2024-12-31-accounts - 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group

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10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group

Annual report - year ended 31 December 2024

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Trustees' Annual Report for 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024

Reference and administration details

Charity name: 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Registered charity number (England and Wales): 292736 Charity’s principal address Waldegrave Park, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5SF

Trustees

*Name*	Office	Changes during year	Nature of appointment
Andrew Bresler	Chairman	Appointed September 2018	Re-elected at AGM 2023
Sara Bresler	Secretary	Appointed November 2020	Re-elected at AGM 2023
Russell Husbands	Treasurer	Appointed 2019
Mark Grant	DeputyChairman
LarryNeal	Trustee
Yvette Husbands	Trustee	Appointed 29 January2016

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Professional advisors

*Independent Examiner*	Bankers
Laura Brierly	CAF Bank Ltd
84a Station Road	25 Kings Hill Avenue
Harpenden	Kings Hill
AL5 4TY	West Malling
	Kent,ME19 4JQ

Structure, governance and management

The governing documents of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (the “Group”) 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 (“POR”) of The Scout Association.

The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Group is managed by the Executive Committee, the members of which include the ‘Charity Trustees’. The

Committee also consists of additional independent representatives from the constituent scout groups and major activities within the Group and meets 4 times per year. All members of the committee are Ex-officio as defined by POR.

This Executive Committee exists to support the Trustees in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:

The maintenance of property;
The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance;
The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
Appointing any sub committees that may be required;

The Group is currently made up of 2 Beaver sections, 2 Cub sections and 2 Scout sections.

Risk and Internal Control

The Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed, and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members . The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

undertaken before all activities. The District has also purchased Personal Accident for Non-Members and Supporters Insurance covering district activities. The Group also has personal accident insurance for non-members.

Reduced income from fund raising . The Group is primarily reliant upon income from donations from active Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income and also charges others for use of the premises owned by the Group.

Reduction or loss of leaders . The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the district and its constituent groups and units. If there was a reduction in the number of volunteers to an unacceptable level in a particular section or group then there would have to be appropriate contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of a section might be required.

Reduction or loss of members . The Group’s units and constituent groups provide activities for all young people aged 6 to 16. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section then there would have to be appropriate contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of the group might be required.

The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the group are as a unit of the Scout Association.

The Aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and international communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.

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.

Achievements and performance

Chairman’s Review

2024 was a steady year with a continuation of the full range of activities across the scouting spectrum. It still continues to be run and managed excellently, efficiently and enthusiastically by an wonderful group of leaders and supporters.

The leadership structure further evolved with a transition from the existing co-GSL’s to new coGSL’s, but due to other commitments, one of the new co-GSL’s had to stand down. The current GSL has managed and run the unit superbly. As ever, the leadership and helpers continue to maintain a superb array of activities and do this purely for the benefit and good of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The committee remain fully supported by elected and non-elected members.

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

The Crabtree Fields site remains is in good condition and continues be maintained, with and repairs being undertaken to ensure that the facilities remain in good condition. In addition to the day-to-day facilities, it provides for the 10[th] it also enables additional activities for the members for events such as the very popular comedy night, which continues to be a hugely popular event. Rental during the daytime during the week continues to being in valuable revenue for the benefit of the 10[th] .

Finances in good shape and should improve this year as the Nursery rent has gone up.

Highlights are:

Accounts: 2024 2023 Main Group account £39,857 £39,936 (includes paying £6k to joint hut (below)) Sections accounts £19,078 £15,740 (Scout Camp made money) Joint Hut / Minibuses £22,022 £12,316 (includes £6k each from explorers and us (from above)) £81,123 £68,158

Fairly stable but should be aware that at some point the joint account will have to pay the £1.5k / year rent + plus back rent over around £10k. Overall when we factor in depreciation of the hut and minibuses at -£21k the overall asset for 2024 is £376,951 (compared to £385,144 in 2023)

GSL review: 10th Harpenden Scout Group

Annual review

It has been another busy year at the 10[th] ! The academic year started with a return of our Family Camp, held once again at Paccar Scout Camp. Attendance was at a record high with well over 100 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and their parents/carers and siblings coming together for a weekend of fun. The Group also took part in the St George’s Day Parade in April, and our older sections helped mark Remembrance Day.

We also held our annual Comedy night (adults only!) in November which was a great success.

Beavers

Our Beavers have enjoyed a varied programme across both Colonies.

Highlights from Tree Colony have included a bike ride, hikes, a visit to Stockwood Illuminated light trail, a visit to the Hurst Children’s Theatre Company’s Pantomime at the Eric Morecombe Centre, as well as a visit to the Oaklands Zoo and Hornbeam Hedgehog Sanctuary. The year ended at Batford Springs for a picnic and sailing junk boats.

Highlights for River Colony included hikes, a visit from Showtime Circus skills, a karate session, a visit to a beehive, a Zumba session and a visit to Harpenden fire station. The year ended at Batford Springs for a picnic and sailing junk boats.

Both sections enjoyed an Activity Day at Tolmers in June and the eldest Beavers from both sections enjoyed a joint sleepover at the Scout Hut in March. Both Sections also attended the Cubs Carol Service in December.

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Cubs

Our Cub Packs have had a busy year!

Fox Pack had an Autumn camp at Lees Wood, followed by a Sixers and Seconders Camp at the Scout Hut. Sessions have included rock climbing, martial arts, a visit to Ninja Warrior, watching Gang Show, a sleepover / STEM day at Shuttleworth, attending District Cubs Camp, a visit to Willow Court Care Home, a bike ride, a canal boat trip, orienteering, a summer camp in Norfolk, district bike ride and a family picnic.

Swift Pack have hiked, visited St Albans Cathedral, visited Hrapend Fire Station, attended Gang Show, visited Bayfordbury Observatory, had their own bike ride and attended the District bike ride, played rounders in Rothamsted park with parents, had an end of year BBQ and games. They have also held a summer Superhero camp.

Both Packs attended the Cubs Carol service and helped with the Cubs Christmas card collection and delivery scheme.

Scouts

Scout camps for both Troops this year were Spring Camp, Summer Camp in Norfolk and Cycle Camp in the New Forest.

Wessex have also enjoyed a ghost walk, swimming, a night hike, an international cooking evening, an annual enterprise night, a trip to the ‘donuts’ at Welwyn dry ski slope, floating junk boats at Batford Springs and an end of term go-karting evening.

Mercia have been busy with a night hike, had a cooking evening, played mini golf, done a Harpenden Treasure hunt, visited Ninja Warrior, gone swimming, done backwoods cooking, gone on a bike ride, visited Batford Springs, had a Fete on the field and done kayaking at Stanborough Lakes.

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Financial Review

The Group continues to remain well funded despite a negative movement in the Fund for the year as shown in the financial statements on pages 9-15.

Reserves Policy

The reserves policy of the Group requires that unrestricted funds are available to:

provide General funds which can be designated to projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice;
provide sufficient funds to cover key maintenance and repairs for the Hut; and
over administration and support costs without which the Group would not be able to provide support to the Sections.

The reserves for the Group should be sufficient to cover at least one year’s general activities, transport and administration costs. Potential uses for any excess reserves are reviewed on a continual basis by the Executive.

Investment Policy

The Group holds funds in cash accounts with CAF Bank. Each section also holds small amounts of funds in a CAF Bank account in its own name.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

30 October 2025

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group

I report on the accounts of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 9 to 15.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts provide a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Charity Independent Examiner Address:

Date: 30 October 2025

10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)

Statement of responsibilities of Trustees and Officers

The trustees and officers are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the District Scout Council and of its income and expenditure for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees and officers are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue.
The trustees and officers are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Financial Activities Summary for the year ended 31 December 2024 2023 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £65,044 £51,364 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £73,237 £67,218 NET INCOMING RESOURCES -£8,193 -£15,854 NET MOVEMENT IN FUND -£8,193 -£15,854 FUND BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD £385,144 £400,998 FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD £ £376,951 £385,144 10

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Assets & Liabilities as at 31 December Notes 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets HQ Premises at Waldegrave Park Minibuses Equipment £2e4.520 £21,808 £9,500 £295,828 £281.053 £26,434 £9,500 £316,986 Total fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets £81,123 £81,123 £68,158 £68,158 LIABILITIES Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year £0 £0 NET CURRENT ASSETS £81,123 £68.158 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES £376,951 £385,144 NET ASSETS £376,951 £385,144 Represented by GENERAL FUND £376.951 £385.144 11

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Cash flow statement for 12 months ending 31 December 2024 £13.407 £15,748 -£5,962 -£295 2023 £15.597 -£5,691 -£5,192 £304 Subscriplions (net of capitation) Net income from premises Net income from minibus Family camp Sections Equipment Change in value of tangible assets Comedy Night Badges l Leaders Uniforms other Net incomel(loss) £1,778 4.065 -£21.158 £2.262 43.988 -£5.920 15,854 £1.913 627 -£22.140 £2.098 -£1.958 -£158 15,854 Add back change in value Change in debtors Change in creditors other non-cash movements (equipment write-off) movement in stock Cash flow from operating activities £21,158 £0 £0 -£1 £22.140 £0 £0 -£1 £5,303 £6,285 Investing activiti8s Capital expenditure- Hut improvement £0 £0 Financing activities (Repayment}Idrawdown on loan £0 £0 Cash inflowl(outlfow) for period £5,303 e6,285 Opening cash position Cash inflowlloutlfow) for period Closing cash position £68,158 £5.303 £61.873 £6.285 £68,158 £73,461 £81,123 £68,158 12

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 2023 Income resources from generated funds Voluntary income Membership donations (incl. Gift Aid) Less: payable to District Scouts £22,090 -£8,755 £13,335 £24,313 -£8.750 £15,563 Donations received Use of premises Minibus contributions Equipment donations Family Camp Comedy Night £44,795 £200 £29,659 £490 £615 -£295 £5,584 £40 £304 £5,273 Activities for generating funds Other events Sale of clothing £737 £0 Investment income Interest received £73 £34 Other incoming resources Miscellaneous £0 £0 Total incoming resources £65,044 £51,364 13

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 2023 RESOURCES EXPENDED costs of generating voluntary incomeldonations Premises Maintenance utilities Insurance £13,648 £12,678 £2,721 £29,047 £17,184 £14,650 £3,517 £35,350 Change in value of tangible fixed assets £21,158 £22,140 Minibus expenses Equipment Sections.. Scout troops Fox Pack Swft Pack Beaver Colonies £6,162 £4,065 -£3,885 -£447 £5,682 £627 -£5,230 £460 £612 £1,941 £1,367 £1.491 Charitable activities Camps Leaders, unrforms l training I badges Comedy Night £3,988 £3,322 £1,958 £3,175 Govenance costs and other £704 £198 other resources expended Donations made Contribution from Group to Hut maintenance £0 £6,568 £0 £0 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £73,237 £67,218 14

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden {Methodist) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of accounting al These financial statements are prepared on a receipts and payments basis bl The trustees have estimated the current value of the three minibuses to be £21.808 cl The HQ property is recorded at the cost of construction depreciating to £0 by year 30 of the lease 120401. This, along with changes to the other group assets, means the total group asset reduces from £281k in 2023 to £265k in 2024. The property is maintained in a good condition. dl The HQ has been erected on leasehold land, the footprint of which included land and buildings also occupied by the Harpenden Explorer Scout Unit la separate registered charity). Fundraising for the new building was carried out by both the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit. Although the legal ownership of the new HQ is solely in the name of the Scout Group, the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit have entered into a Partnership Agreement which set5 Out how the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit share the use of the HQ The land itself is owned by St Albans District and City Council. The Scout Group is in the process of renewing the lease for the land, which will be in the name of The Scout Association Trust Corporation, acting as Custodian Trustee on behalf of the Scout Group. Day to day management of the premises is shared on an equal basis between the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit, as is the management of use of the Scout Group minibuses. el Scouting equipment le.g. Tents, marquees etcl was revalued some years aEO. All subsequent renewals and replacements have been charged to revenue at the time of acquisition representing the replacement of the equipment thus maintaining its value. 2 TANGIBLE ASSETS Land & bulldlngs Minibusas Scouting equlpmenl Cost or valuallon brought forward Additions Change In value Cost carriad forward £281.(k53 £26.434 £9.5(Kl -£16.533 £264.520 -£4.626 f21.808 £0 £9.5 15

Ioil) Hatpenden IMeihudi%tl SLUUI GTOUP {Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 3 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 2024 2023 Treasurers, accounts - Group Current accounts - Sections Cash In hand - Sectlons Joint hut committee £39,857 £19,078 £167 £22,022 £39,936 £15,740 £167 £12,316 £81.123 £68.158 4 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS There were no capitsl commitmenls at the end of the year. (Prior Year- nil) 5 EMPLOYEES. REMUNERATION There were no employees. All leaders and helpers give their time lor no financial gain. 6 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES No Trustee recelved any monetary reward or expenses. 7 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S FEES No fee was charged for thls servlce 16