## 2nd Harlington ## Scout Group ## Annual Report 2021 ## 2nd Harlington Scout Group ## Annual General Meeting 15th June 2021 ## Agenda 1. Welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of last year’s AGM for approval 4. Matters arising from last year’s minutes 5. Treasurer’s report for 2020/21 and approval of accounts 6. Asset Listing 7. Section reports (in the pack) 8. Group Scout Leader’s report 9. Chairman’s remarks 10. GSL’s appointment for Group Chairman 11. Nomination and approval of Group Secretary 12. Nomination and approval of Group Treasurer 13. Election of other members for the Group Executive Committee 14. Leaders reaffirm their commitment to serve on the Executive Committee 15. Presentation of Awards 16. Group President’s address 17. District Commissioner’s address ## 18. AOB 19. Chairperson’s closing remarks (and notices) ## **– Group Officials 2020 2021** |Group Scout Leader|Steve Callan| |---|---| |Group Chairperson|Paul Carter| |Group President|Elly Turner| |Group Treasurer|Chris Redgewell (deceased 23.07.20)| |Group Secretary|Hina Johal| |Nominated Committee Members|Taruna Bagga
Paul Carter
Veena Majothi
Michael Willmot| |Elected Committee Members|Tim Thomas
Surjit Panesar| |Group Hall Hire Management|Veena Majothi| |Scout Association Registration Number
Date formed|19261
26.02.1938| |Bankers|Lloyds Bank PLC| |Auditor|To be appointed| **Beaver Scout Leader** Vacancy **Assist Beaver Leaders** Kerry Williams; **Cub Scout Leader** Glenn Turner **Assist Cub Leaders** Sachin Bansal; Surjit Panesar; Gary Johnson **Scout Leader Assist Scout Leaders** Jerry Marriage Steve Turner; Jacq Turner **2[ND] HARLINGTON SCOUT GROUP** ## **Annual General Meeting 12th Nov 2020 @ 20.00hrs.** ## **1.0 Welcome by Chairperson** Welcomed parents friends, families and guests. We also welcome from Scouting:- - Mike Harrison, (District Commissioner) ## **2.0 Apologies for absence** - . Jerry Marriage - . No other formal apologises. ## **3.0 Minutes of last year’s AGM for approval** Minutes approved. _Proposed - Jacq Turner_ _Seconded - Kerry Williams_ _Show of hands of approval from the floor_ ## **4.0 Matters arising from last year’s minutes** - Nothing to report ## **5.0 Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts** If you have any questions, I am sure we will endeavour to answer them for you. Proposed - Glen Turner Seconded - Elly Turner N.B: Committee ratified these accounts on 21st August 2020 Approved by the floor. - **The group is in a good financial position at this time thanks to good financial management; from nursery income and grants the group has received.** ## **6.0 Section Reports** You will find them included in your packs. Beavers – Beavers have met back once since restrictions were eased. The results were promising with 80% and most of the Beavers coming to the meeting. Cubs – Cubs have met back twice since restrictions were eased. Sadly, we have only seen about 40% return to date. Activities included a nature walk with social distancing. There are approx. 10 Cubs before lockdown. Glenn and his team have tried to reach out to all the Cubs but not everyone has responded yet. Scouts - Scouts have met back once since restrictions were eased. The numbers for Scouts are small as 3 are now at Explorer age, there are 3 that will move from Cubs later this year. Summary – There are approx. 20 children across the 3 sections. When lockdown eases leaders will be again contacting members offering both face to face and online meetings. ## **7.0 Group Scout Leaders Report** - Thanks Chairperson and his Committee for their support - Thank section leaders for their informative reports. Steve Callan (SC) thanked all the leaders for their hard work and teamwork. SC advised all that it has been a real challenge with COVID-19 as well as endeavouring to maintain support. SC thanked Surjit and Sachin for taking on the roles as assistant Cub Scout leaders and offered them encouragement. SC also advised that Jas has joined the Beaver leader team unfortunately Tracy from Beavers has had to resign due to personal issues. SC also offered a special tribute to Chris Redgwell who unfortunately died of Cancer earlier this year, paying tribute to all his hard work and effort he put in for the group. ## **8.0 Chairperson’s Remarks** - Thank the GSL, Leaders & Helpers - Thank Veena for taking on hall hires and providing cleaning services. - Thank the parent/leaders committee for their support over the last year. ## **Stands down as Chairperson.** It is at this stage in proceedings I ( **PC** ) stood down as Chairperson. ## **9.0 GSL’s appointment for Group Chairperson** Steve Callan Re- appointed – Paul Carter ## **10.0 Nomination of Group Secretary** Steve Callan Re- appointed Hina Johal Seconded - Jacq Turner Approved by the floor. ## **11.0 Nomination of Group Treasurer** Steve Callan to highlight the current vacancy of Treasurer. (Applications are currently being considered) ## **12.0 Election of other members of Group Executive Committee** Steve Callan to nominate: - **Veena Majothi** - **Michael Willmot** - **Tim Thomas** **Seconded - Hina Johal** ## **Approved by the floor.** ## **13.0 Leaders reaffirm their commitment to serve on the Executive** ## **Committee.** Commitment was given by all present. JM offered his continued support by proxy. ## **14.0 2020 Awards** **The District Commissioner presented -** - Chief Scout’s Award of the Bar to the Medal of Merit – - to Steve Callan (announced by **MH** ) - Medal of Merit - Kerry Williams (by **MH)** - Wood Badges to Jerry Marriage (Change of Role) ( **by MH)** - To Kerry Williams (Change of Role) ( **by MH)** - Chief Scouts Award (Silver) to Callum Johal and Jay Bagga ( **by GT** ) ## **15.0 Group President’s address** - **Elly Turner thanked everyone for the last 9 months and going back into lockdown. She encouraged everyone to stay and think positive and that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.** ## **16.0 District Commissioner’s address** Mike Harrison - MH thanked all the leaders, the chairman and Hina Johal for all that they are doing. He commented that it was nice to see parents getting involved. - MH advised the Group that there was a community project in place with Lake Farm school. This has unfortunately had to be postponed until February half term 2021. If this is successful it will be rolled out to other schools in the borough. - MH also advised that the Hayes recruitment day would go ahead in 2021. - MH also sent the personal thanks of Richard Williams (County Commissioner, for all the efforts and continued support within the Group, particularly during the pandemic. - ## **17.0 Any other business** ## **Nothing to report** ## **18.0 Chairperson’s closing remarks** PC advised that on-going training would be mainly online, and validation would occur once training was complete. Steve / David / Mike are available if any help is required. _**Meeting closed at 8.50 pm**_ ## **4. Matters raised from last years minutes.** 5. Treasurers Report 202012021 Ira H*lr4kni " Nat￿￿t￿rShIp GIFt #Jd Jxk PEkhEV . L5 L.EQ 151. bT( Lc￿1 Carnha GKR KaratE Ikll HI Ikll Hlr* 5A5U #411 Hlr* 6STh) 3txK sh¥j￿ m￿t￿l J*rts Ikll Hlr* 5unMllwv Nw5E 7txK M15tklandL bT￿l ULilllrK IrKtbrrd .fjJE.42 Total R￿F*S 3£r: 5unMllwrr Nbr> TarrnIn￿luI a￿.3￿ 4.19 711.33 rW&rW 15[Xx￿ B&J3 an Cthld.&S 363.BJ JxkPEtc 7rd ytX13 TSSJ £klS.&4 t Ptynw kn Noi 5taillrrdrt 77& 1435.57 CathToHir J37.73 Atr￿ÈD OT.. tL*tÉ I tPAIÈ J51W2D2J H*1 H*4 Hall hiN £6 £L93&4L Htlrrw6d NLrfWry gJ5L4I £29J5LI i￿%* R&fufid 5tKL El1￿L 71Lal 16Lal kyar BuilgrY4 Els[￿[￿j Lll 36IBI Jètk P*rcf*¥ trrL [￿￿[￿] *3tMIL &Iq7KLW &I47￿L￿j TOT￿ INCaklE EtPENt￿￿NE 14LY YH *arthHr £L￿.7) 67WJ *&5&3E ￿4￿ Scours ## **Note:** 2[nd] Harlington Scout Group has adopted a policy of financial retention of £10k which will be reflected in next years accounts. This is to ensure reasonable safeguards are in place to protect the group against financial risk. 6. Asset Listing 888888 $8 ESI, J YSS*9 li 15 ¥Th D ## **7. Sectional reports** ## **Beaver Section Annual Report 2020-2021 (April 21)** Sadly this year, we can only reflect back on what might have been. As we kicked off our year (April – March) we were just as quickly kicked back into touch and told about some awful thing called ‘Covid’. Surly that doesn’t stop Beavers. Beavers are strong, Beavers are tough, but would they listen. Would they listen to anyone, and so we were all put firmly into lockdown. For nearly 6-mths we could do nothing. Then in September they said we could meet up outside. Sure we tried it for a while. We had some different fun and games but the nights got colder and darker and then came the 2[nd] lockdown. Along came a thing called ‘Zoom’ and we started online. It was again different and we saw a few of our Beaver friends join in, but Dad and Mum were on the laptop, they worked from home. Older brothers told their younger Beavers they could borrow their mobile phones, and for some of ‘us’, we had enough of Zoom for school so it was hard work for a small few Beavers online. Come the New Year, we Beavers had had enough, we wanted our turn. So our Leaders made our new zoom meetings much more fun. We even invited the Cubs to join in. Lots of games, quizzes, scavenger hunts too and a different programme idea each week. We made dragons, went into deep space to Mars and we still got all our badges. Even mum and dad had to say hello online. Sadly however, despite all the hard work of the leaders in running zoom meetings, not all our friends from Beavers joined in and many stopped attending until such time as they could meet face to face again. Many of the Beavers also turned 8 during this last year which meant they now moved up to Cub Scouts. So, we have now lost a lot of our Beaver friends and numbers have fallen dramatically. ‘We have also lost many of our Beaver leaders which now makes it difficult for us to find someone to help us this coming year. Please………… if you think you can help run a game, make our drinks and help us to have fun again like we used to do. please come and find out how you can help us. After all, we’re worth it’. Thankfully as we write this report, we are starting to return back to a little normality. We’re able to meet face to face and we’re still having fun. Just help us to have a little more fun and get lots of badges this year to make up for last year. Come on Mum, Dad and any other members of the family why not come along and help? ## **(Taken from comments made by) : The Beavers (aged 6 + 7yrs).** ## **2[nd] Harlington Cub Scout Annual Report 2020-2021 (April 21)** This year ends as it began, in lockdown. Sadly it took its toll, with pack nights and all face to face scouting last spring was cancelled. Once restrictions started to ease in the summer we did manage a couple of face to face meetings outside in the open air. We went on a scavenger hunt in the Bunny Fields in Shepiston Lane, and collected all manner of things. We also did some simple pioneering – learning to tie some simple knots and what they can be used for. Then just as we were getting used to being back together – another lockdown. So no more face to face meetings. But with the magic of Zoom and some help from County we were able to meet up, albeit on a computer screen, and set about some fun activities and badge work. We made finger biscuits, created posters and Dragons for Chinese New Year. We took part in an international quiz and learnt to say hello in 20 different languages. Another activity the Cubs enjoyed was sign language and they learnt to sign their name and count. Badge work continued during our zoom meetings and we completed our Hobbies, Environment/Recycling and Safety badges. So well done guys, especially during such difficult times. G.L.M.W. County arranged a virtual camp (Elevate) an air activity day on Zoom which was great fun. The Cubs were able to join in on several workshops, screened on Facebook, and were shown how to make all manner of things. They were also able to view talks about “a day in the life of a” RAF Fighter Pilot, BA Commercial Pilot, BA Cabin Crew, Helicopter Pilot with the London Air Ambulance and a tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge and the Air Force Museum at Hendon. As restrictions began to ease and we were allowed to meet face to face in the open air we held an Easter Egg Hunt, in the grounds of HQ, which the Cubs seemed to enjoy and it was good to see them all back together. We finished of the year with the renewal of our promises in our own camp fire circle, for St George’s Day. We were joined by Mike Harrison our District Commissioner. It now only leaves me to thank you, the parents, for supporting the Cubs, to Surj Panesar, Sachin Bansal our assistant Cub Leaders, to Steve Turner for his support, especially when I am running late due to work commitments. I would also like to thank Steve Callan for the help and guidance he gives the Pack. But not least of all to the Cubs for their dedication and enthusiasm to Cub Scouting, especially during these unprecedented times. ## **Glenn Turner** (Akela) ## **Scout Section Annual Report 2020-2021 (April 21)** Sadly this year has ended as it began, in lockdown. Never before has Scouting experienced so many online meetings, District events, and cancelled camps. However, with the aid of Zoom and some help from the County Team we were able to meet up face to face, even if it was via a computer screen. We did however manage to complete many tasks and badge work, and had some fun time too. We had online cooking; international celebrations; international quizzes and learnt elements of 20 different languages. We took advantage of this time to press on with some badge work. We completed the Hobbies Badge where the Scouts had to give a short talk on their collections, and which item was their favourite. The Local Knowledge Badge, they had to identify several keys on a map, such as Police Station, Fire Station, Doctors surgery and several others giving the Grid Reference for each place. They had to plot the quickest route to the local hospital, and locate and pinpoint the Scout HQ using the Grid Reference. We are now working on the Fire Safety, Camp Craft and Communication Badges. The Scouts have learnt about fire extinguishers, signage, smoke alarms and fire alarms. They only need to address evacuation procedures to complete this badge. Communications Badge they have learnt the phonetic alphabet, to spell their name using morse code and sign language and have just semaphore signalling to complete. Camp craft needs a little more work. They have erected a tent but need to know the best place to pitch one. They need to complete how to pack a ruck sack correctly, the best type of food to take on a hike, how to light a fire and cook. G.L.M.W. County arranged a virtual camp (Elevate) an air activity day on zoom. The Scouts were able to join in on several workshops, screened on Facebook, and shown how to make all manner of things, they were also able to view talks about “a day in the life of a” RAF Fighter Pilot, BA Commercial Pilot, BA Cabin Crew, Helicopter pilot with London Air Ambulance. They also had a virtual tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge and the Air Force Museum Hendon. What was so good about the day was that the Scouts could dip and out of the elements that interested them the most. As restrictions began to ease and face to face scouting was allowed outside in the fresh air, we held an Easter Egg Hunt. After a short break for Easter we returned to renew our promises, in our Camp Fire Circle, for St. George’s Day. We were joined by our District Commissioner Mike Harrison. It now only leaves me to thank you, the parents for supporting our Scouts and the Scouts themselves for their hard work and dedication. Especially over the past year, well done guys. You really are a credit to the Group. Here’s hoping things will return to some form of normality and we can resume scouting as it should be. ## _Steve Turner (Scout Leader)._ ## **8. Group Scout Leader’s Annual Report 2021 (April 21)** After nearly 15-months since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the lockdown we saw in both March 2020 and again in November 2020, there is now hope that Scouting is now on the up. Needless to say, that reporting on the last year, there is a short fall in what we can report back on and going forward is still a little hazy in parts. 2[nd] Harlington is however a positive Scout group and we’ve worked hard to deliver what Scouting was possible. 12-months ago, our young person membership dropped way down by 50% as lockdown set in. As September came, and risk assessments were approved, we opened up with severe restrictions, however the lack of numbers made it very difficult, and a further lockdown put any hope of progress in 2020. With no realistic opening dates for 2021, we set about some hard planning and thoughts, just how we might be able to run some form of Scouting. ‘Zoom’ provided the short-term answer with free access to unlimited online video conferencing for Scouts. With parents on-board and the young people want to see their friends again we had a plan again. As soon as the Christmas break was over, so online ‘Zoom’ Scouting started at 2[nd] Harlington. Numbers were still low, and we therefore ran joint Beaver, Cub & Scout meetings online, making some great use of the breakout room facility. Of course, it was different and fun. With about a 1/3 of our usual numbers, we ran activities, games, quizzes, and the very popular scavenger hunts. In fact, we achieved more badges in the following 15 weeks than we had in a normal year. All except those favorite outdoor, face to face Scouting activities. On April 12[th] , the news came that we could again start to meet face to face using the Scout facilities, albeit outdoors were possible. Planning, timings were high on the agenda and we were extremely grateful to those parents who both supported the return to Scouting, but just as importantly provided some appreciated thanks and encouragement to the leader team for what they had done to date and planned going forward. Thank you. Since April, we have now thankfully started back regularly on a Thursday. Numbers still meant we could not justify 3 separate sectional meetings just yet, but this is now improving slowly. I guess this is the hard sell now as the Beaver section unfortunately lost 3 members of it’s team over the last year. This of course makes it extremely difficult to re-open the Beaver section on its normal Monday slot until I can secure enough helpers to run this section safely. It is also our most important section as it brings in the youngest members and hopefully these then grow up, providing new members for the older sections as they get older. Can you help? There is no commitment to become a leader, or to wear a uniform. Just a little help with games, drinks breaks and maintaining both the safety of the youngsters and the safeguarding of other adults. Please do speak to me or one of our Leaders. It really doesn’t matter how little. Together we can share in the future of your children. A word of thanks - I would like to take the opportunity to thank all my Leaders and Helpers for their time and commitment over the last year. It has not been easy for anyone, but to fit in those extra Zoom meetings, on top of their daily work online meetings is really appreciated. Covid has hit many in different ways and it is always a pleasure to thank everyone for going that extra mile. I would also like to thank Paul Carter (Chairman) and his Executive committee, as well as parents and friends who have lent their support to 2[nd] Harlington over this past year. This is not a about individuals, but the team who works so hard to go that extra mile. Whilst it was not an easy decision to hold our 2[nd] consecutive AGM online, sometimes we need to be mindful taking to many risks to quickly. For those parents, friends, and families, we are looking to have a further open social day hopefully later in the year when we can show you what we have been up to. Present a few more badges and awards to the young members and give you the chance to ask what it is we do and why we do it. ## _Steve Callan_ ## Group Scout Leader ## **9. Chairpersons Remarks** Reading the reports of the various sections, it is good to see all they have managed to achieve whether via zoom or the few actual meetings that have been able to happen and that badges have still been awarded within the group. It is nice to see that face to face scouting is slowly coming back. We have been lucky to receive some funding from the London Borough of Hillingdon this year which has helped us greatly along with Sunflower Nursery which uses our building during the week, we hope to see some of the other groups like SASU, Brownies, Martial Arts and Karate back soon as allowed. The outbuilding we have been planning is now up and is waiting its cladding, this will be a big bonus to us as we will be able to hold meetings outside but undercover so will give more flexibility over the group and numbers allowed for activities. The doors on the store have been replaced and we are planned to upgrade other items including the outside lights soon. I would like to thank all the members of the committee and leaders for all they have done during the year and continue to do to support the group and commitment to scouting and the children that get so much out of it. I would especially like to thank Steve and Elly Turner for their help this year as they have often dropped down the HQ to check something for me, take a delivery or meet someone at the HQ as a lot of us now are a distance away from the HQ. As always, we are looking for parents to come onto the committee to help, it is as little time as you can spare and do not have to come to everything. We currently only have a couple of parents of a group member on the committee and it would be great to increase this as the committee is there to run the building and fundraising etc. to help enable Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections to run and it is always good to have help and input from the parents of children in the group. If anyone is interested, please speak to me or one of the leaders who would be happy to tell you what is involved. Paul Carter Group Chairman ## **10. GSLs appointment of Group Chairperson** ## **11. Nomination and approval of Group Secretary** ## **12. Nomination and approval of Group Treasurer** ## **13. Election of other members for the Group Executive Committee** ## **14. Leaders reaffirm their commitment to serve on the Executive Committee.** ## **15. Presentation of Awards** Bar to the Award of Merit Jerry Marriage ## **16. Group President’s address** ## **17. District Commissioner’s address** ## **18. AOB** ## **19. Chairperson’s closing remarks (and notices)**