## 20th January 2024
**Thanet District Scout Council Charity Commission Number 303423**
Annual General Meeting Saturday 20th January 2024 - 2.00pm
## Agenda
1. Welcome by Mrs Ann Wells MBE, President
2. Approval of the minutes of the AGM held on Saturday 3rd September 2023
3. Annual Report by the District Treasurer and adoption of accounts
4. District Lead Volunteer Team report
5. Adoption of the constitution as POR 5.4
6. Approval that 4 members may be elected to the Trustee Board
7. Approval of the District Lead Volunteer’s nomination of Chairman
8. Election of District Treasurer
9. Election of District Secretary
10. Election of members of the District Scout Council to the District Trustee Board
11. Approval of District Lead Volunteers’s nominees to serve on the District Trustee Board
12. Approval of the Independent Examiner
13. Closing words
14. Awards and Presentations
**Ex-officio members** District Chair District Commissioner District Secretary District Treasurer District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Neil McCollum Catherine Hodges Barbara Graham-Horne Richard Phillpott Nirav Patel
## **Electeted members**
Cathy Currie Andrew Turner Michelle Dennis Darci Arthur
## **Nominated members**
Richard Horne Edward Morris Tracy Dunbarton
## **Independent Examiner**
Michael Collier
**Representing County** Neil Gearing
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## **Disrtict Lead Volunteer Report**
It has, of course, been a little more than a year since we last reported on all our adventures however, we will try to keep this succinct.
Wasn’t it fantastic (they say while nice and dry in this heated room) to all gather together again to celebrate St Georges Day! Let’s pick out the highlights! Squirrels joined us for the first time, we had a wonderful youth led renewal of our promises, gang Show delighted us with an amazing performance. And we got to showcase Thanet Scouts on the iconic Dreamland Scenic Stage. On the topic of Gang Show, in 2023 they headed back to their old stage at Birchington Village Centre where they entertained us over Easter weekend. Tickets are selling fast for this year so be sure to book your group and family visits soon.
The slogan for the UK Contingent for the 25th World Jamboree held in South Korea last summer was “Think big. Dream wild. Act Together”. Well, it can safely be said that no one could quite have dreamed as wild as their adventure turned out to be and we are delighted to welcome some of the nine Explorers from Thanet who attended to tell us more. The one thing we are proud to say is that Scouting spirit remained strong and they all certainly acted together, thanks in a great part to the phenomenal efforts of the volunteers on the ground there including our own Charlotte Burring and Katrina Davenport.
Elsewhere we welcomed Oliver Perry Taylor back from his trip as part of the Kent Scouts’ African Adventures programme. One which I am delighted to say that we have a significant volume of participants attending this year to Kenya, in 2025 to Botswana and in 2026 to Ghana. Also yet to come this year, after several years gap, we have participants heading to Poland, Germany and Bulgaria to hope to achieve their Explorer Belts.
Lots of old favourites were on the calendar again this year such as Beaver Health and Fitness Day where we welcomed the Squirrels along to work towards their Be Active Badge too, for Cubs, Quiz and Fizz was well attended and enjoyed by all. Both younger sections were able to revisit friendships made at their recent New Year’s Parties and we look forward to seeing Beavers next month for our sleepover. Copious Chief Scout Bronze and Silver awards were celebrated at Under 1 Roof.
A new entry to the calendar was our family hikes, inviting young people and their adults to join us to enjoy the outdoors and add a tally to their Hikes badge total, with the first of these due to run again in March.
Scouts and Explorers were out in force at our pioneering and ADUTT events. 2023 was Ken’s last pioneering and we thank him sincerely for everything he has done to run this valuable event for so many years. Events like these, along with the dedication of Scout section teams have resulted in 34 Chief Scout Gold awards since we last met. These robust Scout programmes combined with the drive and enthusiasm of our 14-25 have driven not only improved retention into Explorers but also a further 33 Chief Scout Platinum and Diamond Awards.
On behalf of the whole of Thanet District Scouts we join Nirav in congratulating our two newest King’s Scouts; Jenny Allan and Tim Allan whose awards have been confirmed in recent days. It’s been a pleasure to visit groups this year to celebrate possibly as many adult volunteers as we have young people with a combination of Good and Length of Service Awards. To all of those who received such awards this year, we reiterate our congratulations and thanks for every year of that service.
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We would like to recognise the contributions of two volunteers especially. This could not pass without acknowledging the contribution to Scouting, not just here in Thanet and with 1st Margate, made by the late John Mashall. To his family, we express our gratitude for all the opportunities he created here for our young people.
John made it known that his job was made not just possible, but more enjoyable, by the dedication of his team. The group treasurer, a valued member of our District Team as well was no exception. Marion Astley has given (now slightly over) 40 years of service to The Scouts, and we are delighted to recognise that today by presenting her 40 Year Length of Service Award.
Thank you – Heinri our outgoing Chair of Trustees for his dedicated service, to Neil for agreeing to join us and bring such a wealth of knowledge and experience, The Trustees, the campsite team, our District Team, the Activities Committee and each of you who has made what we do for the young people of Thanet possible.
## **Richard Horne, Catherine Hodges, Gemma Lambeth District Lead Volunteer Team**
## **Thanet Explorers Report**
It has been an exhilarating year for Thanet Explorers with young people taking part in a wide array of activities, international trips and action-packed programmes across our six Explorer Units: Thanet Rams ESU, Phoenix ESSU, Warren’s ESU, Bradstowe Smugglers ESU, Spitfire EASU and the Young Leaders Unit. A huge thank you to all our adult volunteers that support our Explorer Units, you truly make a real difference in supporting young people gain skills for life!
I am delighted to have welcomed Brandon Johns onto the team in March 2023 as Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leaders). Brandon has been working very hard developing our provision for Young Leaders across the District and running several events to support Young Leader training, which has resulted in a growth in the number of young people completing their Missions and Modules as part of their Young Leaders’ Award.
Katrina Davenport also joined the team in December 2022 as a District Explorer Leader and District Top Awards Mentor, and she has been working hard to increase the growth of young people gaining their Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, Chief Scout’s Diamond Award, King’s Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. I would like to congratulate Jenny Allan and Tim Allan on achieving their King’s Scout Award, the highest Scouting achievement as a young person.
Many of our Explorers have completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards this year, and we ran a series Bronze and Silver level expeditions around the Kingsdown and Kent Downs areas, led by Graham Medhurst, our District DofE Adviser. The adventures didn’t stop there, as nine Explorers from the District also got the chance to take part in the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea last summer. Whilst the event was challenging with many obstacles, the participants had an enjoyable time and made the most of it.
In February, we came together for a District Explorers Fun Day at Minster Marshside Scout Campsite for a day full of lots of team building activities and challenges, and I was delighted that the event included representation from all our Explorer Units.
Amongst other District events, the Explorers Master at Arms weekend was a real success, giving young people the opportunity to take part in archery, tomahawk throwing, and rifle shooting.
Thanet District Scout Council Annual General Meeting 20th January 2024 H
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We even managed to fit in a weekend trip to Alton Towers in September 2023 for the Explorers, giving them the chance to have a go on the rides and spend time with each other. The year culminated in an Explorers Christmas Party, bringing everyone together for a disco!
There are lots of activities and adventures lined up for next year – exciting times ahead!
## **Thanet Scout Network Report**
In December 2023, we re-launched Scout Network in the District. With an increase in membership of Explorer Scouts across the past year, there are many young people that have or are due to turn 18 soon. Whilst there has already been a Scout Network in the District, I am delighted that we have now re-launched this section to support 18-24 year olds with the ability to take part in exciting projects and events centred on the themes of ‘Adventure’, ‘Community’ and ‘International’.
James Topping has agreed to take on the task of leading Scout Network in the District, supported by an evolving team of Network Programme Coordinators. We have already got a dozen young people that have expressed their interest to join Scout Network and I am excited to see how this evolves across the coming year.
## **Nirav Patel – District 14-24 Team Leader**
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## **Thanet District Scout Council Receipts & Payments Accounts**
## **Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Charity Commission Registered Number: 303423**
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## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Contents**
**Page 1** District Treasurer's Report **Page 2** Independent Examiners Report **Page 3** Summary Receipts & Payments Accounts **Page 4** Receipts **Page 5** Payments **Page 6** Assets & Liabilities **Page 7 - 8** Summary of Funds **Page 9** Explorer Unit Accounts
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## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **District Treasurer's Report**
## **Overview**
I am pleased to report that the District continues to be in a healthy financial state, the campsite continues to go from strength to strength and campsite income has increased on the previous year. The district is in a good financial position to develop and grow Scouting in Thanet.
## **Independent Examination**
We would like to thank Jonathan Spurling of Spurling Cannon for examining these accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission without charge. Due to my involvement with Spurling Cannon we are pleased to confirm that Michael Collier (Retired Chartered Accountant) has agreed to take on the Independent Examination going forward, we are very grateful to Michael for agreeing to do this, and to Spurling Cannon who have completed the Independent Examination without charge for over 30 years.
## **Investments & Reserves**
The District retains a substantial level of reserves held in investment accounts, with interest rates now increasing we are actively seeking to increase our return on investments.
## **Public Benefit Statement**
The District meets the Charity Commission's Public Benefit Criteria under both the Advancement of Education and Advancement of Citizenship or Community Development Headings.
## Richard Phillpott _**- District Treasurer**_
Thanet District Scout Council Annual General Meeting 20th January 2024 H
Acounts Page 1
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Independent Examiners Report**
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the Thanet District Scout Council**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Thanet District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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.
## **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 Trust 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.
## Jonathan Spurling _**- FCCA**_
Jonathan Spurling Spurling Cannon Ltd 424 Margate Road Ramsgate Kent CT12 6SJ
25 October 2023
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Accounts Page 2
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Receipts & Payments Account**
|Total Receipts for the year
Total payments for the year
Net receipts/(payments) for the year
Transfer between fund
Cash, Bank & Similar funds bought forward
Cash, Bank & Similar funds carried forward|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
**90,174**
**90,241**
**(66)**
**-**
**(66)**
**169,041**
**168,975**|2022
Total
£
54,578
17,418|
|---|---|---|
|||37,160
-|
|||37,160
131,881
169,041|
The above account and accepting statement(s) of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 14th December 2023
and signed on their behalf by
## Richard Phillpott _**- District Treasurer**_
Thanet District Scout Council Annual General Meeting 20th January 2024 H
Acounts Page 3
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Receipts**
|MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
GIFT AID RECLAIMED
INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED
Bank interest
DONATIONS AND GRANTS
Donations
Grants
ACTIVITIES
Squirrels
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
Networkers
D of E
KIJ 2022
WSJ 2023
Ypres 2023
Uniform
Badge shop
Campsite
Thanet Scout Active Support Unit (TSASU)
Thanet Scouts Activities
Sundry
FUNDRAISING GROSS
St Georges Day - Campsite AED
SUNDRY RECEIPTS
Adjustment for badge shop opening balance
Adjustment for TSASU opening balance
Adjustment for Activities opening balance
TOTAL RECIEPTS FOR THE YEAR|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
**46,100**
**-**
**46,100**
**704**
**704**
**700**
**-**
**700**
**-**
**1,360**
**1,871**
**-**
**7**
**-**
**140**
**5,470**
**15,035**
**1,305**
**-**
**4,494**
**9,637**
**181**
**321**
**-**
**39,821**
**173**
**173**
**1,540**
**500**
**638**
**2,677**
**90,174**|2022
Total
£
41,542
-|
|---|---|---|
|||41,542
225|
|||225
95
-|
|||95
-
-
400
437
4,767
-
-
2,203
-
-
135
4,739
-
-
34|
|||12,716
-|
|||-
-
-|
|||-|
|||54,578|
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Accounts Page 4
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Payments**
|MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
DONATIONS
ACTIVITIES
Squirrels
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
Networkers
D of E
KIJ 2022
WSJ 2023
Ypres 2023
Big Night Out 3
Uniform
Badge shop
Campsite
St Georges Day
Thanet Scout Active Support Unit (TSASU)
Thanet Scouts Activities
Sundry
FUND RAISING EXPENSES
ADMIN EXPENSES
Printing and Stationery
Commissioners Expenses
AGM
Training
Bank charges
Bookkeeping software
SUNDRY REPAYMENTS
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
**42,362**
**42,362**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**1,074**
**1,444**
**-**
**71**
**-**
**572**
**7,184**
**21,900**
**1,936**
**-**
**-**
**4,243**
**8,505**
**-**
**409**
**269**
**-**
**47,609**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**157**
**-**
**72**
**41**
**270**
**-**
**-**
**90,241**|2022
Total
£
-|
|---|---|---|
|||-
-|
|||-
-
-
-
-
4,669
-
-
2,800
-
-
658
-
8,736
401
-
-|
|||17,264
-|
|||-
16
36
-
-
102
-|
|||153
-|
|||-|
|||17,418|
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Acounts Page 5
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
|**MONETARY ASSETS**
cash bank and similar funds
BANK CURRENT ACCOUNT 1
BANK CURRENT ACCOUNT 2
BANK TERM DEPOSIT
FIXED RATE ACCOUNT
CASH IN HAND
BADGE SHOP (BANK & CASH)
THANET SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT UNIT (BANK & CASH)
THANET SCOUTS ACTIVITIES (BANK & CASH)
**TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS**
**NON MONETRAY ASSETS**
SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT - MASRSHIDE - INSURANCE VALUE
LAND & BUILDINGS - MARSHSIDE - INSURANCE VALUE
**TOTAL NON MONETARY ASSETS**|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
**41,397**
**25,819**
**30,892**
**66,000**
**2,116**
**1,791**
**271**
**690**
**168,975**
**18,315**
**712,268**
**730,583**|2022
Total
£
46,220
26,141
30,680
66,000
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
|||169,042|
|||18,315
712,268|
|||730,583|
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Accounts Page 6
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **SUMMARY OF FUNDS**
|**Name of Fund**
General Fund
General reserve
Squirrels
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
D of E
1
Uniform
Campsite reserve
Campsite AED
2
Covid
3
Climbing wall
4
Eric Spicer Memorial Fund
5
Martin Dias Memorial Fund
6
Dunbar Legacy
7
CT9 Fund
8
Downs Legacy
9
Eurojam
10
International
11
WSJ 2023
12
Badge Shop
TSASU
Thanet Scouts Activities
**Represented by**
CAFCash account
CAF Savings 1
CAF Savings 2
Fixed rate bond
Cash - Treasurer
Cash - Campsite
Badge Shop
TSASU
Thanet Scout Activities
Notes
(pg 8)|Balance as at
31.03.22
Movement in Year
110,419
8,502
-
11,500
-
-
-
-
286
-
427
-
-
-
432
-
348
4
14,500
4,792
-
173
3,425
3,425
-
1,672
21
4,687
60
3,324
43
3,424
44
4,739
1,370
-
10,128
1,942
277
-
7,119
91
1,942
6,865
-
-
1,791
-
271
-
67
-
169,042
42,223
26,141
34,677
66,000
-
-
-
-
169,042|**Balance as at**
**31.03.23**
**101,917**
**11,500**
**-**
**286**
**427**
**-**
**432**
**-**
**352**
**19,292**
**173**
**-**
**1,693**
**4,747**
**3,367**
**3,468**
**6,109**
**10,128**
**1,665**
**7,210**
**4,923**
**-**
**1,791**
**271**
**67**
**-**|
|---|---|---|
|||**168,975**|
|||**41,397**
**25,819**
**30,892**
**66,000**
**1,365**
**751**
**1,791**
**271**
**689**|
|||**168,975**|
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## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **SUMMARY OF FUNDS**
- 1 DofE - negative funds at year end due to timing difference and grant received after year end.
- 2 Campsite AED - money raised at St Georges Day events
- 3 Covid - remaining grants received during covid transferred to Campsite reserves
- 4 Climbing Wall - funds raised towards climbing wall at Campsite
- 5 Eric Spicer Memorial Fund - funds donated in memory of the late Eric Spicer to be used on general Scouting within Thanet
- 6 Martin Dias Memorial Fund - funds donated in memory of the late Martin Dias to be used toward special/adventurous expeditions
- 7 Dunbar Legacy - legacy to be used specifically for Pioneering Equipment
- 8 CT9 Fund - Donation from the Margate Masonic Lodge to assist those facing difficulties in staying in Scouting due to financial pressures in the CT9 postcode
- 9 Legacy from the late Mrs Downs to be used for district Archery equipment and campsite improvements which will directly benefit Scouts
- 10 Eurojam - Ringfenced funds for those who raised funds to attend Eurojam in 2020 which was cancelled due to Covid
- 11 International Fund - to be used towards International Expeditions
- 12 WSJ 2023 - Negative balance at year end due to timing differences, all funds received before the WSJ2023
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Accounts Page 8
## **Thanet District Scout Council Year Ended 31 March 2023**
## **EXPLORER UNIT ACCOUNTS**
|**Receipts**
Camps & Activities
Fundraising
Uniform/Badges
Donations
Membership fees
**Total Income**
**Payments**
Camps & Activities
Membership fees
Fundraising
Uniform/Badges
Donations
Group Management Charge
Bank charges
**Total Payments**
**Surplus/Deficit**
**Bank & Cash balances**
Balance 31/03/2022
Balance 31/03/2023|**Warrens**
**ESU**
**Spitfires**
**ESU**
**Rams**
**ESU**
**Phoenix**
**ESU**
**Bradstowe**
**ESU**
3,138
100
-
649
743
166
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
35
93
200
65
-
-
-
2,037
545
887
6,140
945
5,541
710
887
6,824
1,780
2,521
244
384
206
787
909
194
-
2,871
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
70
170
-
19
-
-
20
-
-
-
3,677
-
-
70
-
-
-
3,430
527
384
6,824
977
**2,112**
**183**
**503**
**-**
**803**
-
278
156
-
92
2,112
461
659
-
896|**Total**
4,629
166
128
265
10,554|
|---|---|---|
|||15,742
4,142
3,974
-
240
39
3,677
70|
|||12,141
-|
|||**3,601**|
|||526
4,127|
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## **Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Annual General Meeting Saturday 3rd September 2022 - 1.00pm**
Unfortunately, the District Chair was unable to attend. County Chair Des Harris chaired the meeting.
## **Welcome by Mrs Ann Wells MBE, President**
Members of the Thanet District Scout Council were welcomed to the meeting by the President, Ann Wells MBE. Ann thanked the large number of people who have supported Scouting in Thanet over the past year.
## **Approval of the minutes of the AGM held on 8th December 2021**
The minutes were approved by a show of hands.
## **Annual Report by the District Treasurer and Adoption of Accounts**
I would like to start by thanking Tony Aylward for his work as District Treasurer over the past 4 years, I have worked with Tony for the last few months in a ‘handover’ period, so I am still getting to grips with the figures but now I have access to the bank I am looking forward to getting my teeth stuck in the role and putting my accountancy skills to good use within Scouting.
I am pleased to report that the District continues to be in a healthy financial state, over the past 18 months there has been an increased amount of activity as we have all been recovering from the Covid period. The district is in a good financial position to develop Scouting in Thanet as we continue to move forward. We would like to thank Andrew Cannon of Spurling Cannon for examining these accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission without charge.
The accounts were accepted.
## **District Commissioners report**
What have we done since we last met in December? We solved problems, we learned new skills, we had adventures, we slept under the stars, and we earned LOADS of badges and awards… the young people here in Thanet have had an action packed year!
Our Explorers and Networkers have been on D of E and Queen’s Scout expeditions exploring Thanet, Canterbury and the Lake District. We attended KIJ, Slept Out for Shelter Box and established two new Explorer units along the way. As a number return from their adventures in Ghana, the journey to Zanzibar 2023 and even Kenya 2024 is underway for others. We welcomed home Darcey from the most epic adventure to Antarctica and lots of the district have been able to hear about the ReQuest journey through the series of presentations that have been available. We send of one of our Explorers to make the final ReQuest journey from Plymouth to Portsmouth later this month.
Nine of our young people are currently preparing for their life changing experience to SaeManGeum. Korea for the 25th World Scout Jamboree next year. They’ve got a lot to achieve in a short time but they’re leaping to the challenge as they… “Think big. Dream wild. Act Together”.
Scouts have been loving getting back to their nights away this year. Several troops were represented at KIJ and others have been off having water activity camps, Jubilee camps and lots of other adventures. Our new shooting range at Marshside also attracted lots of visitors this year with the Scouts doing Tomahawk throwing, shooting and archery at their Master At Arms badge weekend.
More adventures were had at Marshside in our annual pioneering and emergency aid events too. Cubs celebrated the full return to Scouting by visiting Legoland and enjoying a District camp, making full use of the campsite facilities. We were delighted to be able to celebrate loads of Chief Scout Silver awards at a ceremony at Hornby. There was a great turnout from the Cub section at our Cross Country and Quiz and Fizz events too.
Beavers have been busy getting back to regular meetings over the past year and introducing nights away through a District camp experience. Regular events like the Beaver Sports Day were back on the calendar and proved a great hit with the chance to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends. The Beavers are looking forward to their annual District hike in September to launch another year full of adventure! Total membership has increased by 14% on last year bring us ever closer to our pre COVID numbers. We know that lots of groups are still struggling to recover from this turbulent time but your dedication and commitment to Scouting, to your volunteers and your young people is noted and we thank you all. Most importantly we have seen our youth membership increase by 17%.
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Earlier this year we moved to Team DC. Richard Horne, Gemma Lambeth and myself have only been working together for a small part of this year but we have started the journey to guide and support the District to a new teams based approach, in-line with the national ‘Skills for Life’ vision. Thanks especially go to Gemma for her determination, drive and passion for Squirrels. The first Dreys make their debut here in Thanet this month and we are already seeing interest from other groups looking to adopt this exciting new opportunity.
Thank you – Heinri, the exec, the campsite team, ADC’s, the Activities Committee and everyone who has made what we do for the young people of Thanet possible.
During 2022 we have been celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, having served the nation as monarch for 70 years. But there is someone a little closer to home who will also be celebrating 70 years of service in October. Ann Wells MBE has held various roles in Thanet including; Group Supporter, Cub Scout Leader, Assistant District Commissioner and District Commissioner before becoming our President in 2004. As she reaches this historic milestone, Thanet Scouts would like thank Ann for her dedicated and continued contribution to Scouting since 1952. A remarkable achievement and I think that we should take break from proceedings to celebrate, recognise her outstanding contribution, and above all, have a chat and say thank you personally.
## **Approval of the District Commissioner’s nomination of District Executive Chair.**
Richard Horne nominated Heinri Schnetler as Chair of the District Executive, and this was approved by a show of hands.
## **Election of District Treasurer**
Richard Phillpott was nominated by Shirley Appleby and seconded by Tamsin Hooker. The nomination was accepted by a show of hands.
## **Election of District Secretary**
Barbara Graham-Horne was nominated by Michelle Dennis and seconded by Aidan McCollum. The nomination was accepted by a show of hands.
## **Election of members of the District Scout Council to the District Executive Committee.**
Tracey Garnier Cathy Currie Andrew Turner Ken Arnold Nominated by Benjamin Graham-Horne and seconded by Shirley Appleby. The nominations were accepted.
## **Approval of District Commissioner’s nominees to serve on the District Executive Committee**
Michelle Dennis Edward Morris Tracy Dunbarton Darci Arthur The nominations were accepted.
## **Approval of the Independent Examiners**
Spurling Canon Ltd. This was approved..
## **District Chair’s report**
As I reflect back since our last Annual General Meeting, I am immensely grateful to all members of our association for their commitment and dedication toward scouting.
Reflecting on commitment and dedication, I want to use this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to Anne Wells MBE, our president, for her outstanding contribution of 70 years in scouting.
Ann, having had the opportunity to hear members of our association speak about your contributions over many decades, it is, in my view, undeniably clear that you have assisted young and old to recognise that within their abilities, they have the capability of accomplishing extraordinary things. On behalf of the Executive and Thanet Scouts, for your extraordinary service. You hold our respect and admiration. You are a phenomenal lady, and we are honoured to call you our president.
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Over the past several months, I am conscious that there has also been a restructuring of some roles within the District. In particular, I wish to highlight “Team DC”, which in my view, was a bold but forward-thinking approach to ensure our District has a dynamic and driven team working hard to maximise the opportunities for our young people. Richard, Catherine and Gemma, thank you for all you do. While change may be daunting for some, I cannot think of a better opportunity for us, as a district, to work towards a more efficient way of working, delivering on the key objective of actively engaging and supporting young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
In February, I had the opportunity to attend the World Scout Jamboree selection weekend. It was fantastic to meet our young people giving it their all during the weekend. I wish to thank the Thanet team for their contributions during the weekend, and a huge congratulations to those who were selected. To the young people who were not successful on this occasion, I want you to know that I was hugely impressed by your efforts and you should be very proud having participated in the event.
In addition, I want to thank the campsite team for your hard work ensuring our campsite is maintained and able to accommodate our young people. Your work does not go unnoticed.
As Chair of the District Executive Committee, I am mindful that I would not have been able to fulfil my role effectively without the support from the the team. Unsurprisingly, at times, there was a need for difficult conversations; however, it is crucial that we continue to work together collectively to make decisions in the best interest of our District. Richard Phillpot has recently joined the executive as our treasurer following Tony Aylward’s departure. Richard, welcome aboard, and on behalf of the District, I want to thank you for being able and willing to provide us with your financial expertise.
Finally, to Barbara Graham-Horne, our District Secretary, who at times has been my strength and stay, thank you for all your co-ordination behind the scenes, gentle reminders and always on-hand to provide assistance when needed.
To all the groups in the District and to the volunteers involved, I salute you and remain privileged and proud to be part of Thanet scouts.
## **The meeting closed at 1.27pm**
Following the meeting, we celebrated Ann Wells MBE 70 years in Scouting with the invited County Members, Mayors of Margate and Ramsgate, Representatives for the Mayor of Broadstairs and MP’s for North Thanet and South Thanet. A message was read from the County Commissioner.
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