2025-03-31-accounts - 1st St Albans Boy Scout Group

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1st St Albans Scout Group Annual Report 2024-2025 A message from the GLV

May I start with a huge Thank You.

My sincere thanks - on my own behalf and on behalf of all our young people - to the dedicated team of women and men who give up their time and efforts to provide the very best of leadership, guidance, facilities and services to deliver Scouting at the 1st St. Albans.

This ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT HAPPEN without you, no matter how big or small your role, or how visible or not the job you do is. Thank you all

…………………………………………

Please may I take a little of your time - not unlike Jacob Marley in Dicken’s A Christmas Carol - to consider three things ; The Past, The Present and The Future

1. THE PAST

The 1st St Albans’ Scout Group was [duh!!] the first Scout Group opened in St Albans in 1908

After various HQs and moving around the City, we settled here on Watford Road, and constructed, in 1966, our own purpose built Hut, spearheaded by our then GSL, Jack Wadley - hence the Wadley Hut

Our more ‘recent’ history kind of starts there, in the 1960s

We have been very fortunate that over the years The Group has been served by a lot of very dedicated people … I name a few, and please forgive me for those that are not included

Jack Wadley Olive & Jock Peacock Margaret Jewel Ken Hawkins Gerry Crook Ben the Bosun Bob White Graham Hayes Dave Graves Bill Cavender The Davies Family Vic Rance Gwyneth Tyson Geoff, Anthony & Steve Cavender Brian Springett Colin Willcox

Mick Norris Jenny Ford Joy Matton Chris Upton John Auld Brian Gibson Andy Culling Kev Stock John Allam Alan Green Roy Vivian

All these people have put MASSES of time in to serve and be part of the local community.

And there are some - even from that era - who are STILL doing their shift ..

Rick Adams Penelope & Paul Compton Steve Norris John Wallace Bob Allam Sue Campbell

And of course, Steve Lindsay

There comes a time, as with ALL active and vibrant societies, for some sort of ‘changing of the guard’, and a bit more of that later.

But for now, I need to single out Steve Lindsay

Steve joined the Group, as Chairman, in 1994

In the ensuing decades the impact he has had on the group is colossal

The main fruits of his efforts are the now excellent condition of the - pretty much entirely - refurbished hut, and the stability of the Group’s finances.

The money his team - led by him - have raised is - well who knows what [actually, Bob probably does …]

The hours of jumble sales, auctions, hut lettins, marquee hirings and other fundraisers all have a part in the groups’s history, and now the fact that the hut lettings produce such a healthy income, we can all, quite correctly, credit the efforts of Steve and the Committee. Add to that Steve’s work supporting the Uniformed Sections, with paper work, form filling, DBS checking and, it seems, whatever else needed doing.

Not to mention his work with the District and County teams. All done, of course, with the support of Sheila at his side.

There is a large part of our local scouting community that owes a huge thank you to Steve Lindsay, MBE [oh - did I mention that …??]

Now Steve has a new challenge, in that his health has taken a knock, and the time has come for him to step away from his main role as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

He is not retiring completely - God forbid - and will still be doing what he feels comfortable with at Group and District level, but that remains his choice.

He goes from his main role with our blessings, our thanks, our gratitude and our admiration. There won’t be another like him

My toast is to Steve Lindsay - of course our thanks for everything you have done for us in the past, and sending you every good wish - to you and to Sheila - for the years ahead.

2. THE PRESENT

So the 1st St Albans’ Scout Group finds itself in an excellent place, and still delivering quality scouting to all our young people.

The best way to highlight this to us all is to pass over to our section leaders for their individual reports.

Beavers Riverbank 2024/2025

We have been running the Colony with 18 on roll ably assisted by Jon, Steve and parents when required. The programme is varied and interesting gaining the Beavers lots of Beavers. We had a successful camp at PACCAR and it was enjoyed by all except me as I had injured both my knees.

A lot of my time has been trying to communicate with Woodland parents to Swim Up those of age to Cubs and absorb the rest who wanted to continue in Scouting, it was a long process but we got there.

Penelope Compton, Beavers - Riverbank Section Leader

Cubs Impala 2024/2025

A Year of Adventure and Discovery

This year has been packed with excitement, challenges, learning, and loads of fun for our Cubs. From indoor creativity and games in Winter to getting out and about in the Summer, the Cubs have embraced every opportunity with energy and enthusiasm (with 3 Cubs achieving their Chief Scout Silver Award along the way). Here's a look back at what we've been up to over the past year:

Winter Term – Skills, Badges, and Adventures in the Dark

We kicked off the year by learning some very handy life skills — the Cubs got hands-on experience building flatpack furniture (IKEA beware!) and brushing up on essential first aid. One of the highlights of the term was our Chippy Hike — nothing like a long walk followed by some well-earned chips! We explored teamwork and strategy through a fun and fast-paced trading game, where bartering became a fine art. The Cubs also soared to new heights by earning the Air Activities Badge , learning about aircraft and air safety. Artistic flair was on full display as we completed the Artist Badge , unleashing creativity with paints, sketches and more. We ended the term on a thrilling note — finding leaders in the woods... in the dark ! The Cubs showed great courage and teamwork navigating through trees and torchlight.

Spring Term – Discovery, Culture, and Giant Dragons

The spring term was a truly global experience. The Cubs explored the flags of the world , learning about different countries and cultures. Chinese New Year was celebrated in style with giant glow-in-the-dark dragons that lit up the hall — quite a sight to see! Science then took centre stage with the Cubs earning their Scientist Badge , carrying out bubbling, fizzing and foaming experiments. We also flipped our way through Pancake Day , with plenty of laughs and batter everywhere! In another exciting twist, the Cubs tried out their swordsmanship with a Fencing taster lesson , learning basic moves with expert guidance. And as a brilliant creative project, we made life-size Minecraft models — from Creepers to Endermen, the imagination ran wild!

Summer Term – Outdoor Skills and New Adventures

Our current summer term has a real back-to-nature theme. We’ve started learning how to build fires safely and responsibly, and proudly marched in the St George’s Day parade , representing our group with pride. Still to come: den building in the woods , more hiking , a thrilling survival game , and trying out new outdoor sports to develop our physical skills and teamwork. And of course, we’re gearing up for the big one... our Group Camp at the end of June — a chance to put all our new skills to the test, make great memories, and celebrate the amazing year we’ve had together.

Thank You!

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our team. Huge thanks go to our fantastic leaders Errol and Richard , who have given so much time and enthusiasm. A massive shoutout also to our brilliant Young Leader volunteers, Harry and Jenson , who are always there to help with energy and kindness. And of course, to all the parents who have chipped in, cheered us on, and supported us every step of the way — thank you! Here’s to another exciting year ahead! Martin Steels (Baloo)

Cubs Impeesa 2024/2025

21 members on the books

4 regular leaders but a need for continuity planning Good parental help whenever requested.

Full and varied programme including in the last year:

Cookouts
Scout Skills
Visit to St Albans Library makerspace
Creation of stop motion animations
Hikes
Super camp in 2024

Richard Avery - Akela

Scouts 2024/2025

Another busy Scouting year. We have had an average of 36 Scouts in the Troop and 5 active leaders. We sent a couple of Scouts up to Explorers and took on some new joiners from the cub packs. The leadership has remained Angie Farrance, Marco Vittur, Courtney Watson, Ian Vivian and myself. My thanks as always to Angie, Marco, Courtney and Ian for offering their time to help out. It’s always a team effort and these willing volunteers make it all possible ! Some additional help has been provided by Liam Saunders, Talia Karuthasami, Lara Cutts and Noah Watson who have been completing their D of E service with us.

Group Camp took place at Paccar (Chalfont Heights) in early June and we ran a full programme of climbing, rifle shooting, high ropes, aerial runways and giant swings with cooking on fires, camping and washing-up as usual. Weather was generally kind to us again ! Top Scout of the weekend was Hudson Wood, whose patrol

(Elsie o’Sullivan, Luci Cordell. Luke Newland, Sienna Ambrose and William Newcombe) also took home the Golden Tent Peg trophy.

To give you an idea of our weekly programme:- We completed a challenge night, the Fire Safety badge, the skills challenge badge, cooking on fires and gas, disabilities night,

a what3words wide game, outdoor games, photographers badge, axe and saw, pioneer skate club night, 12 mile cycle ride to Hatfield, backwoods cooking, End of Term BBQ, a Bat Walk, knotting and compass skills, a trading night, woggle making, the meteorologist badge, fencing with sabres, RSPB bird watch week, morse code, hobbies night, self propelled vehicles, Buzz wires, science week Marble run challenge and a resuscitation night.

Our Xmas Party / Crazy Auction raised £120 for Cancer Research.

Hawks Patrol have again dominated the Patrol competition. well done Noah Watson, Brendan Ambrose, Jack Berriman, Nina Vittur, Oliver Bebbington, Maya Zammit-Ventura, Christian Mullinex, Sienna Ambrose and Shivam Pancholi.

Luci Cordell again participated in St. Albans Gang Show in February.

We entered a team for the Derek Turner Trophy in December - the district hike and incident competition – and the team came in in a very solid 3[rd] place - well done to Jack Berriman, Harry Cass, Brendan Ambrose, Isaac Stirratt, Alex Hale and Sienna Ambrose.

We turned out for the Remembrance Day Parade in Park Street in November as usual. A very worthwhile afternoon. It would be nice to see a full group turnout this coming year to remember the 80[th] Anniversary of the end of World War II.

I was away for an extended period in March 2025 and I have to record my thanks to Jez Farmer, Terry Cavender, Paul Compton, Martin Steels and Jon Cass who stepped in to help Angie, Courtney, Marco and Ian to run the show whilst I was away.

So looking forward to 2025 we already have 42 Scouts on the books and another full programme envisaged for Wednesday nights at the Wadley Hut… do you fancy helping out as an assistant leader or even using your special knowledge to run a badge for a few evenings? Your Scout Troop needs you !!

Rick Adams - Scout Leader.

Thank you all

THE FUTURE

Moving forward, after a moment of self congratulation and sitting on our laurels, we need to consider the future, and particularly succession planning

But before we move on, one more MASSIVE vote of thanks

John Wallace joined the group when he came as a parent helper to our summer camp at Great Towers, in the lake district. He showed himself to be competent, wise and enthusiastic - as well as being an all round nice guy. So of course we got him in uniform and he became a most valued member of our team. And has remained so. His contribution to troop nights, camps and activities has been enormous.

Not to mention his efforts as part of the Group Exec, where he has turned his hand to EVERYTHING. The list is long, and if I attempt it, I will leave something out. Suffice to say that “everything” probably covers it. Never, in my experience, has an enquiry “John, can you help?” been turned down.

John, too, has deemed it appropriate to step away from uniformed ‘front line’ activities, and to limit his involvement with the day to day Board of Trustee duties. But I have it on good authority [John’s] that he is still available for selection for hedge trimming, grass cutting and horsebox transportation, among other things. And, no doubt, if tents need drying, Garden Cottage will be available.

For all your years of service - past and yet to some - Thank You - John Wallace

We have mentioned the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees, and this, of course, needs filling. I am more than delighted to say that Jon Cass has expressed interest to step into the shoes of Steve, and to stand for the post of Chairman. A move I propose most wholeheartedly. Thank you Jon

Back to succession planning …

By Steve’s side through all his tenure as Chairman have been Sue Campbell and Bob Allam, in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer. There is an extensive vote of thanks due to both for their MASSIVE contribution over the years, which will be delivered when the time comes. The gossip had always been that this unholy trinity would all ride off into the sunset together, but events have caught up with us.

So Sue and Bob have graciously given us notice that they will be standing down next year. Which gives us a year to find new people for these roles - ideally very soon - and then time to work side by side for a seamless transfer of responsibility.

I am delighted to announce that Ian Thomas has expressed an interest [or been press ganged to express an interest .. dunno??] in the role of Treasurer. I sincerely hope this comes to pass, and look forward to working with Ian

Even so, we VERY SERIOUSLY need new people to volunteer

For example, we are also looking for someone to run, enable and maintain our [at the moment disabled] website.

And there are, and will be, other roles including hut bookings, maintenance, record keeping, not to mention to ever present need for new blood in the area of section leaders and assistants

So, to set it out, here is a bit of a re-hash of previous messages in this regard……

Q What goes into making a Scout Group

A People, people, people.

Our members! Our number one priority, of course, is to the young people in our charge. Their safety, their happiness, and the benefit they may get from what they learn, absorb and engage with during this scouting journey, is the sole reason we all do this nonsense!
Our leaders and helpers - who week in and week out, provide the environment and the content for our youngsters. Their commitment and dedication to deliver scouting - whatever that looks like - is a thing to be treasured and nurtured.
Our Board of Trustees , who, again, week in and week out, keep the fabric and machinery of our Group in good order. The accounts, the register of members, the licensing of our helpers … Someone has to keep the hedges trimmed and the grass cut, ensure that our fire safety is taken into account, that the lights keep working, toilets are in good order, not to mention that the sections have the equipment - and the money - they need to deliver our programmes. Most of which happens out of sight!

So what follows is a message to all the adults involved - in whatever capacity - in the lives of our young members.

FACT Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Leaders and Helpers (most of the time anyway) have fun.

FACT Leaders and helpers have more fun as leaders and helpers when they are surrounded by other leaders and helpers
FACT When the Leaders are having more fun, the young people have more fun.

FACT Committees generally work better, and are more enjoyable, when there are more people to share the load.

FACT No one was ever born into this world as a ready made scout leader, or treasurer, or hedge trimmer, or camp helper - or parent, to come to that! These are things we learnt / stumbled across / made up as we went along.

But yes, would would like - and will need - other adults to join us

But we are NOT expecting to find anyone fully formed and ready for action.

Here’s what we are looking for …

People who would like to check out what being some kind of helper / leader / assistant / facilitator would look like ; what might be involved.

Here’s what we expect …

That those people should be up for having a go!
There is no number 2 - only number 1 above.

Here’s what we DON’T expect:-

That you know what you’re doing
That you are completely trained up, in full knowledge of what might be required, and ready to take it all on.
That you are happy to be left to get on with it, because that’s not how we do things. 4. That you will be signing up for some lifelong commitment - panic not!

So here’s your invitation

We will set aside some time for anyone even vaguely interested in what they might be able to do, to come along and “try before you buy”

This might be sitting in on a committee meeting, to see what actually goes on, and whether you would have something to offer.

Or coming down to a section meeting to see how they run, and to consider what your contribution could be.

And/or we can set up a meeting for interested parties to come along, properly meet the team, see what might be involved and be free to ask questions at will. Genuinely, the more the merrier. Many hands make light work, or safety in numbers, whichever you prefer. And, really importantly, we DON’T expect that people will be able to commit to every week. That’s the point of expanding our team, so that everybody can have some flexibility.

I am also making a commitment to everyone that throws their hat in the ring that we will be with you every step of the way, with whatever you feel you need or want to know or to learn, to keep you comfortable and confident. And you WILL have fun, guaranteed.

This invitation is to ALL of the adults involved with our membership. Please don’t leave it to somebody else.

You can express your interest by talking to any of the leaders or trustees, or e-mail me on terry.gsl@yahoo.com, or call me on 07802 795266

That’s probably it from me for now, although I am happy to take any questions

Thank you Terry Cavender GLV [Group Lead Volunteer - Group Scout Leader in old money]

1ST ST.ALBANS GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL

Receipts & Payments Account summary for the year ended 31st March 2025

Total receipts for the year (page C4) Total payments for the year (page C5) Net receipts (payments) for the year Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward	This Year General Fund £ 43,578.96 30,270.96 13,308.00 142,873.21 £156,181.21	Previous Year £ 38,521.64 19,173.52
		19,348.12 123,525.09
		£142,873.21

The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustee Board

on Tuesday 04/06/2024 and signed on their behalf by Steve Lindsay, Chair

..............................................................................

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payments Form (Single-fund)

1996

1ST ST.ALBANS GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL

Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2025

Next Year Budget £ 12,000.00 8,000.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 5,000.00 1,000.00 6,000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 1,750.00 1,750.00 £39,750.00	MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS less: Paid INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED Bank/Building Society Interest The Scout Assoc'n Short Term Investment Service Dividends and Interest Property Rents DONATIONS / GRANTS ACTIVITIES Camping,etc Other FUND RAISING (gross) Hut Hire Marquee Hire Other OTHER INCOME Income Tax recovered - on subscriptions and donations on dividends and interest SUNDRY RECEIPTS Other - NS a/c w/o Badge receipts Loans received TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR	This Year £ 11,445.00 7,315.00 4,130.00 3,644.72 3,644.72 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,185.00 540.00 5,725.00 23,315.00 23,315.00 1,768.25 1,768.25 (4.01) £43,578.96	Previous Year £ 10,855.00 7,270.50
			3,584.50 2,681.90
			2,681.90
			0.00 4,140.00 1,624.00
			5,764.00 24,300.00 325.00
			24,625.00 1,866.24
			1,866.24
			£38,521.64

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payments Form (Single-fund)

1996

1ST ST.ALBANS GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL

Payments for the year ended 31st March 2025

. Next Year Budget £ 417.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 9,417.00 0.00 4,000.00 8,500.00 12,500.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,250.00 £23,917.00	PREMISES Rent Water rates Light and Heat Insurance Repairs & Renewals DONATIONS / GRANTS ACTIVITIES Section admin expenses Camping& activityexpenses FUND RAISING EXPENSES ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES TRUSTEES EXPENSES OTHER EXPENSES PURCHASE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASE OF BADGES SUNDRY PAYMENTS TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR	This Year £ 17.51 ~~#~~ 2,647.60 1,881.09 13,724.42 18,270.62 0.00 329.00 8,739.56 9,068.56 0.00 2,294.73 2,294.73 0.00 0.00 637.05 £30,270.96	Previous Year £ 603.54 2,337.09 1,683.07 3,445.10
			8,068.80
			0.00 395.63 7,886.00
			8,281.63
			0.00 1,796.89
			1,796.89
			0.00
			0.00 1,026.20
			£19,173.52

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payments Form (Single-fund)

1996

1ST ST.ALBANS GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL

Statement of Assets & Liabilities for the year ended 31st March 2025

MONETARY ASSETS Bank Current Account(s) Bank Deposit Account(s) Bank Term Deposit(s) Building Society Account(s) The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service Cash in hand OTHER MONETARY ASSETS Tax Claim for Year ending .................... Debts due to Group / District INVESTMENT ASSETS Government Stocks at market value Other quoted securities at market value Other investments Property held for investment purposes NON-MONETARY ASSETSAssets for Charity's own use Badge Secretary's stock Group/District shop stock Land and Buildings £676,747 Motor vehicles Scouting equipment, furniture, etc. £34,099 LIABILITIESThose due within one year Accounts not yet paid Expenses incurred not yet invoiced Subscriptions not yet paid Other LIABILITIESThose due after one year Loan (with details) Hire Purchase owing Leasing payments outstanding Other long term liabilities CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FUTURE OBLIGATIONS £2775 ……………	This Year £ 12,420.94 47,651.80 96,108.47 £156,181.21 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 …	Previous Year £ 22,753.65 27,022.13 93,097.43
		£142,873.21

		£0.00

		£0.00

		£0.00

		£0.00

		£0.00

For vat 5% rated building works completed 2017 - £2775 - liability expires 2027

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payments Form (Single-fund)

1996

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the

1[st] St Albans Scout Group

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] March 2025

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2.
The accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: P Cowlard

Name: Pierre Cowlard

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): MBA ACIB

Address: 1 Akeman Close, St Albans, AL3 4NJ

Date: 17 April 2025