Scouts
2nd Exeter (St Michaels)
Annual General Meeting
Saturday 22nd June 2024
ssquirrels
SEhVERS
cubs
Scouts

**AGENDA** 

1. Welcome & apologies 

2. Review of last AGM Minutes - 2023 

3. Chair’s Report 

4. Treasurer’s Report 

5. GSL Report 

6. Squirrels Report 

7. Beavers Report 

8. Cubs Report 

9. Scouts Report 

10. District Update 

11. Appointments to Trustee Board: 

   - Chairperson 

   - Treasurer 

   - Secretary 

12. Awards and mentions 

   - The Philpotts Award 2024 

13. Forward Look 

   - Hut Rebuild Consultation Wednesday 17[th] July 6pm – 8pm, Scout Hut. 

14. A.O.B. 

15. Date of next Trustees meeting: Monday 16[th] September, 7pm at Fresha, Sowton 



## **Chair’s AGM report 2023 / 24** 

Hello and welcome to the 2[nd] Exeter Squirrels – Beavers – Cubs & Scouts annual general meeting. 

It’s good to be back at Poltimore House, which is a great example of perseverance after a recent arson attack. Many of you will remember being here 12 months ago, camping for the weekend in the beautiful grounds. The house has taken a battering, but I know the team will continue to put their hearts and souls into rebuilding it. 

This is my first year as Chair, starting the role in January of this year, alongside my other role of head of the new hut build team, more to come on this later. 

## **Let me give you a few numbers to digest:** 

- Þ Squirrels now entering their third year, have in the past 12 months achieved 147 activity and challenges badges. 

- Þ Beavers have achieved a massive 641 activity and challenges badges, including 13 Bronze awards. 

- Þ Cubs have achieved 372 activity and challenge badges, including 15 Silver award badges. 

- Þ Scouts have achieved 33 activity and challenge badges and 9 Gold awards. 

- Þ In total, 1193 challenges and activities badges, 13 Bronze awards, 15 Silver awards and 9 Gold awards have been given. In addition, 3 Scouts achieved their 50 nights away badges. These are incredible achievements for both leaders and children. 

My thanks go to our uniformed leaders, without them and their generosity in volunteering their time and enthusiasm this would not happen. Let’s have a moment to digest those numbers and thank our amazing volunteer leaders who give so much of their time to YOUR CHILDREN. 

In all organisations, the strength of the team is often a reflection of the leader. Jim has spent the past 16 years giving his time, energy and unrelenting commitment to the group, which continues to be the largest, and most active in Devon. Jim is stepping down from the ‘Group Scout Leader’ role. He is leaving the group in safe hands with strong leadership and will continue to be a Trustee. I am sure we will see and hear from him on a regular basis. 

Jon, our current Deputy Group Scout Leader will be stepping up to take the lead of the GSL role, with other responsibilities being shared amongst leaders and Trustees. 



We also have a group of Trustees, whose work and governance ensures the group can continue to function and thrive throughout the year. I am both pleased and humbled to be part of such a great group of people. 

My second role within the group is leading the hut re-build team. This is an exciting project and when delivered, will bring many additional benefits to both children and leaders. Over recent months we have met with different groups and leaders to listen to their needs and are pleased to have a set of drawings for you to view whilst you are here. There is a public consultation taking place on Wednesday 17[th] March in the hut, which we will promote over the coming days. Following public feedback and any final alterations, we propose to submit a planning application during the month of August. Our plan is to have the new hut built and open by the Autumn of 2026. Although we have a strong and committed team, we would welcome more help and support for this project. Let’s remind ourselves, your children collectively achieved 1193 challenges and activities badges from volunteer leaders. Why not join in, it’s fun. 

With thanks and best wishes 

Paul Banks, Chair 



Treasurers Re
ort AGM 2023
24
2nd Exeter (St Mlchael's) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Account
Charity Number 301212
VAAr AA
Fc¢ ts year
0110412023
31ffj3r2024
Recelpts and pasrnents
202312024
Restrfthd En￿%%￿9nt
fijndi
fun
2022r23
Total lund
Unr8sMfAed
funds
T¢Xal
Memt*r5hp subscript￿n$
11.771
Los$ M8mb&rship$ubs¢riptiOnS paid on
10.810
Donabon5 vio Gwlw Machin8
othorgrAntS And dDn41ions
l.T25
camps
21,159
22.23T
Grou) cam
J8mbowliee
AUfvlbe$ other
S.391
drn
r*J
Clharlnc
B•nk rteresi
cknihino, mlform & OadQ88
I707
2.323
other
432
Subtot
Tolalr8celpts

2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Accountcharity Number 301212
F¢xthe ygar
01104r2023
3110m4
R￿￿pts and payments
202312024
Re8trict*J
Erthwnont
fund$
2022r23
Unr88trict•J
TLU fund&
Total funds
Payments
Chori￿bkn
ch)Ihing. uniform 8 badoes
,747
1.408
348
Mo
2,357
1.253
Property fflainl8nance
4.147
raiai ano $•voiago
32
sub to
Camps
Famity day & AQM
45.312
J4mbowlr•e
OtnÉi Ploorammg ￿ndAd￿lty costg
ub
e47
IT.￿18
IS
un
7741
As88t aTrJ knvestrnont pwch8e8, eto
Totslp8ymfrnts
NetOfrnW{paym￿tsj
Trarofern fvnds
137
137
Fullyear NetOfrecelpW(payn￿tsj
•A
stat￿￿rt (rf a888ts arKI Ilablllll88 at tho end of the year
31103r2024
31103r2023
UnMstrl¢
funds
Tctsl fund•
TrA•l fvnd•
funds
fvndB
Cash aTrJ Cash 4uNalents
42,169
ts0.327
CasMoaLS
119
Total casn
42,639
5D.S17
Uncleared Teceirts
Uncleared payments
325
DJTrnnt a8e•ts
The charity does not hold non4nonelary assets other than Scout Hul and equipment This is notcapitali5ed due to the low value of indNidual items
The insured value ol the buidling i4 £210.525 and the equipment i4 £5.000

Statement of assets and Isabilities at the end of the year
JIA13fd024
31K1312023
Toi*l fvnd*
ndB
••h ¢•h •q¥l¥•knt•
50.517
1.02P
Th• do•• r￿1 ho¥ S￿1
al E21U.525 hb•JLWWIkn£S.(th).
Th•rn are no b• paMI
StateireF)t of CaslTrllows for the year ei)ded 31 M<ircli 2024
A••ts￿•d frJnd•
En*JOwni￿I
l¥nd•
Totsi
•.41•
7.907
aO.SIT
{¢￿T

## **GSL’s Report 2023/24** 

It has been another busy year for all of us, we continue to run at capacity in all of our groups, currently delivering scouting skills to 180 children per week.  Our continued success, (and the reason we continue to be the largest group in the County) is due to an excellent program of activities that all of our Leader’s plan and deliver. 

Our waiting list is still longer than we would like with over 50 children waiting for spaces in the group.  We wish we could accommodate them all. 

Plans for the new Scout “Hut” are coming on and look fantastic thanks to Paul Banks and his work with local Architect James Barnfield.  On paper it looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see a shiny new building in the place of the slightly sad looking current hut that has served us well for the last 60 years. 

Having looked through the pictures of all the activities completed this year I am in awe of our volunteer leaders and all that they have delivered.  It’s worth remembering that everything that they do is thought up and pulled together around their day jobs. 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. 

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 



**Squirrels AGM report 23/24** 


## **Summer 23** 

St George’s day parade. A big thank you to the squirrels that attended this year and last. 

Squirrels celebrated their 1[st] birthday. There was a lovely cake made by a squirrel’s Nan. Squirrels have just celebrated their 2[nd] birthday, this time with a Cuthbert the Caterpillar Cake. 

This term the Squirrels worked towards the Canal and river trust Otter Explorer badge. Lots of activities to include playing Hopscotch, feeding the ducks and spotting things as the squirrels walked along the Great Exeter ship canal. 

A duck woggle was awarded to the Squirrels for behaving responsibly near the canal. Quack, quacktake 2 steps back…from the edge. 

Squirrels really enjoy toasting marshmallows, eating s’mores and a sing song around the embers. 

As part of the brilliant builder badge, the squirrels made bug hotels. Followed by a bug hunt around the school playground. 

## **Autumn 23** 

The Squirrels planted the tubs outside the scout hut, with winter pansies and Daffodil bulbs. This was part of the –Let it grow badge. The Squirrels planted the bird grass heads to look after at home. 

Den building at Mincinglake Park. The squirrels also created collages from leaves and twigs etc. For other people using the park to enjoy. 

For Parliament week, the Squirrels voted on a name for the new squirrels’ mascot. Fluffy was the name chosen. 

Room on the Broom activity afternoon- Squirrels made character head bands to join in with the story. They mixed and made biscuits and a running dog. 

Christmas treat, Squirrels joined in with the two beaver colonies for Bear feet Fun! 

## **Spring 2024** 

The Squirrels joined in with the big bird count, by creating bird feeders from milk cartons/bottles. 

A belated squirrel appreciation day activity afternoon. The squirrels made squirrel shaped biscuits. A beautiful cardboard tube squirrel pen pot. We all enjoyed a story about a squirrel. (Brought in by one of the Squirrels). 

This term activities were around the Solar system in anticipation of the much awaited Space badge. Learning about each planet, from volcanoes on Venus to tornadoes on Neptune. They also created a solar system in a box and a unique Mother’s day gift of a picture of themselves as an astronaut floating in space. - I Love you to the moon and back. 



The Squirrels shared their favourite stories with the rest of the Drey for world book day. Making a book mark of their favourite character from the book. 

An Easter egg trail was lots of fun…All eggs found! 

**Squirrels have achieved, in the past 12 months, 147 badges to include 11 Acorn awards.** 

**Thank you to the parents for all your help and support. Without your help we wouldn’t be able to run some of the activities.** 

**Your Squirrel Leader Owl,** 

**Squirrel Team Woodpecker, Bear, Chipmunk, Sea otter and Magpie.** 




## **Beavers AGM report 23/24** 

## **Summer 2023** 

A big thank you for the Beavers that joined in with the St George’s day parade. This year and last year. 

Thursday Beavers planted out the tubs in front to the scout hut. Wednesday Beavers have planted the tubs this summer. As part of the Beaver gardener’s badge, Beavers planted seeds to take home and look after. This year the Beavers grew grass head birds.  A few weeks after planting, the Beavers brought back their bird grass heads to give it a ‘hair do’. 

Off to Clip n climb an annual activity, a firm favourite of the Beavers. 

Beavers joined in with the last Jamboree on the Trail at Ashclyst Forest. A chance to meet other colonies across the Exeter District. 

A lovely evening spent toasting Marsh mallows and eating s’mores, followed by great sing song around the embers. 

About 58 Beavers and Squirrels enjoyed a joint sports evening. Celebrating the 2012 Olympic Games, with their own mascot to take home. This year we are celebrating the Paris Olympics. Ooo La La! 

Always a lovely evening. At the park working towards the cyclist badge 

A Visit to the Apple store to work towards the Digital Citizen stage 1 badge. 

The Community Impact stage 1 badge – The charity supported by the Beavers this year was the RNLI. Falcon drew a big image of the Shannon lifeboat that is housed at Exmouth Lifeboat station. Each week the Beavers stuck coins to the boat. An Ex scouter kindly matched what the Beavers had collected. The total raised was £170.00 Thank you to all that contributed to this worthy cause. The Beavers visited the Lifeboat station. To present the collage of coins and to have a tour of the Station. 

## **Autumn 2023** 

Another firm favourite of the Beavers is Bell Boating. A great evening paddling up the great Exeter Ship Canal. 

The rest of the term the Beavers worked hard on the safety activity badge. This included how to light a candle safely. 

Despite it being a damp evening, the Beavers enjoyed a walk around the city, learning about Exeter’s history. 

As part of remembrance, the Beavers learnt all about a local bird called Mary and her determination to deliver messages during the war. The Beavers joined in with the remembrance service At St Marks. Thank you to all who attended. 



Harry Potter themed sleep over. Beaver’s had fun creating a Goblet of fire and eyes of Newt potion. 

To end the term a joint evening at Bear feet with both beaver Colonies and Squirrels having fun. 

## **Spring 2024** 

The Beavers joined in with the nation’s big bird count, making bird feeders from a milk Carton/bottle. 

An Easter egg hunt …still one egg missing! Was a lot of fun. 

To end the term, the beavers spent an evening learning about the all-inclusive play park at King George V Play Park. 

To finish this session, the swimming up ceremony was done by torchlight. 

**Wednesday and Thursday beavers have achieved 641 badges, this past 12 months, to include 13 Bronze awards.** 

**A big Thank you to the parents that have helped out this past year. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to run some of the activities.** 

**Your Leaders Owl and Rocky. Assistant Leaders Pip, Falcon Rex and Etch.** 

**Assistant Leaders in training Feathers, Robin and Kestrel. Section assistant Eagle and young Leader** 

**Otter.** 



## **Cubs AGM Report 23/24** 

15 Cubs achieved their Chief Scout Silver Award this year, twice as many as last year alongside 372 Activity and Challenge badges covering a myriad of topics including Astronomers, Athletics, Time on the Water, Cyclist, Digital Citizen and lots of Hikes and Nights Away. 

We took 28 Cubs to District Cub Camp last summer where they enjoyed Archery, Caving, Shelter Building and took part in Jamboree on the Trail. 

In September we enjoyed a rather soggy camp where the Cubs picked blackberries while on the play park trail around Clyst heath, to put in their apple and blackberry crumble. 

In March the Sixers and Seconders joined 6[th] Exeter Cubs to have a sleepover at Little Silver with some very sharp shooters having a go at rifle shooting. The following week 25 Cubs became Vikings near Haytor on Dartmoor where they did firelighting, shelter building, wood carving and wool felting in amongst the hail showers. We woke to blue skies so after learning about the Viking Values in our Scouts Own we took our lunch and walked around Haytor Quarry. 

Team Boot walked for 13km around Exeter to win the 2023 Junior Monopoly Run. We also joined in the District Day out to Crealy and had a team in the Scrapstore Challenge, as well as cubs who also won the Chess Tournament! 

For Remembrance Sunday we joined St Marks at the Higher Cemetery memorial, we were very proud of how well behaved the Cubs were. 

We’ve had some great activities run by our older Cubs each term, and lots of Cubs taking part in the good deed Advent Challenge and Lent Challenge to give something up as part of their Personal Challenge. 

As usual the Cubs have taken part in a range of activities crafting, outdoors and learning about different countries and cultures. 

The Leadership Team is ever changing, while Hathi took some time out last year to complete her PhD (we should call her Dr Hathi now!) we have been joined by Tikki (Sam) on a Monday and Kaa (Danny) on a Tuesday night. We also have two new Young Leaders Finley and Eleanor who are a great addition to the team. 



## **Scouts Annual Report 2024** 

The Scout Section remains full, with 70 Scouts on the book as we enter the Summer term. Supporting this number of scouts takes an enthusiastic team of leaders, and we are pleased to have been joined by Ellie and Ricky this year, who joined our Wednesday Evening team. While we were also able to welcome another home-grown leader into the fold, with Jacob having been a scout and young leader with us, returning to join our Thursday team. 

It has been another action-packed year for the Scouts filled with adventure. Last summer we packed the term with plenty of outdoor fun, including walks, cycles, orienteering, and an evening at Poltimore lighting fires and branding our own woggles. 

For our summer camp we once again found ourselves in the air, this year heading to Holland, where we attended The Haarlem Jamborette along with over 3,000 other Scouts from around the globe. It was our third time at Haarlem and after another excellent 10 day adventure, filled with hikes, water activities, sports, art and crafts, theme parks, and more, we are already counting down till we can go again in 2027! 

Haarlem was just one of 9 overnight events we were able to offer last year, totalling 29 nights away. Along with our annual games nights and movie marathons, we spent a gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend at Huish Woods in Somerset where we took parting in some climbing, tunnelling, archery, and brushed up on some Scouting skills like axing and saws. At the end of August we joined with 10[th] Torbay to attend a county camp at Westpoint. In the Autumn we spent a weekend at Woodlands followed by a weekend in Torbay for Christmas Camp. And in February half term we spent half a week in London where the Scouts got to spend the night aboard HMS Belfast, took part in a monopoly challenge around the capital, and enjoyed the view from Horizon22. With all those nights away, it won’t come as a surprise we handed our plenty of nights away badges, with 3 scouts even earning their 50 nights away badges! 

There were plenty of other badges earned over the last year, A takeover of Exmouth pool in the Autumn saw many of the Scouts earn their swimming badges, while the Scouts partnership with Warhammer helped us complete the model maker's badge. Just a couple of the 33 different challenge, staged, and activity badges we have awarded over the last year, The last year also saw 9 Scouts earn the Chief Scout’s gold award. A big well done to Charlie, Adam, Huw, Josh, Jack, Thea, Emily, Martha, and Amy who were all presented with the top award. It is great to see many of them back with the group as Young Leaders having moved on to Explorers in the last year. 

A big thank you to the Scout Section leadership team, who made all of the above possible, giving up their time and energy to enable such a packed programme. But we cannot do it without the support of the group, and the Scout Leadership team would like to thank Jim for his stewardship as Group Scout Leader over the last 4 years. Jim has done a fantastic job steering the group through COVID, building the leadership team, and getting the new hut committee off the ground. Jim’s fanatical planning and laminating prowess will be missed! And we hope that he will continue to find a way to be involved with the group. 

The Scout Leaders 



Scouts
2nd Exeter (St Michaels)
Annual General Meeting
Saturday 22nd June 2024
ssquirrels
SEhVERS
cubs
Scouts

**AGENDA** 

1. Welcome & apologies 

2. Review of last AGM Minutes - 2023 

3. Chair’s Report 

4. Treasurer’s Report 

5. GSL Report 

6. Squirrels Report 

7. Beavers Report 

8. Cubs Report 

9. Scouts Report 

10. District Update 

11. Appointments to Trustee Board: 

   - Chairperson 

   - Treasurer 

   - Secretary 

12. Awards and mentions 

   - The Philpotts Award 2024 

13. Forward Look 

   - Hut Rebuild Consultation Wednesday 17[th] July 6pm – 8pm, Scout Hut. 

14. A.O.B. 

15. Date of next Trustees meeting: Monday 16[th] September, 7pm at Fresha, Sowton 



## **Chair’s AGM report 2023 / 24** 

Hello and welcome to the 2[nd] Exeter Squirrels – Beavers – Cubs & Scouts annual general meeting. 

It’s good to be back at Poltimore House, which is a great example of perseverance after a recent arson attack. Many of you will remember being here 12 months ago, camping for the weekend in the beautiful grounds. The house has taken a battering, but I know the team will continue to put their hearts and souls into rebuilding it. 

This is my first year as Chair, starting the role in January of this year, alongside my other role of head of the new hut build team, more to come on this later. 

## **Let me give you a few numbers to digest:** 

- Þ Squirrels now entering their third year, have in the past 12 months achieved 147 activity and challenges badges. 

- Þ Beavers have achieved a massive 641 activity and challenges badges, including 13 Bronze awards. 

- Þ Cubs have achieved 372 activity and challenge badges, including 15 Silver award badges. 

- Þ Scouts have achieved 33 activity and challenge badges and 9 Gold awards. 

- Þ In total, 1193 challenges and activities badges, 13 Bronze awards, 15 Silver awards and 9 Gold awards have been given. In addition, 3 Scouts achieved their 50 nights away badges. These are incredible achievements for both leaders and children. 

My thanks go to our uniformed leaders, without them and their generosity in volunteering their time and enthusiasm this would not happen. Let’s have a moment to digest those numbers and thank our amazing volunteer leaders who give so much of their time to YOUR CHILDREN. 

In all organisations, the strength of the team is often a reflection of the leader. Jim has spent the past 16 years giving his time, energy and unrelenting commitment to the group, which continues to be the largest, and most active in Devon. Jim is stepping down from the ‘Group Scout Leader’ role. He is leaving the group in safe hands with strong leadership and will continue to be a Trustee. I am sure we will see and hear from him on a regular basis. 

Jon, our current Deputy Group Scout Leader will be stepping up to take the lead of the GSL role, with other responsibilities being shared amongst leaders and Trustees. 



We also have a group of Trustees, whose work and governance ensures the group can continue to function and thrive throughout the year. I am both pleased and humbled to be part of such a great group of people. 

My second role within the group is leading the hut re-build team. This is an exciting project and when delivered, will bring many additional benefits to both children and leaders. Over recent months we have met with different groups and leaders to listen to their needs and are pleased to have a set of drawings for you to view whilst you are here. There is a public consultation taking place on Wednesday 17[th] March in the hut, which we will promote over the coming days. Following public feedback and any final alterations, we propose to submit a planning application during the month of August. Our plan is to have the new hut built and open by the Autumn of 2026. Although we have a strong and committed team, we would welcome more help and support for this project. Let’s remind ourselves, your children collectively achieved 1193 challenges and activities badges from volunteer leaders. Why not join in, it’s fun. 

With thanks and best wishes 

Paul Banks, Chair 



Treasurers Re
ort AGM 2023
24
2nd Exeter (St Mlchael's) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Account
Charity Number 301212
VAAr AA
Fc¢ ts year
0110412023
31ffj3r2024
Recelpts and pasrnents
202312024
Restrfthd En￿%%￿9nt
fijndi
fun
2022r23
Total lund
Unr8sMfAed
funds
T¢Xal
Memt*r5hp subscript￿n$
11.771
Los$ M8mb&rship$ubs¢riptiOnS paid on
10.810
Donabon5 vio Gwlw Machin8
othorgrAntS And dDn41ions
l.T25
camps
21,159
22.23T
Grou) cam
J8mbowliee
AUfvlbe$ other
S.391
drn
r*J
Clharlnc
B•nk rteresi
cknihino, mlform & OadQ88
I707
2.323
other
432
Subtot
Tolalr8celpts

2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Accountcharity Number 301212
F¢xthe ygar
01104r2023
3110m4
R￿￿pts and payments
202312024
Re8trict*J
Erthwnont
fund$
2022r23
Unr88trict•J
TLU fund&
Total funds
Payments
Chori￿bkn
ch)Ihing. uniform 8 badoes
,747
1.408
348
Mo
2,357
1.253
Property fflainl8nance
4.147
raiai ano $•voiago
32
sub to
Camps
Famity day & AQM
45.312
J4mbowlr•e
OtnÉi Ploorammg ￿ndAd￿lty costg
ub
e47
IT.￿18
IS
un
7741
As88t aTrJ knvestrnont pwch8e8, eto
Totslp8ymfrnts
NetOfrnW{paym￿tsj
Trarofern fvnds
137
137
Fullyear NetOfrecelpW(payn￿tsj
•A
stat￿￿rt (rf a888ts arKI Ilablllll88 at tho end of the year
31103r2024
31103r2023
UnMstrl¢
funds
Tctsl fund•
TrA•l fvnd•
funds
fvndB
Cash aTrJ Cash 4uNalents
42,169
ts0.327
CasMoaLS
119
Total casn
42,639
5D.S17
Uncleared Teceirts
Uncleared payments
325
DJTrnnt a8e•ts
The charity does not hold non4nonelary assets other than Scout Hul and equipment This is notcapitali5ed due to the low value of indNidual items
The insured value ol the buidling i4 £210.525 and the equipment i4 £5.000

Statement of assets and Isabilities at the end of the year
JIA13fd024
31K1312023
Toi*l fvnd*
ndB
••h ¢•h •q¥l¥•knt•
50.517
1.02P
Th• do•• r￿1 ho¥ S￿1
al E21U.525 hb•JLWWIkn£S.(th).
Th•rn are no b• paMI
StateireF)t of CaslTrllows for the year ei)ded 31 M<ircli 2024
A••ts￿•d frJnd•
En*JOwni￿I
l¥nd•
Totsi
•.41•
7.907
aO.SIT
{¢￿T

## **GSL’s Report 2023/24** 

It has been another busy year for all of us, we continue to run at capacity in all of our groups, currently delivering scouting skills to 180 children per week.  Our continued success, (and the reason we continue to be the largest group in the County) is due to an excellent program of activities that all of our Leader’s plan and deliver. 

Our waiting list is still longer than we would like with over 50 children waiting for spaces in the group.  We wish we could accommodate them all. 

Plans for the new Scout “Hut” are coming on and look fantastic thanks to Paul Banks and his work with local Architect James Barnfield.  On paper it looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see a shiny new building in the place of the slightly sad looking current hut that has served us well for the last 60 years. 

Having looked through the pictures of all the activities completed this year I am in awe of our volunteer leaders and all that they have delivered.  It’s worth remembering that everything that they do is thought up and pulled together around their day jobs. 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. 

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 



**Squirrels AGM report 23/24** 


## **Summer 23** 

St George’s day parade. A big thank you to the squirrels that attended this year and last. 

Squirrels celebrated their 1[st] birthday. There was a lovely cake made by a squirrel’s Nan. Squirrels have just celebrated their 2[nd] birthday, this time with a Cuthbert the Caterpillar Cake. 

This term the Squirrels worked towards the Canal and river trust Otter Explorer badge. Lots of activities to include playing Hopscotch, feeding the ducks and spotting things as the squirrels walked along the Great Exeter ship canal. 

A duck woggle was awarded to the Squirrels for behaving responsibly near the canal. Quack, quacktake 2 steps back…from the edge. 

Squirrels really enjoy toasting marshmallows, eating s’mores and a sing song around the embers. 

As part of the brilliant builder badge, the squirrels made bug hotels. Followed by a bug hunt around the school playground. 

## **Autumn 23** 

The Squirrels planted the tubs outside the scout hut, with winter pansies and Daffodil bulbs. This was part of the –Let it grow badge. The Squirrels planted the bird grass heads to look after at home. 

Den building at Mincinglake Park. The squirrels also created collages from leaves and twigs etc. For other people using the park to enjoy. 

For Parliament week, the Squirrels voted on a name for the new squirrels’ mascot. Fluffy was the name chosen. 

Room on the Broom activity afternoon- Squirrels made character head bands to join in with the story. They mixed and made biscuits and a running dog. 

Christmas treat, Squirrels joined in with the two beaver colonies for Bear feet Fun! 

## **Spring 2024** 

The Squirrels joined in with the big bird count, by creating bird feeders from milk cartons/bottles. 

A belated squirrel appreciation day activity afternoon. The squirrels made squirrel shaped biscuits. A beautiful cardboard tube squirrel pen pot. We all enjoyed a story about a squirrel. (Brought in by one of the Squirrels). 

This term activities were around the Solar system in anticipation of the much awaited Space badge. Learning about each planet, from volcanoes on Venus to tornadoes on Neptune. They also created a solar system in a box and a unique Mother’s day gift of a picture of themselves as an astronaut floating in space. - I Love you to the moon and back. 



The Squirrels shared their favourite stories with the rest of the Drey for world book day. Making a book mark of their favourite character from the book. 

An Easter egg trail was lots of fun…All eggs found! 

**Squirrels have achieved, in the past 12 months, 147 badges to include 11 Acorn awards.** 

**Thank you to the parents for all your help and support. Without your help we wouldn’t be able to run some of the activities.** 

**Your Squirrel Leader Owl,** 

**Squirrel Team Woodpecker, Bear, Chipmunk, Sea otter and Magpie.** 




## **Beavers AGM report 23/24** 

## **Summer 2023** 

A big thank you for the Beavers that joined in with the St George’s day parade. This year and last year. 

Thursday Beavers planted out the tubs in front to the scout hut. Wednesday Beavers have planted the tubs this summer. As part of the Beaver gardener’s badge, Beavers planted seeds to take home and look after. This year the Beavers grew grass head birds.  A few weeks after planting, the Beavers brought back their bird grass heads to give it a ‘hair do’. 

Off to Clip n climb an annual activity, a firm favourite of the Beavers. 

Beavers joined in with the last Jamboree on the Trail at Ashclyst Forest. A chance to meet other colonies across the Exeter District. 

A lovely evening spent toasting Marsh mallows and eating s’mores, followed by great sing song around the embers. 

About 58 Beavers and Squirrels enjoyed a joint sports evening. Celebrating the 2012 Olympic Games, with their own mascot to take home. This year we are celebrating the Paris Olympics. Ooo La La! 

Always a lovely evening. At the park working towards the cyclist badge 

A Visit to the Apple store to work towards the Digital Citizen stage 1 badge. 

The Community Impact stage 1 badge – The charity supported by the Beavers this year was the RNLI. Falcon drew a big image of the Shannon lifeboat that is housed at Exmouth Lifeboat station. Each week the Beavers stuck coins to the boat. An Ex scouter kindly matched what the Beavers had collected. The total raised was £170.00 Thank you to all that contributed to this worthy cause. The Beavers visited the Lifeboat station. To present the collage of coins and to have a tour of the Station. 

## **Autumn 2023** 

Another firm favourite of the Beavers is Bell Boating. A great evening paddling up the great Exeter Ship Canal. 

The rest of the term the Beavers worked hard on the safety activity badge. This included how to light a candle safely. 

Despite it being a damp evening, the Beavers enjoyed a walk around the city, learning about Exeter’s history. 

As part of remembrance, the Beavers learnt all about a local bird called Mary and her determination to deliver messages during the war. The Beavers joined in with the remembrance service At St Marks. Thank you to all who attended. 



Harry Potter themed sleep over. Beaver’s had fun creating a Goblet of fire and eyes of Newt potion. 

To end the term a joint evening at Bear feet with both beaver Colonies and Squirrels having fun. 

## **Spring 2024** 

The Beavers joined in with the nation’s big bird count, making bird feeders from a milk Carton/bottle. 

An Easter egg hunt …still one egg missing! Was a lot of fun. 

To end the term, the beavers spent an evening learning about the all-inclusive play park at King George V Play Park. 

To finish this session, the swimming up ceremony was done by torchlight. 

**Wednesday and Thursday beavers have achieved 641 badges, this past 12 months, to include 13 Bronze awards.** 

**A big Thank you to the parents that have helped out this past year. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to run some of the activities.** 

**Your Leaders Owl and Rocky. Assistant Leaders Pip, Falcon Rex and Etch.** 

**Assistant Leaders in training Feathers, Robin and Kestrel. Section assistant Eagle and young Leader** 

**Otter.** 



## **Cubs AGM Report 23/24** 

15 Cubs achieved their Chief Scout Silver Award this year, twice as many as last year alongside 372 Activity and Challenge badges covering a myriad of topics including Astronomers, Athletics, Time on the Water, Cyclist, Digital Citizen and lots of Hikes and Nights Away. 

We took 28 Cubs to District Cub Camp last summer where they enjoyed Archery, Caving, Shelter Building and took part in Jamboree on the Trail. 

In September we enjoyed a rather soggy camp where the Cubs picked blackberries while on the play park trail around Clyst heath, to put in their apple and blackberry crumble. 

In March the Sixers and Seconders joined 6[th] Exeter Cubs to have a sleepover at Little Silver with some very sharp shooters having a go at rifle shooting. The following week 25 Cubs became Vikings near Haytor on Dartmoor where they did firelighting, shelter building, wood carving and wool felting in amongst the hail showers. We woke to blue skies so after learning about the Viking Values in our Scouts Own we took our lunch and walked around Haytor Quarry. 

Team Boot walked for 13km around Exeter to win the 2023 Junior Monopoly Run. We also joined in the District Day out to Crealy and had a team in the Scrapstore Challenge, as well as cubs who also won the Chess Tournament! 

For Remembrance Sunday we joined St Marks at the Higher Cemetery memorial, we were very proud of how well behaved the Cubs were. 

We’ve had some great activities run by our older Cubs each term, and lots of Cubs taking part in the good deed Advent Challenge and Lent Challenge to give something up as part of their Personal Challenge. 

As usual the Cubs have taken part in a range of activities crafting, outdoors and learning about different countries and cultures. 

The Leadership Team is ever changing, while Hathi took some time out last year to complete her PhD (we should call her Dr Hathi now!) we have been joined by Tikki (Sam) on a Monday and Kaa (Danny) on a Tuesday night. We also have two new Young Leaders Finley and Eleanor who are a great addition to the team. 



## **Scouts Annual Report 2024** 

The Scout Section remains full, with 70 Scouts on the book as we enter the Summer term. Supporting this number of scouts takes an enthusiastic team of leaders, and we are pleased to have been joined by Ellie and Ricky this year, who joined our Wednesday Evening team. While we were also able to welcome another home-grown leader into the fold, with Jacob having been a scout and young leader with us, returning to join our Thursday team. 

It has been another action-packed year for the Scouts filled with adventure. Last summer we packed the term with plenty of outdoor fun, including walks, cycles, orienteering, and an evening at Poltimore lighting fires and branding our own woggles. 

For our summer camp we once again found ourselves in the air, this year heading to Holland, where we attended The Haarlem Jamborette along with over 3,000 other Scouts from around the globe. It was our third time at Haarlem and after another excellent 10 day adventure, filled with hikes, water activities, sports, art and crafts, theme parks, and more, we are already counting down till we can go again in 2027! 

Haarlem was just one of 9 overnight events we were able to offer last year, totalling 29 nights away. Along with our annual games nights and movie marathons, we spent a gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend at Huish Woods in Somerset where we took parting in some climbing, tunnelling, archery, and brushed up on some Scouting skills like axing and saws. At the end of August we joined with 10[th] Torbay to attend a county camp at Westpoint. In the Autumn we spent a weekend at Woodlands followed by a weekend in Torbay for Christmas Camp. And in February half term we spent half a week in London where the Scouts got to spend the night aboard HMS Belfast, took part in a monopoly challenge around the capital, and enjoyed the view from Horizon22. With all those nights away, it won’t come as a surprise we handed our plenty of nights away badges, with 3 scouts even earning their 50 nights away badges! 

There were plenty of other badges earned over the last year, A takeover of Exmouth pool in the Autumn saw many of the Scouts earn their swimming badges, while the Scouts partnership with Warhammer helped us complete the model maker's badge. Just a couple of the 33 different challenge, staged, and activity badges we have awarded over the last year, The last year also saw 9 Scouts earn the Chief Scout’s gold award. A big well done to Charlie, Adam, Huw, Josh, Jack, Thea, Emily, Martha, and Amy who were all presented with the top award. It is great to see many of them back with the group as Young Leaders having moved on to Explorers in the last year. 

A big thank you to the Scout Section leadership team, who made all of the above possible, giving up their time and energy to enable such a packed programme. But we cannot do it without the support of the group, and the Scout Leadership team would like to thank Jim for his stewardship as Group Scout Leader over the last 4 years. Jim has done a fantastic job steering the group through COVID, building the leadership team, and getting the new hut committee off the ground. Jim’s fanatical planning and laminating prowess will be missed! And we hope that he will continue to find a way to be involved with the group. 

The Scout Leaders 



CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examinerfs
report on the accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner s Report
Report to the trusteesl
Scouts 2￿j &xts (St Mith*'8}
On ac¢ounts for the year
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Charlty no
{if any)
301212
Set outon pag
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I re￿rt to the trustees on my examination ofthe a¢(￿Ullts ofthe above
c*arity ftt* Tru￿> for the year 311312024
Responsibilities and As the tharity trustees of the TrusL you are re5ponsib]e for the preparation
b￿1$ of report ofthe aczounts in accorda￿ wilh th? r¢quirwn￿ ofthe Chwities Act
2011 Ilhe Acr).
I reFKYt in re¥Ed d my examination ofthe Trusfs accounts orTted out
uTrler 145 of the 2011 Act and in txrrwng out my examination, I
have follfywed the appli(3ble Directions given by the Chaiity Commrssion
under sec*on 145(51(bl of the Act.
I have (>Jmpleted my examinatiorn I confinn that no material matters have
coma to my attentr'on in connec*on Mth the examinatiwt whith gives me
cause to believe that in, any material re5Fect'.
oyjrrting reco￿ nfA keF4 in accordancebMth section 130 of
tl* Act, or
the xcounts did not acoyd wth the aCcoUn￿g records
I have rrf) concerns arvj have como a¢¥￿ no othar matters in connedion
wrth the examinatton to whi0* attention should be dravm in order to èn8t4e
OFer understan(fiThJ ofthe accounts to be r&Khed.
Independent
èxaminet8 Statemont
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athan &"mmtJ
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Irf any):
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IER
OCto￿r 2018