REGISTERED CHARITY No 276613
**93[rd]**
**Annual General Meeting June 21[st] , 2023**
## **WELCOME**
_**The President and District Officials cordially welcome you to the**_
**93rd Annual General Meeting of Loddon District Scout Council On Wednesday June 21st, 2023**
**At 2nd Woodley Scout HQ**
_**The agenda for the meeting, the minutes of the last AGM and the various reports are set out in the following pages.**_
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL** Annual General Meeting
June 21[st] , 2023, at 8.00 pm 2[nd] Woodley HQ, Vauxhall Drive, Woodley RG5 4EA
## **AGENDA**
1. Introduction and welcome
2. Apologies for absence
3. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 15[th] June 2022
**4.**
## **Governance topics**
- a. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules
- b. Note the District’s financial year.
- c. Agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
- d. Agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the District Trustee Board, meetings of any subcommittees.
5. **Review of the previous year**
- a. The District Commissioner’s review of Scouting in Loddon District
- b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts
## **6. Making appointments**
- a. To re-appoint the District President.
- b. To note any other supporters who may be admitted to membership of the District Scout Council, by the District Commissioner, the District Trustee Board or the District Scout Council.
- c. To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair
- d. Election of the District Secretary
- e. Election of the District Treasurer
- f. Elections of members to the District Trustee Board
- g. To approve the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Trustee Board
- h. To appoint the Scrutineer.
- i. To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
7. Introduce County Commissioner to say a few words. 8. Close
## **Minutes of the 92[nd] Annual General Meeting of the Loddon District Scout Council held on Wednesday 15[th] June 2022 in the Community Hall at St Dominic’s School & commencing at 8.00pm**
## 1. **Introduction and welcome**
The District Chair, Donald MacDonald, opened the meeting by saying that the President, Mick Stocks, was unable to be with us but had sent this report.
“My apologies for not being with you this evening. I always look forward to being with you at the AGM because it’s a time to reflect on great achievements as well as looking forward to even more successful Scouting in the District in the future.
Most importantly, it’s a time to thank all our volunteer adults for delivering Scouting so well in our local communities. I know we always say this, and genuinely mean it, but it’s quite remarkable to see the amount of time and dedication given by our leaders and supporters to maintain good quality Scouting throughout the sections, Groups, and District. In particular, I give very special thanks for the past year when so many of our volunteers have been striving to get Scouting back to a 'new normal’ after such a challenging couple of years.
Squirrels is a breath of fresh air for Scouting and it’s good to see we have our first Drey, with plans in place for more Dreys. I’ll leave Geoff to report on the detail!
My thanks to Geoff, Jenny, and the District Team, for their steady and sure leadership in driving the District forward in such challenging times. My thanks also to Donald and Helen and the trustees of the District Executive for their support, often hidden, which is so important to maintain a well-managed and supporting charity.
I’m sure Donald will explain where we are with the Paddicks Patch project which has become quite a challenge because of Covid and other factors. We are so fortunate to have Donald leading our project team and working so hard to overcome the challenges.”
## 2.
## **Apologies for absence**
Apologies were received from, Chris & Mary Fido, Joan Fahey, Ian Loring, Barbara Loring, Nigel Bevan, Chas Randle, Mick Stocks, Karen Thurlow & Tony Parker.
## 3.
## **Approval of Minutes of AGM held on 9 June 2021.**
The District Chair, Donald MacDonald, then continued chairing the meeting by welcoming all those present to our 92[nd] AGM, in particular Simon Pickett, representing Nigel Bevan the CC, Ian Aitken and James Mulligan also from County. Some 19 District members also attended.
Donald said that the Paddicks Patch Project was ongoing. He said that getting contractors to give a firm quote was difficult but that we now have 3 quotes. We are only 18 months since planning was approved so we still have some time but there are a few timelines from benefactors so we keep pushing forward so that we can get as much as possible into the pot.
He then said that the minutes of the 91[st] Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 9[th] June 2021 have been previously reviewed by the District Executive and were agreed as a true record of the meeting by Jenny Lamprell with a show of hands to approve.
## 4. **District Commissioner’s Review of Scouting in Loddon District**
In addition to his written report Geoff said that his written report reflected the difficulties during the Covid pandemic and was a testament to how well we stood up to it. Our Beavers numbers were reduced but are now recovering. Other sections have continued very well. We have lost some leaders but have gained some too. Squirrels is an ideal opportunity for the District to expand and we have our first Drey at 5[th] Woodley. There are plans to open some more in the future.
We were surprised but gratified to have such a large number of Scouts selected to go to the World Scout Jamboree next year. We also have a couple of Scouts who have been selected to go on the Alps trip, also next year.
Congratulations to both Patrick Fillingham and Stephen Adams who have achieved their Queens Scout award and their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
We are grateful to Malcolm Fillingham for his efforts in keeping the Network Section going.
Many thanks to all our leaders for their hard work in keeping Scouting going throughout the Covid pandemic and throughout the year.
The Chair expressed his thanks to Geoff for his part in keeping Scouting running in the District.
## 5. **To receive and consider the annual report of the District Executive Committee including the annual statement of accounts.**
The treasurer added to his report by saying that it had been a quiet year and some groups were semi dormant. We had as a District made a small profit mainly due to the grant received from the council.
He said that there is a risk, going forward, to Paddick Patch, as the cost of electricity for the building has almost tripled this year and will need to be considered to ensure we cover these costs.
He offered to answer any questions but there were none. The chair then thanked Simon for his work throughout the year.
## 6. **To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair.**
Donald then handed over the chairmanship of the meeting to Geoff the DC, who nominated Donald MacDonald as District Chair and asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination. This was agreed unanimously.
7. **To elect the District Secretary** – Helen Price has been formally proposed and seconded, so we now need a show of hands to approve the election. This was agreed unanimously.
8. **To elect the District Treasurer** – Simon Roberts has been formally proposed and seconded, so we now need a show of hands to approve the election. This was agreed unanimously.
9. **Nominations to the District Scout Council** There are two nominations: -
The District Explorer Commissioner – Stuart Johnson The District Network Commissioner – Malcolm Fillingham
## 10. **To elect persons to the District Executive Committee**
The Secretary then listed the following people as having been formally proposed and seconded. Beaver Scout Section – vacant Cub Section – vacant Scout Section – Pete Rogers District Scout Active Support – Safety co-ordinator – Robin Phillips
The Chair then asked for a show of hands to approve the elections which was given unanimously.
## 11. **District Commissioner’s nominations**
The DC then noted that Ulla Swynford-Lain our District Appointment Secretary is standing down so a new appointment secretary will need to be appointed at some point and he then nominated Jenny Lamprell as Deputy DC. These nominations were noted by the meeting.
The Chair then thanked the District Executive Committee for their work throughout the year.
## 12. **Election of representative to the County Scout Council**
The Secretary then said that Tom Toy, GSL 1[st] Twyford Scout Group had been proposed and seconded and asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination. This was agreed unanimously.
## 13. **Appointment of Hon Independent Examiner**
The Chair then said that Geoff Cox had stood down as independent examiner and a new examiner will need to be appointed before next year’s AGM.
## 14. **County Commissioner’s Comments**
Simon Pickett the representative for County, commented that he had looked at our attendance book and was pleased to see that three of the present members were at the 1986 AGM, which is the first one recorded in this book.
He then thanked everyone for their resilience and commented that meetings over Zoom had been difficult and had not helped us all with our motivation to keep going. He said that we are now coming to the end of the difficult time and our numbers are growing at last. We are looking to expand even more next year, with the help of Squirrels which are a great addition to our Groups.
He thanked everyone for all they do especially the DC whose job is a difficult and lonely one. He thanked the chair and the executive team as well as all the leaders in the District. He said we can look forward to lots of changes in the new year.
## 15. **Closing Remarks**
There were no other comments to be made so the Chair thanked everyone for attending and thanked 3[rd] Woodley for hosting the AGM.
He closed the meeting at 8.30pm. The next AGM is due to take place on 21[st] June 2023.
## **District Commissioner Report 2022 – 2023**
Loddon District and its constituent Groups has enjoyed another good year of Scouting with all sorts of activities being organised by the various sections including lots of, what I call, adventurous activities – Water and Land based, including Archery, Rifle Shooting, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Climbing and Abseiling as well as Hikes of various distances. There have also been a lot of Nights Away events organised for all sections, from Beavers to Network, including some aboard in France and Belgium. We have fifteen Young People going to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea and we look forward to hearing about all their adventures when they return.
The District continues to grow; we now have three Squirrel Dreys open, two at 5[th] Woodley and one at 3[rd] Woodley and I hope we will see more Dreys open in the coming twelve months thus extending our offering of Scouting to 4 to 6 year olds. Both 5[th] Woodley and 1[st] Wargrave have reopened dormant Beaver Colonies and 1[st] Woodley have opened a second Scout Troop. We have welcomed our first Muslim Cub Pack at 1[st] Lower Earley
Welcome to Loddon to all the new Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and thank you to all those Adults who have joined us as Leaders and Helpers.
Explorer Scouts remain strong with three meeting nights through the week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Woodley (all based at Paddicks Patch). Thank you to Stuart Johnson and the Explorer Leaders for all your work with the Section.
Loddon is one of the few Districts in Berkshire to have an active Scout Network thanks to Malcolm Fillingham, Network Commissioner, and his team.
Supporting the groups are Section District teams (ADC’s/District Leaders, Activities ADC) the District Executive, Adult Training Support, Scout Shop and Badges, and the Paddicks Patch team. All of whom have continued to support at both Group and District level.
In the last year I have had the privilege and honour to present various Long Service Awards including Chief Scouts Commendations and Awards for Merit and Wood Badges across the District.
We are now moving into a period of transition as we introduce new ways of welcome Adults into Scouting, changes to Ault Training and Support and changes to Roles and Role titles. We will become a more “teams” based organisation with tasks shared between more people. I look forward to reporting more on these changes in next year’s report.
Thank you to our District President Mick Stocks and to the County team lead by Nigel Bevan County Commissioner for your support to both Loddon District and Berkshire County.
Finally, I would like to thank Jenny Miller DDC, Donald Macdonald District Chair, Helen Price District Secretary, Ulla Swynford-Lain Appointments Secretary, Simon Roberts District Treasurer, Jane Moore Local Training Administrator and Robin Phillips District Safety Manager for all your work and support for Loddon District during this last year.
**Geoff Barnes District Commissioner (District Lead Volunteer)**
## **District Chairman’s Report**
We've got back to normal Scouting during this year and Covid-19, whilst still with us, is something with which we are learning to live alongside.
It's refreshing to see so many activities taking place across the Groups and us providing great opportunities for young people to learn life skills in abundance.
Squirrels have taken off and this means we can welcome youngsters into Scouting earlier than ever before. This has to be good news for the Movement as well as us locally.
Looking forward, we are embracing more modern structures, and this is transforming the way we organise ourselves. My ask is that we embrace the changes and make them work for everybody within Loddon District as well as more broadly where we have the opportunity to exert our influence individually and collectively.
A big thank you to Ulla Swynford-Lain who stands down as Appointments Secretary after many years. She has been a powerhouse behind the scenes helping to keep us right and proper through the appointments process.
Barbara, Ian and their cohort of people who keep the Scout Shop running have done a wonderful job once again, for which huge thanks are due. More helpers are always needed to make sure the load for everyone is as light as possible.
Thank you to everybody who has made Loddon District a place where Scouting is both rewarding and fun. We can look forward to the forthcoming year with renewed anticipation and optimism as we refresh and renew.
Have a wonderful Summer.
Donald MacDonald Loddon District Chairman
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL DISTRICT TREASURER’S REPORT Y/E 31/03/2023**
The district accounts for 2022/23 have been prepared as required by the Charities Act 2011.
Total Assets stood at £120,565 as at 31st March 2023 (£109,772 31/3/22).
The bank balance includes restricted funds totalling £67,389 which are used for specific purposes. Details of individual funds can be found in the Notes to the Accounts statement.
A surplus of Income over Expenditure of £10,793 was generated.
The District was affected by the Covid pandemic but activities increased during the course of the year. The Scout Shop generated a surplus of £3,770 compared to £3,666 previously and Explorers generated their first surplus in 5 years of £7,774.
There were no applications for the International Fund during the year but 15 World Scout Jamboree participants have been saving hard for their trip to South Korea later this year.
The District Executive Committee considers that the district should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs in reserve and we continue to meet this requirement.
The Paddicks Patch Project continues and planning permission has now been granted.
The section Groups are reported separately as part of the main District report.
The Receipts and Payment account and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Loddon District Scout Council can be viewed in the attachments to this report.
We thank all the Group Treasurers, Group Scout Leaders and Trustees for their continued support.
**Simon Roberts District Treasurer**
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Receipts and Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31st March 2023
Charlty No. 276613
2022123
2022123
Unrestrficted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2022r23
2021122
Total Funds
Totsl Funds
Total re¢elpts for year
Total payments for year
48.523
50,007
39.936
38,330
Not of recelptsllpayments) for y¢ar
Transfor between funds
10,193
600
10,793
3.114
10,193
600
10,793
3.114
Cash, bank & other net assets blfwd
42.983
109,772
106.658
Cash, bank & other net assets cltwd
120.565
109, T72
Summary of Assets and Liabllities at 31st March 2023
2022123
2022123
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2022123
2021122
MONETARY ASss
Total Funds
Tot81 Funds
Bank Balances
Cash In Hand
69.975
98
67.389
137.364
110,650
157
70,073
67.389
137.462
110,807
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS
Debts due from Group
NON-MONETARY ASSErs
Scout Shop Stock
10,352
9.636
80,425
27,250
67,389
147,814
120,443
10,671
109, 772
LIABILrriES *repaid subs & other adv pymts
Net Assets
53,176
67.389
120,565
bove Receipts and Payme t
and Summary of K8set and abIlleS vRre approved
on their behalf
Id MacDonald
District Chair
Helen Prfc•
Dlstrlct Sacrgtsry
Slmon Robe
D58trfct Treasuror
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account**
|**Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2023**|**Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2023**|**Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2023**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2022/23**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**RECEIPTS**
**Donations, legacies and similar**
**income**
Membership subscriptions
56,842
Less: Membership subscriptions paid
on (National/County/Area/District)
(52,685)
Net membership subscriptions
retained
4,157
Donations
-
Gift Aid
-
Other similar income/Legacy
-
**Sub total**
4,157
**Grants**
Paddicks Patch Project
-
International Fund
-
Berkshire Scouts Jamboree
-
**Sub total**
-
**Fundraising (gross)**
Cubs/Beavers
-
Scouts
4,373
Explorer
33,489
Scout Active Support Unit
-
Paddicks Patch
1,599
Other District fundraising events
-
**Sub total**
39,461
**Investment income**
Bank interest(COIF)
1,135
Scout Shop
3,770
**Sub total**
4,905
**_Total Gross Income_**48,523
**To COIF a/c**
-
**_Total Receipts_**48,523|**2022/23**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
500
500
-
-
-
-
984
-
-
-
-
984
-
-
-
-
-
1,484
-
1,484||**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
**56,842**
**(52,685)**
**4,157**
**-**
**-**
**500**
**4,657**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**984**
**4,373**
**33,489**
**-**
**1,599**
**-**
**40,445**
**1,135**
**3,770**
**-**
**-**
**4,905**
**50,007**
**-**
**50,007**|**2021/22**
**Total funds**
**£**
_50,037_
_(46,289)_|
||||**Total funds**
**£**
**56,842**
**(52,685)**||
||||**4,157**
**-**
**-**
**500**|_3,748_
_-_
_-_
_8,200_|
||||**4,657**|11,948|
||||**-**
**-**
**-**|_-_
_-_
_-_|
||||**-**|-|
||||**984**
**4,373**
**33,489**
**-**
**1,599**
**-**|_-_
_-_
_22,997_
_-_
_1,047_
_250_|
||||**40,445**|24,294|
||||**1,135**
**3,770**
**-**
**-**|_28_
_3,666_
_-_
_-_|
||||**4,905**|3,694|
||||||
||||**50,007**|**39,936**|
||||**-**|_-_|
||||**50,007**|_39,936_|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account**
|**Payments for the year ended 31st**|**Payments for the year ended 31st**|**March 2023**|**March 2023**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**PAYMENTS**
**Charitable Payments**
Premises - Paddicks Patch
Premises - Scout Shop
Section Expenses
International Fund
AGM and trustee expenses
Insurance
Independent Examiners Fees
Adult support and training
General Expenses
WSJ23 Grants
Fundraising Fees
Paddicks Patch Project
Berkshire Scouts Jamboree
**Sub total**
**Section Activities**
Cubs/Beavers
Scouts
Explorer Scouts
Scout Active Support Unit
Other fundraising costs- District
Events
**Sub total**
**_Total Gross Expenditure_**
To COIF a/c
**_Total Payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net assets last year end**
**_Net assets this year end_**|**2022/23**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
5,696
386
-
-
1,188
248
35
-
-
-
-
7,553
-
3,968
25,715
770
324
30,777
38,330
38,330
10,193
42,983
53,176|**2022/23**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
884
-
-
-
-
884
884
-
884
600
66,789
67,389||**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
**5,696**
**386**
**-**
**-**
**1,188**
**248**
**35**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**7,553**
**884**
**3,968**
**25,715**
**770**
**324**
**31,661**
**39,214**
**-**
**39,214**
**10,793**
**-**
**109,772**
**120,565**|**2021/22**
**Total funds**
**£**
_4,006_
_572_
_-_
_-_
_1,130_
_238_
_43_
_-_
_-_
_4,500_
_-_
_1,000_
_-_|
|||||**Total funds**
**£**
**5,696**
**386**
**-**
**-**
**1,188**
**248**
**35**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**||
|||||**7,553**|_11,489_|
|||||**884**
**3,968**
**25,715**
**770**
**324**|_-_
_-_
_25,054_
_-_
_279_|
|||||**31,661**|_25,333_|
|||||||
|||||**39,214**|_36,822_|
|||||**-**|_-_|
|||||**39,214**|_36,822_|
|||||**10,793**
**-**
**109,772**|_3,114_
_-_
_106,658_|
|||||**120,565**|_109,772_|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
|**Statement of assets and liabilities**|**Statement of assets and liabilities**|**as at 31st March 2023**|**as at 31st March 2023**|**as at 31st March 2023**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Cash funds**
Bank-Loddon District Scout Council
Bank- COIF Deposit Fund
Bank- Scout Shop Account
Bank- District Scout Account
Bank- Explorer Scout Account
Bank-Loddon Scout Active Support
Cash/Floats
**Total cash funds**
**Other monetary assets**
Tax claim
Debts due from the
County/Area/District/Group
Insurance claim
**Sub total**
**Investment assets**
Other investments - detail
**Sub total**
**Non monetary assets for**
**charity's own use**
Shop items & Badges stock
Other
**Sub total**
**Liabilities**
Accounts not yet paid
Expenses incurred but not invoiced
Subscriptions paid in advance
Loan - detail
Other liabilities
**Sub total**
**_Net assets_**|**2022/23**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
42,518
5,561
4,695
2,833
12,106
2,263
98
70,073
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,352
-
10,352
-
-
21,774
-
5,476
27,250
53,176|**2022/23**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
7,800
59,589
-
-
-
-
67,389
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
67,389||**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
**50,318**
**65,150**
**4,695**
**2,833**
**12,106**
**2,263**
**98**
**137,462**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**10,352**
**-**
**10,352**
**-**
**-**
**21,774**
**-**
**5,476**
**27,250**
**120,565**|**2021/22**
**Total funds**
**£**
_32,260_
_64,015_
_4,582_
_2,428_
_4,332_
_3,033_
_157_|
|||||**Total funds**
**£**
**50,318**
**65,150**
**4,695**
**2,833**
**12,106**
**2,263**
**98**||
|||||**137,462**|_110,807_|
|||||**-**
**-**
**-**|_-_
_-_
_-_|
|||||**-**|_-_|
|||||**-**|_-_|
|||||**-**|_-_|
|||||**10,352**
**-**|_9,636_
_-_|
|||||**10,352**|_9,636_|
|||||**-**
**-**
**21,774**
**-**
**5,476**|_-_
_-_
_10,021_
_-_
_650_|
|||||**27,250**|_10,671_|
|||||**120,565**|_109,772_|
## **NON-MONETARY ASSETS**
|(based on insurance values)
Buildings
Contents&Equipment
Trailers|Explorer Scouts
20,000
46,520
8,254|Loddon District-
Paddicks&Shop
57,250
22,550|
|---|---|---|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Notes to accompany the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2023**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities 2005 (SORP 2005), the Charities Act 1996 and applicable accounting standards.
## **2** . **MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS**
The gross figure includes subscriptions due to Headquarters and County.
## **3. DONATIONS / GRANT / SIMILAR INCOME**
The amount of £500 was received as a donation towards the PP Project.
## **4. INTERNATIONAL FUND**
The funds remain unchanged, and no requests have been received.
## **5. FUNDS**
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of this Council that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the Council are deemed as restricted funds and are summarised below. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which this Council is responsible in law. The total Restricted Funds for the year are £66,789.
||**Restricted Fund**
**Balances as at 31st March**
**2023**|**International**
**Fund**|**Beavers**
**a/c**|**Paddicks**
**Patch**
**Fund**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||£2,716|£652|£64,021|
## **6. PADDICKS PATCH**
This wooded area of land in Waingels Road was donated to Loddon District Scouts in 1982 by Sidney Paddick for use as a camp site. In September 1990, a prefabricated building was donated by Barclays Bank and erected on the site. This is now the Loddon District Headquarters. The building will be reconstructed, and detailed planning work is currently being undertaken following receipt of full planning permission.
## **7** . **SECTIONS**
The District Scout Explorers, Scout Active Support Unit and District Scouts maintain separate accounts. The District Cub and Beaver funds are included as restricted funds within the main account.
## **8. LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT SHOP**
Scout shop items have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The Scout Shop maintains a separate account. The shop made a contribution of £3,770 to District funds in the year.
## **9** . **TRUSTEE EXPENSES**
Trustees received expenses totalling £1,188 in the year to 31/3/23.
## **10. PUBLIC INTEREST**
The District Council meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. The Trustees have had regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission when deciding upon the activities for the year.
Independent Examinerfs report to the trustees of LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT
COUNCIL
I port on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st Marth 2023.
Respectivo responsibilities of tntstèes and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's truslees
consider that an audit is rtot required for this year under section 144 {21 of the Charities Act 2011
(the 2011 Act) and th* an indeperKlertt examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
to follow the prowlures laid down in the general Directions gNen by the Charity Commission
under section 145 (Sllb) of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed
all the applicable Directions gNen by the Charity Commission under sectlon 145{5}Ib) of the
Act.
to state whether partlar matters have u)me to my attentn.
Independent Examlnerfs ststement
I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matsrial matters have come lo ry attention in
connects'on with the examination gNing me cause to believe that in any material respect
1. accounting rewrds We not kept In respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the
Artor
2. the accounts do not accord wth those records.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in nnectIOn wtth the examination lo
which attention should be drawn in this rewrt in order lo enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to te reached.
Name..
Signed..
Address
Dale-
1gV- e023
## **SQUIRREL REPORT 2023**
Squirrels are developing in the District!
The first Drey in 5[th] Woodley is now just over a year old and has developed well, it has now over 10 members with several gaining the top award of Chief Scout's Acorn Award. Demand for membership is high and 5[th] Woodley started a second Drey early in the year. 3[rd] Woodley have recently started their first Drey. Both Groups have been successful in recruiting new Leaders for the Section and are optimistic that this will strengthen the Groups going forwards as Squirrels move up through the Sections.
How well is it going? Here is a quote from one Squirrel (aged 5 ½) who has just achieved the Chief Scouts Acorn Award, need we say more?
_“I like the games every week, they are different each week. I like seeing my friends and getting badges for my uniform. I like playing anything outside and I love everything we do outside.”_
Andrew Price AGSL 5[th] Woodley
## **BEAVER REPORT 2023**
We now have 17 colonies across the District with both Wargrave & 5[th] Woodley reopening their second colonies during the past year.
This means even more youngsters can enjoy Beaver Scouting. What’s not to enjoy – Sleepovers, Camps, Hikes, Nature Walks, Archery, Katakanuing, Water Rockets, Cooking Marshmallows over a fire, Den building as well as games, crafts and lots of badge work.
All these activities have ensured many Beavers have earned their Chief Scout Bronze Awards while having a lot of fun.
After postponing our annual District Christmas Party for 2 years it was great to hold it again last December when 126 Beaver Scouts had a super afternoon.
All these activities don’t just happen – so on behalf of the Beaver Scouts of Loddon I would like to say a big thank you to all the leaders & supporters who make it all happen every week.
Jane Moore DBSL Loddon District
## **CUB REPORT 2023**
Cubs are the largest section in Loddon District with 20 Packs running on every night during the week.
All Packs have enjoyed a great range of activities both on their respective meeting nights and on Nights Away and Days Out.
Due to various reasons no District Cub events were held during the last twelve months. I hope that during the coming twelve months we will see District events for Cubs restarting.
This section needs a Team Leader and Team to co-ordinate the organising of some events; and support Leaders in running good programmes - anyone who would like to take this role on please get in touch with me for a chat!
## **Geoff Barnes District Commissioner (District Lead Volunteer)**
## **SCOUT REPORT 2023**
**A new Troop and a return of some much-missed events, it’s almost like normal!**
For those who follow the Murray Plate competition (and why would you NOT?), we used the lockdown and eventual(!) restart to rearrange the season, so that it is now presented at the Great Breakfast Chase in October, which also forms the start of each new MP season. This makes it much more pronounced around the District Scout section as I doubt, we get 100 plus Scouts at the District AGM?
Last year (2022) was awarded to 5[th] Woodley Scouts, although we only held a (relatively small?) Great Breakfast Chase for over 160 Scouts and Explorers that year!
Bowling Competition (Feb 2023) - This is what 178 Scouts looks like!
This year’s season (2023) includes last year’s GBC (Oct 22), a VERY recent Cooking competition at Paddicks (June 23) and the Raft Race (September 23). There was also a Bowling competition (Feb 23), but due to technical difficulties at the centre, had to be cancelled, so we simply bowled instead.
**Is the Scout section growing, you bet we are!**
One thing that is abundantly apparent is that the Scout section appears to be thriving around the District!
With RECORD NUMBERS of over 125 Scouts at the Great Breakfast Chase and over 170 at the Bowling competition, a new troop opening at 1[st] Woodley, and hearing rumours that Troops are hoping to break last year’s record attendance at this year’s GBC (eek!) what else can it be?
This may cause some head scratching by our fantastic Explorer team as to how to accommodate them all, but I am confident they will be able to rise to the challenge.
## **Other News**
After a 3 Month, District wide, master at arms course held at Twyford Scout Group, we represented BOTH Loddon and the Royal Berkshire County as the only team from either at the National Scout Archery Competition on the Coronation long weekend, with a cross section of Twyford and Lower Earley Scouts with some notable Explorers thrown into the mix and had our best results.
Taking along a multiple world record holder as one of our team, probably did make their competition a forgone conclusion, however, it was the breadth and depth of the other results that most gave me cause for pride knowing that the fantastic work of my fellow permit holders has helped to further cement Loddon as a place of archery excellence!
Loddon Scouts & Explorers at the NSAC – See, there was SOME sun around that weekend!
## **Final Comments**
The Chief Scout Award prizes (multifunction scarves) given to those in the Section who achieve the highest award, have so far been awarded to over 25 Scouts, so CONGRATULATIONS to all who have worked so hard to achieve this.
Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has helped make this a muchneeded return to normal. Always too many to mention, but I would like to single out the fantastic work by my fellow Scout leaders in helping to promote District events so enthusiastically, as well as the ever-present sanity checking and sound board assistance from Robert Kimber
The sheer number of Scouts taking part in District events has surpassed my expectations, and to see so many Scouts enjoying ‘Scouting’ means we ALL appear to be doing something right.
Night All!
## **Peter Rogers “Zed” ADC Scouts**
## **EXPLORER REPORT 2023**
The Explorers in the last year have had a great year whilst having some struggles.
Explorers ran their own monopoly camp in London, using public transport to complete the challenges set to them and getting pictures of the whole day and challenges. At the end of the day, we invested 2 new leaders on the Paddington station concourse.
We also took part in the Great Breakfast Chase with 30+ explorers attending with 2 of the Explorers at the event, also going to the Jamboree, stepping forward to walk with a scout team to support them.
We look forward to even more fun in 2023-2024
Stuart Johnson DESC
## **SCOUT NETWORK REPORT 2022-23**
At the start of the year some Network members joined the Explorers on the summer expedition to Scotland walking on Skye and dancing in Edinburgh. Throughout the year a few small events have occurred including socials and walking in the Brecon Beacons. In May this year Network Leaders and members again joined the Explorers in their first International trip to Belgium to take part in the Ypres 100km festival of walking.
During the year, Josh McBain, Stephen Adams, Amiee Wallace and Lizzie Davies attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Patrick Fillingham attended the annual St Georges Day at Windsor Castle to receive his Queens Scouts Award.
Malcolm Fillingham Network Commissioner
## **ACTIVE SUPPORT UNIT REPORT 2023**
Our District Active Support Unit has not been very active since the pandemic, our members are all getting older, and some have serious health issues. We have lost our meeting place due to 5[th] Woodley expansion of sections and although we have kept in touch with each other over Zoom and by email we hadn’t met up until January this year.
We decided to meet for lunch in a pub on the third Thursday of alternate months. We investigated a number of options and eventually decided on the Wee Waif in Charvil who have been most helpful in giving us a separate area to use. Everyone orders and pays for their own food so can have as much or as little as they want. The service is very quick, so no one waits long, and we have a good opportunity to catch up with each other and discuss anything which needs to be discussed scouting wise.
We hope to get back to meeting more formally if a suitable meeting room becomes available.
We do need some new blood so if anyone would like to join us the next lunch is booked for Thursday 22[nd] June, you would be very welcome.
Helen Price Co-ordinator
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT SHOP 2023**
Total sales for the year were £28,285, of which £17,848 (63%) was for Loddon District, £9,743 (34%) was Wokingham and £694 (3%) was other. This was about 6% down on last year.
Badge sales of £12,451 represented 44% of the turnover, of which Loddon groups purchased £7,061, Wokingham £5,318 and others £72.
We are encouraging groups to pay for badges by direct bank transfer, which saves us paying any bank charges. General purchases are predominantly paid by card for which we incurred £266 in transaction fees.
The sale of uniform continues to be steady, mostly at the start of term, but it is obvious that some parents are preferring the convenience of purchasing online direct from Scout store.
We were able to return £1,446 to groups in the form of rebates and transferred £3,000 surplus funds to the District.
We are now struggling for helpers, we are down to 3 teams for Saturdays and 2 teams for Thursdays, from only 5 of the groups in the District. We do not allocate more than 3 sessions per term to our already busy helpers, so we are having to cover the rest.
Barbara and Ian Loring Scout Shop Managers