2023-03-31-accounts - 2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group

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Scouts 2nd Exeter (St Michaels) Annual General Meeting Saturday 17th June 2023 ssquirrels tSEhVEI<S cubs Scouts

AGENDA

Welcome & apologies
Review of last AGM Minutes - 2022
Chairman’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
GSL Report
Squirrels Report
Beavers Report
Cubs Report
Scouts Report
District Update
Appointments to Executive Committee:
Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Awards and mentions
The Philpotts Award 2023
Forward Look
A.O.B.
Date of next Executive meeting: Monday 25[th] Sept TBC

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

2[nd] Exeter Scout Group

Introduction (this does not form part of the constitution)

As required by Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) Section 5.3 (https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/5-local-governance-and-finance-of-groupsdistricts-counties/#5.3) the 2[nd] Exeter Group must adopt an agreed constitution and, in the interest of openness, review the constitution for re-adoption at each Annual General Meeting (AGM).

2[nd] Exeter GROUP Governance, Constitution, AGM (June 2023)

Preamble

This constitution describes the role, membership and operation of the Scout Council, and the Trustee Board.

In the interest of openness, especially for new members of the Scout Council, the Scout Council should re-adopt their constitution at each Annual General Meeting.

The Scout Council - membership

The Scout Council is the body which has charity governance responsibility for Scouting in the Group, District or County. The Trustee Board is accountable to the Scout Council.

Membership of the Scout Council does not provide membership of the Scouts.

There are four categories of membership of each Scout Council:

a. Ex officio
b. Nominated
c. Co-opted (only for the County Scout Council)
d. Right of attendance

A Secretary must ensure that nominated and co-opted Scout Council Members are recorded in the minutes of the Scout Council meeting which is normally the Annual General Meeting. Nominated and co-opted Scout Council members must not be recorded on The Scout Association’s membership system.

Ex officio Scout Council members must not be recorded as Scout Council Members on The Scout Association’s membership system.

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

Group Scout Council membership

The ex officio members of the Group Scout Council are:

a. all adult members of the Group – see Group roles listed in the Chapter 16 Roles Table
b. all Patrol Leaders of the Troop(s) in the Group
c. parents or carers of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
d. Explorers, if so stated in a Partnership Agreement between the Unit, the Group and the District
e. parents and carers of Explorers, if so stated in a Partnership Agreement between the Unit, the Group and the District
f. the Sponsoring Authority, where there is one, or its nominee
g. the District Commissioner
h. the District Trustee Board Chair

The nominated members of the Group Scout Council are other supporters of the Group appointed by the Group Scout Council on the recommendation of the Group Scout Leader and the Group Trustee Board. The number of nominated members must not exceed the number of ex officio members.

A nominated member of the Group Scout Council must be appointed for a fixed period not exceeding three years. Subsequent reappointments are permitted.

The County Commissioner has a right of attendance at all Group Scout Council meetings in the County.

Scout Council - Annual General Meeting

Each Scout Council must hold an Annual General Meeting within six months of the end of the charity’s financial year.

The Annual General Meeting must:

a. Undertake governance oversight
adopt (or re-adopt) the constitution of the charity [Group, District or County as appropriate]. See rule 5.3.
note the dates of charity’s financial year
agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
agree the quorum for each of:
- meetings of the Scout Council
- meetings of the Trustee Board
- meetings of any sub-Committees

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

b. Review the previous year
receive and consider the Trustees’ Annual Report and the annual statement of accounts prepared by the Trustee Board. The accounts must have completed their examination by an appropriate auditor, independent examiner, or scrutineer (see 5.5.3). The Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts presented to the Scout Council must include the formal report prepared by the auditor, independent examiner, or scrutineer.
c. Make appointments
approve the Group Scout Leader’s, District Commissioner’s or County Commissioner’s nomination of the Chair of the Trustee Board
approve the Group Scout Leader’s, District Commissioner’s or County Commissioner’s nomination of members of the Trustee Board
elect a Secretary to the Trustee Board.
elect a Treasurer to the Trustee Board
elect Trustees to the Trustee Board
approve the appointment (or re-appointment) of any Presidents or Vice Presidents
appoint (or re-appoint) an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer as required

Following each Annual General Meeting, the Secretary must ensure that:

1. all nominated or elected Trustees are recorded on the membership system, as required by Rule 16.1.3

2. the Trustee Annual Report and Accounts are filed as described in Rule 5.5

It is good practice for the Trustee Board to verify the draft Minutes of the Annual General Meeting at their first meeting following the Annual General Meeting, even though the minutes cannot be formally approved until the charity’s next Annual General Meeting.

Governance roles must be distinct to help manage conflict of interest. This means that the roles of Chair and Treasurer must not be combined in any way.

Trustee Board – purpose

This rule reflects the Trustee Board responsibilities until the point of the County’s transition (in November 2023 or February 2024). From the point of transition, some of the Trustee Board responsibilities transfer to the appropriate Support Team or function – these changes will show in the October 2023 edition of POR.

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure the Scouts is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance.

Effective Trustee support helps other volunteers run the Scout programme that gives young people skills for life.

Members of the Trustee Board must act collectively as charity trustees of their charity, and in the best interests of the charity’s members.

The Trustee Board must act in the charity’s best interests, acting with reasonable care and skill and take steps to be confident that: SV

a. 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
b. the charity is operating compliant with POR, including effective management of the Key Policies listed in chapter 2 - The Equal Opportunities Policy, Privacy and Data Protection Policy, Religious Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Safety Policy, Vetting Policy, Youth Member Antibullying Policy.
c. young people are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels
d. there are sufficient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) available to meet the planned work of the Group including delivery of the high quality programme and resource requirements of the training programme (Rule 4.2.2)
e. the Scouts has a positive image in the local community

The Trustee Board members must themselves collectively:

a. develop and maintain a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations
b. ensure that the charity’s finances are properly managed, including development and maintenance of appropriate budgets to support the work of the charity
c. maintain and manage:
a reserves policy for the charity (including a plan for use of reserves outside the ‘minimum’)
an investment policy for the charity
a public benefit statement for the charity

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

d. ensure that people, property and equipment are appropriately insured, and that any property and equipment owned or used by the charity is properly protected and maintained
e. promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
f. ensure the appointment and management and operation of any subcommittees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-committee
g. ensure that effective administration is in place to support the work of the Trustee Board
h. appoint any Administrators, Advisers and co-opted members of the Trustee Board
i. ensure transparency of operation, including:
prepare and approve the Annual Accounts and arrange their examination by an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer as appropriate and as appointed by the Scout Council at their Annual General Meeting
prepare and approve the Trustees’ Annual Report (which must include the Annual Accounts)
present the approved Trustees’ Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the Scout Council at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
following the AGM, ensure that a copy of the Trustee Annual Report and Accounts is sent to the District or County Trustee Board administration and, if a registered charity, is filed with the appropriate charity regulator (if the regulator’s rules require it).
j. take responsibility for adherence to Data Protection Legislation recognising that, dependent on circumstances, it will at different times act as a Data Controller and as a Data Processor
k. individually and collectively maintain confidentiality regarding appropriate Trustee Board business
l. where staff are employed:
act as a responsible employer in accordance with Scouting’s values and relevant legislation
ensure that effective line management is in place for each employed staff member and that these are clearly established and communicated
ensure that appropriate specific personnel insurance is in place

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

A Group Trustee Board must also:

a. provide any necessary support to the Group Scout Leader, when required, to assist the opening, change, merging or closing of sections in the Group

A Trustee Board may create sub-committees to manage the work it deems necessary ensuring that:

a. the purpose of each sub-committee is clear and has been agreed by the Trustee Board
b. each sub-committee of the Trustee Board consists of members approved by the Trustee Board
c. the Chair of the Trustee Board is an ex officio member of each subcommittee
d. the relevant Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner or County Commissioner is an ex officio member of each sub-committee

Members of sub-committees are not Trustees unless they are members of the Trustee Board.

In support of effective governance:

a. the District Chair and Treasurer should create a support network amongst the Group Chairs and Treasurers of the District.

Trustee Board - membership

Subject to the conflict of interest rules (see Chapter 16 and the definition of ‘conflict of interest in the Definitions chapter), a Trustee may be a member of more than one Trustee Board.

Ex officio, nominated, elected and co-opted members of the Trustee Board are charity Trustees of the Group, District or County as appropriate. People invited to attend, or with right of attendance, may be present at the meeting but are not charity Trustees and have no voting rights.

Certain people are disqualified from being charity trustees by virtue of the Charities Acts.

Some Groups, Districts and Counties may also need to register as a charity.

All Trustees must complete training as specified in Rule 16.2.1 and the Roles Table.

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

At County and District, all Trustee Boards and any sub-committees should, wherever possible, have as full voting members at least two people aged between their 18th and 25th birthdays.

Groups are encouraged to follow this good practice wherever possible.

The Group Trustee Board

a. The ex officio members of a Group Trustee Board are:
The Group Chair
The Group Secretary (if appointed as a Trustee)
The Group Treasurer
The Group Scout Leader
The Deputy Group Scout Leader
All persons with a Section Leader role in a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section in the Group, subject to that Section Leader stating to the AGM (in writing or orally at the meeting) that they are willing to be an ex officio member of the Group Trustee Board. (See also the introduction to Rule 4.6.)The Explorer Leader (if stated in a Partnership Agreement), subject to that Explorer Leader expressly indicating to the AGM (in writing or orally at the meeting) that they are willing to perform such a function.
The Sponsoring Authority or its nominee, Where there are joint role holders (eg for Deputy Group Scout Leader), only one of the joint role holders should be an ex officio member of the Group Trustee Board. This must be decided jointly by the role holders in consultation with the Group Scout Leader and the Group Chair.
b. The elected members of a Group Trustee Board are persons elected by the Group Scout Council at the Group Annual General Meeting. The actual number of persons elected must be the subject of a resolution by the Group Scout Council at their AGM. There must be a maximum of six elected members..
c. The nominated members of a Group Trustee Board are persons nominated by the Group Scout Leader, in consultation with the Group Chair. The nominations must be approved at the Group Annual General Meeting. The number of nominated members must not exceed the actual number of elected members.
d. The co-opted members of a Group Trustee Board are persons co-opted annually by the Group Trustee Board. The number of co-opted members must not exceed the actual number of elected members.
e. The District Commissioner, the District Chair and the County Commissioner each have the right of attendance at meetings of each of the Group Trustee Boards in the Districts in the County.

Constitution Issue 01, June 2023

Trustee Board - Conduct of meetings

Only members of a Trustee Board as defined in POR 5.4.5 may vote in meetings of the Trustee Board.

At its Annual General Meeting, the Scout Council must make a resolution defining a quorum for meetings of the Scout Council and the Trustee Board and its subCommittees.

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by those present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side the Chair does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried.

In order to discharge their responsibilities, the Trustee Board may meet by telephone and/or video conference as well as face to face when agreed by the appropriate Chair. This includes ‘hybrid’ meetings, where some members join by telephone or video.

Electronic voting (such as email) is allowed for decision making of the Trustee Board when deemed appropriate by the Chair (for example, where a pressing matter arises between meetings). In such instances at least 75% of its members must approve the decision, and the outcome of the voting must be reported and recorded in the minutes at the next Trustee Board meeting.

If agreed this constitution will be formally adopted by 2[nd] Exeter Scout Group following AGM 17[th] June 2023.

Chair’s Report 2022/23

Welcome to our AGM at a new venue for this year. It’s been another eventful year but thankfully not impacted by COVID restrictions. The year has flown by and it has been hard to keep up with all of the activities the different sections have delivered to our youngsters. This includes our newest section – Squirrels – who have amazingly recently celebrated their first year of activity. As ever, my first heartfelt thanks go to our uniformed leaders, without them and their generosity in volunteering their time and enthusiasm we simply would not exist.

I would especially like to express my gratitude to Jim for the completely professional way he continues to fulfil the Group Scout Leader role – I honestly don’t know how he finds the time or the energy to do all that he does for the group. Jon has also made a brilliant contribution as Deputy Group Scout Leader including sorting out kit and equipment and keeping us up to date on IT matters. They are a great team.

Just as importantly I would like to thank all members of the executive committee who have worked behind the scenes to make sure the group can continue to function and thrive throughout the year. All members of the exec have enthusiastically participated throughout the year but I’d like to specifically thank Cathie for continuing to be our treasurer and Frankie for keeping us organised as secretary. Teresa has also continued to do a wonderful job of coordinating hut bookings.

Paul Banks also deserves special mention and our gratitude for continuing to provide us with a venue for exec meetings and for organising replacement of the carpet within the hut – I’m sure you’ll agree it is a big improvement. Paul is also chairing the hut re-build committee and has started the ball rolling with initial scoping meetings and started to build a team to deliver the project. It’s still early days and we would very much like more people to join this team so can move forward. Anyone is welcome but we do specifically need someone to act as secretary for the re-build meetings. If you think you could help please speak with myself, Paul or any of the exec team.

We were unfortunately unable to hold a firework night this year but did run the Group Carol Service which was very well attended and also provided a good opportunity to present awards and certificates. Thanks to Helen and the band for providing the music.

I cannot finish the review of this year without mentioning how tough it has been financially for a lot of people. We were fully aware that the cost of Scouting could become prohibitive for some families and determined that should not happen. We have been able to establish our Family Support Fund thanks to extremely generous donations from within the group and it is now operational. Please see our website or speak, in confidence, with a leader if you need to access it.

As already stated we have had great support for the exec committee this year but we always need more help! If you’d like to join please speak to me, any member of the Exec Committee or e-mail the group account (gsl@exeterscouts.co.uk). You can also keep up to date with what’s happening on our website www.exeterscouts.co.uk and on our Facebook page.

Finally, I’d just like to say it has been an extremely enjoyable year and that is down to everyone who has volunteered and helped throughout the year – parents, leaders, extended families and exec committee members.

Thank you,

Andrew Turner, Chair

2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date 31/03/2023
	For the year from	01/04/2022	To	31/03/2023

Receipts and payments
Receipts	Unrestricted funds £ 16,776 - 10,810 *5,966* - - 1,157 7,124 22,237 901 - - 928 8,879 32,945 - - - - 64 2,707 2,323 432 5,525 45,594	Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - 3,568 - 3,568 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1 - 3,569 - 2022/2023		Total funds £ 16,776 - 10,810 *5,966* - - 4,725 10,691 22,237 901 - - 928 8,879 32,945 - - - - 65 2,707 2,323 432 5,527 49,163 - 49,163	2021/22 Total funds Restated £ 16,440 - 8,635 *7,805* 3,130 48 616 11,599 18,905 - 621 - 755 4,461 24,742 - - - - - 291 1,562 108 1,961 38,302 - 38,302
Donations, legacies and similar income			- - - - - - -
Membership subscriptions	16,776			16,776
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District)enter figures with a minus sign	- 10,810			- 10,810
Net membership subscriptions retained	*5,966*			*5,966*
Gift Aid	-			-
Donations via Giving Machine	-			-
Other grants and donations	1,157			4,725
Sub total	7,124			10,691
Programme & activities			- - - - - - -
Camps	22,237			22,237
Family day & AGM	901			901
Fireworks	-			-
Group camp	-			-
Jambowlree	928			928
Activities other	8,879			8,879
Sub total	32,945			32,945
Fundraising (gross)			- - - -
Christmas post	-			-
Paper recycling	-			-
Other fundraising activities	-			-
Sub total	-			-
Other income			- - - - -
Bank interest	64			65
Clothing, uniform & badges	2,707			2,707
Property rental	2,323			2,323
Other	432			432
Sub total	5,525			5,527
*Total Gross Income* Asset and investment sales, etc. *Total receipts*
			-	49,163

	-	-	-	-
	45,593.87	3,569
	45,593.87	3,569	-	49,163	38,302

1 LT700003

2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date 31/03/2023
	For the year from	01/04/2022	To	31/03/2023

Receipts and payments
Payments	Unrestricted funds £	Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 2022/2023		Total funds £ 496 7,110 538 1,253 3,564 717 4,147 - - 32 17,858 45,312 115 - 50 647 14,017 60,041 - - 77,899 - 77,899 - 28,737	2021/22 Total funds £ 178 2,704 285 360 551 644 5,562 - - - 10,285 7,248 - 397 565 7,703 15,913 - - 26,198 26,198 12,105 - 12,105
Charitable Payments
Broadband	496	-	-	496
Clothing,uniform & badges	7,110	-	-	7,110
Council tax	538	-	-	538
Electric	1,253	-	-	1,253
Equipment	954	2,610	-	3,564
Insurance	717	-	-	717
Propertymaintenance	4,147		-	4,147
Training	-	-	-	-
Water and sewerage	-	-	-	-
Bank charges & interest Sub total	32	-	-	32
	15,249	2,610	-	17,858
Programme & activity costs
Camps	45,312		-	45,312
Familyday& AGM	115	-	-	115
Fireworks	- 50	-	-	- 50
Jambowlree	647	-	-	647
Other Programme and Activitycosts	14,017	-	-	14,017
Sub total	60,041	-	-	60,041
Fundraising expenses
Fundraising costs	-	-	-	-
Sub total	-	-	-	-
*Total Gross Expenditure* Asset and investment purchases, etc. *Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* Transfers between funds *Full year Net of receipts/(payments)*
		-	-	-
	75,290 - 29,696 - - 29,696	2,610 959 - 959	- - - -
	- 29,696	959	-	- 28,737	12,105
	-	-	-	-	-
	- 29,696	959	-	- 28,737	12,105

2 LT700003

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year

Unrestricted funds £ Cash and Cash equivalents Bank accounts 49,368 Cash/floats 190 Total cash 49,558 Uncleared receipts - Uncleared payments 1,027 Total cash and current assets 50,584	Unrestricted funds £ Cash and Cash equivalents Bank accounts 49,368 Cash/floats 190 Total cash 49,558 Uncleared receipts - Uncleared payments 1,027 Total cash and current assets 50,584	Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 959 - - - 959 - - - - - 959 - 31/03/2022	Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 959 - - - 959 - - - - - 959 - 31/03/2022	Total funds £	31/03/2021 Total funds £
Cash and Cash equivalents					80,284 186 80,470 229 - 418
Bank accounts	49,368	959	-	50,327
Cash/floats	190	-	-	190
Total cash	49,558	959	-	50,517
Uncleared receipts	-	-	-	-
Uncleared payments	1,027	-	-	1,027
Total cash and current assets	50,584	959	-	51,544	80,280

Restricted funds £ 959 959 959	Endowment funds £	Total £
959	-	- 28,737
		-
		229
		- 1,445
959	-	- 29,953

		80,470
959	-	50,517

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 17 June 2023 (the

Signature	Print Name
	Andrew Turner (Chair)
	Cathie Huddart (Treasurer)

3 LT700003

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Scouts 2[nd] Exeter (St Michael’s) On accounts for the year 31/3/23 Charity no 301212 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1-3 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/3/2023

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act, or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 24/4/23 Signed: Name: Jonathan Simmonds Relevant professional DipPFS, Certs CII (MP&ER) qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 2 Nicholas Road Exeter EX1 3AT

October 2018

IER

GSL’s Report 2022/23

It has been another busy year for all of us, I am just back from the Squirrels first birthday party. The Squirrels Drey is holding steady at 15 members, (which we all decided was quite enough four-yearolds to be in the Scout Hut at one time). We have a great team of now-established leaders delivering a strong program which is great to see. (Another pair of hands would be useful if you're brave enough (just have a chat with me when you can) . Our Drey continues to be the only one in the area and we sincerely hope that another group may launch one soon as our waiting list is sizeable.

Beavers remain strong and at very close to capacity. Our numbers continue to remain full as a result of the strong waiting list which is a testament to the excellent program of activities and opportunities for sleepovers that we offer. Our Cubs are also running close to capacity and continue to deliver a high-quality program with plenty of opportunities to introduce the children to Camping. After finally getting to Switzerland last Summer, 22 of our Scouts are off to Holland this summer to take part in the Haarlem Jamborette, a gathering of Scouts from all over Europe.

All of this is possible thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of our team of nearly 50 leaders, I am constantly on the hunt for new ‘Talent’. Scout Leaders don’t grow on Trees, and we are not fortunate enough to have Scout Leaders School to take them from. Our Leaders are adults just like you with no special skills who just like spending time with children, teaching them new skills while learning at the same time. We simply can't continue to be the success that we are without adults joining us to share the load. Can you spare an hour or so a week? I would love to hear from you.

Our Executive committee are sticking to their guns to deliver us a brand-new Scout Hut within the next five years. Paul Banks has agreed to head up the team with this project. We have an Architect on board and it's starting to take shape. I can't wait to see them deliver on their goal. We need a secretary to help this team by taking notes at the quarterly meetings and sending Emails to team members. Are you a good organiser with a bit of spare time? I'm sure you would be the perfect fit.

This year also saw the launch of our Family Support Fund. We never wanted a family not to have the opportunity for their children to enjoy Scouting as a result due to financial constraints so out Family support fund can be used to part fund the termly Subs and the cost of Uniforms. The pot of money is there and we have had a couple of claims already but hope you will help to spread the word to struggling families. Lots more information can be found on our Web Site: https://exeterscouts.co.uk/hardship-fund-policy/ .

Reading through all of this, I can't believe we have managed all of this within a year! I am really looking forward to seeing the Hut Rebuild to take shape and seeing what we can manage next year.

As a final note, if you have a little time and can help, (whether as a leader or with some helpful admin skills) I would love to speak with you.

Jim Taylor Group Scout Leader gsl@exeterscouts.co.uk

AGM 2022-2023

Squirrel Scouts

Happy first Anniversary Squirrels! (28/4/2023)

And what an amazing adventure it has been for the 15 Squirrel scouts!

We have been:

To Mincinglake Park to build dens.
We went to visit an allotment (thank you Ben). For part of the Let it grow badge.
St Thomas Library to work towards the story teller badge. (Thank you Librarians).
Heavitree Park for a big bug hunt and worm charming.
The squirrels did a big bug chalk drawing, together, on the path. We hope it made everyone smile who saw the chalk drawing
The squirrels planted the tubs in front of the hut last Summer. Since then the squirrels have grown sunflowers and grown a broad bean to watch the bean root and shoot. Made bird feeders to feed the birds in their gardens.
The squirrels tried foods from around the world. The foods together created a pitta bread pizza. (And yes pineapple does belong on a pizza!).
The squirrels celebrated Diwali and tried cardamom biscuits (thank you Pip for the biscuits) and learnt a special Diwali dance. The squirrels learnt about the Chinese New Year. The squirrels made Dragon puppets and learnt the dragon dance.
The squirrels did some exciting experiments. Their favourite experiment was the rocket mice.
The squirrels have cooked chocolate bananas on an open fire. Toasted marshmallows and made S’mores. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed singing around the camp fire.
The Drey talked about their feelings and what makes them happy or sad. (The answer to both is chocolate). The squirrels made a Mr. Strong (Box) to put their special treasures in.

We had a great time at the group Jambowlree. Also, the Squirrels enjoyed singing with the Beavers at the group Christmas carol service. Bear feet Christmas party was enjoyed by both Squirrels and Beavers. (Thank you Father Christmas for popping in with presents).

The squirrels are looking forward to the joint sports night with the Beavers during the summer term. George the Police officer popped by with a police van to help us celebrate our First Anniversary. (A big thankyou George). How many squirrel Scouts can you get into the back of a police van? Answer…All of them!

The squirrels learnt all about what a police officer’s job is. The squirrels had their finger prints taken. Tried on various hats and helmets. Then we all danced and sang the Super hero song. ‘Do you wanna be a super hero-Oh yeah’! Then we had Cake! A really big thank you to Mole’s Mum for making the lovely, delicious birthday cake for the squirrel scouts.

A few squirrels have achieved their Acorn award. The highest award a Squirrel scout can achieve. Well done Squirrels!

This year the squirrels have achieved 27 Challenge Badges

130 Activity Badges.

We (the leaders) would like to thank every parent, carer, family member and other Leaders that has made this a cracking start for the 2[nd] Exeter Squirrel Drey.

A big thank you.

Your Leaders

Owl, Chipmunk, Mole, Badger Woodpecker and young leader Hedgehog.

AGM 2022-2023

Beaver scouts

Wednesday and Thursday Colonies have enjoyed many activities together, in the past 12 months.

‘Beavers in Yurts’ was highlight of the year. 24 Beavers and 10 leaders enjoyed a weekend camp at Escot. During the time there, Beavers learnt about the conservation work being done at Escot. Fire lighting and other bush craft. The beavers had fun getting lost in the maze, and every Beaver enjoyed the swamp walk.

Other joint activities to include…

Joint sports day hosted by Wednesday Beavers.
The District Beaveree, this was a huge success. The theme was environment. Lots of badge work covered.
A minion Christmas sleep over in the scout hut. Some Beavers, from both colonies, enjoyed the Minion crafts with a Christmas theme.
Singing at the group carol service.
Bear feet, with the Squirrels (for the Christmas party).
Jambowlree with the whole of 2[nd] Exeter.
Also, a firm favourite of the Beavers- Clip n Climb.
Some Beavers, from both colonies, had fun at the District sleep over at the scout HQ on Marsh Barton.
Bell boating is another firm favourite with Beavers. Every Autumn term will find the Beavers by the water.

Other Activities away from the scout hut to include, Mincing Lake Park and a visit to the Guildhall for Parliament week.

The Beavers learnt about Diwali and decorated Diyas.
Every beaver enjoyed the Big Build. Beavers created a machine they designed from junk modelling.
Exciting experiments had Beavers blowing up balloons with bicarb and vinegar.
Space badge-Park in the Dark was an amazing evening. The Beavers got to see an alignment of the moon, Jupiter and Venus-without a telescope.
The Beaver scouts learnt about Fair trade and cooked Fair trade chocolate bananas on an open fire.

Thursday Beavers will be planting the tubs this summer term. Wednesday Beavers planted the tubs in the Autumn term. I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful sunny display from the daffodils and wild flowers.

938 badges have been awarded this year.

To include…

24 Bronze awards (have been or will be awarded this year).

158 Challenge Badges.

I would like to thank the parents, carers and family members. Also, Other Leaders for all the help and support for making the last 12 months an amazing experience for the Beaver scouts.

Your Leaders

Owl, Rocky, Pip, Kestrel, Eagle, Hawk, Falcon, Raven, Etch, Rex, Feathers and young Leader Stinky Pete.

Cubs AGM Report 22/23

We have sought to maintain 24 cubs per Monday and Tuesday night. 48 in total.

In general attendance has been consistently good. The occasional blips of no-show occur after major events holidays camps etc.

The leadership has been stable this year with Clare, Giles, David, Barbara on Monday and Becca, Simona, Pete on Tuesday.

With Simona joining us from Italy, where she was a cub leader, we have received a real injection of different culture and ways of doing things. The cubs have benefitted from understanding different culture, celebrations and language.

We also have new leader David Stead join on Tuesday night which has helped with coverage whilst Katie focusses on her PhD thesis.

542 badges awarded across the three terms for 22/23 year.

We continued to see Cubs achieve their Chief Scout Silver Award with 7 this year.

Summer Term 22

We had lots of meets out and about in nature across the term with visits to nature parks, swamp walk, Mincinglake Valley. Also first meet held at Poltimore House.

We had a visit from a qualified roaming zoo that brought different animals to learn about; stick insects, gecko, ferrets.

Finished with a quad bike experience on what felt like the hottest day of the year.

Autumn Term 22

Started with kayaking at Haven Banks, which was just doable with enough light to the end.

We continued the animal theme with visit from a guide dog and a guide dog trainer and friends with tortoises putting them into hibernation.

A major part of the term was cubs learning DIY skills, where over 3 meets, the cubs created, cut, assembled and painter their own vase holder from wood.

The term finished with usual carol service and a visit to Navete Bete at the Northcott Theatre.

Spring 23

A mixed term with a variety of activities including hobbies and collections, shadow puppet, disability awareness, the body, and lessons on how to do magic knots.

The usual Jambowlree saw most of the cubs attend Tenpin along with beavers, scouts.

The cubs learnt about Chinese new year and learnt how to prep for a hike.

We finished the term with an Easter trail through Ludwell Valley Park

Scouts 2023 AGM Report

The Scout section has continued to grow with 69 Scouts on the books and an expanding waiting list. Sometimes it feels like a struggle to fit them all into the hut, it’s almost as if we need a new one (not that we are hinting any interested parties should join the new hut committee, but if you were interested you should definitely speak to our wonderful GSL) Our leadership team has also grown over the last 12 months , as we welcomed back a familiar face in Pink, who was a Scout and a Young Leader with us, and returns as a section assistant. Growing your own Scout Leaders is definitely a long term strategy but one that is paying off! We have also been joined by John, who joined us last summer as an assistant section leader with our Wednesday scouts, and Oli, who has joined us as a Section Assistant while studying at the University.

In 2021 we were still unable to venture abroad or have large scale camps, so it was fantastic last summer to finally be able to take to the skies for our long await camp at the home of international Scouting in Kandersteg, Switzerland. We had some unforgettable adventures with our friends from the 16[th] , including an overnight stay in a mountain hut, taking a dip in an alpine lake, and racing down the mountains on off road Scooters.

We’ve enjoyed plenty of nights away over the last year closer to home too; with our yearly games night sleepover at Little Silver and always popular 24 hour movie marathons. In the Autumn we headed to the Mendips where we visited Cheddar Gorge and the caves, played Frisbee Golf and took in the Bridgwater Carnival. In the Spring it was off to London to partake in the Live London Monopoly Challenge. And last month we headed just over the border for a weekend at Huish Woods.

But it’s not just on our nights away where we’ve been getting up to fun, during our weekly evening sessions we’ve had our own version of Bake Off with The Great Biggish Bake Off, making giant party rings. Had our own fashion show with a Trashy Fashion night, turning junk into Haute Couture. Honed our Viking skills with a night of Axe Throwing and our Jedi skills with a night of Light Sabre training. We’ve taken over Topsham pool with a night of inflatable fun and thrown a beach BBQ.

With all these adventures it’s no wonder we’ve handed out so many badges this year, with 18 different activity badges handed out; ranging from Artist to Watersports. And with nights away very much back we’ve seen 9 Scouts earn their 20 nights away, 5 reach 35 nights away, and 1 hit the half century mark with 50 nights away!

We’ve also seen 6 of our Scouts earn their top award and be presented with their Chief Scout’s Gold Award, congratulations to; Jessica, Louis, Isaac, Alex, Ewan and George IV. And with several more nearing completion, we hope to keep our Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts busy this term handing out Gold Awards, before he moves into a new role and a fresh challenge after the Summer break. Stephen has been the ADC for Scouts in Exeter for over 10 years and we’d like to thank him for all his work and support during his time as ADC.

The Scout Leaders