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2025-04-30-accounts

2[nd] St Austell/Charlestown Scouts

Annual Report 2025

Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at the end of our Group Activity day.

Contents

Group Lead volunteers report

This is my first report as Group Lead Volunteer for 2[nd] St Austell, having taken over the role fully in May. Prior to that I had been covering the District Lead Volunteer role and overseeing some of the transformation changes that have taken place in our movement.

I’m pleased to say that for 2[nd] St Austell, we have taken these changes in our stride and adapted fairly smoothly. You may not even have noticed there have been any changes, which is good, as these were changes to how we are structured and the tools we use to manage our volunteers, not changes to how we deliver scouting to the young people.

One of the biggest changes was the introduction of a new membership system for adult volunteers, this is linked to a new learning platform, which makes it easier for adults to access the right learning at the right time to support them in their role and importantly deliver Scouting safely.

All of our adults have completed new safety learning this year – this was a commitment by the Scout Association in their prevention of further deaths response.

My thanks go to all our adult volunteers for their continued dedication and commitment to the young people in our care. For delivering an active and engaging programme, teaching our young people skills for life, aligned with our values of care, respect, integrity, belief and cooperation. You’ll read more about what each section has been up to in the last 12 months this later in this report.

I also want to thank Ross, our board of Trustee chair, and the trustees, for managing our governance and charity status so well. We are lucky to have the facilities we’ve got here at 2[nd] St Austell, but that also brings with it challenges in terms of the maintenance, safety and financial aspects. If you look around you will see the building and grounds are well maintained, we have just completed the kitchen refurbishment, and we have a good income from hall hire which helps with the costs and means we can invest more into the young people without passing the costs on.

Many of our adults have received long service, good service or commendations awards this year in recognition of their contribution to scouting. My congratulations goes to each and every one of them.

Shaun Wakeham

Group Lead Volunteer

Group Membership

The follow tables show the membership over recent years of the Scout Group, followed by a summary of membership across the whole of Mid Cornwall District.

2025 2024 2023 2022
Squirrels 16 15 12
Beavers 21 21 21 20
Cubs 32 28 29 27
Scouts 27 29 27 21
Total 96 93 89 68

Membership within the group and the individual sections remain strong. All sections are full and holding a waiting list. We take new members in when we are able to but have to save room for existing members to move up to the next section.

Census January 2025 - Summary Census January 2025 - Summary - Mid Cornwall - Mid Cornwall - Mid Cornwall - Mid Cornwall - Mid Cornwall
Name Squirrel Beaver Cub Scout Explorer Network Adults Total
Mid Cornwall 65 6 26 97
Lostwithiel Provision closed 4 4
1st Newquay Scout Group 17 29 22 22 19 109
5th Newquay 12 18 30 25 21 106
1st Par-St Blazey and Fowey 15 12 4 18 49
Polkerris 10 27 25 23 18 103
1st St Austell 19 18 18 19 19 93
2nd St Austell/Charlestown 16 21 32 27 23 119
St Enoder Scout Group 16 14 17 47
1st St Eval 16 16 9 15 56
1st St Stephen 11 12 9 7 39
Stcker 10 17 14 15 55
The Clays Scout Group 19 10 22 19 70
Heligan 13 4 3 20
Totals 74 184 223 191 65 6 224 967

Squirrel Scout report

Our Squirrels Drey is as strong as ever with 16 members.

Since this time last year our weekly programme has included fire lighting and cooking smores, making and hanging bird feeders. We enjoyed our very own Squirrels Christmas party at the HQ. In the new year we learnt basic first aid, and celebrated Chinese New year and pancake day. We built our own green towns though junk modelling, we enjoyed den building, we have learnt all about St. George’s day and been on a fair few bug hunts. In the start of this term we have made clay faces in the wild space trees and hunted for sea dragons and gillyweed in the pond. We have learnt all about each other and our Squirrels code of conduct, then waited our self portraits. We can't wait to see what else is in store for us.

In addition to all the above we have also had some incredible adventures away from HQ.

🐿 We proudly marched in the Remembrance Day Parade, as well as helping to sell poppies in ASDA.

🐿 After making decorations in our weekly sessions, a few of us visited Carclaze Church and helped to decorate a Christmas tree for their festival of lights.

🐿 We had the best day in May at Drummers lodge for our group activity day with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The rain never stops us enjoying some Scouting fun.

🐿 Then we finished the term bouncy in the sun for our group BBQ in July.

🐿 We enjoyed a ramble in Kings Woods climbing over fallen trees and filling in our what can you find Squirrels bags.

🐿 We visited St.Austell Library where the wonderful staff taught us how to check out our own library books, showed us their beautiful garden and read us a story. Our favourite part though was getting to make our very own badges with their badge machine.

🐿 We have just enjoyed a District trip to Lappa Vally with our friends in our Beavers Section. This was a huge success and our leaders were very proud of our incredible behaviour.

We have had a little change in our leadership team since last year. Whilst i still continue to run the section Beth has taken a step back but continues to be a vital member of our Beavers team. Jo has stepped away to focus on her new carer as well as Jodie who left to have her beautiful baby boy although we hope to have her back in the future. We have been joined by Nat and Clare and most recently Charles, as well as Rachel who joins us most weeks. As Far as young leaders Isla has moved onto our Beavers section however, we are still very grateful to have Ethan who the children adore.

Cassie Bulled Squirrel Team Leader

Beaver Scout report

Our Beaver Colony is still proving to popular with 24 members and a waiting list just as long.

Since this time last year our weekly programme has included writing and posting our letters to Santa, putting our mental skills to the test in our very own HQ escape room. In the new year we wrote our own new years resolutions which you may have seen displayed on our board in the hall. We wondered what the world might look like in 100 years, we celebrated Chinese New Year. We made pizza pockets (yum yum) and learnt first aid skills. We learned all about St. George and what fair trade is as well as tasting some fair-trade goodies. We have started the new term playing Beaver Bingo and drawing portraits of our friends with much more fun planed.

In addition to all the above we have also had some incredible adventures away from HQ.

We proudly marched in the Remembrance Day Parade, and sold poppies in ASDA.

We worked our little legs hard and completed the Beaver Challenge in April. A full day of walking and we were incredible little humans from start to finish.

After making decorations in our weekly sessions, a few of us visited Carclaze Church and helped to decorate a Christmas tree for their festival of lights.

We enjoyed a hike in kings Woods.

We had the best day in May at Drummers lodge for our group activity day with the Squirrels, Cubs and Scouts. The rain never stops us enjoying some Scouting fun.

We had great fun at St. Austell Fire Station with the firemen and having a go with hose.

An absolute highlight for us was visiting SUZE Recycling And Recovery Center in St. Dennis, of which we all really enjoyed watching the big claw grabbing all the rubbish. The wonderful staff there ended our visit with an ice lolly treat.

Then we finished the term bouncing in the sun for our group BBQ in July.

We have just enjoyed a District trip to Lappa Vally with our friends in our Squirrels Section. This was a huge success and our leaders were very proud of our incredible behaviour.

We have had a little shift around in our leadership team this year. Sarah has taken a step back although you will still see her around and I have taken on the Beaver Team Leader role. We have also been joined by Nat who has been an invaluable asset as well as our young leader Charles coming on board in a full leader role since turning 18. As well as our adult volunteers you will often see our incredible young volunteers Elliott, Isla, Rowan, Isobel and Izzy who are greatly missed by children and adults alike when they are unable to attend.

Cassie Bulled

Beaver Team Leader

Cub Scout Report

Cub numbers have not really changed, currently standing at 32, including 11 girls having just taking in 4 new Beavers that will replace 3 that are moving onto Scout’s to continue their journey this month, 2 have also completed the Chief Scout Silver award!! Well done to them!!

This year we've had many adventures, skills have been learned, and friendships have been made. Here’s a small Insight to them:

We attended the Kernow Jamboree at Stithians for a full day of activities that would build their skills for the future. It’s the first time I’ve been able to go due to work commitments, and I can honestly say I was overwhelmed by the sheer size, activities on offer along with the dedication of all volunteers from across the world to provide such event.

A visit from the Air Ambulance team is booked in to educate the Cubs not just about safety but also the importance of fundraising and items that could be donated to raise money for such a worthy cause. Sadly, they can no longer accommodate us at their base like previous years.

We held a Camp at Bodmin HQ and thankfully the weather was rather kind to us and fingers crossed for this Friday for the next one.

We had a visit from The Royal British Legion a week before Cubs attended the Armistice Day Parade, we had another great turnout, and all were smartly dressed very well behaved.

December was full of Xmas craft, a walk to see the Xmas lights, a Christingle service with some of the Cubs doing readings in the service. The end of term always finishes with our Xmas party.

January, we took the Cubs to the Keay Theatre to see Dick Whitington. It was a great show loved by all so much I’ll be booking up for Sleeping Beauty this year.

We celebrated the Chinese New Year with some Chinese food tasting.

In preparation for camp season the Cubs had an evening of erecting and taking down tents, tent safety and rules for a good night’s sleep (well hopefully!!!) ready for the first camp of the year.

Any other spare time was filled with a Fire Station visit, pioneering badge, knots evening, Halloween party, Easter egg hunt, making Xmas gifts, making fires then cooking sausages and toast on them, the best bit was the taste test.

I’d like to say thanks to my leaders and parent helpers for their help during the year and without this help we couldn’t run these programs. And a big thanks to Clair an ex-parent helper that stepped up to become a Leader. Clair is also my OSM computer Whiz and has taught me a lot which makes the running of Cubs along with the many hours of work that goes on in the background to run a programme that follows our Scouting values in safe manner.

Matt Williams

Cub Team Leader

Scout report

Our Scout Troop continues to be a busy and thriving section. Membership is steady at around 25 – 30 Scouts and there is a waiting list. Noticeable over the last few years we seeing very few leave scouts until they reach the upper age of 14. The majority are then staying in Scouts and moving to Explorers. It is always great when we get to see them continuing to enjoy the fun and skills that Do counting offers.

Our weekly programme hopefully offers the scouts something that challenges them, whilst teaching valuable skills. During the summer term we rarely meet at the Scout Hut, we much prefer to be out and about somewhere enjoying the outdoors.

In additional to the weekly meetings some other highlights from the past year include

We have had Morley and Hope join the Leadership team this year, a welcome boost to the existing leadership team.

Shaun Wakeham

Scout Team Leader

Want to get involved

Scout groups rely on volunteers. And you can volunteer with us in several different ways.

Volunteering can be a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re helping young people get skills for life, and you might even learn a lot about yourself along the way.

Volunteering with Scouts can make you feel good in other ways too. We’ll guide you to an opportunity where you’ll:

If you can only occasionally help, that’s OK. Whether you’d like to be an activity planner, tea-maker or craft creator, we appreciate any time you can spare.

So, if you would like to volunteer with us, either with a section, or in the background helping with maintenance or governance, we would love to speak to you about this.

You can speak to any existing volunteer or contact leadvolunteer@2ndstaustellscouts.org.uk

Trustees' Annual Report 2[nd] St Austell Scout Group

For the period

From (start
date)		 0 1 0 5 2 4 4 3 0 0 4 2 5
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
Other names the charity is
known by
Registered charity number
(if any)
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal
address
2nd St Austell-Charlestown Scout Group
Scout Hut
Polmarth Close
St Austell
Cornwall
Postcode PL25 3TW

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12		 Trustee Name Office (if any) Dates acted if not
for whole year
Ross Frazer Chair
Beth Snelson Trustee
Lyn Johnson Treasurer
Cyril Poad Trustee
Mike Lagor Trustee
Shaun Wakeham Trustee
Sarah Beattie Trustee
Danielle Dunstan Trustee
Gareth Hawken Trustee
Cassie Bulled Trustee Up to 01/10/2024

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice) (These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor Name Address

Section B
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts		 Section B
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
(e.g. trust deed, constitution)		 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
(e.g. trust, association, company)		 The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all
Scouts.
Trustee selection methods
(e.g. appointed by, elected by)		 The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and
Rules of The Scout Association. The group trustee board (including chair and
Treasurer) are appointed by the Group Scout Council. This is done annually at
the AGM meeting.

Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant,
about:
Policies and procedures adopted for:
a) the induction and training of trustees;
b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and
procedures to manage them		 All Trustees must meet eligibility criteria as set out by charity regulations.
Trustees undertake the relevant learning as detailed in the role matrix of POR
The Trustee board has afocus on strategy, governance, finance and working
to ensure that the Group is meeting The Scout Association’s overall aims
and strategic goals.
The Group Trustee Board acts in the charity’s best interests, acting with
reasonable care and skill and take steps to be confident that the charity is,
well managed, carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with
the charity’s governing document and the law managing the charity’s
resources responsibly.
Risk and Internal Control The Group Trustee board 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 would request
the use of buildings, property and equipment from other Scout Groups and
district resources and assets. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these
organisations. 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 Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from hall hire. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and hire of the hall to local user groups. 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. 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 section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 14. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.

Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document 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 respect for others.
Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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 ofScouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.		 - enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
-make and live by their Promise.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects Weekly balanced programme of meetings for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and
Scouts
Opportunities to work towards awards and activity badges
Residential experiences
Involvement in community projects (Carehays fete, Poppy appeals,
Remembrance services, Christingle)
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
Youmay chooseto include further statements, where relevant, about:
•
Policy on grant making
•
Contribution by volunteers
•
Policy on investment
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.
Section D
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year Full complement of sections with maximum viable members in each section.
90+ young people engaged from the local community
Full complement of volunteers to support running an engaging and active
programme. All required training and compliance activities up to date.
Retention of both YP and adults is high
Successfully worked on a number of projects that benefit the wider community,
charities and raises the profile of the group.
Section E
Financial Review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
Qualify and explain any designations		 Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the
charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall
short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a
reserve of £20000.
The reserve is held in a deposit account. The group also has funds in its
current account above the level of the reserve. However, this can be explained
by the group planning refurbishment work to the kitchen facilities.
Details of any funds materially in deficit
(circumstances plus steps to eliminate)

Further financial review details (optional information)

Youmay chooseto include additional information, where relevant,
about:
•
the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any
fundraising);
•
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the
charity;
•
investment policy and objectives;		 The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence
does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as
stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the
investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream
banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment
Service.
The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances, and
the interest rates received, to ensure the group obtains maximum value and
income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an
account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn,
before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow
requirements

Section F Other Optional Information

Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)

Section G

Declaration

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair)
Date		 R Frazer
Ross Frazer
Chair
2		 S Wakeham
Shaun Wakeham
Trustee and
Group Lead
Volunteer
2
0
9
2
5
2 0 9 2 5

Accounts have been independently examined by Lynne Dewar ACMA