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#SkillsForLife
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**123rd Manchester Scout Group (Chorlton) Annual Report 2025**
**Incorporating GSL’s Report, Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts**
**chorltonscouts.org.uk**
©Copyright 2020 Scouts Registered Charity number 1189078.
**Chorlton**
#SkillsForLife
chÉ)rltonscouts.0g.uk
## Annual Report 2025
## Contents:
Introduction ................................................... 02 GLV Report (including section reports)……. 03 Trustees Report ……………………………... 07 Treasurers Report……………………………. 13 Annual Accounts ......………………………… 14
## Introduction
123[rd] Manchester Scout group (Trading as Chorlton Scout Group) is an independent educational charity affiliated to the Scout Association. The group is registered with the Charity Commission in England Wales, number:1189078.
The Group is managed by Group Lead Volunteer Jonathan Allerton, supported by a leadership team of volunteers. The Group is overseen by a board of trustees. This board is Chaired by Steven Bennett and Anthony Boggiano and Chris Allerton Serving as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
The Group operates out of a premises at 29 Buckingham Road, Chorlton M21 0SB and maintains additional properties at Hough End Park and a Water Sport Activity Base at Chorlton Water Park.
The Group Contacts are:
GLV - Jonathan Allerton - Jonathan.allerton@mansouthscouts.org.uk Secretary- Anthony Boggiano - Anthony.Boggiano@mansouthscouts.org.uk
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
2
## **Group Lead Volunteer End of Year Report to Trustees and Supporters of Chorlton Scout Group**
Firstly, as is custom please let me Thank all of our trustees and supporters for all your support over the past 12 months. The Group continues to go from strength to strength. With over 500 people involved, the group remains the largest individual group within the Scout Association.
2025 has been a great year for us, We took squirrels for their first ever residential experience away from our own bases, taking them to Dunham Park. Beavers had exciting residentials including taking over the Catalyst Childrens Museum, our Cubs had sleepovers at Gullivers World theme park and took part in a county camp at Linnet Clough. Sea Scouts had a residential on board HMS Belfast battleship and along with our Explorers undertook an 8 day residential trip to France and Belgium.
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers.
## **Squirrels**
The Squirrel Dreys at Chorlton continue to go from strength to strength. We now offer 70 places in total across our 2 sites and regularly have a long waiting list. The Squirrels team deliver a varied and exciting programme for our early years scouts, giving them opportunities offered no where else.
Numbers:
Members: 69 Squirrel Scouts at 31st January 2026
Male/Female split: 65% Male 35% Female
Percentage of Squirrel Scouts who on reaching 6 Years old chose to progress to Beavers: 100%
Percentage of Squirels Scouts who earned Chief Scout Award (Acorn) before progressing to Beavers: 98%
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
3
## **Beavers**
Beavers continues to be a success story for Chorlton, We have 3 full colonies and a waiting list.
The programme offered in 2025 was strong and varied, the Beavers had trips and visitors and were given the opportunity for a residential experience.
Numbers:
Members: 87 Beaver Scouts at 31st January 2025
Male/Female split: 70% Male 30% Female
Percentage of Beaver Scouts who on reaching 8 Year old chose to progress to cubs: 92%
Percentage of Beaver Scouts who earned Chief Scout Award (Bronze) before progressing to cubs: 89%
## **Cubs**
Cubs at Chorlton is currently full with all 3 packs having over 30 members. The programme is strong, 3 residential experiences were offered in 2025.
Numbers:
Members: 106 Cub Scouts at 31st January 2025
Male/Female split: 65% Male 35% Female
Percentage of Cub Scouts who on reaching 10.5 Year old chose to progress to Sea Scouts: 98%
Percentage of Cub Scouts who earned Chief Scout Award (Silver) before progressing to Scouts: 88%
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
4
**Sea Scouts**
All 3 Sea Scout Troops are full, Sea scout numbers have grown 21.3% LFL. An exciting and engaging programme was delivered in 2025
## Numbers:
Members: 114 Sea Scouts at 31st January 2025
Male/Female split: 71% Male 29% Female
Percentage of Sea Scouts who on reaching 14 Year old chose to progress to Explorers: 90%
Percentage of Sea Scouts who earned Chief Scout Award (Gold) before progressing to Explorers: 72%
## **Explorer Scouts**
Chorlton’s linked ESU, Nautilus is an enormous success for us, having grown significiantly in the last few years. The Young people in this section have shown great determination. In 2025 17 Bronze DofE Awards, 15 Chief scout Platinum Awards, 3 DofE Silver, 3 Chief Scout Diamon Awards and 1 DofE Gold and 1 Kings Scout Award were earned.
Numbers:
Members: 57 Explorer Scouts at 1st January 2025
Members who left during the year: 0
Male/Female split: 50% Male 50% Female
Total Membership for 2025:
433 Youth, 71 Adult Volunteers = 504 Members
|s = 504 Members|s = 504 Members|s = 504 Members|s = 504 Members|s = 504 Members|s = 504 Members|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_J Allerton_||||||
|||||||
|Jonathan Allerton||||||
|||||||
|Group Lead Volunteer||||||
|0
7
02
2
6||||||
|0|7|0|2|2|6|
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
5
## Trustees' Annual Report
- For the period 1st January 2025 31st December 2025 **Section A Reference and administration** Charity name 123rd Manchester Scout Group **[details]**
Charity name 123rd Manchester Scout Group Other names the charity is known by Chorlton Scout Group 1 1 8 9 0 7 8 Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number 1 0 0 1 2 3 2 7 BP Peppercorn Lodge Charity’s principal address 29 Buckingham Road Chorlton M 2 1 0 S B Postcode Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity _(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)_
## **8 Trustee(s)**
|**Name**|**Role**|**Date of**|**Other**|**Reporting status of other**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**appointment**|**trusteeships**|**trusteeships**|
|Daniel Adam Noble|Trustee|01 January 2023|None on record||
||||||
|Barry John Leonard
Hall|Trustee|01 January 2023|None on record||
||||||
|Jennifer Marie Lee|Trustee|01 January 2022|None on record||
||||||
|Matthew Andrew
Turner|Trustee|01 January 2022|None on record||
||||||
|Christopher Kyle
*Allerton|Trustee|01 January 2018|None on record||
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
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|**Name**|**Role**|**Date of**|**Other**|**Reporting**|**status of other**|**status of other**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**appointment**|**trusteeships**|**trusteeships**|||
|Anthony Boggiano*|Trustee|01 January 2018|MANCHESTER SOUTH||Received:|On time|
||||DISTRICT SCOUT||||
||||COUNCIL||||
||||||||
||||GREATER MANCHESTER||Received:|On time|
||||EAST COUNTY SCOUT||||
||||COUNCIL||||
||||||||
||||||||
|STEVEN BENNETT*|Trustee|01 January 2018|None on record||||
||||||||
|Jonathan Allerton*|Trustee|01 January 2018|MANCHESTER SOUTH DISTRICT|||Received: On|
||||SCOUT COUNCIL|||time|
* Indicates authorised financial signatory - Minimum 2 signatures required for all Group transaction
Names and addresses of advisers
||Type of advisor||Name|Address|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||Policies and procedures adopted for:
a) the induction and training of trustees;
b) trustee' consideration of major risks
and the systems and procedures to manage them
The Group's governing documents are those of the 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.
**Structure, governance and management**||
||**Section B**||||
||Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
(e.g. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
(e.g. trust, association, company)
Trustee selection methods
(e.g. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues||||
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
7
The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, 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 Committee consists of independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leaders, individual section leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and parent’s representation and meets every 3 months.
Members of the Executive Committee complete _'Essential Information for Executive Committee'_ training within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of Group property; The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; Group public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
**Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)**
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
**Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 1)**
The Group Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
## **Section C**
## **Objectives and activities**
19
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
9
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
**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. **Cooperation -** We make a positive difference; we cooperate 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.
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
Summary of the main activities in relation The Group undertakes weekly meetings in term time at to these objects which a huge variety of activities are undertaken. examples include: learning skills and crafts, playing games and developing leadership and teamwork abilities. doing practical activities such as camping and bushcraft Our Sea Scout Section undertakes water sports each summer **Section D Achievements and performance**
Additional details of the objectives and activities
Grant making is not a typical activity of the group. policy on grantmaking occassional exceptions are made to this e.g. the group made a donation to Francis House charity and Red Cross UK as part of joint fundraising iniatives
Public benefit statement 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. Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year Continued Growth Significant Grant Funding success Successful delivery of 27 nights away including 8 internationally. **Section E Financial Review**
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
11
N/A 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 Executive Committee considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 3-6 months running costs.
Quantify and explain any designations Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate)
Further financial review details (optional information)
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
- You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant, about: • **Investment Policy (Specimen 1)**
- the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) The Group's Income and Expenditure is relatively 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.
- how expenditure has supported the The Group Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank key objectives of the charity; 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 Executive considers the cash flow requirements.
- • investment policy and objectives;
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Section F Other Optional Information
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Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
## **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) Anthony Boggiano Position Group Secrtary
Date 1 9 0 1 2 6
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
13
**Declaration**
## **Treasurers Report 2026**
## **Treasurers Statement**
The attached Balance sheet shows our expenditure significantly exceeded our income in 2025, this is because of capital works conducted in the last quarter, for which 45,000 of grant funding was award which will be paid in Q1 of 2026
I can confirm that as of 31st December 2025 the group owes no debts and has no known financial liabilities. We remain in a strong position financially
Signature(s) Full name(s) Chris Allerton Position Group Treasurer Date 0 4 0 2 2 6
I scruitinised the financial records of 123rd Manchester Scout Group and confirm that the report appears accurate and that the group's finances were used in accordinace with the group constitution.
A Khan Signature(s) Full name(s) Afzal Khan (ACCA and AAT Qualified) Position Independent Scrutineer Date 2 4 0 1 2 6
Full name(s) Afzal Khan (ACCA and AAT Qualified)
I confirm the following to be a true and accurate record of the Finances of 123rd Manchester Scout Group (Chorlton Scout Group) for the year 2025
chorlton@mansouthscouts.org.uk
14
## **2025 123rd Manchester Scouts Balance Sheet**
||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|**Income**|||
|Bank Interest|2,666.22|1,090.41|
|Commercial Activity|9,664.00|3,417.66|
|Donation|8,053.74|3,623.96|
|Events|16,550.28|36,924.00|
|Events - Beavers|1,720.00|4,173.51|
|Events - Cubs|3,155.00|6,971.29|
|Events - Explorers|1,596.00|995.50|
|Events - Scouts|2,804.00|5,191.82|
|Events - Squirrels|675.00|520.69|
|Fundraising|1,062.27|12,828.43|
|Gift Aid|36,156.31|22,362.65|
|Grants|57,385.78|88,555.02|
|Meetings|0.00|28.50|
|Membership Fees|91,164.12|79,987.20|
|Minibus Income|4,471.54|0.00|
|Online Store Income|7,698.89|4,727.03|
|Rent|2,897.25|3,470.84|
|**Total income**|**247,720.40**||
|**Expense**|||
|Activity Equipment|17,842.02|27,580.40|
|Admin|568.93|304.35|
|Advertising/Printing|1,278.91|1,250.34|
|Archery Equipment|14.65|0.00|
|Badges|7,497.63|7,180.39|
|Bank Fees|277.90|202.45|
|Camping Equipment|1,484.65|827.43|
|Capitation|22,655.00|22,472.00|
|Commercial Activity Costs|0.00|783.02|
|Donations|1,000.00|106.74|
|Duke of Edinburgh Award|1,828.11|0.00|
|Events|65,010.06|48,806.77|
|Events (Whole group)|1,324.39|0.00|
|Events - Beavers|3,450.46|2,884.96|
|Events - Cubs|3,434.09|9,209.00|
|Events - Explorers|2,562.14|1,658.23|
|Events - Fundraising|1,793.70|0.00|
|Events - Scouts|14,715.20|5,937.57|
|Events - Squirrels|291.87|796.73|
|First Aid Equipment|550.62|0.00|
|Gifts and Hospitality|73.00|0.00|
|Insurance|6,982.66|5,809.07|
|Meetings|415.94|60.37|
|---|---|---|
|Meetings - Beavers|807.83|660.78|
|Meetings - Cubs|1,954.33|1,435.40|
|Meetings - Explorers|1,919.38|1,263.47|
|Meetings - Scouts|2,986.32|560.56|
|Meetings - Squirrels|667.49|1,027.87|
|Membership Costs|1,058.40|3,009.68|
|MiniBus Running Costs|217.50|0.00|
|OSM - System Costs|474.00|47.00|
|Payroll|11,480.94|13,966.80|
|Rates|1,350.00|353.73|
|Rent|0.00|1,350.00|
|Start-up Hough End|15,272.08|109,577.66|
|STEM Equipment|1,005.97|6.99|
|Training|3,336.85|3,625.48|
|Travel|176.77|100.60|
|Unauthorised Transactions|0.00|88.74|
|Uniform|6,112.28|4,746.93|
|Utilities|3,235.11|2,528.42|
|Vehicles (Buses)|27,846.17|0.00|
|Vehicles (Not Buses)|7,187.16|23,076.10|
|Venue Maintenance|54,649.67|11,923.35|
|Waste Disposal|1,912.55|806.11|
|Watersports Equipment|854.12|0.00|
|**Total expenditure**|**299,556.85**||
|**Account balances**|||
|Expense Account|875.61|121.23|
|Unity Account - Current|12,733.20|26,157.98|
|Unity Account - Savings|20,689.30|55,345.70|
|Hough End Activity centre Acco|0.00|4,633.37|
|**Summary**|||
|Account balance brought forward|86,258.28|127,415.26|
|Total income|247,720.40|274,868.51|
|Total expenditure|299,556.85|316,025.49|
|Net income|-51,836.45|-41,156.98|
|Account balance carried forward|34,298.11|86,258.28|
Signed as a True Record of Accounts:
Christopher Allerton - Treasurer