Hamble Sea Scouts Group AGM 2024 Report from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
I would like to thank those who have volunteered to be part of the Board of Trustees, during the past year, for their hard work and dedication to supporting the group in providing Scouting for our young people. It has been a busy year and without the commitment of this group of people, we would not have been able to make progress in so many areas. Much of the work of the Board of Trustees, which this year has also included your section leaders, happens behind the scenes and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an overview of some of the work that has taken place. This has included: - The transfer of banking to a new provider to allow greater access to and control of accounts.
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The creation of district specific email addresses and teams groups to improve and professionalise communication throughout the group. - Rationalisation of the fleet of watercraft; including the disposal of previously written off vessels, to ensure access to vessels at the marina.
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Scout HQ maintenance; including cleaning of the drains, clearing of guttering, maintenance of toilets, removal of the oil tank, temporary floor repairs, building of tent store and removal of unnecessary furniture.
We are also working towards the following:
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Online payments through OSM to simplify systems for both parents and section leaders. - OSM based prepaid account cards for section leaders to remove the need for them to spend their own money and claim this back.
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Further rationalisation of the unused fleet and equipment to allow space to be available to maintain the fleet, provide scouting and store equipment effectively. - Further Scout HQ maintenance; including the rendering of the outside ends of the building.
As we move to the new formation of the Board of Trustees, we will be looking to extend the group of volunteers available to give a small amount of time to support scouting for our young people.
Group Lead Volunteer Annual Report
Firstly, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Scott Burns, the newly appointed Group Lead Volunteer. I have been a member of 6th Hamble Sea Scouts for over 25 years, coming through the group as a Scout, Explorer, Young Leader and adult Leader. I gained my wood beads (full leadership qualification) at the young age of 19 and took over running the Cub Pack since this, I only took some time away from being Akela to raise my own child, who, as soon as he could he accompanied me to Cubs, and I've been with this section ever since.
I was appointed the Group Lead Volunteer in April of this year. Since then, I've visited and assisted with each section, checking in with other volunteers and the young people who attend. The aim of this was to support the other volunteers, meet the young people and to get to know the lay of the land.
This has now been completed and we are moving into the winter season. It's my intention to continue to support the various sections, enable some training courses, assist with program planning and to enable other volunteers to develop their skills and learning. This will empower all members of the group to continue to deliver activities to the best of their abilities, to enjoy themselves and all the experiences that scouting has to offer, and of course for everyone to develop skills for life.
By continuing to be visible, approachable and willing to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in, I feel that I have gained valuable insight into the running of a group this large and the different challenges the members face.
With your support as the Group Scout Council and the support of the Board of Trustees, we will ensure that the Group is continuing to thrive, continuing to develop, and continues to enable the young people to develop life-long friendships.
I believe that working together in a transparent and proactive manner, we will continue to encourage the learning of relevant and current skills and enable all members to thrive and develop the skills they will need for life
Squirrels Annual Report
Our Drey was started by Georgia Robinson who has now stepped down since having a new baby and a new job. Helen O'Connor is now the Squirrels Leader with Katie Fowler, Chrissy McManus and Hannah Howels assisting. The parents have been instrumental in allowing Squirrels to continue by stepping up to the parents rota, and big thanks to Elaine too, who is now enjoying being a more occasional helper.
We have had a Drey of 12 Squirrels, but are excited to have invited 4 more to join in September. So far we have had 19 Squirrels, with 7 having moved up to Beavers. Since our Squirrels Drey opened last year our Squirrels have earnt 235 Badges including 7 Chief Scout Acorns, which is the highest award a Squirrel can achieve. We have started the YouShape Award which was recently introduced and are looking forward to our sessions inspired by their ideas.
This Year the squirrels have enjoyed a trip to the fire station (where 2 were invested), the Squirrels Drey's first birthday party, Hikes, Bouldering, Squirrels Olympics, and weekend sessions of swimming and boating (both earning some staged badges). We've learnt about Diwali, Chinese New Year, Burns Night, Wimbledon, Scout Jamboree and the Olympics. Our Squirrels have gathered goods for the local food bank and built a bug hotel
at the hut. Some of our older Squirrels joined the Beavers sleepover at the Winchester Science Museum
We are looking forward to another fun year of Squirrels.
Beavers Annual Report
Between 1 April 2023 and now Beavers have achieved 553 badges between them. Including 13 Bronze awards which is the top award for Beavers.
As well as the progress on their 6 challenge badges, most beavers have completed: time on the water 2, Nautical skills 1, A Swim badge, 2 Hikes, 2-3 nights away, Emergency aid, Money skills, International, Safety, Experiment, Health and Fitness, Cyclist, and Cook this year.
We have maintained a colony of 24 beavers almost at all times due to the length of the waiting lists. We have had two section assistance go into uniform to look smarter at meetings and Rosie completed her Wood badge (leadership) training. We have had a great turn out on our parent rota enabling us to do lots of exciting activities.
We have had one young leader finish their time with us after completing a DofE section and another complete their young leader belt as well as another level of DofE. Events of note for the year for Beavers were:
An amazing time at district camp despite going home overnight due to the extreme rain and muddy conditions.
We had a little sleep at an amazing district sleepover at Winchester science centre and took a few of the squirrels along too.
We have visited Botley Mill, Ninja Warrior and the Beach, as well as receiving visits from Police Sniffer Dogs and Hamble's Fire Engine.
Helen Walker also achieved her 5 year service award.
Cubs Annual Report
Cubs has maintained its full capacity of 36 members for most of the year and has seen most eligible beavers move up and remain with us long term.
We now have 4 uniformed leaders (+ Akela), with 2 currently undertaking their wood bead training. And 1 young leader who is taking a more active role in the section .We also have a great group of parents who are always willing to help out when needed. Over the last year cubs have given out over 400 badges, including 7 Chief Scout Silver Awards. (since Sept 23)
Cubs raised over £500 for Cancer Research at an event they planned and ran themselves, which was attended by family members, district representatives and even a couple of teachers from Hamble Primary. We have been away on camp, had sleepovers, attended mud run, welcomed an ambulance along, visited the Solent Sky Museum and Hamble Lifeboat and held the annual family bike ride. We've commemorated D Day and Remembrance Day, through themed nights and have participated in local parades. We've taken to the water for summer boating sessions, offering kayaking, sailing, rowing, rafting and SUP as well as supporting WetWheels for their annual Pirate Powerboating trips. We have worked on our scouting skills with a termly rotation of navigation, first aid, knots, fire lighting and camp craft, as well as accessing our on site adventurous activities like shooting, archery and bouldering. We also took our Sixers and Seconders away on an additional night away, to work on their leadership skills.
We have also kept in touch with Clipper Race boat - Ha Long Bay and are pleased to say our necker has made it all the way around the world on the WINNING boat. We are hoping to be reunited with it soon, so we can frame it to hang in the HQ.
Scouts Annual Report
Over the past year we have maintained steady numbers of approximately 40 scouts. We have 2 leaders and 3 assistant leaders. We also have several skills instructors that join us during boating season and for rifle shooting. We are in need of more regular help during Friday evenings.
Scouts have enjoyed many activities over the past year including competing at the Solent Scout Regatta and National Scout Rifle Championship, RN Sea Scouts Swimming Gala, Sausage Fest and Mud Run. We won many trophies and awards at each of these and had great fun at all of them. We have visited the Hovercraft museum, built models at the Games Workshop, enjoyed climbing at Parthian as a Christmas treat, taken part in a PADI discovery session at Andark, attended a RN Camp and participated in remembrance and D-Day 80 parades as well as supporting the Southampton Marathon as marshalls. During boating sessions the scouts have enjoyed sailing, rafting, power boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and pulling with many achieving Nautical Skills level 2 as well as Time on the Water, Sailing, Paddle Sports and Power Coxswain badges. On land, the Scouts hiked from the HQ to Cricket Campsite where they built their own shelters to sleep under with many using this to complete their expedition Challenge Award. Over the year an amazing 10 scouts achieved their Chief Scout Gold Award and Senior Patrol Leader, Harry West won a Bruce Award which was presented during the Hampshire Scouts AGM at Fernycrofts.
HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Receipts & Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Total receipts for the year ( page 2 ) Total payments for the year ( page 3) Net receipts / (payments) for the year Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward (inc restricted funds of £1,300) |
Mar 2024 £ 39,031 (52,495) (13,464) 110,440 96,976 |
Mar 2023 £ 66,235 (56,447) |
|---|---|---|
| 9,788 100,652 |
||
| 110,440 |
The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on September 2024 and signed on their behalf by
....................................................................................... S Thomas
……………………………..……………………………………. D Brown - Treasurer
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HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Receipts for the year ended 31 March 2024
| MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS Less: paid to District Retained in the Group INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED Deposit interest Insurance claims Uniforms and badges GRANTS / DONATIONS ACTIVITIES Group activities Group camps Sales of equipment Section camps and activities FUND RAISING (gross) INCOME TAX RECOVERED on subscriptions TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR |
Mar 2024 £ 27,964 (6,203) |
Mar 2024 Restricted £ - |
Mar 2024 Restricted £ - |
Mar 2024 Total Mar 2023 £ £ 27,964 40,348 (6,203) (8,303) 21,761 32,045 248 60 - 3,018 - - 248 3,078 650 2,205 0 0 13,662 16,644 - 11,758 - - 13,662 28,402 2,710 505 0 0 39,031 66,235 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21,761 | ||||
| 248 - - |
||||
| 248 | ||||
| 650 | ||||
| 0 13,662 - - |
||||
| 13,662 | ||||
| 2,710 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 39,031 | - |
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HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Payments for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Mar | Mar | Mar | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Restricted | Total | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| PREMISES | ||||
| Public utilities | 2,828 | 2,828 | 1,707 | |
| Insurance | 5,516 | 5,516 | 4,972 | |
| Repairs & maintenance | 7,612 | 7,612 | 8,145 | |
| Rent | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 15,956 | 15,956 | 14,824 | ||
| DONATIONS / GRANTS | ||||
| Donations | 12,000 | 12,000 | 0 | |
| Grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 12,000 | 12,000 | 0 | ||
| ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Group activities | 196 | 196 | 6,073 | |
| Leader expenses | 25 | 25 | 1,366 | |
| Section camps and activities | 21,920 | 21,920 | 28,946 | |
| 22,141 | 22,141 | 36,385 | ||
| FUND RAISING EXPENSES | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES | ||||
| Postage & stationery | 0 | 0 | 10 | |
| Sundries | 456 | 456 | 256 | |
| 456 | 456 | 266 | ||
| OTHER EXPENSES | ||||
| Training | 0 | 0 | ||
| 0 | 0 | |||
| EQUIPMENT & UNIFORMS | ||||
| Depreciation of equipment | 0 | 0 | 3,029 | |
| Uniforms and badges | 1,942 | 1,942 | 1,943 | |
| 1,942 | 1,942 | 4,972 | ||
| TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE | 52,495 | 52,495 | 56,447 | |
| YEAR |
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HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31 March 2024
| CASH FUNDS Bank current accounts Barclays deposit account Cash in hand OTHER MONETARY ASSETS Leasehold property NON MONETARY ASSETS Scouting equipment – original cost LIABILITIES- those due within one year Subscriptions in advance Other creditors |
Mar 2024 £ 3,825 19,860 0 23,685 73,288 73,288 73,898 73,898 0 0 0 |
Mar 2023 £ 7,289 29,863 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 37,152 | ||
| 73,288 | ||
| 73,288 | ||
| 73,898 | ||
| 73,898 | ||
| 0 0 |
||
| 0 |
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HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Hamble Sea Scouts (6[th] Itchen South) Group
I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Receipts and Payments account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees for my examination work.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Group’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charities Act);
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To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity
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Commissioners (under Section 145 (5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act ;and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
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accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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HAMBLE SEA SCOUTS (6[th] ITCHEN SOUTH) GROUP
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Hamble Sea Scouts (6[th] Itchen South) Group
.................................................................................. Name: C D Osmond Qualification: Chartered Certified Accountant Address: Stone Osmond Ltd, 75 Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford SO53 3AP
Date: September 2024
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