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2021-12-31-accounts

Scouts 6th Christchurch (Bransgore) Annual Report 2021

GROUP CONSTITUTION

The 6th Christchurch Scout Group (Bransgore) exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Group achieves this by following guidance found within the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR).

https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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GROUP SCOUT LEADER’S REPORT 2021

Following the disruption in 2020 from the covid pandemic and having just got the group back up and running, 2021 started with a resurgence of infections and all Scouting was once again put on hold for the first term. We were able to restart at the end of April and with all the risk assessments, PPE and processes already established from 2020 all sections restarted with a full programme of meetings.

Unfortunately, many of the District events and camps were cancelled due to the covid disruption, general uncertainty and lack of time to organise them so the group did very limited off-site camps or activities.

Leaders have put in a huge amount of effort to make up for some of the lost Scouting and to fill in some badge work and Scouting skills that had been missed with the lockdowns. We recruited some new section assistants and although we said goodbye to a Beaver and a Cubs SA, we have kept their support to group in other roles. We have a full set of Young Leaders across the sections and hope that some will stay on as leaders when they reach 18.

We have maintained a strong and proactive Executive Committee as well as parent supporters who have supported the site development project in Anne’s Lodge. With restrictions having been reduced the Bransgore Beer festival was able to run and this saw a return to our regular fund raising: The committee and parents delivered two days of steak wraps at the event and we then supported the Christchurch Runners Xmas 10k running event in December.

Braggers Explorers have returned following the pandemic and loss of the Leaders team. Danny Short (DESC) has restarted the group at our site on Wednesday evenings with a varied programme including cooking, pioneering and fires on-site and some off-site activities already completed.

If I look back at last year, then getting the sections all back up and running was a great achievement by all involved after such a turbulent year in 2020 and the return of covid in the winter. However, the major success from the year has to be the transformation of Ann’s Lodge and the huge increase in interest for hiring both halls by other organisations and clubs. During the year we received some additional government funding as a result of the pandemic and Mike Manley and Dave Tickner (Warden for Braggers Wood) with a team of supporters re-insulated the entire hall, fitted a new kitchen, shower, toilets and upgraded the electrics, heating, lighting and fire exits to meet modern standards. Almost all of the work has been carried out voluntarily and we hope that this will be signed off by the building inspector in the near future.

I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone involved in the group last year as we have seen the sections restart and make up for lost time and the site facilities upgraded to support the scouting and local community for many years to come. It’s fantastic to see what volunteers can achieve.

Mark Linney, Group Scout Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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SCOUTS REPORT

And we’re back…. The end of April 2021 finally saw the return of face-to-face Scouting as coronavirus restrictions slowly began to ease. It was an awkward start with lots of restrictions still in place, such as social distancing and wearing face masks etc, but the Scouts all handled it well. For the leaders, the break of over a year in face-to-face meetings created a lot of challenges. Many of the older Scouts with skills either aged out during the break or decided not to return. The remaining Scouts had missed many months of Scouting due to the pandemic. This meant that the core skills that they would have learnt from their older peers during activities had not happened. So, we found ourselves in a unique situation with many of the Scouts having less in the way of core skills. This combined with a large influx of new Scouts coming up from cubs, has meant a large troop of predominantly younger Scouts with limited skills.

2021 was an interesting time in relation to the leadership for all Scouting sections at Bransgore. When I first started as an assistant Beaver leader, there were 3 of us in Beavers, 5 leaders in Cubs and 5 leaders in Scouts. The old adage that many hands make light work was definitely true, and because of that being a leader was really enjoyable. Since then, leaders who had served for many years, and in some cases decades, stepped down, or moved to district roles within Scouting. Post covid, all sections have struggled for leaders. For Scouts we were down to Robin Thorpe, Kat Angel (who could not attend most weeks due to education) and myself. This was challenging as for many weeks it was just me and Robin. I felt meetings were frenetic and maintaining order whilst running activities was a major challenge. I was close to giving up and discussed this with Amy Kefford (ADC for Scouts). Amy agreed to start helping every week. I would like to say a massive thank you to Amy for her continued mentoring and support. The Scout leadership team has thankfully been bolstered recently by Claire Gyles and Brett Troye who have joined us as section assistants. The difference that the extra hands make to how a meeting runs is massive, I am a lot happier with how the immediate future of the Scout troop looks. I would like to personally thank Claire and Brett for stepping into the team and helping regularly, but also to both Robin and Kat, who continue to be my right hand in the organisation and running of everything. It’s a real team effort, and I am hugely grateful to you all!

During the year we have tried to focus on many of the core skills, so there has been some map reading, knots, first aid, axes and knives etc, but we have also done lots of other great activities, including: making bat and bird boxes, rifle shooting and pumpkin carving where there were some really creative pumpkins produced! We managed to do a summer camp at Butchers Coppice, which was amazing fun! Due to covid, some of the Scouts had not even camped before, but all coped well and had a fabulous time, and found it hilarious when I fell asleep in a chair one afternoon between activities! Another great time was just before the summer holidays: we had an end of (school) year blow out where we went to the New Forest Water Park. Unfortunately, half the troop missed out with mandatory isolation, so we ran two weeks in a row so that everyone had a chance to go. This was superb fun! All the Scouts had a blast, and I got to be a big kid, which is half the reason I love being a leader! :-D

Once again, I would like to say a massive and very heart felt thank you to our Scout leadership team and to everyone who supports Scouting, as we really could not give the Scouts the opportunities and experiences without you all. Hopefully 2022 will get better and better as covid restrictions continue to ease and life returns to normal.

Phil Reeves, Scout Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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CUBS REPORT 2021

As with all the sections Cubs activities were suspended throughout the first quarter due to the covid pandemic and a lockdown. Cubs restarted in April 2021. With the support of the Leaders, Young Leaders, GSL and some parents a full programme was delivered for the rest of the year. The meetings contained the regular badge activities as well as a successful bike ride in the forest with a great turn out of Cubs and parents. We also visited Christchurch as part of the local knowledge badge, did some new pioneering games, fire safety with some campfire cooking and many new and old favourite games. The pack maintained around 16 Cubs on average but the break due to Covid meant that we needed to work with many of the Cubs to catch up on the usual Scouting skills each meeting.

A combined Scout and Cub summer camp was run in August at Butchers Coppice. Good attendance with 21 YP altogether and a great opportunity for the Cubs to join the Scouts and get to know the Scout leaders before some of them moved up. We still had a lower than ideal number of adult leaders but the Young Leaders did a great job to keep the meetings going and supported the planning, Risk Assessments and running the games in particular each meeting.

Thanks again to all involved in keeping this section going through such turbulent times. And a big thank you to one of our section assistants who finished at the end of the year only to go on to support the Scout section.

Cubs Leadership Team

BEAVERS REPORT 2021

It was another strange year due to the pandemic. We were unable to restart our face-to-face meetings until after Easter but managed to get out and about welcomed lots of new Beavers. We worked hard on several badges that we had missed out on. We had a visit from one of our ex-scouts, who helped us with our Disability badge by showing us her wheel chair and gain an understanding of how she lived with her disability on a daily basis – thank you Bethany.

We managed to go pond dipping in summer and didn’t get too wet! In our Autumn term, we had visitors come in and help us with our help and fitness badge. Thanks to Rob (Gym Tin) and Claire (Lymington Yoga) for showing us different ways of exercising and keeping fit. We also held our first Beaver Bistro for our families to attend, as part of our Christmas party.

I would like to thank Kittiwake (Kathryn) our Colony Assistant who has now moved up to cubs, for all the brilliant work she did with us. I would like to welcome our new Colony Assistants, Nuthatch (Gemma) and Ostrich (Paul), says thanks to our young leaders, Penguin (Toby), Finch (Jude), and Flamingo (Amber). These people are invaluable help every week and help the Colony to run smoothly. Finally, a big thank you to all the parents who have stepped up to help at our meetings. It is great to get to know people, and for the parents share the meetings with their child.

Vicky (Puffin), Beaver Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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LEADERSHIP TEAM

COMMITTEE TEAM

Leader Support Mark Linney Group Scout Leader Helen Williams Membership Secretary

Beavers

Vicky Stimpson Beaver Leader Gemma Nurdin Section Assistant Paul Wilson Section Assistant Toby Hancock Young Leader Amber Stimpson Young Leader Jude Thorpe Young Leader

Cubs

Ben Linford Assistant Cub Leader Matt Gregson Section Assistant Ian Chapman Section Assistant Warwick Stimpson Young Leader Harry Williams Young Leader

Scouts Phil Reeves Scout Leader Robin Thorpe Assistant Leader Katherine Angel Assistant Leader Claire Gyles Section Assistant Brett Troye Section Assistant

Committee

Marc Stimpson Group Chairman Kevin Dawson Group Treasurer and archery and rifle permits Jim Hanford Secretary Simon Williams Committee member Donna Reeves Committee member Jo Donaldson Committee member Mike Manley Committee member Claire Gyles Committee member Alun John Committee member Damian WynnCommittee member Hughes Suzi Troye Committee member

Committee support Lord Willie Manners Honorary President John Malins Auditor Amanda Linford Hall Bookings Secretary

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Well, that was a very strange year!!! The rules seemed to change daily. The group was allowed to open sometimes, but not at others. Indoors some weeks, outdoors at others. Masks worn, no masks. I truly admire the way the Leaders and the young people coped with such difficult changing circumstances. Though it has been amazing to start the journey back to normal, we are not quite there. Hopefully 2022 will be the year we get back on track and start to grow the group again.

It hasn’t been all bad news though. The lock down at the beginning of the year meant that two amazing people with a bit of time on their hands came forward and started to rebuild Ann’s Lodge for us. We had had planning permission for nearly three years and had been looking at ways to renovate the hut for a few years before that. However, the work seemed too much to achieve and too expensive. Ann’s Lodge was the old Boys Brigade hut that we inherited in 2004 and had not had much work done on it since. The building was so run down that it would either have needed to be pulled down or rebuilt and the decision was made to save it. Mike Manley and Dave Tickner came in and saved the day. They didn’t do it by themselves, but they were the driving force behind the transformation. Ann’s Lodge is not quite finished, but it is now an amazing new space that can be utilised by everyone. It has been turned into a modern building fit for the 21st century, which will be an asset for the group and the wider community for years to come. We did have to pay for some tradespeople to come in and for materials, but without all the volunteers that have helped on the project the transformation would not have taken place. There are too many people to mention here, but they know who they are, and I would like to express the gratitude of the whole group to them.

Ann’s Lodge wasn’t the only Hall to get a makeover last year. We also made several repairs and redecorated the main hall in HQ. It is looking very smart, and we hope to replace the carpet as soon as finances allow.

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 7 of 15

Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank all the Leaders and Committee for their help and support over the last year, and, of course, I must thank our landlord and Honorary President Lord Manners for his continued support of the group.

Marc Stimpson, Group Chairman

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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TREASURER’S REPORT

From a finance perspective 2021 was a ‘mixed bag’; receiving further Business Support Grants from NFDC, reinstating the collection subscriptions for members and a return to some fundraising at the Bransgore Beer Festival. However, by far the most notable item in the accounts is paying for the refurbishment of Ann’s Lodge. This has progressed well to the point where the hall can be used again, including by some new groups, but there is still more to be done (which requires more fundraising to complete).

Last year’s report mentioned a couple of items that would affect the finances during 2021, but that did not happen to the extent forecast:

The financial position of the Group worsened during 2021 with a deficit of £ 34,637 of payments over receipts leaving a closing balance of £ 18,195 .

My thanks to John Malins, who again conducted the independent examination of the accounts with few comments.

Looking forward to 2022, we have already received some good news to start the year:

Kevin Dawson, Group Treasurer

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 9 of 15

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT SUMMARY

For the year ended 31[st ] December 2021

Total receipts for the year
Total payments for the year
Net receipts / (payments) for the year
Cash, Bank and similar funds brought forward
Cash, Bank and similar funds carried forward		 This Year
£
25,859
(60,496)
(34,637)
52,832
18,195		 2020
£
17,117
(5,652)
11,465
41,367
52,832

The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 12th January 2022, and signed on their behalf by

M Stimpson – Group Chairman

K Dawson – Group Treasurer

RESERVES POLICY

The Group’s policy on reserves is:

At the 31[st ] December 2021 the general reserves of the Group amounted to £18,195 . This figure includes a security fund of £5,000.

The Group is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Groups.

Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis, which is consistent with the previous year.

Approved by the Trustees on 12th January 2022 and signed on their behalf by

M Stimpson – Group Chairman

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 10 of 15

RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

MEMBERS SUBSCRIPTIONS
Less Capitation
INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED
Bank Interest
Building Society Interest
DONATIONS / GRANTS
Use of Halls
Other
ACTIVITIES
Camp Fees
Outings
FUND RAISING (Gross)
Bransgore Fun Day
Tent and Marquee Hire
Beer Festival
Sundries
OTHER INCOME
Uniform
Income tax Recovered
SUNDRY RECEIPTS
Badge Receipts
ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR		 This Year
£
5,627
3,668
1,959
0
18
18
2,825
17,825
20,650
495
158
653
0
50
1,721
0
1,771
23
787
810
0
0
25,859		 2020
£
3,605
3,763
(158)
0
136
136
1,088
12,834
13,922
605
11
616
0
0
0
118
118
0
2,483
2,483
1
0
17,117

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 11 of 15

PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

PREMISES
Ground Rent
Water Rates
Light and Heat
Insurance
Internet
Maintenance
Caretaker Fees and Key Cutting
Improvements
ACTIVITIES
Camp Costs and Food
Outings, Entry Fees and Sundries
FUND RAISING EXPENSES
Bransgore Fun Day
Tent and Marquee Hire
Beer Festival
Sundries
DONATIONS / GRANTS
ADMIN / ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES
Stationery
OTHER EXPENSES
AGM
Admin charges
Thankyou/Gifts
Uniforms
Training
Sundries
PURCHASE OF BADGES, NECKERS AND HANDBOOKS
SUB-TOTAL
PURCHASE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE: ANN’S LODGE
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR		 This Year
£
50
507
868
2,501
0
805
538
0
5,270
1,237
1,547
2,784
0
0
494
126
620
1,000
0
0
275
97
0
0
672
1,044
792
11,511
1,217
47,769
60,496		 2020
£
50
323
774
2,497
10
25
282
0
3,961
300
261
561
0
96
0
0
96
0
0
0
205
34
0
0
349
588
446
5,652
0
0
5,652

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 12 of 15

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

MONETARY ASSETS
Bank Current Accounts
Cash in Hand
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS
Tax Claim for Year Ending (Estimate)
Debts due to Group / District
INVESTMENT ASSETS
Government stocks at market value
Other quoted securities at market value
Other investments
Property held for investment purposes
NON-MONETARY ASSETS (Assets for Charity’s own use)
Badge Secretary’s Stock
Group / District Shop Stock
Land and Buildings
Scouting Equipment, Furniture, etc.
LIABILITIES (Payable after more than one year)
Loan
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FUTURE OBLIGATIONS		 This Year
£
18,001
194
18,195
1,200
0
1,200
0
0
0
0
0
200
0
380,000
35,000
415,200
0
0
0		 2020
£
52,596
236
52,832
700
0
700
0
0
0
0
0
200
0
350,000
35,000
385,200
0
0
0

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 13 of 15

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

To the Trustees of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31[st] December, 2021 which are set out on the previous pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Group’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required this year (under Section 32(2) of the Charities act 1993 (the 1993 act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the 1993 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met, or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: _________ Name: J Malins Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant (A.C.M.A.) Address: 205 Salisbury Road, Burton, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 7JT Date: 1 April 2022

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 14 of 15

QUORUM FOR MEETINGS

The quorum for meetings of the Bransgore Scout Group is as follows:

(a) Group Scout Council – 10

(Two of whom must be the Group Scout Leader, Chair, or member of the Executive Committee)

(b) Executive Committee – 5

(Two of whom must be the Group Scout Leader, Chair, Secretary or Treasurer

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by those present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side the chairman does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried.

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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