## Trustees' Annual Report ## For the period |From (start date)||**0**|**1**|**0**|**4**|**2**|**4**|**4**||**3**|**1**|**0**|**3**|**2**|**5**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||||||||||||| |**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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3|||||||||||| |||||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| 1 LT700001 (27 February 2024) |**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.| 2 LT700001 (27 February 2024) |**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.| 3 LT700001 (27 February 2024) |**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.| 4 LT700001 (27 February 2024) |**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||||||| ||1
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5|||||||| |||1|4|0|7|2|5|| 6 LT700001 (27 February 2024) 255[th] Bristol Channel Sea Scouts Annual Report 2024/25 1 ## 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 2 ## 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 - This year, our Beavers participated in a variety of activities aligned with the Beaver Scout program, fostering teamwork, creativity, community impact and outdoor exploration. - Some memorable highlights include: - Visit to Temple Fire Station (yes, including squirting the hoses!) - Christmas Party with cubs - Ferry trip on the harbour with Redcliffe Beavers - Trip to Pets at Home to learn about animal care - Dame Emily gardening and litter picking - Pancake making - Night Hike in Leigh Woods - Easter hunt in Greville Smyth Park - Cycle maintenance and a bike ride - Outdoor cooking at Spyglass - Visit to Bedminster Library for book badge with Rabbit - Crazy Climb at Redpoint - Chip shop hike - Sports and games in Greville Smyth Park 3 - We also had two fantastic camps with the Redcliffe Beavers: an indoor sleeping camp at Glenny Wood in the Autumn and a summer camp at Chelwood a few weeks ago, with a huge number of exciting activities and many of the Beavers gaining their first nights away badge. ## Bronze Awards - As well as the dozens of badges earned by all Beavers, six Beavers proudly earned their Chief Scout Bronze award, demonstrating completion of all six challenge badges and a great deal of hard work. ## Leadership and Volunteering - We said goodbye to Ed “Raccoon” Hodge after more than 6 years with our Beaver colony, but are pleased that the group are now being led by the very capable Ben “Bat” Brown with strong support from Kate “Rabbit” Myers, Ellen “Panda” Roberts, new leader Flo “Flamingo” Johnson-Marshall and Young Leader “Penguin” (Martha Entwistle). A special thankyou to Sam “Rat” Jones for continuing to support in his Young Leader role, including through his GCSEs, and to Kes Shields for his support as a Young Leader in the earlier part of the year. - We are of course incredibly grateful for our parent helpers who volunteer their time and expertise to create a fun and enriching environment for the Beavers. 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. 4 ## 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! 6 111 ## 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 - Spy-Themed Winter Weekend in the Wye Valley - A real highlight of the year – full of mystery, missions, and lots of sneaky fun. The Cubs loved getting into character and solving spy challenges in such a great setting. ## Weeknight Adventures We’ve had loads of fun (and learned a lot!) during our weeknight meetings: - Hikes and Navigation – Exploring the outdoors and building up our map skills. - Treasure Hunts – Putting those skills to the test in fun and fast-paced adventures. - Cycling – Getting active and learning bike safety and skills. - Movie Making – Lights, camera, action! A creative night where Cubs turned into directors and actors. - So Much Cooking! – We’ve chopped, stirred, grilled, and baked our way through some tasty evenings. - Pioneering – Building cool structures and learning knots and lashings. - Science Nights – From explosions to experiments, our inner scientists had a great time. ## Badges Galore We’ve handed out hundreds of badges this year – massive thanks to Kate for keeping everything running smoothly on that front! 8 ## 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 9 ## 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. 10 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 11 ## 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 12 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| 13 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 14 ## **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: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records 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**