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2022-12-31-accounts

Regigter¢d Chaiity 271605 RN R¢V>gnls￿ Group - No 2 Scouts 3rd Portchester Scout Group 2022 AGM Report Lcbester s Co 1947-201?

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Board of Trustees

Chair Lee Mason Group Scout Leader Peter Leach then transferred to Claire Colley and Richard Curtis Dec 2022 Treasurer David Noyce Secretary Carolyn Colwell

Kate Colley Roy Gray Trish Reid Caryl Gregory Andy Dow Brian Pile Rob Brown Lucy Vincent Louise Mackney David Rowles Neil Hoare

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

3rdPortchester Scout Group
Squirrels Drey Thursday 16:15-17:15 Bryony Jones
Christopher Maggs
Phil Johnstone
Beaver Scouts
Roman Colony Tuesday 16:00 – 17:15 Paul Whent
Caryl Gregory
Kacey Whent
Nathan McGillvery
Castle Colony Wednesday 16:00 – 17:15 Caryl Gregory
Paul Whent
Kacey Whent
Nathan McGillvery
Elizabeth Colley
Kelly Mayo
Cub Scouts
Osprey Pack Tuesday 18:00 – 19:30 Lucy Vincent
Andi Loving
Kate Colley
Callum James
Nathan McGillvery
Eagle Pack Thursday 18:00 – 19:30 Kacey Whent
Steve Crowe
Felicity Scott
Sarah Williams
Scout Troops
Ellen MacArthur Troop
 Monday 18.30-20.30 David Rowles
Jamie Cooper
Scott England
Darren Taylor
Roy Gray (Summer support)
David Crook (Summer support)
Hilary Foley (Summer support)
Glenn Brace(Summer support)
Livingstone Troop Wednesday 19:00 – 21:00 Stuart Goddard
Andy Barron
Caryl Gregory
John Dixon
Lewis Bailey
James Cook Troop Friday 18:00-20:00 (Winter) Richard Curtis
Friday 18.00-20.30 (Summer) Brian Pile
Claire Colley
Steve Lawrence
Jason Rankin
Jack Boxall
Tyler Pattison
Explorer Unit
Watkins Unit Tuesday 19:45 – 21:30
 Andrew Dow
Ryan Harris
Dave Humphreys (Occasional Support)
Ruth Humphreys (Occasional Support)

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

to be held Saturday 20[th] May 2023 at 2pm

  1. Welcome by the Chair – Lee Mason

  2. Apologies for absence – Chair

  3. Minutes of the 2022 AGM - Chair

  4. Annual report - GSL

  5. Approval of the Annual Report - GSL

  6. Presentation of the Annual Accounts - Treasurer

  7. Appointment of the Accounts Scrutineers for the coming year – Treasurer

  8. For 3rd Portchester Scout Group Trustee Board to use The Scout Association revised Purpose Statement as the focus of its work (April POR, chapter 5.4.4) - Chair

  9. For 3rd Portchester Scout Group Trustee Board to adopt the April 2023 Scout Association constitution in PORs Chapter 5.4 - Chair

  10. To note the dates of the Charity’s financial year - Chair

11.To agree the number of Members that may be elected to the Trustee Board - Chair

12.To agree the quorum for meetings of the Group Scout Council - Chair

13.To agree the quorum for the meetings of the Group Trustee Board - Chair

14.To agree the quorum for the meetings of any sub-committee - Chair

15.DC's nomination of GSL

16.GSL nomination of Chair

17.Handover to the Chair

18.Ex-officio members (Trustees) – Chair

19.Approval of nominated members (Trustees) – Chair

20.Approval of elected members (Trustees) – Chair

21.Nomination of non-Trustee members – Chair

22.Co-opted members – Chair

  1. Appointment of committee representative/s– GSL

  2. Awards (Young People and adult volunteers) – DC/GSL

25.District Representative response.

26.GSL closing remarks.

o/c - Refreshments

Date of next Group Trustee Meeting: 20:00 20 Jul 2023. Location Portchester Sailing Club - TBC

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

3[rd] Portchester Scout Group AGM 2022

Date: 25[th] June 2022

Venue: 3rd Portchester Scout HQ – Cobham Hall

Attendees: Cll Mike Ford and Anne Ford (Mayor and Mayoress of Fareham), Paul Squire (District Chair), Mike McHugh (District Commissioner) Lee Mason (Chair), Peter Leach (GSL), Claire Colley, Kate Colley, Caryl Gregory, Carolyn Colwell (minutes), Andy Dow, David Noyce, Kacey Whent and Paul Whent, Trish Reid, Andy Barron, Neil Hoare, John Dixon, Richard Curtis, Brian Pile, Philippa Taylor and 24 Families comprising of Young People across the Group

Minutes

1: Welcome, Introduction of visitors given by Chair Lee Mason.

2: Apologies for Absence:

Roy Gray, Roger Price, Robert Brown and Lucy Vincent

Proposer: Neil Hoare and Seconded by Caryl Gregory, Carried

5: Treasurer’s Report:

Thanks given to the ongoing support from parents and families. Question from Neil Hoare re: Reserve Fund dropping from 18 Months to 12 Months. Response: Projections were based on 104 children, now have 130, so appropriate as coming out of covid now to reduce reserve from 18 Months to 12 Months

Proposed by Richard Curtis: Seconded by Brian Pile Carried

6: Nomination of Group Chair:

Mike McHugh delighted to Present Lee Mason as Group Chair as nominated by GSL Peter Leach.

7: Nominations by Group Chair:

Group Secretary: Carolyn Colwell – Proposed by LM and Agreed by all Group Treasurer: David Noyce – Proposed by LM, Agreed by all Parent Representatives: Richard Dewhirst, Louise Mackney and Neil Hoare – Proposed by GSL and Chair, Agreed by all PMN: Mr Dewhirst declined as not agreed to the role pre AGM

Group Scout Council Exec Members:

Robert Brown, Claire Colley, Kate Colley, Trish Reid, Brian Pile, Andy Dow, Roy Gray,

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

No objections raised – Approved by ascent

Auditor 2022:

Martyn Butcher – Proposed by DN, No objections raised – Approved by ascent

8: GSL’s Nominations:

Ex-Officio (SL if requested): Caryl Gregory – Castle Colony Lucy Vincent – Osprey Pack Richard Curtis – James Cook Troop David Rowles – Ellen MacArthur Troop

9: Thanks Given by Chair:

Brief History of 3[rd] Portchester given – celebrating 75[th] year this year. Thanks given to current owners of Noel Cottage for flying the Cub Scout Flag today. Thanks given for many hands that keep the group going and also the many hands at the Gala the week before.

Answers given to the Treasure Hunt.

10: Thanks given by DC Mike McHugh:

Awards:

Phillipa Taylor – 10yrs in Scouting

Andy Barron: Chief Scout Commission for Good Service

11: Thanks given by GSL:

Thanks given to all for their time

Number of the group 110-120 young people, overall total 170 including volunteers. Big growth due to opportunities given by all the volunteers.

12: Closing Ceremony:

Mayor and Lady Mayoress presented with Jubilee Badge Closing words by Mayor – Reflection of the group given and scouting is a skill for life. Congratulations on 75[th] Year and thanks given for the kind invitation.

Meeting closed at 15.36. Afternoon 75[th] Celebration declared to start.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Group Scout Leader Report 2022

In 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. That same year she reviewed the national parade of Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle and took the salute for the first time. 70 years later the Scout Association, along with the nation, mourned her passing.

Her Majesty was the best example of someone doing their best, something that Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts must pledge while making their promise during investiture. We thank Queen Elizabeth for being a shining example of how to live life with dedication, devotion and grace.

2022 saw the return to normal meetings and the removal of the final Covid restrictions. What a relief! Although, the pandemic did facilitate a new set of skills for leaders; meetings were held online with much creativity required for running activities virtually not to mention navigating Zoom. We thank the leaders and other volunteers in the group who persevered and kept the sections and group as a whole running.

During 2022 we saw numbers rise again. Most sections are full and we have a waiting list of those wishing to join. In addition to the existing sections we welcomed a new section for Squirrels, the Scout Association’s youngest section for 4–6-year-olds. This section has already grown to a healthy size, thank you to those who have stepped up to run and support it.

Thank you to our Social Committee for the events they have organised. Gatherings for volunteers to get together and catch up in a relaxed way and events involving families from across the group which have been well attended. It is always good to have ‘whole group’ events and several of these have been good fundraisers for us too.

2022 saw the formation of the buildings committee which has successfully worked through a long list of ‘to do’ jobs and improved the safety of the Headquarters. It also saw the return of working days where volunteers and parents donated time to complete tasks including painting, weeding and tiling. Thank you to Dave Rowles for taking the lead on this and to everyone who has supported the projects.

Many members were able to get afloat last year. The group is fortunate to have a good fleet of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and sailing craft and volunteers qualified to run sessions safely. Of course, to continue being able to use the equipment it must be maintained and the boating committee ensures that equipment is safe and available.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

The group still needs additional volunteers. Some sections rely on a very few people and this leads to the risk of cancelled meetings. There are many volunteers within the group who hold multiple roles and there are a number of ways that people can lend support. The commitment doesn’t have to be any more than a couple of hours a week, perhaps less if that is all that you can provide. Volunteers are DBS checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children and depending on the role there may be a small amount of online learning. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to know a bit more about the roles available, please let us know.

We took on the role of Acting GSLs at the end of 2022 and it has been a pleasure spending more time with the volunteers across the group. The role brings its challenges but we are enjoying it and are very grateful for the support we’ve had from everyone. Robert Baden-Powell said “If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk” and we hope that we are following this advice.

Thank you to all of you who support the group in any role, Leaders, Executive Committee, Occasional Helpers, Skills Instructors and Parents, the group is successful because of you.

Richard Curtis and Claire Colley

End of
Census
Year		 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Squirrels 0 0 0 0 0 13
Beavers 29 32 32 15 33 41
Cubs 35 41 41 25 28 37
Scouts 53 39 37 44 51 63
Explorers 10 21 23 17 15 15
YL only 0 0 2 3 3 3
Total 127 133 135 104 130 172

----- Start of picture text -----
Total 127 133 135 104 130 172
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
----- End of picture text -----

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Chair’s Report 2022

As we go into our 76[th] year you can, like me, enjoy looking through this report at the highs of last year and the incredible activities we run for youngsters and thank the incredible people that run them.

As you will see all sections have grown, showing the popularity of Scouting prevailing and the desire of children (and their parents! ) to be involved in something bigger and to work together to play, learn and partake in a formalised fun way of life.

We have seen ourselves go through reorganisation at District level into the new Denewulf district which covers a large geographic area but with the same aims of service and support.

We are also now post covid, however the scars will last long-term following the hiatus from socialising and mixing which has had a major impact on our children. We are needed now more than ever to facilitate important social skills and self-challenging activities. It is thought that the legacy of the lock down will stay with us for at least a decade.

When I think back to when I first started as a cub, we now have far more activities and

opportunities, but at its heart is the same aim and beliefs that drove Baden-Powell to begin our

organisation and we have the foundations to move forward to whatever challenges we face in the future.

I thank you for both your efforts to help us succeed as an organisation and for trusting us in shaping the next generation.

Yours in Scouting Lee Mason

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Squirrel Drey Report 2022

Leaders- Bryony Jones. Assistant leader- Phil Johnson and Chris Maggs.

The Squirrel scout group has made some great advances since starting in January 2022. We spent the first few months finding our feet, with some shuffles around in leadership and putting in place some “squirrel values” before really getting started with sessions we feel are fun and that the children enjoy. We still feel that some more leaders would be helpful, but overall, the sessions run smoothly and are now being planned terms in advance.

We have had a really varied 18 months, and squirrels have really started making some great progress with badges. We have had several squirrels invested and we now have 17 squirrels, with a waiting list.

Squirrel sessions run with a “starting story” to bring the children into the session in a calm and organized way, the squirrels always interact with the story and this is usually themed to whatever the session is that week.

The squirrels have had visits this term from both a nurse, working on their first aid badge, and a police officer, where squirrels tried on police uniforms.

This is alongside sensory sessions, tent building, hikes, cooking, and dancing to name a few of our sessions. After some support in ordering badges and filling this out on OSM, after a change in leadership (thank you), the squirrels now look forward to a varied term and we are hoping for some very exciting sessions moving forward.

A big thank you to everyone who has helped us establish ourselves, and to those who have volunteered to run the squirrel pack. We would also like to recognize the excellent support and ideas that we get from our three young leaders, who the squirrels think are wonderful!

Many thanks, Bryony.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Castle and Roman Beaver Colonies Report 2022

Our numbers have increased gradually throughout the year. Despite Covid disrupting the normal flow of things. We started the year with the first meeting being held on Zoom but very adept at socially distanced games whilst still having fun.

We made lucky red envelopes and picked up skittles (sweets) with chopsticks as well as creating a dragon by cutting out paper hands. We completed the Emergency Aid 1 staged badge. Thank you to Elly Andrew.

We had fun making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. We worked towards our international and health and fitness badges. For Mother’s Day we made weetiballs and bags to put them in. We also attended the Palm Sunday Service at St Mary’s Church.

To finish the term, we had an Easter egg hunt inside Headquarters and did an egg drop challenge. We invested seven new Beavers during the term, having sent two on to Cubs, we are recovering well from Covid.

We started the Summer term by attending the District St Georges Day parade.

We had great fun doing our builder badge. We made hovercraft, large painted models in our lodges, and constructions with Spaghetti and marshmallows.

We saw lots of Animals and fantastic Lego Dinosaurs on our trip to Marwell.

Just before half term we invested four more Beavers as well as sending three up to Cubs.

During the summer term we managed to get some of the beavers afloat with their parents

We spent a day at Lyons Copse for District camp where the Beavers loved the zip wire and climbing wall to name but two activities, they could take part in.

We as a group ran the refreshment tent at Portchester Gala and had two wonderful washer ups. They will go far.

We seem to be doing something every weekend as on the 25[th ] June we held a family treasure hunt, followed by our A.G.M. and afternoon tea to celebrate our 75[th] Anniversary

We decided to go Winchester to see the Ceramic Hares. We didn’t have a good start to the day as our coach failed to arrive!! Quick change of plan, Pax made for the train station on her buggy! There was an attendant in the office so he sorted out the deals and we made it onto the train arriving in Winchester much later than we thought. We had a great guard who sorted out a loo being put at our disposal on the station and making sure the buggy was got off safely. He was surprised to see we had got it on!! He also left a message for our return journey. We eventually saw a ceramic Hare, before making our way to MacDonalds, (yes you did read that right). No packed lunches that day and the Beavers loved it. The staff were wonderful.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

After lunch we set of to find more Hares of Winchester, no not real ones very big ceramic ones. They were magnificent. Mid-afternoon we found the play park near The Guildhall which gave them a chance to let off steam, whilst a deal was struck with the ice cream vender.

After being fortified we struck off for the Great Hall where not only did we see the Round Table but the Leverett painted as a Beaver.

Then up the hill to the station where we caught the train to Portchester and HQ, for Sausage or Fish cake and Chips for tea!! These very tired Beavers slept very well that night. It was a great weekend.

We finished the term learning all sorts of codes and how to crack them, plus the phonetic Alphabet, their own phone number and address. On the 3rd week we had an inter lodge code cracking competition. They all had great fun.

For our final night each colony spent an evening at Portchester library at the launch of the summer reading scheme.

When we returned at the beginning of September, a high percentage of Beavers had completed the Libraries reading challenge and thus completed their reader’s badge. Also, lots of discussion about holidays both at home and away.

Several Beavers needed to complete the knotting part of the challenge award so we had knot bases but we also learnt how to light a candle safely and toasted Marsh mallows to make Smores. Yum, yum delicious.

We were invited to St Mary’s Church in the grounds of Portchester Castle for Harvest Festival, instead of fresh produce we took contributions for the local food bank.

We had a lovely walk one evening, the only thing that marred it was a child being stung but fortunately, with no ill effects. Just a learning curve to take care and you are alright.

We had two fantastic mini pioneering evenings. Lots of patience required. Not something the beavers usually have but we were very pleasantly surprised.

We in invested several new members to fill the places of those who moved on to Cubs.

They had fun at Paulton’s,

Thanks to Ibrahim, his mum and everyone at the Peace centre in Havant we all had wonderful evenings, experiencing the Islamic faith, as part of finding out about different faiths. We were told about the traditions. We were the permitted to witness their worship. We shared food with them, and we were presented with copies of the Quran. This community do so much for the local community and were so welcoming Thank you.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

We attended Portchester Remembers with the whole Group.

We completed our faith badge with the Beavers and reading their prayers in the meeting. Many did their Hobbies, Collectors or Sports badges. Some did all of them.

We participated in the district Christingle service where we collected food for the food banks and this year, we took our colonies to Portchester. This trolly was completely full, solid with tins in the bottom!

We also attended St Marys Portchester, so all our Beavers had the opportunity to attend a service if they wanted to.

We ended the year with a film and nibbles evening,

Finally we would like to congratulate the 13 Beavers who achieved their Bronze Chief Scout award. Well done Morgan Pearce, Noah Farley, Jacob Ryan, Stanley Parrett, Lincoln Bloomfield, Freddie O’ Halloran, George O’Halloran, Gracie Gates, Fin Jackson, Jasper Isherwood, Molly Prior, Arthur Cook and Max Payne. Well Done.

We would like to thank all those who have made things possible for us, Ryan, Lewis, Trish, Lee, John and the many parents who have stepped in often at the last minute because of illness etc. Without the help we couldn’t run the program we do.

Felix , Luna, Lita and Pax

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Eagle and Osprey Cub Packs Report 2022

It's been a good year for 3rd Portchester Cubs. Both the Cub packs usually run the same programme, which means that we are able to deliver a wide and varied programme throughout the year for our youngsters.

We have achieved a lot already this year so I have just added a selection.

Some Cubs have been lucky enough to participate in some District activities such as District Chess and Draughts Competition.

Some of the badges we have completed this year are; Astronomer, Photographer, Teamwork Challenge, Skills Challenge, Local knowledge, Communicator and Scientist.

Lots of the Cubs are gaining individual badges, which relate to their hobbies and interests away from cubs, some examples of these are Musician, Swimming, Book reading, Sports enthusiast and Martial arts. We are keen to promote this in the packs.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

James Cook Scout Troop

At the beginning of the year we started looking at survival skills. One of the first activities was to make survival pouches - small draw string bags with essential items. The survival skills activities are always popular with the scouts and the leaders too!

As we started nearing the summer, afloat season, we looked at brushing up on basic nautical skills, the equipment required and behaviour expected to make the sessions enjoyable and safe. A trip to the swimming pool enabled swimming tests.

As many of the summer meetings as possible, between the end of April and the beginning of September each year, are afloat. We are fortunate to have access to a wide range of craft – kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and sailing dinghies. Usually our sessions are within the harbour but we managed a session at Alverstoke Lake with the paddleboards which was a really fun evening.

In early June, some members of the troop attended the Jubilee District Camp at Lyons Copse which was a great weekend. The scouts were able to take part in many activities including tomahawk throwing, climbing, rafting and others. During the weekend a beacon was lit for the Queen’s Jubilee and this was a special event to be part of.

In August we travelled back to the Burnbake Estate in Poole Harbour for our summer camp. We had a lovely time on the water, good weather generally and saw some interesting wildlife including a starfish! For the last two nights of camp the scouts (and a few leaders!) slept in hammocks.

The scouts learn so much when they are at camp. In addition to the expected outdoor skills, they have to cook for themselves and be independent within their patrol sites. Although at times it is tiring, they really enjoy camp and many happy memories are made.

Towards the end of the summer we were pleased to see Aaron achieve his Chief Scout’s Gold Award which was presented by the District Commissioner, Mike McHugh.

During the autumn, the troop returned to meetings ashore. At the start of each term, the troop holds a meeting planning evening at which the scouts are able to suggest ideas of activities that they would like to do. From this a programme is created and the leaders work out how badge requirements can be included. To gain the top award, the Chief Scout’s Gold Award, scouts need to complete 9 Challenge Awards. Usually good badge progress evolves from a well-planned programme without too much additional work and this year 49 Challenge Awards were presented to scouts which were amongst 234 badges in total.

The scouts have been involved with boat maintenance, giving them a sense of achievement and understanding of what is needed behind the scenes to enable access to water activities.

The troop held a winter camp in October. Although it wasn’t too cold it rained – a lot! Some of the survival skills learnt in the Spring were put to use and a roast dinner cooked on the fire was delicious.

Other activities enjoyed by the troop were woggle making, karaoke and chips evening, an escape room style activity evening, movie night, fireworks, Christmas cracker making, Christmas bake off and the annual troop Christmas meal trip – this year to Cosmo in Southampton.

The leader team were delighted when Tyler, who was a scout in the troop and then Young Leader, decided to become an Assistant Leader. We are really pleased that he has decided to stay on and we thank him for his continued support.

James Cook Troop

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Livingstone Scout Troop Report

The number of scouts in the troop has grown over the year, with us finishing the year with 20 Scouts. The troop continues to meet weekly, taking part in variety of activities, working towards their Chief Scouts Gold award.

During Spring term we did

In April eight older Scouts went on a Narrowboat trip from North Holt to Limehouse basin in London aboard Ben Gorton. During the trip the Scouts went through London Zoo, visited Paddington Bear, walked to Canary Wharf and worked a total of 24 locks. They worked towards their Expedition challenge, creative, naturalist, photography, power coxswain, nautical skills, adventure challenge and many more.

During Summer term we did

In June we camped with the group at District camp at Lyons Copse during the Queen’s Jubilee. The scouts took part in a variety of activities including, cave bus, rifle shooting, archery, climbing, axe throwing, zorbing, rafting and laser tag.

During the Autumn we did

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

At Autumn half term we had our first camp in three years at a very wet Lyon’s Copse. The scouts did knife axe and saw work, fire lighting, backwood cooking, night hike and traditional camping.

Throughout the year we presented a total of 330 badges. We also have been joined a new assistant leader Lewis, who has been a welcomed addition to the team.

I would like to thank our young leaders Ian, Emmy and Alannah for the help they have given to the troop. Finally, I would like to thank Caryl, Andy, Lewis, and John for their support over the year.

Stuart Goddard Scout Leader

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Ellen MacArthur Scout Troop Report

My first year as Section Leader is complete and I offer my sincere thanks to all who have advised and supported me on my journey of learning . We have enjoyed a hugely memorable year completing a range of activities including some amazing achievements:

The following is a taste of the activities we have enjoyed during the past year:

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Future planning is well underway and available on Online Scout Manger (OSM) including Exped Camp, Sea Scout Camp, Summer Camp – Paxmead and an EOI Activity weekend. Please take a look and let us know which events your Scout is interested in.

In addition, we hope to be able to undertake another Narrowboat weekend and offer further sailing courses.

Huge thanks to our Scouts for their fantastic contribution to our troop; our young leaders for their continued unfailing support; our amazing inspirational Leaders and wonderful adult volunteers who give up their time to make our troop as successful as it is.

Best wishes for a wonderful summer.

Yours in Scouting,

Dave and Ellen MacArthur Leaders

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Watkins Explorers

At the end of 2022 Watkins has 14 members which reflects the challenges that COVID caused this section during the last two years. During this year 12 explorers have left, partially normal due to age and partially due to the COVID restrictions applied. 6 new explorers have joined with several external to the movement, however this is less than expected as some older Scouts left the movement during COVID.

Leader support is a concern, as Ruth and Dave became parents in 2021, making me an uncle, which understandably has reduced their availability for Scouting. I was extremely happy to welcome Ryan Harris in July as an AESL, who was a member of Watkins, and has integrated very well.

Ryan joining was essential as the leader challenges are affecting the programme and activities that can be planned and run.

During our weekly meetings the Explorers have planned activities and events, completed several pioneering projects including bridges and catapults, extreme ironing, DIY maintenance, kayaking, pulling, taken part in Wide Games, Blindfold Hikes, and cooked various meals.

Several evenings concentrated on the training programme for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition and included Navigation & Route Planning, Map & Compass Skills, Camping & Personal Equipment, Food & Cooking, Team Building and Emergency Aid Skills.

Activity / Event Activity / Event
Bronze DofE Practice and Skills
Hikes		 Halloween Sleepover
Denewulf District Camp London Monopoly Run
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh
Practice Expedition		 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Bonfire Party Young Leaders Training Course
Remembrance Parade St George’s Day Parade

Congratulations to those Explorers who are Young Leaders (Elizabeth, Jamie, Jess, Beth, Ryan, Lewis, Kara & Alannah) and help with other Sections, both in 3[rd] Portchester & other groups, I continue to receive glowing reports from the Leaders about your help and commitment.

Awards

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

The badges within the Explorer require considerably more personal commitment and often have a minimum period of three months, due to COVID restrictions it has been very difficult for members to achieve these awards.

International Events

Aidan attended Suisse Adventure in August where he went to Kandersteg International Scout Centre and took part in many adventurous activities during the 16-day trip. The below link is to the Daily Newsletter which provide more details.

Watkins have 4 explorers who will be participating in International Events next year, Kara and Max attending the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree in South Korea and Alannah and Henry attending Project 23 around Europe.

https://www.2023wsjkorea.org/eng/index.jamboree https://international.hampshirescouts.org.uk/2023/01/05/project-23-information

It is excellent that Explorers are able to take part in international events and have experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. The two events above are only available to the Explorer age range.

The 27th WSJ is in Poland in 2027, https://www.jamboree2027.org/ and details are likely to be promoted during 2024.

The Future

Look forward to 2023 and beyond the unit is scheduled to potentially grow to 27 members by January 2024 and 35 members by September 2024. This is a very exciting prospect; however, Watkins WILL require additional adult support to continue to provide quality programmes and run the Duke of Edinburgh Award. So, this is a plea, are there any adults within the group who would like to help, especially if you have water activity skills or interest. Explorers is an amazing section to be involved with, and open to any flexibility that could encourage people to help.

I would like to thank all those who have helped during the last year especially Dave, Ruth and Ryan without whom it would not be possible to run the programme and events.

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Tona Loving – In Memory

In August, we lost one of the most amazing young persons that I had the privilege to know through explorers.

Tona had been fighting stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma since late 2019 and spent a huge amount of time in hospital undergoing many, many rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments. Tona was in remission, but the treatment and other infections caused massive damage to her digestive system.

Her attitude, strength, and humour throughout all the, frankly brutal treatment, was incredible, she was taking part in Explorer events whenever possible prior to lockdown and even sneaked over when we ran some socially distanced events in my garden, especially if fire was involved.

Tona was kind, generous, inquisitive, and adventurous, with a wicked sense of humour and a huge appetite for life. She achieved more in her 17 years than many do in 80. Tona is an inspiration and deeply missed. – Live life to the full every day.

Yours in Scouting

Andy Dow

Watkins Explorer Scout Leader

07941353169

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Treasurer’s Report for Year Ended 31[st] December 2022

Welcome back to normality – post COVID. 2022 has been the first real full year of Scouting since the pandemic.

I am delighted to present our audited 2022 accounts on the next page.

The Group is in great shape financially with a greater focus on managing the receipt of both monthly subscription payments and also joining fees – we have nearly a 100% receipt rate for membership fees compared with less than 70% only a couple of years ago and thanks mainly to our Membership Secretary.

The growth of the group in the last 18 months to around 160+ young people has also provided us with the benefits of economies of scale which has helped our budgeting.

We have had the same headwinds to deal with as the majority of organisations in the UK, that of price inflation throughout 2022. We have seen increases of the fees we pay The Scout Association, insurance but mainly in energy prices which have increased by some 300%.

We have retained the majority of the grants received during COVID and therefore have a very considerable level of reserves. Some of these have been earmarked for a renovation of the toilets and we are considering other capital projects including installing a solar system.

Recognising the impacts of inflation on our parents, I have wanted to keep scouting as affordable as possible to as many as possible and whilst there has been some pressure to increase our subscriptions from £14 per month, I have been able to resist these through careful budgeting and also the enhanced membership subscription collection. This is obviously excellent value for money – essentially £3.25 per week for between 60 and 90 minutes of activities.

Given the current economic climate, in order to ensure as many scouts could participate in camps in 2022, we were able to subsidise these to keep the prices very low. We are looking to keep pricing as low as possible for both camps and activities in 2023 asking for additional money by exception.

I cannot promise a continuation of this level of membership prices into 2024 – much depends on our costs specifically energy costs. However, any increase will be as modest as possible. Whatever the amount, I still believe the subscription costs represent unbelievable value for money which is it almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The reason for this is our outstanding leaders who give up their free time for other people’s children.

David Noyce Group Treasurer 3rd Portchester Scouts 21st March 2023

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Accounts for Year Ended 31[st] December 2022

3rd Portchester Scouts 271605

Receipts and payments accounts

For the period To from 1st Jan 2022 31st Dec 2022

CC16a

Section A Receipts and

payments

Unrestricted Restricted[Endowment ] Total funds Last year funds funds funds to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £

A1 Receipts

Subscriptions 26,20
7

7,81
0 **

4,42
0 **

4,94
8 **

7,72
8 **

6,46
**0 **

-




-




19,481
26,207
PaymentsforCamps
-		 - 3,413
7,810
Paymentsfor Activities
-		 - 2,352
4,420
GiftAid
-		 - 4,911
4,948
Donations, Grants and
Fundraising
-		 - 37,961
7,728
Sale of
Equipment/Uniform
-		 - -
6,460
Subtotal(Gross
income for AR)
57,57
3
57,573 68,118
- -
Subtotal(Gross
income for AR)

57,57
3		 - - - - 57,573
57,573
68,118
A2 Asset and
investment sales,
(see table).
-

-
-

-		 -
-

-
-

-
Sub total
-
-

Total receipts

57,573		 - -
57,573
68,118

A3 Payments

Camping Expenses 8,90
3 **
6,53
3 **
7,74
4
2,55
8 **
2,17
3 **
16,23
4
1,02
8 **
8,86
0**		 - - 3,617
**8,903 **
Capitation - - **5,002 **
**6,533 **
Activity Expenses - - 3,342
7,744
Insurance - - **3,070 **
**2,558 **
Maintenance and
Repairs to ScoutHQ		 - - **8,457 **
**2,173 **
Boat and Camping
EquipmentRepair		 - - **35,909 **
**16,234 **
Rent and subscriptions - - **1,407 **
**1,028 **
Utilities and other - - 3,210
8,860
Badges 2,71
**5 **		 - - **1,968 **
**2,715 **

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Registered Charity No: 271605

Sub total
56,74
8		 - - 56,748 65,982
A4 Asset and
investment
purchases, (see
table)
**- ** **- ** **- ** -
Sub total
-		 - - - -

Total payments

Net of
receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers
between funds
A6 Cash funds last
year end
Cash funds this year
end


56,748
-
-
56,748		 65,982



825		 -
 -
825
**2,136 **
-
 -

-
 -
-		 -57 **
58,320 **

59,088		 -
56,184

825		 -
 -

 58,320

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories

B1 Cash funds




B2 Other
monetary assets


B3 Investment
assets


B4 Assets
retained for the
charity’s own
use


B5 Liabilities		 Details


Groups

Sections

Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))

Details



Details



Details

Boats and Marine Equipment

Camping Equipment


Details

Unrestricted
funds

to nearest £		 Restricted
funds

to nearest £		 Endowment funds
to nearest £
51,5
93 **

7,4
95 **


59,088

 -
-

-		 -
-
-
Agreement
Error
Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £

-



Fund to which
asset belongs




Fund to which
asset belongs
Unrestricted

Unrestricted



Fund to which
liability relates

OK
Restricted
funds

to nearest £
-


Cost (optional)
-

Cost (optional)

-
-


Amount due
(optional)
-		 OK
Endowment funds
to nearest £
-

Current value (optional)
-

Current value (optional)
150,000
100,000

When due (optional)

RN Recognised Group - No 2

Registered Charity No: 271605

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of Signature Print Name Date of approval all the trustees David Noyce 20[th] May 2023 Lee Mason 20[th] May 2023

Registered Charity No: 271605

RN Recognised Group - No 2

3rdportchester.uk

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