## **3RD SHOREHAM SEA SCOUTS GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL** ## **ANNUAL REPORT 2025** Page 1 of 10 pages ## **3[RD] SHOREHAM SEA SCOUTS** ## **GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL** ## Annual General Meeting 24th September 2025, 7pm, 3[rd] Shoreham HQ ## **AGENDA** 1. - Introduction and welcome 2. Apologies for absence - Amber, Nathan, Greg, Ed 3. Governance topics - a. Note the Group’s financial year – agreed at last Trustee Board - b. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on **25[th] September 2024** 4. Review of the previous year - a. The Group Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouting in 3[rd] Shoreham Sea Scouts - b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts 5. Making appointments / elections 6. Thank you and recognition 7. Close Page 2 of 10 pages ## **3[RD] SHOREHAM SEA SCOUTS ACCOUNTS** **3[rd] Shoreham Sea Scouts – Annual Accounts 2024/25** Prepared by Steve Hine, reviewed at Trustee Board 09/07/2025 **2024-2025** |**Income**|| |---|---| |Donation|1,504.91| |Events - Beavers|1,080.00| |Events - Cubs|1,414.00| |Events - Scouts|6,318.30| |Fundraising|100.00| |Gift Aid|17,774.71| |Meetings|314.20| |Membership Fees|29,618.70| |Rent|8,999.00| |**Expense**|| |Activity Equipment|6,661.54| |Admin|1,627.85| |Badges|2,407.10| |Camping Equipment|1,398.24| |Events|1,837.99| |Events - Beavers|1,206.35| |Events - Cubs|3,578.58| |Events - Scouts|7,201.84| |Meetings|1,855.15| |Meetings - Beavers|378.21| |Meetings - Cubs|1,250.05| |Meetings - Scouts|423.26| |Meetings - Squirrels|1,026.04| |Rates|12,384.00| |Training|895.00| |Utilities|2,756.05| |Venue Maintenance|36,240.38| **Account balances** **2024-2025** Page 3 of 10 pages |Expense Account|665.38| |---|---| |Metro Bank|8,847.11| |**Summary**|| |Account balance brought forward|25,516.30| |Total income|67,123.82| |Total expenditure|83,127.63| |Net income|-16,003.81| |Account balance carried forward|9,512.49| |**Signature**||**Name**|**Role**| |---|---|---|---| |**Jason Hurwitz**||Jason Hurwitz|Chair Trustee Board| |**Julian Cosson**||Julian Cosson|Group Lead Volunteer| ## **Treasurer’s Report 2024/2025** A year of changes……. - We have created an outside kitchen area to be used by all the sections. - We have created our very own shooting range at HQ to be used within the group and by others. - The wood store has been rebuilt out of wood and extended. - The wardroom has been decorated and updated with new curtains, carpet, heating and lighting. - We have a new front entrance sign with a new cleaner looking facia. - Our mains electric boards have been moved and upgraded with RCD protection for everyone’s safety. - Our fire panel has been serviced and a full fire risk assessment undertaken. - The lift is serviced and working well. - We now have most utilities on direct debits and an electrical smart meter for ease of billing. - Our surrounding hedge and garden are tidy and manageable with a new gardener booked in regularly. (He is a Fire man who has trained at HQ) - We have new camping and activity equipment including hiking tents and camping benches. - The new set of 10 SUP’s have a rack in the garage for storage. - The new squirrel drey in the group is running and very popular. - The building and particularly the upstairs hall is more secure with new lock and keys on the front door and a new security door before the stair/lift access. Page 4 of 10 pages The changing rooms and showers have started. The external door is installed, and we can now walk in from the covered shelter outside. Instant water heater shower units are purchased and a huge thanks to Paul who was able to organise 2 days volunteering through his work with NHS Property Services to assist with the plumbing for this project. Changing rooms are built and the final coat of paint needs applying, the under-floor heating is laid, with free thermostats and massive discounts from Heatmat, (Thanks to Will for laying the insulation boards and levelling the area.) Tiling, lighting and finishing items will be progressing soon. Our volunteer training has continued with rifle and water activity training both being undertaken this year. Our young members have been busy this year earning lots of badges using £2407.10 of group funds for them. Gift aid amount of £17,774.71 was processed online and 4 years back dated gift aid was paid. The process is now set up online and now easy to apply each year. The £10,000 protected funds that were put aside for the shower project have been used and a crucial input of available money to help the project. A lot has been achieved so far but plenty more to undertake for a completed project. After a few teething problems with banking at the start of the year, the 3[rd] Shoreham banking WhatsApp group is working well and used often with all banking transactions going through it. 4 people view each transaction, and 2 people need to approve each transaction for complete transparency. We have started to use the OSM accounting software with a charge of £20 per year. This is extremely useful and uses AI to assist with the accounts. The change in software is the reason the accounts layout is looking slightly different to last year. (Previous year accounts will need to be viewed separately this once) Rental income is up on last year with 4 different fire brigades now using the premises. 3 of which are already making bookings up to December 2026 Our subs payable this year were a bit of a shock with a £2k increase on last year with very little notice. Higher still expected March 2026 Insurance premium (£1264) was the same as last year and we’re fully covered. Bank account as of 31[st ] March 2025 is £8,847.11 Page 5 of 10 pages ## **Group Lead Volunteer Annual Report – 2024/25** Julian Cosson ## Squirrels Over the past year, the Squirrels group has engaged in a variety of activities that not only focused on fun but also enhanced the children's learning and teamwork skills. Regular meetings included numerous enjoyable sessions such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, where the children brought their favourite toys and cherished moments were created. Celebrations for Diwali and the Christmas party allowed the youngsters to learn about different cultures and traditions. Other sessions, like those dedicated to creativity including building bridges and making Christmas cards, fostered teamwork and imaginative thinking. The many outdoor activities, such as the Wildlife hike and Bike ride, contributed to their understanding of nature and the importance of physical activity. The group also participated in several notable events. The Remembrance Day Parade provided an opportunity for the children to pay their respects and learn about the significance of the day. The Supeta Yacht Trips were a delightful addition, with two of them successfully taking place in July, offering the children a unique experience of being on the water. The overall excitement among the children for such outings highlighted their enthusiasm for new experiences. Special thanks go to Sarah Bristow for her dedication in starting the Squirrels group. Her efforts have laid a strong foundation that continues to inspire both leaders and members alike. Without the hard work of all the leaders, including those who contributed in various capacities, the group's activities would not have been possible. Looking ahead, there is hope for a larger number of Squirrels joining in the coming year. This growth could bring new energy and ideas to the group, creating even more vibrant meetings and events for everyone involved. Here's to another year of exploration, friendship, and learning in Scouting! ## Beavers Over the past year, both Beavers have enjoyed a busy and engaging programme filled with a variety of activities and events. The group participated in numerous meetings, including games, hikes, and themed evenings such as "Poppy Making" and "Spooky Tuesday." In addition to these meetings, Beavers also took part in unique activities like a night hike at St Mary's, a joint Remembrance Day event with the Clippers, and a campfire combined with a Bronze Award obstacle course. The Beavers were involved in a good number of events that contributed to their development. A highlight was the Beaver Sleepover held at Hillside, where the children were able to experience camping and bond with each other over two days. They also participated in the Hillside Hike as well as Remembrance Sunday, where they paid tribute to those who have served in the armed forces. Furthermore, the District Event offered them the opportunity to engage in wall climbing and bouldering. Water activities in the summer provided an enjoyable way to cool off while having fun together. Throughout the year, it was heartening to see a total of 28 Chief Scout Awards presented, reflecting the dedication and commitment of our members. Such achievements are a testament to the hard work of our young Beavers and the supportive environment fostered by the leaders and parents. A special thank you goes out to our leaders, particularly Gem and Ash, whose relentless enthusiasm and dedication have greatly enriched the experience for all involved. Their efforts make a significant impact on our young members’ journeys in scouting. Page 6 of 10 pages As we reflect on this past year, I want to extend my gratitude to the children, who brought enthusiasm and joy to each meeting and event. It's their curiosity and energy that make being a leader in Scouting truly rewarding. To the parents, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our group, as well as to the volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure our activities run smoothly. . ## Cubs During the past year, our Cubs sections have been actively engaged in a variety of meetings and events, all aimed at nurturing the skills and interests of our young members. Notably, 21 Chief Scout Awards were presented, recognising the outstanding dedication and accomplishments of our Cubs. Throughout the year, the Cubs took part in numerous meetings that included hands-on learning experiences such as shelter building and survival skills, as well as the environmental conservation badge, which taught them about caring for our planet. Other engaging sessions included culinary adventures during the chef badge and creative endeavours like Christmas crafting. The Cubs also explored skills in digital citizenship and money management, both of which are vital in today's world. Fun and fitness were not overlooked, with activities such as night hikes, pancake making, and outdoor cooking over fires, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie among the Cubs. In addition to the regular meetings, several exciting events were held. The Big Winter Sleepover provided a fantastic opportunity for the Cubs to bond and develop their camping skills. The district air rifle shooting competition was an exciting experience that allowed members to participate in friendly competition, whilst the Remembrance Day Parade and pool paddling were unique moments to commemorate and enjoy their time together. Special water activities in the summer and a thrilling summer camp ensured that the Cubs had plenty of outdoor adventures to remember. As the year wraps up, we would like to take a moment to extend our gratitude to all the leaders for their unwavering commitment and support throughout the year. A special thank you to Ben who after over 10 years helping run Kestrels moves on. We are really appreciative of everything Ben has done. We would also like to acknowledge Corrine and Emma, who will be leaving as they moved to Scouts. Their contributions have greatly impacted our Cubs, and they will be missed by both the children and fellow leaders. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the children for their enthusiasm and spirit, which make our meetings enjoyable and enriching. We also want to express our appreciation to the parents for their support, as well as the volunteers who help behind the scenes. Your involvement is crucial in ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience for our young scouts, and we look forward to another year of growth in our scouting journey. ## Scouts This year, the Scouts have engaged in a wide range of activities that highlight their dedication and enthusiasm. Regular meetings included thoughtful discussions on the Scout Page 7 of 10 pages promise and a variety of engaging activities such as bike rides, games, and hands-on skills challenges. Notable meetings also included preparations for significant events like Remembrance Sunday and Silver Service. This variety ensured that all participants felt included and took part in valuable learning experiences, whether it was through team building, orienteering exercises, or fun games during creative challenges. The past year was marked by several exciting events. The Scouts participated in the Downsland Hike, which offered an opportunity to explore and appreciate the outdoors. They also took part in the West Sussex International Jamboree, which brought together scouts from different regions, creating a wider sense of community. Additional activities included scuba diving, water safety training, and various practice hikes to prepare for the Overland Challenge, enriching the skills and experiences of all involved. All the leaders have played a significant role in guiding the Scouts throughout the year. Their dedication and support have been invaluable to the group. Whether it was assisting with planning activities or leading sessions, their efforts have greatly contributed to the success of this year's programme. As the year comes to a close, we acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of all leaders and volunteers who made this year possible. A special mention to Colin and Sandra for their continuous commitment and guidance. Their contributions have helped shape a positive environment for all members of Starboard Watch. ## 3rd Shoreham Group Lead Volunteer ## 3 Year Plan Page 8 of 10 pages ## **GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL** ## **Minutes of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held 7.30pm 25[th] September 2024** ## **Ward Room, Les Goodbody Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea** **Attending:** Jason Hurwitz **Apologies** Chair Cameron Baldock Julian Cosson Lauren Pinney Sandra Strong Lesley Brown Steve Hine Amber Maddox Colin Strong Allison Keech Jo Edwards Will Holden ## **Agenda** 1. Introduction and Welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. To approve the minutes of the AGM held on 6[th] December 2023 4. Governance topics 5. Review of the previous year 6. Making appointments and election of members of the Trustee Board 7. Thank Yous and Recognition 8. Closure of the AGM 9. Any Other Business ## **1. Introduction and Welcome** The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and explained the purpose and membership of the meeting. ## **2. Apologies for absence** Apologies for absence were received from those listed above. ## **3. To approve the minutes of the AGM held on 6[th] December 2023** The minutes of the 3rd Shoreham Group Scout Council AGM held on 6[th] December 2023 were approved without alteration. ## **4. Governance topics** - a. It was agreed that there were no changes to the constitution. 3rd Shoreham will adopt the constitution in the Scouting Rule Book and not our own version/adaption. Page 9 of 10 pages - b. The number of Trustees is 12 (maximum) but ideally would like a youth representative/trustee (under the age of 25). The search for this is ongoing. Groups are looking for a young person aged 18-25. - c. Group’s financial year The accounts for the 3[rd] Shoreham Sea Scouts set out by the Treasurer – Steve Hine – were agreed. Please see financial tables as part of the minutes bundle. The meeting agreed that the quorum for Group Scout Council (including this AGM) should be ten, to include the Chair and the GS Volunteer (previously GSL). The meeting agreed that the quorum for meetings of the Group Trustee Board and any sub-committees should be six, to include the Chair and GSV. ## **5. Review of the previous year** - a. The Group Scout Volunteer’s review of Scouting in 3rd Shoreham Sea Scouts – please see report attached as part of the minutes bundle. - b. Consideration of the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board The meeting agreed that the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board that would be submitted to the Charity Commission would consist of: - The GSV report of the year - The statement of accounts - The agenda and minutes of this AGM ## **6. Thank Yous and Recognition** Thank you to Julian for the work he has undertaken this last year. ## **Closure of the AGM** The Chair closed the formal business of the AGM and asked for any other business. ## **7. Any Other Business** The priorities for the Group looking forward will be to/a three-year plan: - A suggestion to have a sign-up board at the entrance to Scout HQ - A suggestion to have the 3-year plan printed and pinned up at the HQ building - Any ideas for the scout group can be sent into the Trustees - Consideration needed for the security of the HQ building and outside areas. Discussion around CCTV, security button the gate. - Julian to speak to the Leaders and feedback at the next Trustee meeting. ## **END OF MEETING** Page 10 of 10 pages