First Luton Sea Scout Group 2025 Annual General Meeting
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GSL Introduction 3 Our Young People 4 Our Group 6 Executive Annual Accounts 7
Including: Trustees Report 7
Independent Examiners Report
10
Full Audited Accounts
11
Minutes of 2024 AGM
13
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GSL Introduction
I’d like to warmly welcome you to this year’s AGM and express our sincere thanks for your continued support. Our group, established in 1909, stands as one of the oldest in the country and, as a Sea Scout group, we have a unique identity, which brings its own challenges but also a great sense of pride.
Recently we have been incredibly proud to hear that Phil, our Scout Leader, have been awarded the Silver Acorn. This is an award bestowed upon those who have shown significant outstanding service to scouting over a period of at least 20 years. It is a fantastic achievement and our congratulations go to Phil!
With a vast inventory of equipment and two significant buildings to maintain and develop, the work we do extends far beyond the weekly meetings with our 100+ members. This makes the wide and varied team of volunteers and supporters absolutely crucial to our success; whether our volunteers can give an hour a week or 10, everyone is able to play an important part. Over the past year, we’ve been fortunate to see our volunteer team grow, with one or two new faces coming in.
As a charity, generating income remains a key focus. Our events—such as our open days and water activity weekends—offer local young people the chance to participate in fun and engaging activities while helping us raise funds for new equipment and improvements. We currently have plans in place to replenish some of our stock of boats over the next season so that we can continue to develop our group's offer.
Our strong community connections play a vital role in everything we do. Our continued partnership with the hotel at Luton Hoo is a prime example of the importance of these links. Their generous support for us to use the lake and surrounding areas for our water-based activities provides invaluable opportunities for our members to develop their skills and engage in a variety of exciting activities. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing collaboration.
There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that goes into everything we do, and we are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and supportive group of adults making it all possible. I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your invaluable contribution. We are truly lucky to have you as part of our team. If you have any skills or time that could help us in the coming year or if you would like to get more involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you!
Allan Maher Group Scout Leader
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Our Young People
At the time of the accounting year-end, the group had worked with in excess of 80 young people in 2024. These were made up of those in our Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop in addition to the nine Young Leaders, who provided regular support at section meetings.
The Young People were ably guided by the strong and highly effective adult leadership team within the group. We also took the opportunity during lockdown to ensure that all training requirements were met and that all adults had an up-to-date understanding of key issues, such as safety and Safeguarding.
Beavers
Beavers have had another busy year completing badges, playing games, learning water skills and finding out about the Scouting movement and what it means to be in First Luton.
This year we were very sad to have Paddy leave us after decades of dedicated volunteering. We threw him a party and hopefully gave him a send off into a second ‘retirement’ that he won’t forget!
We do still feel he’s missing at Beavers and we’ve told him he’s welcome to visit any time! There is now a regular rotation of the remaining 4 Leaders and 3 Young Leadersnow Geo, Emily and Oscar. Rabbit also pops in every now and then which is also lovely!
Numbers of Beavers has been fairly consistent between 16 and 20 with a mix of girls and boys. We recently undertook at ‘bring a friend’ night to bolster numbers after our waiting list was reduced. If anyone has younger family members who would like to join when they’re six, please do contact us so we can get you on the list. We had a trip to the District camp for the day, a trip to Studley Road fire station and have an imminent trip to RAF Hendon.
We continue to have a varied programme, with the aim to ensure all Beavers have the opportunity to gain their Chief Scout Bronze, should they wish, before they leave us. Since the last AGM, another 10 have been awarded.
Multiple badges are worked on over the course of the year with a focus on water and outdoor ones in the summer when at Luton Hoo.
The Beavers love being down on the lake and playing in the woods at the Hoo. We plan to be down there again in the summer term and look forward to getting out on the water.
Rebecca Maher Beaver Leader
Cubs
We have currently 28 Cubs in our pack with 4 leaving for Scouts at the beginning of May. We
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also have 4 coming up from Beavers. This will make the group full again. There are 4 full time adult leaders, 4 young leaders. We have asked Parents if they want to become a helper within the group. We have lost Sandy from our group as work commitments means she can no longer commit to the group. Sandy has said that if she can, she will help out on occasions where needed. Our adult leaders have a vast array of skills and experience which keep the group running and continuity for the children. However more help would always be appreciated.
A program has been created for the group all the way up to Christmas 2025. This way if parents feel that something interests them, they are more than welcome to contact us. We try to make our program as varied as possible with regular leader meetings to discuss upcoming evenings both on and off the water. We are also finding new ways to keep the children with special needs engaged within the group. Since the last AGM, we have handed out 2 Silver Chief Scout Awards with another one possibly in the next few weeks. There have also been 84 badges handed out for achievements gained.
Paul Adcock Cub Leader
Scouts
The Scouts are averaging 40 Scouts in the troop with 3 Young Leaders. Over the past 12 months
we have issues 286 badges, including 27 nights away badges, 22 Time on the water badges, 8 sailing badges, 14 Paddlesport badges, 31 Emergency Aid badges and we are very pleased to say
we awarded 2 Chief Scout Gold Awards.
Last summer we spent lots of time at the Hoo on the water, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. We also joined the rest of the Scouts in Luton at a District Camp Our summer camp was in the Lake District beside Lake Windermere. The Scouts took part is
caving, crag climbing, crate stacking, archery, a trip to Blackpool and the older scouts did an overnight expedition.
We have also been to the Aqua park at Box end, Ice Skating, laser quest and had a few other interesting evening activities.
This year we are looking forward to our Summer Camp which will be at Grafham Water.
Phil Jeffery Scout Leader
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Our Group Executive
Charity Commission Registration Number : 300465
Composition
At each AGM, the Group Executive for the following year is elected. The Executive is composed of a range of adults who have the skills and knowledge to help shape the strategic direction of the group and to support its aims.
In 2024, the Group Executive was made up of the following:
| Chair | Scott Roberts |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Dan Green |
| Treasurer | Allan Maher |
| Group Scout Leader | Allan Maher |
| Rebecca Maher | |
| Section Leaders | Paul Adcock |
| Phil Jefrey | |
| Phillipa Missenden | |
| Paul Adcock | |
| Group Representatives |
Richard Davis Julian Barker Chris Wells |
| Jenny Sanders |
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Annual Accounts
The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the independently examined accounts for the twelve months ended 30 November 2024.
The Charity’s accounts are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis.
Objectives
The Purpose of 1st Luton Sea Scouts is to continue the work of the worldwide Scouting movement which is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society and to provide them with water-based skills.
Activities and achievements
The charity carries out a number of activities in order to fulfil its charitable objectives. In particular, 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
The main achievements during the year are considered to be:
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Continued investment in our facilities and equipment
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The Group continued to thrive in terms of membership numbers and adult support
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A number of Chief Scouts Awards were gained across all sections
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A balanced programme was provided across all sections
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Nights away opportunities provided to all sections
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Continued success of our Water Activity Days and Training Programme
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Reserves
1st Luton Sea Scout Group holds reserves in accounts that earmark the use of those funds. The Group current account holds sufficient to cover the running costs for one year. The Group Development Fund account is used for developing the Group’s Buildings. The Training Fund account is used to manage training revenues received and for making payments to coaches and instructors for our own Group training.
Surpluses are then transferred to the Equipment Fund. The Equipment Fund account is used to maintain and replaces boats and other relevant equipment.
The level of reserve for the Group Development fund and the Equipment fund will vary from year to year depending on planned scheduled or replacement expenditure required on repairing and replacing equipment and buildings over several years.
The Trustees consider that the level of reserves is appropriate in order to ensure that the charity is likely to be able to meet future costs, in particular in respect of equipment and site costs so that activities can continue.
All funds of the charity are unrestricted in nature. The charity has no designated or restricted funds.
Financial Review
The charity received income of £64,484 in the year and incurred expenditure of £49,017. This included £6821 of expenditure on projects and £9108 on equipment purchase and maintenance. The net increase in cash for the year was £15,466
At the year end, the charity held cash of £64,214 and tangible fixed assets comprising boating and other equipment of £54,350. This means that the total assets of the charity at the year-end stood at £118,565.
Governing Document
Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) defines the structure of Scouting in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and provides information about its management and training.
The Scout Association is a national charity and exists by authority of a Royal Charter granted in 1912 and supplemented by further charters granted by King George V and Queen Elizabeth II. It was founded in 1907. With a membership of over 618,000 young people and adult leaders, it is the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK.
Scouting activity is delivered through around 8,000 community-based Scout Groups nationwide (all independent charities in their own right).
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Trustees
The trustees of the group are appointed at the Annual General Meeting in line with the rules and requirements of the Scout Association.
The Group Scout Leader appoints the Chairman. The Secretary and Treasurer are automatically appointed.
Public Benefit
We are the UK's biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 6 to 25year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities and teach them about good citizenship.
Scouts helps children and young adults reach their full potential. Scouts develop skills including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to get jobs, save lives and even change the world.
The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit and consider that the charitable objects fall well within the public benefit guidelines. In setting the charitable objectives, the charity has given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The trustees also regularly monitor the skills available to them as a trustee body and aim to seek new trustees where additional skills are needed.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Mr Scott Roberts, Chairman
Date: 5th March 2025
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Income
| Receipts | Receipts | Receipts | Receipts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to Dec 2023 |
Year to Dec 2024 |
||
| ActivityIncome | £ 5,474.56 | £ 1,388.34 | |
| Camp and Trip Deposits |
£ 10,350.29 | £ 10,859.86 | |
| Donations and Fundraising |
£ 468.66 | £ 585.14 | |
| Gift Aid | £ 3,161.50 | £ 2,765.75 | |
| Grants | £ 67.51 | £ 2,500.00 | |
| Leisurewear and Uniform |
£ 933.87 | £ 1,129.99 | |
| Subscriptions | £ 20,616.97 | £ 21,478.79 | |
| SundryIncome | £ 2,508.37 | £ 122.27 | |
| Training and Course Fees |
£ 901.25 | £ 3,463.97 | |
| Water ActivityDays | £ 19,658.50 | £ 20,190.00 | |
| Total Income | £ 64,141.48 | £ 64,484.11 |
This has remained stable overall. Despite an increase in subscriptions, which took effect in September, a slight drop in group numbers meant that this income only slightly increased. Some areas were posted differently this year, which makes it look like there has been a large change – for example last year, the course and training fee income was posted to ‘activity income’. This has been changed this year. A grant of £2500 was received from the Admiralty towards replacing some of the sailing craft.
Expenditure
| Payments | Payments | Payments | Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to Dec 2023 Year to Dec 2024 |
|||
| MembershipFees | £ 5,364.50 |
£ 5,483.50 |
|
| Insurances | £ 6,295.57 |
£ 6,256.16 |
|
| Utilities andRates | £ 2,260.86 |
£ 1,422.91 |
|
| FireProtection | £ 413.28 |
£ 144.00 |
|
| Accountant Fees | £ 150.00 |
£ 180.00 |
|
| Leisurewear and Uniform |
£ 1,285.50 |
£ 1,195.18 |
|
| Badges | £ 690.50 |
£ 452.23 |
|
| Activities | £ 3,189.70 |
£ 3,661.99 |
|
| NightsAway | £ 8,279.39 |
£ 11,344.93 |
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| Equipment Purchase | £ 12,514.17 |
£ 6,244.56 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance |
£ 7,640.96 |
£ 2,863.64 |
|
| SundryExpenses | £ 2,336.01 |
£ 910.20 |
|
| Training and Course Costs |
£ 3,553.11 |
£ 1,765.25 |
|
| Fuel | £ 515.98 |
£ 271.93 |
|
| Projects | £ 9,091.49 |
£ 6,821.00 |
|
| Total Receipt | £ 63,581.02 |
£ 49,017.48 |
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Minutes of 2024 AGM
Group Executive Meeting Date: Wednesday 8th May 2024 Meeting took place online- Zoom
Present:
Allan Maher, Becky Maher, Paddy Higgens, Scott Roberts, Sandy Rawstorne, Jenny Sanders, Dan Green, Phil Jeffrey, Chris Wells, Paul Adcock, Terry Jones, Julian Barker
1. Welcome by Group Chairman
2. Apologies for Absence
Christa Jeffrey, Philipa Missenden, Helen ayres
3. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous AGM Meeting held on 19th April 2023
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
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4. Matters Arising from Minutes of Previous Meeting
Nil
5. Sectional Reports
GSL- Helen has stepped down from Beaver Leader and Becky has stepped up to Beaver Leader. Looking at the teams and changes are constant. All support we get is greatly appreciated from the 1 hours here and there to the regular weekly support and on WADs
Beavers- sad to lose Helen but a consistent support remains strong from the rest of the team and gaerth supporting where possible. Looking forward to the water activities in the coming weeks.
Cubs- down on leaders numbers but still strong experience withing the team. Working on badges and prepping for the water activities.
Scouts- leadership changes withing grey six not being around as much due to varying factors. But rest of the team is constant with two new leaders, previousy young leaders Luke and Molly. Lots of badges awarded and working towards the chief scout award
6. Presentation of Annual Accounts and Treasurer’s Report
We have been very fortunate group with support, facilitys and bank balance. Everythngi is stable and inline with our good governance policy, no questions were asked in this section.
7. Appointment of Auditors December 2023 to November 2024
Proposed to remain with Kirsty Cutler previous auditor from 2022-2023.- all agreed
8. Adoption of the model constitution as laid out in POR 5.4
Agreed with no deviations
9. Appointment of the Group Chairman
Scott Roberts proposed and agreed for a 3 year term.
10. Appointment of the Group Treasurer
Jo is stepping down due to work commitments. Group is very grateful for the work and dedication Jo has put into the role of treasure. We have no volenteers or proposals for this role so this will remain vacant and the duties will be apportioned between the trustees until the role is filled
Elected Members
Phillipa, Paul and Sandy were elected for another year on the exec. No one opposed and no others were nominated or volunteered for the roles
11. District Representative Appointment of Trustee Board members up for renewal/ vacancies Sandy is stepping down an a trustee board
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member,Dick, Jenny and Julian have taken roles within the trustee board. See table below for list on trustee board members
| MemberShi p |
Name | renewal date |
|---|---|---|
| ex-ofcio | Allan Maher | |
| co-opted | Scott Roberts | 01/04/2027 |
| co-opted | DanGreen | 01/04/2027 |
| co-opted | PhilJefrey | 01/04/2027 |
| co-opted | Philly Misenden |
01/04/2026 |
| co-opted | Paul Adcock | 01/04/2026 |
| co-opted | ChrisWells | 01/04/2026 |
| co-opted | Dick Davis | 01/04/2025 |
| co-opted | Jenny Saunders |
01/04/2025 |
| co-opted | Julian Barker | 01/04/2025 |
12. Maximum and minimum number of trustee board members Max is 12 and min is 8 members of the trustee board and for meeting one third plus one so a minimum of 5 need to be in attendance to hold a meeting and to agree actions.
13. District Representative None in attendance.
14. AOB
Paddy- would be good to get parent support and having conversations and grey six to pass on their knowledge
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