## Grove Scout Group ## AGM 2024 **https://www.kascouts.org.uk/our-groups/grove-scout-group** ## Chairs Report **This year has been a whirlwind of changes behind the scenes within Scouting at Grove. Not least of all, we held our AGM this time last year just in time to coincide with brand-new governance rules across Scouting, which has meant that this year has been all about finding our feet within the new structure. I have to say it has been a relatively painless transition, thanks to the fact that our Group has been well-run for many years, and some of the changes had been prepped in advance.** **As Co-Chair, I am particularly proud of how all the trustees have embraced the changes, focusing more on the governance aspects of group management, rather than the day-to-day operations. Andrew, our lead volunteer, has been managing these daily operations alongside an excellent team of leaders across all sections. A special shout-out to Tracy, my Co-Chair, who has kept me and the group organised this year. While I get to write this report, she has done most of the hard work behind the scenes.** **Governance might not sound like the most thrilling task for adults volunteering their time in Scouting, but it's vital to ensure that Scouting in Grove runs safely, and that finances and resources are managed well. This year, we’ve worked on streamlining our processes and documentation around risk, finance, health, and safety, all of which are crucial for the long-term success of the group. We’ve also developed the use of subcommittees, allowing more adults to take on supporting roles without the need to become a trustee or leader. Our current subcommittees are Finance, Property Development, and the Leadership Team.** **With every AGM, we see members of the board of trustees move on, and I am incredibly thankful to Linda Audas and Fiona Stovold for their work in supporting the group as trustees this past year, as well as many years previously. Both are continuing with their main volunteer roles within the group and district. We are also bidding farewell to Abbe, our treasurer for a number of years, who will be sorely missed.** **Like all volunteer-run organizations, we always welcome more volunteers, whether that’s for face-to-face Scouting, supporting a different section behind the scenes, or serving as a trustee or on one of our subcommittees. If anyone is interested, please speak to any of the volunteers in the group who will be happy to assist you.** **I’m really excited for the future of the group, not least because the Property subcommittee is working hard to source a replacement for the existing “hut,” which will enable Scouting in Grove to go from strength to strength. We can finally say goodbye to the hut that might’ve once been mistaken for a ‘charmingly rustic shed’ and look forward to a shiny new base for our future adventures.** ## **Paul Thompson** **I have been involved in volunteering with the group for 18 years, by being on the committee and starting to take over the organisation of the Scout Christmas Post in 2008. Since 2011 I have been a trustee for Grove Scout Group and when Scouts decided to remove the role of Group Secretary in 2024, I was asked to become Cochair with Paul Thompson. One year later and the group has progressed with lots of help from volunteers in the property team, leadership team and finance team. It has never been more important to get as many people involved as possible as we take the next steps to move forward with our new building.** **All the volunteers within Grove Scout Group are amazing and provide so much for the young people, so thank you to all of them. They make the job of being a trustee very easy with such enthusiasm and commitment. We are very lucky with the support we have but can always do with more as people move on and roles and demands change. Here’s to a great 2025!** ## **Tracy Thomas** ## Lead Volunteer Report **I hope you enjoy reading about the activities of our sections over the following pages.** **It has been an honour to continue in my (rebranded) role of Group Lead Volunteer for Grove Scout Group over the last 12 months with more volunteers than ever, working harder than ever to deliver amazing experiences for our Young People while also forging the future of our group.** **I am grateful to Paul and Tracy as our Co-Chairs for leading our reinvigoration. The role of our Trustee Board is now properly established and has created the space for subcommittees and leadership subgroups to be effective.** **Future plans for our property continue to be developed against a very challenging backdrop, together we will find a way. In the meantime, it is clearer to me than it has ever been that it is people and not a building that make our Skills for Life vision a reality.** **Thank you leaders, thank you parents and thank you young people for the energy, enthusiasm, support and passion that you bring through the doors week in, week out.** **Please don’t underestimate how fortunate we are in Grove to have so many well integrated volunteers making this all work – we are a great team to be part of, come join us!** **In 2025 we will celebrate 50 years of Cub Scouts in Grove and then in 2026 60 years of Grove Scouts!** **On we go!** **Andrew S** ## Minutes of Grove Scout Group AGM ## **Saturday 4th May 2024 10.30am @ Grove Scout Hut** ## 1. **Welcome and introductions** Present: A list was collated of those present; this will be kept with the Secretary’s copy of the AGM minutes. Andrew Shapland (AS) welcomed all to the AGM. A large donation was received by the group from Harry Robey and AS introduced Simon Atkin to explain more about him. Harry was born in 1922 in Ardington and was in the RAF for 40years. He moved to Grove in his later years and passed away in 2020. He left all his possessions to various organisations such as the air corp., Ardington estate and Vale and Downland Museum. He donation all his money to organisations including RAF, RNLI, Antony Nolan Trust, NHS, Grove Guides and Grove Scout. A display about his life and some of his possessions were on display for attendees to see. ## 2. **Apologies for absence** Abbe Irving - Group Treasurer, Wendy Tatham - County Commissioner, Gareth Smith - WH Harriers, Nigel Dixey - Grove Rugby Club and others listed on the attendees list kept with the Secretary’s copy. ## 3. **Approval of nomination of Group Chair** Andrew Hancock has been Chair for the last 5 years even though his son left the group 3 years ago. A big thanks for Andrew’s time and support With the change in the group governance and leadership, I am pleased to say that Paul Thompson and Tracy Thomas have agreed to be co-chairs. ## 4. **Approval of minutes of 2022 AGM** The minutes of the 2022 minutes were available for those present to read and sent out prior to the meeting. Proposed by John Ireland, Seconded by Nicola Eason. ## 5. **Annual reports and accounts** All section reports and treasurer report are detailed in the AGM pack and the accounts show for the year ending August 2023. The main point to highlight is the legacy left by Harry Robey is reported in this year’s accounts. AS also confirmed that we have received a growth champion certificate again which is due to the opening of a squirrel drey. ## 6. **Group Constitution** The current group constitution has no changes and will be signed by the group lead volunteer and chairs. ## 7. **Group governance and leadership arrangements** Paul Thompson explained the change to the structure of groups within scouting which has meant there are new roles required within the group (on attached document) ## 8. **Approval of Group Treasurer** Abbe Irving has agreed to continue for now as Group Treasurer until August 2024. A new treasurer will need to be recruited prior to then for handover. ## 9. **Approval of Trustees** Four trustees were appointed due to their role. Andrew Shapland - Group Lead volunteer Paul Thompson – Chair Tracy Thomas – Chair Abbe Irving – Treasurer Three further trustees were appointed: Simon Atkin, Natasha Tucker and Fiona Stovold ## 10. **Co-opted Trustees** Four trustees are to be co-opted: Phil Miles, Tracey Beamont, John Ireland and Linda Audas ## 11. **Invitation to join team/committees** AS explained that we need more members to join the teams as detailed on the Trustee board document. 12. **Membership subscription fees** PT explained that the UK Scouts fee consists of District cost, County cost and HQ costs. As a group, we have not increased the fees for a number of years and in that time, HQ has increased by £20. The Groups fees will be increased on 1st June from £11 to £12 per month (a total of £12 per year). All present voted in agreement. 13. **Appointment of independent examiner** Thanks to John Hedderley for checking the accounts for 2022/23. John also agreed to continue to independently examine the accounts moving forward. All present voted in agreement. 14. **Presentation of trophies and awards** AH thanked AS for all his hard work as Group Scout Leader. AS presented gifts to Andrew Hancock and Emma Nickerson for their time as volunteers with the group. - **Akela’s cub challenge trophy** There were 8 nominations for this award. _Fia Wood, Edmund Richards, Joshua, Alex, Autumn Tucker, Max Shapland, Henry, Bryson – Falcon Cubs?_ The trophies were awarded to Bryson, Fia and Edmund ## **There was a break at 11am for refreshments.** ## **Meeting restarted at 11:30am** ## **Adult awards** 25 years’ service was presented to Steven Dickety (Chippy) 20 years’ service was presented to Paul Thompson 20 years’ service was presented to Tracey Beamont Commendation for good service was presented to Steve Fray ## **Dave Beamont Adult contribution trophy** This was awarded to Linda Audas for her contribution to the group over a number of years and for managing a smooth transition before and after she took a 7-month sabbatical. ## - **Beaver of the year award** There were 5 nominees: _Clarke Goodchild and George Gill – Buffalo Beavers_ Both are fantastic role models. _Benji Jacob, Henry Chapple and Evie Pryce– Silver Beavers_ The award was presented to George Gill ## - **Scout of the year award (Simon James Trophy)** Simon James (known as ACE) died in an accident on the A338 at the age of 21. Simon went from a 1[st] Grove Beaver to becoming a Leader. He had a passion for scouting, for young people and putting back into the community. He became a Queen scout and was a huge part of Grove Scout Group and an inspiration for others to follow in his footsteps. There were 3 nominees: _Danny Waterman, Milo Goodchild and Joseph Eason_ The award was presented to: Milo Goodchild ## 15. **Any other business** PT explained that the safeguarding reporting process for young people has been updated and shared the new yellow card which has rules on how to keep young people safe. Any safeguarding concern is now reported directly to HQ. TT confirmed we are fundraising at the Grove & Wantage Extravaganza on 15th June and will be looking for support to volunteer at the BBQ and circus skills sessions. Details will be sent out to all. The date for the next trustee board meeting will be Wednesday 5th June 2024 8pm at Grove Scout Hut. ## **Meeting closed at 12pm** **Massive thanks to Paul, Paul, Peter, Kayleigh, Louise, Lizzy, Antony and Mike for everything that they do to keep Squirrels thriving. And to all of the other parent leaders who have moved on as their small people turn 6.** ## Squirrels Report **The first full year of Grove Squirrels has been an absolute joy, thank you to all of the leaders and parents who have supported the section.** **We need to recruit volunteers on a more or less ongoing basis to keep Squirrels running – AND we have 15 young people on a standby list who are currently unlikely to get a place in Squirrels unless we think about opening a second Drey??** **We have managed to stay at the maximum capacity of 24 Squirrels due to that enthusiastic support.** **We continue to be creative, messy, adventurous, sporty and scientific. And to dedicate a significant chunk of most sessions to immersing ourselves in stories.** **Parents, friends, aunts, uncles, neighbours and older siblings can all make excellent Squirrel leaders, and I promise it can be one of the most enjoyable hours of your week if you allow it to be – give us a shout if you would like to get involved.** ## **Andrew** **For most of our Squirrels, the stories, creativity and messiness seem to be their favourite parts, but they are also happy to be up on the Ridgeway in the dark and cold surrounded by their friends.** ## Silver Beavers Report **As usual we started the term off with games, a reminder of the hut rules and a log chew for the Beavers to tell us what they would like to do regarding badge work and any visits associated with badge work. (We did get a decent list of things to do!!)** **We had an evening of learning to play tennis given by one of the Squirrel parents on one of our really wet evenings! Yes, we did play in the rain!! Dressing up as pirates saw us learning to do what young pirates do, learning to use a compass, walking the plank and learning a few knots. We were outdoors again for a few items of the cyclist’s badge, and indoors for the other items. An evening walk to discover how blind and hard of hearing use the crossings and showed the leaders how the Beavers manage to cross a road safely too. Peter ran an evening on the background to hikes- what to wear, and what to take with you in a rucksack and footwear. Trudi always produces a big laugh when she produces a large pot plant as an essential item from her backpack! Last meeting before half term we created bird feeders from pinecones and made pictures from collected autumn leaves.** **After Half Term we were joined by the Buffalo Beavers at our Halloween Party Night. A UK traditional celebration night of all things ghoulish! We celebrated Diwali at the meeting after, learning about the Diwali story and we made divas and put a night light in each of them. We then learnt to light the nightlight with matches. All made a very nice glow in the hut when the lights were turned off! We were out in the community for Remembrance Day in Denchworth with the Squirrels, with a short parade to church and then the service. Lovely cakes and squash in the village hall afterwards as a reward for being focused through the whole service and two minutes silence! Books, their care and reading were the next subjects to explore, with a lovely visit to the Wantage Library. They also taught us how to use a library and to find books with their** **system of book filing! We all became mini paramedics to earn the Emergency Aid 1 staged badge. From bandages and plasters all over our teddies so we couldn’t see them, to learning how to deal with a casualty, put them into recovery position and know how to get help. All very vital in this day and age! The Christmas season started well with Karen running a Christingle Challenge, leading to the attendance at the Grove Girlguiding District’s Christingle service in the St. John’s Church. Always the best start to the Christmas period! Christmas Scout Post delivering and sorting and then heading out with the rest of the Group raising money for the Group with the Santa Sleigh, kept us busy until Christmas.** **Spring term began with looking at the New Year, making resolutions and learnt some strange customs from countries and their New Year greetings. A change to show and tell evening of their hobbies and collections. Always an exciting evening to see what the Beavers like doing at home and what they collect. Learning about recycling and why and then the best bit of the meeting, making junk models from the recycling brought in! A bit of International followed this. A few of us met at the University Natural History Museum in Oxford for the County organised Multaka Day. A treasure hunt through the exhibits, a talk with some Scouts from a different Country and to guess what the various items on a table were and what they were for and where they came from. After lunch we were able to make kites from plastic bags, twigs and string, badges and make origami boats and cups and see how strong they were with small stones before it sunk. Continuing the International theme we looked at other countries that have scouts, their flags, Scout Promises and we managed to find some snacks from these countries to try too! Our last meeting before half term we looked at part of the Cook Badge in being safe in the kitchen and we made 3 things to take home to eat.** **Directly after half term, Beavers were found in the Funky Teapot creating some pottery to go towards Mothering Sunday gifts. Fabulous creations made here, and I am sure that every Beaver Mum loved them. More about** **communication. This is when we asked a parent to be at home and using Leaders’ mobiles, the Beavers called them. Learning about our teeth and how to care and brush them was the next item on the list. They were amazed when using disclosing tablets that the plaque on their teeth was very pink! They then had to brush it off before heading home, taking with them a fourweek brushing chart to complete and return for the Personal Challenge Badge! Making simple water filters was the next challenge, in a plastic bottle with various grades of sand and soil. Learning about exercise and why we need to do it combined with pet care for the Animal Friend badge. Trudi organised the visit to the chip shop but before that we were on a trail to find things before we arrived there.** **Summer term began with a look at communication through history from smoke signals, flags to emails and texts! Beavers needed to send a leader a message under the supervision of a parent at the end of the meeting! They were truly amazed that Lord Nelson did not have a tablet to communicate with the fleet and had to resort to flags!! We celebrated St. George’s Day by renewing our Promises and learnt why St. George is our patron saint of Scouting. We also made some union jack windmills. We had an evening of completing items for the safety badge – stranger danger, crossing railway lines, dangers in the house and how to call the emergency services. We then had an evening of learning and working as a team with various games.** **We had a one-night sleepover at DHQ and managed to notch up a quite a few bits of badgework. Peter ran two evenings about Maps and Compasses – learning to read the maps and then actually using the maps. Out on the field and in the hedgerows, we looked to see if we could find some mini beasties and identify them. Back out in the community again to parade in Ray** **Collins’ Carnival. So many people watching us walk three laps of the Marketplace in Wantage! We created bug hotels from the designs we sketched before the meeting. Back outside again the following week to visit Mrs Postbeschild’s allotment to find out about the tools used and how to use them safely. We also helped her dig up some plants that had gone to seed! We also had great fun too, running a litter pick around the skate park and in the rugby field and in the car park using a lotto-like card. Our last three meetings of summer were water related! We completed the Canal and River Explorer’s badge, explored the Letcombe Brook and were fascinated by the little creatures that were found in a single sweep of a fishing net; and then back at the hut we were able to play games with water and all were rather wet at the end!** **Thank you to our Leader Team, Fiona, Trudi, Peter, Karen, Ida, Beata and Christie who have been fabulous and without all their hard work and dedication, the Colony would not be the fun it is. Thank you!** **I would also like to thank Naomi Gill for being our Young Leader, and it has been great to see her become a brilliant Young Leader. It has also been lovely to see her progress from being quite shy to a confident young lass able to deal with anything put her way. Thank you, Naomi.** **Lastly, I would like to thank all those parents who have helped the Leader team out during the year and for all their support.** **Fiona Stovold – Lead Section Volunteer** ## **Silver Beaver Colony** ## Buffalo Beavers Report **by conker games: we had a night walk to Wantage, stopping in the park for a play in the dark, just to name a few.** **Firstly, I would like to thank all my Beaver Leaders for their constant support and time they give up ensuring that Friday Buffalo Beavers can run so smoothly. They are Steve, Sarah, Jo, Simon, Roisin, Graeme and Paul. Due to circumstances changing for Sarah and Paul, both leaders regrettably have stood down as Buffalo Leaders. They have been very much valued as part of our team, and we all thank them for their unwavering support for many years (Sarah) and for the year we have had with Paul. We wish them all the very best for the future and they are welcome to visit at any time!** **The Beavers enjoyed making Christmas cakes which they decorated and took home as a gift in a box. We joined the Silver Beavers at Denchworth for Remembrance Parade. We ended the summer term with the annual water party where you are guaranteed to get soaked and we always end the year with a Christmas party!** **So far this term we have been learning about Scotland and celebrated Burns night with haggis. The Beavers had a fab time creating their own models using recyclable items from the home e.g. green bin items. And what a fantastic Science evening, amazing experiments!** **Over the last year we have been very busy (earning lots of badges)! We have had several campfires and overnight camps one which was very, very wet! So, a huge thank you to those who came along and played games in the rain, ate hot dogs and drank hot chocolate in the rain and camped in the rain! You’re all super stars for such commitment!** **We have completed several badges, and we have had a number of Beavers completing their Bronze Award Challenge and they will be invited to the Awards Day at Youlbury later in the year.** **Another successful year in Buffalo Beavers and a huge thank you again to everyone for your continued support.** **Over the year we have: visited Wantage fire station, where all the Beavers had a go at holding the water hose** ☺ **, we have been on many “hikes”: we visited Steventon Woods: Ardington Community Garden: we had a parents and Beaver games in Wantage park: we did the mosaic walk at Southmoor: a conker hunt at Harwell followed** ## **Linda Audas** ## Jaguar Cubs Report **Thank you to the Jaguar leader team for your help, flexibility, loyalty and support.** **The Jaguar Leader team:** **Bagheera -Jenny** **King Louis - Lewis** **Akela -Tracey.** **Jaguar Cubs have had an exciting year packed full of exciting challenges and fun filled adventures working towards many badges including activities ranging from: a visit from the Astronomical society; a local knowledge tour around Wantage ; a memorable fun filled weekend camp at Youlbury ; our annual visit to Funky Teapot ;swimming at Harwell school; as well as the annual Jaguar and Falcon cubs S.A.S. camp.** ## **and lunch!** ## Falcons Cubs Report **Later in February we ran out first SAS Camp – a weekend of activities for our older Cubs to prepare them for moving on to Scouts. This started with Cubs being dropped on the outskirts of a tiny village and taking it in turns to lead a hike in small groups to get to basecamp in time for lunch. Other antics included orienteering, teaching a learned skill to another Cub, communication, assertiveness and caring for peers, especially younger Cubs. The group’s access bursary was used to enable Cubs to attend who might not otherwise have been able to afford it.** **During 2023/24 we saw lots of our oldest, most accomplished Falcon Cubs move on to Scouts. We were delighted that lots of very capable Beavers were ready to move up, and to have recruited joiners who were new to Scouts, through local word-of-mouth and bring-a-friend sessions. We are now running at 28 Cubs, supported by 5 adult volunteers. The gender balance across our youth members has increased, back to 1 girl for every 2 boys. This mix has proven very good for us previously, bringing a wider range of perspectives and behaviours, and more consideration for each other as individuals.** **In July we headed off to a new camp venue at 1[st] Compton Scouts, just East of the A34. We had a fab time playing games, cooking dinner on an open fire, making bee feeders, and building flagpoles with our pioneering skills.** **A trial-run of having our older Cubs join adult volunteers to plan our termly programme and think about how Cubs should run went so well that it’s now a permanent fixture. “Peer leaders”, including Sixers and Seconders, now advise on the activities they and their peers would like to include each term, as well as planning and leading at least one section meeting each term.** **Other memorable activities include our night hike with chips, Santa sleigh, learning how to play volleyball, our New Year world tour, swimming, a cake sale at Park Run to raise money for WaterAid, wide games amongst the standing stones at Ardington, building and sailing mini water rafts, writing robots instructions to guide our Scout Bots through a maze, building a 12ft trebuchet; and of course fire lighting!** **September 2023 saw us go canoeing for the first time in living memory. Accredited instructors and equipment from King Alfred’s District enabled us to take morning and afternoon groups out to gain experience of paddle sports, and have some fun (yes, splashing, yoga-on-a-canoe, and other challenge to build confidence)!** **Thank you to all our Cubs for making this another very enjoyable year, to our adult volunteers for giving up their time and creating challenging, fun and safe activities, and to all the parents who helped when we needed an extra pair of hands (or three!).** **In early February 2024 we took to the Ridgeway for what has become an annual Challenge Hike. Starting from Sparsholt Firs and hiking back to King Alfred’s DHQ, 12 Cubs covered an impressive 14km in just over 4 hours, and consumed more than their body weight in snacks** ## **Akela Kaa and the Falcon Cubs Leaders** ## Red Kite Scouts Report **hike and a muddy but fun couple of nights at Cranham.** **We were delighted to be invited back to supporting the Williams factory family day for the second year running and our Scouts had loads of free time there to enjoy themselves.** **During 2024 another big cohort of our Scouts started to turn from 13 to 14 while a big crowd of 10-year-olds joined behind them. It’s made for a really positive and interesting dynamic, best demonstrated by all of them doing the Casper Slide together for what felt like hours on camp in October!** **Our leader team has changed slightly with Rachel taking a break to look after her young family. We are currently using a parent rota to fill that gap while we wait for another enthusiastic and fun leader to join our team.** **In addition to the October camp we had a wonderful week away with Seagull Scouts on the outskirts of London which included a trip to the Science Museum. We also had a wonderful weekend away which started on Friday evening at 270 Climbing near Birdlip, followed by a night** **Thank you to all of our Scouts and Parents** ## **Andrew, Phil, Nicola, and Frankie** ## Seagull Scouts Report **It has been an exciting and eventful year for the Seagulls, with our Scouts engaging in a wide range of activities, developing new skills, and demonstrating outstanding community spirit.** **Over the summer, our Scouts embarked on an expedition camp at the Paccar Scout Campsite, where they tackled archery, zip wires, laser tag, and high ropes. They also enjoyed visits to London and Bekonscot Model Village. Their commitment to community service shone through when they assisted at the Williams Factory Festival, helping with litter picking and guiding visitors around the site.** **During the summer term, the Scouts put their skills to the test in the Pinewood Derby before honing their abilities in knots and pioneering. We shared some fantastic joint activities with the Red Kites, including tie-dyeing shirts and an adventurous trip to Youlbury.** **The Winter term saw some changes within our leadership team. Garry stepped back from his role while Heather returned from university and, alongside the rest of the team, took on greater responsibilities in running the troop, with Will joining soon after. The term featured a firelighting night at Youlbury, where Scouts explored and gathered firewood. They also developed key skills in semaphore, navigation, first aid, and cooking while engaging in discussions on global issues such as climate change.** **Our partnership with the Red Kites continued with a memorable fireworks hike across the Downs and a lively Parliament Week debate on the controversial topic of when Christmas decorations should go up. The vote was incredibly close: 26 in favour of waiting until after December 1st, and 25 supporting an earlier start. It was a spirited discussion, with Scouts enthusiastically voicing their opinions. Additionally, they again contributed to the community by participating in the Santa sleigh event.** **This term has already been packed with exciting activities. The Scouts worked towards their Aviation Badge by testing different paper plane designs through a hoop. They also learned about fire safety, identifying different types of fire extinguishers and mapping fire escape routes in both the hut and their homes. Map reading became an interactive challenge with a quizbased navigation activity. We celebrated Chinese New Year by discovering each Scout's Chinese zodiac animal and sampling traditional Chinese food—there wasn’t a crumb left! More recently, our science experiment night saw the Scouts creating floating candles, revealing invisible ink with candlelight, and making a compass using water, a cork, a needle, and a magnet.** **Looking ahead, we have an exciting programme planned. Scouts will have the opportunity to showcase their collections and hobbies, earning both their Hobbies Badge and part of their Entertainer Badge. A much-anticipated cooking night will feature pancakes—something the Scouts are already eagerly awaiting! We have wide games lined up for Youlbury, offering Scouts the chance to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Back at the hut, they will refine their pioneering skills with various lashings and knots. To wrap up the term, we’ll be hosting a fun-filled Easter geocaching and map-reading egg hunt.** **Our Scouts have been making incredible progress, earning badges at an impressive rate. We were proud to have one of our Scouts receive a Gold Award from the District Commissioner for completing their Stuart Rae Challenge. Another Scout has just finished their final two challenge badges and will soon be awarded their Gold as well. Several others are close to achieving this milestone, and we are thrilled to see them progressing toward the top.** **We are also delighted to welcome a new group of Cubs who have joined us recently. They are settling in well, and we look forward to seeing them thrive as they take on all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.** **It has been a fantastic year for the Seagulls, and** **we are immensely proud of all our Scouts. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to challenge themselves continue to inspire us. We look forward to another year of adventure, learning, and community spirit.** **also say a huge thank you to the leader team who have all taken on the leadership, for their strength, brilliance and innovation for new ideas, scouts would not be possible without you.** ## **Seagull Leader Team** **Finally we want to thank Garry for his commitment to the scouts for so many years and hope that he does not leave forever. I want to** ## Shackleton Explorers Report **“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened”** **We had a core group of 6 Explorers for most of last year and had a really great time!** **In the autumn we had a camp up at Youlbury which included a campfire with some Beavers, a hike into Oxford and a behind the scenes tour at Oxford Castle. We enjoyed a full day out in Oxford, going around the markets, exploring some hidden corners of Oxford and making Warhammer models!** **In our normal weekly sessions, we have been on many night hikes; played some old board games; pioneered; played escape rooms in boxes; took part in Remembrance; helped Santa with his sleigh; helped at the White Horse Half Marathon; done a lot of cooking, and anything else the young people wanted to do and we could support with!** **Thomas earned his Chief Scout Platinum award; we were pleased to get him over the line with this and the others are well on their way to achieving theirs too.** **Sadly Jeppe announced in October that he and his family were returning to Denmark over the Christmas break. Whilst great for Jeppe and his family sadly it left us short of leaders so we took the hard decision to close (temporarily we hope) the section until later this year.** **Thankfully we were able to keep all the Explorers together as they have moved to the Wantage unit – Ridgeway Explorers – and I am being kept busy with my granddaughter at Squirrels!** **Jeppe and I ran the unit together for over 6 years and my thanks as ever to him for all the help and support he gave both Explorers and the wider Group – without his skill set we couldn’t have functioned; also thanks to Grove Scout Group and the King Alfred District for their continued support – and thanks to Kristen and Diana for both stepping in when needed and to the parents for lugging Explorers here, there and everywhere – it was truly all appreciated.** **Paul Steptoe – (Former) Explorer Scout Leader – January 2025** ## Treasurer Report **The group finances continue to be in a good position, with costs of running the group being covered by the income received and reserves held at expected levels. The main differences in this year’s accounts compared to the prior year is the timing of the gift aid claims and the legacy payment received in 2022/2023.** **Fundraising events throughout the year such as Santa’s Sleigh, Christmas post and White Horse Community Lottery continue to increase funds set aside for the development of a new hut. As at 31[st] August 2024, we had £139k in the property development account. Once the plans for the new hut are finalised, we will need to increase fundraising efforts to support any S106 grants.** **The annual accounts Sept 23 - Aug 24 are provided on the next three pages, and these have been independently examined by Andrew Jeffrey. I take the opportunity to thank Andrew for his time to do this and his support towards our scout group.** **Please do remember that Grove Scout Group offer a bursary fund to ensure young people to not miss out of the opportunities that scouting provides due to financial reasons. Should you wish to access this fund for support please email: gsl_grove@kascouts.org.uk and mark FAO: Simon Atkin – Access Bursary** **Abbe - Group Treasurer** ## **Grove Scout Group Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 August 2024** |**Cash Funds**
Property Development Account
Bank Current Account
Cash Float
**Other Monetary Assets**
Debtors
Clothing Stock
Equipment
Total Assets
**Liabililities due within one year**
Creditors
Total Liabilities
**Total Net Assets**|31 August 2024
£139,489
£23,218
£0
£162,706
£0
£0
£333
£163,039
£0
£0
£163,039|31 August 2023
£119,125
£38,663
£0
£157,788
£0
£246
£466
£158,500
£0
£0
£158,500| |---|---|---| ## **Notes to the accounts** ## **Equipment** The group owns various items of camping equipment, which is insured for £23,000. Equipment recognised as a asset on the Statement of Asset and Liabilities, if the cost is greater than £500 and the item has more than one years economical benefit. All equipment at 31/08/23 has nil NBV apart from the BBQ purchased in 2022. ## **Grants** £1500 restricted grant from Oxfordshire County Council (received in 2014) for Ground Surveys remains unspent as at 31st August 2024. ## **Other** Census is collected annually in April and payments passed to District (Apr 2024 - £9685, Apr 2023 - £7568) In the financial year ending 31st August 2023 Gift Aid claims for tax years 20/21, 21/22 and 22/23 were claimed totalling £10,701. 23/24 claim not yet submitted as at 31 August 2024. Payments received via OSM/Gocardless are recorded net of their transactional fees. These fees totalled £931 2023/24 (£797 2022/23). The above receipts and payments accounts and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by **----- Start of picture text -----**
Chair
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Paul Thompson Date:1st March 2025 Treasurer Abbe Irving Date:1st March 2025 ## **Grove Scout Group Receipts & Payments accounts for year ended 31st August 2024** |**Grove Scout Group**
**Receipts & Payments accounts for year ended**|**31st Augus**| |---|---| |**Receipts**
Year Ended
31/08/2024
**Donations, legacies and similar income**
Membership Subscriptions less refunds
£17,675
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (District)
(£9,685)
Net Membership subscriptions retained
£7,990
Donations
£494
Legacies
£0
Gift Aid
£0
**£8,484**
**Grants**
Other Grants
£0
**£0**
**Section Activities**
Camp Fees
£8,028
Events
£1,527
Section Meetings
£35
Badges
£0
Necker Sales
£197
**£9,787**
**Fundraising**
Fundraising
£94
Santa's Sleigh
£2,847
Xmas Post
£2,261
VOWH Lottery
£1,900
Grove Extravaganza
£2,545
Clothing
£0
**£9,647**
**Other Income**
Hall Hire
£485
Other Income
£74
**£559**
**Investment income received**
Bank Interest
£1,814
**£1,814**
**Total Gross Income**
**£30,290**
**Asset & Investment Sales**
£0
**Total Receipts**
**£30,290**|Year Ended
31/08/2023
£15,844
(£7,568)| ||£8,276
£250
£48,045
£10,701| ||**£67,272**
£0| ||**£0**
£10,401
£771
£45
£0
£252| ||**£11,469**
£241
£2,520
£1,142
£1,134
£1,381
£6| ||**£6,424**
£550
£415| ||**£965**
£665| ||**£665**
**£86,795**
£0| ||**£86,795**| ## **Grove Scout Group Receipts & Payments accounts for year ended 31st August 2024** |**Payments**
**Premises (Current Hut)**
Rent
Services
Insurance
Other hut costs and Maintenance
Cleaning
**Premises (New Hut)**
Planning Application Fees
Architect fees
Other Professional Fees
**Premises (Garden Area at Grove CofE)**
Other Professional Fees
**Scouting Activities Expenditure**
Scout Troop Expenses
Camps
Events
International Contributions
Badges and Uniform
OSM (less transaction fees)
**Other Expenditure**
Fundraising expenses
Marketing Expenses
Leader Training
AGM Expenses
Equipment
Sundry Payments
**Total Gross Expenditure**
**Asset,stock & Investment Purchases**
**Total Payments**
**NET OF RECEIPTS / (PAYMENTS)**
**Cash funds at start of year**
**Cash funds at the end of year**|Year ended
31/08/2024
£0
£341
£1,643
£273
£847
**£3,104**
£0
£0
£0
**£0**
£0
**£0**
£3,866
£8,124
£1,687
£250
£2,599
£65
**£16,591**
£2,594
£0
£0
£588
£1,843
£230
**£5,255**
**£24,950**
£422
**£25,373**
**£4,918**
£157,788
**£162,706**|Year ended
31/08/2023
£0
£1,863
£1,671
£873
£1,176| |---|---|---| |||**£5,583**
£0
£0
£0| |||**£0**
£0| |||**£0**
£3,204
£11,304
£974
£0
£1,503
£232| |||**£17,217**
£510
£106
£0
£300
£1,216
£373| |||**£2,505**
**£25,305**
£0| |||**£25,305**| |||**£61,490**
£96,298| |||**£157,788**| Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Grove Scout Group I reportto the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Grove Scout Group for the year ended 31 Au9USt 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report A5 the charity tnjstees of the Grove Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20221.the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Grove ScoLrt Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Art and in carrying out my examinatyon I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission Ltnder secbon 14515llbl of the Act Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentiorb in tonnection with the examination giving me cause to bebeve that in any material respect accounting records were not kept in respect of the Grove ScoLrt Group as required by section 130 of the ACL. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. Signed: Name.. And￿, J Relevant professional qualification or membership of profes5ion31 bodies lif any).. l-& Address.. 6 kn. Accd,Saode&LJ, OKI} IHr Date.. L¥ P¢b 20k>