OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

District Annual Report Croydon District Scout Council to 31[st] December 2024

One District One Movement

Contents

Page(s)

Summary of current Scout Groups, Explorer Units 3 and Scout Network SectionAnnual General Meeting Agenda 4Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2023 5 & 6District Chair’s Annual Report 7District Lead Volunteer Annual Report 8District Squirrel Scout Report 9District Beaver Scout Report 10District Cub Annual Report 11 & 12District Scout Annual Report 13 & 14District Explorer Annual Report 15District Adult Support / Adult Training 16Adult Training – Getting Started Report 17Adult Training – Woodbadge Report 18Awards received by District Members 19District Chaplaincy Report 20District Safety Report 21District PR Report 22 & 23Bears Wood Campsite Report 24 & 25Pinewood Scout Centre Report 26

Provided as a separate document:-

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts (Separate booklet)

Page 2

SCOUT GROUPS

1st COULSDON SCOUT GROUP

Richmond Hall, Fourth Drive, Coulsdon, CR5 3BD (Access from rear of Lion Green Road car park, CR5 2NL)

1st / 27[th] CROYDON SCOUT GROUP Beverley Hall, Grant Road, Croydon, CR0 6PJ

2nd CROYDON SCOUT GROUP

The Den – 3 Rama Lane, Cintra Park Upper Norwood. SE19 2LJ (Paused Meetings)

3[rd] CROYDON (Legacy) SCOUT GROUP

Legacy Youth Zone. Whitehorse Road, Croydon. CR0 2LG

6th CROYDON SCOUT GROUP 11-13 Bynes Road, South Croydon, CR2 0PY

7th/12th CROYDON SCOUT GROUP Rear of 35 Birdhurst Rise, South Croydon, CR2 7EJ

10th CROYDON SCOUT GROUP 113-115 St James’s Road, Croydon, CR0 2UW

23rd CROYDON (1st South Norwood) SCOUT GROUP The Den, 30 Love Lane, South Norwood, SE25 4NG

16th PURLEY (7th Sanderstead, All Saints) SCOUT GROUP Cranleigh Close, South Croydon, CR2 9LH

17th PURLEY (St John’s, Old Coulsdon) SCOUT GROUP

Rear of St John’s Church Hall, Marlpit Lane, Old Coulsdon, CR5 2HD (top of Marlpit Lane)

18th PURLEY (Sanderstead URC) Scout Group

Farm Fields, South Croydon, CR2 0HQ

19th PURLEY (Riddlesdown) SCOUT GROUP

Dunmail Drive, off Mitchley Hill, South Croydon, CR2 1EX (Access from bottom of Mitchley Hill, CR2 9HJ)

21st PURLEY (St Barnabas ) SCOUT GROUP

St Barnabas Church, Higher Drive, Purley, CR8 2HR

25th PURLEY (St Mark’s) SCOUT GROUP

Scout Hut, Rear of St Mark’s Church Hall, Church Road, Purley, CR8 3QQ

29th PURLEY (Purley Baptist) SCOUT GROUP

Purley Baptist Church, Banstead Road, Purley, CR8 3EA

30th PURLEY MASJID SCOUT GROUP

Rear of Hillars Heath Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2JP (path between numbers 28 & 29)

1st SELSDON & ADDINGTON SCOUT GROUP

26th CROYDON (St Andrew’s) SCOUT GROUP

St Andrew’s Church Hall, Quadrant Rd, Thornton Heath, CR7 7NG St James the Great School, Windsor Rd, Thornton Heath, CR7 8HJ

Rear of St John’s Hall, 7a Upper Selsdon Rd, South Croydon, CR2 8DD

2nd SELSDON & ADDINGTON SCOUT GROUP

28th CROYDON (Our Lady of the Annunciation) SCOUT GROUP Rear of 20-22 Craven Road, Croydon, CR0 7JH

Entrance between 89 & 91 Foxearth Rd, South Croydon, CR2 8EN (Group merged with 5[th] S&A Scout Group)

5th SELSDON & ADDINGTON SCOUT GROUP

29th CROYDON (St John’s) SCOUT GROUP Behind Shirley Parish Hall, 81 Wickham Road, Croydon, CR0 8TB

31st CROYDON (2nd Shirley, St George’s) SCOUT GROUP Rear of St George’s Church, Elstan Way, Croydon CR0 7PR (Currently meeting at the Pinewood Scout Centre - CR0 5AJ)

Addington Methodist Church, Huntingfield, Addington, CR0 9BA

EXPLORER SCOUT UNITS

AL-AYYUBI EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

Rear of Hillars Heath Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2JP (path between numbers 28 & 29)

39th CROYDON SCOUT GROUP

The Quest, 105-107 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8JG

CROHAM VALLEY EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

Rear of 35 Birdhurst Rise, South Croydon, CR2 7EJ

44th CROYDON (Air Scouts) SCOUT GROUP

Ad Astra, Hythe Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8QQ (Currently meeting in Salvation Army Building – CR7 8LF)

61st CROYDON (St Oswald’s) SCOUT GROUP The New Enterprise, Biggin Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3HT

KENLEY EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

21st Purley HQBP Hut, St Barnabas Church, Higher Drive, Purley, CR8 2HR

LEGACY EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

(Paused Meetings)

63rd CROYDON (4th South Norwood) SCOUT GROUP

Rear of Holy Innocents Church, Selhurst Rd, South Norwood, SE25 6XX (Paused Meetings)

PINEWOOD SEAHORSES EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

St. Mary’s Church Hall in Addington Village. Croydon. CR0 5AS (Opposite the Harvester Restaurant)

67th CROYDON SCOUT GROUP

The Endeavour Halls, 273 Norbury Crescent, Norbury, SW16 4LF

PURLEY CROSS EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT

Purley Baptist Church, Banstead Road, Purley, CR8 3EA

1st PURLEY (Princess Christian’s Own) SCOUT GROUP 53-55 Purley Park Road, Purley, CR8 2BW

YOUNG LEADERS EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT No regular meeting place

7th PURLEY (All Saints, Kenley) SCOUT GROUP

All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Kenley, CR8 5DU

9th PURLEY (St John the Baptist) SCOUT GROUP St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Dale Road, Purley, CR8 2EF

SCOUT NETWORK

CROYDON (ROMANS) SCOUT NETWORK No regular meeting place

11th PURLEY (St James) SCOUT GROUP

St Edmunds Church, 51 Mitchley Avenue, Purley, CR8 1DN

Page 3

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF CROYDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY 27[th] JUNE 2025 AT 7.30PM.

VENUE: THE CHURCH HALL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNICATION, BINGHAM ROAD, CROYDON, CR0 7EN.

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and Introduction.

  2. Apologies for absence.

  3. Minutes of the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

  4. Receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Board of Trustees including the annual statement of accounts.

  5. Approve and adopt the District Constitution and amended policies.

  6. Appoint the proposed District Chair

  7. Appoint the proposed District Treasurer

  8. Appoint the members of the Board of Trustees.

  9. Appoint the District Vice Presidents nominated by District Board of Trustees

  10. 10.Appoint a representative to serve on the County Board of Trustees – this should be the District Chair

  11. 11.Appoint a representative of the District Scout Council to represent the District at meetings of the County Scout Council

  12. 12.Nominate representatives to represent the District on the Scout Council

  13. 13.Appoint an Independent Examiner

  14. 14.District Lead Volunteer

  15. 15.County Lead Volunteer

  16. 16.Guest Speaker(s) – Cllr. Richard Chatterjee (Civic Mayor of Croydon) & Col. Ray Wilkinson (Rep DL for Croydon)

  17. 17.AOB (all items to be notified to the District Secretary prior to 13[th] June otherwise they may not be considered)

Please Email: secretary@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 4

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting for Croydon District Scout Council

Meeting held on: Friday 28[th] June 2024 at 7:30pm

Meeting held at: The Church Hall or our Lady of the Annunication, Bingham Road, Croydon.

1.Welcome and Introduction

Bernie Farrell as the interim chair presided over the meeting.

He welcomed everyone to the meeting especially Cllr. Lynne Hale (Deputy Executive Mayor) and Croydon Scouting Vice President. Col Ray Wilkinson (Rep Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon).

16 groups were represented and 41 people attended.

2. Apologies for absence

These had been received from Simon Whitehead; Tony Rowland; Gabi Covacci ; Peter Palmer; Dave Rixson; Richard Goad; Anthony Woodin; Chris Dean; Julie Findlay; Jim Clements; Matthew Hewitt.

3. Minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting

Agreed unanimously.

4.Receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Board of Trustees including the annual statement of accounts.

We have two centres Pinewood and Bears Wood they are there for the activities for the young people not to make a profit.

Agreed unanimously.

5.Approve and Adopt the District Constitution. As we have a new Board of Trustees that for the time being we would adopt POR and assess our own for confirmation.

Agreed unanimously.

6. Appoint the proposed District Chair – Bernie Farrell was confirmed.

Agreed unanimously.

7. Appoint the proposed District Treasurer – Matthew Hewitt was confirmed.

Agreed unanimously.

8. Appoint the members of Board of Trustees – Theresa Jeffery; Richard Goad; Beth Peters; Bernie Farrell; Matthew Hewitt. Secretaries /Administrators Karen Purton and Pam Grogan – non voters. We can appoint between 7-12 members . We require younger members.

Agreed unanimously.

9. Appoint the District Vice Presidents nominated by District Board of Trustees. Steve French; Tony Grogan; Lynne Hale; Theresa Jeffrey; John Seaton. Tony Rowland has resigned.

Agreed unanimously.

10. Appoint a representative to serve on the County Board of Trustees – Richard Goad.

Agreed unanimously.

Page 5

11. Appoint two representatives of the District Scout |Council to represent the District at meetings of the County Scout Council. To appoint Trustees at a later date.

12. Appoint an Independent Examiner – Ian Rowe prepared to continue.

Agreed unanimously.

13. District Commissioner

As you know I have resigned and will continue as interim GSL 10[th] Croydon. Encouraged those present to continue to give the skills of life to all the young people in the District. He is exploring adventure within the District – going on expeditions organized with the District . Wish us good luck for the future and great adventure. Thanked Martin Greenwood and Danny Curnyn with all their assistance getting Bears Wood with others up and running again. Greg was presented with flowers and a bottle.

14. County Commissioner

Owen thanked Greg for all his hard work.

Training and Safety the District are high on the list with completed qualifications. The young people can go on activities safely. Croydon is moving forward. The number of squirrels drays are increasing. Croydon is the largest District but need to improve our numbers. We need to go out into the Community and show that Scouting is still there for young people and adults to join. We must welcome young people to retain their interest. We have two centres Pinewood and Bears Wood they are working together to give the activities for you to use. We need to come together and do it together.

The County Commissioner presented some adult awards.

Silver Acorn

Kate Balzer

Award for Merit

Wendy Jones; Theo Turner; Neil Rodgers;

Chief Scout Commendation for Good Service

Richard England; Michael Smaldon; Matthew Kasoar; Kay Tokarski; Timothy Ayers; Robert Buckley; Alexander Beal; Elisabeth Rodgers.

15 Guest Speaker – Col Ray Wilkinson (Rep DL for Croydon)

Congratulated those who had received awards.

He thanked Greg – it had not been easy, a very tough time during his time as District Commissioner with COVID etc and wished him good luck for the future.

We need to look at the needs of young people to help them overcome mental health issues and look at the cause to see if we can help.

621 adults attended meetings every week during the 2023 to assist 2000 young people enjoy Scouting. YP and adults are helped through Scouting and it benefits everyone’s future. Volunteering with Scouting and top awards always looks good on your CV.

Thank you and please do continue all the good work you are doing supporting the YP in Croydon.

16. AOB

There had been no notification of any other business. Bernie thanked everyone for coming and thanked Mandy and her team for the refreshments

The meeting closed at 20:30 hrs

Page 6

District Chair’s Annual Report 2024

First of all WELCOME to this the first of the transformed AGM - Spot the difference.

To say it’s been an interesting time would be an understatement.

In football terms it’s been a game in two halves. An Executive in the first half and a Board of Trustees in the second whilst at the same time we had a national transition to flow and bump our way through.

Never before but a first time in Scouting; being sacked as a committee chair, and then quite out of the blue being appointed / elected as the Chair of the newly formed Trustee Board (BOT for short)

The first half of the year saw us move the mobile climbing wall over to County and with the resulting funds we built the Traversing wall at Bears Wood and committed funds for the Pinewood Scout Centre bunk room project.

My thanks go to all the exiting and long standing members of the District Executive for their contribution to Croydon Scouting. As normal they all had and have other roles in Scouting. With a special thanks to the previous chair persons.

The second half of the year with a new reduced role as trustee saw us consolidating the positive position of Croydon Scouting and reinforcing the support to Sections, Groups, Units and volunteer teams. A very special welcome to our new (DC to me) DLV, Anthony Eeles, he could not have picked a more opportune time to take the reins. We are lucky to get such a nice guy in charge; it’s been a privilege working with him.

I would like to personally thank my colleague Trustees for the forbearance and support during this period and special thanks to those like myself who will be standing down at the AGM to allow for more youthful members to take on the good work of supporting the young people involved in Scouting in Croydon.

Sticking with thanks, I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for those who have worked tirelessly to try and smooth the transition’s ups and downs. It’s been no easy task for them.

As I said earlier it’s been an interesting year to date but it really is time for younger blood to move us forward, I will however revert to just properties and premises as an octogenarian volunteer.

Bernard Farrell Board of Trustees (Chair) Email: chair@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 7

District Lead Volunteer – Annual Report 2024

2024 was a year of substantial change for Croydon Scouting and for our movement nationally.

We thanked Greg Cook for his 6 years of dedicated service as our District Commissioner in June, briefly welcomed our CLV, Owen, as our acting DC until October, and I subsequently joined the team as District Commissioner in September for all of 6 weeks (possibly some sort of adverse record!) before becoming Croydon’s Lead Volunteer instead.

As we all know, Scouts’ transformation project arrived in Croydon in November. Our district structure is nearly complete – and my thanks to Richard Goad, Kate Balzer, Mandy Giles and Chris Dean, who have stepped into their respective new roles as the team leaders for 14-24, Volunteer Development, and Programme (jointly), as well as all the GLVs who have adopted the District Leadership Team approach. To complete the process, we are still looking for a Support Team Leader to coordinate the background activities that make our movement what it is – IT, finance, administration, marketing & PR, equipment and premises.

I’d also like to thank those members of the Trustee Board who agreed to stand for a year last summer whilst we moved through this period of transition into the new model. Our Trustees work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Scouting in Croydon is safe, legal, well-resourced and financially secure.

The new membership systems, roles and teams, and culture have made trying to run our programme a moving target over the last few months. I would like to thank every one of our 500+ members and 400+ occasional helpers for the way they have met these challenges and taken to the updated ways of working, training requirements, paperwork and systems.

But… Scouting is – we are – a movement, not an organisation. Change is a constant fact – in school or college, our working and family lives and beyond. Whilst it may not always feel like it, we have an immense privilege, and a huge responsibility: to be role models for our young people, helping them build resilience and a positive approach to change which will be with them throughout their lives. I’m grateful to everyone who has approached these changes in that spirit.

Any movement will need to navigate difficult times. Throughout Scouting, we are still reflecting on and learning from the tragic incident in Great Orme in 2018, with the Prevention of Future Deaths report released in 2024 having a profound impact across the Scout Association. Regardless of our role, every single one of us has a shared primary responsibility – putting the safety and welfare of the young people in our care first. Our programme and method help create self-confident young people and adults – but there is a fine line between self-confidence and over-confidence. You and your teams have the fundamental right – and the obligation – to challenge anything you feel could be safer or to halt activities you’re concerned about. Speaking up or taking a pause will never be the wrong thing.

In this report, you’ll be able to read about the exciting activities and experiences we have provided across all our groups, units and sections. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes Scouting in Croydon so special, and who provides these incredible experiences for our young people.

Ant Eeles District Lead Volunteer Email: ant@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 8

Squirrel Section Annual Report 2024

The success of Squirrels in Croydon continued with two more dreys opening during 2024, and we now have 4 dreys in the District located at the 7th/12th Croydon (in South Croydon) 28th Croydon (in Addiscombe) 29th Purley (in Purley) and 39th Croydon (in Thornton Heath) with a total membership of 48 young people as at the census held in January 2025. There are a further two dreys being considered at the 30th Purley and 44th Croydon Scout Groups so watch this space. It is very important that we all recognise the need to open additional dreys to satisfy the large demand from parents in Croydon.

Squirrel dreys typically meet for an hour each week either weekday afternoons or on Saturdays. They are typically run by a Team Leader with parents stepping up as Team Members or Helpers. They have Young Leaders too.

There were no District events for Squirrels in 2024 but Team Leaders got together to run a Fun Day at Bears Wood in March 2025 and some 40 Squirrels took part. More recently Harbinder Sadra has been appointed as the 'Voice of Squirrels' on the District Programme Team so please contact him if you are considering opening a drey or want further advice.

Chris Dean District Programme Team Lead

Page 9

Beaver Section Annual Report 2024

As the ADC role for Beavers is one person and with time constraints the only District led event last year was the Cubs/Beavers fun day held at Frylands Wood.

Sadly the proposed County event at Walton Firs was cancelled. We have also not been able to hold a reward day for those who have achieved the Chief Scout Bronze award in 2024 although the badges have been awarded locally and our congratulations go to all those Beaver Scouts achieving the highest award in this section.

I have seen a number of Colonies either at a Nights away event or at a weekly meetings during the year and as the District transforms to the new Team(s) structure, this support and oversight will be taken over by the new programme team.

With regards to Night’s Away events, just a polite reminder that one should take place each year and a NAN form and risk assessment should be sent in two weeks prior to the event via the District website. If there is an issue with leaders not having a Nights away permit then this should be raised to the Programme team as there are others in the District that do and it may be possible to have a joint Nights away activities. In any event one should be offered each year.

My thanks to Gina as always who last year kept Beaver leaders informed and who took the minutes at BSL Meetings.

Andrew Davies ADC Beaver Scouts Email: beavers@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 10

Cub Section Annual Report 2024

As usual, the Cub Section has been getting out and about and being more active in their weekly meetings. Sadly, due to lack of response the Badge Day was cancelled but possibly this indicated how busy the Packs were with their own programmes.

This year saw the Beavers join the Cubs for their Fun Day, which was held on Saturday 11th May at Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre. We had a fantastic demand for places and there were over 600 Cubs and Beavers who attended on the day. We also welcomed the 175 leaders, young leaders and adult helpers on to site, and not to mention all the Crew at Frylands, who provided the instructors for the various activities. The weather was fantastic, and everyone had a great time enjoying the 30 plus activities that had been arranged. A big thank you to all involved in organising this event. (See below for additional photos)

During the year total of 41 Camps took place representing 27 Packs - some were indoor and others were Camping. This gave a total of 103 nights away. As last year, the Leaders are looking further afield for new places to Camp. This year saw quite a few camping at their HQ’s while others went to Polyapes, Broadstone Warren, Walton Firs and Garners Field in Fareham as well as using our own Camp sites - Bears Wood and Pinewood and not forgetting Frylands.

Again, various Activities were enjoyed by all who attend them: -

Off road Cycling; Paddleboarding; Zorbing as well as the usual Archery; Shooting & Tomahawks.

While visits to further afield included: -

Winchester Science Centre - this was a day visit while on Camp

RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Show

New Scientist Show at the Excel

Cenotaph in Whitehall to remember those who had lost their lives in the Wars.

As the Summer holidays drew to a close, it was time to think about annual Baloo Trophy. This year 132 Cubs took part from 12 Packs. Cubs took part in a number of tasks consisting of 12 bases that covered team building, problem solving, first Aid and adventurous activities. With only 36 points between 11 & and 1st it was a tough competition, but the Cubs had an amazing time.

As always, the Packs have a varied Programme - this is to ensure that the Cubs learn new Skills and at the same time earn Activity and Challenge Badges which go towards the Chief Scouts Silver Award. Over the year a total of 102 were gained.

Page 11

District Leaders meetings continued to be held and it is nice to see new Leaders participating.

Mandy Giles

ADC Cubs

Email: cubs@croydonscouting.org.uk

(Top photos from Funday 2024, lower photos from Baloo Trophy 2024)

Page 12

Scout Section Annual Report 2024

The Scout section enjoyed another very busy and active year in 2024.

We started the year with our first ever Potluck Cook Off. In March, 19 teams from 18 troops came up with some amazing and rather 'interesting' culinary inventions. Like the MasterChef invention test, each team was given a random bag of ingredients and had to cook 2 courses featuring most of the ingredients. To add a bit of a twist, some were also given 'ingredients of doom!' Teams could also swap some ingredients with other teams. They had to be prepared to eat what they had created. Everybody seemed to really enjoy the challenge of experimenting and coming up with their own particular culinary delights.

Later in March, there was a strong presence from Croydon in the County Night Hike with teams from 9 troops representing our District. This was an incident hike at night, starting and finishing at Polyapes camp site, near Oxshott in Surrey. The overall winners were 5th Selsdon and Addington, with 1st Purley taking 2nd place, out of 41 teams from across the County. A great result.

In April we had our Cub/Scout Linking Day at Bears Wood. 120 older Cubs and younger Scouts took part. They learned first aid, fire lighting with flint and steel, making ‘A’ frame chariots, and using axes and saws safely. They used knives to whittle a tent peg and had a Task Master challenge.

Our annual Checkpoint Challenge daytime incident hike competition took place in May with 22 teams. The route was 6 miles in countryside around Bears Wood and Frylands Wood, with 8 checkpoint incidents along the way. It was won jointly by 28th Croydon Scafell and 7/12th Croydon.

At the end of June our annual Adkin Camping Challenge weekend continued with the emphasis on developing camping skills. All 14 teams managed to achieve a good standard of camping, with 5 teams reaching Silver and 9 teams reaching Gold Standard. There were 4 activities running throughout the weekend including Bivvi building and some team building activities. The winning team from 28th Croydon (Scafell) received the Adkin Trophy, the 7th/12th Croydon (Trainspotters A team) were awarded the Roger Hicks Patrol Spirit trophy, and the 1st Purley (Kermit’s Krew) were recognised as the most improved team.

Nights Away - Over the summer most troops got away to camp. 20 Troops and around 200 Scouts completed nights away. They camped at various sites including Frylands Wood, Hope Hill, Buckmore Park, Garners Field, Stanford, Ferny Croft, Buddens and Bentley Copse. The 23rd and 1st/27th Croydon troops went to Arnhem, Netherlands. Four Troops, 7th/12th Croydon, 17th and 29th Purley and 1st Coulsdon Rangers attended an international camp at Braggers Wood, Christchurch, with Scouts from France and Sweden. The 17th Purley and 7th/12th Croydon visited Brownsea Island, camping the Saturday night on the Island. It was great to see collaborations at some camps with the 28th, 67th and 10th Croydon camping together, and the 9th and 21st Purley Troops joining forces for their summer camp. A good example of Troops working together to give as many Scouts as possible the chance to do nights away.

Page 13

In October 32 PLs and APLs attended the PL Training Weekend at The Fort in Dulwich. They learnt about what makes a good Patrol Leader, instructing others, teamwork, risk assessing activities and programme planning amongst other things. Each of them took a turn at leading the Patrol they were in on an activity which included knife skills, fire lighting, making a promotional video and various teamwork challenges.

We had an ideal evening in November for our annual wide game at Shirley Hills . Over 200 Scouts from 18 troops enjoyed playing 3 out of 4 different games – Searchlight (an old favourite!), Hunt the Aliens, game based on snooker and ‘The Great Swap’. To accommodate increased numbers, we used the car parking facilities at nearby Royal Russell School for dropping off and pick up.

None of these events would have been possible without lots of planning and organisation from our District Scout Team and the help of the troop leaders and some Explorers and Young Leaders. A big thank you to all who helped at our events and to those volunteers who give up their time every week providing valuable skills for life and lots of fun for the young people in the Scout troops.

Richard Carrau and Dawn Lockyer

District Programme Team Members – Scouts

Email: scouts@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 14

Explorer Section Annual Report 2024

Croydon Explorers continue to grow in number with the starting of Al Ayyubi unit hosted by the 30[th] Purley and very strong organic growth with all the existing units, leading to the greatest number of explorers in Croydon since the section was created in 2002. The Units must be doing something right.

We continue to be active with top awards with two Seahorses gaining their Explorer belt with a joint GLSW/Surrey team to Sweden. The Explorer belt is a 10-day unsupported expedition to a foreign country undertaking tasks to learn about the land they travel through.

Duke of Edinburgh in 2024 we gained 9 Bronze awards, 12 Silvers, but unfortunately no Golds this year.

The Young Leader unit has continued to run the YL training scheme with every session well attended. 3 Young Leaders completed their YL Missions to achieve their top award of the YL Belt.

A very well done to all in gaining these top awards.

In July Purley Cross, Croham Valley and Kenley Aces joined with Swedish and French Explorer age Scouts at Camp Auk in the New Forest. We took part in activities as the Explorer Sub camp with totally integrated camping, cooking and activities with new friendships formed.

Kenley reinforced those friendships as a party of 35 travelled to Svedala in Sweden for their summer camp, where the Swedish Explorers were based. We undertook several joint activities with our hosts at their summer camp site in Svedala near Malmo.

Kenley, Croham Valley and YLs from 7[th] Purley entered the Southern 50 challenge with all teams reaching the finish. Kenley and Croham valley both joined 8000 other Scouts on the London Monopoly run. In June representatives of Croydon Explorers attended the Colonel’s Review at Horseguards Parade in London. In July Kenley Aces and Seahorses attended the Military Music Spectacular at Horseguards Parade, then later in the same week attended the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. All units were represented in the annual Red Flare incident hiking competitions.

Richard Goad District Explorer Scout Commissioner Email: desc@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 15

District Adult Support Annual Report 2024

2024 was a big year of change for everyone in Scouting, especially regarding training. I “retired” from my DAC Adult Support role in early October, when transformation came in, having been the caretaker training manager since September 2022.

(This report goes up to September 2024 and covers the “old training system” only)

September was by far the busiest month in all my many years being involved in training with all leaders in training having to be met with to validate all the courses they had undertaken to ensure the training transferred to the new system. I am pleased to say that in Croydon everyone was seen and validated (over 50 people), by myself and the 4 training advisors - Mandy Giles; Sean Weston; Richard Goad and Theresa Jeffrey

A list of people gaining wood badges and completing getting started in 2024 is listed in this report, well done to all of them, and I hope they enjoy their Scouting journey. There were 26 wood badges gained and 36 getting started in 2024 – this is compared with 26 and 29 respectively in 2023

Since 2018, when I took over as training manager, I have signed off a total of 160 wood badges and 213 getting started.

Finally, a big thank you to all the people who have helped and supported me over the last 6 years these include – training advisors, district team, county team especially the other District training mangers.

Jon Slade DAC Adult Support

Page 16

Getting Started – January 2024 to September 2024 (End Compass)

Abida Syed AESL Al Ayyubi Explorers
Aidah Gahara ACSL 44thCroydon
Alex Graham DSL District
Amanda Michael
 BSL 39thCroydon
Anthony Eeles DC (Acting) District
Barbara McKinnon GSL 25thPurley
Ben Handley DSL District
Chloe Greenslade ABSL 25thPurley
Darren Hawkden
 GSL 31stCroydon
Debbie Jeffries DCSL District
Douglas Gordon
 ASL 1stS & A
Gabi Covacci BSL 7/12th Croydon
Gabrielle Welch
 ABSL 1stPurley
Greg Cook GSL 10thCroydon
Greg Cook AESL Kenley Explorers
Haajir Booley ACSL 30thPurley
Hamaza Nisar AESL Al Ayyubi Explorers
Ieva Sleinere ABSL 30thPurley
James Cork CSL 7/12thCroydon
Jennie Davidson
 DCSL District
John Edwards DSL District
Lade Apio ASL 29thCroydon
Lucy Bresslaw ABSL/ACSL 28thCroydon
Mary O’Driscoll
 ABSL 1/27thCroydon
Mehnaz Ibrahim-Khan ASL 30thPurley
Neil Tyson DSL District
Nicola Thoroughgood ABSL 11thPurley
Paul Jones ACSL 1stCoulsdon
Peter Giles DCSL District
Richard Jones ACSL 9thPurley
Robert Sands ACSL 1stPurley
Ryan Carter ASL 5thS & A
Samantha Coppock BSL 5thS & A
Sara Abbasi AESL Al Ayyubi Explorers
Shamima Khanom ABSL 30thPurley
Thomas Earley GSL 63rdCroydon
Usma Ahmed ACSL 30thPurley

Page 17

Woodbadges – January 2024 to September 2024 (End Compass)

Aidah Gahara ACSL 44thCroydon
Alex Graham DSL District
Amanda Michael
 BSL 39thCroydon
Amy Morgan
 SL 28thCroydon
Chris Biggart
 GSL 23rdCroydon
Chris Thompson
 CSL 28thCroydon
Chris Tsounis
 ACSL 28thCroydon
Corinne Jones ASL 61stCroydon
Dawn Lockyear
 ADC Scouts District
Debbie Jeffries DCSL District
Dee Bartells
 BSL 26thCroydon
Donna Hardcastle
 AESL Purley Cross
Gemma Pearson
 ASL 29thPurley
Gill Payne
 BSL 29thPurley
Greg Cook
 GSL 10thCroydon
James Baster
 BSL 9thPurley
James Cork
 CSL 7/12thCroydon
Jennie Davidson
 DCSL District
John Edwards DSL District
Mehnaz Ibrahim-Khan ASL 30thPurley
Mir Ali ACSL 30thPurley
Neil Tyson
 DSL District
Nurul Islam
 ASL 30thPurley
Peter Bundock ASL 1stCrystal Palace
Peter Devine
 ACSL 28thCroydon
Richard Carrau ADC Scouts District
Sue Eardly
 AESL Croham Valley

Page 18

Awards Received by District Members 2024

Medal For Meritorious Conduct

Odin Somerscales - 1[st] Purley Mandy Giles - District

Silver Wolf

Tony Crackett – 67[th] Croydon

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Sonya Dyer - 1[st] Coulsdon John Seaton - District

Silver Acorn

Ron Broom - 39[th] Croydon Richard Carrau - District Angela McGarel - 7[th] Purley

Award of Merit

Wendy Jones - 23[rd] Croydon Barry Edrupt - 5[th] S&A Neil Rodgers - 29[th ] Croydon Theo Turner - 29[th] Purley Heather Peters - 61[st ] Croydon Lia O’Brien - 19[th] Purley Gary Melody - 19[th] Purley Gabriella Covacci - 7/12[th ] Croydon Anthony Eeles - 29th Purley Claire Shadbolt - 28[th ] Croydon Anthony Woodin - Croham Valley Explorers Neil Hillier - 6[th ] Croydon Julie Hillier - 6[th ] Croydon Patrick Kingman - 28[th ] Croydon Philip Seaman - 11[th] Purley Ian Carlyle - 26[th ] Croydon Ashley Dewar - 21[st] Purley Sandra Dunnion - 31[st ] Croydon Mick Gilbert - 67[th ] Croydon Stathis Gikas - 7[th] Purley Andrew Davies - District Simon Jackson - 17[th] Purley Pat Stannard - 44[th ] Croydon

Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service

Peter Low - 17[th] Purley Robert Buckley - 1[st] Purley Richard England - 1[st] Purley Elisabeth Rodgers – 29[th ] Croydon Michael Smaldon - 1/27[th ] Croydon Matthew Kasoar - 1[st] Coulsdon Timothy Ayers - 25[th] Purley Alexander Beal - 25[th] Purley Kay Tokarski - 25[th] Purley Kevin Davies - 5[th] S & A Louise Green - 5[th ] S & A Darren Latter - 44[th ] Croydon Jim Clements – Pinewood Scout Centre Peter Fosdike - Purley Cross Explorers Tracey Steed - 5[th] S & A Anthony Fuller - 23[rd ] Croydon Katherine Carlyle - 26[th ] Croydon Asad Lone - 30[th] Purley Nighat Qureshi - 30[th] Purley Assim Khokhar - 30[th] Purley Michael Garlick - 17[th] Purley Gemma Webb - 16[th] Purley Barbara Hill - 18[th] Purley Andrew Ogg - 16[th] Purley Mohammed Haque - 16[th] Purley Sadef Khokhar - 30[th] Purley

Page 19

District Chaplain Annual Report 2024

This last year has seen many changes in Croydon Scouting, of which one of them has been the toll of being the Lead Chaplain for Croydon Health Services and the need for major surgery which has had a huge constraint on my free time. However, with health issues resolved and changes at the hospital, I am looking forward to a new start in Scouting during this coming year.

Plans are already in place to commence visiting units and commencing joining in the leaders meetings.

As District Chaplain to Croydon I can offer support and pastoral care to all / any members of Scouting in Croydon. We live in a very frail and changing world and sometimes unexpected things just happen and when required I would be very pleased to help if I can.

Revd. Andy Dovey Croydon District Chaplain Lead Chaplain of Croydon Health Services Mobile: 07527 818816 Email: andy.dovey@me.com

Page 20

District Safety Annual Report 2024

The District Safety team (is a virtual facility) to offer help and advice to Scout Groups in the District on their statutory responsibility under Health and Safety Legislation and duty of care for safety of persons using their premises.

Over the past years members of the Safety team have conducted a safety audit of Group and District premises and provided a report to the Group with recommendations for improvement where necessary. These recommendations have been generally well received but not fully implemented by all Groups. The Safety team can arrange to carry out a Safety Re-Audit of premises but only by invitation of the Group safety officers or GSL. The Safety team (whilst a virtual facility) can call upon trained and experienced members in the District to support Croydon Groups and District sites. If you have some Health and Safety background;- e.g. NEBOSH or of Membership of IOSH, or a workplace appointment or safety training and are willing to help please do let us know..

Fire Risk Assessments The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Under this reform it is a legal obligation that all premises require a Fire Risk Assessment. The regulation also requires that a documented Fire Risk Assessment be available for inspection on the premises and that all users be aware and trained in the actions required by the assessment.

Other legal requirements Under ‘The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974’ other legal requirements have been introduced. In Scouting we may not be at work, but this legislation forms the basis of good practice and is a applicable when premises are let out to other users. In the event of an emergency or incident we may find ourselves judged against these legal requirements. We therefore recommend the following practices, procedures and paperwork as evidence of Duty of Care.

Below is a list of attachments available on the web site that can be downloaded and adapted for individual group purposes:

Group Health & Safety Policy Group Safety Logbook Group Safety Officer Duties Group_Fire_Risk_Assessment.doc Duty of Care Summary User Training Notes and Welcome Pack Risk Assessment for Group Maintenance Activities Storage of LPG First Aid notice board sign Asbestos in your home Disabled Discrimination Act requirements Electrical and Gas Installations – The Regulation requirements Group Premises Audit Check List Safety requirements for your group meeting place HSE Publication indg236 Electrical Inspections

Page 21

District PR Annual Report 2024

As many of the Section reports will have already mentioned 2024 was a busy year with plenty going on in Groups with weekly meetings in person and activities and camps. Sadly there are still only limited opportunities to promote local Scouting in the community but some Groups do seize the opportunity and marketing themselves well in their local communities. However the District PR equipment (branded gazebo’s and feather flags / rollers banners) together with printed marketing materials have still been made available to Groups during the year.

DL Awards 2024: Sadly Croydon didn’t have any young people nominations for DL Awards in 2024. The presentation event was held at Trinity School rather that at the Town Hall. Lets hope we identify suitable young people for 2025.

Croydon YOU Challenge Day: On Sunday 2[nd] June saw the Croydon ‘YOU’ London Group hold their annual ‘YOU’ London Competition Day at Royal Russell School. This is an annual event having now been organised and run for several years. On arrival, young people from Croydon units of the Army Cadets, Fire Cadets, Girlguiding, Croydon Scouting, Sea Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and members of Royal Russell School CCF were split into mixed syndicates. They then completed nine challenges run by the adult volunteers from each organisation, designed to develop their teamwork and leadership skills.

Some of the activity stands included an observation stand run by the Army Cadets, a vehicle search run by the Volunteer Police Cadets, a team building exercise run by the RAF CCF Training Team and a ‘toxic waste transfer’ run by the Sea Cadets. Other activities such as an archery competition run by Girlguiding Croydon and a mobile climbing wall run by Croydon Scouting & GLSW Scout County ensured a fun mix of challenges during the day.

The event finished with a delicious BBQ courtesy of Royal Russell School. The Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Kola Agboola, took time out of his busy schedule to visit the event and talk to the young people, alongside Councillor Tony Pearson, Croydon Council's Armed Forces Champion. The winning team, Team 5, were presented with gold YOU London pin badges by Colonel Hugh Purcell OBE DL, Chair of YOU London. In his closing speech at the end of the day, Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD DL VR, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Croydon said: “Thank you for attending, and particular thanks to all the adult volunteers for planning and delivering the event today. Without your dedication, this event could not have happened. I've seen so much commitment, enthusiasm and energy today from both the young people and adult volunteers, that it gives me great hope for the future of Croydon. The 30[th] Purley (Masjid) Scout Group represented the District with pride.

Page 22

Early June 2024 also saw the District hosting the County AGM. As there are 5 Districts in GLSW this pleasure comes round every 5[th] year. This event was held at the same venue as our own AGM held at the end of June 2024.

Remembrance Day 2024: On Sunday 10[th] November nearly 80 members from Croydon Scouting from various Groups represented the District at the Croydon Borough Civic Remembrance Parade in Central Croydon and we placed a Poppy Wreath at the War Memorial. As well as our collaborative presence in Croydon, many of our Scout Groups & Units attend local Parish services held on this same day elsewhere in the Borough.

Generally: In Croydon many of our Groups are actively promoting themselves and

carrying out local community projects, including: local community area gardening, pond clearing, litter picking, working with and donating food to food banks and collecting Easter eggs, toys, Christmas presents and general gifts to hospitals and Nursing Homes. Several Groups work collaboratively in their local area to ensure maximum profile and community impact and are involved with community events which often the District also support and provide PR equipment and marketing materials.

Utilising our Croydon Scouting FB (our public presence) and Croydon Leaders FB (our private group) we regularly post either volunteer opportunities and or provide ideas to the Groups for ways to locally improve their profile and impact. We have a regular profile on our local community neighbourhood sites and groups. Our standard volunteer message is now a regular printed page in several local resident / community group quarterly magazines and / or local community notice boards or supermarket community boards.

Croydon PR Team Email: pr@croydonscouting.org.uk

Page 23

Bears Wood Scout Campsite – Annual Report 2024

I can report that 2024 again proved to be another very successful year for the campsite and we look forward to continuing our success, building on all the great work that has been done over the past 5 years…..

YES, we are celebrating 5 years since Croydon District took back total control of the site from the previous management committee and as we move forward, under the terms of TSA transition, we are now called the Bears Wood Team!!

Never fear, nothing has changed. We are still made up of the same people both as a “service team” (previously BW SASU), which is within the Support Team, the same people on the Management Team (previously the Management Committee) overseen by the Premises Team which is a sub-team of the Trustees Board. Hope your still following this…… Good - because I’m not sure I am yet!!!

This past year we have continued to make further improvements to the site and its facilities. We started the year clearing the old climbing facility away and erecting a brand new Traversing Wall, which is fenced in to its own compound for security as well as being covered and floodlit to make it usable in wet weather and in the evenings. This was made possible by funds raised from the sale of the Mobile Climbing Wall along with extremely generous donations in memory of our dear friend Nick Smith both from the family and from Royal Russell School, who held a charity fund raising day. The family were joined by members of the BW team, Croydon District and friends from Royal Russell at the official opening where Anita & Brian (Nick’s mum and dad) unveiled a plaque mounted on the front of the wall.

We also replaced the “very well worn” arched entrances to the Campfire circle, chapel and team building area with new natural wooden ones, in keeping with the surroundings.

As always there is a never-ending cycle of grounds maintenance and we continue with our Woodland Management Plan by tending our grassland, hedgerows and tree stock. Much hazel coppicing has

been carried out and “recycled” in the form of hazel fencing, the old archery range is being dismantled and the fencing used to build deer exclosures as part of the monitoring regime of the wildlife.

We have again benefitted from the volunteer help of a couple of estate agent firms, each giving up their time as part of their Corporate Social Responsiblity pledge, to provide manpower for which we are very grateful; as the saying goes – “many hands make light work”. This has been supplemented by our “Graft’n’Grub” days and the annual Seahorse Explorers workday which again proved extremely helpful.

We have again had an extremely successful year with regards to booking, exceeding previous years once again. As far as visitors to the site go, we have continued to have very healthy numbers on site using both the camping areas and the indoor accommodation. Over the past year we have had 54 residential bookings with 104 overnight stays, 26 evening bookings and 11 day bookings at weekends. The most rewarding thing for us is the amount of positive feedback that we get and the amount of repeat booking we have. We like to think that we must be doing something right!!

Page 24

We also hosted “Bush Scouts”, the National SASU for outdoor training, early in July for a weekend of “Outdoor Skills” training and Tomahawk Throwing for the first time as they seek to get a foothold in the South East of England. The weekend was a great success and we are proud to announce that they have booked to come back in 2025 & 2026.

Finally, as always, my grateful thanks to our band of regular volunteers without whom all of this would not be

Martin Greenwood – Team Leader (Bears Wood) Email: bearswood@croydonscouting.org.uk

----- Start of picture text -----
Freshly cut grass - does life get any better ?
----- End of picture text -----

Page 25

Pinewood Scout Centre Annual Report 2024

Pinewood continues to go from strength to strength with increasing awareness and use by Groups from across the Region, with lots of visitors now booking for residential camps from outside of the District.

The Pinewood Development Plan continues to steer our projects and provide focus on the areas that we need to prioritise on to ensure that Pinewood increases our ability to enrich the lives of young people through access to adventurous activities and engagement in nature.

These projects continue to deliver improvements to the woodland areas, with removal of invasive rhododendron and replanting with native, broadleaf tree species. This extends to the lake which continues to improve and provide fun opportunities for our visitors to try paddle boards, kayaking and raft building. This has translated into over 400 participants taking part in water activities at Pinewood in 2024, which highlights that our facilities and exclusive hire arrangements are a major factor for why so many Groups now want to use Pinewood as the base for their camping programme, with peak dates being booked up to 12 months in advance now.

A major development that will span 2024 and 2025 is the installation of new dormitory bunk rooms, which will significantly increase our ability to provide year round indoor accommodation. Planning permissions have been secured recently and building work will hopefully be completed in early summer, in time for our autumn Camps.

In 2024 Pinewood has achieved a phenomenal amount of progress with a small number of dedicated volunteers and we are constantly looking to provide opportunities for more people to join us on our Thursday morning maintenance days.

Pinewood is a unique and special community asset that, under the Development Plan, will continue to grow and showcase the wonderful service Croydon District Scouts provides for our young people and Groups.

Jim Clements

The Pinewood Team

Email: pinewood@croydonscouting.org.uk

----- Start of picture text -----
A day on the water - priceless!
----- End of picture text -----

Page 26

Blank page for your notes

Page 27

This is ‘YOU’ the YOU London Giraffe wearing his Croydon Scouting District scarf. He was designed by youth members from the Croydon YOU London Organisations and formed part of the Croydon Stands Tall Heritage Trail in 2023. ‘YOU’ also attended the Lord Mayor’s Show in November 2023 heading up the YOU London float and currently resides at Royal Russell School.