1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020
The total Group membership at the January 2021 Census was 144 (2020 =149; 2019 = 160). The individual section numbers were:
| Beaver Scouts | 24 | (27; 35) |
|---|---|---|
| Cub Scouts | 42 | (51; 58) |
| Scouts | 49 | (42; 35) |
| Leaders & Assistants | 29 | (29; 32) |
The Group’s AGM was held in May 2021 as a virtual meeting over zoom because we were still unable to meet in groups of more than 6 because of the Covid restrictions. It was hoped that we would all be able to meet together once again by now, but we found ourselves behind screens once again. With the pandemic showing signs of retreat and a very successful vaccination programme, life looks like getting back to some sort of normality soon.
The Covid lockdowns had a severe impact on our fundraising in 2020, with only the Christmas Post and a virtual quiz able to take place and raise much needed funds. My thanks go to Pauline and Dani for taking the lead on these two initiatives.
We were very fortunate to qualify for various grants from our local councils which totalled £18,000 over fifteen months. This kept our Scout Group going in the absence of any fundraising during this time. Given the uncertainty of what future fundraising will take place, the grants have been a much welcomed and essential life-line. My thanks must go to Pauline who spent hours and hours filling out grant request forms and of course the local councils for their support packages.
Although all of our Group events were cancelled during the year, I am full of admiration for all of our leaders, assistant leaders and helpers who managed to keep their section meetings going via Zoom, coming up with imaginative programmes throughout the year. You are all a credit to your Scout Group and the community in which we live.
As nobody had come forward to take on the role of Group Scout Leader it fell to Dave Collette to temporarily fill the role. This very fulfilling and richly rewarding role still needs to be filled, and a full role description is available, training is given and help is always in hand.
1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
Here is a condensed version of what our young people have been doing over the past year. You may think that would not be a lot as they have been shut up at home and stuck on their screens, how could they possibly have been Scouting. However, I am happy to say that thanks to the incredible hard work and remarkable ingenuity of our leader teams, our young people have been able to continue with their Scouting programme and have continued to earn badges. All sections have met online via Zoom, back face to face (briefly), back on zoom and now back face to face again! The census return for 2021 reported that the total number of Young People in the Group was down by only 5 in 2020. An incredible low loss of 4% when the national average is more like 24%.
The Beavers had 7 Bronze awards given out during the past year, Dani is proud of their online attendance with a 97% attendance for Autumn 2020 and Spring 2021.
Chris and the Rainforest Cubs currently have 20 Young People down from 27 last year female Youth Members, making up nearly half of the pack. Nicky Trotman has moved over to support Jungle Cubs as an Assistant Section Leader, and we’d like to wish Nicky all the best with this. There is New Section Assistant, Richard King and a new Accounts Administrator Laura Fitzpatrick. The Pack also continues to benefit from the assistance of Explorers as part of their DoE work. The virtual meetings on Zoom where all well attended providing Cubs with some much-needed structure and variety of new activities during the prolonged periods indoors.
Some of our more notable and exciting undertaking of the past few months both virtually and f2f included; Virtual Halloween Party, Backwoods Cooking, Virtual Games Evening, Italian Evening with Pizza Making, Virtual Challenge Evening, Virtual Christmas Party, Essex Reptile Encounters, Chinese New Year, Pancake Night, Gardener Badge Evening, Easter Craft and Cooking. And since lockdown has eased a Leavesden Country Park Hike, some Tent Pitching and Wide Games.
Cubs have throughout their programme of virtual and physical activities, been able to complete a host of badge-work and awards including; Animal Career Activity Badge, Backwoods Cooking Activity Badge, Chefs Activity Badge and Gardener Activity Badge.
Individual Cubs too have used the time indoors during the Lockdowns to undertake the completion of badges and awards around their own personal interests and hobbies including; Cyclist Activity Badge, Digital
1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
Citizens Staged Activity Badge and Equestrian Activity Badge. There was also one Cub who completed his Silver Chief Scout Award last term, and our congratulations go to Ben Rayner.
Richard and Jungle Cubs had lots of fun (particularly doing scavenger hunts on zoom!), learned some new skills (we were pitching tents up at Lees Wood last week) and completed plenty of badges in the process, including Chef, Gardener, Naturalist, Navigator, local knowledge and have worked towards some of their Challenge awards too.
A few special thank you's are definitely in order.... Firstly, to Nicky Trotman who joined Jungle Cubs as a leader at the beginning of the year - we literally couldn't have carried on without her help and support! ....and to one of our Young Leaders, Andrew Grant, who has helped week in week out. One particular week, Andrew planned, prepared and lead parts of our Chinese New Year virtual meeting - this included writing every cubs name out in Chinese for them to copy! Andrew went above and beyond, an amazing effort!
Richard would like to thank all the leaders at our fellow Rainforest pack (sharing meeting plans and resources is the way forwards!), all the Young Leaders who have helped out over the last 12 months and parents who regularly come along and help at meetings, especially Jo Hunter for managing the badges and Helen Taylor/Victoria Milford for organising the parent rota. Our thanks to Richard who did all this and started a new job.
Amaelia reports that the numbers in Scouts has increased to 52 young members. Online meetings ranged from Bingo and Scavenger hunts, to building the tallest tower out of marshmallows! Most recently with the help of parents at home, we were able to complete our Mechanics Badge among many other badges including DIY, Photography, Emergency Aid and Chef badge, with our leaders creating fun interactive videos, for the scouts to join in with at home.
Even though Scouting hasn’t been “normal” this year, many badges have still been attained by all since May 2020 (240 badges to be exact). This included 5 Gold Chief Scout awards - this is the highest achievable badge in Scouts, and takes many hours of work, time and dedication to complete.
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
Scouts had hoped to embark on their Annual Summer Scout Camp last year, but this wasn’t possible and they had to cancel it. Some of the leaders came together to create a week long Virtual Camp, which was enjoyed by over 20 of our members. Our leaders worked very hard to create activities such as route planning, flag making and even virtual campfires! The week was enjoyed by all participants, and we are told some parents.
Looking at the age range of the Troop, and that of the 2 Cub packs that feed it, it is highly likely that the Group will have 60 scouts on its books by next September. This might seem a nice problem, but it cannot happen. We cannot run an active evening with 60 young people and leaders in our building at one time. We are looking at ways, one solution could the creation of a second troop. But as with the other sections we need more adult leaders, and without them Young People may not enjoy the Adventure that is Scouting.
Explorers were a difficult age to get to meet online and when they did, they just wanted to talk. They have met online though, and have kept in touch and as we have heard they have all helped the younger sections run their meetings. As they return their numbers are around 25 and are planning their DoE Expeditions to start once they are allowed to camp.
With the current easing of lockdown measures we have once again been able to meet face-to-face in the Summer Term, an opportunity we are making the most of planning to be outdoors for the duration following yet another National Lockdown, being outdoors once again and sharing experiences with friends is something that all our Young People and leaders are thoroughly enjoying. Evenings and Saturday mornings are planned at Lees Wood and Phasels Wood over the rest of the term making use of the onsite activities providing them the ability to obtain an extensive range of unique badges while undertaking new and exciting activities, adventures and experiences.
Our fantastic Young People and the amazing Leaders have kept Scouting in their lives. A very important aspect for their mental health during these times.
1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
Overall Adult membership last year was down by 14, which was partly due to some adults leaving and some didn’t need to be full members of The Scout Association to fulfil their roles.
I would like to acknowledge our thanks to the Executive Committee Officers, the Team of people who have kept the Group on track and keep things running; Mike, Pauline, Cate, Richard and Iain (at home). Thank you all for steering the Group forward and making some pretty radical, positive changes as to how it will be run in the future. They have done some fantastic stuff and the Group would not be in the strong position it is now in without their due diligence and Governance. As always, our sincere thanks go to all our Leaders and Group members for their continued support throughout the year for delivering such a varied programme for the Scouts to enjoy.
During 2020, a sub-committee was formed to deliver the climbing wall package in memory of our Group Scout Leader, Clive Winder. I am pleased to say that this has now achieved its goal and the wall is to be constructed over the summer. It is hoped that ‘The Winder Wall’ will provide hours of fun, challenges and excitement for many generations of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to come, something Clive would have been very proud of I’m sure. It is hoped that an official opening ceremony will take place at HQ later in 2021. A commemorative book recording Clive’s Scouting life has also been produced, which we hope will be available to view at this time.
As mentioned previously, the Group has been restructuring the Executive Committee over the last twelve months, to bring us in line with Scout Association Guidelines. I would like to thank the outgoing Committee for their support and hard work during the past, very challenging, year. Thank you to Phil Clarke, Jo watts, John Gomme and Elaine Nottage, who are all stepping down. Rachel Drake, who has been a trustee since 2004 is also leaving the Executive Committee but I am happy to say is continuing to help at Beavers. Thank-you Rachel. I appreciate all of their contributions to the Group over the years.
The challenges we have faced this year have been tremendous and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to The District for their support and to four Group members whose tireless commitment and enthusiasm has enabled us to weather the storm. Cate, Iain, Pauline and Richard – we couldn’t have done it without you!
After 40 years as an Executive Committee member, Lin Lythaby has decided to stand down. Lin’s input into Scouting has been immeasurable, and it has been an honour to work alongside Lin at the many fundraisers
1[st ] ABBOTS LANGLEY SCOUTS
3[rd] North Watford Registered Charity: 302611
Headquarters: 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EH www.abbotslangleyscouts.org.uk
she has overseen over the years. Lin must have helped raise in excess of £120,000 during that time, which is truly remarkable to say the least! On behalf of the Group and all the young people whom you have helped along their Scouting adventure, we thank you. I am delighted to announce that Lin is to be nominated as our new Honorary Group President, a role which I hope she will accept.
This will be my last AGM as Group Chairman. I could say the last 10 years have flown by, but actually the 25 years I have been involved have flown even faster! My time with 1[st] Abbots Langley began back in 1996 when my eldest son joined as a Beaver and I soon became a regular helper - not surprisingly mostly when DIY was on the programme! Two sons later and I had gone beyond the point of no return – camps, competitions, wide games, narrowboat, more DIY and, of course, the Committee. I can honestly say that I have genuinely loved it – the teamwork, being with the youngsters and the adults and most of all, it often involves the great outdoors.
The time has come to move on and hand over. I wish Richard Gabriel the very best of luck in his new role as Chairman as he moves the Group forward once more so that we can deliver skills for life to our young people in Abbots Langley and beyond.
Dave Collette Mike Benson District Commissionaire Outgoing Chair And acting GSL
WATF 1. RECEIPTS Sybsaiptions Flvar B8av8rs Lake Beavers Lagoon Bg8ver8 Rainlorsst Cubs jung Cubs Scouts PaKI to 1.188.00 1.137.00 2.277.00 1.023.00 893.00 3.290.00 2.487.00 5,360.00 6.579 00 8,751.00 2,210.00 1,535.00 2.550.00 6 352.50 2.267.50 Investm8nt ineo Group 188.34 208.25 Voluntary sources Donations General donatN)ns l)dudes Linskèy Fund) nder Wall Local authority grant re G)v H811 Hirè Minibus {Indudes sale of okj mhlbu$l 202.$6 4,681.41 10,000.00 1,771.00 3 341.73 19,996.70 300.2S 3,715.00 846.00 4.861.25 Fund raising Jumbl• salès Xns Martèt & CamNal Chrtstmas Post QUYL OVD Salg$ 1.630.72 3.148.85 163.20 1.434.91 119.45 2B2.65 6.214.48 Activit8 Rwer Beavers Laka Beave Lagoon Bèavrs Rainforest Cubs Jungk Cubs Scouts 24.00 642.80 60.00 75.00 70.00 130.00 170.00 3 262.00 3.632.00 8 940.48 9,742.26 MelL4n60us Group - Solar Pane RNer Beaver3 L8ko Boavors Lagoon B08v&rs Rainfornst Cubs Jungb Cubs Scouts ExploTrrs 1,870.62 1.816.80 240.00 27.75 156.04 31.59 2.058.25 2,084.55 Grft Aid Group Carnp Misc Incom& 15,352 96 174.81 TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR YEAR 43,953.21 31,859.81 During th¥ year gnded 31 9mber 2020. the UK was affected by the Coronavilus (Covid 191. To support tharitlos during this t&, the Govemrrent rnade various grants availabb. The Scout GuP b8nafltted from a rat8s holiday1£1.056.401 and a one4)ff grant of £10.000. whth was u8ed to h8lp COV8r th• running costs of the facilit& whilst in bckdown.
NT . PAYIKNT3 Prerntses Rates Rates - Covhj rebate Malntenance Gos & Electri¢ity T8PhOne Wat8r Insuranc 1.162.40 1,056 40 562.30 1,326.32 563.82 151.50 1.309.50 4,019.44 1,056.40 1,089.07 1.428.19 559.68 241.56 1 221.32 5.596.22 ACtiVe$ RNèr Boave Lakè Beave Lagoon Beavèrs Rainfor8st Cubs jung Cubs ScLuts Group Group Carrffjj 272.56 164.94 873.09 1.419.86 151.33 566.30 1,241.81 10,658.35 353.97 1.131.35 566.38 3.177.41 36.40 5,349.04 15,264.71 Fund Raising Expenses Medkq expens•s 51.26 325.52 Pot•r Llnskey Fund - tralning 530.00 Adrnini8tr3tkJn GtDup RNer Beavers Lake Beav•rs Lagoon Beavers PAinfO$t Qjbs Jung Cubs Scouts 349.68 158.96 124.93 60.35 201.93 360.48 501.95 1.408.60 48.00 225.07 229.84 852 59 Equipment Group River B98vers Lake Bèavers Lagoon Beavers Rainfore Cubs Jungle Cubs S¢outs 259.51 2.471.09 87.70 1S7.84 2.628.93 347.21 v8he Expensès New Minibus & roof Rck Insurnnca Road Tax Running Costs Oth8r Expanses R•pairs 11,323.66 1,571.42 821.50 258.74 100.37 159.97 14,235.66 763.00 265 00 902.00 117.72 900.00 2,947.72 Sundries GroLSP RJ"ver Beavers Lake Beavès Lagoon 8eaver5 R8inlorest Cub$ Jungle Cubs Scouts 520.08 574.83 14.00 110.00 630.08 588.83 TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR YEAR 15,OS2.86 39.722.95
Ststsm•nt ofAo•ets & Uatsllllle• It 31•t Doc•mb•r 2020 Monglary A••ets Bank utnBnt 8e¢ounts- Group - FIv8r Beavers - Lake Beavers - Lxgotsr> Beavgrs - RainfotBst Ojbs - Jungb Cubs -Sry)uts 7.056.94 3,303.33 994.85 10,492.73 2,554.33 602.05 2,SS3.10 1.611.06 4,432.67 2.548.36 763.17 3,977.75 Bank d•posf( aco)unts- Group 30.000.00 0.58 Scnut Assoaatvjn STI account 29.883.65 29,695.28 Cash n hand - Goup - Rar Beavers - Lake Beavers - Lagoon Beave( - R8inlore8t Cub8 - Jung Cubs - Scouts - Bu$ fund 89.47 523.41 384.97 412.09 12.18 137.47 184.34 130.43 245.81 52 129.36 336.30 232.81 81.029.71 Non monetary as•ets Uor charltles own use Land and buiklings- S(%)ut HQ - 21-23 L8ngl8y R08d. Abbots Lan9Y VVD5 OEH Transport- Minlbus and Traikrs Fixtures and frttings in Scout HQ Sc£Juting Equipffent Uablllll••
GL WATF ROUP D PAYM NT Total r•ceipts lorthe year l sé& page 2 1 43,953.21 31,859.81 Totsl paymènts lortha ar I seo pag8 31 15.052.86 39.722.95 Ngt reIPtS I payTrents I forthe year 28,900.35 7,863.14 Cash & bank funds brought fomard 52,129.36 S9,992.50 Cash & bank funds canlèd lorward 81 029.71 52 129.36 Th& abo aclount and Statent of assets and liabl es appro¥ed by the Trust&es on 8nd ggned on thair behaK by (Chairl 17
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