## **1[st ] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts** ## **Chairman’s Report – For Year Ending 31[st] December 2023** Membership of the Scout Group is thriving. Each of the sections has a full complement of boys and girls. The section leaders, now referred to, post “Transformation” as Section Lead Volunteers continue to provide a varied and challenging programme for the young members. The Scout Group continues to attract fresh enquiries for joining the Group’s membership. Unfortunately, we do not have enough adult volunteers to support any increase in current numbers and to satisfy demand. We have not been able to attract additional adult volunteers to help in the running of the Scout Group or to assist the Section Lead Volunteers in running their programmes. We have had to rely upon assistance provided by members of the former Active Support section and a small number of member’s parents to help in running the section meetings. It has still not been possible to fill the vacant role of Group Lead Volunteer (formerly Group Scout Master). The duties and responsibilities of that role have been shared on a temporary basis between David Collette, District Commissioner Scouts, Watford North and assisted by members of the Scout Group. The former arrangement involving the assistance from Christopher Gurdler, the Group Lead Volunteer at 9[th] North Watford Scout Group came to an end during the tail end of the year. Our Scout Group is grateful to Dave Collette and to Chris Gurdler for their support. Daniel Cartwright, the new Scout Lead Volunteer aided by his partner Lianne Pike who joined the Group last year has 1 ## **1[st ] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts** continued to gain experience and confidence in performing his role. The Section Lead Volunteers continue to rely heavily upon the assistance of Group volunteers and parents of members to support them in the running of section meetings and external activities. The Scout Group continues to benefit from regular assistance provided by members of the Albatross Explorer Section (the “Abbos”), a Scouting District entity and also from members of the Network section. There has been a temporary curtailment of the usual camping and other external activities formally undertaken by the Group’s sections pending Daniel gaining experience and the necessary qualifications. During the course of the year, the Scout Association began to implement a process of change, referred to as “Transformation”. One requirement of this was for our Scout Group Board of Executives to be replaced by a new Board of Trustees. There are six new Trustees. Each Trustee is responsible for a key area of the running of the Scout Group. The Trustees are supported by a Team that has its own Team Committee. The Board of Trustees together with the Group Lead Volunteer (the former Group Scout Leader) are responsible for the regulatory compliance and efficient operation of the Charity (the Scout Group). The running of the Scout Group is the responsibility of a Support Group comprising the Team Leaders (or Coordinators) and their respective Team Committees. 2 ## **1[st ] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts** The Scout Group was pleased to welcome Christin Gillan who has agreed to become the permanent Group Treasurer, taking over the role from Pauline Styles. Christin has joined the Board of Trustees. Pauline Styles, resigned from the Executive Board. Pauline also decided to withdraw from her close involvement with the day to day running of the Scout Group for which she has given freely of her time and valuable experience over many years. The Board of Trustees are immensely grateful to Pauline for all that she has done for the Scout Group. Robert Coulson resigned from the Executive Board and also from his role as Group Quartermaster. Rob has fulfilled the role of Quartermaster for many years. Rob has kindly offered to continue to provide practical help and guidance upon various technical issues. Yvonne Stanley stepped down from being the Coordinator responsible for taking hall bookings, a role that she shared with her husband Matthew Bullock. It has not been possible, so far, to fill the vacant full-time roles of a Group Secretary, a Health & Safety Coordinator and of a Facilities Coordinator. The duties and responsibilities for these roles have been covered temporarily by other members of the Board of Trustees Woodsmoke, the Group’s regular newsletter edited by Anna Ebden remains an essential read. Liam Goodman has been instrumental in setting up a new Group web site. Work on this is ongoing to achieve its full potential. 3 ## **1[st ] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts** Lin Lythaby, has not been able to contribute in her role as the Group’s President due to continuing problems affecting her health. The Scout Group’s Annual General Meeting was held on 12[th] May 2023. Various achievement badges were presented to members and a number of long service awards presented to Leaders and other members of the Scout Group. The Scout Group remains grateful to Christopher James who continues to act as the Independent Examiner of the Group’s Year End Financial Accounts. The Scout Group’s finances remained in a very good state. This was mainly due to receipt of various grants and subsidies received by the Group as a consequence of the Covid Pandemic but also from the proceeds from the Group’s regular fund-raising activities. Fiona Packman, a Trustee heading up Events and FundRaising together with her team of volunteers arranged various activities including a bi-annual jumble sale, a quiz night and a race evening which have raised funds for the Scout Group. The Group’s funds continue to benefit from income derived from regular hall bookings and from the loan of the Group minibus to other external groups and members of the public. We are grateful to Jeremy Bishop who has continued to act as the Group Transport Coordinator. Overall expenditure by the Scout Group was below that previously budgeted for. This is mostly due to delays in arranging for some previously identified repair and improvement works to the Group’s Headquarters building whilst prioritising other works. 4 ## **1[st ] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts** Completing all of the works that have been identified and planned for will significantly reduce the monies held by the Group whilst still maintaining an adequate level of funds in reserve and in accordance with good budgeting practice. Remedial works to the timber hall floor have proved largely successful with only small areas remaining where some further repair work will be required. Additional items of kit have been purchased for the members use. The process of “Transformation” also saw the former Active Support Section, a Scout District entity being dissolved. Its members are invited to become Group Volunteers to assist the new “Teams” and the Section Lead Volunteers. During the course of the year the Scouts Association gave notice of, as part of “Transformation” its intention of transferring all Scout membership details from Compass, the existing system to a new digital system that is due to come into effect towards the end of 2024. The future of the Scout Group is dependent upon it attracting additional adult volunteers to fill the vacant roles and to help the Lead Volunteers run their programmes. Unfortunately, this is an increasingly common problem shared with other volunteer led organisations. Prepared by: Richard Gabriel, Chairman, 1[st] Abbots Langley (3[rd] North Watford) Scouts 5 1ST ABBOTS LANGLEY Re 3RD NORTH WATFORD Chari No. 302611 SCOUT GROUP ACCOUNTS for the ear endin 31st December 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS 1. RECEIPTS Subscripti'ons River Beavers Lake Beavers R8inforest Cubs Jungle Cubs Scouts Less.. refund for Lake B8avèfS overpa Less paid to Distn"d 2023 2022 1.8C(J.C(I 2.340.00 3,204.24 2.700 00 3.835.00 2,055.C(J 2,025 00 2,145.00 3,CfO.00 6,365.00 7.657.24 8,688.50 Investment ino)me Group 1.1SKJ.69 345.51 Voluntary sourt%S Donations General donation$ Pete Linskey Traintng Fund Winder Climbing Wall Fund Local authonty Cowd grants Hall Hire Minibus hire 421.95 625.97 2,$05.62 4,328.21 2.501 14 1,015. 11,fK)5.94 2,457.C() 775.(X) 3,653.95 Fund faising Jumble sales Camival Xmas M8rkg1 DVD Sales 3.920.68 3.247.19 2.404.71 4.246.34 724.40 200.CMI 7.575.45 7,167.87 ActNities River Beavers Lake Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs Scouts 385.00 1,268.50 15.CX) 29.(X) 720.thj 60 CKJ 285.ljo 389.00 3.057.50 mssce1lan￿uS Group- Solar Panels River Beaver3 Lak8 Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs Scouts Explorers 1.944.41 218.89 1.894 06 456.50 170.(KJ 6688 396.CKJ 2,869.44 I￿.00 2.439.30 Grft Aid Group Camp Misc Income 3,219.23 2.080.38 481.(KJ 187.g TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR YEAR 28.866.78 33,142.18 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT CONT. 2. PAYMENTS 2023 2022 Premises Rates Maintenance Gas & Electri¢ity Telephone Water Insurancè 233.68 15.726.80 1.7￿.46 452.73 535.19 1,748.21 20.487.07 522.60 6,675.90 1.840.73 443.74 372.C 1,586.99 11,44202 Activities River Beave Lakè Bèavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs Scouts Group Group Carnp 1.396.94 2.356.61 1.101_42 854.30 2,869.86 1,003.23 669 93 1,150.86 1,497.80 897.74 2.217.26 125.18 9.582.36 6,558.77 Fund Raising Expenses Jumble Sales Fund Raising Expenses Camival Fund Raising Ex￿nSeS Xmas Market Media expenses Peter Linskey Training Fund Winder Wall Climbing W811 FuThY 173.99 978.10 2,055.83 1.246.09 80.44 369.03 45. 387.60 4,183.99 3eii.70 760.95 2.273.74 Administration Group River Beavers Lakè Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs Scouts 1.79 388.39 171.18 151.71 30. 194.81 433.75 734.99 151.47 2.222.00 998.43 Equipmenl Group Rwer Beavers Lake Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs 1,285.50 443.74 86.97 115.83 54.74 693.24 125.16 2,634.61 170.57 Transport Expen￿$ Insurance Road Tax Running Costs Other Expenses 976.67 295. 215.61 733.27 280.00 163.78 1,177.05 1,487.28 Sundries Group Rwer Beavers Lake Beaves Rainforest CLtbs Jungle Cubs Scouts 422. 854.85 45.00 467.IXJ 899.85 TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR YEAR 39.154.1 25,430.68 1ST A880TS LANGLEY 3RD NORTH WATFORD sco T GROUP Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31st December 2023 2023 2022 Moiietary Assets Bank rJJrrgnt 0￿nts. . Group Pete ￿nskeY Training Fund CINe Winder Wall Fund - RNer Beave - Lake Beaver5 - Rainforest Cubs - Jungle Cubs 1.816.77 1,704.12 2.468.68 2,485.08 3.571.73 1,503.10 2,131.38 1.903.79 7.178.20 2.724.01 1.369.10 2,799.21 2,082.25 4.712.71 Bank deposit aco)unts- Bardays Group 0.40% Savings acc- Mons B S 1% {Ind PL & WW Funds Savings acc- Rethvood Bk ￿DaY 2.95% 2,0￿.00 £55,088 00 £20.255.23 53,521.61 21,051.74 C8sh in hand - Group - RNer Beavers - Lake 8è8vèrs - Rainforest Cubs - Jungle Cubs . ScoLrts - Bus fvnd 205.13 330.58 6.10 3.21 22.79 101.22 1CXJ,747.11 101.22 ,459.83 Non monet?ry assets (for charities O￿n dsei Land ar)d building$- S¢x)ut HQ- 21-23 Langley Road, Abbots Langley WDS OEH Tr8nSPOrt- Minibus and Trailers Fixtures and fittings in Scout HQ Scouting Equipment Liabilities 1ST ABBOTS LANGLEY 3RD NORTH WATFORD Re Chari No. 302611 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023 SCOUT GROUP 2023 2022 Total receipts for the year I see page 21 28.866.78 33,142.18 Total payThents for the year { see page 3) 39,154 25.430 88 Net r￿IptS { payments I forthe year 10,287.28 7,711.50 Cash & bank fijnds brought foThYdrd 1￿,747.11 93,035.61 Cash & bank funds carried forward ,459.83 100,747.11 Thè abovè account and ststement of assets ar￿ liabilrbes ￿Pre 8pproved by the Trustees on 10th May 2024 arKJ $igr*d on their behawty............... IChaif} CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGlhM) AND w￿E5 Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Seetioii A Independent Examitier's Report Report to the trugteos Cbanty.W 1qt Abl￿ LarvJley (3° P*)rth Wattord) Scout Group Charity no Irf any) On accounts for the year ond•d 31 D8cgmt*r 2023 302611 S•t out on pa If8pw¥thr to irKlude the n￿nter8 a￿l￿TraI shEptsI I report trustees ry exaMina￿ft of the accounts ofthe atrrt)ve (*arity fthe TTr￿v) fc* ts yw eThJed 31 D¢￿rnber 2023. As ts tharlvs you are responsible ft)rthe weparation of the counts in acoydance with the requireff*rrts of the Charit*s Act 2011 Rosponslbilili05 and basis of report I report ￿ respecl of oxamination of ￿ Trust's accouirts Ganied out der section 145 of th8 2011 Act in carrylng out my examination, I have f￿1<￿Ved the *ical)te Dffections given by the Chariiy Commission under Sethn 14515)(b) ofts Ad. Independent I h￿e c*etsl exawhT01kn. 1 (x)nffirm that no Tro￿al matters have come to examinerfs statement my atknnts¢￿ In (￿nn￿l￿)n y￿h the examin8tN)n (other than that dlgc*68d teiow") which gives me cause lo that in. rroterfal re5￿t.. the reoyds werè not W in aCurdan￿ sth)n 130 of th Ch*ib8s or the ￿)Unts dvJ not acLxrf Ykn the a(￿￿ntIng T￿r￿S.. or the accounts dld not u)ryly wtth the applicable requirements ccJnrRming the forn and c(￿kn￿t of &counis sat out in the Chartties {Ac¢ounts and Reports) Regulati)ns 2(Kl8 other than any wuiremersl that the acrA)unts give a Mte d fail ¥1￿ is nota Ma￿ cons￿er&I as p8rt d an Independent examinaiitjn. I Iw• rn oirwis have am no othw in r3)nnertion wllh the exaMnalbM io which attenti)n shLNJhY be drawn in thts report in order to a proper undwthLlmg of the accnunts to Le reache￿. . P198se ￿18t8 in the bfft3kpts ttlh8ydo awy. Signed: Dats: 23Krz Nam•: Chrisiother Hcr•Yard James Rolevant wof•ssional qualrfication(sl or body (rf any): charter￿ Ac￿ntart- ICAEW- member 9D33S46 Address: 17 Llttb How Crf Abbots Lang￿y. Hertfordshffe. WD5 OBR IER Oct 2018 Section B Disclosure Only comp.ete if the èxaminer need3 to highlight material matters of Con￿rn (See CC32, Independent examina￿On of charity aG¢ounts: dlredions and gUTd￿l% for examiws). Givè here brlef delails of any itèms that tho oxaminer wlshes to dlsclose. No Matter6 to DN%ose. IER Oct 2018