SITTINGBOURNE, MILTON AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
For Period October 2021 to October 2022
President: Position Vacant Vice Presidents: Position Vacant
District Chair: Nicola & Jon Foot District Commissioner: Angela Palmer
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
We aim to promote the progressive development of young people in Sittingbourne, Milton and District and help them to make the most out of life, by providing them with opportunities to participate in an attractive and enjoyable programme appropriately and locally delivered by an effective and fulfilled Leadership.
www.sittingbournescouts.org.uk
Contents
District Commissioners Annual Report 2021 - 2022 .......................................................... 3 Chairperson’s Report 2021 – 2022 ......................................................................................... 4 District Treasurer’s Annual Report 2021 - 2022 .................................................................. 5 Bexon Lane Campsite and District Headquarters 2022 - 2022 ......................................... 6 Appointments Advisory Committee Annual Report 2021 - 2022 .................................... 8 Awards Committee Annual Report 2021 - 2022 ................................................................. 9 Explorer Scouts Annual Report 2021 - 2022 ...................................................................... 10 Scout Active Support (SAS) Annual Report 2021 - 2022 ................................................. 11
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 2
District Commissioners Annual Report 2021 - 2022
Since the last AGM the District has had some lows but more impressive highs. The District has had some challenges with having to cancel our yearly District carol service which had been renamed “Carols by Campfire” for 2021. Since then, all of the groups in the District have returned to their meeting places and groups are building back up their numbers.
Despite the end of 2021 sending us many challenges, we are starting to slowly rebuild. We have seen a steady increase in members apply for permits that had expired throughout Covid which is great news.
We started off at the beginning of 2022 with a selection day for the WSJ Korea. During the day we was supported by Sheppey District. This was a great opportunity to share ideas during the planning and the day brought it back what scouting is there for.
We went on to have an awards celebration for the young people at a local theatre. The event was over two sessions; one session for Beavers and Cubs and the second for Scouts and Explorers. They all really enjoyed themselves especially the McDonalds or Fish and Chips!
The annual leader’s awards celebration went ahead. A member went around the room and counted up the number of years people in the room had been involved, 1046 years!
We have started to hold District events. A first being inviting parents along to stay at St. George’s day. The day was a big success with our car parks full. During the day we was able to recruit a few leaders which was really welcomed. Our ADC’s have been very busy with organising a reconnect event for the general public. The event was aimed to recruit more leaders. The day was really good fun and we hope to do an event like this again. More recently the newly formed Cub team held a fun day. Scouts teaming up with the explorers for the JOTT 2022. The Beavers are due to hold a fun day in October. Cubs are arranging a trip to Dover and the Scouts will be supporting the porchlight cardboard sleep out. We are in the planning process of the District carol service which I am sure will be a great success.
Some highlights in the District include opening a Squirrel dray at Upchurch. The leaders at Unchurch worked really hard to open the section. They are at full capacity with a waiting list which is amazing. 1[st] Sittingbourne celebrating their 15 years anniversary. 5[th] Sittingbourne celebrating their 90[th] Anniversary. 1[st] Teynham celebrating their 110[th] Anniversary!
What’s in store for next year? We hope that to continue to develop the District by opening more squirrel drays. Improvements to our campsite such as the new obstacle course going in. Refurbishing the bounding wall and much more.
Angela Palmer ~ District Commissioner
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 3
Chairperson’s Report 2021 – 2022
Another COVID affected year has been and gone with many sacrifices and adjustments made by many to ensure the continuing opportunity of Scouting is provided within the Sittingbourne, Milton and District Area. Groups have continued to run adaptable, interactive and immersive programmes suitable for all young people, no matter their background or ability and we are always incredibly proud to call ourselves Team Chair of such a committed and dedicated group of volunteers.
The District has provided a wealth of opportunities for all the groups to come together in a safe way over the last year, including St Georges Day, awards events and a community fun day to name but a few. We have young people going to the World Scout Jamboree and leaders and young people having just attended Kent International Jamboree.
The future of Scouting is looking exciting with the addition of a section for younger children and we have already had our first Squirrels group meeting.
What strikes us most of all when attending the scouting events is the sense of community and ‘family’ that is evident with everyone, from parents, to leaders, to past leaders and the Active Support team, there to ensure the young people of Sittingbourne, Milton and District have the best opportunities to be the best people they can be as they grow and take their place in a fast-paced, demanding world. For this we thank you all.
Nicola and Jon Foot ~ District “Team Chair”
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 4
District Treasurer’s Annual Report 2021 - 2022
Firstly, many thanks to Kevin Funnell for agreeing to audit the accounts again this year. After a year of COVID the previous year, we managed to open the bank with a healthy balance of £57,182.53. We have ended the year on £70,880.33.
Compared to the previous year, where zero income was achieved on the campsite/activities, we were able to provide some services with a turnover of £2,000 with most activity occurring from September 2021.
The cost of running the site from April 2021 – March 2022 was £15,776; this covered Utilities and Site repair work.
Our District costs for the year, not including Capitation was £8,383, with the biggest costs being Badges, Awards and Software (accounting and OSM)
I am hoping by the AGM of 2023, I will have been able to set up the new NatWest bank account so that it provides easier use along with having Xero running in the way that works for us. Xero is making tracking things easier but the reporting side is still a work in progress.
Melissa Urban ~ District Treasurer
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 5
Bexon Lane Campsite and District Headquarters 2022 - 2022
As always, the team have been busy with general maintenance and repair around the site, but bigger things have been happening this year too
The obstacle course is getting there albeit much slower than we had hoped. This has been mainly down to time and people’s availability but also KIJ and the dry hot weather made any groundwork very difficult. We are planning another weekend in October to try and push on a little. We are still aiming to have something usable for the 2023 season.
The storm damaged roof has been replaced on the climbing barn thanks to a great effort by a team from EDF Energy who also did some paving, painting and electrical work. Thanks to Paul Austin and the EDF team. With the right equipment they achieved safely something we would have struggled with. We are aiming to get the walls back in place in October. Like the obstacle course we hope to have the bouldering walls back in operation for next season. Network are still working on their area in the woods and it’s nice to see the Explorers using their barn more also.
A couple of new volunteers have been coming on Sundays which is great. There is space for more.
We have entered in to a new waste contract which for the first time allows us to recycle. So far this also seems to be saving some money. The cess pit is still an expensive cost though. With rapidly rising electricity costs we must be mindful of how we use it. We will be investing in LED lighting for the main building which will save money. But visitors leaving the hall heating on will cost us a fortune! ….
We are close to agreeing the supplier to update the CCTV and alarm systems both of which have become temperamental this year. Dean is working on this to give remote access and monitoring along with other 21[st] Century initiatives including QR codes for automatic issue reporting and duty warden contact details etc.
We have had a couple of issues with one of our neighbours this year. However, the issues seem to have been resolved.
Although KIJ22 is not a District event it took a lot of Crew time and effort to support the District in running another successful sub-camp.
The recently completed mandatory audit has shown up a few points we need to improve on and these are being worked through to bring us in line.
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 6
Thank you as always to the whole team for the effort put in every week. Duty wardens, crew days, putting up marquees etc A special thank you to Helen who has been doing a fantastic job with keeping everything clean and presentable.
Feedback from visitors continues to be positive.
Still lots to do projects wise, Maintenance jobs are always there and the grass NEVER stops growing.
Thanks again
Paul Dickens ~ Campsite Warden
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 7
Appointments Advisory Committee Annual Report 2021 - 2022
I’m pleased to report the Appointments Advisory Committee has been kept very busy since the last annual report. For the period of this report, we have carried out 37 appointments panel meetings, which is 20 more than recorded in the last report. Meetings have not only been held with new members but also existing members stepping up and taking on extra responsibilities.
It has been particularly pleasing to meet with some of the new District teams, these include team ADC Cubs, team Youth Commissioner and two groups that now have Team GSL’s. It has also been a pleasure to meet our new DESC Sam Crook and her team too
As well as carrying out Appointments Panel meetings, the committee has also looked at 13 role reviews. We appreciate the time and effort that GSL’s and the DC put into carrying out these reviews and writing them up; all part of the process of making the ‘Red Flashy List’ Green!
District compliance monitoring and reporting continues to be a large part of what the Appointments Advisory Committee does. We would like to thank everyone for their efforts, not only with the recruitment of new members but also for completing the necessary paperwork and training in a timely manner.
Appointments Secretary Kathryn Shires is working tirelessly from the Cumbria office on behalf of our District. Her dedication to the role plays a huge part in ensuring our District recruitment process is efficient and compliant. Thank you, Kathryn. I would also like to thank Paul Dickens, Graham Killick, Sam Crook and Tanya Curson, who are all members of the Appointments Advisory Committee - 37 Panel meetings is a lot. It is also a lot of time listening to me getting distracted; I spent more than 5 minutes talking about Mars bars with a new member a few weeks ago. Luckily, we still hold our meeting via Zoom and Kathryn is able to send private messages that pop up at the bottom of the screen telling me I need to wind the conversation up! ☺
I’m at the end of the page so I’ll wind this report up!
Yours in Scouting
Helen Harlow ~ Appointments Chair
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 8
Awards Committee Annual Report 2021 - 2022
Our Awards events for the youngsters and the Explorers & adults was well received and great fun was had by all. It was so good getting together with every one and seeing you all face to face after such a dreary two years. It lifted every one’s spirits. We have rebooked for the youngsters in January and for Explorers & Adults in February 2023.
The new system of checking, recommending and approving awards for adults seems to be working well but if you do think we have missed someone or you wish to recommend someone do let us know and email us on the address below.
Not so many Explorers have received D of E Awards but with the new leadership team settling in things will pick up next year and they will move forward. Having said that we have two people James English & Jack Noulton who just have to do their presentations for receiving the Queens / Kings Scout Award. A fantastic well done to both.
Without the leader’s, support and group executive teams the youngsters would not achieve such high levels in their sections, a big thank you to you all.
We still have a huge amount to celebrate and looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Joan and Frank Pantony’s tremendous achievement of receiving their Silver Acorns in September – a big thank you for all you have both done for scouting and all your time and efforts. Well deserved.
Don’t forget to let us know when your youngsters achieve their awards so we can invite them to the celebrations. Just email us on the email.
Linda Curson, Joan Pantony & Frank Pantony ~ Local Awards Advisory Group (email awards@sittingbournescouts.org.uk)
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 9
Explorer Scouts Annual Report 2021 - 2022
Since taking over as District Explorer Scout Commissioner in April and building a new team, together we have been working hard to re-establish an effective and fun programme for the Explorer unit.
Our average weekly turn out has been 30 Explorers. We have provided a diverse range of evening activities to the Explorers. We have also re-introduced a patrol system and have only recently begun making this a little competitive for the Explorers, as we found out they are all quite a competitive bunch.
14 Explorers attending KIJ in August and this was a successful camp. We had 30 Explorers attend Theme Park Camp at the beginning of September- this was a great event. We have then had 17 Explorers attend the cardboard sleep out more recently.
As of September, our programme is now inclusive of the Young Leaders’ modules and we are also incorporating some basic DofE training as part of the programme.
Going forward- due to 1 leader at university, others with work commitments and I’m currently expecting a baby in January, we are encouraging a parent rota to ensure evenings can still go ahead. We are also always welcoming to anyone who wishes to become a section assistant with the Explorer section.
Badges:
Since April this year, a massive 390 badges have been completed and awarded to our Explorers.
DofE Bronze:
Since April this year, 2 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards have been Achieved. We have 14 Explorers who are currently taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in our Unit. We are hoping to be able to offer Expeditions for these Explorers next year, which will finish the Bronze Award off for a lot of Explorers
Young Leaders:
We are proud to say that we have 20 Explorers who are Young Leaders in younger sections across the District. They are all working hard towards their Young Leaders Belts, meaning they would’ve completed all training and missions in the scheme. We are very proud of the positive role models they are for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts across our District.
Chief Scout Awards:
We also have 3 Explorers who are very close to being awarded their Chief Scout Platinum Award.
Sam Crook ~ District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 10
Scout Active Support (SAS) Annual Report 2021 - 2022
The Group still has 20 members of which a high percentage have other positions within the District and are also members of the campsite crew.
Unfortunately, another highly respected District Elder, Cliff Styles, has passed away. He was a Scout leader at 1[st] Murston & Bapchild and greatly admired by his Scouts. His funeral was attended by SAS members who remembered him.
Bryan & Rosemary Lukehurst have offered to continue making the Christmas & Birthday cards for next year, but require a nice Christmas photo and also Birthday card photos. Please go through your photos and send some good ones to them (no children faces please).
Happy Scouting
Stuart Turk ~ District SAS
Annual Report September 2021 to September 2022
Page 11
Sittingbourne, Milton and District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account For the Year from April 2021 to March 2022 Receipts and Payments 2021-2022 2020-2021 Unrestricte d Funds Restrirted Funds ,Total Funds Total Funds Re£eipts Donations. legacies and SlIar iro)me Membership subscriptions Less-. Membership subscriptions paid to £37,620.00 £37,620.00 £20,977.00 H(yCounty £20.382.Ofl £20.382.1 £27.904.50 Net membership subscriptons retsined. £17238.00 £17,238.00 -£6,927.50 Donations £346.11 £346.11 £0.01 Legacies Gift Aid £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Section ActNities £ioo.00 £100.00 £0.00 Badges other Income £1.536.51 £555.00 £1,536.51 £438.69 WSI 2023 £2,968.SO £2.968.50 , ts,968.50 . £22,744.12 £0.00 £2,657.00 Subtotal Grants Maintenance Grant £0.00 other Grants £19,050.85 È £19,050.85 £0.00 £19.050.85 £19,05QI.85 £0.00 £io.000.00 £10,000.00 Sub total Fundr3i5ing (gr0551 Detail I £0.00 Detail 2 £0.00 Detsi13 £0.00 MISClncorne Other fundrdising activities £0.00 £0.00 £o.oD £0.00 Subtots5 Headquarters Property rent Icamp fees/Hall hire) Actwities hi £0.00 É1.773.50 £280.QO £1,773.50 £280.00 £37.50 EO.(XJ MISClncome £71)0.00 ., .E71I1.00 £2.753.50 £0.00 £120.00 Subtotsl Investsnent im)me Bank interest Other investment income £0.00 £o.uo Sub total Total Recelpts £21B29_12 £22,719.35 £44548.47 £6325.70
Sittingbourne, Milton and District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account For the Year from April 2021 to March 2022 Receiptsand Payments 2021-2022 2020-2021 Unrestricte d Funds Restricted Funds Total Fun& Total Funds Payments Charilable Payrnents Youth Programme and attivitie5 Adult support and trainin2 Recruitment/Retention Badge expenses Admin costs Donations Bank charges Hospitality Postagè Cards ststionary lamboree/Euroiam WSI 2023 £598.69 £598.69 £1,831.38 £0.00 £2,351.16 £1*83.02 £0.00 £275.27 £525.60 £1.831.38 £803.49 £310.88 £2,351.16 £1083.02 £o.(xi £1,956.06 £0.00 £275.27 £198.46 £0.00 £166.36 £166.36 £322.72 £322.72 £680.20 £680.20 £275.00 £275.00 £2,085.00 £2.085.00 £1,600.00 -. £1.600.00 ,383.80 £385.00 £12,068.80 £600.00 £4,394..49 Headquarters Sewage Utilrties Telephone Insurance £1,792.00 £2,197.69 £313. 14 £1,792.00 £2,197.69 £313.14 £152.CM] £1.659.44 £401.60 £1587.49 £287.82 £1,439.92 £666.63 £1.439.92 £666.63 Licen5 Equipment pu¥chase/maintenance TiactOT Maintenance ilding/Grounds Maintenance Refuse aeaning Activity Maintenance COVID Recovery COVID Costs £0.00 £1,413.99 £4,791.69 £3,026.93 £88.56 £0.00 £IA13.99 £4,791.69 £3,026.93 £88.56 £1.042.26 £6.156.06 £2,213.80 £ioo.00 £46.96 £46.96 £252.49 £252.'49 £0.00 £0.00 £244.73 Projext 20X £IB40.93 £1,840.93 £21J93.42 £17,870.93 Subtotal £15.777.51 £13545..20 Fundraising expenses Event I Event 2 £Q.IKJ £0. Event 3 Other Fundraising Costs £0.00 £0.00 Sub totsl Total EXPenrtUre ,F.18239j69 Net ofrecèiptslpaymentsl Tfansfers between funds -£2332.19 £0.00 £16,940.93 £o.(K) £14fi08.74 £0.00 -£11,913.99
Cashfunds lastyear end Cash fun&thi5 year end £48,957.71 £8.724.70 £57,682.41 £46,625.52 £25,665.63 £72,291.15 £69,596.40 £57,682.41 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year Cash FurK15 Bank current account Iunityl Cash/floats Less UnpSented cheques Income not on the statement £70%80.33 £1,410.82 £0.00 £0.00 Totsl Cash Funds £72291.15 check £0.00 Other mrmetsry assets Tax aaim Debts due from the County Insurance Claim outstandin8 Investmentassets Investment propety- detail Quoted investments Other investments- detail Sub total Non monetary assets for ¢harTty'sth4n use Bad8e stock Shop stock otherstock Land and BuiS(fings MotorVehicle5 Scouting equipmenvfumiture etc Other £255,000.00 £15,000.(K) £78372.00 Subtotal £348,372,00 Uabilitses Accounts notyet paid Expenses incurred but not invold Subscription5 notyet paid Loan-detail Other Liabilities 5ubtotsl The above ipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabileS were approved by the Tnjstees on xxth * 2020 and Signed on theirbehalf by... ature Print Name Chair Chair
Treasurer
Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of the Sittingbourne, Milton and District Scout Council
I report on the accounts of the District Scout Council for the year ended 31[st] March 2022
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer
As the District's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.
Basis of Scrutineer's Statement
In accordance with the directions given in the District's constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out in the financial reports.
Scrutineer's Statement
In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.
Name: Kevin Funnell F.M.A.A.T. Address: 10 Nutberry Close Teynham Sittingbourne Kent ME9 9SP
Date: 2 November 2022
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