## **10[th] Medway Trustees’ Annual Report**
**For the period April 2024 to March 2025**
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
**Charity name:** 10th Medway Sea Scout Group **Charity registration number:** #303364 **Charity’s principal address:** 73 Wainscott Road Wainscott Rochester
**Names of the Charity Trustees who manage the Charity:**
## Current Trustee Board:
|Current Trustee Board:|||
|---|---|---|
|**Trustee Name**|**Ofice(if any)**|**Date appointed**|
|Christopher Beck|GroupLead Volunteer|28thSeptember 2017|
|Myles Clife|Treasurer|16thOctober 2023|
|Cheyne RoyMcMillan|Trustee|01stFebruary2025|
|Emma MoragDorothyWalters|Trustee|01stFebruary2025|
|Oliver Stuart Wood|Trustee|01stFebruary2025|
## Resigned in period:
|Resigned in period:|||
|---|---|---|
|**Trustee Name**|**Ofice(if any)**|**Date resigned**|
|KellyBeck|Trustee|01stFebruary2025|
|John Brown|Chairperson|10thNovember 202|
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## **Names and addresses of advisers**
|**Names and addresses of advisers**||
|---|---|
|**Type of advisor**|**Name**|
|Operational advice|KellyBeck|
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Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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## **Structure, Governance & Management**
## **Type of Governing Document**
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
## **How the Charity is constituted**
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
## **Trustee selection method**
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
## **Management**
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists 4 Trustees and a Treasurer and meets every 2 months. The Trustee Board is currently operating without a “Chairperson” but is seeking a resolution to this at the next Annual General Meeting.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.
## **Risk and internal controls**
The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and actions have been established to mitigate against them.
The principal areas of risk that have been identified and which have taken the focus of the trustees over the last period are:
- Loss of volunteers to run the Group: 10[th] Medway is fully reliant on its volunteers who give their time to run and administer the group’s activities. If there was a reduction in the numbers of leaders and volunteers below a threshold then there would be a retraction of activities, changes to group meeting arrangements, or closure of parts of the group.
- Loss of income and budgetary challenges: the group is fully reliant on the income it receives through is “subs” and fees for camps and additional activities. A financial reserve is held to address any short term cashflow challenges and the trustees could increase the subs to help cover the costs of running the group. The Treasurer provides a financial update to the Trustees at every trustee meeting and action is taken where required.
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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- Loss of access to space for group meetings: 10[th] Medway has a long standing relationship with the Community Hall on St Mary’s Island and enjoys access to the hall for group meetings. Bookings are made for the forth-coming term by the group leader.
- Lack of direction and strategy: a new trustee board has recently been introduced as part of the governance restructure. The trustee board arrangements have now been established and the board has established a regular cadence of meetings. The major issues facing the trustees are visible and built into a forward agenda of discussion and decision.
Additional risks to those principle focus areas above have been identified as part of the risk assessment process and mitigations put in place. Risks are kept under review as a standing agenda item in the trustees’ regular meetings.
## **Objectives & Activities**
## **The Purpose of Scouting**
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
## **The Values of Scouting**
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
**Integrity** - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
**Respect** - We have self-respect and respect for others.
**Care** - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
**Belief** - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
**Co-operation** - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
## **The Scout Method**
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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## **Operations**
The Group continues to face challenges in terms of adult volunteer leaders recruitment and retention; however, it has been able to provide the level of Scouting activities required to meet the purposes and objectives of the charity.
A new trustee board has recently been introduced as part of the governance restructure. The trustee board arrangements have now been established and the board is into a regular cadence of meetings. The major issues facing the trustees are visible and built into a forward agenda of discussion and decision. The Trustee Board is currently operating without a Chairperson.
## **Beavers**
Beaver numbers have remained around the 24 mark throughout the reporting year. We began the year with Kelly running the section with the help of District’s Christine Firmin. It was rather a challenging start as we were thin on the ground with offers of leadership help. A change of lead began in September as Jenny Foreman took the role with Chris Beck’s guidance.
We have kept the program varied, with a mixture of badge work, such as air activities, healthy eating and gardening. Outdoor visits included a night Buckmore Park den building and bowling at Christmas with the cubs.
We had an overnight stay at SOAR trampoline park having great fun bouncing around. There was a visit from the police which included sitting in their police car and dressing up. A spaceman came in for a joint evening with the cubs telling us stories of aliens and planets and was really engaging.
In the summer we cooked marshmallows over a fire and played wide games. All in all quite a busy, full year.
We are very grateful to Jenny for looking after the beaver section this year with help from Chris. Kelly would also like to give a big thank you to John Brown, Ruth Goodrich, Christine Firmin and our young leader, Lucas Brewood; they’ve been fantastic help and we couldn’t have kept the section running without them.
## **Cubs**
Our numbers of cubs have stayed fairly steady around the 25 mark this year, with a fair amount of cubs moving on up to scouts when they are old enough.
We started the year off with the St George’s Day District camp. It was a challenging one for the younger ones as the temperature got down to 4 degrees on the Friday night. This didn’t stop us. The cubs had a fantastic time playing laser tag, shooting, bouncing on the inflatables, playing crazy golf, singing at the huge campfire and finishing off the evening with an open air disco. Sunday saw us coming together with everyone on site to make a human Fleur des Lys shape - being photographed from above by a drone.
We followed this up with a fair amount of badge work and outdoor trips including one to the fire station and bowling with the beavers.
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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We missed out on camping in the summer but got a sleepover in at Hopehill camp site doing a variety of activities during the day including archery, shooting and tomahawk throwing. Two of our cubs achieved the Chief Scout Silver award this year, meeting the Mayor at the awards ceremony in October.
We have a team of great helpers, including our GLV Chris, Trisha, Ruth, and Thomas, without which we couldn’t deliver the cub evenings as we do. We also had regular help from a number of adults.
Kelly would like to personally thank all of them for their continued support each week.
## **Scouts**
The scout section consistently is running around the low 20’s in numbers, this is slightly down as a number of them have moved onto Explorers. Some good progress has been made by all scouts on their Individual Challenge Awards towards their Chief Scout Gold Award. The only downside has been the knock-on effect of time out due to Covid, which has made it difficult to cover all the awards before individuals have moved onto Explorers. However, we are pleased to report that Freddie Cliffe has achieved his Chief Scout Gold award in this period. Well done Freddie!
We have gone on camp four times in this period, the first being our Narrow Boat Expedition from Braunston Junction in the midlands on the Grand Union Canal in May. All those attending had a chance to cover their Expedition Challenge, Power Coxswains and Nautical Skills stage 3 awards. A weekend camp at Broadstone Warren Scout Activity Centre in the Ashdown Forest in July. We again attended Kent County Scouts water activity weekend at Bewl Water in September. Where all those attending attained a nationally recognised award in their chosen discipline (Kayaking / Canoeing, Sailing and Windsurfing) as well as several scout badges. Our last camp was an indoor event held at the home of scouting Gilwell Park in Essex, where we had a great campfire lead by Stuart and all participants had to sing!!
Other activities have included, both St Georges and Remembrance parades. District shooting & Archery competition, where we won the team event for shooting. A sponsored bike ride to raise funds towards our new canoe trailer, which we tied in with the cyclist badge. District conker bash and District Troop night. Several hikes, along with the route planning, equipment / clothing and emergency procedures. Caving and shooting at Buckmore Park. Several Kayaking / Canoeing trips on the river Medway in the Yalding area. Working parties on our adopted site G4 at Buckmore park. We also attended the district Arrowhead competition on Saturday 17[th] February. It is run at Buckmore park from 18:00-01:00 and covers 16 bases of various teamwork challenges/task. The team did really well as they were all novices, so well done to those involved.
Martin would like to thank our parent helpers and our non-parent helpers for backing us up, along with the other section leaders, especially those that have been brave enough to come on camp or on the water!
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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## **Explorers**
Our explorers number 12; this year has primarily focused on preparations for and participation in the expedition to Scotland, together with the extensive fundraising activities that made the trip possible. Explorers have demonstrated exceptional commitment and teamwork throughout the year, gaining valuable experience and several awards along the way.
Fundraising activities included a curry night, making and selling crafts and goods at the Island and local Christmas fairs, a sponsored walk, and various individual initiatives. Thanks to the Explorers’ dedication in contacting local businesses, we were also fortunate to secure sponsorship and community support. In addition, several training sessions were held to develop fitness, paddling proficiency, and safety awareness in readiness for the expedition. Planning and training for the trip also formed part of their **Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) practice expedition** , their **Fundraising Badge** .
The **Great Glen Canoe Trail Trip** was a great success, offering 11 Explorer Scouts the opportunity to further develop their paddling, map reading, and camping skills. The expedition not only strengthened team bonds and created lasting memories but also contributed towards either their **Diamond** or **Platinum Chief Scout’s Awards** , depending on age and time in Explorers. We believe we are the first Explorer group in Kent to complete the Great Glen Canoe Trail. Quite an achievement!
Achievements from the past year also include **four Bronze DofE Awards** and **seven Platinum Chief Scout’s Awards** , reflecting the continued enthusiasm and progress of the Unit. Most of the Unit have also gained their “Scouts Against Malaria” badges.
Looking ahead, our focus for the coming year will be on supporting Explorers in completing their **Silver and Gold DofE expeditions** , alongside maintaining opportunities for skill development, adventure, and community involvement.
## **Finance**
## **Reserves Policy**
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £35,000.
## **Treasurer’s Report**
For the year April 2024 to March 2025, the gross income for the group was £33.2k. This was an increase of £9.8k from (+£23.3k in) the previous year and predominately due to the increase in the number of youth activities and camping trips (+£4.8k) and fund raising/donations for the planned activities including the Great Glens Canoe Trip in 2025 (+£3.7k),
Expenditure over the period was £31.2k, up by +£14.5k from the previous year. £8k was directly attributed to planned activities to the during the period and the Great Glens Canoe Trip in 2025. The remaining cost increases relate to inflationary costs (Central Administration - Capitation (+£1.4k), Insurance Costs (+£1.2k)) and the cost of upgrading and replacement of group equipment (+£3.7k)).
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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At the end of the period the group finances remained buoyant with £134.5k of savings and assets funds (up from £132.4k in the previous year). It was noted that as there has been a general increase in costs, a slight in rise in subscriptions was necessitated from April 2025 and this will be reviewed annually by the trustees.
Options for the use, or part use, of the group savings (which include monies from a historical insurance claim) is part of an ongoing discussion with the trustees who are considering any options alongside the future financial stability of the group.
The above figures are subject to scrutiny and are subject to amendment.
## **Declaration**
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature: Signature: Full Name(s): Oliver Wood Full Name(s): Chris Beck Position: Trustee Position: Group Lead Volunteer Date: 16/11/2025 Date: 16/11/2025
Date of publication: November 2025 Registered Charity Number: #303364
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## **10th Medway Sea Scout Group (Incorporating Poseidon ESU) Receipts and Payments Account**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year start date Year end date
For the year 31st March
1st April 2024 To
from 2025
Receipts and payments
2024/25 2023/24
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Total funds
funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar
income
Membership subscriptions 12,280 - - 12,280 11,054
Donations 2,150 - - 2,150 589
Legacies - - - -
Gift Aid - - - - -
Other similar income 410 - - 410 127
Sub total 14,840 - - 14,840 11,769
Grants
Maintenance grant - - - - -
Other grants - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Fundraising events (gross)
Camps and Outings 10,308 - - 10,308 5,505
Joining fees 141 - - 141 324
Detail 3 - - - - -
Other fundraising activities 3,302 - - 3,302 1,165
Sub total 13,750 - - 13,750 6,994
Scout hut income
Hire of building - - - - -
Hire of equipment - - - - -
Other Scout hut income - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Investment income
Bank interest - - - - -
Building Society interest 4,550 - 4,550 4,550
The Scout Association Short Term
Investment Service - - - - -
Other investment income - - - - -
Sub total 4,550 - - 4,550 4,550
Total Gross Income [ 33,140 ] - - 33,140 23,313
Asset and investment sales, etc. - - - - -
Total receipts 33,140 - - 33,140 23,313
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **10th Medway Sea Scout Group (Incorporating Poseidon ESU) Receipts and Payments Account**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year start date Year end date
For the year 31st March
1st April 2024 To
from 2025
Receipts and payments
2024/25 2023/24
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Total funds
funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Membership subscriptions paid on 5,217 - - 5,217 3,778
(National/County/Area/District)
Youth programme and activities 8,317 - - 8,317 2,805
Camps & Trips 5,213 - - 5,213 2,701
Rent 2,103 - - 2,103 1,893
Training - - - - -
Minibus Expenses 300 - - 300 173
Insurance 2,415 - - 2,415 1,170
Repairs and Renewals of equipment - - - - -
Materials and equipment 6,569 - - 6,569 2,854
Printing and photocopying - - - - -
Contribution to camp costs - - - - -
Uniforms & Badges 1,066 - - 1,066 1,370
AGM and trustee expenses - - - - -
Boat & Canoe Licenses/Insurance - - - - -
Other costs detail 2 - - - - -
Other costs detail 3 - - - - -
Sub total 31,199 - - 31,199 16,744
Fundraising expenses
Gaming License - - - - -
General - - - -
Detail 3
- - - - -
Other fundraising costs - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total Gross Expenditure 31,199 - - 31,199 16,744
Asset and investment - - - - -
Total payments 31,199 - - 31,199 16,744
Net of receipts/(payments) 1,941 - - 1,941 6,569
Transfers between funds - - -
Cash funds last year end 120,541 - 120,541 113,972
Cash funds this year end 122,482 - - 122,482 120,541
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **10th Medway Sea Scout Group (Incorporating Poseidon ESU) Receipts and Payments Account**
Year start date Year end date **For the year 31st March 1st April 2024 To from 2025**
## **Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024/25 2023/24
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Total funds
funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 6,194 - - 6,194 8,803
Bank deposit account - - - - -
Building society account 116,288 - - 116,288 111,738
The Scout Association Short Term
Investment Service - - - - -
Cash/Floats - - - - -
Total cash funds 122,482 - - 122,482 120,541
(agree balances with receipts and payments a/c) ok ok ok ok ok
Other monetary assets
Tax claim - - - - -
Debts due from the
County/Area/District/Group - - - - -
Insurance claim - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Investment assets
Investment property - detail - - - - -
Quoted investments - - - - -
Other investments - detail - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Non monetary assets for
Badge stock - - - - -
Shop stock - - - - -
Other stock - - - - -
Land and buildings - - - - -
Motor vehicles - - - - -
Scouting equipment, furniture etc 12,000 - - 12,000 12,000
Other - - - - -
Sub total 12,000 - - 12,000 12,000
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid - - - - -
Expenses incurred but not invoiced - - - - -
Subscriptions not yet paid - - - - -
Loan - detail - - - - -
Other liabilities - - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total net assets 134,482 - - 134,482 132,541
**----- End of picture text -----**
**The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 17th Nov 2025 (the date of the Executive Committee meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by** Signature Print Name
Chair Treasurer
**LT700006 - Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (July 2019)**
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 10[th] Medway Sea Scout Group (including Poseidon ESU)**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 10[th] Medway Sea Scout Group (including Poseidon ESU) for the year ended 31[st] March 2025
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the the 10[th] Medway Sea Scout Group (including PoseidonESU) 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 10[th] Medway Sea Scout Group (including Poseidon ESU) 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:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 10[th] Medway Sea Scout Group (including Poseidon ESU) 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: _G Hancock_
Name: G HANCOCK
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any):
Address: 120 TAVERNERS ROAD, RAINHAM KENT ME8 9AQ
Date: 17/11/2025
**LT700006 - Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (July 2019)**