REGISTERED CHARITY No 276613
95[th]
Annual General Meeting
June 18[th] , 2025
WELCOME
The President and District Officials cordially welcome you to the
95[th] Annual General Meeting of Loddon District Scout Council
On Wednesday June 18[th] , 2025
At
1[st] Wargrave 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 18[th] , 2025, at 8.00 pm
1[st] Wargrave HQ, Recreation Ground, East View Road. RG10 8EE
AGENDA
1.
Introduction and welcome
2.
Apologies for absence
Governance topics
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a. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 19[th] June 2024
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b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules
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c.
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d. Approve appointed and community members of the District Scout Council
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e. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board
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f. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding this AGM)
4.
Review of the previous year
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a. The District Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts in Loddon District
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b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts
Making appointments
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a. Appoint the District Chair
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b. Appoint the District Treasurer
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c. Appoint members of the District Trustee Board, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board
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d. To re-appoint the District President.
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e. To appoint the Scrutineer.
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f. To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
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Introduce County Commissioner to say a few words.
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Closing remarks
Minutes of the 94[th] Annual General Meeting of the Loddon District Scout Council held on Wednesday 19[th] June 2024 in 1[st] Twyford Scout HQ & commencing at 8.15pm
- 1) Introduction and welcome The District Chair opened the meeting with a few safety announcements and then handed over to the District President to say a few words.
The President, Mick Stocks, welcomed everyone to the meeting especially Nigel Bevan the County Lead Volunteer.
He then said that he was very pleased to be able to do the welcome as he wanted to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the past year. He said he knew from experience; how much time is involved in running successful scout meetings, and he wanted to express his thanks to everyone. It had been a difficult year as the transition has been delayed a number of times. However, he felt that once everything is in place it will be a welcome move forward and will be good for all.
The Great Orme tragedy has been a sobering time for us all and emphasises the importance of following the rules correctly.
He then thanked all the trustees for their work throughout the past year and mentioned Donald, our chair, especially for his work on the Paddicks Patch project.
Donald replied by saying that we hope to receive a donation from the Earley Charities in the near future but that other donations are unlikely as we are not in a deprived area and therefore not likely to be considered.
Apologies for absence
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2) Apologies for absence Apologies were received from, Chris & Mary Fido, Trefor Fisher, Ulla SwynfordLain, Ken & Linda Peters, Karen Thurlow, Noelle Vaz, John Edmunds, Joan Fahey, Malcolm Fillingham, Lynda Evans, Phil Brown and Ian Aitken. Some 22 District members attended.
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3) Governance Topics Donald noted to the District Scout Council members present that this part of the meeting is a necessary part to make sure that the charity’s foundations are in good order.
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4) Approval of Minutes of AGM held on 21st June 2023 The District Chair, Donald MacDonald, then continued chairing the meeting by saying that the minutes from last year were reviewed by the District Executive Committee at their first meeting after the AGM and so he proposed that the minutes are taken as read and asked the District Scout Council to agree that they are a true record of that meeting. Robin Phillips seconded the proposal and there was a unanimous show of hands to approve.
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5) To adopt the model constitution from policy, Organisation and Rules
In line with the recommendation from Scout Headquarters, Donald proposed that we adopt the model constitution from Chapter 5 of the Policy, Organisation and Rules. A copy of this was sent to everyone for review and inspection prior to this meeting and copies are also available at the meeting. Jane Moore seconded this proposal, and the show of hands was unanimous.
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a) To note the District’s financial year.
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Members of the District Scout Council are asked to note that our charity’s financial year is 1st April to 31st March.
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b) To approve appointed and community members of the scout council
Donald said that the Chair noted the District Scout Council can admit other people to membership. Chair advises that no other persons are nominated as District Scout Council members. These would have been admitted as members of the District Scout Council as well as the ex officio list in POR Rule 5.5.4 There was therefore no need for a show hands to approve.
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c) To agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
- The District Scout Council must agree at its AGM the number of people that can be elected to the Trustee Board. The recommendation from the outgoing Trustee Board is that 8 people can be elected. The Chair proposes that the District Scout Council approves that recommendation. Seconder was Linda Bowes, and the show of hands was unanimous.
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d) To agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the District Trustee Board, meetings of any sub-committees.
- The District Scout council must agree at its AGM the quorum – the minimum number of District Scout Council members that must be present at a meeting of the District Scout Council. The recommendation from the outgoing Trustee Board is that the quorum should be set at 8 persons. The District Scout Council was asked to approve that recommendation. The seconder was Linda Bowes and the show of hands unanimous.
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6) Review of the previous year The chair noted to the District Scout Council members present that this part of the meeting was the opportunity to reflect of the activities of the past year.
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a) The District Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouting in Loddon District
In addition to his written report Geoff said that he wanted to highlight the need
for all risk assessments and nights away approvals to be up to date. All leaders need to be trained to ensure the safety of the children in our care. Some of the training will be updated soon. All risk assessments must be specific to the task and generic ones must not be used. We need to make sure that we have contingency plans in place for every activity.
Geoff thanked all who supported him when he was in hospital, he said it was pleasing to know that there is such good support within the District. He also thanked Jenny Lamprell for stepping up to become joint lead volunteer with him and said that he was grateful to be able to pass on some of the many duties the job entails. He also thanked every leader in the District for all their hard work throughout the past year.
The Chair then thanked Geoff for his report and reiterated his thanks for all that he had done throughout the past year. He also thanked Jenny for her support to Geoff.
- b) To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual statement of the Accounts.
The Chairman said that the District Trustee Board had approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, and the report on the accounts had been received from the Scrutineer. He then asked the District Treasurer to give his explanation of the Statement of Accounts.
The treasurer added to his report by saying that our assets have increased this year by £8,000. The shop added £2,000 with their donation and we also received £3,500 in interest on accounts. Overall Paddicks Patch is a drain on our resources, but the cost of electricity has gone down this year. We have spent £3,500 in starting the work to secure the planning consent.
Jane Moore asked him about whether the Explorers were claiming gift aid and Simon replied that this is still with HMRC but has been applied for. He expects a reasonable sum to be gained from this.
The Chair then thanked Simon for all his hard work on the accounts and for sorting out the Gift Aid reclamation.
Linda Bowes then interjected with a request that we note our grateful thanks to Babara and Ian Loring for all their work at the Scout shop. Donald endorsed this.
7) Making Appointments
The Chair noted to the District Scout Council members present that we’ll use this part of the meeting to organise the setup of the charity until the next AGM. We'll appoint a Trustee Board to oversee good governance for the charity over the next year.
a) To appoint the District Chair
The Chair then handed chairmanship of the meeting to the District Lead Volunteer who nominated Donald MacDonald as District Chair and asked for a show of hands as approval which was unanimous. He then handed chairmanship back to the Chair.
b) Election of the District Treasurer
The District Treasurer is an elected appointment and, as required, Simon Roberts has been formally proposed and seconded. Since there were no other nominations by the closing date a show of hands is required to approve Simon’s election. This was unanimous. The Chair then thanked Simon for his support throughout the year.
c) Elections of members to the District Trustee Board
- The chair explained the open selection proves agreed by the Trustee Board. The recommendation to the District Scout Council is that Robin Phillips, Helen Price, Mick Stocks, Jenny Lamprell and Geoff Barnes should be appointed as members of the trustee board.
There was a unanimous show of hands to approve.
The chair then thanked the trustees for their work during the year.
d) To re-appoint the District President
The Chair noted that the District Scout Council appoints the District President. He advised that Mick Stocks had been proposed as President and asked for a show of hands to reapprove. This was unanimous.
He then thanked Mick for his support throughout the year.
e) To appoint the Scrutineer.
The Treasurer then proposed Mike Waddelove as scrutineer for the next year. The Chair then said that Mike Waddelove had been proposed and seconded and is qualified for the role. He asked for a show of hands to approve Mike Waddelove’s nomination. This was unanimous.
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f) To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
- We are required to nominate at least 1 person as District Representatives to the County Scout Council. Tom Toy has been proposed and seconded. He asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination. This was unanimous. He then thanked Tom for standing once again.
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8) The Chair then introduced Nigel Bevan the County Lead Volunteer who gave his review.
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Nigel began by saying that we all need to get used to the new terminology. It will take time as we have been using the old terminology for years, but change is necessary.
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Loddon membership is up 3.6% in general, and our scout membership is up 10% which is above the national average. There are new Squirrel sections
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popping up everywhere and all are very successful. We are one of ten counties who are early adopters of the transformation. We are doing well and are now waiting for the technology to be put in place so that we can move forward with it. Adult Appointment Committees have now been disbanded and Group Lead Volunteers will now hold welcome conversations with new volunteers, this will be recorded on the Compass Database until the new technology is in place.
The Great Orme Tragedy has been a difficult time. The jury found that the leaders of the expedition were guilty of unlawful killing which was contributed to by the neglect of the Scout Association. The coroner said that the Scout Association has rules but that we are not following them. He has asked for five reports which cover “Safety, Nights Away, Adventurous Activities, Training, and Visits Abroad.” All new leaders must be trained within 5 months.
As a county we have a few international trips coming up, There are 190 people going to Malawi this summer and next year is a trip to the Alps. 2026 will see the next WINGS camp so we have lots of exiting activities happening. We thank everyone for all they do and for keeping their training up to date.
9)
Awards
Two awards were then presented by Geoff our District Lead Volunteer. Helen Price received her 25 year long-service award. Linda Bowes received her 50 year long-service award.
The Chair then thanked Nigel and thanked everyone for attending the AGM. He closed the meeting at 21.00 and thanked Tom for his hospitality and for hosting the AGM.
The next AGM is due to take place on 18th June 2025.
District Lead Volunteer Report
Loddon District and its constituent Groups has enjoyed another the 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 abroad in Belgium.
The District continues the grow; Our five Squirrel Dreys go from strength to strength with two Dreys at 5[th] Woodley and one at 3[rd] Woodley, 99[th] Reading and 1[st] Twyford. I hope in the coming year we will see more Squirrel Dreys opening around d the District.
Explorer Scouts remain strong with three meeting nights through the week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday, two now meet at 1[st] Hurst and one in the community hall at St Dominics Primary School in Woodley.
We have now transitioned to the ways of welcoming new volunteers and new teams based approach to working. The new digital membership management system has been live for about six months; challenges remain with the system and HQ are working to resolve these in the coming months.
Finally thank you to everyone in Loddon in whatever role you hold.
Geo� Barnes Joint District Lead Volunteer Loddon District
District Chairman’s Report
Let me open by thanking everyone involved in Scouting in Loddon for all their support and energy during the last year.
We are very fortunate to have a District that is growing and thriving, and this can only happen with the dedication and commitment that we see so much in evidence across Loddon District.
The Scout Shop is part of our District of which we are very proud, it contributes strongly to our finances. Barbara and Ian are a few people short of what would help things function more efficiently, so please offer your support if you are able for a couple of hours every 4-6 weeks during term time.
The PP Building Project moves forward, albeit quite slowly. The Earley Charity have generously contributed £100,000 towards our plan for a new building at Paddick's Patch. There are a few hurdles to overcome, and we continue to fundraise. Let's hope we see the fruits of our labours soon. Especial thanks to Tony Parker for all the work he is doing to make things a reality with a new building and to Keith Walker for his wise counsel, professional input and endeavour.
So, there is always plenty going on in the District and whether it's the individual Groups or Explorers we have much for which to be grateful as we look ahead with faith and hope for the period ahead.
Berkshire County continue to support us well and we are indeed fortunate to have them behind us.
All best wishes for another top year of Scouting.
Donald MacDonald District Chair of Trustees
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL DISTRICT TREASURER’S REPORT Y/E 31/03/2025
The district accounts for 2024/25 have been prepared as required by the Charities Act 2011.
Total Assets stood at £187,502 as at 31st March 2025 (£128,331 31/3/24). This significant increase is largely due to donations towards the new building at Paddicks Patch.
The bank balance includes restricted funds totalling £103,784 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 £59,171 was generated.
The Scout Shop generated a surplus of £2,153 similar to last year. Explorers generated a surplus of £3,881 (23/24 £5,193) after allowing for the costs of the Netherlands trip after the year end. The District continues to subsidise the use of Paddicks Patch for the benefit of local groups to the extent of £2,200 this year. A similar amount to last 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 to incur some minor expenditure (£1,721) but has also received £39,259 in donations.
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 Paymants Account Summary for the year ended 31st March 2025 Charfty No. 276613 2024125 2024125 Unrestricted Restn"cted Funds Funds 2024125 2023124 Totsl Funds Total Funds Total recelpts for yoar Total payments for year end 82.143 40.681 122,824 57,162 61.467 63.653 49.396 Net of recelptsl(payments) for year Transfer between fund8 20.676 38.495 59.171 7,766 20,676 38.495 59.171 7,766 Cash, bank & other net assets blfwd 63.042 65.289 128,331 720.565 Cash, bank & other net assets ¢lfv 83.718 128,331 Summary of Ass•ts and Liabilities at 31st March 2025 2024125 2024r25 2024125 2023124 mONARy ASSErs Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Bank Balances Cash In Hand 102,332 55 103,784 206,116 134.687 98 102,387 103.784 206,171 134, 785 OTHER MONETARY ASSErs Debts due from Group NoNoNETARy ASSETS S¢out Shop Stock 11.732 11,732 11.239 114.119 30.401 103.784 217,903 t46,024 17,693 128,331 LIABILITIES *repald sub8 & other adv pymts Net Assets 103.784 187,502 The bove Receipts and Payme st unt and Summary of Asset and Liabilities We approved signed on their behall Donald MacDonald Dlstrf¢t Chair Helen Prlce Dlgtrfct Secretsry Simon Roberts Dlstrlct Tre48uror
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account
| Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2025 | Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 Unrestricted funds £ RECEIPTS Donations, legacies and similar income Membership subscriptions 68,167 Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) (62,552) Net membership subscriptions retained 5,615 Donations - Gift Aid 7,393 Other similar income/Legacy - Sub total 13,008 Grants Paddicks Patch Project - International Fund - Berkshire Scouts Jamboree - Sub total - Fundraising (gross) Cubs/Beavers - Scouts 6,161 Explorer 55,236 Scout Active Support Unit - Paddicks Patch 941 Other District fundraising events - Sub total 62,338 Investment income Bank interest(COIF) 4,644 Scout Shop 2,153 Sub total 6,797 Total Gross Income82,143 To COIF a/c - Total Receipts82,143 |
2024/25 Restricted funds £ - - - - - 39,259 39,259 - 1,142 - 1,142 280 - - - - 280 - - - - - 40,681 - 40,681 |
2024/25 Total funds £ 68,167 (62,552) 5,615 - 7,393 39,259 52,267 - 1,142 - 1,142 280 6,161 55,236 - 941 - 62,618 4,644 2,153 - - 6,797 122,824 - 122,824 |
2023/24 Total funds £ 62,998 (56,589) 6,409 - - 500 6,909 - 1,105 - 1,105 288 2,967 38,446 - 2,162 - 43,863 3,167 2,118 - - 5,285 57,162 - 57,162 |
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account
| Payments for the year ended 31st | Payments for the year ended 31st | March 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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 |
2024/25 Unrestricted funds £ 3,141 - - - 1,055 52 31 - - - - 4,279 - 3,157 51,355 2,284 392 57,188 61,467 61,467 20,676 63,042 83,718 |
2024/25 Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - 200 1,721 - 1,921 265 - - - - 265 2,186 - 2,186 38,495 65,289 103,784 |
2024/25 Total funds £ 3,141 - - - 1,055 52 31 - - 200 - 1,721 - 6,200 265 3,157 51,355 2,284 392 57,453 63,653 - 63,653 59,171 - 128,331 187,502 |
2023/24 Total funds £ 4,326 385 - - 1,191 261 27 - 355 - - 3,598 - 10,143 383 5,617 33,253 - - 39,253 49,396 - 49,396 7,766 - 120,565 128,331 |
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
| Statement of assets and liabilities | Statement of assets and liabilities | as at 31st March 2025 | as at 31st March 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2024/25 Unrestricted funds £ 35,730 29,177 3,109 3,187 31,129 - 55 102,387 - - - - - - 11,732 - 11,732 - - 20,452 - 9,949 30,401 83,718 |
2024/25 Restricted funds £ - 103,784 - - - - 103,784 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103,784 |
2024/25 Total funds £ 35,730 132,961 3,109 3,187 31,129 - 55 206,171 - - - - - - 11,732 - 11,732 - - 20,452 - 9,949 30,401 187,502 |
2023/24 Total funds £ 43,198 68,317 3,427 183 17,299 2,263 98 134,785 - - - - - - 11,239 - 11,239 - - 17,693 - 17,693 128,331 |
NON-MONETARY ASSETS
| (based on insurance values) Buildings Contents&Equipment Trailers |
Explorer Scouts 26,364 38,742 12,721 |
Loddon District- Paddicks&Shop 81,714 31,336 - |
|---|---|---|
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Notes to accompany the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2025
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 £39,259 was received as donations towards the PP Project.
4. INTERNATIONAL FUND
The fund has received £1,142 from the Active Support Unit and paid out £200 to support a scout attending Rovaway.
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 £103,784.
| Restricted Fund Balances as at 31st March 2025 |
International Fund |
Beavers a/c |
Paddicks Patch Fund |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £4,763 | £571 | £98,450 |
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. The Scout Active Support Unit was wound up during the year.
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 £2,153 to District funds in the year.
9 . TRUSTEE EXPENSES
Trustees received expenses totalling £1,055 in the year to 31/3/25.
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 tho trustees of LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st March 2025. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees a pOnSible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not requirgj for this year under Sect 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under sectM)n 145 of the 2011 P£t to folkhv the procedures laid down in the general Directions gNen by the Charity Commission under section 145 {Sl{bl of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Direthons given by the Charity Commission under section 1451Sllbl of the to slate whether particular matters have come to my attention. Independent Examinerfs statement I have completed my examinatlon. I Confi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any matenal respect.. 1. a¢¢ounting reo)rds We not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2. the accounts do not accord wtth those records. I have no concems and have CO 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. Name.. Signed.. Address SÉL) Date.. tZ67 I4z g61
Section Report 2024-25
Loddon now has five Squirrel Dreys open, and all are enjoying a wide range of activities, they are doing lots of Challenges and are gaining Activity Badges. We have seen our first Chief Scouts Acorn Awards being awarded and Squirrels are now moving on to Beaver Colonies.
There was a Christmas Party organised jointly between 3rd and 5th Woodley and I hope we will see more District wide events organised for Squirrels in the coming year. Like Cubs, this section needs a team and team leader to co-ordinate the organising of some events and to 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 Lead Volunteer
LODDON BEAVER SCOUT SECTION REPORT JUNE 2025
We have 18 colonies across the District all with Leader Teams determined to provide excellent programmes for our young people.
Over the year our Beaver Scouts have taken part in Sleepovers, Camps, Campfires, Cooking Marshmallows, Smores or Dampers over a fire, Litter Picking, Hikes, Nature Walks, Archery, Climbing, Katakanuing, Water Rockets, Den building, Remembrance Day Services, Treasure Hunts to name just a few. Add in games, cooking, crafts and lots of badge work and that is some of what is on offer for our Beaver Scouts.
All these activities have ensured that many Beavers have earned their Chief Scout Bronze Awards while having a lot of fun.
Just one District Beaver event was run during the past year – the famous Beaver Scout Christmas Party. Unfortunately, this year only 12 colonies could join in the fun but the 124 children who could attend enjoyed Fred in the Shed’s excellent entertainment, a snack tea and a visit from the Santa who distributed present bags to all. A great afternoon of entertainment enjoyed by all.
Some colonies attended the County Adventure day in March where they enjoyed a range of exciting activities and all who attended earned their Adventure Challenge. Although tiring it was a great day with the only drawback being the long queues for the most popular bases!
On behalf of the Beaver Scouts of Loddon I must say a big thank you to all the leaders & their supporters who provide such a wide range of activities and make the fun happen every week.
Jane Moore Loddon District Leadership Team
Section Report 2024-25
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 to 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 Lead Volunteer
Loddon District Network Section Report 2024-25
Our Network section has been busy this year. Notable achievements are that Chris Faulkner received his Kings Scout Award and attended the Day of Celebration at Windsor. Corner Wallace received his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Well done to both of them.
Malcolm Fillingham Loddon Network Coordinator
Loddon District Safety Report
All groups have been asked to complete the premises safety audit form available on the Scout website. Even if a group is meeting in rented premises this is important and the existing premises risk assessments should be available to see if they cover use of the premises when sectional meetings take place. In particular problems using the building when it is dark. Is the site adequately lit to allow safe evacuation of the building? Should the fire assembly point be different from that assigned for daytime use?
Work parties have been meeting at PP on a monthly basis to get the site ready for summer meetings. The activity trail has been repaired and made safe. Ash dieback is causing a risk of falling timber around the fire circle. This part of the site will remain closed until these trees have been made safe. Also trees overhanging Waingels Road will also be made safe. All required permits for this work have now been obtained. Work will commence in the Autumn. However, to manage risks the fire circle part of the site will be closed if winds in excess of 40 mph are forecast. As part of my membership of the County safety team two one to one sessions and a one day course for prospective PAT Testers have been organised.
Robin Phillips District Safety Coordinator
LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT SHOP
Total sales for the year were £30,167 of which £19,328 (64%) was for Loddon District, £9,471 (31%) was Wokingham and £1,367 (4.5%) was other. This was about 11% up on last year, but taking into account that prices have increased approximately 10% so basically it was on a par with 2024. Badge sales of £14,152 represented 47% of the turnover, of which Loddon groups purchased £8,487 Wokingham £5,370 and others £295.
More groups are paying for badges by direct bank transfer, thus saving us paying any bank charges. General purchases are predominantly paid by card for which we incurred £265 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 £1,428 to groups in the form of 10% rebates and transferred £2,000 surplus funds to the District. However, in future, group rebates might have to be reviewed as Scout Store has now reduced the discount from 20% to 10% for all purchases by District Scout Shops
As in previous years we would appreciate more help with serving at the shop, particularly on Saturday mornings. We do not allocate more than 3 sessions per term to our already busy helpers, and we are having to cover the rest.
Barbara and Ian Loring