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2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

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Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
Registered charity number
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal address		 255 Bristol(Channel)Sea Scouts
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32 Upper PerryHill
Bristol
Postcode B S 3 1 N H

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee Name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
Alan Sweetman Chair
Christina Ransom Treasurer
Elaine Beckett Lead Volunteer
Andrew Luke
TimothyBerriman

Names and addresses of advisors

Type of advisor Name Address
Bankers Lloyds Bank 1 LeggStreet,Chelmsford,CM1 1JS

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Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
How the charity is constituted
Trustee selection methods
Additional governance issues
The Group's 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 The
Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are
common to all Scouts.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy,
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the
members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout
Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees
they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable
to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper
accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as
appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 3
Trustees and meets every 3 months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts
Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the
Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is
well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings
and equipment are in good working order, and everyone
follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies
and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-
quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills
for life.
Risk and Internal Control
The group has in place systems of internal controls that are
designed to provide reasonable assurance against material
mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all
payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure
that insurable risks are covered.

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Section C Objectives and activities
Public benefit statement
Summary of the objects of the charity
set out in its governing document
Summary of the main activities in
relation to these objects		 The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people
in their personal development,
empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy
and loyal.
Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care -We support others and take care of the world in which
we live.
Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co-
operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with
adults, work together based on the
values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
The Group's main function is to support the Sections,
comprising of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, achieving the aims
of the Scouting Association.
These Sections within the group provided weekly meetings
for around 70 young people aged between 6 and 14, giving
them fun, challenge and adventure through the Scout
Method appropriate to their age.
Activities provided are appropriate to the Sections and may
include cooking, model making, crafts, team games, quizzes,
mapping and outdoor activities. All Sections have the
opportunity to participate in a camp or other outdoor
activities/ challenges throughout the year.
Several Adult Leaders, Young Leaders and other volunteers
provide their time generously on an unpaid basis in order to
support the Group’s Scouting activities.
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit
criteria under both the advancement of education and the
advancement of citizenship or community development
headings.

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Section D Achievements and performance Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of
the charity during the year
The Beaver, Cub and Scout sections all continued to provide
good opportunities for their members to progress their
learning and skills by participating in Scouting activities. In
August 2024, the Scout troop travelled to the International
Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland to take part in the
permenant mini-Jamboree.
During the prior year, at the request of the local Police
service and with support of Bristol South District and Three
Counties, the group started a new Beaver Colony in the
nearby neighbourhood of Redcliffe. This is an area with few
development opportunities for young people. During the year
this group became establised and has started to grow. It is
hoped that this will become viable in the long term; financially
and in terms of numbers of young people and volunteers.
The Beaver, Cub and Scout sections all continued to provide
good opportunities for their members to progress their
learning and skills by participating in Scouting activities. In
August 2024, the Scout troop travelled to the International
Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland to take part in the
permenant mini-Jamboree.
During the prior year, at the request of the local Police
service and with support of Bristol South District and Three
Counties, the group started a new Beaver Colony in the
nearby neighbourhood of Redcliffe. This is an area with few
development opportunities for young people. During the year
this group became establised and has started to grow. It is
hoped that this will become viable in the long term; financially
and in terms of numbers of young people and volunteers.

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Section E Financial Review
Designated funds
Further financial review details
Brief statement of the charity’s policy
on reserves		 Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources
to continue the charitable activities of the group should
income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group
Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum
equivalent to 6 months running costs, circa £8000 (covers
rent, membership fees, uniform, badges, insurance, utilities,
allowance for repairs and sundry expenses, but no events).
The Group held excess free reserves against this at year
end.
At the year end the Group held £10,474 of funds designated
for the development and upkeep of the "Spyglass" site.
During the year, £916 of expenditure primarily relating to
upkeep and maintenance was allocated to this fund.
Income totalling £805 were received in year from families
attending Beavers sessions in the new Redcliffe colony. This
just about covered te £828 running costs of the colony
(although the true costs are more that this as District kindly
waived the Annual Fee for Redcliffe Beavers). At the end of
the year £1,087 of the set up grants remain unspent and will
be carried forward for expenditure in the next year.
Investment Policy
The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a
consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in
longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The
Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the
investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only
mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout
Association's Short Term Investment Service.
The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of
bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the
group obtains maximum value and income from its banking
arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an
account that requires a period of notice before funds may be
withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board
considers the cash flow requirements.

5 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section F Other Optional Information Plans for future periods We will continue to monitor the viability of the new Redcliffe Beaver colony and consider whether a Cub pack can be set up. We hope to increase the number of local young people participating in, and local volunteers leading the Scouting activities. Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair)
Date
Christina Ransom
Treaurer
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7
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1 4 0 7 2 5

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255[th] Bristol Channel Sea Scouts Annual Report 2024/25

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255[th] Bristol Channel Sea Scouts

Dear Scouts, parents, friends and supporters,

Among many highlights of our year the ultimate has to be the trip to Kandersteg for some of our scouts and former scouts. Photos give just a taste of the fantastic scenery and activities that were on offer. Particular thanks to Tim and Iain for masterminding and delivering such a memorable trip. We are gauging interest in a repeat visit in 2028 so speak to a leader if you’d like to find out more.

We had other great camps including the Wye valley for Cubs, Glenny Wood and Chelwood for Beavers, a pioneering camp for Scouts as well as an adults-only camp organised by Iain with a Chippewa kitchen (build from sticks and mud and holding a whole side of pork). Another season of water sports is nearly over. Our own boat Spyglass has been used regularly by both scouts and explorers, and we’ve extended the invitation to parents who would like to row on several beautiful summer evenings. Bill Bennet Clark has passed the assessment for a stand-up paddleboard instructor permit, and Ben Brown has just earned his Night Away permit.

Cost of activities continues to rise and we are grateful to Christina our treasurer for being vigilant in terms of grant opportunities, gift aid, and high interest accounts and so helping to keep our prices affordable.

We welcomed a number of new and returning leaders and helpers. Becky Porter and Paul Palmer have long associations with the group and it is great to see them back in the scout section. There are new leaders in every section: Eudald Rossell Vivo and Steve Ransom in cubs, Ellen Roberts and Flo Johnson Marshall in Southville Beavers and Duncan Arnold and Peter Grant in Redcliffe Beavers. Our new leaders were undeterred by the teething problems in the new scout computer system and are now ready to muck in and share the load with the others.

With these extra helping hands we must consider growing the group and spreading our great work to even more young people and families. We can always use more help in front-line leader roles or in background support so please look out for our requests for help – there is a role to suit everyone!

Elaine Beckett Lead Volunteer

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Beaver Section report

Welcome to the Annual Report for the 255th Bristol Channel Beavers Colony for 2024-25. This report highlights the exciting adventures, achievements, and growth of our fantastic Beaver Scouts.

Membership

We started the year with 15 eager Beavers and ended with 17, with a healthy waiting list showcasing continued interest in our Colony.

Activities and Highlights

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Bronze Awards

Leadership and Volunteering

We are always keen to welcome new parent helpers and leaders, particularly those who might have a particular skill or hobby to share with the Beavers.

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Redcliffe Beavers Report

In 2023, 255[th] were approached to support the establishment of a new Beaver colony in Redcliffe following an approach from Avon and Somerset police to Bristol South District.

With thanks to supportive parents, and an enthusiastic and committed leadership team, we have together managed to create a thriving beaver colony.

Our beavers have enjoyed a diverse programme, playing countless games, earning badges, through creativity including; firework art, tie-dye t-shirts, mocktails, marzipan fruits, pancakes and reindeer biscuits.

They have planted spring bulbs for the benefit of our local community, and visited Bedminster fire station. Toured the harbour side on foot, stayed overnight at Glenny Wood, and just last week, joined with 255[th] Beavers to share a camp at Chelwood.

We've made great progress this year in recruiting more beavers and some extra leaders. The next stage will hopefully be opening a cub section that our oldest beavers can move up into - watch this space!

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Cub Section Report

Cubs Section – Year in Review

What a brilliant year it’s been for our Cub Scout section! Here’s a quick look back at everything we’ve packed into the last 12 months.

Major Event

Weeknight Adventures

We’ve had loads of fun (and learned a lot!) during our weeknight meetings:

Badges Galore

We’ve handed out hundreds of badges this year – massive thanks to Kate for keeping everything running smoothly on that front!

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Big Thanks

As always, none of this would be possible without the amazing adults who give up their time to help. Huge shout-outs to: Chloe, Dale, Steve, and Olly – thank you for everything you do. And of course, our awesome young leaders: Silas, Tommy, Elsie, and Sam – you’ve been brilliant role models and a big help.

Looking Ahead

Here’s to another amazing year of Cub Scouting ahead – full of adventure, fun, and new memories to make!

Matt Hill, Cub Section Leader

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Scout Section Report

This past year has been quite eventful for our scout group, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the participation in the Kandersteg camp. This remarkable experience was held over ten days, which allowed our scouts to immerse themselves in various activities, create lasting memories, and develop valuable skills. In addition to Kandersteg, we had a variety of other events that the members took part in. For instance, the Green Beret challenge in November provided a platform for teamwork and personal growth. The Sodbury Challenge that we entered three teams into, one of those teams coming first and bringing home the trophy. With a closer link to Spinnaker and the Benjamin Perry Boat House Scouts have had the opportunities for caving and several boat maintenance days which helped our scouts learn practical skills while also enjoying time outdoors.

We also organised an adult camp, fostering a sense of community among leaders and parents alike. A pioneering weekend provided opportunities for our scouts to build and create, pushing their boundaries while developing teamwork and resilience. It is worth noting that our leaders continued to gain additional permits, enabling us to broaden the activities available to our scouts.

This year, we presented one Chief Scout Award, signifying the commitment of one of our members in their scouting journey, which is commendable and reflects well on the ethos we strive to cultivate within our group.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming Kent International Jamboree, which promises to be another enriching experience for our scouts. Additionally, we are considering planning a trip back to Kandersteg in 2028, keeping the spirit of adventure alive for future generations.

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A particular thanks goes to "Mr Tim Sir" for his immeasurable contributions, especially regarding the Kandersteg trips and the effective planning that made them possible. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. BRAVO.

We have said a farewell to Tyler Wakeford whose skills and enthusiasm are missed already. He hasn’t gone far and is still a part of the scouting journey for our young people as they progress to Spinnaker Explorers they will find him there, I am glad though truth be told that he has gone to help them even if he leaves a void in our ranks, his passion for scouting and the Explorer section are evident and happy leaders are only a positive for the youth they influence on their journey of growth through the movement. BRAVO.

As we close this year, we want to extend our gratitude to all the children involved, for their enthusiasm and spirit have made our events enjoyable and rewarding. We also wish to thank the parents for their unwavering support especially during fundraising events and the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication enables us to provide enriching experiences for our scouts. We look forward to another year of scouting, filled with fun, learning, and growth.

Iain Timmons, Scout Section Leader

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Financial Report

Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial Report

It’s been a busy year for the group, with plenty of camps and events across the sections. The Scout jamboree to Kandersteg in August 2024 was an event that families had been saving and fundraising towards for over a year and resulted in our bank account having an unusually high balance at 31 March 2024. Now that it has been paid for, reserve levels have fallen, but still stand at a healthy £36,000 in 2025.

The leaders have done a tremendous job planning a range of activities that we hope you agree provide excellent value for money for families. We are committed to keeping subs levels as low as possible and have managed to avoid raising them for a number of years.

Fundraising has become increasingly important and we would encourage families to get involved if they can. It really is a case that many hands make light work! This year the Victoria Park BBQ raised over £2000 - this was a massive group effort, so please put 13 September 2025 in your diaries to join us for the next one. If you are inspired to organise your own - fundraising event then we now have a JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/255th - - bristol scout group), which is a convenient way to collect donations.

Finally, a big thank you to all the families for helping to make the financial arrangements of the group run so smoothly. As well as being a convenient way to collect money for subs and events, OSM is also a handy way for us to collect gift aid, so if you are eligible, we would be grateful if you ticked the box to allow this. This year, our funds have been topped up by gift aid payments of over £2200, which amounts to a subsidy over around £30 per young person.

Christina Ransom

Group Treasurer

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Financial Reports for year ended 31 March 2025

Income and Expenditure

2024-2025 2023-2024
Income
Bank Interest 1,112 929
Donation 0 1,805
Events - Beavers 1,085 632
Events - Cubs 5,042 630
Events - Scouts 10,377 18,215
Fundraising 4,494 2,404
Gift Aid 2,262 9,120
MembershipFees 10,750 10,607
Redcliffegroup 805 1,428
Uniform 746 624
Expenses
Activity Equipment 0 5
Admin 119 300
Annual Fee District
South		 3,930 3,885
Badges 591 407
Bank Fees 465 38
Camping
Equipment		 0 656
Council tax 220 225
Events - Beavers 700 584
Events - Cubs 1,690 771
Events - Scouts 30,193 12,468
Fundraising
expenses		 1,470 997
Group events 2,670 229
Insurance 365 456
Meetings - Beavers 132 88
Meetings - Cubs 283 201
Meetings - Scouts 205 28
Membership Costs 387 384
Rent 5,436 5,362
2024-2025 2023-24
Expenses cont.
Redcliffegroupexpenses 828 318
Training 610 80
Uniform 1,653 1,002
Utilities 324 79
Venue Maintenance 372 3,168
Account balances
255 BRISTOL (CHANNEL)
SEA SCOU		 6,796 15,834
Pettycash 43 38
Expense Account 2,791 0
Lloyds fixed term deposit
83LS		 0 11,000
Lloyds fixed term 30LS 0 25,000
Redcliffe Petty Cash 344 73
Lloyds Fixed Term Deposit
2153		 26,000 0
Summary
Account balance brought
forward		 51,944 37,281
Total income 36,672 46,395
Total expenditure 52,643 31,732
Net income -15,970 14,663
Account balance carried
forward		 35,973 51,944

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Fund movements by type

Fund and type Fund balances 1
April 2024		 Incoming
resources		 Outgoing
resources		 Transfers Gains and
losses		 Fund balances
31 March 2025
Building fund
(Designated) 11390 0 -916 0 -916 10474
Redcliffe group 1110 805 -828 0 -23 1087
(Designated)
General fund 39445 35867 -50899 0 -15032 24413
(Unrestricted)
Totals 51945 36672 -52643 0 -15970 35975

255th Bristol Channel Sea Scout Group Board of Trustees 2024/25

Chair Al Sweetman – chair@255th.org.uk Deputy Chair Andy Luke - andyluke2001@hotmail.com Treasurer Christina Ransom – treasurer@255th.org.uk Secretary Rebecca Miller – secretary@255th.org.uk Trustee Tim Berriman – timberriman@gmail.com Lead Volunteer Elaine Beckett – lemur@255th.org.uk

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of

255th Bristol Channel Sea Scouts 31 March 2025 1164063 1-14

On accounts for the year ended Charity no (if any)

Set out on pages

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2025 .

As the charity trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Jacqueline Uren Date: 14/09/2025 Name: Mrs Jacqueline Uren Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Chartered Accountant Address: 11 Wathen Road, Bristol, BS6 5BY IER 1 October 2018

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose . None

2

October 2018

IER