Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period:
| From | 1st January 2024 | To | 31st December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Name | Stifford Sea Scout Group | ||
| Charity Registration Number | 302089 | ||
| HQ Registration Number | 41166 |
Objectives and activities
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Summary of the purpose and The objectives of the charity are as a part of The Scout Association.
objects of the charity as set
out in its governing document The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their
personal development, empowering them to make a positive
contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values
Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal
Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others
Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live
Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes
Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with
others and make friends
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults,
work together based on the values of scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their promise
Summary of the main To teach young people life skills through fun and teamwork.
activities in relation to the
purpose and objects
Statement confirming the The Trustees confirm that the charity meets the Charity Commission’s
trustees have had regard to Public Benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and
the guidance issued by the the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Charity Commission on
public benefit
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Achievements and performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year identifying the difference and impact the charity’s work has made, including on sustainability |
The main activities carried out by all the Sections: Puffin Beavers, Penguin Beavers, Orca Cubs, Dolphin Cubs and Scouts, are based on the balanced programme for each of those Sections which has been developed by The Scout Association to meet their objectives. Activities include weekly meetings, working towards awards, participating in District activities and competitions and nights away residential experiences. All activities are run by the adult Leaders in the Group who are assisted by adult Helpers and Explorer Scout Young Leaders working with the various Sections. |
|---|---|
You may choose to include Please see attached statements. further statements, where relevant, about: Achievements against objectives Fundraising activities
- Contribution made by volunteers
Financial review
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Review of the financial
position
Policy on Reserves, why they The policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the
are held, and the amount of charitable activities of the charity should income and fundraising
reserves activities fall short. The Trustee Board considers that the charity
should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa
£32,000. The charity held reserves of approximately £52,000 against
this at year end. This is above the level for operating expenses.
However, this can be explained by Covid grants received in the past.
Policy on Investments and The charity’s reserves are small and consequently does not have
investment performance sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks
and shares. The charity has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to
the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only
mainstream banks or building societies.
A description of the principal The main risk is that of leaders leaving the group without securing
risks proper transfers of banking ability.
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Structure, governance and management
| Type of governing document | The charity’s governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. |
|---|---|
| How the charity is constituted | The charity is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. It is constituted as an educational charity. |
| Trustee selection methods | The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
| Policies and procedures for the induction and training of trustees |
All Trustees complete The Scout Association trustee and mandatory learning within the first six months of joining the Trustee Board, they also complete other Scout Association mandatory learning periodically as required. |
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| Additional governance arrangements |
The charity is managed by the Trustee Board, the members of which are the “Charity Trustees”. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 8 Trustees and meets 6 times a year. The Trustee Board exists to support the Leadership Teams in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and in supporting them to run high-quality and safe programs that give young people skills for life. The Trustee Board maintain appropriate governance policies and oversight. The Trustee Board is responsible for carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with the charity’s governing document and the law, and managing the charity’s resources responsibly. The Trustee Board is responsible for ensuring the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good order, and everyone follows legal requirements and Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules. This includes responsibility for: Promoting a positive image of Scouting in the community, as well as its development; Developing, maintaining and regularly a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations; Ensuring that the finances are properly managed, and there are sufficient resources (and reserves) to deliver high quality Scouting; Ensuring a system of internal controls is in place that is designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; Ensuring that property is appropriately managed; Maintaining appropriate insurance of persons, property and equipment; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Having an open and transparent selection process for the recruitment of Trustees; Appointing Advisors as required; Ensuring effective administration is in place to support the Trustee Board; Ensuring compliance with applicable governance and charity regulations, including in respect to safety and safeguarding; Ensuring incidents are appropriately reported in line with regulation and policy; Ensuring applicable policies and regulations are regularly reviewed and changes implemented as appropriate; Ensuring transparency of operations, including in the preparation of accounts and holding and AGM; Ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation; Acting as a responsible employer for any employees, who are effectively managed. |
|---|---|
Plans for future periods
| Plans for future Periods | As can be seen from the attached reports, all the current Sections within Stifford Sea Scout Group continue to thrive and are looking forward to the future. With committed Leaders, |
|---|---|
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Helpers and Young Leaders, good support from the Group Trustee Board and parents, steady membership numbers and sound finances, the Group are well placed to continue its past successes. Each of the Sections, both Beaver Colonies, both Cub Packs and Scouts already have events planned throughout the coming year, together with Group activities. As of December 2024, the Group is looking at the possibility of opening a Squirrel Drey.
Reference and administration details
| Principal Address | Principal Address | Prince Philip Avenue Stifford Clays Grays Essex RM16 2BX |
Prince Philip Avenue Stifford Clays Grays Essex RM16 2BX |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity |
Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
||
| 1 | Mark Hooper | Chair | ||
| 2 | Sue Dodson | GroupScout Leader | ||
| 3 | Andrew Merritt | Treasurer(acting) | ||
| 4 | AshleyKempster | Scout Leader | ||
| 5 | Andrew Merritt | Cub Scout Leader (Orca) |
||
| 6 | Deborah Rowe | Cub Scout Leader (Dolphins) |
||
| 7 | Joanne Price | Beaver Leader (Penguins) |
||
| 8 | Denise Tuffee | Beaver Leader (Puffins) |
||
| 9 | Steve Rowe | Quartermaster | ||
| 10 | Glen Willis | Maintenance Officer |
Name and address of advisors
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Type of advisor Name Address
Independent Examiner Steve Morgan 39 Advice Avenue
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Chafford Hundred Grays Essex RM16 6QN
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees by:
| Signed on behalf of the charity’s | trustees by: | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | ||
| Full name | Andrew Merritt | Sue Dodson |
| Position held | Acting Treasurer | Group Scout Leader |
| Date | 29/04/2026 | 29/04/2026 |
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Puffins Beavers Annual Report 2024
As with real Puffins, we are always really busy and 2024 was no exception.
The turn of the new year saw the Beavers completing their Emergency Aid Level 1 badge with Duncan. They just love bandaging each other up.
We were back at Monkey Bizzness for another fun sleepover. Our biannual treat, I know us leaders enjoy the fish and chip supper as much as the kids love the play centre.
We celebrated the Chinese new year, shrove Tuesday and had Orca spend two evenings with us for a fun pioneering project and a Pokemon themed programme.
Jack, Callum & Nicky represented Puffins at the District Beaver Games competition.
Puffins threw a special tea party for Mother’s Day where mums and Beavers had to decorate a small cake (baked by Rainbow). These were judged by our own Sue and my mum.
Renewal of Promise saw Puffins being awarded 2[nd] place in the District Rainbow Challenge Competition, which runs from April to March every year. Well done little people. Proud Keeo here!
Home from university, Bucky led a Brazil themed night and taught the Beavers a bit of Samba. It was a ten from me.
Wat Tyler Country Park was the venue for the District Beaver Nature Trail where the Beavers had to go around the park undertaking various fun tasks.
We had a visit from our local Community Support Officers and the Beavers loved putting the siren on in the police car. Sorry to the neighbours.
Another sleepover, this time at our own HQ. The theme was Under The Sea. This was done jointly with Penguins.
Knowing that Stifford were celebrating their 50[th] this year, Puffins filled some plant troughs with colourful flowers to commemorate it. These flowers have since been changed for artificial ones.
We finished off the summer term by having a teddy bear’s picnic and a fun game of rounders.
Puffins attended Playscheme in August. It’s lovely to see the Beavers try activities they’ve never done before.
In September we met at Condovers where we were treated to watching two fantastic search and rescue dogs do their thing. The Beavers loved hiding and being found.
Back at Monkey Bizzness in October. It’s lovely for the Beavers to spend time with our sister colony, Penguins and both our Cub Packs.
A few Puffins attended the Halloween party at Belhus Scout Group to help them raise funds.
Trinity, Jaxon and Felix represented Puffins at the District Challenge Afternoon, where we presented our colony entry of a model of the athletics stadium to be judged.
Our last night of the year had the Beavers bring friends along for a Christmas pyjama party.
This year I have presented approximately 166 badges and 6 Beavers gained their Chief Scout Bronze Awards.
There was a sad end to the year, though, when we said goodbye to Chip, who moved house. She is sorely missed at Puffins. We also lost Rainbow as she prepared to open our Group’s first ever Squirrel Drey and Sparkle who decided Scouts (ewww yukky teenagers) were better for her.
Thank you for all your support and for trusting me with your little people. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them have fun and making new friends.
Long may it continue!
Keeo xx
On cliffs by the sea where the wild winds play The Puffins laugh through the salt sprayed day With flapping wings and beaks so bright They dance on the waves till the fall of the night
They chatter and chirp where the seafoam gleams Sharing fish and all their future dreams New pals are found on every tide Together they soar, side by side.
Stifford Penguins Annual Report 2023
Beavers have had another busy and enjoyable year and between them have gained 173 badges.
We have attended many District Events which include St Renewal of Promise Service held at Hathaway Academy, Jamboree on the trail where we joined Stifford Puffins for a walk around Watt Tyle Park, Pitsea where we take to take phots of objects beginning with every letter of the Alphabet , we attended Play scheme for the day and Christmas Crafts Afternoon
We went to Langdon Nature Reserve to take part in a Nature Trail to do orienteering, We also attended two sleepovers at Monley Buziness visited Grays Fire station
Penguins and Puffins joined Dolphins during their annual summer camp at Thriftwood for the weekend where they took part in various activities including the water roller, earth ball, cave bus, kayaking and rafting.
We also took part in Stifford own Remembrance Day Parade held at Blackthorn Park.
None of this would be possible without the help of my Leaders Janet, Sofie, Rebecca, and our young Leaders Rebecca, William and Zac, my Occasional helper Natalie and a special thank you goes to Denise who looks after the Finance side for me.
At the time of writing this report in June 2024 One Beaver had successfully completed their Chief Scout Bronze award which is the highest achievement for Beavers.
Stifford Orca
Akela - Andrew Merritt
Report to the Parents of Stifford Orca Cub Scouts For the year ending 31 December 2024.
66 Aluric Close, Chadwell St. Mary, Grays, Essex. RM16 4NB Phone: 01375 411194 Mobile: 07966 027570 Email: akelaorca@gmail.com
Our numbers started and finished with 18 Cubs but went up and down during the year.
Although numbers were a little lower than in some years, we still awarded 157 Badges including 4 Silver Awards. We covered a variety of activity badges including Home Safety, Entertainer, Athletics, and Navigator among others. One of our Cubs even managed to earn her 20 Nights Away Badge for cumulative nights away.
We took part in all District-run events with great success. 21 Orca Cubs went to Camp in July and won the trophy for best Cub Pack. We also took 10 Cubs to Docklands for a whole day on the water, earning them a variety of water-based Activity Badges.
Andrew Merritt - (Cub Scout Leader - Akela)
Stifford Orca Cub Scouts - Stifford Sea Scout Group. Opposite 67 Prince Phillip Avenue, Grays, Essex, RM16 2BX
Stifford Sea Scouts
Registered Number - 41166 as Open Group 1974. Registered Charity Number - 302089
The Scout section has continued to thrive over the year; we began with the scouts competing in the district Lead Volunteer’s challenge” with scouts using public transport to get around London answering questions and getting photos at different locations.
All the scouts took part in the District Rifle shooting competition, and we had great success in the final with Harry French coming 1[st] in the individual competition and Stifford coming 2[nd] overall.
The Troop continued with work on the community Garden project, weeding and planting a garden on Blackthorn Park. This will be an ongoing project that will hopefully benefit the local park. In March, nine scouts took part in the County Backpack hike. This event had scouts walking 13km around the Hockley area completing challenges as they went.
In May 12 Scouts joined the rest of the district at the annual Jamborama camp at Condovers. All the scouts had a great experience creating their own market stalls and learning to be Entrepreneurs. Along with the usual camp activities of night hikes, team challenges, ballista catapults and campfires.
In June some of Stiffords scouts assisted the staff and Volunteers at Carolyne House care home with their summer Fete, scouts ran game stalls and help the home raise £1200 towards days out for the residence.
The summer culminated with the Essex International Jamboree. A week-long camp with 8000 scouts and guides from across the world. A small, tented village was created in Chelmsford with scouts getting to take part in lots of onsite activities from Quad biking to Archery, Shotguns to climbing as well as an It’s a Knockout Competition.
We returned after the summer with scouts honing their camping skills as we put them through their passes in a camping competition. Scouts had to plan, shop for and complete a weekend camp with no adult assistance.
November brought the district night hike with 2 Stifford teams taking part starting out at 8pm and finally finishing around 3am. Everyone persevered along the 13Km route but apart from being tiered, everyone made it back and slept soundly until the bacon rolls were ready later in the morning. It was also great to receive the winner’s trophy before heading home. We closed the year with a fun event at Flip out with scouts letting of some steam bouncing around for a few hours.
Throughout the year I have been impressed with the high standards of the scouts in the troop, they have shown they can apply themselves to almost every challenge. The troop have clocked up 203 nights away , 43 activities on water, and 51 days hiking. We also had eight scouts achieve their Chief Scout Gold award, congratulations to Matthew Tarff, Jensen Fisher, Sonny Read, Owen Merchant, Harry French, William Clarke, Ethan Witterick and Ollie Wall who I know will go on to great things in scouting.
I would like to thank the parents for their continued help and support over the year and would like to also thank the rest of the leadership team, without whom, I know the troop would not be going from strength to strength.
Ashley Kempster
Stifford sea scout section
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Email: stiffordscouts@outlook.com
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Stifford Sea Scouts
Annual Report & Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Stifford Sea Scout Group
Group Details
Charity Number 302089 Trustees of the Charity Sue Dodson Group Scout Leader Mark Hooper Chairman Vacant Secretary Andrew Merritt Acting Treasurer Joanne Price Beaver Scout Leader (Penguin) Denise Tuffee Beaver Scout Leader (Puffin) Andrew Merritt Cub Scout Leader (Orca) Deborah Rowe Cub Scout Leader (Dolphin) Ashley Kempster Scout Leader Steve Rowe Quartermaster Glen Willis Maintenance Officer
The Group is comprised of 5 sections.
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Members as at:
Section 31 December 2024 31 December 2023
Penguin Beaver Scouts 10 12
Puffin Beaver Scouts 6 14
Orca Cub Scouts 23 19
Dolphin Cub Scouts 28 36
Sea Scouts Scouts 30 26
Total Youth Membership 97 107
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Stifford Sea Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account Summary
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For the year
01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
from
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Total receipts for the year 29,158.84 31,392.75
Total payments in the year (32,415.34) (34,589.91)
Net receipts for the year (3,256.50) (3,197.16)
Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward 56,112.41 59,309.57
Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 52,855.91 56,112.41
Sue Dodson
Sign Print name
Andrew Merritt
Sign Print name
Joanne Price
Sign Print name
Denise Tuffee
Sign Print name
Ashley Kempster
Sign Print name
Deborah Rowe
Sign Print name
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Stifford Sea Scout Group - Consolidated Receipts and Payments Account
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For the year
01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
from
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Receipts
- -
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions 19,927.00 21,867.00
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (8,958.45) (8,777.25)
Net membership subscriptions retained 10,968.55 13,089.75
Donations/Camp contributions 16,502.83 17,783.34
- -
Jack Petchy Awards
- -
Repaid to parents for cancelled events
Loans from Section Leaders - -
Sub total 27,471.38 30,873.09
Grants
- -
Start up grants
- -
Other grants (Covid)
Sub total - -
Fundraising (gross)
Group Fundraising 543.46 519.66
- -
Group Funds held by Scouts
Donations 1,144.00 -
- -
Other fundraising activities
Sub total 1,687.46 519.66
Investment income
Bank interest - -
- -
Building Society interest
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
- -
Property Rent income
Other investment income - -
Sub total - -
Total Gross Income 29,158.84 31,392.75
- -
Asset and investment sales, etc.
Total receipts 29,158.84 31,392.75
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Stifford Sea Scout Group - Consolidated Receipts and Payments Account
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For the year
01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
from
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments 289.00 24.00
Youth programme and activities 12,589.42 11,327.68
- -
Adult support and training
Rent 952.17 888.41
- -
Water and Sewerage
Electricity and Gas 720.93 1,485.33
Insurance 1,852.49 2,223.76
Repairs and Renewals 120.00 3,939.94
- -
Materials and equipment
- -
Printing and photocopying
Contribution to camp costs 15,498.42 14,325.01
Uniforms 321.51 303.78
- -
AGM and trustee expenses
Web site - -
Bank charges 71.40 72.00
Admin - -
Sub total 32,415.34 34,589.91
- -
Fundraising expenses
Detail 1 - -
Detail 2 - -
- -
Other fundraising costs
Sub total - -
Total Gross Expenditure 32,415.34 34,589.91
- -
Asset and investment purchases, etc.
Total payments 32,415.34 34,589.91
Net of receipts/(payments) (3,256.50) (3,197.16)
Cash funds last year end 56,112.41 59,309.57
Cash funds this year end 52,855.91 56,112.41
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Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
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31st December 2024 31st December 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 52,621.92 55,397.75
- -
Bank deposit account
- -
Building society account
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Cash/Floats 233.99 714.66
Total cash funds 52,855.91 56,112.41
- -
Other monetary assets
Tax claim - -
- -
Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group
Insurance claim - -
Sub total - -
Investment assets - -
- -
Investment property - detail
Quoted investments - -
Other investments - detail - -
Sub total - -
- -
Non monetary assets for charity's own use
- -
Badge stock
- -
Shop stock
Other stock - -
- -
Land and buildings
Motor vehicles - -
- -
Scouting equipment, furniture etc.
Other - -
Sub total - -
Liabilities - -
- -
Accounts not yet paid
- -
Expenses incurred but not invoiced
- -
Subscriptions not yet paid
Loan - detail - -
Other liabilities - -
Sub total - -
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Contingent liabilities and future obligations
Andrew Merritt - Acting Group Treasurer
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Stifford Sea Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accOUr of the Stifford Sea Scout Group for the year ended 31 Decernber 2024. Responsibilitie5 and basis of report As the charity trustees of the StFfford Sea Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chariknes Act 20111'the Art'l. I report in respeci of my examination of the Stifford Sea Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying Dut my examination I have followed au the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matiers have coffle to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materièL re5pecL' accounting records were not kept in respect of the Stifftjrd Sea Scout Group as requtred by section 130 of the Art", or 2. the account5 do not accord wtth those record I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connertion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in thi5 report li) order to enabLe a proper understanding of the accounts to be aChed. Siyned: Name.. Stephen Morgan Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodie5-. CPFA. FMAAT Address= 39 Advice Avenue Chafford Hundred Grays Essex RM16 6QN Date.. 19 Apiil 2026