Scouts 1st Cookham 1st COOKHAM SCOUT GROUP Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Scouts irtCbDkham 1st Cookham Scout Group 1st Cookham Scout Group is registered as a Scout group with the Scout Association reference number 3 1163. It is constttuted under the terms of the Scout Association's Royal Charter and is a Registered Chartty - number 300491. The Group adopted a new Constitution atthe AGM on 24 September 2024. As a result the number of ex-officio trustees was reduced. The Trustees are as follows.. TRUSTEES.. Ex-officio Nigel Hague Chair Iresigned 24 September 20241 David Baddeley Chair lappointed 24 September 20241 Andy Pearce Group Scout Leader Mike Dav Assistant Group Scout Leader Tim Sharples Group Treasurer Jeff Hurst Cub Leader Iremoved after change in constitution) Andrew Sutherland Scout Leader (removed after change in constitution) Martin Delahaye Beaver Leader (removed after change in constitution) TRUSTEES= Elected SaLly Crichton (resigned September 2024 Bronda Davison Nick Powell Charlotte Strudwicke Kate Dilley Tamsin Jones (resigned September 20241 Rebecca Danks-Burrows Emma Thornton Susie Felix TRUSTEE5.. Co-opted Member Dave Hellmuth Ichanged from ex-officio to Co-opted member when constitution changed) SECRETARY Joelle White PRINCIPAL 8ANKER5 Lloyds Bank Plc. High Street Maidenhoad Berkshire SL6 IJS Contact Mr TN Sharples Sulby Cottage Lower Road Maidenhead SL6 9HW Page 2 of 12
Scouts 15tCLk)kh*m Structure, governance and management The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority tothe Bye Laws of the Association and The PoLicy, Organisation and RuLes of The Scout Association. The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to aLI Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the PDliry, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association and make up the Group Trustee Board. The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the'charity TrLJStees' of the Scout Group which is registered with the Charity Commission as an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes maintaining the registration, keeping proper accounts, and making returns to the Charty Commission as appropriate. This Group Executive Committoe exists to supportthÈ Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for.. The rnaintenance of Group property.. The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance., The insurance of persons, property and equipmenL Group public occasions., Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support., Appointing any sub committees that may be required., Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elerted. The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the GroLJP 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 would request the use of buildings, property and equipmentfrom neiohbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist wf(h these organisations. The Grc>up 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 Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from fund raising The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Trustee Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis. either temporarily or permanently. Page 3 of 12
Scouts 1st Cookh•m Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is totaLly reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section, or the group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction. consoLidation or closure of a sertion. In the worst case scenario. this could be the compLete closure of the Group. Reduction or1055 of members The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular sertion or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a sertion. In the worst case scenario. this could be the complete cLosure ofthe Group. Objectives and activities The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values.. Integrity - We act with integrity.. we are honest trustworthy and loyal. Respect- We have self-respect and respert for others. Care- We support others and take care of the world in which we tive. BeLief - We explore our faiths, beLiefs and attitudes. Co-operation - We make a positive difference,. we co-operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting takes place when young people. in partnership with adults. work together based on the values of Scouting and.. enjoy whatthey are doing and have fun take part in activities indoors and outdoors Learn by doing share in spiritual reflection take responsibilty and make choices undertake new and challenging activities make and live by their Promise. The main aCtivleS in the year, in reLation to these objects. are set out in the reports of the Chairman and Group Volunteer Leaders. The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or commLJnity development headings. Page 4 of 12
Scouts 1st Cookharn Trustees Annual Report for the Year ended 31 March 2025 Chairman's Report for the last year FirstLy, I would like to extend heartfeltthanks to Nigel Nague for his dedicated service as Chair of the Group's Trustee Board since 2019. His Leadership and commitment have been instrumental in guiding the Group through a period of sustained artivity and stabiLty. The Trustee Board is working weLI. and I wantto say a big thankyou to thetrustees. our Group Secretary, Joelle White, for all her help with organising the meetings. and to our Group Treasurer. Tim Sharples. for doing such a great job managing our finances. I'm pleased to report that the GroLJP remains in a satisfactory position, both financially and in terms of participation, as evidenced in the attached accounts and the Lead Volunteers reports. A major milestone this year has been the purchase of the field at White PLace Farm, which is now nearing completion. The legal documentation is being finalised. and we are immensely grateful to our fundraisers and the generous donations that have made this possible. The next phase involves detailed planning to transform the site into a fully functional venue for scouting activities, creating lasting value for our members. The Scout Hall continues to require ongoing maintenance and careful management Plans are now in pLace for significant roof repairs later this year. As our Group continues to grow. so does the demand on our facilities, and we are activeLy seeking additional voLunteers to help maintain and manage small projects both the Scout Hall and White Place Farm. We are also pleased to note that Cookham Montessori School, despite changing ownership, continues to rent the Scout Hall, providing a vital incorne stream that supports our operational costs. On the international front, the Group remains committed to expanding horizons and experiences for our members. We are proud to support attendees from the Cookham Group at both Alps 2025 and Wings 2026. continuing our tradition of global engagement and opportunity. Finally, I wish to express deep appreciation to all the fundraising volunteers and parents who tirelessly support Dur events whether putting up tents. running staLls, seLling tickets, or seeking donations. Your enthusiasm and effort year after year make our scouting programme possible. We are truly indebted to you aLI. Yours in Scouting, David Baddeley. Chairman of Cookham Trustee Board Page 5 of 12
Scouts 1st Cookham Group Volunteer Leadership Team report Our Scout group continues to thrive with no let up with children eager to join 1st Cookham Scout Group. Our total membership of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers is 196, this is all due to our Sertion Teams continuing to produce outstanding programmes offering adventure. challenges and fun. We currently have 46 aduLt volunteers helping to run our Squirrel. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer sections, including our Trustee Board members. Andy and I would like to thank them all for their continued dedication, time and commitment to provide outstanding Scouting in Cookham. All the sections had a camp last year, the Beavers and Cubs held their usual camp in the May Bank Holiday at White Place Farm, whiLstthe Scouts held their annuaL Scout summer camp on the Gower. Our Scout Group are very luckyto have the use ofwhite Place Farm whilstthe purchase of our Scout campsite at continLJes. The Bonfire and Firework display, together with the Summer Fair remain as our main fund- raising activitie5. we would like to thank alL the parents and Leaders who heLped making Last year s events a success. May we remind you that alL the money raised is used to heavilv subside all our SquirreUBeaverlCubslScouts and Explorers activities and camps and also funding White Place Campsite once it is acquired. After 40 years of service, Heather Hague has decided to retire. Heather has been a Cub Leader with 1st Cookham for nearly 30 years, she has held District roles as well as being a Training manager. helping to run numerous Scout Summer Fairs and raise a lot money through the silent auction. Nigel has also stood down as chair of the Trustee Board, the group presented them both with a Red-Letter Day voucher in our appreciation of their service to Scouting, we wish them both a welL-earned retirement We couldn't run Cookham Scouts wrthout our Trustee Board, my thanks go to David as our Trustee Board Chair. together with thanks to Tim our excellent treasurer. loeLle our GroLJP secretary who also manages aLI the admissions from our extensive waiting list, and the other Board members who all do vitaljobs. A number of our sections have insufficient number of adultvolunteers to help and we have had to introduce parent rota's. We continue to require an increasing number of adult volunteers to help, to ensure we meetthe ratio requirements to keep our young people safe and ensure they have a great experience. Please speak to a Section Team Leader or emaiL'. rin kh Andy Pearce & Mike Day Group Volunteer Leadership Team May 2025 Page 6 of 12
Scouts 1st Cookham Financial H ighlights This Year Previous Year Guy FawkÈs PubLic Firework Display Summer Fair Marquee hire Catering activities Total net fund raising for the year 8.770 8.194 650 2,168 19,783 12,289 5,275 600 2,327 19,981 HQ RentsL income 21.411 20.821 Donations towards purchase of White Place Farm 38,594 Amount spent on improvements to HQ outbuildings 3,740 2.980 New tents and other equipment purchased totalLed 1.128 2,709 The Group subsidised activities including section aCtVitIes, minibus hire & and supporting individuaLs who WOLJld not otherwise have been able to attend camps. Excluding waived subscriptions. 2,786 3,372 Leader training & insurance cost 570 1.804 Atthe end of the year Group reserves amounted to 217,296 153.646 These reserves are allocated as follows.. Working capital requirements Contingency fund in case of fund-raising failures or disaster costs 4,000 4,000 36,000 66,000 Reserve for future development 177,296 83.646 Approved by the trustees on 17 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by D. Baddeley & T Sharp Page 7 of 12
Scouts 1st Receipts & Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31 March 2025 This Year General fund Previous Year Total receipts for the year Isee supporting analysis) 136,314 84,613 Total payments for the year (see supporting analysisl 72,665 69,089 Net receipts Ipaymentsl for the year 63,649 15,524 Surplus/lLossl on rev31uation of investments 3,291 Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward 153,647 134,832 Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 217.296 153,647 Approved by the trustees on behalf by 17Se tember 2025and signed on their D.th fy, D Baddeley & arpLes Page 8 of 12
Scouts tst crkhaM Receipts for the year ended 31 March 2025 This Previous Year Year MEMBERSH1P SUBSCRI PTIONS Subscriptions from members Less Paid to Scout District 19.504 111,5281 7.976 18,748 110,8841 7.864 INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED Bank and building society interest Dividend 2,999 1,636 2,999 1,636 DONATIONS, GRANTS and CLOTHING SALES 39,990 2.322 CONTRI BUTIONS RECEIVED FOR ACTIVITIES 10,411 8,40S FUND RAISING INCOME Ibefore char8inE fund raising expenses) 41.846 39,863 INCOME FROM HIRE OF HEADQUARTERS BUILDING 21,411 20,821 OTHER INCOME Income tax recovered on subscriptions 3nd donations 11,681 3,703 TOTAL RECEIPT5 FOR THE YEAR 136,314 84,613 Page 9 of 12
Scouts 1st Cotskh Payments for the year ended 31 March 2025 This Year Previous Year PREMISES Running costs Repairs and Renewals Consultancy and legal fees re White Place Farm 9,953 3,740 11,753 2.980 8,856 DONATIONS/GRANTS.. Cookham Explorers Cookham Explorers Others 2,174 3,518 1,500 1.316 ACtIVlTIES 16,568 19,806 FUND RAISING EXPENSES 22,115 19,972 ADMINISTRATION & ESTA8LISHMENT EXPENSES Leader training and insurance Miscellaneous 570 1.804 1,208 1,562 puRcHE OF EQUIPMENT 1,128 2,709 INTEREST PAID PURCHASE OF BADGES AND UNIFORM 2,481 6,042 TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR 72,665 69,089 Page 10 of 12
Scouts lstcookharn Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31 March 2025 This Previous Year Year MONETARY ASSETS I nterest bearing accounts at banks and building societies Non-interest bearing accounts at banks Cash in hand 122,041 85.544 147.384 15,163 207,585 162,547 OTHER MONETARY ASSETS Tax refunds reclaimable from Inland Revenue Sundry receivables 1,363 9,018 10,381 1.323 3,818 6,141 LIABILITIES Expenses to be reimbursed Capitation Fees due 2025 camp and summer fair fees reimbursable 1,762 11,4271 110,8841 11,7301 12921 114701 114,0411 TOTAL NET ASSETS 217,296 153.647 Page 11 of 12
Scouts "_ 1st CLkhaM Independent Exarniner's Report to the Trustees of the I" Cookham Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1st Cookham Scout Group for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity trustees of the 1st Cookham Scout group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the I Cookham Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materi31 respect.. l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the I, Cookham Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and RepDrtsl Regulations 2m8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not 3 matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Peter Austen Chartered Accountant Pippins. Popes Lane, Cookham Dean, Berkshire SL6 9NY 17 September 2025 Page 12 of 12