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Scouts ,w¢: 5th Potters Bar , 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S DESK

2024/25 has been a busy year for the Group. In addition to the usual excellent camps and activities - some of the photos in this report show how well attended and enjoyed these have been - there has been lots of progress elsewhere. Renovations of the facilities at the Furzefield Headquarters have begun thanks to grants received. These upgrades will enhance all the washrooms, bringing them up to date and making them more accessible. We also purchased a new modern minibus during this period, ensuring that our transport remains reliable and suitable for future adventures.

A Burns Night was held in February and, by all accounts, was a big success. Sadly, there was no Potters Bar Carnival in 2025 – we hope this will return in 2026 and, as soon as we know, we will start plans to be involved, of course. Unfortunately, Christmas events in 2024 were also curtailed due to very adverse weather conditions on the planned day of our Santa Run. We look forward to releasing details of more Group events soon.

Although outside of the formal reporting period, it should be noted that our Scouts recently enjoyed a very successful trip to the Kent International Jamboree, and our linked Explorer Unit took part in the District expedition to Thailand and Singapore. Many of our leaders were heavily involved in supporting these events, and it would be remiss not to overlook the commitment and hard work that went into making them such a success.

We have had a slightly challenging year with some reasonably large expenses but have still retained comfortable reserves to ensure we remain viable as a Group, including contingency provisions. Our numbers have remained relatively healthy, but leaders (all volunteers) have at times been a little thin on the ground. We would like to appeal to all members to come along and support some events going forward when you can find the time. This could be as a regular helper, an occasional helper, or more formally if you would like to be involved with our Group meetings – please speak to a lead-er for details of how you can get involved. We welcome anyone who would like to help our young people grow and develop their skills for life.

We have also had some good press coverage in the local free press – the Potters Bar Eye and the PB Community News have both kindly supported us at different times, which is great.

We were very sad to learn of the passing of John Rowley, a true stalwart of 5th Potters Bar for several years – decades, in fact. Someone we all know and who could always be relied on to do ‘his thing’ in support of our Group. I remember his efforts at the Anniversary event that we held, curating a fantastic display of historic clippings, photos and other memorabilia documenting the Group’s 85 years. John will be very sadly missed, and he and his family remain in our thoughts.

I shall finish by offering my heartfelt thanks, as I do every year, to everyone involved in 5th Potters Bar Scouts for all their work, both behind the scenes and front of house, in doing what they do for our members – THANK YOU, you are still amazing!. A particular thank you also goes to Vinny Binoy, our Operations Coordinator, for her invaluable support throughout the year.

PETE MILES Chairman

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

SCOUT TROOP REPORT

This past year has been active for our Scout group, marked by engaging meetings and memorable events. One significant highlight was the Kent International Jamboree Summer Camp, which provided an excellent opportunity for our young Scouts to explore a variety of skills and activities. The experience was enjoyable and invaluable for fostering friendships and personal development.

Additionally, we had exciting activities such as laser tag and crazy golf, which gave the Scouts a chance to enjoy themselves while developing teamwork. Wide games at Tolmers Campsite, along with canoeing, hiking, and cycling adventures, encouraged physical activity and navigation skills. Various badge sessions, including communications and photography, helped Scouts gain new skills while progressing towards their awards. Events like the Pinewood Derby and outdoor fun evenings, including a campfire, allowed the Scouts to bond further in a relaxed environment.

Our regular meetings showcased an array of fun and educational activities. Sessions included activity planning with pizzas, which sparked creativity and teamwork. One particularly meaningful event was the Harvest Bag packing, where Scouts gathered supplies for the local food bank, reinforcing the importance of community service. The Scouts also explored essential skills such as First Aid, Pioneering, and Map Reading.

The group also participated in events that added to their learning experiences. Scarefest provided a thrilling three-day adventure, while the Orienteering and Monopoly Challenges encouraged teamwork and strategic thinking. Our involvement in community events, such as the Church Christingle Service and St George’s Day Parade, allowed the Scouts to contribute positively to the local area and engage with the wider community.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for a fun-packed programme that includes the Green BeretChallenge Camp. This forthcoming event promises to further enrich our Scouts’ experiences, challenging them physically while also promoting teamwork.

As we reflect on the past year, we extend heartfelt thanks to all leaders for their dedication. Your efforts have significantly contributed to the vibrant atmosphere in our Scout group. We also appreciate the energy and enthusiasm from the Scouts, who make each meeting enjoyable, along with the support of parents and volunteers who play an essential role behind the scenes.

With the upcoming year looking bright and filled with opportunities to learn and grow, we are excited to continue this journey together in Scouting.

PHIL DAY Scout Leader

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

BEAVER COLONY REPORT

This year has been an exciting and rewarding one for our Beaver Colony. After Tim stepped down, Halimah, Grace, and Kerry – supported by a fantastic team of young leaders – took over the running of the section with great energy and enthusiasm. The transition was seamless, and the Colony has thrived under their leadership. We are now proud to have a full group of 20 Beavers, with a waiting list of eager children ready to join, which speaks volumes about the strength and appeal of the programme.

A key focus this year has been linking weekly sessions closely to badge work. This has given the Beavers the chance to achieve a wide variety of badges, providing both a sense of progress and pride in their accomplishments. Alongside this, we packed our calendar with exciting activities – from visiting the fire station and learning about fire safety, to backwoods cooking and pioneering challenges. These opportunities kept sessions fun, engaging, and hands-on, while also building valuable life skills.

A real highlight was our activity day at Phasels Wood, where the Beavers took part in low ropes, rolling rock, archery, and aero ball. For many, it was their first time trying these activities, and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they gave each one a go. The excitement didn’t stop there, as we also organised our first solo Beaver summer camp. This overnight adventure was a milestone for the Colony, and the Beavers loved the experience of being away from home with their friends. Staying up late, laughing together, and sharing the spirit of camp was an experience they will never forget.

Throughout the weekend, the children enjoyed a packed programme including caving, spider mountain, the downhill cresta run, and a night walk. Each activity brought its own challenges, but the Beavers approached them with enthusiasm and resilience. By the end of the camp, both leaders and Beavers were thoroughly exhausted, but filled with a sense of achievement and joy.

This year has truly shown the strength, energy, and spirit of our Beaver Colony. With the dedication of leaders and the enthusiasm of the children, we have created countless memories and set the stage for even more adventures to come.

HALIMAH HUSSAIN Beaver Leader

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

CUB PACK REPORT

The Cub Pack continues to thrive, offering our young people a lively and varied programme throughout the year. Weekly meetings have been packed with fun, learning, and teamwork, keeping the Cubs engaged and excited to take part.

We began the year with lively games evenings that set the tone for an energetic programme. Cooking has been a popular focus, with practical sessions building up to a Cooking Competition where the Cubs showcased their creativity and skills. Seasonal activities were also highlights, including Halloween Fright Night, Christmas crafts, and the chance to make thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day. Themed evenings such as Robot Wars, Star Wars Night, and Faith Night brought a fresh sense of fun and discovery, encouraging the Cubs to explore new ideas and interests.

Outdoor adventure has played an important part in the programme. From the Chip Shop Hike and outdoor cooking to gardening crafts, the Cubs enjoyed plenty of hands-on experiences beyond the hut. Taking part in the St George’s Day Parade also gave the Pack a strong sense of belonging to the wider Scouting family, and it was wonderful to see them represent the Group so proudly.

It has been another successful year for the Cubs, full of learning, laughter, and friendship. With thanks to our dedicated leadership team and supportive parents, the Cubs have created many happy memories and are well placed for more adventures in the year ahead.

MICHELE PENDRELL-SMITH Cub Scout Leader

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Annual General Meeting of the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group Council (Charity no. 302560)

On Friday 3rd October 2025 @ 7.30pm

Morven Guide HQ, The Causeway, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5HA

AGENDA

Apologies and welcome
Vote to approve the Minutes from last AGM
Receive and adopt the Annual Report for the year ending 31st March

2025

Receive and adopt the Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts for

the year ending 31st March 2025

Appoint the Trustee Board’s recommendation for Group Chair
Appoint the Trustee Board’s recommendation for Group Secretary (currently vacant – if interested, please speak to the Chairman)
Appoint the Trustee Board’s recommendation for Group Treasurer
Appoint members of the Trustee Board
Vote to fully adopt the Group’s Constitution in the model form

(without amendment) provided by The Scout Association at Section

5.4 of the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules.
10.Vote to agree the appointment of Roger Moore MBE as the

Independent Examiner of the Group’s Accounts.

11.The Group Scout Council notes that the Group’s Financial Year runs

from 1 April to 31 March.

12.Vote to determine the Quorum required for meetings of the Trustee

Board and the maximum total number of members.

13.Vote to determine the Quorum required for meetings of the Scout

Council.

14.Review of previous year by Group Lead Volunteer and remarks from

the District Lead Volunteer.

15.Presentations
16.AOB
17.BBQ and Entertainment!

Docusign Envelope ID: 7F434DEB-3981-4B6D-8CEA-196EDF6BD54E

5TH POTTERS BAR SCOUT GROUP

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Total receipts for the yea Total payments for the yea Surplus/(Deficit) for the yea RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED Membership Subscriptions received Membership Subscriptions refunded Membership Subscriptions paid Activities Camp Acc. District Fundraising Misc Refund Insurance claim Use of Minibus Donations Rent Sundry receipts (t-shirts, sale of old minibuses etc) TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED Administration Rent Letting Commission District Water Electricity Broadband Gas Insurance Repairs & Renewals Donations, Grants and Gifts Activities Camp Acc. Fundraising Expenses Misc expenses (website/computer costs/other) Purchase of Capital Equipment (Inc. minibus) Minibus expenses Purchase of Badges & T shirts TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR STATEMENT OF ASSETS (& LIABILITIES) AT : Nat West Bank Account - 13152343 Nat West Bank Account - 13618377 OSM Expense Account Unpresented cheques Uncleared cheques/debits 2023/24 Expenses adjustment TOTAL Surplus for year Surplus brought forward TOTAL	31/3/2025 31/3/2024 31/3/2023 31/3/2022 r 55,177.48 48,778.32 45,319.85 33,867.23 r 84,449.56 34,481.36 50,948.55 26,117.81
	r (29,272.08) 14,296.96 (5,628.70) 7,749.42
	31/3/2025 31/3/2024 31/3/2023 31/3/2022 3,543.57 2,995.54 4,670.11 3,109.27 (270.00) - - - (3,618.00) (2,775.00) (2,756.00) (3,009.00)
	(344.43) 220.54 1,914.11 100.27 2,517.40 732.15 4,056.08 2,615.46 - 4,830.00 1,078.54 6,991.33 2,505.00 - - - 4,231.48 5,967.56 5,213.75 13.67 228.75 26.00 29.50 - 783.35 - 4,027.72 - 8,258.20 4,539.37 4,087.55 1,536.11 425.32 1,291.28 189.32 85.00 27,585.99 27,812.67 21,785.00 19,001.75 5,098.42 583.75 182.28 514.64
	51,289.48 46,003.32 42,563.85 30,858.23
	31/3/2025 31/3/2024 31/3/2023 31/3/2022 2,069.95 - - - 391.16 346.16 346.16 346.16 - - 3,750.00 - 2,505.00 - - - 574.15 384.62 347.82 224.98 1,314.71 1,486.30 2,705.09 3,177.21 299.88 299.88 299.88 324.87 395.06 2,136.05 224.35 - 1,656.71 1,813.78 4,265.46 1,724.18 8,694.92 3,848.13 14,953.20 3,207.39 296.75 1,742.08 550.00 75.00 10,692.72 4,096.13 4,571.33 3,446.75 - 4,436.88 2,610.30 5,027.31 2,865.03 3,845.66 2,106.81 - 767.82 824.63 1,060.70 531.92 31,548.49 813.73 629.80 184.84 15,224.58 3,242.80 8,219.11 4,375.20 1,264.63 2,389.53 1,552.54 463.00
	80,561.56 31,706.36 48,192.55 23,108.81
	31/3/2025 31/3/2024 31/3/2023 31/3/2022 10,438.64 39,428.77 23,595.37 27,556.28 0.00 848.12 455.00 1,986.76 465.85 - - - - (100.32) (100.32) (100.32) - (2,065.59) (136.03) - (2,065.59) - - -
	8,838.90 38,110.98 23,814.02 29,442.72
	(29,272.08) 14,296.96 (5,628.70) 7,749.42 38,110.98 23,814.02 29,442.72 21,693.30
	8,838.90 38,110.98 23,814.02 29,442.72

Independent examiners report to members of the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group

Please refer to page two.

The above accounts summary was presented to the Group Scout Council at the AGM held on the 3 October 2025. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

** Peter Miles

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David Sanderson
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Docusign Envelope ID: 7F434DEB-3981-4B6D-8CEA-196EDF6BD54E

Independent examiners report to members of the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group

I report that I have examined, without carrying out an audit, the books vouchers and records of the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group and that the receipts and payments and particulars of the assets and liabilities as at the 31st March 2025 are in accordance therewith and I have verified the cash and bank balances that were provided to me.

However, I have been informed that in September 2025 the Group uncovered a further GoCardless account in 5th Potters Bar Scouts name which was unknown to the Treasurer and initially not used. GoCardless, the electronic payments platform used by the Group, had withheld funds in this account because verification of the Trustees had not been carried out in accordance with their terms and conditions. Crucially, GoCardless failed to notify the Group that funds were being withheld, issuing only a single email requesting verification, with no follow-up or indication of the withholding.

The Group had previously verified the GoCardless account they were aware of—one that had been paying into their bank account regularly—and reasonably assumed that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure continuity of payments. The issue only came to light when the Trustees noticed that recent subscription payments were not being credited and that receivables were lower than expected. The Treasurer acted promptly to investigate and identified the existence of the second account.

The credit amount was £15,760.83 which appears to have accrued from part subscriptions and part camp fees extending back over a number of years but also includes monies received for 2025/26. How this unknown account accrued funds is currently being investigated by the Treasurer, but in his view, it is unlikely that it can be properly allocated to specific accounts in preceding years.

The Group is in the process of submitting a formal complaint to GoCardless regarding their handling of the matter.

After discussions with the committee and Reporting accountant it has been decided to exclude this amount from the 2024/25 accounts and not to adjust earlier reported numbers. For the 2025/26 accounts this amount will be treated as an exceptional credit item unless full information can be gained for all the entries to allow reallocations. I have been assured that the committee will be taking steps to reduce the risk of similar situations occurring, including regularly monitoring both GoCardless accounts for withheld funds.

Roger Moore MBE