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2023-09-01-accounts

1[st] ROYAL FOREST SCOUT GROUP

Annual Report

And

Accounts

1st Sept 2022 – 31st August 2023

Charity Number: 30212

Chair’s Report

Another exciting year for the group, we have been growing again with the addition of an all-new Squirrel section and the restart of Thursday Beaver section. This takes us to 3 Scout troops, 2 Cub packs, 2 Beaver colonies and a Squirrel dray!

As you can imagine the lodge is now busy every evening in the week, with an increase in volunteers to support our young people in their Scouting adventure. We are looking as an Exec to support all these sections with improvements to facilities and opportunities for activities.

To this end, the rear area of the garage has now finished being boarded out and shelving erected, which means some of the equipment that was cluttering up the hall has now been moved out making a cleaner space for section meetings. We have applications in for grants to add to our activity equipment, including a sports and activity pack primarily for the Beaver and Squirrel sections and funding for climbing holds for the traversing wall we are erecting across the bridge. All new benches have been provided for the outside area, some made by the scouts themselves and funded by their fund raising.

Future plans need to include looking at the lodge roof and undertaking some repairs.. any roofers out there willing to help please contact me. Hopefully over the winter spring the hall itself will get a freshen up with new paint and we are still looking to build fire and cooking shelters in the grounds.

I’d like to thanks all the members of the exec for their work and support for the group, work that happens in the background to keep the group financially stable and able to operate. However, there is always more to do, and we could always do with more funding so we can continue with improvements and replacement of damaged equipment. Volunteers are always needed, if you can help either on the exec or just for an occasional few hours at odd times, please let us know. Lots of smaller jobs or bits of decorating that could be done at times that suit you 😊 Lastly, I’d like to express my thanks to all our leaders and volunteers that work with the young people, without these wonderful people we could not provide the learning and opportunities that the young people have access to. Our volunteers give up their time in the evenings and at weekends to help others. Additional time spent on courses to run their sections and to gain activity training and permits. Hopefully they feel they also benefit from all their effort, gaining new skills and seeing the young people they work with develop and grow over time.

Many thanks to you all for your support and help this year and we look forward to the next year

Steve McAuliffe Chair 1[st] Royal Forest Scout Group

Email – chair@1stroyalforest.org.uk Find us at: Website , Twiter , Instagram , Facebook

GSL report

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the leaders and the Executive for their hard work in the last year, and for the time they give up to allow the Group to operate. As we came out of the Pandemic it was still hard for the leaders to build up the skills that we lost over the previous years when we could not meet face to face, we also have had a number of leaders that have had issues with their health or have had to look after other family members, and I would like to thank and wish them all the very best and to get well as soon as they can. This has

caused us some issues with the skills that are in place and I would like to thank all the leaders for rallying around to help each other overcome planning and how to run sections.

This was the end of a 4 year cycle for the world Scout Jamboree which runs every 4 years and I am really pleased that 2 of our old Scouts were successful in getting chosen to represent their County and us at the World Scout Jamboree in S Korea, to coincide with this we also had Scouts join others at the Haarlem Jamborette in Holland and a big thank you to all of the leaders that went and took a District party across. This is a great first international camp for Scouts and hopefully there will be many more attending in the future.

Our Cubs attended a large gathering held in Cirencester Park this year called Evolution and my thanks go out to Ang Healy and all the leaders and helpers who took the Cubs along.

Looking forward we are planning to open a new Beaver Colony to reduce the waiting list we have and the Executive have also agreed that we can open a Squirrel Drey which is a new section for 4 to 6 year old’s within Scouting.

Lastly I would like to acknowledge the time that our Chairman puts into the running and maintenance of Beaver Lodge, with out his skills and time commitment we would not have the facility that we have, so Thanks Steve and also thanks to your family for allowing you to help out. Here’s to a new Scouting year and hopefully lots of young people and adults taking part with lots of great Scouting activities

Gareth Group Scout Leader

1st Royal Forest Wednesday Beaver Scouts Annual Report

The numbers for Beaver Scouts kept a heathy number of 18 throughout the year. We invested 9 new Beavers into our colony and saw 4 swim up to cubs, with 2 moving onto other adventures and 3 still with us. The Beaver section has been operating well since September and managed all our usual indoor and outdoor meetings.

1[st] Royal Forest Beavers paid respects to the queen after hearing the sad news that she had passed away. We read a poem and thanked the Queen for her service to Scouting. However, in May we made nature crowns for King Charles II and Queen Camilla’s coronation as we know they love nature.

We have covered a lot of Beaver badge work over the year by visiting the Arboretum and having a leaf hunt and naming the trees. Also, Pirate training, AKA, navigation skills; a pirate called Captain Black sheep wanted us to learn compass skills, locate ourselves on a map then using our skills we

found his treasure! 1st Royal Forest Beavers has been grass sledging, building fires, climbing at Forest climbing Centre, walks, first aid training, pond dipping, learning about each other’s hobbies or interests and raising £70.15 for the local hedgehog rescue centre. Billy and Kandy, two guide dogs for the deaf and blind came to visit us it was amazing how they had changed their owner’s lives.

A purrrrrr-fect time had by all at the Pantomime at Everyman theatre to watch Dick Whittington and his Cat. At our last meeting before Christmas we were interrupted by two elves, they wanted us to follow them through the snowy woods, it was magical as we found Santa who came back to the lodge and had party food and even played the hokey cokey with beavers and parents. In the New Year Beavers turned into Palaeontologists; we went fossil hunting and studied dinosaur bones. The most exciting time for me was the 'We're going on a bear hunt' camp. We hiked through the woods up to Nagshead, made seed bombs, went fishing, made bird boxes, constructed bubble wands to see if we could make huge bubbles but we could not find the bear. It was only after we hiked back to Beaver Lodge did we find them all over the grounds. I think we were tired from our hike as Beavers never woke until 7.30/8am in the morning!

Beavers have learnt to make sandwiches, decorate cakes, with help make tea or coffee and serve it to a very important person that they invited to our Very Important Person Cafe. 1st Royal Forest leaders came together in April for a Spring Fete, St. George's Day Parade and Be a Scout for day in May. In July we were involved in the Squirrel and Beaver open day, which saw a great number of young people interested in joining Scouts. Wednesday Beavers are looking forward to joining with the new Thursday Beaver colony and Squirrel drey over the next year for some fun activities.

All this could not be done without the amazing 1[st] Royal Forest Beaver Team. We welcomed Steve Doe and Tom Billingham into our colony, they have been a big help alongside Fran Barnett. Our amazing 4 young leaders, whom two have reached 18 years old and are now leaders! Not only they attend every week but are with us planning, providing material and even risk assessing. Without these amazing leaders, the 1[st] Royal Forest Beaver Scouts would not be able to do all the amazing, fun activities that we provide. We make a fantastic team together, here to more fun and games!

Kerry Billingham 1[st] Royal Forest Beaver Scout Leader

First Royal Forest Wednesday Scouts

We started September 2022 with 2 Leaders, 1 Young Leader and 12 Scouts. This year we have had 3 scouts move up to Explorers with 2 gaining their Gold award. In the Autumn term we camped at The Climbing Warehouse in Gloucester where Scouts took park in climbing and caving sessions, this was opened up to the other troops in order to fill the places.

At the beginning of term we volunteered with the Forestry maintaining the grounds around one of the bat houses near the college and learning about the bats that lived there, which all scouts enjoyed. Close to the beginning of term we also gained Sam as a Leader.

In the Spring Term scouts completed bike maintenance and took part in a forest cycle ride in order to complete their cycling badge. We also swam at Freedom Leisure Lydney where all scouts who attended completed at least their Level 1 Swimming badge. We also took part in the International Embers Campfire as well as bouldering at Forest Climbing in Cinderford.

In the Summer Term we worked with Pillowell Recreation Grounds learning about the history of the Rec and helping to maintain it, a number of scouts live local so this gave an added interest to the visits. We also climbed at Plump Hill and kayaked at Symonds Yat which was enjoyed by all scouts who took part. At the end of the term scouts were able to try both rifle shooting and archery at Beaver Lodge.

As a group we combined together to attend Strategy which was enjoyed by all those who attended. Throughout the year we had 4 scouts leave and gained scouts from cubs and new to scouting to end the summer term with 13 scouts and 3 Leaders having said Goodbye to Issy who is now at University. As a Leadership team we would like to thank everyone who has helped make the year a success including parents and members of the wider scouting teams. We are still seeking a Young Leader and active leaders willing to help with planning and attend regularly in order to continue the varied and active program through 2024.

Tracy Lashford

Thursday Cubs Report

This year has been a lot of ups and down with new cubs joining, cubs going on to Scouts, and of course the tried and steady core group.

Due to the lovely "change in a minute" weather patterns over the year we’ve learned to pivot quickly and have spent a lot of time indoors working on badges like Entertainer and Artist; nevertheless, we have occasionally been able to get outside to enjoy the sporadic sunshine and learn things like bike maintenance for Cycling and orienteering for their Navigator badge!

This Autumn term has probably been the hardest as we’ve had less numbers than expected both in returning after summer break as well as people have emailed to join but then not actually shown, or decided that the Thursday evening wasn’t as expected due to the later meeting times; however, having a growing leadership team, and some brilliant young leaders, has made it easier to have a lot of fun working our way to the Chiefs Silver badge for the 3 cubs who are leaving next so I’m very happy to say they’ve only one or two last things to tidy up to then award before they move on! Even with these “hiccups"

I have to say It’s all of the cubs, each one, who’ve made it all worthwhile for the Thursday Team, especially as the primary leader!

Jon Humphrey

Tuesday Cubs Report 2023

September 2022 saw us start the year with a great programme of both indooor and out door Activities.

Cubs enjoyed Firelighting Cooking on fires and also campfire singing.

We attended the Remembrance Parade in Bream and had a good turn out as usual.

Tuesday cubs have attended several camps including an Easter Camp where Cubs designed and filled their own Easter eggs - the eggs were kindly donated by Forest Food Bank. Later in the Summer, Sixers and Seconders attended Evolution Camp and had a great time.!

During Spring term we held a joint activity afternoon with Wednesday Beavers. The theme was

Hedgehogs. We raised £75 for a local Hedgehog rescue called Samantha’s Little Prickles.

Over the year 3 x Tuesday cubs have been awarded their Chief Scout Silver Award and also 2 Cubs have recently been awarded the final stage for the Youshape badge. Currently 16 cubs on role with 4 adults and 2 Young Leaders.

Ang Healy

The following section was started in September 2023 and it was agreed that the Council members would like to be made aware of the progress made in the last two months.

Squirrel Drey news

During the spring and early summer of 2023 the GSL Gareth asked Ellie if she would be willing to head up a second Beaver Colony as there was a significant waiting list. As part of these discussions and a further look at the list it was identified there were also a significant number of young people of Squirrel age. There are only 2 other Squirrel Dreys in the District – Aylburton and Lydney and Newent. Both were full with waiting lists. It was decided to open a Squirrel Drey and Stephanie volunteered to head the team.

An open event was held on Sunday 16[th] July, inviting all the appropriate aged young people on the Beaver waiting list (between 4-6 years old and the invitation was also put out to the Aylburton and Lydney Squirrel waiting list through their GSL. The open event was supported by other leaders in the Group, in particular the Beaver colony and the District Network. 22 young people registered to join the Drey and another 8 were added to the waiting list not quite of age. 7 adults offered to help.

During the summer and early September DBS checks and initial training was started and some initial planning with the Drey opening on September the 15[th] with 21 of the 22 attending.

Over the next few weeks the Squirrels got to know each other and the leaders, they gained their all about me badge, learned about recycling and reusing, made some amazing picture using what they found outside, learned all about being a Squirrel Scout and their Promise and for Halloween did weird experiments and overall we have had great fun. We invested 13 Squirrels just before half term and we have a brilliant leadership team of 9 adults, one experienced leader (Stephanie) and two new leaders who have already started working towards their full leader training to gain their Wood-badge.

There are 6 new Squirrels joining in November leaving 15 of age on the waiting list. One of the new leaders is happy to lead a team to open a second Squirrel Drey and discussion are on going as to where that should be based.

Stephanie

Recycling and reusing

1 st Royal Forest Squirrel Scout Dray

1[st] Royal Forest Scout Group Treasurer’s Report – 1[st] September 2022 to 31[st] August 2023 Charity Number: 302126

The Accounts included in this report have been prepared by myself, Diane Ruck as Group Treasurer. The accounts cover the period from 1[st] September 2022 to 31[st] August 2023 - attached The Group operates 3 bank accounts:

Standing Order payments

The majority of parents are now paying by Standing Order – thank you – this is very much appreciated. There is a small saving by paying by standing order – if you would like to start paying in this way please ask your Leader for the necessary form.

Subscriptions – Membership fees

The average income for subscriptions per month has been £1,300.00. This is likely to increase due to the re-opening of Thursday Beavers and the start-up of Squirrels on a Friday. Payments for Activities and Camps – increasingly bank payments are now being used to pay for trips and activities. When using this facility please ensure that any payments contain a reference to the activity and your child’s section. It will assist with allocating income to the correct expenditure.

Gift Aid – following a continued effort of leaders to get parents to sign up for the Gift Aid Scheme, we have continued to claim Gift Aid from the HMRC in respect of Gift Aid on the subscriptions that you all pay for your children. A total of £2,196.41 has been claimed in the period 1[st] September 2022 to 31[st] August 2023. If you haven’t signed up already, get a form from your Leader. The income raised through the Gift Aid Scheme is used to give financial assistance to members wishing to attend an International Camps, Activities and local camps. Although these funds have been little used this year they will remain available to fund camps and activities in the future eg. Next World Jamboree and Haarlam Camp in Holland.

Lodge Hire

With the continued improvements to the Lodge, demand for rentals is an increasingly important source of income from the Group. The Executive and all the Leaders continue to make an impressive effort to improving and maintaining the Lodge.

Summary

Despite a small in year loss in the current account, due in part to increased utility prices and ongoing maintenance, all of the Group’s accounts are in a good position and able to ensure the continued provision of quality Scouting at 1[st] Royal Forest Scout Group

Diane Ruck Group Treasurer

1[st] Royal Forest Scout Group

MINUTES OF THE AGM

18th November 2022 Beaver Lodge @ 7.00 pm

Members Present

Gareth Ovens (Group Scout Leader), Steve McAuliffe (Chair), Diane Ruck (Treasurer), Alison Buttery (Secretary), Brian Wingfield, Steve Crick, Lucy Crick, Sam Clayton, Louise Temblett, Kerry Billingham, Anita Wintle, Jon Humphrey and Martin Williams.

WELCOME:

The chair welcomed everybody to the meeting including Martin Williams the District Training Manager who was representing the District .

APOLOGIES:

These were received from Ang Healy, Fiona Morrissey, Tracy Lashford, Alina Lashford, Tom Billingham and Mark Stapleton (District Commissioner)

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING 26[th] NOVEMBER 2021

Copies have been available on the Group web site and hard copies were available at the meeting. The Chair asked for approval by a show of hands.

PRESENTATION OF THE ACCOUNTS

The treasurer presented a copy of the accounts which had been posted on line and copies were also available at the meeting.

The executive had discussed and approved the accounts at their meeting on the 23[rd] October and the treasurer pointed out that we had received numerous grants and payments which stood us in good stead for the next year.

Our income from gift aid is of great benefit and should slightly improve as the subscriptions return to normal level. Although our accounts show a healthy position during the next year there will be more expenditure as we return to full time scouting.

The Chair thanked the treasurer and asked that the accounts are adopted this was proposed by Kerry Billingham and seconded by Alison Buttery and agreed by a show of hands.

ADOPTION OF REPORT

The Executive approved the Annual Report at their meeting held on the 23[rd] October 2022; they have been available on the Group web site together with copies available at the meeting. The Chair thanked the Secretary for producing the report and asked the meeting to adopt it; this was proposed by Martin Williams and seconded by Sam Clayton and agreed by a show of hands.

TO ELECT THE GROUP TREASURE AND GROUP SECRETARY.

Diane Ruck as Treasurer and Alison Buttery as Secretary were proposed as there were no further names forthcoming, that they be elected was proposed by Gareth and seconded by Anita Wintle and agreed by a show of hands

GROUP SCOUT LEADERS NOMINATION OF CHAIR.

Gareth nominated Steve as Chair and thanked for all the work that he has done during the last 12 months, the meeting approved the nomination by a show of hands.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE

The Chair read a list of ex-offico members of the Executive Committee.

The Group Chair Steve McAuliffe The Group Secretary Alison Buttery The Group Treasurer Diane Ruck The Group Scout Leader Gareth Ovens The District Chair and District Commissioner have a right to attend

ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section Leader Monday Scouts Fiona Morrissey Section Leader Tuesday Cubs Ang Healy Section Leader Tuesday Scouts Steve Crick Section Leader Wednesday Beavers Kerry Billingham Section Leader Thursday Cubs Jon Humphrey

That they be elected proposed by Diane Ruck and seconded by Steve McAuliffe and approved by the meeting by a show of hands.

THE GROUP SCOUT LEADERS NOMINATION TO THE GROUP EXECUTIVE.

Gareth nominated Sam Clayton (Scout Leader), Anita Wintle (Parent) and Louise Temblett (Parent) That the nominations be accepted was proposed by Diane Ruck and seconded by Steve McAuliffe and by a show of hands approval by the meeting.

THE GROUP SCOUT LEADERS REPORT.

Gareth referred those present to his report which is on the Group Web site, in the Annual report together with a copy on the rear of the agenda.

THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Gareth introduced Martin Williams the District Training Manager who thanked the Group for the invite and from the report there had been lots going on.

Martin said: Royal Forest is always at the forefront of the District, it supplies loads of activities within the group and wider in the District .

My Huge tanks go to all the leaders, helpers and executive members for making the group such a success .

Gareth need a special vote of thanks as he seems to be able to fit 25 hours into everyday and is always there when you need him !

A special thanks must go to Brian and Steve (Chairman) as already mentioned, for his outstanding services to the Group and Scouting in general .

Please remember the District Team is there to support the group and its sections with training, advice and help programming .

Martin also mentioned that Squirrel’s would be able to do Nights Away from January 2023 Martin also read out a report from Mark Stapleton (District Commissioner):

Thank you for the invite to your AGM. However I was not able to attend due to another Scout Appointment and I am sure that Martin Williams will be able to reflect my points to be made. Thank you Martin.

While in my first year of my appointment it has been a challenge to bring the district back up to speed after leaving the past two years behind. Royal Forest has been a lead in the District bringing scouting back into the great outdoors and providing opportunities.

The Challenges for us ahead are around recruiting Parents to our Executives and the need to ensure that they are supported and encouraged to be a vital part of how we operate. Although section leaders have a role in the executive, this should be a fair balance between parents or group friends and leaders.

We also have a challenge to bring younger members into the support roles in scouting and we are in need of ensuring we have representation in the 18 to 30 age range on the group executive. I hope that during this meeting you have been able to achieve this balance, and nominate parents into these roles on the Group Executive or just as members to the executive.

There is an important role for all of us to play, and as a District team we are here to help you all, parents and leaders to achieve the best scouting for your young people.

PRESENTATIONS

Martin presented 20 Year Certificate to Diane Ruck, Chief Scout’s Commendation to Steve McAuliffe, 5 Year Certificate to Jon Humphrey.

Michelle Screen & Lloyd Townsend also achieved there 5 Year Certificates

CLOSE OF MEETING

The Chair then thanked everybody for coming and declared the meeting closed. Refreshments were then served.

GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 26th November 2023 AGENDA

  1. Welcome

  2. Apologies

3. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 18th November 2022

  1. To receive the Accounts

  2. To receive the Annual report of the Group

  3. To change the title of the Executive Committee to Board of Trustees.

  4. To adopt the Constitution to reflect the change of name

  5. To elect the Secretary and Treasurer to the Board of Trustees

  6. To approve the Group Scout Leaders nomination of the Chair of the Trustees Board

  7. To Confirm Ex-officio members of the Trustee Board

  8. Election of members of the Council to the Group Trustee Board

  9. Group Scout Leaders nomination to the Group Trustee Board

  10. The nomination of Co-opted members to the Group Trustee Board

  11. Appoint an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer

  12. The Group Scout Leader

  13. The District Commissioner

  14. Awards and Presentations

  15. Close of meeting

FIRST ROYAL FOREST SCOUT GROUP INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST, 2023 INCOME Dep A/C Interest Subscriptions Lodge Hire Events/Camp5 HMRC GiftAid EXPENSES £31.011 Repairs & Maint Gas/Elec Badges Water £4,506.56 £15,267.00 £4,024.00 £3,474.3J. £2,196.41 £1,000.00 EI,200.66 £1,997.79 £703.64 £158.20 Phonellnternet Capitètiori Insurance Camps/Activities Waste RLmoval Section Resources Misc £434.76 (irant £5,782.00 £3,985.31 £7,481.85 £1,627.89 £397.80 Fund Raising Donations £720.00 Uniform £25.00 Mlsc £733.24 Uniform £27S.00 Equipment Adult Training Cleaning Subs Refunded £2,579.78 £75.00 £28,005.71 £120.00 LOSS FOR YEAR £3,366.77 £192.00 Licences £252.70 Fundraising c.osts £68.96 £31,372.48 £31.372.48 BANK ACCOUNTS bal b/fwd HSBC CIA LLOYDS CIA DEPOSIT AIC £12,607.81 LOS5 FOR YEAR £3,366.77 £11,122.25 £4,720.99 £4,465.44 £23,675.45 £6.633.24 Bal c./fiNd'. HSBC £4,434.40 LLOYDS DEP Alc £23,675.45 furnished to me and I hereby certify them as correct. S. Stho¥k Windermere, Parkend. Lydney 5th FebrLitiry, 2024

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of On accounts for the yeay ended Charity no (If any) 7oallL. 311 ofi 2cii3 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust.) for the year ended 31 Of Ic.) Y B Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's account5 carried out under section 145 of the 2011 AGt and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sedion 145{5){b) of the Act. I have completed rny examination. I confirm that no rnaterial matters have come to my attention (other than thal disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with seclion 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting record Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in ordèr lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. P18ase delete the words in the braGkets if they do not apply. Date: Signed: Name: Relovant Professional qualification(sl or body {if any): Address: IER October 2018