## **1[ST] CROOKHAM (ODIHAM DISTRICT) SCOUT GROUP** ## **2025 AGM REPORT** ## **19 November 2025** **Registered Charity Number 302270** ## **Chair’s Report** I am pleased to report that 1st Crookham Scout Group has had another fun and action-packed year. This has been made possible through a varied programme of activities and events, which have been planned and delivered by our brilliant Leadership team and Sections. I would therefore like to thank all our volunteer Leaders, Section Members and Assistants for running a successful Scouting year for 1st Crookham. I would also like to congratulate some of our longstanding team members, both past and present, who have gained notable achievements and awards including special commendations for service. 1st Crookham is fortunate to have dedicated and experienced leaders working alongside our newer volunteers to create a strong team. I would also like to thank the Trustee Board for their continued work behind the scenes in ensuring that the group follows good governance and is properly resourced to run an effective programme. It has been a privilege to Chair the Board of 1st Crookham over the last nine years, but the time has now come for me to pass the baton on to a new Chair. Scouts UK has been leading a major transformation to change how scouting is run, as detailed in the updated Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/ Volunteering is following a new teams-based approach, allowing for more flexibility to suit people’s skills, interests and time, enabling tasks to be shared among a team. The Board of Trustees will primarily focus on good governance, health and safety, and safeguarding of our young people. Our Lead Volunteer Martin Cair has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the group is well managed and resourced, but we are currently holding vacancies for key roles (including Chair and Treasurer) which we are actively seeking to fill. We therefore need new volunteers to equip the group to operate effectively under the POR and will re-advertise roles that need filling. In the meantime, please get in touch the Lead Volunteer if you would like to get involved in any capacity. This is my last report as Chair, so a final heartfelt thanks to past and present Trustee Board members for their support and guidance over the years. I wish 1st Crookham continued success in delivering scouting for our young members. **Sujata Sinha Chair (to 2025) 1st Crookham Scout Group** ## **Treasurer’s Report** The Group has been without an appointed Treasurer since early 2025, so I would like to extend my sincere thanks to **Mark Medler** for his invaluable assistance in preparing this report. My thanks also go to **Ian Masters** for once again conducting an independent review of the accounts. For the financial year ending **31 December 2024** , the Group achieved a healthy overall surplus of **£11,475** , reflecting careful management of resources and the continued generosity of our members and supporters. This surplus is made up of: - **Group activities** : surplus of **£6,042** - The Group’s aim is to broadly break even on regular activities each year (excluding Den fundraising and related expenditure). Regular daytime hall hire provided a valuable income stream of **£5,117** . Subscription rates were increased for the first time in many years to ensure sustainability, and while costs have remained challenging - particularly payments per young person to District, County, and UK levels - these were partly offset by slightly lower membership numbers. Utility costs were effectively controlled through supplier changes and the installation of timers on hall heaters, delivering meaningful savings. - **Den fundraising** : surplus of **£5,432** Several successful fundraising activities were held during the year, including a **Fun Day at the Den** , a **collection at the fireworks** , and participation in **Fleet Festivities** . The Statement of Assets shows total reserves of **£164,230** as of **31 December 2024** , comprising a **general reserve (£38,845)** and a **Den improvement/replacement reserve (£137,097)** . Our reserves policy ensures the Group remains in a strong financial position and able to meet future commitments. Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor and manage costs carefully, seeking opportunities to reduce overheads and ensure we are always on the best available rates - particularly for utilities. Maintaining our financial resilience remains a key priority as we support the Group’s activities and plan for future improvements. If you have any questions regarding the accounts or financial position, feel free to contact treasurer@1stcrookham.org **Martin Cair Group Lead Volunteer 1[st] Crookham Scout Group** ## **GLV’s Report** Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to **Mark Medler** , who stood down in the summer of 2024 after 7½ years as Group Scout Leader. Mark’s dedication, leadership, and countless hours of service have been instrumental in shaping the success of 1st Crookham Scout Group, and we wish him well as he continues to focus on the **Rebuild Project** . I am also very grateful to **Mark Brook** , **Jeremy Styles** , and **Toby Roe** for their commitment in helping run the Group during the period without an appointed Group Scout Leader. **2024** saw the Group in good health, running a full programme of adventurous and engaging Scouting across all sections. We continued to operate **three Beaver Colonies** , **three Cub Packs** , and **three Scout Troops** , ending the year with **167 youth members** and **51 appointed adult volunteers** , including a full Trustee Board. While the **Beaver sections** operated slightly below capacity due to adult team constraints, Cubs and Scouts maintained near-full capacity for most of the year. The waiting list for Beavers remains healthy, and all young people wishing to progress into **Cubs and Scouts** were able to do so. Leadership provision across the Group was generally strong, though we continue to seek additional adult volunteers to maintain the best possible experience for all our members. We remainded well resourced for **archery, tomahawk** , and **air rifle** instruction, as well as **nights away activities** . Each section delivered a full, varied, and inspiring programme throughout the year: ## **Beavers:** _Spring term_ - Fun and games; Dark hike; Fire lighting; Exploring our beliefs; Health and fitness; Pancakes; Visit to the Aldershot Buddhist Temple; Circus skills; Bee keeping; Spring Camp; Problem solving. _Summer term_ - Fun and games; Tomahawks; Fire lighting and campfire cooking; Following a trail; Community impact with Friends of Basingbourne Park; Nature hike; Pioneering; Kayaking; Tents and camping kit; Summer Camp with Cubs; Hike to Odiham Castle; Water fight. _Autumn term_ - Fun and games; Health, fitness and balanced diets; Autumn Camp; Road safety chip hike; Nature art; Egg-drop challenge; Bird feeders; Making the guy and other traditional activities; Bonfires, fireworks, and burning the guys; Disability awareness; Hobbies and collections; Christmas party and disco ## **Cubs:** _Spring term_ - Welcome/admin/games; Environmental conservation badge (Water Day); Personal safety badge; Fires and backwoods cooking; Pancakes; Local services map; Archery; Air rifles; Visit to Crondall Church; World Scout Jamboree presentation; Hike; Easter craft. _Summer term_ – Welcome back; St George's Day hike; Money skills; Pioneering; Hike; Fleet Pond activity; Fires; Navigator; Three Dens sponsored hike; Camp preparation; Tree badge; Friends of Basingbourne; Camp; Badge night; Water activities; Family Day _Autumn term_ - Welcome back; Six Dens hike; Fires and backwoods cooking; Skater badge; Air rifles; Tomahawks; Metal detecting; Scientist badge; Guy making; Bonfire and fireworks; Digital maker; Chip hike; Jump-In trampolining. ## **Scouts:** _Spring term_ - Games, troop forum, code of conduct; Global challenge and Shelterbox; Backwoods cooking; Escape room challenge; Pancake week; District incident hike planning; District incident hike; Air rifles; Skittles; Basingbourne Park activity; Survival skills; Overnight survival skills. _Summer term_ - Games, troop forum; St Georges Day hike; Pioneering; Bike maintenance; Backwoods cooking; Cycle shakedown; Chip hike; Guernsey camp; Archery; Team challenge; Sharp edged night; Community service with FOBP; Orienteering; Water sports. _Autumn term_ - Games, troop forum; 6 dens challenge hike and overnight camp; Backwoods cooking; Fleet Pond Society volunteering; World Scout Jamboree presentation; Shooting competition; AED/chip hike; Pioneering; Above ground camp; Fireworks; Indoor pioneering; Go-carting; Rob's Appalachian Trail Adventures; Mystery meal; Christmas Party Beyond section activities, the Group came together for key community events including the Family Fun Day in July, RBL Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Parade, and Fleet Festivities fundraising. Our young people’s perseverance, creativity, and teamwork have been outstanding throughout the year. Our young members have achieved remarkable success this year: **22 Beavers, 6 Cubs, and 12 Scouts** earned their **Chief Scout’s Awards** — a fantastic reflection of their enthusiasm, perseverance, and the dedication of their leaders. We also celebrate the outstanding contributions of several volunteers: - **Phil Smith** - Award for Merit - **Alex Furneaux** - Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service - **Mark Medler** - Chief Scout's 20-years’ Service Award - **Tony Holland** - Chief Scout's 15-years’ Service Award - **Michelle Hiseman** - Chief Scout's 15-years’ Service Award - **Martin Cair** - Chief Scout's 10-years’ Service Award - **Becca Wilson** - Chief Scout's 5-years’ Service Award - **Rich Sanders** - Chief Scout's 5-years’ Service Award - **Phillip Siggery** - Chief Scout's 5-years’ Service Award As ever, deepest thanks go to all our **leaders, team members, trustees, parents** , and **supporters** for their tireless work behind the scenes and on the front line of Scouting. **2024** has been a year of achievement, resilience, and teamwork. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the enthusiasm of our young people, 1st Crookham Scout Group continues to thrive. We look forward to building on this strong foundation as we strengthen our teams and continue delivering outstanding Scouting for our young people and our broader community. **Martin Cair Group Lead Volunteer 1st Crookham Scout Group** **1ST CROOKHAM (ODIHAM DISTRICT) SCOUT GROUP** **Registered Charity Number 302270** ## **Income and Expense for the Year ended 31st December 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Group Operations Den Fundraising Total
Year to Year to Year to Year to
31/12/2024 31/12/2024 31/12/2024 31/12/2023
INCOME
Membership subscriptions £24,812.66 £24,812.66 £21,359.00
Less: Membership subscriptions paid to (District) -£10,177.50 -£10,177.50 -£10,175.00
Den rebuilding fundraising £5,432.92 £5,432.92 £6,404.31
Donations/grants £109.96 £109.96 £1,410.00
Hall Hire £5,117.00 £5,117.00 £493.00
T-Shirts £89.86 £89.86 £242.00
Gift Aid £4,671.64 £4,671.64 £4,923.15
Camps / Activities £11,774.50 £11,774.50 £12,832.60
Courses / Uniforms £704.00 £704.00 £0.00
100 Club £204.00 £204.00 £0.00
Miscellaneous £250.00 £250.00 £0.00
Total Income £37,556.12 £5,432.92 £42,989.04 £37,489.06
EXPENDITURE
Utilities & Cleaning £5,556.52 £5,556.52 £7,182.94
Insurance £1,918.07 £1,918.07 £1,743.94
Repairs & Maintenance £467.48 £467.48 £775.00
Admin expenses £0.00 £0.00 £241.49
Badges £1,866.00 £1,866.00 £2,150.00
Den rebuild fundraising expenses £144.62 £144.62 £0.00
Courses / Uniforms £820.00 £820.00 £175.25
T-Shirts £0.00 £0.00 £0.00
Equipment £555.57 £555.57 £1,722.75
Section Expenses £7,374.38 £7,374.38 £6,198.95
100 Club £0.00 £0.00
Camps / Activities £9,636.55 £9,636.55 £14,691.31
Miscellaneous / Unknown £1,619.74 £1,619.74 £78.35
Fundraising Expenses £144.62 £144.62 £111.83
Online payment fees / charges - GoCardless £1,239.29 £1,239.29 £1,165.91
Online payment fees / charges - OSM £171.00 £171.00
Online payment fees / charges - SumUp £0.00 £2.92
Total Expenditure £31,513.84 £0.00 £31,513.84 £36,240.64
Surplus / (Deficit) for the year £6,042.28 £5,432.92 £11,475.20 £1,248.42
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**STATEMENT OF ASSETS**
Total Assets brought forward
Surplus / (Deficit) for the year
**Total Assets carried forward**
Represented by:
Headquarters (February 2016 valuation)
Total Non Monetary Assets(1)
Barclays Main Account
Barclays Savings Account
Dudley BS Bond
Cash
Section Funds
100 Club(2)
Total Monetary Assets
**Total Assets**|Year to
Year to
31/12/2024
31/12/2023
£364,229.78
£362,981.36
£6,042.28
£1,248.42
£370,272.06
£364,229.78
£200,000.00
£200,000.00
£200,000.00
£200,000.00
£38,845.47
£33,596.41
£49,632.42
£44,411.24
_£87,465.00_
£85,000.00
£1,281.00
£452.62
£484.31
£769.51
£357.12
£0.00
£178,065.32
£164,229.78
**£378,065.32**
**£364,229.78**| |---|---| Notes: (1): A valuation for the HQ for insurance purposes was undertaken and agreed by the Executive Committee in 2016 (2): 100 club not included in 2024 accouts Independent •xamlneVs report to the trustees of 14t Crookhim (0dl￿M District) Scout Group (Charrty number. 302270) I rewrtto the trustees ￿ my wmination ofthe accounts of the I" Crookham (Odham Dlstrict) Scout Graup forthe year ended 311t Decernber 202 Responslbliltles and basis of report A5 th• th•rftytrustsAs of th• Ilt Crookham Iodlhwm Dlstrlctl Scout Group you are rewM$ibie forthe pr•paration of the accounts In 8c