## **ARROW DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Annual Report Year 1st February 2025 to 31st January 2026**
Registered Charity Number 1204052
## **Section A: Reference and administration details**
Charity Main Address, 3 Abbotsbury Road, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 8NZ Website: www.arrowscouts.org.uk Email: info@arrowscouts.org.uk
Charity trustees who managed the charity during 2025/26:
|**Trustee**|**Offce**|Elected/Re-elected date|
|---|---|---|
|David (Dick) Whittington|Chairman|11th May 2024|
|Anna Warren|Treasurer|21th June 2025|
|Matthew Warren (ex offcio
wef 01 Oct 2024)|DDC/District Lead
Volunteer Team|11th May 2024|
|James Elliott|Trustee|11th May 2024|
|Robert Whittington|DESC/District Lead
Volunteer Team|11th May 2024|
|Emma Wynn-Mackenzie|Trustee|11th May 2024|
|Malcolm Young|Trustee|11th May 2024|
|Ian Patrick|Trustee|11th May 2024|
|Ian McIlroy|Trustee|11th May 2024|
|Arthur Hide|Trustee|11th November 2024|
## **Section B: Structure, governance and management**
The District'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 District 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 and serve for a period of three years before re-election. The District Scout Council is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the
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registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Board consists of two independent representatives - Chair, Treasurer - together with the elected, nominated and any co-opted representatives and meets every 2 months. We have been pleased to welcome two Explorer Scouts onto the Board as participating observers. Trustee elected at the Annual General Meeting serve for a period of 3 years.
The District Trustee Board exists to support the District Lead Volunteer Team in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for: The maintenance of District property; Assisting in the recruitment of adult volunteers and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; District public occasions.
The District Trustee Board has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include two-person authorisations for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
## **Section C: Objectives and activities**
The objectives of the District Trustee Board are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable, attractive and challenging scheme of progressive training based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.
The main activities in relation to these objectives primarily take place in the Borough of Eastleigh, Hampshire, specifically in Eastleigh Town, North Stoneham, Nightingale, Allbrook, Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath and Chandlers Ford (including areas within Test Valley Borough.)
The District Trustee Board 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**
The District has a total of fourteen Groups, eight Explorer Scout Units and two District Scout Activity Support Units (Rock ‘n’ Roll and Spam ‘n’ Roll) The charity supplies advice, administrative and practical support to these groups.
The District Scout Shop has again traded well over the year providing a service to parents as well as generating funds for the District. The shop is run and staffed by volunteers and we welcome new offers of help. Teams from the Groups not only help with the running of the shop but also earn discounts and funds for their Group. The District Badge Secretary continued to meet a constant demand for badges which reflects the level of Scouting activity and achievement for our young people.
The Camp site located in the Cranbury Park Estate continues to be utilised extensively by our Groups and sections. The District was able to secure a new lease and extend our use into the future. Plans have been drawn up for further development of the site to provide additional activities and the Board is looking to designate funds to support this.. Again, the site is managed by a volunteer team who put in many hours of work to maintain and develop the site and new members are always welcome. We are extremely grateful to the Cranbury Park Estate for their continued support of Scouting and the provision of such a valuable resource and we look forward to many more years working with the Estate.
## **Arrow District Lead Volunteer Team Report**
2025/6 has been a steady year for Scouting in Arrow District. Census has shown youth membership to be 3.4% down on last year with Adult volunteer membership up 43%, but this is against a backdrop of a change in the reporting structure. Our growth areas are within Squirrels, Explorers and Network. Squirrels continues to be a success with new dreys opening providing young people from 4yrs of age the opportunity for fun and adventure with their friends. Explorers has been a mixed bag with one new unit opening but another closing. We have also seen changes in the throughput of Scouts into Explorers in certain areas and are looking to find ways to improve this further. Network remains a small portion of our District but one we are also focusing some efforts on to improve. These are young people aged 18-24 in the District who are remaining in Scouting as they take up volunteer roles or complete their high awards. Our largest drop in youth membership has been in Scouts with a 12.5% drop against a 14.3% rise last year so this could largely be an issue with reporting. The rather large 43% rise in adult volunteer membership is, we believe, mainly because of more accurate recording where the old census process has been replaced with a direct feed from the new membership system.
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The New membership system has certainly remained a challenge this last year. Introduced in the back end of 2024 it has gone through a few large updates. Volunteers have found it challenging at times to see and manage their teams, glean information and access processes that are not wholly serviced via this route. Training requirements have been overhauled, and a good deal of time and effort has been put into trying to ensure that Arrow volunteers are up-to-date and mandatory training is achieved, as if not there is now a swift process of suspension and removal that has had to be used in some cases. One area that the new system has provided clear improvement in is the approval of nights away. A system led submission and approval process that leaves approvers able to clearly see the compliance data needed to ensure POR is complied with, this has also driven wider competence in planning and risk assessments. It is also really rewarding to see how many young people are being given the regular opportunity to get away Scouting from their first sleepovers as Squirrels and Beavers, through to getting away under canvas and heading away to camp. A year off from our big Swiss trip, a small team did escape to Intercamp in Germany and a lot of preparation over 2025 has seen our commitments to international Scouting opportunities result in a trip to Sweden well underway for the coming year.
Looking forward to 2026 our focus will be on supporting growth, improving communications and capitalising on the hard work by the trustee board in securing the lease for our District campsite providing development and facilities for the young people to use there.
Oh, and finally a Happy Triple Birthday 5[th] , 40[th] & 110[th] to our Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs.
Rob, Matthew, Pete & Phil
## **Chair’s Report**
Arrow District has continued to develop its governance structure. The Trustee Board met regularly managing business efficiently in order to support successful Scouting. Many challenges arose during the year as The Scout Association continued to introduce new changes to learning requirements and systems. Arrow District was able to comply with all requirements. Matt Taylor, our treasurer decided to stand down at the end of last year and we were pleased that Anna Warren volunteered to take on the role. Anna has thoroughly reviewed our financial situation, which remains healthy, and produced a good working budget for future monitoring.
As I write this report it is my intention to stand down as Chair at the AGM as long as a replacement can be found. I initially took on the role at the last minute to ensure the merger
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went through and have enjoyed working with the Trustee and Lead Volunteer team. Arrow District is now established and it is time to bring new blood on to the Board. My thanks go to all members of the team for all the great work.
Dick Whittington Arrow District Chair
## **Section Reports**
How we are doing.
Arrow District have presently got 8 Squirrel Dreys. The 4[th] Eastleigh are looking for volunteers to open their own drey soon. All the dreys continue to complete a variety of interest sessions, visits and experiences.
## Events
- Christingle Service took place in St Boniface and was well attended.
- Marwell Zoo ran a ‘Scouting the Zoo’ Day that some groups attended in May.
- Squirrel Kayaking Day at Lakeside in July.
- Fernycrofts also ran another Squirrel Fun Day in September.
- Squirrel dreys continue to attend their own group camps for the day.
## Meetings
I endeavour to visit dreys whilst they are in session but itisn’t always easy. However it is great to see the Squirrels well represented at the presentation evenings as they are awarded their Acorn award.
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## Future Planning
The 4[th] Eastleigh are ready to start running a Squirrel drey but continue to look for volunteers to lead this section.
The planning of Squirrel drey sessions from across the District is diverse, interesting and gives our youngest sections a good start to their scouting journey. It gives them the opportunity to try different activities, achieve things they are happy to do but also gives them the opportunity to challenge themselves further under a watchful and safe environment.
I would like to extend my thanks to all the dreys, volunteers and helpers who run Squirrel meetings to enable our youngest scouts to have such fun. It is a commitment that, I hope, brings all adults much joy and enthusiasm for what they are all doing in giving up their valuable time.
Many thanks and continue the amazing work that you all do .
## How we are doing.
Arrow District Beavers continue to maintain a good position within scouting. There is always a bit of movement between sections and groups depending
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on how numbers are on waiting lists. It is good to know that there is an option for parents to move from one group to another if evenings, timings and location don’t suit their family requirements. At our Leader’s meetings it is always a topic of conversation about the movement from waiting list to colonies. There is always a need for investing in volunteers and leaders which we, at Beavers, are aware of as people move, relocate and retire from scouting.
## Events.
- Craft Competition in February
- Beaver Hike in October at Boldrewood New Forest.
- Hampshire Scouts in Hospital. Designing and making Christmas story books for those children in hospital over the Christmas period.
- Pirate Day at Cranbury Park, including a badge competition to commemorate the event.
- Christingle – Services held at St Boniface and All Saints with over 100 Beavers attending.
## Leader’s Meetings
The Beaver lead volunteers continue to attend a termly meeting for the district. The meetings give us an opportunity to look back at events and how to improve
them, look at future events, raise ideas and awareness of things. It also gives everyone the opportunity for general chit chat with how their colony is growing and thriving.
Future Planning
Arrow District Beavers have a strong yearly programme set up. The leaders agree that we have something to offer everyone and at different times of the year. Trying to add something else into the mix would add more variety but also take up more of the leaders and volunteer’s time. All the events are well attended by different groups, but this does depend on each individual group and what they have planned for the year.
I have continued to be well supported by the Beaver Leaders throughout the District as I continue in my role. I have continued to visit several colonies to present Bronze awards. However, it is great to see the number of Beavers attending the Presentation Evenings
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with their families and to show how proud they are of their achievements.
I would like to thank the new District team for their continued support for what the Beaver leaders would like to achieve. But lastly to all the Beaver leaders and volunteers who, without them, our Beavers would not get the experience, the challenges, the friendships they make and the fun they get from doing such a variety of activities.
Georgina Brockhurst
District Lead Volunteer Squirrels and Beavers
**Cubs:** Due to lack of a designated Cub Lead Volunteer we are unable to provide a report for this section. The District team continues to seek a solution to this. However, the Cub sections continue to operate successfully throughout the District Groups.
**Scouts:** Due to lack of a designated Scout Lead Volunteer we are unable to provide a report for this section. The District team continues to seek a solution to this. However, the Scout sections continue to operate successfully throughout the District Groups.
**Explorers:** See District Lead Volunteer report.
**Network:** See District Lead Volunteer report.
## **Rock-n-Roll Active Support Team**
In 2025 Rock n Roll continued to invest in activities and purchased Personal Flotation Devices (Buoyancy Aids) suitable for our youngest members so that everyone can access the water. Once again we thank all of the funders that have assisted us with investing in activities. In 2025 we helped 11 Groups plus many Explorer Units across Arrow District get active and take part in adventurous activities, we even ran sessions for Groups outside of our District. We ran sessions for archery, climbing, abseiling, tomahawks, kayaking, canoeing and rafting. We estimate that we had over 600 young people through our activities in 2025, ranging from Squirrels right through to Explorers. Included in this was delivering a Squirrel water activity day, providing canoeing to our youngest members. This was a very fulfilling day and something we hope to repeat in the future. We want to thank all of our Instructors and Supporters for their hard work and time through 2025 and look forward to many more adventures in 2026 and beyond. Without our Instructors we’re unable to run these adventurous activities for our young people and are very grateful for the time they give up to support Arrow District. We are also looking to further develop our
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range of activities available in the future and have already secured funding to purchase new equipment as well as develop our District Campsite to provide specific activity areas on site.
## **Badge secretary report 2025**
Within Arrow District my best customers were 1st C/F. What follows is applicable to the whole of the district.
Squirrels have had all challenge badges awarded with “All together and All Around Us” being the most numerous. Our Squirrels like “Exciting Experiment “; this is the most awarded activity badge. They have also participated in the Squirrel section of the “You Shape” challenge. Some Squirrels have been awarded the Chief Scout Acorn, the highest award in this section.
All Beaver Scout Challenge badges have been awarded with the “Adventure Challenge” being the most popular. Many Beaver Scouts have also gained their Chief Scouts Bronze award. All activity badges have been awarded with “Creative” being the most numerous although Cook and Builder are also popular. Beavers have also taken part in the appropriate section of the “You Shape” challenge.
Arrow Cub Scouts continue to like “Being Outdoors” as the number of challenge badges awarded shows. This is closely followed by “Teamwork”. Many activity badges have been awarded, with “Scientist” being the most numerous . The “You shape” challenge has also been done by some and the Chief Scout silver has also been awarded.
The Scout section has managed to achieve all challenge badges and also a range of activity badges. Many have gained their Chief Scout’s gold. Scouts too have joined in the “You shape” challenge and have the badges to prove it.
As a District, “Nights away” and “Hikes away” at many stages continue to be popular. “Emergency Aid 1”, “Time on Water 1”, “Air Activities 1” and “Community Impact 1” are also frequently awarded.
The system whereby Group treasurers pay directly to District by bank transfer continues to work well. It really helps to track the payment if the invoice number is included as the reference in the transaction.
Scouters you do NOT need to stockpile badges. I have a good supply here. Everything for Squirrels Beavers and Cubs, all Scout challenge badges and most staged badges. Even if we do not have them (or enough) it doesn’t take long to get them. If HQ decides to change the design, you will be left with badges you cannot use. Let District cope with that!!
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Many thanks to Ian McIlroy who is the “gofer” for badges for old Chandlers Ford District, and to John Howell for computer help and deputising when necessary
Margaret Howell. Badge secretary
## **Section E: Financial Review**
The District invested in financial accounting processes provided by Online Scout Manager which enables effective financial control. Further improvements provided include online banking facilities and authorised charge cards for some account holders. All processes are managed in accordance with Scout Association Policy Organisation and Rules (POR). Funds not required immediately have been transferred into an interest bearing deposit account. Further financial policies have been adopted to organise overall financial management and organisational risk.
Overall income during the year was £158,931 with an expenditure of £99,881. Total cash funds held are £151,443. Restricted funds include £13,703 Explorer funds, £60,386 for the Sweden 26 trip (including Kanderstag 24 balance), and a £3,500 grant for Rock and Roll equipment. Non-monetary assets have increased to £48,118, largely due to an increase in the value of Scout Shop stock. The lease for Cranbury Park was extended in 2025/26, and Trustee Board intends to invest in further development of the site to improve facilities during 2026/27. The Board also approved the purchase of a District PA system for use at events. Full financial details are published in the Annual Accounts.
**Anna Warren** treasurer@arrowscouts.org.uk **District Treasurer**
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## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Arrow District Scout Council**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Arrow District Scout Council for the year ended 31 January 2026.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of Arrow District Scout Council 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 Arrow District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Arrow District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Mrs L A Parry, FCA ICAEW Address: Shaw Gibbs Ltd Fleming Court Leigh Road Eastleigh Southampton, SO50 9PD Date: 8th May 2026
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## **SectionF: Declaration**
**The Trustees declare that they have approved the Annual Report and accounts. Signed on behalf of the Trustee Board 11th May 2026**
**David (Dick) Whittington Arrow District Trustee Board Chair**
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## **Our Scout Camp Site**
## **The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band**
## **‘The Spitfires’**
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