2024-03-31-accounts

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Group Scout Leader's Report

I am three years in my tenure as Group Scout Leader – now known as Group Lead Volunteer – and pleased with the progress we are making across the Group. There has been some ups and downs since my last report, but the former fair outweighs the latter. I reported last year that Group Lead Volunteer is a busy job and the support of the other volunteers at Group level and in the Trustee Board is greatly appreciated.

1st Potton is an active and growing Group with seven sections and the Forrester’s Explorer Unit providing fantastic experiences for our young people. Here are some of my highlights from the last 12 months.

Leader Team

We have grown our leader team across all Sections with several volunteers deciding to take uniformed roles and work towards achieving their Wood Badges. We have continued to work well in teams across the Sections, which has led to our volunteers gaining skills and experiences quickly.

A good example of teamwork is this year’s Group Camp, which built on the success of the Coronation Camp in 2023. It was even bigger and better with over 110 young people attending, or around 90% of our members. I must give thanks to Alasdair Perrin (aka Baloo) for the tremendous effort put into organising this camp, with support from Roy Snell and Neil Cobb. It was a big success in large part because of Baloo’s effort.

There has been continued focus from the Scout Association on safety and safeguarding and as a Group we are carrying this through into our programmes and activities. This will be a continuous focus across the Group and all leaders are expected to ensure they follow all necessary guidance, such as following the guidance of the yellow card and completing detailed risk assessments.

Several leaders have qualified for their Wood Badges in the past year and we look forward to them being given their awards – well done Louise Esposito, Becky Perry and me too. Other leaders have worked diligently on gaining experience, attending training workshops or learning ‘on the job’ and I expect we will see more awards gained in the ensuing year. I hope we can continue this level of development in our

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

volunteers as it’s by helping them to gain additional skills that we can continue to offer quality Scouting for Potton’s young people.

New Leaders

A constant challenge is the need to recruit adult volunteers. We’ve had much success in this area since our last AGM, attracting 12 new leaders who have all been warmly welcomed into the Group, either as members of the Trustee Board or in the Section teams: Graham Hill (Trustee), Carlton Avison (Raleigh), Rob Hulatt (Drake), Claire Framil Ross (Leopards), Molly White (Hazelnut), Rebecca Page (Drake), Katy Kirk (Panthers), Josh Gates (Group), Andrew Duggan (Trustee), Jane Delaney (Trustee), Alex Hollyman (Leopards) and Luke Savage (Leopards).

Sadly, we lost two members of the Woodland Beaver Colony team as Aimee Chapman and Mark Feasey have decided to continue their Scouting in other Groups in the County. However, this change opens the possibility of further collaboration between our two Beaver colonies. Jess Cobb has taken on the Team Leader role for Woodland and is already working closely with Becky Perry from Riverbank for programme planning, demonstrating excellent teamwork. On behalf of all the volunteers in the Group, I wish Aimee and Mark continued success in their Scouting.

The most significant development this year has been in the re-opening of Drake Troop in January 2024, led by Roy Snell. This is a fantastic achievement and I thank Roy for taking the lead, and passing on many skills to the newer leaders in the team. Thanks also to Jan May, Yvonne Humberstone, Alasdair Perrin and Neil Cobb for supporting the new section in getting off the Ground.

It was rewarding to see the Drake and Raleigh teams working together to run a very successful summer camp this year in Norfolk, another good example of our leaders working together in a team. Bravo.

Awards

I introduced a Group Scout Leader commendation, affectionately known as the Badger Award, to be given to young people who contribute to the success of the Group. Sadly, I have not received any nominations in the past 12 months, and I hope to breathe new life into this initiative in the next year and a similar accolade for adult volunteers who contribute widely across the Group.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

One final award traditionally presented at the AGM is for 'Services to the Hut.' There have been several worthy contenders this year, but a clear winner is Alasdair Perrin. The grounds have never looked so good, and the extra terrace reclaimed from the wild tangle of weeds is a great resource. Thank you, Alasdair.

Volunteers

All the sections have been busy this year, running a full and varied programme for our young people. There are reports from the Section Leaders to follow, but I wish to reiterate my sincere thanks to all our Group volunteers for their selfless dedication to providing an excellent Scouting experience in Potton, whether they have worn a uniform and run a weekly section or served tea and cakes at the St George’s Day Parade, we simply couldn’t do it without the whole team pulling together.

We must also remember the vital work done by the Trustee Board. While they may be less visible and smaller in number, their work is important to the success of the Group. Thank you to Sam (Chair), Julia (Treasurer), Graham, Carl, Jan and Peter.

Waiting List

Our waiting list keeps growing and we have more than 80 young people waiting to join the Group. This speaks volumes for the quality of the Scouting provided.

Inclusion

Sadly, I must report an increasing number of applications for financial support in paying for subs and activities from our members. It is our intention to provide Scouting for all in our community and I’m proud the Group has been able to support every application, enabling young people to continue their Scouting.

And finally

I am looking forward to the next twelve months as Group Lead Volunteer. I hope we continue to support each other, work harmoniously in building our great reputation for providing quality Scouting and giving our young people skills for life.

Andy Bargery Group Lead Volunteer

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Hazelnut Squirrels Dray – Section Update

Two years. The first year was a whole learning curve. Learning how to sprinkle the right amount of love and encouragement on my squirrels, learning how to work with the most amazing team of leaders, and learning how to be the best mouse I can be.

The second year has been a whirlwind. From getting my Molly Mole as my righthand woman, to getting 16 more squirrels to love and adore. The cave bus is still a favourite among the adults and the children, we watch them terrified to go in and by the end of the session we had confident squirrels crawling in and out.

Group camp was another hit this year, where my squirrels saw how amazing Potton Scout Group is as a whole and while we were there awarded two incredible squirrels their Acorn Award – the highest award for Squirrels.

Our everyday sessions included mud painting, first aid, being active, growing sunflowers and learning soft archery! We did a lot. All of this is not possible without the most amazing team behind my crazy ideas, Mole, Butterfly, Hawk and of course Newt who saves the day on a weekly basis!

Being in the community is a huge thing in Potton and our Squirrels were very proud to be a part of the remembrance parade and the St George’s day parade. As well as that they have been litter picking as part of their local superhero badge.

Coming back in September we hope to invite another ten more squirrels to our group and maybe make a dent in the ever-growing waiting list. I am incredibly proud of this Section and in the words of Mouse, “a squirrel can do anything a Beaver, Cub or Scout can do!”

Charlotte Chalkley aka Mouse Team Leader

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Woodland Beaver Colony – Section Update

Woodland Beaver Colony re-opened at the end of Spring term 2023, and welcomed 13 young people as new Beavers. It is led by me (Otter), and I am supported by Jess (Ratty) formally from Riverbank colony. Leigh (Buck), Tamzin (Fox) and Mark (Bear), who are Assistant Section Leaders (ASL).

Leigh and Mark have completed their initial ASL training, and together with me, they are working towards the Wood Badge Award

1st Term

For our first term, we concentrated on getting to know each other; taking part in lots of games to encourage team building, completing crafting activities, and generally settling the young people (YP) into their new experience at Woodland colony.

During the colder/wetter weather, most of our meetings were spent in the Scout Hut. However, we still managed to spend some time outside, and the Beavers achieved their first activity badge: Health and fitness.

To encourage their creativity and sense of inclusion, we asked all YP to suggest activities for next term, and incorporated everyone’s ideas into the planning. Suggestions included: Hiking, scavenger hunts, rock climbing and even a trip to Italy!

We were also able to end the term with a fantastic Easter surprise - one of our YP’s parents kindly brought in a number of rabbits, which the Beavers all thoroughly enjoyed engaging with, and learning about! This kind gesture highlighted how invaluable it is to have support from our parents and carers.

2nd Term

Our first meeting ended with 12 of our colony being invested!

The Beavers used household recycling to make wacky robots, and achieve their Builder activity badge

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

To celebrate the arrival of British Summer Time, and to tie-in with our first half of terms theme of ‘The Great outdoors’, we utilised the green spaces surrounding the hut, to play games and continue promoting team-building.

The beavers had their first camp! This was particularly notable, as a lot of the YP were only aged 3 and 4 during the COVID pandemic, meaning a lot of them had never stayed away from home - a big weekend for all of us, and great fun!!!

All 9 Beavers that stayed overnight were awarded their first night away staged badge.

To mark the end of half term break, we took the Beavers on a very successful and sunny hike up Deepdale, to explore the forest and wildlife, practice mindfulness, and build dens.

The theme for this half of the term, is ‘Community’. For our first meeting back, we celebrated Pride month with a number of activities, including a visit from a rainbow guide leader, who kindly volunteered to paint the YP faces!!

To acknowledge the Beaver who suggested we visit Italy, we held our very own Italian night! Sadly, the budget couldn’t stretch to a few nights in Tuscany, so we learnt some fun facts about the geography, history and culture of Italy, and made home-made Pizzas!

For the remainder of the term, we have a trip to the fire station planned, a litterpick, and a policeman named Bear coming to talk to the Beavers about stranger danger and road safety

Looking to the future

All leaders will continue to complete their training towards the wood badge, and already have several courses booked throughout the year.

Further steps are being taken to include the YP’s parents and carers more, such as the recent creation of a WhatsApp group to share photos of activity participation.

A ‘Parenting Rota’ is also being considered, to offer opportunities for parents to showcase any interesting hobbies they feel the Beavers will be interested in, or simply just want to see what their young person gets up to at Woodland Colony!

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

As previously referred to, support and engagement from our YP’s parents is invaluable, so we’re keen to encourage their involvement in whatever way we can.

Now our colony is finding its legs, we are going to discuss how to best share the planning between the leaders, incorporate more opportunities to earn badges, and gradually introduce more traditional aspects of scouting; fire lighting, knife/axe work, hiking, and generally spending more time in nature whilst we have the day light.

We also want to continue consulting our YP for their ideas on future meetings / terms - this is a guaranteed way of ensuring they continue to have fun whilst learning, and also alleviates some planning pressures from the leaders.

Aimee Chapman aka Otter Team Leader

Riverbank Beaver Colony – Section Update

Riverbank Colony has had another year of fun, friendship, learning, adventures and noise….lots of noise! Throughout the year we have maintained a section size of 18 young people which is determined by the number of adult helpers. We have said farewell but not goodbye to 7 young people who have continued their Scouting journey with Cubs; and welcomed 4 from Squirrels and 4 directly into Beavers.

Our programme has been put together to be varied, making best use of the outdoors space we have access to, light, weather and has leveraged parent skills and hobbies where possible. The dynamic of the colony has shifted over the course of the last 12 months, with the majority of Riverbank Beavers now under the age of 7, and we have adapted the programme and complexity of activities in response to this. Activities have included star gazing, cooking, fire lighting, litter picking and learning about environmental issues such as access to clean water, to name a few. The standout experience was of course Group Camp which all of Riverbank attended, with the climbing wall being a massive hit. During the year we have awarded 218 challenge, activity and staged badges and had 7 young people achieve their Bronze Chief Scout Award.

Indirectly linked to the section, I’m pleased to have been awarded my Nights Away Permit in July (thanks to Panther Cub’s for letting me use their summer camp for my

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

assessment). This means we can look to offer overnight trips for Beavers in the future.

I want to thank those that have given generously with their time, ideas, patience and support in running the Colony. In particular, Mouse (Charlotte) and Raksha (Lauren) who whilst having their own sections to support, have regularly turned out on a Thursday to keep us in ratio; Roger, Cheryl and Rob, who give up their quiet time most Thursday evenings to also help; King Louie (Neil) and Baloo (Alasdair) for giving me confidence with the more adventurous outdoors stuff and Akela (Louise) and Ratty (Jess) for their encouragement. I must also thank our parents who have consistently and diligently followed our programme, supporting their young person with any extra equipment or items needed for sessions.

Whilst we have a great team, Riverbank are desperately short of their own uniformed leaders, having to rely on leaders from other sections. This poses a challenge for help running events outside of the weekly meeting and we would very much like to recruit a second uniformed leader dedicated to Riverbank Colony.

Finally, we are very much looking forward to working more closely with Woodland Beaver Colony this coming year, particularly joining together to offer our young people events or opportunities that would not be logistically or financially viable as a single colony.

Becky Perry aka Newt Team Leader

Leopards Cub Pack – Section Update

Over the past 12 months Leopards have visited Shuttleworth for a raft building evening, had a camp at Boyd, been Orienteering at Sandy RSPB as part of the District event, we followed a route around Biggleswade to help with our Road Safety badge, attended the St Georges day parade, we have completed the Naturalist badge, Gardener badge, in July we went to the Water activity day at Grafham, and several of the section attended the District Fishing event at Greensands fishery in June.

Last year we visited Cockayne Hatley Church as part of the My Faith badge, we have had an Archery session run by Kaa and Panther’s Baloo at Potton. At the end of last term we had an evening at Target Fitness to complete the Athletics

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

badge. We have had a trip to Whipsnade zoo as part of the Naturalist badge, the Cubs have done knife skills and climbing at our June group camp, they have also earned their Money Skills badge which we also combined with the International badge as we learnt about customs and cultures as well as currency and how money is earned and spent in other countries. The Cubs have earned many badges in the last 12 months and we will try to get a few more up to their Chief Scout Silver before they leave us.

We currently have 16 members, (3 of whom are already over 10) so our numbers are fairly low at present making it much easier to plan – and quieter! We have just taken in two new young people from Beavers. Lower numbers does help the new ones settle in more quickly and gives us a greater opportunity to get to know them.

We are taking part in the forthcoming Biggleswade District Cub Camp at the end of September which has a Space theme so will be covering our Astronomer badge as part of our Autumn badge work and plans are afoot to have an exciting trip for the Cubs’ Christmas treat.

I am grateful for the help of several parents who have stepped in to cover leader shortages during the year, I am very grateful that we have recently gained two new leaders so hopefully we will be able to plan some more weekend events and camps in the next 12 months.

Our plans for 2024 / 25 will include Astronomer, Emergency Aid and Fire Safety, preparation for Remembrance Sunday events and topping up / completing some Challenge badges towards the Silver award.

Jan May aka Akela Team Leader

Panthers Cub Pack – Section Update

As a summary Panthers have had an amazing year full of adventure and mischief. The cubs have been on a journey of learning that has been so much fun they haven’t even realised how much they have grown. Headline highlight is that we have attended 4 Camps, awarded 208 hard earned badges and been overjoyed to give out 9 silver awards. (this makes us the busiest section) personal opinion ☺

Panthers currently have 30 YP and 6 leaders.

The leader team is strong and offer a range of skills helping us to deliver our outstanding balanced programme. 3 of our leaders have attained their wood beads

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

(a couple are still waiting delivery) and we hold two nights away permits. We also hold an archery and rifle permit between the team. All of the leaders have completed the mandatory training and are on the training path towards wood beads. All leaders have booked on for some CPD training offered by district.

Panthers continues its inclusivity policy and is open to all cubs whatever their needs. We try our best to accommodate all and are proud of our methods of inclusion from the lego box to an allergy SPOC for away weekends. We strive to be better and better at this so no child is prohibited when scouting.

Panthers ended last year with our activity camp ‘Panthers Activate’. This was held at Tolmers Scout Camp. This was an activity based camp with the cubs did Archery, Rifles, Climbing wall, Hungry hippos, water wars and many more. We also did bust craft skills. This our first 3 night/4 day camp. Despite the rain we all had an amazing time.

The year started with a bang. We had two overnight adventures in the autumn term.

We attended Pilots and Pillows. This was an amazing event held at RAF Hendon. The cubs stayed a night in the hanger and took part in multiple activities including Robot wars (which they loved) and the silent disco. Personally I loved wondering around the museum in the dark and getting a good look at the planes close up.

Our next adventure just the next weekend was District Cub camp. This camp was aimed at the older cubs and was a back to basics camp. The cubs enjoyed cooking their own meals learning compass skills. They found the skinning and preparing of the rabbit and bird particularly gross but intriguing. However the laser tag was the clear winner with our cubs sneaking as any go’s as they could at it.

We did various badges including the science badge over the term. We had a night hike and played an abundance of games. We also entered a team into the district shooting competition. The cubs had an evening practicing on the range and the top 10 cubs were entered. I’m proud to say James Wing was the 2[nd] place individual winner.

We also has a good turnout of 21 cubs for The Remembrance Day Parade.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

We had 9 cubs leaving in that term and took great lengths to assist them to achieve the Silver awards. The programme was designed with this in mind and the cubs that were moving on were given extra tasks and a more advanced programme to help them meet the targets. The cubs that left us were first cubs during lockdown and we called them the Zoomers. They started their cub journey on zoom and I’m so proud to have guided them through their journeys and helped them achieve the silver award. It was also a very special moment for me and I admit I cried as I said goodbye to the first Cub I had invested.

The term ended with our Christmas treat. This year we took the cubs to gravity in Stevenage and took advantage of the amazing deal they offer they scouts. The cubs enjoyed this activity and the ordering of the Domino’s Pizza is a winner. I also have to recognise in this report how accommodating Gravity was even offering the cubs drinks and slushies free of charge. I apologised to the parents for the E numbers all the cubs had.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

At the end of the term with 9 cubs leaving the pack felt small. I have never had the pack at such low numbers and it felt strange. However this didn’t last long and we soon welcomed our new starters. With two beaver colonies offering willing victims to join us we were back up to 30 again before we knew it.

The spring term started slowly for us. The weather was cold and with lots of newer cubs we tailored our meetings to accommodate this. We started early on with doing our first aid badge, stage 1 for the new ones and stage 3 for our now older cubs. We had a special guest in the form of Dr Splosh as the cubs call him come to teach us CPR. As part of this we took part in the Air Ambulance Challenge Badge and the cubs did various tasks to support the Air ambulance and we raised £55. The cubs that took part and completed the challenges all received a blanket badge.

We also invited the parents in for a games night this term. The cubs revelled in racing against their parents and a healthy competitive vibe was achieved. This also gave the parents an insight into just what we do and how beneficial the cubs are for their YP.

This term we worked towards the collectors badge with all cubs taking part and presenting their collections. We also invited Claire Hulett into the group and did Cooking with Claire. The cubs made soup.

Baloo and I travelled to the Outdoor Expo in Birmingham and got loads of outdoor adventure ideas as well as looking at equipment to invest in.

We had a trip to Whipsnade Zoo. This was a district cubs event. It rained all day but we all had the best day.

We also did our first long staged hike. We walked over 7 miles in 3 hours to achieve a stage hike badge for all that took part. We hiked the greensands ridge and it was a spectacular effort by all the cubs. This has opened up the idea bank. We are working towards our next staged hike which is planned for next spring.

This term also saw us celebrating St Georges day and had a good turnout for the St Georges day parade and service in town.

We ended the term investing our new starters. We now have a large number of girls in the section and am proud to say currently we are about 50/50 ratio of male and female. This brings a calmer atmosphere to our meetings. We have changed

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

and adapted our meetings and much to my enjoyment and Baloo’s dislike we have started to do more craft. Years of being a brown owl are now coming out. ☺

As we moved into the summer term we didn’t stop challenging the cubs. We worked on our sports badge. We took the cubs to Biggleswade rugby club and gave them a taster session. This was loved by all, developing team game skills and just trying something new.

We did pioneering, knots and had a great time making carry stretchers. (well we attempted). We cooked pizza on a camp fire and spent most evenings outdoors. We tried circus skills, had a sports day and of course had a huge water fight.

We also completed our cyclist’s badge. The Cubs maintained their bikes and did a planned cycle route from Potton to Sandy.

The cubs also attended two camps this term. We had our annual Group camp. This was a roaring success and with it being only one night it was a perfect introduction to camping for our newer cubs.

We also attended the district cub water activity day at Grafham water. This is the 3[rd] year we have attended this and its an amazing day where the cubs have tried SUP, Canoeing, rafting and kayaking.

To end the year we held our own activity camp ‘im a cub get me stuck in here’. We did a im a celebrity style camp with the cubs doing amazing activities and doing bush tucker trials to earn stars. Yes the cubs did eat bugs and try weird dishes. This was an amazing camp and Newt earned her nights away permit.

As we move into the next autumn term we have many adventures to look forward too. Again this term we will say good bye to some amazing cubs who will earn their silver awards. We are hoping to hand out another 7 this term.

We have our big London adventure to look forward to this term and planning is in full swing. Over the summer we have attended various events and community fetes to raise money by offering fairground games like hook a duck and pick a lolly. We have an amazing itinerary planned.

The cubs will be sleeping on the scout camp ship moored in the docklands and then have a tourist day of the sights of London planned. They will do water activities and learn history.

We also have the district camp that is open to all cubs this year very soon. Its space themed and we cant wait for our far out adventures.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

As I reflect on this year despite the pulls on leaders time, the changing in circumstances and the up and down nature of life the panthers team have pulled together to deliver an outstanding, adventurous and FUN year for our YP. I’m proud of all we have achieved and look forward to Panthers being even better next year. Well done team

Raleigh Scout Troop - Section Update

It’s been another busy year, and one where we have awarded a huge number of challenge and activity badges to those who have taken part consistently. We have undertaken a number of activities over the year including first aid, fire lighting, saw, knife and axe work, navigation and map reading, day and night hikes, cooking, wide games, water sports, car mechanics, astronomy, cycling, archery, circus skills and more. Our gang show was a new one for many Scouts not used to performing, but one which ended up being incredibly fun and very rewarding; a number of our young people overcame personal challenges to make it happen.

There are still very few district events taking place at the Scout age group, but we won the District Raft Race, and the impressive trophy is on display in the Scout hut display cabinet until September. We are therefore continuing with our programme of running what would previously have been District-level events, and will do that as joint Raleigh-Drake Troop events moving forward. Scouts and leaders have also continued to actively support the County-level Water Activity Days (WAD) run so competently by Luton Sea Scouts.

All in all, that means we are covering everything needed to offer a wide range of experiences for our scouts, and to give those who stay with us, and participate regularly, the chance to gain their Gold Chief Scouts award. Four of our oldest Scouts received it this year.

The opening of Drake Troop has been a great help, despite releasing Roy from the leadership team to set it up. This is the first year we have seen a planned reduction in numbers, getting us down to a more manageable level, despite continuing to take in more Cubs, and a small number from the waiting list.

Summer camp this year was a joint Raleigh-Drake Troops camp (our first) to Decoy Broad Scout camp site and activity centre in the Norfolk Broads. We try to provide a

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

range of different camp experiences over the years and this year it was canoeing and kayaking (plus sailing provided by another Scout group for a lucky few). It was a good chance to make the most of our leaders’ canoe and kayak permits, building on the shorter WAD experiences to develop some paddling skills and meeting some of the water sports badge requirements. Summer Camp is also a good chance for Scouts to camp out under the stars (in bivvy bags and hammocks), and this year was our first visit to the beach. The new star tent made an excellent outdoor cinema!

It is worth saying that Summer Camps, as we know them, would not be possible without the support of others. A huge thank you to Sara Levesley for allowing us to use a school minibus, and to Barton Scout Group for letting us hire theirs. And to Andrew and Katie Reed for lending us a van and providing us with an experienced camp mother. This time we took 20 scouts with 6 full-time leaders, and one parttime leader.

Over the last year we have focussed on stabilising the troop and regaining our culture and discipline following a period pre-Drake Troop when it was oversized and difficult to manage. We want the troop to be a relaxed environment which reflects its voluntary status, without the need for school-style discipline. There have been some challenges, but we hope to complete the process this academic year. Our oldest Scouts are a huge cohort from one year group which will amount to nearly half the Troop until the end of the coming academic year. The following year should be more balanced.

Having lost Roy and two occasional helpers, longer term we need more Scout leaders, as Raleigh is running at or close to minimum leader numbers for effective running of the troop (but not in terms of minimum Scout Association ratios).

For summer camp, scaling up or running separate Summer Camps will be a necessity. We won’t be able to increase the numbers commensurate with the increase in Scout numbers (as the 2 troops grow in size) unless we can find more adults willing to help out for all or part of the week. That is particularly needed for the adventurous activity day(s) when we will probably need a dedicated pair of roving adults in a minibus, and a third activity group with its own pair of leaders (with or without permits). We have reached the point where we can’t continue to pull the camp Chef away to meet those roles. We also need more female leaders at camp, and at our weekly troop meetings, being almost 50:50 male:female across each troop, which is not reflected in our leadership team.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Peter White Team Leader

Drake Scout Troop - Section Update

Well, what a start for a new Troop.

Drake Scout Troop re-opened on the 11th January 2024 with two scouts Lewis and Eve transferring from the Raleigh troop who became the patrol leaders for the two troops and myself as Scout leader. We had eight cubs join us from the two cub packs, and we were soon joined by Rob a parent that now has become a valuable section leader. We started off with learning scouting skills like Pioneering, cooking, fire lighting and many other Challenging Skills, by July we had thirteen Scouts regularly attending. On the St Georges Day event we had eleven Scouts, we had seven attending the Water Activity Day at Luton Hoo, which was a joint event with the Raleigh Troop doing all sorts of water activity from sailing, paddle boarding and raft building. Great fun day gaining many badges along the way.

We then had all twelve Scouts attend the Potton scout Group camp in June. another great weekend.

And to finish it off we had seven scouts come to Scout summer camp on the Norfolk Broads in July. Again, a joint event with Raleigh troop.

I close by thanking all those that have supported Drake and myself over the past six months. Rob, Jan, Yvonne, Alastair, Neil, Peter (five of which have their own sections to serve) and Rebecca a parent that helps about three times a month, plus the Scouts and the all-important Parents.

Drake needs one or two more helpers to support itself.

Roy Snell Team Leader

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Chair’s Report

I would like to thank all the leaders, volunteers and contributors to the Group who provide so much to our community and its young people. A special thanks to the Group Lead volunteer, Andy, who enables all the volunteers to do their role.

Thank you for the opportunity to be Chair of the Group. Sadly, I must now stand down from this position due to work commitments.

Sam Wilamowski

Chair

Treasurer’s Report

For the year ending 31 March 2024, the Scout Group has a cash surplus of £1,796.87.

As you will see from the spreadsheet below, all of the income categories have increased, which is fantastic! The subscriptions total has increased significantly. Thank you to the Leaders who helped me with chasing missing payments from parents.

The activities income and expenditure are more closely aligned, which is great. Again, thank you to the Leaders who helped me in chasing missing activity payments from parents. It is quite time-consuming tracking payments from parents, as quite often incorrect payment references are used, or payments are grouped together, and they are hard to find it the spreadsheet! From September, I will send regular emails to the Group Leaders of all activity payments received, as you all know who you are expecting payments from and for which events.

The Fund Raising total increased slightly. This was due to the Murder Mystery event which the group were involved with. The remaining money was the profit made from the Burns Night event.

I have yet to complete the Gift Aid claim for the 23/24 tax year, but as you can see, we received £1,200 from the previous tax year which is a significant amount. I am thankful to the leaders for continuing to send me Gift Aid forms for their members.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Lastly, rather than having the Virgin savings account with a low interest rate and a large balance in the current account, I have now opened a fixed rate savings account and an instant access savings account with Lloyds. It is great that we are now earning some interest!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support.

NB I edited this sheet after the independent review as the formula was showing the (profit)/Loss as a loss instead of a profit. JSS 25[th] August 2024.

Fundraising Secretary Report

We do not currently have a Fundraising Secretary. However, our dedicated team of volunteers has been very active raising funds for the Group. Events included our regular Burns Night, which returned to pre-Covid levels of success, selling burgers at Party on Potton, and supporting the Potton Playhouse in hosting a very successful evening at the HQ. Plans for a quiz night have also been suggested.

I hope we can appoint a new Fundraising Secretary to support us during the next year and continue to contribute to our Group’s development and keeping costs for our members affordable and accessible for all.

Andy Bargery Group Scout Leader

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

Quartermaster’s Report

It has been a busy year across all sections and that has meant plenty of new equipment has been requested and bought by the Group.

The main items are 4x impressive bell tents, 2x Dutch ovens, new knives, axes and saw horses, several lengths of high quality rope, small indoor tents for Beavers, a magnificent star tent, new projection equipment, wireless radios, 2x new Trangia cooking sets, map cases and compasses, and some new hi-vis jackets. Much of this new equipment was funded by a grant we secured from the Scout Association for setting up the new Drake Scout section.

We were also awarded a Grant from Central Bedfordshire Council, which enabled us to purchase some Resusci Annies and AED training kits, which we have already put to good use with the Scouts sections.

The equipment store is now packed to the roof and we will need to find a new storage solution soon if we are to get the best use out of our kit.

I'd like to thank a couple of our unsung heroes of the group, Peter for his sterling efforts whenever a tent gets damaged and needs repair and Neil for his sharpening skills keeping knives and axes safe and ready to use.

It has been a pleasure to be the Group’s quartermaster this year and I am happy to continue in this role for the next 12 months.

Carl Sturges

Quartermaster

Booking Secretary’s Report

It has been a good year with regards to the use of HQ and with bookings. The HQ is now in use by sections 4 nights a week as well as other occasional events e.g. Woodlands Flames and games evening one Friday, Group camp etc.

We have a number of regular hirers, TJ’s Dance class, Ensemble of friend’s choir, Potton Karate and the Veg box people.

1[st] Potton Scout Group AGM 2024 Reports

We’ve also had some returning ad hoc hirers e.g. Little city, The Bedfordshire Geological society, POP and Potton Dance Academy, Drunk and Disorderly (for band rehearsals) as well as private hirers for birthday/anniversary and New Years eve parties etc.

We had Potton Playhouse back in November (‘23), holding a murder mystery evening and they are booked in again for this October to hold another murder mystery evening. We also have Sandy Viking Cubs returning for another camp later in the year, they reported they really enjoyed their last camp with us, especially with the activities we put on for them (Bushcraft Skills). We’ve also had a Duke of Edinburgh award group camp over.

All of the bookings have been friendly and have left the hall in a good state of cleanliness. One of the parties we had in even brought fabric to cover the walls and attach decorations too. Following the party they very kindly donated all of the wall coving fabric to the Scout group for us to use in the future.

Jess Cobb Booking Secretary

1st Potton Scout Group Accounts as at 31st March 2024

Income Subscriptions Gift Aid Donations Grants Activities Fund Raising Hut Hire Bank Interest Miscellaneous Excess of Expenditure over Income Bank Reconciliation Current Account Virgin Deposit Account Petty Cash (Profit)/Loss for year	2023/24	2022/23
	12,111.00	9,400.00
	1,200.86	0.00
	230.00	134.75
	6,800.00	2,760.00
	6,882.41	5,877.00
	2,460.99	2,144.50
	3,907.00	3,734.54
	0.00	66.70
	144.00	0.00
	0.00	0.00
	33,736.26 24,117.49
	31/03/2024	31/03/2023
	29,349.77	27,552.90
	25,695.87	25,442.71
	0.00	42.65
	(1,796.87)	(7,798.97)
	53,248.77 45,239.29

Expenditure Capitation Termly Floats (prev. Section Expenses Premises - Services Premises - Other Activities New equipment Scout Hut Improvements Administration and Traininng Miscellaneous Excess of Income over Expenditure	2023/24	2022/23
	6,896.00	6,281.50
	2,512.00	1,886.00
	5,946.82	6,556.11
	1,268.51	2,708.30
	8,644.95	10,937.47
	3,241.30	354.65
	1,759.14	1,151.26
	658.97	20.00
	1,011.70	2,021.17
	1,796.87	(7,798.97)
	33,736.26 24,117.49

Scouts Accounts - Year to 31 March 2024 as at 28Mar24 - checked.xlsx : Accounts

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the 1[st ] Potton Scout Group (the 'Group')

I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and Independent Examiner

The Group's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts for the Group. The Group's trustees consider that neither an audit nor an independent examination is required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the '2011 Act') but have opted to have an independent examination.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; and

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

• state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Signature:

Name: Mr Ian West

Relevant professional qualification or body: CIMA (1-FVX1L) Address: 156 Folly Lane, St Albans, AL3 5JG Date: 23.8.24