Scouts 2nd Exeter (St Michaels) Annual General Meeting th Monday 16 June 2025 ssquirrels EhVEllg cubs Scouts ## **AGENDA** ## 1. Introduction and Welcome ## 2. Apologies 3. Governance topics - a. Review of last AGM Minutes held in June 2024 - b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisations and Rules. - c. Financial Year confirmed (1[st] June 2024 to 31[st] May 2025) - d. Group Scout Council - e. Members of the Charity Commission/Trustees - f. Quorum agreed to be 5 members of Trustee Board for a meeting to take place (excluding AGM). 4. Review of Previous Year (JTh) 5. Making Appointments - a. Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board following recent advertisement and informal interview review of skills for consideration. - b. Appoint the scrutineer/Independent Examiner/Auditor 6. Awards and mentions  The Philpotts Award 2025 7. Closing remarks and A.O.B. 8. Date of next Trustees meeting: Monday 14[th] July, 7pm at Fresha, Sowton 1. Introduction and Welcome ## 2. Apologies ## 3. Governance Topics - a. Review of last AGM Minutes held in June 2024 - b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisations and Rules. htps://www.scouts.org.uk/por/5c-consttutons-of-groups-districts-andcountes-except-scotland/ - c. Financial Year (1[st] June 2024 to 31[st] May 2025) - d. Group Scout Council Members of the Charity Commission/Trustees: - i. Paul Banks - ii. Jon Thorne - iii. Rachel Whalen - iv. Cathie Huddart - v. Andrew Turner - e. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board f. Quorum agreed to be 5 members of Trustee Board for a meeting to take place (excluding AGM). ## 4. Review of Previous Year (JTh) - Video - Chair’s report, on behalf of the Group Trsutee Board - GLV Report - Section Reports - District Lead Volunteer remarks - Statement of Accounts **Chair’s AGM report 2024 / 25** Hello and welcome to the 2[nd] Exeter Squirrels – Beavers – Cubs & Scouts annual general meeting. It’s good to be here in the Scout Hut, which is a great example of a building well used by many children over many years. Reading through the reports from each of our groups is both humbling and inspiring. Below I have listed a handful of activities from each of the groups, but please do read the reports from the leaders. How they manage to achieve so much each year with and for your children is just amazing. - Þ Squirrels have been shown where some foods come from, visited the Exeter library, planted flowers and been on a bug hunt. - Þ Beavers have visited Clip & Climb & Exeter Fire Station, have been Bell-Boating on the quay, slept over at Dawlish Warren and had further sleepovers in the hut. - Þ Cubs have camped at Scoutmoor and an overnight at Sidvale that included archery, shooting and tomahawk throwing, they have joined other regional groups for a chess tournament and Scouting around the world. - Þ Scouts have walked the Exeter green circle [13 miles], had an Olympic themed evening, met with a couple of Police dogs, kayaked on the Exe, been underground on caving trips, and time spent on Dartmoor. This really is only a snapshot of what your children have had the privilege of being part of because of our team of volunteer leaders. 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 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 leaders. Jon has highlighted in his report that 2[nd] Exeter continues to be in safe hands with strong, dedicated leadership. 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 2[nd] 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. We are at a stage now where we have architect’s drawings, have conducted a wide public consultation and at the beginning of 2025 we submitted a planning application, for which we are still waiting on a decision, hopefully a positive one. Subject to approval, we will start the mammoth task of fundraising several hundred thousand pounds before work can begin. Although we have a strong and committed team, we would welcome more help and support for this building project. Let’s also remind ourselves, your children have taken part in such a wide range of life enhancing experiences from volunteer leaders. All we ask of you in return, is some of your time, from a couple of hours a month in your own time up to being an active leader. Why not join in, you could also be part of the fun and experiences that your children share with you when they come home. Don’t be shy, you might be missing out on some of the fun. With thanks and best wishes Paul Banks, Chair ## **Group Lead Volunteer report 2025** The AGM marks one year since I took on the role of Group Scout Leader from Jim Taylor. It is incredible how quickly this has come round and yet, so much has been achieved. Reading through the section reports, scouting continues to be strong at the 2[nd] . At St George’s Day Parade, I had the pleasure of reading out the names of all those who had attained the top award from their section over the last year. The list was so long, I thought I might have to put in an interval. I have also had the pleasure of welcoming many new leaders to the team across all sections. The addition of their range of skills and energy continue to strengthen the exciting programme that we bring to our young people. This past year also marks a big change in the way people can volunteer in scouting. In November, the whole movement went through Transformation which turned the leadership in each area into a team of adult volunteers who share tasks to help the running of each area become less reliant on a single leader. Fortunately for us, our sections were already working in this style, so this change had minimal impact on us. With Transformation came some changes to our official titles and I became the Group Lead Volunteer for 2[nd] Exeter. There was also a change in focal point where the safety of our young people is checked. The use of a third-party activity provider requires the approval of the Group Lead Volunteer and spot checks on risk assessments of our weekly activities need to be carried out. I’m happy to say that in this area, we have been ahead of the curve for some time. A team that often goes unnoticed is the Group Leadership Team. This team works with me to keep on top of our adult’s learning, DBS checks, section waiting lists, hut bookings, and hut maintenance. The time volunteered by these people is just as important as our section team members to the continued success of our group. We are always looking to expand this team. If you are interested to see what you could contribute to the continued success of the group, please reach out to me. I can’t finish without mentioning all our fantastic leaders who give their time to deliver such a fantastic programme each week. From abseiling to zorbing, our leaders bring exciting experiences for all our young people which help develop skills for life. A huge thank you to all of you. Jon Group Lead Volunteer Thorne ## **Squirrels Report** The 2[nd] Exeter Squirrels have had a busy year this year. We have welcomed a lot of new children to the drey who are thriving in completing any activity. We have been out visiting Tesco’s supermarket at Digby, who showed the children where the food comes from, and they then applied barcodes to the fruit and scanned them. We have visited Exeter central library where they were shown how to build Lego and make it move mechanically. They have planted the pots outside the hut with new flowers and been on a walk and bug hunt around Heavitree park. To round off the term 2[nd] Exeter are hosting the 1[st] District squirrel day on the 14[th] June, this is a robin hood theme where they will be participating in soft archery and lots of crafts. Between the drey’s we are hoping to continue this. We have had 1 acorn award this year and many more are close the finishing theirs. Thanks Debbie Lead volunteer 2[nd] Exeter squirrels ## **Beaver report for 2024-2025** Over the past year we covered Gardener, First Aid, Money Skills, Air Activities 1, Navigator 1, Builder, Photographer, Communicator, Book Reader, Explore, Space and Musician 1 badges. In addition, we have enjoyed visits to Clip and Climb, Middlemoor Fire Station, and the Devon & Exeter Institution; we enjoyed an evening of Bellboating at Haven Banks; tree walk at Higher Cemetery; activities at Mincinglake; learning about road safety with Ricky. We joined with the group for the activity day at Poltimore, the Remembrance Ceremony at Higher Cemetery, the Carol Service and the Jambowleree; held a joint Sports night which included our Squirrels and a visiting Brownie Pack; enjoyed our Christmas celebration at Wonderland, again joining with Squirrels and Brownies; joined with Beavers from across the District at the Beaveree. We had a lovely summer sleepover at Dawlish Warren, with a fish and chips supper, sandcastles on the beach and a passing steam train. There were also nights away at the hut in the Autumn and Spring, with Gruffalo and Wales themes. As well as the Activity badges completed, we have worked towards the challenge badges and during the year 14 Beavers gained their Bronze Awards. Recently, the leadership team has experienced several changes. Rachel (Magpie) left us during the Autumn term, followed by Jackie (Pip) at Christmas. Sharon (Owl) stepped away from the group in the New Year, Tim (Falcon) migrated to Cubs during the Spring term and Debbie (Robin) stopped with Beavers at Easter to focus on running Squirrels. We miss the experience these Leaders brought to the team and thank them for their time of Leadership. As we plan ahead, we hope to keep and build on the foundations they set while also growing a programme which meets the changing badge requirements, and which reflects the needs and interests of the children coming through the section. We currently have 20 Beavers in each Colony, and our programme continues to include a mixture of activities – crafts, practical skills, discussions, outdoor events, visits and games. Thanks to Leaders across the group who have supported us over the Spring term with OSM tuition, nights away permits and general advice. Thanks to our Young Leaders – Platypus and Mouse – who have found their feet now and are a great asset to the section. Thanks to the parents who volunteer to help and those who respond to the calls for more help – we couldn’t run the programme without your presence. Thanks to our current leaders – Eagle, Etch, Chipmunk, Kestrel, Badger, Feathers, Sea Otter, Rex and Fox (it may seem like a long list, but not all Leaders are able to attend every week so we would really appreciate additional uniformed help!). And finally, thanks to our Beavers who inspire us and surprise us – there wouldn’t be much point doing what we do without them. ## **C ubs AGM Report 24/25** Our numbers have fluctuated over the past year and we are slightly lower at the moment with spaces available on a Tuesday but those on the waiting list wanting a Monday night. 8 Cubs were awarded their Chief Scout Silver Award this year, alongside over 500 Activity and Challenge badges covering a myriad of topics including Bookreader, Local Knowledge, Time on the Water, Navigator, Artist, Gardner and lots of Hikes and Nights Away. We had an amazing time at Scoutmoor, with 11 of our Cubs, camping with 1[st] Cranbrook and 7[th] Exeter, so many different activities, plus inspiring speakers and great fun at the evening events. In September we took 23 Cubs to Sidvale for an overnight where they had the chance to try Archery, Shooting and Tomahawk Throwing. In March we repeated our Princess Bridge camp, with 24 Cubs at Alphington and some of the older Beavers joining on the Sunday morning. We’ve joined other Cubs in the District for the Scrap Challenge and the Chess Tournament and Scouting around the world as part of JOTI. For Remembrance Sunday we joined St Marks congregation, Beavers and Scouts at the Higher Cemetery memorial, The Leadership Team is ever changing; we were very pleased to welcome back Raksha (Rachel) to Cubs as she moved back to Exeter. Shere Khan has decided to take a break, but we are pleased to have been joined by Mysa (Will) and Rama (Max). We have been joined by Mang (Torr) as a new Young Leader and Mohammed who is doing his Silver DofE with us. ## **2024-2025 Scout Report** It has been another busy year for the Scouts with plenty of adventure, friendship, and nights away. Last summer saw us out and about lots, with walks around the Exeter Green Circle for TrailJam and an evening walk on Woodbury, an always popular chip shop survey, and an Olympics themed evening at the park. We also invested in some tomahawks and angels, and ran our first tomahawk throwing evening. The summer term also saw us head to North Devon to stay at Collard Bridge campsite, where we had a visit from Police dogs Ike and Smidge, and the scouts took part in air rifle shooting, archery, tomahawks, tunnelling, bouldering, and built flintstone cars! Hot on the heels of our North Devon camp it was off to Westpoint for Summer camp last year, where we joined over 800 other Cubs and Scouts, for Devon Scouts very own Jamboree, at Scoutmoor. Activities included laser clay pigeon, arial archery, artificial caving, scuba diving, a field gun run, circus skills, pirate skills, slip and slide, an inflatable zone, zorbs, and more! Along with live music acts and discos in the evening. The adventures continued into the Autumn, kick starting the term with an evening on the water, kayaking with Haven Banks. There was also time spent underground with caving trips to Pridhamsleigh in South Devon, and a day caving in the Mendips. We spent a couple of nights in the hut learning about Archaeology with help from Dartmoor National Park, followed by a day trip on Dartmoor for a visit to the site of a prehistoric village at Grimspound. With those that attended the evenings and the site visit earning the new Dartmoor National Park archaeology badge! But it wasn’t all ancient history, we also spent the Autumn term earning our Electronics badge, learning how circuits work, learning how to solder, and creating some LED circuit boards. There were more nights away in November, with a visit to Bridgwater carnival followed by a sleepover at Littlesilver. We rounded off the Autumn with all three nights meeting together at The Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens for some Ice Skating. With Wallace and Gromit returning to our Screens over the Christmas break, we had our own go at creating some stop motions films to start the Spring term. Thankfully with no megalomaniacal penguins bent on world domination! We also completed the chefs badge, did wide games, and orienteering. We headed off to Somerset for a day at Cheddar Gorge before spending the night in Weston-Super-Mare for a laser tag sleepover, followed by Frisbee golf on the Sunday. We continued the golfing theme to finish the term off, with a night of foot golf at Lympstone. With such a jam-packed year, it is no surprise that we’ve kept the district team busy again this year, handing out gold awards. Congratulations to; Beth, Jacob, George, Henry, Joseph, and Charlie, who all earned their Chief Scout’s Gold Awards this year. Such a busy programme requires a big leadership team, and our grow-your-own leaders programme continues to pay dividends, with Josh joining our Tuesday team having grown up through the group from a Beaver progressing on to Cubs, Scouts, becoming a Young Leader and now returning as a leader. Thank you to all the Scout leaders for another year creating memories and experiences! George Statement of Accounts 2nd Exeter (St Michael's) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account Charity Number 301212 Forlhe 01A1412ro4 31￿%2025 2024r2025 23r24 Toid funds Tota frjnd 1&751 Ltss IAeThthrshysubsctyuofflspald on 11.1 Gfftlud 0￿[￿rarI5 and 1.553 ps 21.1 F￿1V dal & A¢￿ Incoff 147 j￿nbO￿A￿ InLxx 7.412 5.591 [groJyJl Bank ￿ternt Y72 F￿[ty tenlal 2nd Exetsr {St Michael's) Scout Group Receipts and Payments ArLountCharity Number 301212 01K141XA4 To 2024r2025 Trtsl thJnd8 Toty fiJnd• dband athhlng unWorm&ba C￿nCil tax E*ctri Equiprnert 8.747 1.012 1,182 7.740 P￿￿etty rnalTh￿an￿e 2.337 Aer antt sewwage Bank charges & Inter￿1 Athvili•& Oth ps Ejpellses Fwnly day & AS Fiiewo j￿nbov￿reE Othei andA￿V￿c￿l 11fi74 1249 9.721 17.985 F￿￿[al5￿ CQ Twsfws trknen fvjnds n7 .ItÈment of 2ssels and Iiabililies at the eiid ol Ihe year 3110J202S JIIOJIZ024 44.?40 4$.$ 4J.125 .lietn¢iil of Cashflows for ilie year ended 31 Marcli 2025 Tolil fun 17 2,421 45,379 Examiner's re ort CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independont examlnef report on the accounts Soctlofi A lff d•ynd•ni Ex•mln•t'J R•port R•port to the tni*t•• iQUts ?- F¥vt*i 1st J01212 I r•wt to th• trUBtees fffi my $A#rnlnollon althe 8cwIts oflhe thAiity Ilhe Truot-l lorlhe yeai ended 3113120Z¥ R•￿￿￿111￿ •nd A8 Ihe INst8e5 ofth8 Trusl, yau ar• reswffjitle lor thè preprt 2011 Ad'l I repDrt In resred of my exarnin8t￿n oflho Trust's ¥¢¢ounts carri+J ￿t 145 ofthe 2011 Act and In rA￿￿r￿a out my ex¥minatKn. I have fdlowed the appli¢ab* Dire&ion5 wven by the under seGtILYTr 14515llbl of the Act. Indewid•nt I hav8 COMp￿ted rny examth8lion. l Gonfirni that no matenal mattefS •x*min&Vs $i*tomont come lo my attention In connectvJn with Ihe examination which gNes mt (au9e to believethat in, any material respect". accounting r8wrdswere not k8pl in awrdanc8 with xcbon 130 of the At*, or the accounts arwrd with the accounting rewrds I hav8 no Gon￿rn$ and have across no oth?r matters in conneci wrth the eKaminalion to which att8n*on should be drawn In order to anable a [K¢￿rUrade￿standI￿g of accounts 10 be reached. 1fdC6ll025 Jonathan SimmoTrJ8 R•J•vant wof••¥lonal qU￿lfi¢1￿￿4SI or btsdy Ilf anyl- DYPFS. Certs Cll IMP8ERI Addr•M: 2 Ni(knla6 Ro&1 Exeter EX1 3AT October 2018 5. Making Appointments - a. Chair – Paul Banks – Appointed June 2024 for 3 years. - b. Treasure – Cathie Huddart - Appointed June 2024 for 3 years. - c. Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board following recent advertisement and informal interview review of skills for consideration. - d. Appoint the scrutineer/Independent Examiner/Auditor (Jonathon Simmons) 6. Awards and mentions - The Philpotts Award 2025 7. Closing remarks and A.O.B. 8. Date of next Trustees meeting: Monday 14[th] July, 7pm at Fresha, Sowton