Scouts IstAbbots Langley (3rd North Watford) Scouts Chairman's Report For Year Ending: 31st December 2024 Prepared by David Gray, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Membership of the Scout group continued to thrive. The section leaders worked hard to provide a varied and challenging programme for the young members. The different sections, programmes for 2024 saw the reintroduction of the Points Competition. The young people could earn points to reflect their personal award achievements or by helping others in the group. Four young people from each of the sections were invited to attend an outing to Go Ape as a prize. It proved not possible to fill the vacant role of Group Lead Volunteer (formerly Group Scout Master). Dani Chalk, already lead volunteer for Lake Beavers, generously agreed to become acting GLV overseeing the administration side only of running the group's sections. Dani was assisted in her role by Jack Mawhinney from Watford North District. Difficulties continued in attracting sufficient additional adult volunteers. 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. Appeals continued throughout the year made to parents of the young members and also friends and supporters of the group in an attempt to fill several important vacant roles on the Trustee Board and including Group Secretary, Health & Safety Coordinator and Facilities Coordinator. The duties and
Scouts IstAbbots Langley (3, North Watford) Scouts responsibilities for these roles were covered temporarily by other members of the group's Board of Trustees. Regular assistance was provided by members of the Albatross Explorer Section (the "Abbos"), a Scouting District entity and also from members of the adult Network section. The Scout group's Annual General Meeting was held on 11th May 2024. Various achievement badges were presented to members and a number of long service awards presented to Leaders and other adult members of the Scout group. The Scout group's finances were reported to be in a very good state. The cost of works and purchases that have been identified will significantly reduce the monies held by the group in the short term whilst still maintaining an adequate level of funds in reserve and in accordance with good budgeting practice. The Scout group remains grateful to Christopher James who continued to act as the Independent Examiner of the group's Year End Financial Accounts. The process of Transformation for Scouts first introduced during 2023 was well underway at the beginning of 2024. The group's Board of Trustees needed to review and implement changes to the structure of the group. Different Teams were set up to provide the support skill sets required to run the group. The Events Team, led by Fiona Packman was very busy throughout the year holding the popular jumble sales, quiz nights and also entering stalls at the village carnival.
Scouts IstAbbots Langley (3rd North Watford) Scouts The principal purpose of holding such events is to raise funds for the Scout group. Funding is needed to pay for the day to day running costs of HQ, such as for example, utility bills, paying business tax and insurance. We also need to find money to maintain the HQ and to replace & improve the group's facilities. One such expenditure was the purchase of 2 new pop-up gazebos which have proved to be a great asset. They are very smart, quick to put up and take down and provide a large unobstructed covered space for camps and other events. When announcing an upcoming fund-raising event the group will now clearly identify what any money raised is intended to be used for. We are able to raise funds for the group in a variety of other ways. The young members contribute by payment of subscriptions. "Subs" have been kept as low as possible. This income is supplemented by the group claiming Gift Aid. The solar panels fitted to the roof of the HQ have proved effective in reducing energy bills. The surplus energy is fed back into the electricity grid for which we receive a favourable tariff. We hire out the hall and the group's mini bus for which reasonable charges are made. One unforeseen expense during the year was having to repair the warm air heating system which broke down just at the beginning of the winter months. Rob Coulson was instrumental in organising quotes and overseeing the remedial work, The heating system was up and running again in time for the
Scouts 1st Abbots Langley (3, North Watford) Scouts commencement of the new Spring Term Programme in the New Year 2025. Remedial work was started on resolving the problems with the disposal of the surface water that causes the rainwater gullies to back up during heavy rainfall and could lead to flooding of external areas. Further remedial work is planned to take place during 2025. Holding group events is also aimed at encouraging parents of the young members and also supporters of the group to attend and socialize together and hopefully to attract more volunteers to become involved in the running of the sections and the organisation of the group. The Christingle service held at St Lawrence Church at the beginning of December was well attended by both the young members and the not so young alike. The group is fortunate to own a minibus. Income from it over the year only just about covered the running costs but it has been decided that having the use of the vehicle outweighs the costs. Jeremy Bishop, the transport manager who has done sterling work announced he wished to pass the role on to someone else. We are currently looking for a new volunteer to take over this role. The Scout HQ building stands empty and unused for a greater part of the week. To attract more private events we recognize that we need to improve the facilities so as to compare more favourably with other similar sized venues located in Abbots Langley.
Scouts IstAbbots Langley (3rd North Watford) Scouts Sound absorbing panels have been fitted to the ceilings in the hall to reduce sound levels. This has proved very successful. The wood block floor in the hall received further repairs. Progress was made on finalising a scheme for replacing all of the external doors. Members of the group's Support Team organised a base at the annual Scouts District Green Beret Competition that was held in November. Although significantly altered compared to in previous years it still presented a challenge and was by all accounts enjoyed by the young people who took part in the competition. The family and friends of the late Rob Lambert very kindly made donations in memory of Rob who had been a long time member and active supporter of the group. The intention is to use some of the donated money to create a new award to be presented within in the group in memory of Rob. Further improvements were made to the group's web site led by Liam Goodman. Woodsmoke, the group's regular newsletter edited by Anna Ebden remained an essential read. Prepared by: David Gray Chairman, 1 St Abbots Langley (3rd North Watford) Scouts Signature
(R•g Clwlty 302611) 1. RECEIPTS Subscriptions RNer Beavers Lake Beaver8 Rainlorest Cut JurKJl• Cul 1,880.00 2,034. 2.815.25 3.337. 3.980.00 1,8CM).fK) 2,340.00 3,204.24 2.7.) 3,835.00 Less". RofurKI lor overpayment Less: paid on to distrL* 6.794.50 7.231.75 622200 7.657.24 Inveslmgnt income Grw> 1,912.92 1.190.69 Voluntary g)urces Donations General donations (indwlrwJ ewIpnI) Pete Linskey Training Fund WiThJer ClimbiTrJ Wall FuTrl 1,274.90 421.95 Hall Hire Mini1 hire 3,295.00 2.457.00 775.00 3,653.95 6.139.90 Fund raising Jumble Sales CamNal Iz Night DVD Sales 4.178.05 3.669.49 24.00 3.920.68 3.247.19 8,771.54 7,167.87 Activiti08 River Beavern Lake Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jungle Cubs 1,268.50 720.00 60.00 3,057.50 Kqiscellanoous GP Solar Panels River Beavers Lake Beavers Rainforest Cubs Jung18 C Camp Profit Explorers 2.101.11 141.00 362.89 1,944.41 218.89 170.00 100.(X) 2,439.30 3.011.50 Gift AKI Grwp Camp Misc Income 3.219.¥J 169.50 481.00 TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR YEAR 27.324.11 28,866.78
- PAYMENTS Rates Repab & Maintornn Gas & Elethmity 195.61 8.936.59 1,657.50 958.34 316.57 15,726.80 1,790.46 452.73 $35.19 Water IuranCe 13.530.94 20.487.07 284.52 1.068.24 1.373.44 797.00 2.176.87 1,168.18 1W6.94 2256.61 1.101.42 Lako Beavers Ra19$1 Cubs Jurokn C 2.869.86 1,003.ZJ GrP 6,868.23 9,582.36 FuThl RalsirYJ expenses jumtrje Ss FurKI Raigrvj expenses Camival 1n.99 978.10 1,772.58 Media expenses Petsr Liskey FurKI. tralnN Wlr#Y8r Wall Climlmw Wall Furtty 374.25 760.95 2273.74 2.146.83 inistralion Group 901.79 Lake 8eavers Rarnforest Cubs JurYJl8 Cubs 525.45 52.48 319.04 316.09 1267.06 433.75 151.47 2222.W Group F14ver Beavws Like Beavers Rainlorest Cubs Jur4Jl8 Cubs 5.280.51 1285.50 443.74 693.24 125.16 2,634.61 5.280.51 IrwrarKe Road Tax Rumlw Costs 883.78 97&67 315.05 256.59 1,780.42 215.61 1.487.28 (*oup Rri8r 8oavers Lake eeav8r8 Ra¥rfSt Cub8 Junglo Cub6 1.746.88 352.27 18.84 30.00 2.145.99 467.( TOTAL PAYMEPtrs FOR YEAR 33,019.98 39.154.
•191•1 D•e•mb•r 2tr24 £15,(X19S7 £1116.77 Pete FWKI Cl9 Fu f227128 £2,724.01 £IW.10 £2.799.21 £2,08225 fA.712.71 . Ralnforest C - Jungl8 Clts 70.04 £2.933.71 £4251.77 £0. £35,170.68 £21.711 Sl¥as acts . 8 S Gro 1Wlr¢l PL & WW Savhy xc. Bk WDay Grw 2.95% £21.051.74 . Gr(x £205.13 t1WJ.46 £8.10 . JUr¥j C £IOA7 £10122 £84.763.96 £10122 £90,459 LarKI and . sCrt HQ. 21.ZJ Ro1 L•y WD5 OEH Transp)rt. Mlnkn* ar•1 Trnllern
ATF harl ND PAYMEN NDIN El uKrs EMBE DE Total recs for Ihe )rar (see page l) £27.324.11 £28,866.78 Total payments tor tho year (see page 2) £33,019.98 £39,154.06 Net rerlpts (payments) for year 5.695.87 10.287.28 Cash & bank lurKls brThJght lomrd £90,459.83 £1 (X).747.11 £84 763.96 £90 459.83 .. (Char) Pago 4
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees arity Nan)e 1st Abbots Langley (3rd North Watford) Scout Group On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity no (If any) 302611 Set out on pages Ir@meinb&r lo Include the page numbers of addicional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Trust") for the year ended Responsibilities and basis of report As Ihe charity's trustees, 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. Indap8ndent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's ststement come to my attention in connection with the examination (otbeLU 4isGl0 ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material, respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance wilh section130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not accord w.rth the accounting records. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and Content of accounts set out in the Chariti (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any require that the accounts give a ttrue and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no COnrnS and have come across no other matters in conne with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this repo order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reache ' Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. ent ion in Signed: Date: i¥o(r2 Lf Name: Christopher Howard James Relevant professional qualrfication(s) or body (if any): Chartered Accountant- ICAEW- member 9033646 Address: 17 Little How Croft, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, IND5 OBR IER Oct 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidan for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. No matters to disclose. IER Oct 2018