Trustees Annual Report
Year Ended 31 August 2024
Registered Charity: 299179
Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Groupi Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees, Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
The Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group are included in this report covering the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 August 2024.
Section A - Reference and administration details
Charity name: Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group
Registered charity number: 299179
Charity’s principal address: Cinques Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 3NR
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity are:
| 1 | Vacant – Chair |
|---|---|
| 2 | Dana Williams – Secretary |
| 3 | Rob Dummer – Treasurer |
| 4 | Chris Elwood - GroupScout Leader |
| 5 | Pat Collins |
| 6 | Charlie Jackson |
| 7 | Steven Palmer |
| 8 | Paul O Shea |
| 9 | Nicola Lintott |
| 10 | Jonathan Hearth |
| Type of Advisor | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Barclays Bank | St Neots |
Section B - Structure, governance and management
Below are details of the structure, governance and management of the Group.
| 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 Scouts. |
| Trustee Selection Methods | The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
| Additional Governance Information | The Group is managed by the Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As Charity Trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and makingreturns to the CharityCommission as appropriate. |
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
The Trustee Board consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader and listed Trustees and meets every school term.
This Trustee Board exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
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The maintenance of Group property;
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The raising of funds and the administration of Group Finance;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Group public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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• Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
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Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
Section C - 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. 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
At the January 2024 census (for 23/24) there were 101 young members in the Group which again shows a continuing trend of expansion. The previous years, 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 were 86 and 77 members respectively. We continue to maintain a waiting list for our Beavers section.
During the year 2023 to 2024 our sections held regular weekly meetings at the HQ, and were able to participate in a full programme of camps, hikes, and other adventurous activities throughout the year.
In July 2023 we opened a second Beaver Colony, meeting on a Wednesday. The Group also opened a new Explorer Unit in partnership with Biggleswade District Scout Council in February 2024, meeting on a Monday evening.
The new Trustee Board model was adopted at the July 2023 Annual General Meeting, as was the model Scouts Constitution. The Trustee Board continues to provide any necessary support to the Group’s various sections.
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
The Group was successful in securing a £50,000.00 grant from National Highways A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Social Fund, which was to be used to provide a greener footprint for the Group. This included Solar PV generation and battery storage, AC and Infra-red heating, LED lighting with absence detection throughout the building, a muchimproved water heating system with safer thermostatically controlled sensor taps, and the installation of much improved loft insulation. The work for the installation of all of these improvements commenced at the end of July
2024 and was completed by the end of August 2024. These improvements to the building will allow the Group to control energy costs and ensures that the building is fit for purpose for the next fifteen to twenty years.
The Group continues to have a very dedicated Quartermaster who is responsible for both our building and equipment. Our Headquarters building remains in an excellent state of repair in no small part due to his ongoing commitment and dedication, as is all of our camping and outdoors equipment.
At the close of the 2023-24 year, the Group’s adult membership was stable but did not grow in real terms. This is an ongoing challenge facing the Group which needs urgent attention.
Section E - Financial Review
The Group’s principal sources of funds are subscriptions from parents, donations from local organisations and fundraising activities. Subscriptions income continues to be a challenge even through the standing order system. In September 2023 subs were raised to meet increasing costs which has helped to slow the trend of continuing cash position decline.
In 2024 the Trustees decided to change the end of year to 31[st] August to align with the scouting year as it was felt that this would be easier to manage end of year reconciliations during the summer break.
Income for the year ending 31st March 2023 totalled £53,473
This amount has been un-naturally inflated by:
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The extended financial year and equivalent additional subscription receipts
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Grant funding for the HQ GoGreen Project
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A long overdue Gift Aid claim made for three previous years
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Grant funding for the newly formed Explorers section
This year also saw an increased return from fundraising where the group benefitted from:
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Christmas Fare December 23
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The Village Show September 2024
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Fireworks Night November 2023 – a profitable event that may well be a regular booking moving forwards
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
Expenditure in the year ending 31[st] March 2023 totalled £55,482
Spending continues to be closely managed and despite the obvious shortfall between income and expenditure the groups position is closer to neutral as we have a significant credit held with our utilities provider that is due to be returned in this current financial year. The groups previous decision to raise subs has for the moment helpd to ease the recent regular decline in cash position.
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Significant costs this year have been:
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Improvements to HQ 100% funded by the Highways Agency as part fo the community find from the A428 works
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Uniform and social events 100% funded by the Explorers grant
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Capitation
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Utilities – (inflated by the credit we hold with SSE)
Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to:
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Continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short
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Financially support scouting for those without funds to take part in scouting.
The Trustee Board considers that in order to satisfy this policy this figure should ideally be held in the sum of £5,000.00 at all times. The Group held a balance of £13,964 at the year end, largely held in the business account accruing interest.
Section F - Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature(s)____ Signature(s)_ ____ Full name(s) __ Full name(s) __ Date: _ __ Date: __ Position: ___ Position: ___ ___
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Groupi Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees, Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024 Receipts and Payments Accounts Gamlingay & Gransden Scout Gmup Receipis and Paymenls Accounls from 1st Apnl 2023 to 31 Augusl 2024 Registered Charity No 299179 2024 2023 RECEIPTS Subscriptions 17,686.50 9,410.C(I Gift Aid Fundraisi proftt 3,594.56 Ikt wgfil 4,141.64 16&83 a433.87 957.58 Donations Group CanN) - I nterest Misc Grants Explorers GoGreen 250.00 43.28 1,890.00 41_38 847.45 98.50 3,500.00 23,411.34 Total Receipts 53,472.87 12,399.36
Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Groupi Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees, Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024 Gamlingay & Gransden Scout Group Receiprs and Payments A Gcounls fmm l& Apn"12023 to 31 A ugust 2024 Registered Charity No 299179 2024 2023 PAYMENTS Capitation Unit alloGatior I nsuranGe Rent, Rates, Water, Electricity maintenare Equipment Group Ca Donatior Fund Raisiro Exper6es Group Badges Unrform Section General Legal M iscellaneous CleanirvJ GoGreen Project Explorers 5,757.00 2,690.00 2,735.51 6,227.33 955.97 1.866.43 4,895.00 1,350.00 1,130.96 1,606.14 3,286.57 377.44 1,490.00 1,200.00 791.75 2,305.34 1.908.11 193.80 955.03 1,235.85 1,000.00 1,235.57 480.00 518.01 1,222.70 23,411.34 3,500.00 55,482.42 18,843.43 t Receiptsl (Payments) Cash Funds Last Year E Cash Funds this Year End (2,009.551 15,973.83 13,964.28 16.444.07) 22,417.90 15,973.83
Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
Cash Funds
| Group 2024 | Group 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Community Acccount | 4,070.51 |
16,608.00 |
| Business Account | 13,196.62 | 57.00 |
| Sections | 3,792.55 |
3,791.00 |
| Consonlidated Funds | 21,059.68 | 20,456.00 |
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on the 5[th] February 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
| Signature | Print Name |
|---|---|
| Rob Dummer | |
| Chris Elwood |
POST AGM NOTE
Validation check by Sue Chase highlighted calculation and accrual errors. The following accounts are a validated final version agreed with majority Trustees verbally on 29[th] June 2025 as follows:
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Chris Elwood
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Rob Dummer
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Nicola Lintott
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Jonathan Hearth
-
Paul O’Shea
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
ADJUSTED ACCOUNTS VALIDATED BY SUE CHASE FOR CHARITY COMISSION SUBMISSION
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Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Groupi Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees, Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024 PAYMENTS Capitation Unit allocations Insurance Rent, Rates, Water, Electricity Maintenar£e EquiPent Group Ca Donatior FU Raisir Expenses Group Badges Uniform Section General Legal Miscellaneous CleanirNJ GoGreen Project Explorers 5,757.00 2,690.00 2.735.51 5.884.22 871.30 1,655.98 4,895.00 1,350.00 1,088.96 1,E£)6.14 3,595.55 377.44 1,490.00 1,200.00 791.75 1,668.29 1,434.36 193.80 955.03 1,235.85 1,¢X)O.00 1,372.57 480.00 {9.30) 1,222.70 23,411.34 3,500.00 53,206.08 19,247.41 t Receiptsl (Payments) Cash Funds Last Year ErKI Cash Funds this Year End 315.68 15.878.83 16,194.51 (6,539.07) 22,417.90 15,878.83 io
Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group, Registered Charity No 299179 Trustees’ Annual Report - Year Ended 31 August 2024
Cash Funds
| Community Acccount Business Account Sections Consonlidated Funds |
Group 2024 Group 2023 4,070.51 16,608.00 13,196.62 57.00 3,792.55 3,791.00 21,059.68 20,456.00 |
|---|---|
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE EXEC COMMITTEE OF GAMLINGAY & GRANSDEN SCOUT GROUP
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 which consist of an Income & Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet.
Respective responsibilities of the Executive Committee and the 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
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act,
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follow procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b)
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of the 2011 Act, and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Statement
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 the management committee concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiners Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 103 of the 2011 act, or, to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met,
Or,
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…………………………………………
S Chase Simple Solutions (Cambs) Ltd 5 Williams Close Great Gransden SG19 3QS
Date: 15/06/2025