks.

4. Minutes of 2020 AGM.

5. Matters Arising.

6. Approval of Annual Accounts – Treasurer.

7. District Commissioners Report

8. Approval of Scouting Reports.

9. Appointment of Scrutineer.

10. Approval of DC’s nomination of Chairman.

11. Election of Officers:Secretary.

12. Treasurer.

13. DC’s nomination to serve on the Executive.

14. Election of members to serve on the Executive.

15. Wolverhampton Representative.

16. Presentations. (to be held at a later date)

17. AOB.

WOLVERHAMPTON SOUTH DISTRICT COUNCIL

MINUTES of the VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Tuesday 29th September 2020 via ZOOM link.

Present D. Poultney (District Commissioner) D. White (District Secretary)

• A. Welsh (District Commissioner) R. Pratt (District Treasurer)

• M. Bache (County Commissioner)

ADC’s, Scouters and Lay Members of the District as per attached list.

The meeting was opened by R. Pratt in the absence of S. Callow and a minutes silence was observed for all the Covid-19 victims which included our President D. Clarke.

1. Apologies: S. Callow, A. Morris and attached list.

2. Chair’s Remarks

The Chair welcomed the three new groups to the District as it was their first South District AGM and M. Bache (County Commissioner). He then stated that it had been a challenge to keep scouting alive in the current situation with the Covid-19 restrictions. He thanked all groups and executive committees for their commitment to Risk Assessment. Any changes to executive committee personnel made at group AGM’s should be sent to the District Executive in order to keep their records up to date.

1. Minutes of the last meeting were circulated. Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by N. Wingrove, seconded by M. Wellsted, agreed by the meeting and signed by the Chair.

4. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

5. Treasurer’s Report

R.Pratt presented the accounts as attached. The acceptance of the accounts was proposed by S. Jenkins, seconded by G. Welsh and approved by the meeting.

6. District Team DC’s Report

A. Welsh thanked all the leaders for their support and hard work during the year. She hoped that the three new groups to the District would join the District activities during the next year. D. Poultney stated that all the international events arranged for 2020 had been postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Training should be brought up to date as it could now be completed ‘on line’. Service awards had been paused until further notice. He thanked L. Wingrove (ADC Beaver scouts) for her hard work as she was to resign at the end of 2020.

Team DC’s report and Chair’s report were adopted by the meeting. The leaders were also thanked for the attached reports.

ADC Beaver Scouts: L. Collins. ADC Cub Scouts: B. Welsh. ADC Scouts: E. Jones. DESC: E. Priest. NAA: R. Goodall/D. Robbins. Appointments Chairman: A. Evans.

These reports were adopted by the meeting.

1. Appointment of Scrutineer.

Mrs S. Cotterell was again accepted as scrutineer.

8. Approval of ‘Team DC’s Nomination of Chair.

• D. Poultney and A. Welsh nominated S. Callow as Chair. (Previously agreed)

9. Election of Officers.

D. White was re–elected as secretary proposed by R. Pratt seconded by all.

• R. Pratt was re–elected as Treasurer proposed by Team DC seconded by all.

10. ‘Team DC’ Nomination of Executive committee members.

The following were nominated by ‘Team DC’ and approved by the meeting. G. Welsh, M. Lent, T. Moreton and AN other.

11. Election of officers to serve on the committee.

The following were nominated by the Chair and approved by the meeting: J.Wellings, R. Dellbridge, M. Wellsted and A. Stairmand-Jackson.

12. Patshull Management Committee Representative

• A. Morris agreed to continue to be the Patshull Committee Representative.

13. County Executive Committee Representative.

E. Jones agreed to continue as County representative.

14. Presentations .

There were no presentations.

15. A.O.B.

R. Pratt asked that E. Jones and A. Morris to be added as trustees for South District. This was agreed. He also asked that ADC’s would be invited to District Executive meetings.

M. Bache thanked all leaders and committee members for their co-operation as the last 6 months had been a difficult time for scouting. When ‘Red’ becomes ‘Amber’ changes will be made to return to more normal scouting.

R. Pratt thanked S. Poulton for organising the Virtual Zoom meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.12 p.m.

The next Virtual Executive committee meeting would be held on Monday 12[th] October. Start 7.30. S. Poulton to facilitate.

Wolverhampton South District Scouts 2021 AGM Chairman’s report

Well 2020/2021 has been an extraordinary year as you are all very well aware and an enormous thank you must go to all our adult members who have managed to keep Scouting alive during this pandemic. So much has been achieved by you all

Far more detail you will see within the various reports and although we will have lost some members we hope that when we return to face to face meeting that we will have an opportunity to increase our membership again

A really big thank you to you all for all you have done and keep on doing. Our Executive have met virtually during lockdown and have tried hard to help and support where possible. The District remains in a healthy financial position despite the difficulties we have all had, a special thank you to our Executive officials and members for all their support. Also a special thank you to Team DC who have put in so much effort in supporting you all

For the future when we are able to we will continue to help Groups that need a little extra support in starting and improving Group Executives and giving help with guidance for Group Officials

We have a wonderful future to look forward to

Thank you all

Steve Callow District Chairman

WSDScouts Fiancial Report year end March 2021.

Without stating the obvious it has been a quiet year, but the main difference on these accounts is that two year membership subscriptions are accounted for in this 12 month period. The collection and District payment for year 2020/21 was brought forward, hence two collections and payments fall into one accounting year. All groups benefited from the reduction in County subscription and subsequently no fees from Wolverhampton South.

I can report that 2021/22 subscriptions to Headquarters will be £34-50 per invested member. The District has not received notification of County fees for the year, or indeed Wolverhampton Executive Committee also has made no decision on fixing membership payment.

I would like to extend to all Group Treasurers the District thanks for your continued work and support, ensuring your Group has sufficient resources to enable Scouting to continue in your area.

A reminder that Group/Section accounts which have been independently examined for year 2020/21 should be submitted to myself before the end of September. I have only received two sets of accounts at the time of writing (mid August), so I look forward to receiving your group accounts very soon.

Rod Pratt District Treasurer.

			2020-2021		2019-20
		Unrestricted funds	Designated funds	Total	Total
		£	£	£	£
MembershipSubscriptions	2020	27,352		27,352		21,402
Jamboree/Support			1,128	1,128		870
Membership Subscriptions 2021		24,608		24,608
WestMercia Rebate		321		321		256
CharitableDonations						115
ActivityIncome						894
South District Badge Sales		129		129		238
GittAid		619		619		1,156
Digital Computing Grant						437
Cambridge&Counties Interest		192	250	442		445
Property Rent Income						10
	Total Income	53,221	1,378	54,599		25,823

		2020-2021		2019-20
	Unrestricted funds	Designated funds	Total	Total
	£	£	£	£
Membership Subscriptions 2020	24,717		24,717		19,200
Membership Subscriptions 2021	24,680		24,680
Activities-District					1,328
Administration, AGM,WebHost, etc.	131		131		837
AirAmbulance Holding		190	190
Computing Grant		176	176
District OfficeRent/PremisesHire	300		300		440
Explorers-GittAidRebate	529		529		937
Group Membership Rebates	629		629		216
LeaderTrainingWorkshop/Development	60		60		161
YoungLeaders Training					791
Jamboree/Support/Cuboree					774
Total Expenditure	51,046	366	51,412		24,684
Income/Expenditure	2,175	1,012	3,187		1,139

District Commissioners Report April 2020 – April 2021

“ Its no use standing still. It is one thing or the other, either progress or relax. Let us progress and with a smile”. Just remember ‘nothing is impossible, except putting the toothpaste back in the tube’. Baden Powell

That was how we finished last year’s report; little did we know how much we would tap into our Scouting ethics and values: 2020 was an unprecedented year of challenges. Scouting has risen to the trials and tests that have been thrown our way, showing our resilience and outstanding community spirit, in what seemed to be an endless Lockdown.

We thought this year’s report would be short and sweet but now we may actually run out room!

In the world of Lockdown, did you sit around and do nothing? No, you did not! You stepped out of your comfort zones and adapted our Scouting to deliver an outstanding programme whatever.

So what have you been doing…………………. (are you ready you for this!)

Bakeathon ( making and cooking Mug cakes as a District on Zoom ); Science experiments; Nature hunts; First aid ( effectively parents being mauled into recovery positions ); inventing; knotting; Campfires; Den building, Stem activities, international events, JOTI and virtual trips. [ breath ]

We have walked to the Moon ( in mileage only ), embraced the Great Indoors Challenge as well as enjoying the Big Camp out - this saw us all camping or sleeping in a den or somewhere other than your bed: this involved anyone, including us Leaders, parents, carers, siblings, pets, cuddly toys and of course the young people getting involved from their own homes.

Have we missed anything? Yes! [ big intake of breath ]

Quizzes, coding, making marble runs, Lego challenges, Pictionary, making face masks, origami, battleships and Cooking ( meals, bum sandwiches, earth cookies, mug cakes and pancakes ). Cycling, gardening, Building Bug hotels, more virtual hikes [ less Blisters - we could get used to this ], doing Easter/Halloween craft, wheel braiding, making woggles. [ breath ]

More sleepovers and the Great Summer Challenge, sections made poppies for Remembrance, showcasing our sewing skills; maybe it was the practice with the sleight of hand in learning and performing Magic Skills ( no rabbits or hats involved ). There was even talent shows, making Christmas crafts, electronics ( Scouts making ‘Buzz games’ ). The noise didn’t stop there, there were also the musician badges being attained across the District and the continuation of badge work to still allow for those achievements.

Oh and some groups even played Where’s Daz ?! - he was sent out to take pictures in front of places you might know. That’s what they told him anyway. Hope someone found him?

What would all these virtual activities be without games, which have been cleverly adapted to play old games, new games and some we just made up on the night. The one other vital tool to survive the Zoom meeting was ………. Yes, you guessed it, the scavenger hunt!

Is that everything? - No, certainly not, we are not even close.

This has not only been a challenge for the young people but also the leaders - holding meetings, exec meetings, continuing our training/learning using workshops and webinars, virtual training courses, interviews, Investing, socials ( of course ) and our first ever Virtual St Georges Day 2020

Broadcast. Seeing pictures of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders making their promise in front of a screen filled us with such pride.

The next challenge we faced was Risk Assessments and you smashed it. Considering all Risks and amending what we do and how we do it to ensure we were not only Health and safety compliant, but to also take into account the ever changing COVID rules. We have not been defeated by any challenges thrown our way and I hope in your Leaders meetings, AGM’s you have taken a step back and thanked all the Leaders/helpers, parents and our young people. We have done our best, we have risen to the challenge and again smashed it, Well done!

Census

We have taken the expected dip 2021 as did the country, region and county but it could have been a lot worse.

In the words of Baden Powell “ the man who holds the average boy’s attention for more than seven minutes is a genius”. What’s above Genius status? because you have definitely cracked that even with these challenges! It’s through the graft that’s gone into the last 12-18months that has really shown your outstanding dedication and resilience. Since the easing of lockdown we know there has been an increase in numbers of young people and adults across the board. Good news for the future.

Young Leaders Scheme

We have continued with training our youth members to achieve their Young Leaders Mandatory training, again over Zoom, which for the age range can be difficult, however, they have done you all really proud and stepped out of their comfort zone to attend training. I hope they will put their training to good use in supporting their Groups/units.

Training

Well done and Thank you to all who have completed the Mandatory training modules we really do appreciate your commitment. with the new rules Mutually Agreed Restrictions (MARS) coming in, ensuring leaders are compliant, for the safety of ourselves and the young people we are responsible for. We cannot take this responsibility lightly and again, Thank you.

The Final Word

In Scouting we do like to be Prepared but there was really no preparing for the last 12 -18 months, so the biggest B R A V O … ‘Bravo’ to everyone who has persevered to deliver the best programme we could for the young people out there who were missing out on fun, laughs and scouting.

We know it’s not been easy. Everybody’s lives have been tested, the ‘normal’ thrown up in the air and priorities changing so Thank you for allowing scouting to still be a part of your lives, I know our young people are so very grateful. We are proud to be part of the great family our District is and we can’t wait to get back to seeing you all and all those the smiley faces.

Yours in Scouting Daz & Ange Team DC

Beaver Scout Leaders’ Report 2020-2021

To say that this year, April 2020 to March 2021, has been a challenge is an understatement, that you will all agree with. We have had some fantastic nights by most of our groups on both Zoom and in person, when we could. Understandably some groups have not joined in online, and that’s OK, but we are now looking forward to welcoming all groups back to full time, face to face Scouting as soon as we can, safely!

We have been treated to the photos and experiences being discussed in our District Beaver WhatsApp group and helping each other out with programme ideas and frustrations when needed. As always, Wolverhampton South Beaver Scout section came into its own and supported each other from the start.

The Beavers of Wolverhampton South are fortunate in that they are offered the opportunity to experience full, interesting programmes within their Colonies and through their inclusion in Group events. This is due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Beaver Scout Leaders in our District as well as leaders from other sections who have willingly helped out. Unfortunately, due to restrictions we have been unable to run any district events throughout this year however the leaders have kept in touch with each other and we look forward to regaining the social element of scouting as well as the district events for the children to get-together and have some great experiences.

I would personally like to express my thanks to all the Leaders and their helpers for their support and express my appreciation for their understanding and incredible commitment to Beaver Scouting in Wolverhampton South.

As a group of leaders we are looking forward to 2021/2022 year and the challenges that we have set ourselves, and hopefully to be able to do some activities within 2 meters of each other!

Leader numbers remain low and with our numbers still healthy we need to look as a district at how to ensure that groups do not die out. We will be looking for any ideas you can think of for us to able to increase our leader numbers including any audiences we may not have thought of.

Fingers crossed for face to face ‘normal’ scouting to resume sooner rather than later.

additional note from Team DC

This year also saw us lose our ADC Beavers Lucy Wingrove and no we haven’t left her in the woods! She has sadly decided to step down. We will certainly miss her enthusiasm and dedication for the Beavers section and we really cannot Thank her enough for all the fun and exciting events/activities she has put on for the Beavers over the years. How many beavers will remember surfing, making snot, the magic and the fabulous Christmas trips? I know there are things I won’t forget in a hurry LOL!

We also appreciate Lucy’s exceptional drive to develop the section, helping leaders and being a great role model and mentor.

Thank You Luce!

It is such a fun and rewarding role and I hope we find someone to take us on a new journey and make more fabulous.

Cubs Report 2020/21

Well, what a strange year it has been for us all, luckily in the Cubs section we have some great leaders and supporters and the majority of our groups have continued to meet online then in person throughout the pandemic.

Our district events were unable to go ahead but it has been great to keep in touch with our groups with a series of online meetings sharing plans and supporting each other with programme ideas and solutions to issues that arise when meeting online.

It was great to see some of our groups joining up together to offer online meetings where some numbers were a bit low. Groups have continued to work towards a range of badges for Cubs and have offered a variety of activities online from taking part in quizzes, scavenger hunts, cooking, Christmas crafts, battleships and Scouts own.

When it was possible to meet in person, our groups have done walks at Baggeridge and Bantock Park, completed the athletes badge and done outdoor games and activities.

We have a number of activities to plan in the next few months and hope we can bring the district together again for football, Christmas and hopefully a district camp in 2022.

We’d like to thank all the Cub leaders across the District for their hard work and dedication to Scouting throughout a year which has been particularly challenging. It has been wonderful seeing the support and camaraderie everyone has shown to each other

Thanks

Vicky Bratt & Steve Wingrove (Team ADC Cubs)

Scout Report 2020-21

I would like to thank all the Scout Leaders in South District for their commitment and support during the year. It has been another difficult year, with lots of us getting stuck into those online meetings and making the most of those short breaks when we were allowed to meet face to face.

I would like to thank the leaders who have been working together, sharing ideas and helping each other with the sudden change to online meetings that we had to make. I am looking forward to the next year when we can hopefully return to a programme packed full of those activities we have missed out on.

Henry Cleaver ADC Scouts

Explorer Scout Report 2021

It has been another testing year for all of the Explorer Units in Wolverhampton South with the continuing challenges of scouting during a pandemic.

In really positive news, 21[st] Wolverhampton Explorers has started up again when it was possible to meet face to face outdoors. Since restarting they have had a really varied programme, with local hikes through Baggeridge and Penn Common, shelter building, wide games, tracking, Task Master challenge, scavenger hunt, what3words orienteering, sorting tents, gardening and scouting skills.

FUBAR has continued to meet throughout all the multiple COVID-19 lockdowns, taking meetings online when needed. These meetings included nights such as a regular Quiz night, The Pirate game, and even Toast structures. Although numbers started to dip during the online sessions once face to face meetings began numbers returned to their normal levels. Although initially limited to outdoor meetings such as Bonfires, Night Hikes, and Photo Challenges we eventually managed to move back indoors. Towards the end of the year the Explorers were able to take over the planning and organising of their own nights with evenings such as £1 MasterChef, Puttock Tournaments and Music nights.

Wombourne also continued to meet throughout the different lockdown, with lots of zoom meetings including Kahoot quizzes, cooking challenge (delicious shortbread!), Scribble, Geoguessing, scavenger hunts, music quizzes, Rock n Roll bingo, virtual fireworks and hot chocolate for bonfire night, task master challenge, Scattegories, and escape rooms. When they could meet face to face there were lots of trips to Baggeridge for hikes and wide games, fireworks and hot chocolatewalks in Wombourne, outdoor cooking and plenty of pizza! They are looking forward to getting back after the summer break with a varied face to face programme.

Due to the pandemic the Remembrance Sunday parade did not go ahead, nor did the usual scout carol and St George’s day service. The leaders of the three units have stayed in touch throughout the pandemic, meeting on zoom initially, but we finally managed to meet in person when the restrictions lifted.

This year again more than ever I would like to thank Adam, Dave, Chris, Alistair, Matt P and all of the Explorer Leaders for continuing their excellent work in such challenging circumstances.

Emma Priest District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Leader Training

Over the past year and throughout the time of Covid-19 restrictions, leaders have continued to complete training; mandatory training, Getting Started, Wood Badges and Managers and Supporters Wood Badges. Personally I have been impressed at our District’s engagement in completing training As you are no doubt aware the Scout Association are now focusing on encouraging leaders to complete all outstanding training this year Within our County training continues to be predominantly delivered remotely; online training, Zoom and telephone appointments for validations and assessments with Training Advisors From July this year I have been appointed as Local Training Manager for Wolverhampton South. If you have any queries about your training requirements please contact me on either: [e-mail]. OR [e-mail] Hopefully we can continue to support leaders to complete their training in whatever method suits them best Thank you for your continued commitment to training Jan Lane LTM Wolverhampton South

District Appointments Report 2020-21

Over the past twelve months the appointments committee has interviewed 5 new leaders, the same as last year, within the District, who have all gone on to begin their official Wood Badge training. Congratulations to all.

The District Appointments Committee consists of Dave White (Secretary), Jan Lane, Chris Barron, Doug Conway, Bob Goodall and myself (Chairman).

The past year has been a difficult one for all and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Appointments Committee for carrying on via Zoom interviews. Hopefully next year will return to some sort of normality.

The process for anyone wishing to become a leader remains the same as in previous years. Completion of DBS and Dave White continues to contact the new leader and arrange the appointments chat.

We have improved the appointments chat in that the Appointments Committee has a general chat with the proposed leader about their background and why they wish to become a leader. They are then given a pack of information which they have a look at for approximately 15 minutes. This usually enables another proposed leader to have their initial chat, if we have more than one on the night. When all proposed leaders have looked at the information pack, we all get together and have a run through it. This information can be used when they are completing their Wood Badge training.

On conclusion of a successful interview the applicant is informed of the way forward as to obligatory training. The process now is that Dave White informs County of the successful applicant and County then get in touch with the applicant to advise them of the continuing process. In the near future this process will be looked into by the District Appointments Committee to improve the process.

Once you have completed your Wood Badge training, please remember to keep your training up to date. This involves 5 hours per year and your First Response (as a minimum for First Aid), Safeguarding, Safety and a one off GRPR.

Andy Evans

Chairman

District Appointments Committee

NIGHTS AWAY ADVISORS AGM REPORT APRIL 2020-MARCH 2021

Due to Covid-19 restrictions this year no Nights Away have been possible. Therefore there has been no applications submitted for Nights Away and we have not had any applications for NAN permits.

It is now possible to go away overnight but with restrictions. Please check POR for the latest guidance as it changes quite quickly from month to month.

Please submit your NAN forms in the usual way but make sure you are using the most up to date form available as it needs to include all leaders attending and don't forget to include your risk assessments, for both venue and Covid-19.

Lets hope we can get back to normal as quickly as possible and we look forward to receiving you NAN forms.

Yours in Scouting

Bob Goodall David Robbins.