1st Headcorn Scout Group
Trustees’ Annual Report
for the period from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name 1st Headcorn Scout Group Other names the charity is known by Headcorn Scouts Registered charity number 281713 HQ registration number 29539 Charity’s principal address Headcorn Scout Hut, Ulcombe Road, Headcorn, Ashford, Kent, TN27 9QR
The charity trustees who manage the charity
| Name | Office(if any) | Dates acted if notfor wholeyear |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Carroll | Group Chair | |
| Sally Harris | Group Treasurer | |
| Philip Harris | Group Lead Volunteer | |
| Helen Anderson | ||
| Daniel Langford | ||
| Jennifer Sargent | ||
| Janet Scaysbrook | ||
| Michael Brook-Foster MBE | ||
| Jennie Burr | ||
| Loughlin Cooper | To 17.06.25 | |
| Mary Routledge | ||
| Lizell Williams |
The custodian trustees (in whom, as trustees, the charity’s property is vested and who act under the charity trustees’ instruction)
Ann Carroll, Kevin Harper, Simon Rickett (to 20.02.26) and Philip Harris
Independent Examiners McCabe Ford Williams, Chartered Accountants, Bank Chambers, 61 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3EG Solicitors Kingsfords, 5/7 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1BZ Bankers NatWest Bank, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8SH
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
Section B Structure, governance and management
Type of governing document
The Group’s governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association .
How the charity is constituted
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all UK Scout Groups.
Trustee selection methods
The trustees are appointed in accordance with The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional governance issues
The Group is an educational charity and is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the Group’s “charity trustees”. As such, they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and up to 10 other Trustees and meets every two months. Members of the Trustee Board complete “Being a Scouts Trustee” learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
The Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps volunteers run high quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life.
Risk and internal control
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include:
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Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
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Injury to members, leaders, helpers, supporters and third parties. The Group, through the membership fees and the payment of a supplementary premium, is included in the Scout Association’s national accident insurance and public liability policies. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
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Financial irregularity. At least three trustees have online access to view bank transactions and balances.
Section C Objectives and activities
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
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Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
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Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
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Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun,
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors,
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learn by doing,
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share in spiritual reflection,
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take responsibility and make choices,
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undertake new and challenging activities,
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make and live by their Promise.
Public benefit statement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Section D Achievements and performance
Group achievements
The Group consists of three sections: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts. All three are thriving, with buoyant membership, and their own programme of adventurous activities. The Group as a whole achieved the following:
The Group performed a play for three nights during February half-term week. Entitled “The Unpleasantness at Wrynose Bottom”, it was written by one of the Group’s leaders and most of the boys and girls in the Group took part. As well as raising Scouting’s profile within the community and earning a significant sum for funds, this kind of activity teaches the value of commitment; is an excellent confidence builder; and provides constructive indoor activity during the coldest and wettest part of the year.
The Remembrance Sunday observance in our village is always very well supported. The Group played a prominent role, as usual, and was complimented for its excellent turnout and conduct. We are pleased that, once again, one of our Scouts was called upon to sound The Last Post and Reveille. He gets better every year.
For the fourth successive year, our 2025 Christmas project was to support a Kent-based food bank. We spent several evenings collecting a large quantity of food items from our village to pass on to the food bank. We think it’s important for our young members to realise there are people in our community suffering hardship, and to spend some time and effort helping them.
Section E Financial review
Bequest
During the year, the Group received a £10,000 bequest from a local person following her death. The bequest was entirely unexpected, and it encouraged the Group to spend £4,600 on doubling the size of our security compound to accommodate a second minibus.
London Marathon
The mother of two of our Scouts took part in the London Marathon and raised £1,578 for the Group. Having recovered from cancer, she wanted to thank the Group for what she thought we did to support her children through a very difficult time. The money was put towards purchasing a minibus.
The charity’s policy on reserves
The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient unrestricted funds to continue the charitable activities of the Group should fundraising or other income fall short, or should unforeseen expenditure occur. The trustees consider that a sum equivalent to six months gross expenditure is appropriate, amounting to approximately £20,000. The actual amount at the year-end was £29,005. This excess is gradually being used to improve the Group’s assets.
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
The memorial fund
The Paul Walton Memorial Fund was established in 1987 in memory of a member of the Group who died aged 16 in a tragic accident. It is a restricted fund, and exists “ to provide financial assistance to individual members of the Scout Group to enable them to participate in Scout camps or expeditions ”. In the thirty-eight years it has existed, the fund has given assistance totalling more than £3,800 to 22 boys and girls.
Investment policy
All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks.
Section F Plans for future period and other optional information
Future plans
The Scouts are planning a cycling trip to the Netherlands in the Spring of 2026, and a summer camp in Cambridgeshire.
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees, 31[st] March 2026.
Philip Harris, Group Lead Volunteer
Lizell Williams, Group Chair
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
1st Headcorn Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account
for the period from 1[st] January 2025 to 31[st] December 2025
| This year unrestricted funds |
This year restricted funds |
This year total funds |
Last year total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Receipts | ||||
| MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS(see note 2) | ||||
| Received from members | 8,315 | 8,315 | 7,760 | |
| Lesspaid on | -3,808 | -3,808 | -3,995 | |
| Net membershipsubscriptions retained | 4,507 | 4,507 | 3,765 | |
| DONATIONS AND GRANTS | ||||
| Donations | 1,108 | 1,108 | 1,367 | |
| Bequest | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 | |
| Gift Aid | 1,493 | 1,493 | 1,232 | |
| 12,601 | 12,601 | 2,599 | ||
| ACTIVITIES(gross) | ||||
| Camps and expeditions | 21,853 | 21,853 | 23,143 | |
| Other activities and outings | 1,892 | 1,892 | 759 | |
| 23,745 | 23,745 | 23,902 | ||
| FUND RAISING(gross) | ||||
| Quizzes | 2,747 | 2,747 | 2,542 | |
| Pantomime/play | 1,276 | 1,276 | 1,302 | |
| London Marathon | 1,578 | 1,578 | 0 | |
| Other events(under £500 each) | 766 | 766 | 706 | |
| 6,367 | 6,367 | 4,550 | ||
| INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED | ||||
| Interest | 280 | 280 | 261 | |
| 280 | 0 | 280 | 261 | |
| OTHER INCOME | ||||
| Hire of equipment andpremises | 5,032 | 5,032 | 4,486 | |
| Miscellaneous receipts | 146 | 146 | 1,001 | |
| 5,178 | 0 | 5,178 | 5,487 | |
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 52,678 | 0 | 52,678 | 40,564 |
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
1st Headcorn Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account
For the period from 1[st] January 2025 to 31[st] December 2025
| This year unrestricted funds |
This year restricted funds |
This year total funds |
Last year total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Payments | ||||
| YOUTH PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Camps and expeditions | 20,435 | 20,435 | 18,272 | |
| Other activities and outings | 2,617 | 2,617 | 1,797 | |
| Contribution towards campingfees | 0 | 0 | 448 | |
| Purchase of badges,cards and books | 787 | 787 | 692 | |
| Trainingaids and materials | 1,533 | 1,533 | 1,833 | |
| Wreaths | 105 | 105 | 75 | |
| 25,477 | 25,477 | 23,117 | ||
| PREMISES | ||||
| Water and drainage | 1,010 | 1,010 | 371 | |
| Lighting,heatingand cleaning | 4,749 | 4,749 | 4,253 | |
| Licences and Insurance | 1,892 | 1,892 | 2,569 | |
| Repairs,renewals and otherpremises costs | 1,072 | 1,072 | 2,086 | |
| 8,723 | 8,723 | 9,279 | ||
| MINIBUS EXPENSES | ||||
| Licence and insurance | 2,547 | 2,547 | 1,062 | |
| Repairs and maintenance | 721 | 721 | 1,406 | |
| Diesel and oil | 596 | 596 | 406 | |
| 3,864 | 3,864 | 2,874 | ||
| FUND RAISING EXPENSES | ||||
| Quiz nights | 754 | 754 | ||
| Pantomime/play | 106 | 106 | 720 | |
| Other fundraisingexpenses | 40 | 40 | 79 | |
| 900 | 900 | 839 | ||
| OTHER PAYMENTS | ||||
| Equipment renewals | 428 | 428 | 1,171 | |
| Insurance | 52 | 52 | 52 | |
| Miscellaneouspayments | 348 | 348 | 469 | |
| 828 | 828 | 1,692 | ||
| TOTAL GROSS EXPENDITURE | 39,792 | 39,792 | 37,801 | |
| ASSET AND INVESTMENT PURCHASES | ||||
| Extension to SecurityCage | 4,622 | 4,622 | ||
| Purchase second minibus | 3,600 | 3,600 | ||
| Tables | 389 | |||
| Extragate | 450 | |||
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | 48,014 | 48,014 | 38,640 |
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
1st Headcorn Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Account for the period from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025
| This year unrestricted funds |
This year restricted funds |
This year total funds |
Last year total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Summary | ||||
| Receipts lesspayment | 4,664 | 0 | 4,664 | 1,924 |
| Cash funds lastyear end | 24,341 | 1,768 | 26,109 | 24,185 |
| Cash funds thisyear end | 29,005 | 1,768 | 30,773 | 26,109 |
1st Headcorn Scout Group Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31[st] December 2025
| 31.12.25 unrestricted funds |
31.12.25 restricted funds |
31.12.25 total funds |
31.12.24 total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Cash funds | ||||
| Bank accounts | 29,005 | 1,768 | 30,773 | 26,109 |
| 29,005 | 1,768 | 30,773 | 26,109 | |
| Other monetary assets | ||||
| Fees and costspaid in advance | 615 | 615 | 1,570 | |
| 615 | 0 | 615 | 1,570 | |
| Assets for the charity's own use | ||||
| Meetinghall,at cost | 357,663 | 357,663 | 357,663 | |
| Motor vehicles(see note 3) | 3,250 | 3,250 | 250 | |
| Equipment,furniture,etc.(see note 4) | 18,000 | 18,000 | 20,000 | |
| 378,913 | 0 | 378,913 | 377,913 | |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Fees received in advance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assets less Liabilities | 408,533 | 1,768 | 410,301 | 405,592 |
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1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2025
Notes to the Accounts
1. Restricted funds
The Paul Walton Memorial Fund
Transactions during the year were as follows:
| Notes to the Accounts 1. Restricted funds The Paul Walton Memorial Fund Transactions duringtheyear were as follows: |
||
|---|---|---|
| This year £ |
Last year £ |
|
| Balance brought forward | 1,768 | 1,618 |
| Amounts received: | ||
| Fundraisingactivity | 150 | |
| Transfer between funds | 200 | |
| Amountspaid: | ||
| Contribution towards campingfees | -200 | |
| Balance carried forward | 1,768 | 1,768 |
The purpose and management of the "Paul Walton Memorial Fund" is described in section E of the trustees' report.
2. Membership subscriptions
Subscriptions are collected from members. Part of those subscriptions is paid on in the form of a membership levy to help defray the Scout Association’s costs at District, County and National levels. The amount paid on is shown in the accounts as a deduction from the subscriptions received.
3. Motor vehicles
The Group owns and runs two 17-seater minibuses. One was purchased in 2015 and the other in 2025. At the end of 2025 they were considered to have values of £250 and £3,000 respectively.
4. Equipment, furniture, etc.
The Group owns furniture and equipment with a value of approximately £18,000. Its replacement value is approximately £29,000.
5. Payments to Trustees
Trustees are not remunerated. Payments are sometimes made to trustees to reimburse payments made by them on behalf of the Group.
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities with accompanying notes were approved by the Trustees on 31[st] March 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Lizell Williams Group Chair
Sally Harris Group Treasurer
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I. Heudcorn Scout Group, Trustee5' Annuul Report 2025 Independent Examiner's Roport to the Trustees of the 1st Headcorn Scout Group I repori on the accounts of the Group for Ihe year ended 31 t>ewber 2025 whlch wmpris8 th& Rpts and Payments Accwnts and Slalemenl ofAssets and Liabilibes. This report Ss made solely lo ihe Irusle8s in accordan th Seebw 145 of lh8 ¢barf8$ Act 2011. My work has been undert8ken $0 that I might state to the chaTrty'5 trustees those mallers l am reouired to stats 10 Iheffl in an Independent Examinarfs report and for no other purpose. To Ihe fullest exlenl permitted by law, I do nDI acp1 or assume responsibility to anyDne Dlherlhan the charity and the charttys Iruste8s for my axamlnation work. Re$po¢tlv8 r88POll8ibilitiès of Tru5toe5 and Examlner Th8 Group's Irustses are responsible forlhe preparallon of the accounts. Th&y ¢on$ider that an auditis not requlred for this year (under Section 144 of the chanb.es A¢1 2011 Ilhe Charibas Aclll and that an independent examinab"¢ is need. 11 is my respOnbilltytO'. Examine the accounts Ivnder Secuon 145 ofthe ChariliesActl. To follow the prOureS 18id down In the GeNdral DI[tionS given by the Charity Commis4oners lund8r Sectpon 145(5Xbl of the Ch&rilies Adl.. and To state whether partlar matter5 h8ve o)rn8 to my8ttention. 8asls of Indopend•nt Examlnerf$ r•port My examination was ¢8rDed out n ac¢ordan¢tr wilh the General Dire¢Vons geTh by the Charity Commissioners. An examinab.on Iwludes ¥ rewew of iht accounbng CordS kept by Ihe GrouplD5slri¢i and a comparison of the accounts presenied wlh those records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual 1m$ or disdosures in Ihe accounts and seeklng explanations from you a5 trustees con¢ernlng any such matlets. Tht proc8dur8s undertaken do not provide all the evidènce that would be required in an audll. and consequanlly no opinion is given as to whether tho a¢wunts present a'lrue and faiV view and ihe report is Ilmiled lo those matttts sel out in the statement below. IndoPondBnt EXamir.5 Statement In connetstion with my exarninabon, no matier has cJ)m8 to my attention 1. which give5 me reasonable cause to beli8va thaiin, any material respect, the requirements tr> keep ¥c¢ounting records In accordancewilh SeGbon 130 r>f the Charftses Act.. and lo prepare accounts whlch attord wilh the accounting records and c¢mply Ylh the 8QuntirVj requlrements of Charities Act have not been met.. or 2. to whSth. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a pmper undèistanding of Ihe acmunts lo rèaGh8d. Name. Marbn Humphreys allficallon". FCCA Address.. Mccabe Ford Wlllams Bank Chambers, 01 Igh Street. Cranbrook. Kent. TN17 3EG Date.. 29 May2026 LT70000611" February 20171 Page 9