Slough District 2023 AGM Reports Monday 10[th] July 2023 at 8:00 p.m.
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SLOUGH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Annual General Meeting 2023 10[th] July 2023
Held at The Cippenham Royal British Legion Club, Brook Path, Slough SL1 5EJ
AGENDA
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Introduction and welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 16[th] May 2022
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Governance topics
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a. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules –
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Chapter 5: Local Scouting governance and finance Groups, Districts, Counties | Policy, Organisation and Rules | Scouts
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b. Note the District’s financial year
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c. Agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
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d. Agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the District Trustee Board, meetings of any sub-committees
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Review of the previous year
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a. The District Commissioner’s review of Scouting in Slough District
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b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts
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Making appointments
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a. To (re-)appoint District President and/or Vice-Presidents
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b. To note any other supporters who may be admitted to membership of the District Scout Council, by the District Commissioner, the District Trustee Board or the District Scout Council.
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c. To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair
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d. Election of the District Secretary
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e. Election of the District Treasurer
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f. Elections of members to the District Trustee Board
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g. To approve the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Trustee Board
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h. To appoint the Independent Examiner
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i. To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
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Close
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District Commissioner’s Report 2023
This report covers the Scouting year April 1[st] 2022 and March 31[st] 2023. During that time, we have seen the return of “normal” scouting and we were able to get back to the things that we are good at, and our members enjoy. Probably a highlight was the district Jubilee camp, which was very well attended, and I think most people had a great time – we certainly had some enthusiastic feedback for everyone that attended its rather a shame that the Queen died so shortly after her Jubilee, I’m sure she has gone to a better place, but may she rest In heavenly peace.
We’ve also seen the Coronation of our new King and the appointment of Catherine, Princess of Wales as our new President of the Scout Association. Given the dates spanning this report I can’t tell you about the day she and her family visited Slough as part of the big help out (8[th] May 2023). You will have to wait for until next year’s report for this – Sorry!
As a district team we have been focussing on 2 major areas – Supporting the strength and growth at group level and the new organisation.
Taking strength and growth first,
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At Britwell, after Bruce’s efforts with the building last year, we now have a functioning group being led by Mark as Acting GSL, with a Safe and functional HQ and a suitable lease secured. We have a functioning Beavers and Cubs section with new volunteer’s joining and the scout troop continues with our existing team offering a great range of activities.
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Harrison took 2[nd] Cippenham under his wing. Again, sorting out the HQ, which included replacing the floor. From an empty unsafe building in 2021 we now have functioning Cubs, Scouts, and Beavers - Thanks to Harrison.
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Explorers have also seen much turmoil with the leadership team largely moving on. I’m pleased to say again that Mark has put a lot of effort in here and 1[st] Slough Explorers (as they chose to call themselves) are meeting regularly.
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We also have two new sections SCS Explorers and a yet ‘Unnamed Unit, we should note that although the 2 latter sections are affiliated to groups, they exist under the District Explorer provision in as much as they report into the district not the group
As such, anyone from any of the explorer sections can attend any of the explorer events.
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Talking of Explorer events, Mark, Beaver, and team are busy planning the Bulgaria 2024 explorer belt expedition and we have an excellent take up of young people
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The success of Squirrels continues to grow we now have 3 Dreys at Colnbrook, 1[st] Langley and 3[rd] Upton.
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Finally, after many years of discussion, I’m pleased to announce that 11[th] Slough is up and running with a Cub pack, having started with taster sessions they will progress to full meetings later in the year.
The other main area of focus for the District team is implementing the new Structure, I have always maintained that the key to successful scouting is an exciting program, and the new structure will dedicate a specific team to focus on this – it must be a good thing.
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The District Leadership team will provide leadership and inspiration to the district and groups
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The Program Team will help all sections in the district to provide an exciting safe and enjoyable program
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The Volunteering Development Team who will look after all our leaders whether they are new to Scouting or have been with us for many years
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The Support team , which keeps the district running smoothly day to day.
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The Trustee board will be smaller than traditional group executives, they will focus on governance and ensuring compliance with the charities commission and other legal requirements
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The idea is that we build on the idea of sharing tasks and responsibilities so that it doesn’t all sit on one person’s shoulders and can be adaptable and sustainable over time.
Personally, I feel that this is a new and exciting era for Scouting, and I’m really pleased to be part of this transitional change. I’m certain it will make volunteering more enjoyable and rewarding and look forward to a future where we can provide exciting Scouting for even more people in Slough
Finally thank you for all you have done to deliver this wonderful Scouting year, and Harrison, Mark and I along with the wider District team look forward to our exciting future together in the worldwide family of Scouting
Ian Goldswain - District Commissioner, Slough District
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Annual Report of the District Executive Committee including the annual Statement of the Accounts
| Income | 2022 - 2023 | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Slough Explorers | 3,465.10 | 1,398.02 |
| Bank Interest | 219.06 | - |
| Covid Grants | 6,333.00 | 10,667.00 |
| Donation | 100.00 | 250.00 |
| Events | 17,302.82 | 5,349.40 |
| Events - Beavers | 760.00 | 135.00 |
| Events - Cubs | 162.64 | - |
| Events - Scouts | 39.00 | - |
| Fundraising | - | 179.61 |
| Insurance | - | 134.47 |
| International Events | 10,333.37 | 4,710.00 |
| Loans to Groups | 2,935.00 | 15,962.50 |
| Meetings | 4.00 | - |
| MembershipFees | 31,475.00 | 23,370.00 |
| Rent | 245.00 | 59.24 |
| Sale of assets | 29.40 | - |
| Total Income | 73,403.39 | 62,215.24 |
| Expense | ||
| 1st Slough Explorers | 1,590.62 | 572.45 |
| Admin | 1,566.81 | 384.52 |
| District Explorers | 1,906.99 | - |
| Events | 20,461.49 | 4,711.33 |
| Events - Beavers | 205.00 | 84.32 |
| Events - Cubs | 27.33 | - |
| Events - Scouts | 33.97 | 59.29 |
| Insurance | 716.86 | 629.04 |
| International Events | 11,048.99 | 600.00 |
| Loans to Groups | 2,474.89 | 19,886.09 |
| Meetings | 403.56 | 39.50 |
| MembershipCosts | 46,805.00 | 18,642.00 |
| Network | 34.96 | - |
| Rates | - | 81.20 |
| Rent | - | 54.24 |
| Training | 25.00 | - |
| Utilities | 566.16 | 1,216.27 |
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| Venue Maintenance | 129.99 | 1,138.95 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Expenditure | 87,997.62 | 48,099.20 |
| Account balances | ||
| Lloyds 1 | 243,992.39 | 256,804.94 |
| Lloyds 2 1st Slough Explorers | 1,255.69 | 790.81 |
| SITIS 1 | 7,456.38 | 7,237.32 |
| Metro | 6,592.74 | 6,592.74 |
| Lloyds SAS Network | 1,952.17 | 4,417.79 |
| Summary | ||
| Account balance brought forward | 275,843.60 | 261,727.56 |
| Total income | 73,403.39 | 62,215.24 |
| Total expenditure | 87,997.62 | 48,099.20 |
| Net income | -14,594.23 | 14,116.04 |
| Account balance carried forward | 261,249.37 | 275,843.60 |
Slough District Scout Council Accounts 01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023
| Internal Fund Accounts | ||
|---|---|---|
| International | 11,464.00 | 13,000.00 |
| Explorers | 5,884.01 | 7,000.00 |
| Development | 183,000.00 | 183,000.00 |
| Covid Grants | 29,184.51 | 30,860.29 |
| Restart Fund | 6,954.51 | - |
| Totals | 236,487.03 | 233,860.29 |
| Unrestricted Funds | 24,762.34 | 41,983.31 |
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District Chair’s Report 2023
Having taken up the chair role at the end of October 2020 there were many challenges facing the exec at that time.
The first year was about stabilising the team and broadening our ability to deliver and support the groups. With this in mind, I am thankful that the Exec (working in close collaboration) carried out “a sterling job” with regards to stabilisation within Slough District. I’d like to personally thank them for sticking with us through the tough times of covid and helping us to climb back into the saddle to help us all deliver scouting as it should be now things have returned to relative normality.
Please remember that although you may know some of the team and have some understanding of what they do in the background, very often they are the unsung heroes for Scouting. They put in many hours to provide things that we hope will make it easier for the uniform side of scouting and ultimately the young people - the reason we are all here!
Some key highlights we have achieved are:
Despite some instability with regards to an Exec Treasurer, we have made some headway, thanks mainly to Harrison who moved us onto an OSM (Online Scout Manager) accounting system. This has enabled us to produce suitable accounts that a scrutineer can support. So thankyou Harrison and Holly for making the accounts transparent and suitable, enabling the Exec to make the right decision where money is concerned and more importantly meet the legalities that are required.
Separately, I’d like to thank Rob Stanger and Tom Arthur who, at the very last minute, came to our assistance with regards to scrutinization of the accounts, both at district and group level.
I’m very pleased to say that we have had little change within the Exec this year, which puts us in a strong position to embark on a program of change which will see our Exec become a Trustee Board, with a smaller number of members. This will enable them to concentrate on Trustee business, whilst a cluster of designated Support Committees (made up of specialist teams) will become able to explore specific issues facing the district. This should ensure better engagement within our Scouting community, whilst ensuring that the wealth of experience within the district is put to better use.
We have been joined by a new group (11[th] Slough) which proves we are growing as a District (a direct result of the support the DC team provide). I am confident that the new Trustee board and Support Committees will enable us to grow further, whilst providing ongoing support to all Scout groups within Slough District.
I can’t thank everyone enough for your efforts this year – the District Team and Exec members. I am proud to work with an exceptional group of people who work tirelessly to ensure our young people have fantastic Scouting experiences (in all sections). I’d also like to thank the parents and young people who make up Slough District.
Here’s to another successful year.
Bruce Clark - Slough District Chairman
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Slough District Beavers Report 2023
We’ve had another fun packed year across all the colonies, great to see so many activities / sleepovers / camps being run
District wise since the last AGM we held a water activity day, however due to costings this wasn’t as well supported as I had hoped however Beavers from 3[rd] Upton & 2[nd] Cippenham did take part and had a great time being on the water.
We did have a fantastic Children In Need day in November where not only did the Beavers gain their disability awareness badge we also raised a whopping £161.10 for the charity We recently held another activity day where the Beavers could work towards some of the Air Activities Stage 1 badge, make biscuits in the shape of a helicopter and take part in a water fight. I think the adults had much more fun than the Beavers did with that! Through this day we were supporting the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, the final count hasn’t been done but we have raised just under £50 for them currently.
Coming up for the rest of the year is a sleepover planned for September and a Christmas party in December hopefully with a bit of a leaders social afterwards.
As always, I would like to also say thank you to all the leaders in the district that run or help to run colonies, without you the young people in Slough wouldn’t have the opportunities that they do. Let’s keep Beaver Scouting going strong in Slough for another year.
Looking forward to another year of fantastic Beaver Scouting in Slough.
Joe Halls – ADC Beavers
Slough District Cubs Report 2023
In the past year Cubs have gained in numbers, and have made a good start on bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels, a dip in Cubs numbers has been seen across the County which is believed to follow on from not taking in new Beavers during online sessions. We have started to have camps and sleepovers in person again as well as a couple of District Cub events including an activity day. Gold awards have been presented and I'm very grateful that we have some good strong Cub packs in our District. We have 2 more District Cub events planned for this year and are working on some excellent ideas for next year. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported the Cubs over this past year for all their hard work.
Sharon Neame - ADC Cubs
Slough District Scouts Report 2023
This past year has been another good one for the Scouts across Slough. With an increase in numbers across the District and Troops giving their young people some great nights away experiences. As a district we had a District wide cycling event that was attend by a good number of Troops. We are looking forward to another great year of scouting in Slough.
Tim Hill – ADC Scouts
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Slough District Explorer Report 2023
The past year has been a year of change and rebuilding for the Explorer Section. Our explorer leader team of John, Dave and Claudio all for different reasons informed us that they would be leaving their roles by the end of the year. We therefore started the process of finding new leaders to replace them and are delighted to now have Edward, Jodie, Ollie, Tabs & Tom all on board to take us forward. Thanks must go to our former leaders for all their hard work over many years and also to the new team for taking us forward with enthusiasm.
This new focus has allowed the team to deliver YL training which we hadn’t managed for some time and also to grow our numbers giving us a fantastic base level for further growth over the coming years. The team with the assistance of Annick in supporting expeditions has also allowed several members to make great progress towards their awards with several to be presented in the very near future.
In addition to this we have started to strengthen links between all of our units and hope to see join events and collaboration between the sections over the coming year.
Mark Ashworth - Acting DESC
Slough District Network Report 2023
Slough network has had a great year.
Before this year, network hadn’t been running for almost 2 years. We are now meeting up regularly and have created an exciting and fun programme with the help of everyone in the group.
Some of the activities we have enjoyed include going to Top Golf, the local Car Boot and we have also been kayaking. In the next couple of months we would like to run a camp.
We have also been supporting events such as the county dragon boat regatta.
We have really enjoyed meeting up every week and we hope that the group with continue to grow as the year goes on.
Nathan Molloy - District Network Commissioner
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Dorney Wood Report 2023
Dorney Wood Scout Camp continues to be a popular Local camping venue, in recent years the ownership has moved back to Dorney Wood House from the National Trust. This makes discussions with the leaser much easier and timely. Over the last year a full tree survey was carried out and some well stablished trees had to be felled. The 1[st] Tuesday group (older retired Scouters) have planted in excess of 300 sapling along Curriers Lane and Dorney Wood Road fence and in a number of other locations around the site.
Although the site is manly used by the Scout and Guide Association, we are also allowing bookings to be made by the D of E scheme most of these booking are during the week so don’t impact on Scout or Guide booking. But their bookings are a good source of income for the site.
Although Dorney Wood is out of District and County it was once in Burnham District like many of the groups based in west of Slough and it is important for the groups in Slough District to have a say in the way the site is run, we have three Scouters from Slough on this committee.
Gerry Higgins. Camp Site Warden.
Emma Logan. Booking Secretary.
And myself Chris Edwards.
To book a camping site, go to. dorneywoodscoutcamp.org.uk
Awards Panel Report 2023
Since we have been in existence, we have been pleased to ensure that several leaders and others of Slough District Scouts have been presented with certificates for Service and Wood Beads etc.
Certificates for 5 years’ service 20 Certificates for 10 years’ service 4 Certificates for 15 years’ service 6 Certificates for 25 years’ service 4 Certificates for 30 years’ service 1 Chief Scouts Commendation 3 Wood Beads 9 Award for Merit 3 Bar to Award for Merit 1
We also had the pleasure of making sure that some certificates from before we began the Panel were issued. These included 40 year, 50 year and 60 year certificates.
One special certificate, namely a Chief Scout’s Personal Award was to Cian Mchoughney, a Beaver from 2[nd] Cippenham. He saved his friend’s life whilst on holiday. Well done, Cian.
If you think that someone in your Group or involved in some way should receive recognition for their service, then please let us know. Please let us have name and position in Group and your reasons why this person should be nominated. Let either Mark Ashworth, Tim Hill or myself have the information.
Congratulations to all who have received awards in the last year.
Patricia Higgins - Chairman, Awards Panel
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