## Minutes of Winchester Sea Cadets Annual General Meeting ## **23rd September 2025** ## Attending - Lt Colin Leverett (CL) - ADO - David Anderson (DA) - Unit Chair nominee - Lt James Chesman (JC) - Commanding Officer - Kate Chesman (KC) - Treasurer - Cmdr David Wolfe RN Retired (DW) - General UMT Member nominee - Andrew Bryson (AB) - General UMT Member nominee - Michelle Race (MR) - Secretary Apologies - Tony Mattera (TM) - Vehicles - Perry Williams (PW) - First Lieutenant - Andrea Frost (AF) - Area Chair of Surrey - President - position vacant - District Chair - unknown ## **Welcome** JC and CL welcomed all present. Apologies were noted. ## **Minutes of the Last Meeting** The minutes from the 2023 AGM were recorded as accurate. No conflicts of interest were noted. 1[st] Proposer: Mr Huggins Seconded by: Mrs Gray All were in favour Matters arising from the previous AGM: No matters arising Update on Support from Worthy Down camp Catering school: Lt Chesman has been growing the relationship through 2024/25. ## **Chair and Fundraising report** - JC said that as this is the first meeting where the new and old Unit Management Team (UMT) members have come together. - David Anderson (nominee chairman) introduced himself and his motivations for joining and becoming Chair of Winchester Sea Cadets Unit UMT. - Fundraising: the UMT has assisted with finding the shortfall to fund the new minibus. The minibus was sourced and the payment was sorted by the UMT members. - Thanks were given to the instructors, the UMT, the cadets and parents who continue to support our unit, without which we would not be able to maintain the excellent level of experience and teaching our cadets receive. - We as a unit rely on a good team of UMT members and so tonight is also about asking our guests and parents to join us here on the UMT. - A raffle and bake sale will be held tonight and all proceeds will go to the unit. ## **CO’s Report:** Lt(SCC) James Chesman RNR It’s a real privilege to stand here tonight at our AGM and reflect on the year we’ve just had at Winchester Sea Cadets. What a year it has been - full of challenges, growth and most importantly, experiences that have shaped our young people. I want to speak tonight not in statistics or reports, but in stories- stories of what our cadets have been up to, the adventures they’ve had and the pride we can all share in how far they’ve come. ## **Cadet Adventures** One of the standout highlights this year was our **Duke of Edinburgh Silver kayaking expedition** . Over three days, our cadets paddled long stretches of water, carrying their kit, cooking their meals, and navigating their way along rivers. It wasn’t easy — there were blisters, sore arms, and the usual battle against the weather — but they did it. Parents, I hope you’ve seen how proud they were when they returned, tired but with huge smiles, knowing they had achieved something remarkable. That expedition captured the very essence of Sea Cadets: resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond comfort zones. We’ve also been busy on the water closer to home. From rowing sessions on the Itchen, to sailing and paddles sports, our cadets averaged over **30 boating hours each this year** . Some of those hours were in glorious sunshine, others in driving rain, but all of them built skill and confidence. I’ve seen cadets who were nervous about stepping into a boat now taking charge of the oars or helm with authority. That’s real progress. Thanks to support from Southampton Unit and CPO Cairnes, we were able to expand our **rowing programme** further. Rowing is demanding — it requires teamwork, strength, rhythm, and trust. To see cadets pulling together in time, bringing a boat to life on the water, is a joy. ## **Learning and Growth** But the Sea Cadets is not just about time on the water. This year, we’ve seen cadets step up into leadership roles, mentoring juniors, leading drills, and supporting instructors. For the first time in Winchester’s history, we now have **two Leading Cadets** , with ambitions to double that next year. That may sound like a small number, but it represents a big shift in our cadet development — creating a pathway where young people can step into real responsibility and lead others. We’ve also seen cadets progress in other areas: from first aid training to navigation, from catering skills to ceremonial drill. The juniors have had their own programme too, designed to give them confidence and build the foundations they’ll need as they move up. One of the most rewarding things for me as Commanding Officer is watching cadets grow in confidence. A junior cadet who could barely speak up during their first parade now leading a section drill. A cadet who was nervous on the water now helping to instruct others. These are the moments that matter. ## **Community and Events** Our cadets have also been visible in the community. We took part in **fundraising at Tesco** , standing proudly in uniform, raising money and awareness of what we do. We’ve supported civic events, from Remembrance to the Mayor’s cadet handovers, reminding the city of Winchester that our unit is an active and proud part of its community. On social media, you’ll have seen highlights of the year — photos of smiling cadets on expeditions, boats on the river, parades, training nights, and even the not-so-glamorous moments of putting away kit in the rain. These snapshots tell the story of a lively, growing, and resilient unit. ## **Volunteers – The Beating Heart** Of course, none of this happens without volunteers. This year we’ve welcomed **five new instructors** , half of whom are already working through their training to become Petty Officers. That’s an incredible achievement in itself. Our volunteer team is wonderfully diverse — from company directors to trainee nurses, from catering professionals to youth leaders and compliance specialists. They bring skills, energy, and fresh ideas into the unit. And they do all this on top of demanding day jobs, family commitments, and everything else life throws at them. We’ve also seen volunteers grow in their own capabilities. One has qualified as a first-aid instructor, and another is on the way to becoming a Trainer of Catering Instructors, which will open up even more training opportunities for cadets. Behind the scenes, our **Unit Management Team** has been outstanding- helping us regain a fleet of two minibuses after a difficult period, supporting governance, fundraising, and logistics. Without them, many of our trips, camps, and boating sessions simply couldn’t happen. To every volunteer: thank you. You are the lifeblood of this unit. ## **Expanding Opportunities** Another milestone this year was securing **sleepover status** . We’ve already used it twice, giving cadets the chance to stay overnight, bond as a team, and experience more than a single evening of training. For many cadets, staying away from home in a structured environment is a big step in independence. We’ve also expanded our weekly programme. **80% of Thursdays are now open** , and we’ll soon launch a **specialisation programme for senior cadets** over the winter. This means that, effectively, we’re returning to two parade nights a week — giving cadets more depth in skills, qualifications, and leadership opportunities. This is vital as we prepare our older cadets for more advanced roles, courses, and even careers linked to the maritime world. ## **Challenges Ahead** Of course, we’re not without challenges. Recruitment remains a priority. We currently have **35 cadets and 17 adults** . While that’s strong, we need to continue bringing in new juniors and seniors to keep the unit thriving, especially as some age out. We also need to keep supporting our volunteers, ensuring their development and making sure they don’t burn out under the weight of responsibilities. But these are challenges we can face together. ## **Closing – Why This Matters** Parents, when you see your cadet come home with wet kit and muddy boots, or buzzing after a night on the water, or quietly proud after receiving a qualification, know that they are gaining something very special. Sea Cadets isn’t just about boating, or uniforms, or drill. It’s about giving young people the **skills, confidence, and values** that will carry them forward into adult life. It’s about resilience, teamwork, respect, and community. This year, Winchester Sea Cadets has grown stronger, more capable, and more ambitious. And next year, with your support, with the dedication of our volunteers, and with the energy of our cadets, we will go even further. The experience our cadets receive only happens due to people volunteering and we do have a need to increase our adult pool. Experience and skills, which are welcome, are not necessary, provided people have the will to help. So please do speak to me if you may be interested in helping. Finally, I want to thank you the parents, our dedicated instructors and UMC for enabling our cadets to have the experiences they do and I look forward to another exciting 12 months ahead. ## **Treasurer’s report (Mrs Kate Chesman)** Please see accounts for financial year, 2024 to 2025 (Appendix 1) which ran from 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025. As of 31[st] March 2025, the balance for the current account held with HSBC was as follows: £25,225.48. ## _Income overview:_ Total Annual Revenue Income amounted to £25,185.69. ## Donations - Annual Cadet subscriptions totalled £5,200.00. - We received a total of £1,748.55 in unrestricted third party donations (this included very generous donations from Admiral Lang (our old unit president) of £120 throughout the financial year), an anonymous donation of £100, the July 2024 Street Collection raised £275.96, a donation of £850.00 was made by Winchester Community Charity, after the unit was chosen as the beneficiary for a concert held in July 2024, the September 2024 Winchester Car Boot Sale raised donations of £210.00, a donation of £150.00 was received from Charities Aid Foundation and we also received Easy Fundraising donations of £42.59. ## Fundraising - Social events such as the Whitchurch Bingo Fundraiser, BBQ social and Christmas party, Awards Night Raffle and bake sale fundraiser raised a total of £557.71. ## Generated - Sales of goods (stand-easy) raised another £35.00 for the unit and a cadet parent paid £15.00 towards a pair of boots to the unit. ## Grants and Bursaries - Grants awarded equated to £13,020.00 and included a grant from The Ulysses Trust of £320.00, Connaught Trust grant of £10,000 and £500.00 grant from Hampshire County Council towards the purchase of a replacement minibus, the unit also received a £1,000 grant from Winchester City Council Grant towards outdoor equipment and the unit was also awarded £1,000 for boating safety equipment from Tesco Groundwork Blue Token scheme. - The unit also received a restricted bursary of £200.00 from the Southampton Master Mariners towards a cadet’s offshore voyage. ## Training - The unit received course fees (external provider) of £995.72 (this included receipts for swimming test fees, British Canoe Explorer Paddle Certification for a number of cadets and HMS Cavalier trip payments. Course fees (internal provider) equated to £170 and included Duke of Edinburgh expedition contribution fees and junior uniform contribution payments. ## Other Revenue Receipts - Other income has included gift aid claims from 2023-24 which totalled £1,178.59 and petty cash (£162.20) Non-revenue receipts - Non-revenue receipts equated to £2,102.92 which included the sale of the old minibus (sold to We Buy Any Car for £1,803.51) and refund of vehicle road tax and insurance for old minibus (£299.41) ## _Expenses Overview:_ Total Annual Revenue Expenses amounted to £7,300.04. ## Charitable Activity: - Training delivery costs (these included external and internal course fees as well as training materials) equated to £2,859.92. These expenses included the use of boating services at Winchester Canoe Club, swimming pool hire for water safety tests, DoE expedition expenses, instructor first aid course qualifications, Instructor British Canoe annual membership, final payment of the cadets’ residential trip on HMS Cavalier as well as supplies to fulfil the junior and senior cadet training programmes. - Fuel costs equated to £287.96. - Catering equated to £69.53. - Fundraising expenses were £129.37 and included supplies for Mayor’s Charity of the Year fundraiser and Awards Night raffle. - Special events expenses amounted to £145.59 and included supplies and trophies for the annual Awards evening. - Goods for resale (stand-easy restock) equated to £71.23. ## Overheads: - Broadband costs equated to £434.45. - The unit also had to pay an annual contribution fee rate to MSSC of £250.00. - Printing and office supplies equated to £99.09. ## Maintenance costs: - Vehicle maintenance, servicing and road tax expenses amounted to £1,299.24 for both minibuses. - Boat maintenance costs equated to £13.50. - Other miscellaneous equipment (unit health, hygiene and well-being) costs amounted to £427.36. - Insurance costs covered insurance for both minibuses total £630.00 and unit contents insurance £509.50. - HSBC bank charges equated to £73.30 for last financial year. The UMT has agreed on a cautious budget for 2025–26, reflecting modest fundraising targets in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and increased competition for grants and bursaries. While an initial forecast indicated a potential deficit of £1,250.00, we are pleased to report that a generous third-party donation from Worthy Down Camp has since significantly improved our financial outlook. The accounts from April 2023 to March 2024 and April 2024 to March 2025 were signed off. 1[st] Proposer: Mrs Wright Seconded by: Mrs Henderson All were in favour ## UMT Election CL thanked all for coming and for the parents continued support to the Cadets. Thanks was given to all at the UMT, and for the recent fundraising without which the Unit would struggle to grow. CL became the election officiator and explained the process needed to re-elect the members of the UMT. Members stood down. ## Stepping down - Kate Chesman (KC) – Treasurer - Tony Mattera (TM) - Vehicles - Michelle Race (MR) – Secretary. CL then called for the remaining UMT roles to be Proposed and Seconded - Kate Chesman (KC) – Trustee- Treasurer - Tony Mattera (TM) – Trustee- Vehicles - Michelle Race (MR) – Trustee- Secretary - Andrew Bryson (AB) – Nominee UMT - David Anderson (DA) – Nominee Chair ## **- Election / re election of unit management team.** 1[st] Proposer: Mrs Huggins Seconded by: Mrs Cole All were in favour. ## **Any Other Business** CL called on those present for any other business, none was forthcoming. CL thanked all for attending and closed the meeting Refreshments were available, and a raffle was held. Appendix l.. THE SEA CADETS ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNf FOR THE UNIT S¢C AJ IR&PI RECEIPTS & PAYIAENTS ACCOUNT for Jwr •nd•d 31 ¥arch lthtsin SCON￿d TfNS Siatw¢ntSftym ￿ ttthent•lO ¥¢ by Regd*on•-SS 2M2111 lo be Up10￿￿t onlo Wes1rn1nSter and vol￿ & 8wness Support Klanaw al tha Offir* lo b2 notffied by 1 Novamber Api-19 Unit Narne.. Fund-namg Vlinthesier Charity No 301992 O¥• lit hdd loi tm U￿1 THIS LAST YEAR Not•8 ANNUAL FLtNOIOIRECT GRANT SCAVA (Sea Cadet Viclualling AJk)wanc•l OTHER GRANTS CADET CONTRIBUTIONS OTHER DONATIONS I LEGACIES FUNDRAISING & SPECIAL EVENTS PROCEEDS £13,020 00 £0.00 EOOO £5.200 00 £1,748.55 £557.71 £4,580 00 £0.00 £0.00 ES.415 00 £929.81 £736.75 COMPETITION RECEIPTS COURSE FEES SUNDR Y SALES RECEIPTS aANK DEPOSIT INTEREST PROPERTY RENTS Iinclud*s •ny OTHER REVENUE RECEIPTS £O.OD £1.16572 £50 00 £000 £000 £1 340 79 £0.00 £1.320 00 £199.49 £0.00 £000 £784.26 TOTAL REVENUE RECEIPTS £23.082.77 £13,947.31 ON.REVEN E RECE PROCEEDS FROM SALES OFOTHER FIXED £2.102.92 £0.00 TOTAL NON.REVENUE RECEIPTS È2.102.92 £0.00 I'Alta¢h thai Fund's similar Accowl of RK¢ipts u p•g¢ AC1A •nd 40 onl TOTAL RECEIPTS • A + £2S.185.69 £13,947.31 Re¢onclllatlon.'. - REVENUE ITEMS I= A- D fr¢)m AC21 - NON.REVENUE ITEMS I= B- E from page AC21 - COMBINED l=G+HI ASHIBANK BALANCE FROM LAST YEAR.END £15.782.73 £4.848.65 £2.102.92 -£6.486.LX) £17.885.65 41.637.35 £7.502.03 £9.159.38 É25,387.68 £7.5Q2.D3 CASHIBANK BALANCE AT TH15 YEARQND 2015 ACI THE SEA CADETS Farm ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AGCOUNf FOR THE UNIT SCC AJ IR&PI RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for y•ar onded 31 Ilar¢h Iwmsirt Sco1￿ Th5 Slaiomeni $ farmand c¢Jnlent rti scnibny we 9tsvttTrÈd by RtyJLd*bohl-SSI 20(￿1276) Cry)y 10 be w)kn*Jed onio ¥Vesirninsler arKI vol￿teer & Bu51nes5 Support Manager at tha Offic8 to be notffied by l November Unit N3rn•'. Fund-namel Winchesler 301992 Charity No ur 058 lif n¢1 hwd the 5 THIS YEAR LAST YEAR Notes REVENue PAYMENT CTC TABLE ACTIVITY COSTS: FUNDRAISING & SPECIAL EVENTS COSTS COMPETITION COSTS FUEL & TRAVEL COSTS CATERING COSTS TRAINING COURSES COSTS ARTICLES PURCHASED FOR RESALE È274.96 £O.OD £287 96 £69 53 £2,859.92 £71.23 £343.21 £0.00 £191.90 £12520 £2 536.04 £98.$4 RENTI COUNCIL TAX HEAT. LIGHT & WATER TELEPHONE & 8ROAD&AND OFFICE SUPPLIES. POSTAGE 8 PRINTING £250 00 £O.OD £434.45 £99 09 £100 00 £0.00 £392.64 £579.81 BUILDINGS 8 ESTATE BOATS VEHICLES OTHER MISC EQUIPMENT INSURANCE COSTS &4NK INTEREST & CHARGES £o.Do £13 $0 £1,299.24 £427 36 E1,73950 £73.30 £0.00 £0.00 £1 759.82 £1 128.92 £1 768 70 £73.88 AR RNAN¢ FOR ACCOUNTSIAUOIT OR INDEPENDENT EXAMINA FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE Ilor con$knlution or truolee1l OTHER REVENUE COSTS TOTAL RevENUE PAYMENTS £ODO EO.QO EODO £0.00 £7,300 04 £O.OD £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £9.098 66 NON41 ASSETS PAYIIENT £0.00 £6.486.00 TOTAL NON-REVENUE TOTAL PAYMENTS l-D+EI £000 £7 300.04 £6 486.00 £15 584.66 I'Allxhlh*¥und's wIllrArrowtdP•￿•*pty￿Ac2A. AC2 THE SEA CADETS ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNf FOR THE UNIT RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT lor ￿r•￿d￿d 31 Ma￿h Fm 8CC ￿ IR&PI Aw.1 Copy to u￿aded orfo We5minster a￿1 V￿Unteer 8 B￿ne$S Surwl Mana9er 31 Area Office to be notif& ty 1 Novernber Untt Winthestèr Charlty No. Namg of Furrfl 301992 In E&W: STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LMBiunES THIS IEnglWelth Unrf¥ ￿Valu11￿r0lc£*ts oi acthwnts nth¢•rwuw•Jl ASSET CASHWK &4LANCEISI AT YEAR*ND Uroffl AC1) 8ANK DEPOSITS Irf ary) kn¢hJd•d abov• LOANS RECOVERABLE OThER DEgTS Itotsl thcov0ra￿*- 8￿￿de any 'STIXKS OF ITEMS FOR RESALE (kntsl ¢c•tl INVESTKIENTS I[￿nIVAl￿O of8￿1￿5 &cl INVESThIENTS (ditto- belorW¥ to a ROStrh#•J Fw#J, If TH R FIXEDASSET - LAND & BUILDINGS - BOATS - VEHICLES . COMPIJTERS & OTHER EIYJIPPAENr 'For all Ihem it8nN Oncli** gny fv ot •*"mat•J ¥•lu• I*￿) ota thdrtfjlal ￿ hore rf Iwrthan a8 #tv LOANS REPAYABLE OTrIER CREDITORS110141 p8yat4•- oxd¢•l• arry"a¢¢n￿lI CONTINGENT LIABILITIES l•*knot•d lotal amowx) tSrofii•hl A¢COUNT8 NOTES. (rf not *4thln R•wi) F%Y any arate Re￿1&MI & Paym•nts Accourf I￿l￿ded in Ih41 Sl4tem•rrt of Arxovnt.. lh• n•tur* and purpose of ••ch Fund ac¢ount¢d lor and the l•901 on rt¥ uso Total nurnb8f and omount of any gr¥nts p•id to 01 Indlvldu•li •nd in*ttutlonJ. an0￿8*￿ by fv of adivty w pmj•ct Amount oftwst•• remun•M+on Ilnc. to ¢onn•ct¢d p•rnw) ￿k1 and the leoal aulhomy for tt Amouftt of qny trust￿ •xp•nMJ relmbwmd *)d for IthT many knounl and Tratur• of 4ny oth•rtru8t••-tr•nMctk>n• Oneludlng t connrtted erneffl• slatin Togetnor n any aIn￿rn lh• rn18tionJhl n9￿l￿e n•n*l Any hrformation that'may rnaion¥bty #i•lst' a r•adef• £25 387.88 £o.c £2) 073.15 £0.00 £24 859.27 £11262.29 £12 372.2 rtle I￿¥> .cf ..Unit Trea8urer Unit Chainnan a3 oq AC3 ScCAJI￿pl Cr• /p*Str*Sly 4fg4 l? bp nolrfiq¢ty 1 301992 No ¢ WPSS ry ¥tre55 Iry CryTwmYence . Bulbjkig 2LiS Wclthy Cwhp winth•￿￿ T¢>Art CL4mty Pmt C•d• Haryshire S021 2AG T+arn WnbW*IthI Ualo Rwt. 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Mampshwe Co￿¥Coun￿l £SOO. Wlnthesiercttv p￿￿k B•n•fft r•Jwttlots puL*c th• mrfpow¢*th& THE SEA ¢ADErs Fomi ANNUAL STATEMEKf OF Accoupif FOR THE UNIT SCC A3 IR&PI RECEIPTS & PAYMENf3 ACCOUNT for ￿•r ended 31 March Apr.19 rLI* n S¢￿￿nd Tl¥s Stsl•m•nl'• fom c¢nt•nl •nth gov•rn•d ty A••kn-￿ XW2181 Cow to be UFloathd MID We8trrMn8tw and Vdunteer & 8wne98 SuFPYt Manaw at￿￿a omc*to be r￿tsfied ty 1 November Unit nch6ster Charity No.. 301992 R•Mm• Pollcy The charity tru¥tw' pol¢y to nwlntaln unr•&tiicted regoN•s at 8 Iw•l r•v•nu• paymints In ord•r to sal¢guard the Unit's Ongoi￿ acti￿￿.69 from any un•¥p•¢t•d flucluaUonB In Y8ar4nd rgs•Nes £25225.48 41 nM)nths' on that basls. •Mt• weOon Ilnoi•pK*•bhJ t12.JOOA*I £0.00 *)rfiAwo lo b• Gwn•d4Xrt During th• fingnaal y•8r th• Unit r•¢oiv¢d th• Ic4hrning donat•d tsoltio818•rvK•8 Inot.. 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