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2022-12-31-accounts

Scouts 6th Christchurch (Bransgore) Annual Report 2022

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

Page 2 of 14

GROUP SCOUT LEADER’S REPORT 2022

This was a really positive year with no significant disruption and the pandemic a thing of the past. We were able to get back out there and focus on Scouting. The group and Christchurch District were able to put an almost full programme of meetings, camps and activities on and Bransgore got fully involved.

All three sections, the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts put together a full programme and managed to pack in some new activities including ditch clearing, beach litter picking, Master at Arms training and a visit to the New Forest Water Park. A full range of outdoor activities were run including several camps and nights away by all three sections. Our leadership team increased in numbers and experience, allowing us to maintain our section numbers and spread the workload. This was also a strong year for Young Leaders support with two achieving their YL award, well done and a future leader perhaps...?!

Our Executive Committee has been amazing and grown in numbers through the year making all of the site development and fundraising activities not just easier but more fun to be part of. The village fun day was a great success with nice weather, lots of teas and cake served and the car park and marquee set up by our group. This event combined with the support to the Beer Festival and the Christchurch Runners Xmas 10K race provides a chance for us to promote Scouting in the local community. The Bransgore Beer festival was a great success with the highest profit of any previous years serving steak wraps and pork pies over the Friday and Saturday.

We sadly lost the Braggers Explorers group from our site where they have met for many years as they relocated to Somerford and rebranded as Winterbrook. The new group has gone from strength to strength and several Bransgore Explorers continued to stay with them.

Looking back at 2022 it was a very successful year for Scouting in the village and saw a welcome return to most of our regular camps, meetings, visits and mix of combined activities across the District. A highlight for me was to take part in the District summer camp to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. This trip had been delayed by a year due to the pandemic and as a result we camped at the site instead of the planned chalet accommodation. Although this made the trip harder work in some ways with the 60+ Scouts and Explorers and 20 leaders under canvas and cooking for ourselves, the benefits of being in the open air surrounded by mountains, fresh air and nature were noticeable and a great experience for everyone. Bransgore Scouts and Explorers were well represented on this international trip with some amazing experiences including a dip in a glacier lake and hiking up into the mountains to stay overnight in a small hut at 1800m altitude.

Our Bransgore HQ, Ann’s Lodge and the grounds continue to develop, thanks to the hard work of our Committee, Leaders, parents and local tradespeople. We have also received financial support from the Coop and the Bransgore Rotary Club, helping to cover site improvement costs as well as the purchase of new camping equipment. Thank you again for the continued support.

The site is now in use every day of the week for Scouting, Art Club, by local charities, hall hires and puppy training groups just to mention the regulars. This is a real recognition of the improved facilities we can now offer the local community.

I am continually amazed at what all of our volunteers can achieve, from running our Scouting sections, to site improvements and helping fundraise or support local activities. Another huge thank you to everyone involved in the group last year, especially on behalf of all the young people that you all help to develop through Scouting at Bransgore.

Mark Linney, Group Scout Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 3 of 14

SCOUTS REPORT

2022, finally a year without a break for Covid! Woo Hoo!

So 2022 has been an even busier year than 2021 for Scouting. With Covid restrictions finally becoming more and more relaxed we launched into a full programme and tried to pack in as much camping as possible, with a Winter Camp in January, Cooking Camp in March, District Jubilee Camp in June, Halloween Camp in October and Christmas Sleepover in December the nights away badges have been handed out with regularity, and we are starting to see some really high numbers on those badges which really pleases me. Unfortunately, we could not get the support to be able to run a summer camp for the troop, but Kat, our GSL Mark, and several of our Scouts got to go to Kandersteg, Switzerland in August, which from the photo's looked a truly incredible trip! We have also had two big end of term activity sessions where we went to Rock Reef in April and once again voted by the Scouts, we went to the New Forest Water Park to celebrate the end of the school year in July.

With so much Scouting being missed due to Covid in the previous couple of years, a lot of our focus has been on core skills and trying to fast track the older Scouts through the Chief Scout Gold Award. However, all of the hard work has paid off, and the new leadership team was able to award our first Chief Scout Gold Award in July, which is not only an achievement for the Scout, but I also count this as a massive achievement for the leadership team for being able to put a programme together to achieve this!

2022 was also a year full of District activities and competitions with the Night Hike in January, Football Competition in March, Cooking Competition in May, and Emlyn Camping Competition in June. We fared pretty well in all of the competitions, but our team won the Emlyn Camping Competition which is heavily focused on core Scouting skills. This was an incredible achievement which made us so very proud.

The Scout Leadership Team were also very privileged to be awarded the Scout Troop Progress trophy at the District AGM. I was incredibly honoured to receive the award on behalf of the team, but this was a validation of what the leadership team have managed to achieve and all of the hard work that has gone into making Scouting in Bransgore as good as we possibly can. I am personally truly humbled to be part of a fabulous team. Although I am seen as the overly loud brash front person, it truly is a team effort, and we couldn't do it without everyone's involvement and support. So 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 within Bransgore and within District, as we really could not give the Scouts the opportunities and experiences without you all.

Roll on 2023!!

Phil Reeves, Scout Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 4 of 14

CUBS REPORT 2022

The Cubs ran a full programme of activities throughout the year with the support of the Leaders, Young Leaders, GSL and some parents. The meetings covered the wide range of badge activities as well as a selection of off-site visits including the Fire Station and Christchurch town to learn about our local history. We also did some environmental and conservation activities such as growing seeds in ‘windowsill greenhouses’ and clearing ditches at Braggers Wood camp site. We learnt about some of the nature around us and put up some new bird boxes. The Cubs covered fire safety, whilst lighting and cooking food on campfires. The year ended with a group visit to see Cinderella, performed by New Forest Players.

The Cubs joined the Bransgore Scouts and the whole of the Christchurch District at the Spring Bank Holiday Camp at Braggers Wood in May. This year’s camp coincided with the Queens Diamond Jubilee and included a huge street party with the Beavers also coming to join in! We also experienced a very close and loud thunderstorm which everyone at the camp will remember.

The pack maintained around 16 cubs on average. The Cubs section gained several new volunteer leaders during the year helping to drive all the activities and share the load which was great. Parents continued to provide much valued support to the section and our Young Leaders did a great job helping to keep the meetings in order and helping to plan the programme.

Thanks again to everyone involved in keeping this section going and driving all the exciting activities.

Cubs Leadership Team

BEAVERS REPORT 2022

It has been our first full year of Scouting for a while now, and it was great fun! The Beavers have had lots of fun activities to take part in throughout the year. We had a great visit from the Space Dome who bought in their inflatable planetarium to show us the stars. We have also completed our cooks and communicator badges. We also invited parents to come along and enjoy some biscuits and cakes we had decorated. There may have been slightly more decoration than cake on a lot of them!

We have also been out and about. We went pond dipping at Mill Lawn, and most people got back dry! In the summer, we went to Avon beach and did some litter picking. We found all sorts of strange things, including a swimsuit!!

We have met up with other Beavers during the year, at the Gang Show, St George’s Day parade and over the Jubilee weekend. We visited Braggers Wood campsite and had a Jubilee party with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the whole of Christchurch. We also watched a show by Mr Merlin – he was very funny.

We said goodbye to our Young Leaders Penguin (Toby), Finch (Jude) and Flamingo (Amber). Penguin completed his Young Leaders certificate and is now off at university. Finch moved to pastures new and continues with his Scouting in his new area. Flamingo now helps in our Scout group. As always, my thanks go to Nuthatch, Ostrich and all the parents for their invaluable help throughout the year.

Vicky (Puffin), Beaver Leader

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leader Support Mark Linney Group Scout Leader Helen Williams Membership Secretary

Beavers

Vicky Stimpson Beaver Leader Gemma Nurdin Assistant Beaver Leader Paul Wilson Assistant Beaver Leader Imogen Reeves Young Leader Katie Gyles Young Leader Ethan O’Reilly Young Leader

Cubs

Ben Linford Assistant Cub Leader Sarah Benwell Assistant Cub Leader Katie Addison Assistant Cub Leader Warwick Stimpson Assistant Cub Leader Ben Cohu Young Leader

Scouts Phil Reeves Scout Leader Katherine Angel Assistant Leader Brett Troye Section Assistant Amber Stimpson Young Leader

COMMITTEE TEAM

Committee

Marc Stimpson Kevin Dawson

Group Chairman Group Treasurer and archery and rifle permits Secretary

Jim Hanford Simon Williams Donna Reeves Jo Donaldson Mike Manley Claire Gyles Alun John Damian WynnHughes Suzi Troye Christina Chapman

Committee member Committee member Committee member Committee member Committee member Committee member Committee member

Committee member Committee member

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

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 6 of 14

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Another year is over and Bransgore Scouts continues to grow and improve. Every year, when I write this report, I try to look at whether the group is in a better place than the last time. And I believe the answer is YES. The site is looking good and getting great use from the group and our hirers. The groups continue to develop and though more leaders and volunteers are always required, we have a fabulous team in place.

Compared with the previous year of dramatic changes to Ann’s lodge, 2022 was a little more subtle. We have continued to renovate the lodge, with upgrades to the electrics and preparation work taking place for the showers and new storeroom. And though the drive has really suffered this winter, The rest of the outside area has been well kept. We are very thankful that we have received a large donation from Bransgore Rotary towards a new floor for Ann’s Lodge and by the time you read this report it should have been fitted. The site is being used more and more by outside organisations. The Brownies are now settled in at our site, having had to move after the Methodist church closed. We continue to regularly host dog training, yoga, Art Club and the horticultural society. Our newest resident is Embers Learning Community who meet for two days a week. This all adds up to important revenue that can be used to subsidise group activities and improve our site. However, more important than the financial benefit, it also means that our amazing site is shared and used by the community as a whole.

On a negative point, having just renovated the kitchen in Ann’s Lodge, the corner of the building appears to have been hit by a vehicle causing significant damage. Though from the outside, it just looked like a small hole, internally it shifted the supporting beams about 15 cm and caused the fire door and window to become skewed, along with a lot of cracks. For the first time in recent history we have had to claim on our building insurance. In early 2023 the whole corner of the building will be dismantled and then reassembled in the right position, before everything is decorated, and the kitchen is put back in place.

I would like to take time to thank all the Leaders, Young Leaders and everyone who helps the sections on a regular basis for their hard work and commitment. I would also like to thank my 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.

Hopefully, 2023 will be another great year for the group. The committee and myself will continue to develop the site to provide the best possible facilities for the sections and the community as a whole. We hope to significantly upgrade our driveway, so we no longer get such big potholes. We have plans to fit a new carpet in the main hall and of course the renovation of Ann’s Lodge will continue and hopefully reach its conclusion.

Marc Stimpson, Group Chairman

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

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TREASURER’S REPORT

Following a couple of mixed years due to the pandemic, the 2022 accounts show that we are back to prepandemic levels of income and expenditure with one notable exception - the use of our halls has increased significantly, contributing over £6,000 to the pot, double that of 2021 which itself was significantly higher than previous years.

Yet again the ‘Other’ heading under Donations/Grants, shows that we have received huge support from a number of organisations including the final NFDC COVID (Omicron) grant, The Coop and Christchurch Runners. On top of this, 2022 was a record year for our fundraising at the Bransgore Beer Festival, raising £2,000.

It is probably worth stating that it is due to this level of donations and fundraising that means we do not need to increase the subscriptions for young people in the Group.

The spending on the Ann’s lodge refurbishment has slowed down, but there is still more to be done, so fundraising will still be necessary.

The result of the above means that the financial position of the Group improved during 2022 with a surplus of £528 of receipts over payments leaving a closing balance of £18,723.

The independent examination of the accounts was again performed by John Malins. The Executive Committee and I are grateful for his continued guidance and advice.

Looking forward to 2023, we received some excellent news to start the year when the Bransgore branch of the Rotary Club announced that they would be donating £4,500 towards the new flooring in Ann’s Lodge. Also, Christchurch District have announced, as they did in 2022, that they will not be charging the Groups a Membership fee in 2023 and will also pay the County portion (£8.50 per young person) of the fee, too.

Kevin Dawson, Group Treasurer

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 8 of 14

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT SUMMARY

For the year ended 31[st ] December 2022

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
£
27,665
(27,137)
528
18,195
18,723		 2021
£
25,859
(60,496)
(34,637)
52.832
18,195

The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 26th January 2023, 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 2022 the general reserves of the Group amounted to £18,723 . 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 26th January 2023 and signed on their behalf by

M Stimpson – Group Chairman

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 9 of 14

RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022

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
£
9,588
2,450
7,139
0
8
8
6,247
5,518
11,765
2,829
590
3,419
756
300
2,762
107
3,925
128
1,282
1,410
0
0
27,665		 2021
£
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
2,483
0
0
25,859

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 10 of 14

PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022

PREMISES
Ground Rent
Water Rates
Light and Heat
Insurance
Internet
Maintenance
Caretaker Fees and cleaning
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
£
100
142
1,850
2,625
120
1,863
1,939
378
9,017
3,293
2,261
5,554
44
154
729
89
1,017
0
0
259
516
400
503
0
860
2539
1,106
19,232
884
7,905
27,137		 2021
£
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

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 11 of 14

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022

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
£
18,620
104
18,723
2,000
0
2,000
0
0
0
0
0
200
0
380,000
35,000
415,200
0
0
0		 2021
£
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

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 12 of 14

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

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

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] December, 2022 which are set out on the previous pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group 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 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group 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 the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group 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.

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

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group

Page 13 of 14

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

Page 14 of 14