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2024-03-31-accounts

MEDWAY TOWNS SCOUT DISTRICT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 1[st] October 2024

GLASSBOX THEATRE, GILLINGHAM WITH THANKS TO MID-KENT COLLEGE

Scouts We

Registered Charity Number 303434

AGENDA

1. Introduction and welcome

2. Apologies for absence

3. Governance topics

4. Review of the previous year

5. Making appointments

6. Closing remarks

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Scouts Oo Medway Towns District AGM Monday 2nd October 2023

Held at Medway Council, Gun wharf

Minutes of the meeting

Present - John Brisley, David Knight, Lt Col Guy Cheeseman, Mayoress Cllr Nina Gurung, Cllr Vince Maple, Cllr Jan Aldous Tony Aldous, Des Harris, David Brake, Marc Harris, Graeme Pryke, David Wraight, Sally Cox, Jean Chandler, Sverre Sverresonn, Graham Hancock, Paul Randall, Jenny Turner, Darren Hopson, Michelle Kagan, Carole Reynolds, Gail Couchman, Angela Taylor, Ann Hayes, Mike Billin, David Payne, Carrie Payne, Helen Maxwell, Phil & Hayley Gurnett, Chrissie & Adam Firmin, Kara Cooper, Ken & Bunty Ridgeway, Robbie Riddel, Claire Barnes, Ed Brackley, Matt Dooley, Lawrence Olive, Sean Morgan, WSJ Super 7

1. Welcome by President/Vice-President

Vice President Cllr David Brake introduced the County representative Des Harris, Mayoress of Medway, Cllr Nina Gurung and the representative for the President of Medway Towns Scout District, Lieutenant Colonel Guy Cheeseman of the Royal School of Military Engineering.

Guy addressed the meeting and apologised as he was unable to stay for the whole meeting and so invited Vice President David Brake to chair the meeting.

Cllr Vince Maple was also unable to stay for the duration and so addressed the meeting passing his thanks to all the volunteers who make Scouting in Medway Towns such a tremendous success.

2. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Colin Jones, Simon White, Vi Jones, Sam Bayliss.

3. Declarations of conflicts of interest

No Conflicts of Interest was declared.

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Registered Charity Number 303434

4. Minutes of the 2022 Annual General Meeting

The approval of the minutes from the AGM held on 4[th] October 2022 and the minutes had been distributed before the AGM and was a true record.

Proposed by Graeme Pryke and seconded by Claire Barnes.

5. To receive and consider the Trustees’ Report

Trustee’s report

Welcome to the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Medway Towns District Scout Council. The reporting year 22/23 proved to be another challenging year as Scouting continues to grow further to surpass pre pandemic numbers.

The Census showed sturdy growth reinforced by the new Squirrels provision, and to date 9 groups now have Squirrels which is a huge accomplishment for all those involved within the district.

Hopefully, you will have seen the reports and financial statement of accounts presented by the District Team and Trustee Board via the links sent out through the various media channels.

Medway Towns District Scout Council is a registered charity governed by the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scouts. The District Scout Council is responsible for providing management, and support to Scout Groups across the District as well as events and activities.

The members of the District Trustee Board are charity trustees of the Scout District. Appointed under POR through nomination or election at the AGM, they serve for one year and are eligible for re-election or reappointment if so willing. Other trustees may be co-opted during the year to serve until the next AGM.

The District Trustee Board must act collectively, and in the best interests of its members, ensuring compliance with the Associations rules, along with management of finances, property, equipment, and insurance. The focus has been on supporting Groups to get back to full strength with Leaders and Young people alike and it is great to see Groups working together and helping each other out. Whilst we were disappointed to lose the 21[st] Strood Scout Group, we are pleased to report the new 1[st] Medway Towns Scout Group is going from strength to strength. The Leaders are working closely with the District and has now established itself with a view to be fully independent once their bank account has been opened. For all those involved we must give credit for their perseverance and support to what is already a strong group.

The Governance Sub Committee continues to ensure everything is above board and safeguard all our members, trustees, and property.

The Finance Sub Committee have continued to keep on top of the finances & budgets and introducing online banking and modernising processes. Including New accounts with Lloyds

The Appointments Advisory Committee manages the process of inducting new leaders and is also responsible for training compliance, probably the two most loathed words in the District over the last few years, however it is pleasing to report we continue to have one of the best compliance records in the County. This also was apparent at the APEX conference at Canterbury University recently where the district was referenced for its innovative processes ahead of the changes currently taking place.

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Registered Charity Number 303434

The Districts campsite, Buckmore Park is operated by the CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) on behalf of Medway Town Scouts and is responsible for the day-to-day operations, management, and continued development of the park.

Whilst this is a very brief summary of the activities of Medway Towns District Scouts over the reporting year it barely reflects the hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm of so many Leaders, Supporters and Managers across the District. The pure scope and variety of activities and residential events undertaken in Groups and across District, has again, been truly inspiring to see, with so many young people experiencing exciting opportunities and adventures and making memories for a lifetime. The quality of Scouting in Medway Towns is a credit to each, and everyone involved. Thank you all.

Finally, a massive extra thanks to the District Team, District Trustee’s and all involved at Buckmore Park, virtually all of whom hold other roles. Without this extra commitment and enthusiasm, the District would be a hugely different place. We would also like to thank MAST for their continued support and exciting activities. There are still plenty of opportunities for anyone who wishes to give a little extra to ensure the next year is even more successful.

District Trustee Board.

Proposed Sverre Sverresonn, Seconded Phil Gurnett

6. To receive and consider the Annual Statement of Account

Graham Hancock gave a brief resume of the accounts.

Proposed by Lawrence Olive, Seconded by Graeme Pryke

7. To receive the District Lead Volunteers’ Report

– Medway Towns District Scouts District Lead Volunteer Report

2022/2023 was another positive year in Medway Scouts. The hangover from ‘the virus that shall not be named’ crisis took longer to shake off than we anticipated but this period of reporting is feeling very normal again.

This positive theme continued as we collected the census data. Our overall growth saw a rise in young people of 224. We had 5 groups over 100, 2 over 90 and the top 10 all over 70. All but 4 of our 19 groups recorded growth! All groups have Beavers through to Explorers. We have 91 sections in total. Squirrels reached 86 members. We have 5 dreys.

Our District Campsite, Buckmore Park, continues to be the jewel in our crown. The motivated and visionary crew continue to maintain and improve all aspects of the site. This is helping us encourage our groups to visit for activities or camping or sometimes just to meet in the wonderful woodland environment. A regular Buckmore Blog features in our newsletter so that everyone can be excited and up to date with the progress. Our most humble thanks go to everyone in the crew that work so hard for us all.

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Registered Charity Number 303434

‘Ingle Nook’ at Buckmore Park also housed our book of Condolence as we paid our respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

Our groups have been coming out in their droves to support District events again. All the section teams are meeting and planning their next programs.

Eight of our groups attended the Knockout KIJ camp and had the most amazing experiences.

We caught up with our Chief Scout Awards Celebrations. 100 recipients received an old-fashioned invitation in the post to join us in the grand St George’s church. On the Day, our amazing collection of VIPs handed out 70 certificates to the fantastic Scouts. We handed out our first Acorn award and our last Queens Scout Award.

The week after 700 Scouts and parents joined us in Rochester as we marched into the Cathedral for our St George’s Parade.

The district newsletter ‘Scouting About’ continues to help us communicate news, events as well as sharing information on all that we do.

We are so proud to be supporting an amazing group of leaders and helpers.

The things that scouting achieves cannot be done by one or two people …But together you are all really making a difference.

And all the thanks in the world is not enough to thank to you all for that. God Bless you all.

The Report was Proposed by Sally Cox, Seconded Ken Ridgeway

8. To approve the District Lead Volunteer’s nominations to the following appointments:

b. Nominated members of the District Trustee Board

A consensus is needed, and these nominations were agreed and accepted.

The meeting was asked to note the following are ex-officio members of the District Trustee Board

DESC – Currently Vacant

DSNC – Currently Vacant

District Youth Lead - Henry Brackley

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Registered Charity Number 303434

9. To elect a District Secretary

No nominations from the floor and the position will remain vacant.

10.To elect a District Treasurer

Alice Canty was prepared to continue in the role, there being no other nominations from the floor, Alice was duly elected for a further year.

Proposed John Brisley, Seconded Sverre Sverresonn

11.To elect members of the District Trustee Board

At the annual meeting in 2014 by resolution it was agreed that the number of elected members should be 4.

Open to floor and nominations

Robbie Riddell proposed by Jean Chandler, seconded by Sean Morgan

Sarah Edmonds-Magee proposed by Sverre Sverresonn, seconded by Robbie Riddel Graeme Pryke proposed by Sverre Sverresonn, Seconded by Sally Cox

Kara Cooper proposed by Lawrence Olive, seconded by Sverre Sverresonn

Any contrary views? Floor all agreed

12.To nominate a Representative of the Medway Towns Scouts onto the Kent County Scout Council

Henry Brackley was proposed, and no contrary views were given

13.To appoint an independent Examiner

Call for nominations from the floor. Helen Shepherd has been put forward and proposed by Graham Hancock and seconded by Sally Cox.

Any other nominations and again floor was silent.

14.To receive an address by the representative of Kent Scouts

Des Harris addressed the meeting, thanking everyone on behalf of the County Commissioner

15.To receive an address by the representative of Medway Council.

Mayoress Cllr Nina Gurung gave a brief speech, expressing her delight at being invited along and seeing such support for Scouting in Medway Towns, thanking everyone for everything they do.

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Registered Charity Number 303434

16.Presentation by the World Scout Jamboree Super 7

The super 7 gave a presentation of their life changing and ‘alternative style’ Jamboree experience.

17.DLV update 7 Presentations

DLV team gave a brief update on the current goings on, including transformation, plans for District Camp, training, Buckmore Caving system and 14 – 24 Provision.

18.Any other business which should be related to the business of the AGM

No AOB was declared.

17. Close AGM for 2023

Guy addressed the meeting, thanks passed to our VIP’s and all present and the meeting closed.

Page 6 of 6

Registered Charity Number 303434

Trustees Annual Report,

for the period 1[st] Apr 23 – 31[st] Mar 24

Charity Trustees

Charity Trustees
Name Position Ex-officio/Nominated/Elected
John Brisley District Lead Volunteer Ex-officio
Marc Harris Chairman Nominated by DC
Alice Canty Treasurer Elected
Vacant Secretary Elected
Vacant District Explorer Scout Ex-officio
Commissioner
Henry Brackley District Youth Lead Ex-officio
Robbie Riddell Member Elected
Sarah Edmonds- Member Elected
Magee
Graeme Pryke Member Elected
Kara Cooper Member Elected
David Knight DLV Member Nominated by DLV
Graham Hancock Member Nominated by DLV
Paul Randall Member Nominated by DLV
Sverre Sverresonn Member Nominated by DLV

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Financial Report

A copy of this report can be found in the AGM Pack and will be presented to the floor by the Finance Sub Committee

Reserve Policy

The District’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short.

The Trustee Board considers that the District should hold the sum of £28,000.00 in reserve.

Investment Policy

The District has a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks.

The District Trustee Board monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the district obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

District Trustees Volunteer Report

Trustee’s report

Welcome to the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Medway Towns District Scout Council.

The reporting year 23/24 proved to be another busy year as Scouting continues to grow further.

The Census data showed good growth, bringing the total of young people to 1591. We had 5 groups over 100, and 11 over 70. We now have 11 groups with dreys (12 dreys in total) Squirrels have reached 174 members. All groups have Beavers through to Explorers. We have 91 sections in total.

Hopefully you will have seen the reports and financial statement of accounts presented by the District Team and Trustee Board via the links sent out through the various media channels.

Medway Towns District Scout Council is a registered charity governed by the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scouts. The District Scout Council is responsible for providing management, and support to Scout Groups across the District as well as events and activities.

The members of the District Trustee Board are charity trustees of the Scout District. Appointed under POR through nomination or election at the AGM, they serve for one year and are eligible for re-election or re-appointment if so willing. Other trustees may be co-opted during the year to serve until the next AGM.

The District Trustee Board must act collectively, and in the best interests of its members, ensuring compliance with the Associations rules, along with management of finances, property, equipment and insurance.

Our focus has been on supporting Groups to get back to full strength with Leaders and Young people alike and it is great to see Groups working together and helping each other out. In line with our growth and development ambitions, we opened a new group, 7[th] Medway Towns, in All Hallows and filled a desperate need for more Scouting capacity on the peninsula. At this moment, the group now has full Squirrel, Beaver and Cub sections (Scouts & Explorers to follow in due course) After opening 1[st] Medway last year and bringing our group count back to a pre covid 20, we now rise above that to 21 groups for the first time in decades.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

The Governance Sub Committee continues to ensure everything is above board and safeguard all our members, trustees and property.

The Finance Sub Committee have continued to keep on top of the finances & budgets and introducing online banking and modernising processes. In addition to the Lloyds account last year, we have introduced prepayment cards, allowing The District badge shop and Zanzibar trip team to maximise efficiency and reduce individual financial burdens. A copy of the report can be found in the AGM Pack and will be presented to the floor by the Finance Sub Committee

Reserve Policy

The District’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short.

The Trustee Board considers that the District should hold the sum of £28,000.00 in reserve.

Investment Policy

The District has a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service.

The District Trustee Board monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the district obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.

The Appointments Advisory Committee manages the process of inducting new leaders and is also responsible for training compliance, probably the two most loathed words in the District over the last few years, however it is pleasing to report we continue to have one of the best compliance records in the County. This also was apparent at the Chair’s Day at the London Beach Hotel, where the district was once again referenced for its innovative processes ahead of the changes currently taking place.

The Districts campsite, Buckmore Park is operated by the CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) on behalf of Medway Town Scouts and is responsible for the day-to-day operations, management and continued development of the park. The small and dedicated crew continue to keep the site serviceable. We are so grateful for their service and are constantly looking at ways to encourage members to join them. This year we saw approx 13,000 children and young people visit Buckmore. A testament to the efforts of All those involved.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Our second District St George’s camp was held again in 2024, and we were pleased to welcome over 1000 of our members back. Massive thanks to Bev and the team for making the event so successful.

Whilst this is a very brief summary of the activities of Medway Towns District Scouts over the reporting year it barely reflects the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of so many Leaders, Supporters and Managers across the District. The pure scope and variety of activities and residential events undertaken in Groups and across District, has again, been truly inspiring to see, with so many young people experiencing exciting opportunities and adventures and making memories for a lifetime. The quality of Scouting in Medway Towns is a credit to each, and everyone involved.

I would like to also give a special mention to our award-winning Digital team, keeping us so well informed and celebrating our successes with The district newsletter ‘Scouting About. Thank you all.

Finally, a massive extra thanks to the District Team, District Trustee’s and all involved at Buckmore Park, virtually all of whom hold other roles. Without this extra commitment and enthusiasm, the District would be a very different place. We would also like to thank MAST for their continued support and exciting activities. There are still plenty of opportunities for anyone who wishes to give a little extra to ensure the next year is even more successful.

District Trustee Board.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District Scouts District Lead Volunteer Report

2023/2024 was another positive year in Medway Scouts. We opened a new group, 7[th] Medway Towns, in All Hallows and filled a desperate need for more Scouting capacity on the peninsula. At this moment, the group now has full Squirrel, Beaver and Cub sections (Scouts & Explorers to follow in due course) After opening 1[st] Medway last year and bringing our group count back to a pre covid 20, we now rise above that to 21 groups for the first time in decades.

This positive theme continued as we collected the census data. Our overall growth saw another rise in young people bringing the total to 1591. We had 5 groups over 100, and 11 over 70. We now have 11 groups with dreys (12 dreys in total) Squirrels reached 174 members. All groups have Beavers through to Explorers. We have 91 sections in total.

Our District Campsite, Buckmore Park, continues to flourish. The small and dedicated crew continue to keep the site serviceable. We are so grateful for their service and are constantly looking at ways to encourage members to join them. The facilities are constantly being praised by visitors and the ultramodern toilet and shower block has certainly played a part in encouraging leaders to visit. This year we saw approx 13,000 children and young people visits. A regular Buckmore Blog features in our newsletter so that everyone can be excited and up to date with the progress. Massive thanks to Paul Randell for his work delivering the BP Blog and… Our most humble thanks go to ‘everyone’ in the crew that work so hard for us all.

Our groups continue to come out in their droves to support District events again. All the section teams are meeting and planning their next programs.

Our second District St George’s camp was held again in 2024, and we were pleased to welcome over 1000 of our members back to a bigger and better incantation of the biannual celebration. Open air glow stick discos, laser tag, bushcraft skills, archery, rifles, bouncy castles, water rockets, dragon scale decorating, soft axe throwing, badge making and dunk tank …. The list goes on and is mind blowing! The best thing about the event is that district do not charge a penny for attendees. Some groups charge for food but those that can supply that too meaning that the whole event can be totally free to our members. An amazing contribution from Medway Towns District in these financially challenging times. Massive thanks to Bev and the team for making the magic happen!

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

The district newsletter ‘Scouting About’ continues to help us communicate news, events as well as sharing information on all that we do. We have also started publishing special editions. St George’s camp and the recent Zanzibar trip had their own scouting about to themselves.

We are averaging about 400 views per newsletter! So we are happy with the reach it is getting.

Now where to finish off…

Volunteers… all that happens in Medway Towns Scouting is because of you all, the volunteers…

We are so proud to be supporting an amazing group of leaders and helpers.

The things that scouting achieves cannot be done by one or two people …But together you are all really making a difference.

And all the thanks in the world is not enough to thank to you all for that. God Bless you all.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account

Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 01/04/2023 To 31/03/2024
Receipts and payments
Receipts Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds MAST
£		 Restricted/
Designated
funds
overseas
trips
£
2023/2024		 Buckmore Park
Holding
Trustees
£
Total funds
£		 2022/2023
Total funds
£
Donations, legacies and similar
income
Membership subscriptions 80,511 - - 80,511 86,150
Donations 661 250 - - 911 600
MAST funds 300 - - 300 -
Gift Aid - - -
Capitation rebates 719 - - 719 -
Sub total 81,891 550 - - 82,441 86,750
Grants
Maintenenace grant - - - - - -
Other grants - - - - - 100
Sub total - - - - - 100
Fundraising events (gross)
Badge sales 8,683 - - - 8,683 7,612
Equipment hire - - - - -
Jamboree receipts - - 3,537 - 3,537 13,502
Other fundraising activities - - - - - 10
Sub total 8,683 - 3,537 - 12,220 21,124
District Activities
Section Activies 3,368 - - - 3,368 3,524
- - - - -
District Activities 646 - - - 646 1,231
Sub total 4,014 - - - 4,014 4,755
Investment income
Bank interest 494 - - 229 723 144
Loan to Group 116 - - - 116 -
The Scout Association Short Term
Investment Service		 722 26 - - 748 766
Group Loan Repayments - - - - - -
Sub total 1,332 26 - 229 1,587 910
Total Gross Income
Asset and investment sales, etc.
Total receipts
95,920 576 3,537 229 100,262 113,639
-
-		 - - - -
95,920 576 3,537 229 100,262
113,639

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LT700003 July 2021)

Medway Towns District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account

Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 01/04/2023 To 31/03/2024
Receipts and payments
sxe
Payments		 Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds MAST
£		 Restricted/
Designated
funds
overseas
trips
£
2023/2024		 Buckmore Park
Holding
Trustees
£
Total funds
£		 2022/2023
Total funds
£
Charitable Payments
Membership subscriptions paid on
(National/County/Area/District)		 77,283 - - 77,283 126,331
Youth programme and activities 10,785 201 - 10,986 11,117
Adult support and training - - - -
Group loans/ start up grants 2,700 - - 2,700 16
Jamboree 2023 Payments - 4,000 - 4,000 21,700
Electricity and Gas - - - 23
Insurance 238 - - **238 ** 385
Repairs and Renewals - - - -
Equipment - - -
Printing and photocopying - - - -
Professional fees - - 4,180
Bank charges - 60 **60 ** 60
AGM and trustee expenses - - -
Donations and Grants - - - **752 **
Film licence - - -
Capitation rebates paid to Groups 521 - - 521 114
Sub total 91,528 201 4,000 60 95,789 164,678
Fundraising expenses
Badge purchases 7,344 - - - 7,344 7,136
Detail 2 - - - -
Detail 3 - - - - - -
Other fundraising costs - - - - - -
Sub total 7,344 - - - 7,344 7,136
Total Gross Expenditure
Asset and investment
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
98,872 201 4,000 60 103,133 171,814
- - - - - -
98,872 201 4,000 60 103,133 171,814
- 2,952
375		 - 463
169
- 2,871		 - 58,175
- 2,500 2,500 - - -
120,926
12,189		 14,779 13,934 161,828 220,003
115,473
12,564
16,816
14,103		 158,956 161,828

2 of 3

LT700003 July 2021)

Medway Towns District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account

Year start date Year start date Year start date Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 01/04/2023 To 31/03/2024
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds MAST
Resricted/
Designated
funds
overseas
trips
Holding
Trustees funds
£
£
£
31st March 2024		 Total funds
£		 31/03/2023
Total funds
£
Cash funds
Bank current account - Badge Account - - - - 568
Bank current account -Lloyds & Santander 22,151 12,564 34,715 1,658
Bank deposit account Lloyds 70,787 - 16,816 - 87,603
Bank accounts - Nat west 22,065 22,065 60,133
Equal Credit card 451 - - 451 1,933
Holding Trustees -Buckmore park - - 14,103 14,103 12,002
The Scout Association Short Term
Investment Service		 - 85,531
Cash Float 18 - - - 18 3
Total cash funds 115,473 12,564 16,816 14,103 158,956 161,828
ok ok ok ok ok ok
gree balances with receipts andpayments a/c)
Other monetary assets - - - - - -
Grouploan - - - - - -
Group /Unit Subscriptions not yet paid 6,011 - - - 6,011
6,011 - - - 6,011 -
Sub total
Investment assets - - - - - -
Investment property-detail - - - - - -
Quoted investments - - - - - -
Sub total - - - - - -
Non monetary assets for - - - - - -
Badge stock 1,329 - - - 1,329 2,351
Shopstock - - - - - -
Otherstock - - - - - -
Land and buildings B/Park - - - 328,730 328,730 328,730
Maintenance equipment B/park - - - 70,650 70,650 70,650
Scouting equipment, furniture etc 6,721 - - 6,721 6,721
8,050 - - 399,380 407,430 408,452
Sub total
Liabilities - - - - - -
Capitation rebates - - - 484
- - - - - -
Subscriptions not paid to County - - - -
Loan -detail - - - - - -
Other liabilities
Sub total - - - - - 484
Total net assets 129,534 12,564 16,816 413,483 572,397 569,796

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on (the date of the Executive Committee meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by

Chair Treasurer
Marc Harris Alice Canty

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LT700003 July 2021)

LT700006- Indepertdent Examinevs Report to the Trustees (January 2024) Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Medway Towns District Scout Counal I reportto the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Medway Towns Distrirt Scout Council for the year ended 31" March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Medway Towns District Scout Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charbtbes Act 20111.the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Medway Towns District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying Out my examination I have followed all the applicable Direction5 given by the Charity Commi55ion under section 14515)(b) of the ACL Independent examinerfs statsment I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materiaL respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Medway towns District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the A¢ or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concems 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 under5tsnding of the arounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Relevant professional quaSification or membership of professional bodies Irf any): f Address: Date: 6111£4

SECTION REPORTS

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway towns District Squirrel Team Report:

Since Squirrels dreys opened up in 2021 across Medway Towns District, we now have 12 Dreys across the district. Where they are thriving and very active. Some Dreys are full with a long waiting list. More Scout groups are looking to start Dreys with the help of District and county. The newest drey at 7 Allhallows is full with a waiting list.

Over the last year we had a little change in the team. Louise has stepped down whom we are very grateful and appreciated you doing the teddy bear picnic 23, which was a great success.

This year’s teddy bear picnic was also a great success with 8 dreys came along for some fun with soft archery, soft axes throwing dry ski slopes with other fun activities along with doing Izzy’s trail at Buckmore Park where they completed navigation stage 1 badge.

The clever little squirrels are quick learners and always happy and smiling with what activity or challenge you give them.

Even sleepovers, yes you heard right, squirrels are now allowed to do camps or sleepovers. A couple of Dreys have tried sleepovers with their squirrels and, believe it or not, they’re a-lot easier than you think.

Future events… the team are trying to plan a day out at either Kent life or The Hop farm… watch this space. Another event that’s returning is the favourite teddy bear picnic. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

We appreciate all the help from DLVs, Section leaders and the Buckmore Park crew as well as those people who contribute behind the Scenes helping Medway towns young people enjoying scouting events # be prepared #skills for life

Yours in scouting

Chrissy, Kim, Adam and Jenni Medway Towns Squirrels team

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District Beaver Team Report:

We have a total of 22 separate groups with 4 of these running 2 colonies, meaning 26 colonies in the district

The Beaver sections in Medway Towns are thriving and are continually active. Some have new and enthusiastic leaders. It was great to see many new faces at our District St George’s camp at Buckmore park, where 20 of the groups all joined together.

As a district we are having more groups taking part with District events and the new leaders are voicing their opinions which is extremely helpful when planning events.

Unfortunately, there are still some groups that are not coming along to district events. Or leader meetings. Reasons unknown. We’re tying our best to reach out to everyone.

Our new group 1[st] Medway Towns is doing brilliantly. Squirrels and Beaver Sections are now full. Recently opened the cubs’ section and a Scout section. Also, our newest group 7[th] Allhallows, Medway towns recently opened on 8[th] March ‘24 with Squirrels and Beavers, Thanks to Graham Drury taking on the GLV with the help of the DLV team and county team. They had a mass investiture of leaders, squirrels, and Beavers. Both Beaver and Squirrels sections are now full.

Across Medway, a-lot of beavers are getting their Bronze award. Some are attending this year’s Award ceremony.

We, like most districts, have a boom in scouting but not enough volunteers and too many children on the waiting list. Many groups would like some help with volunteer recruitment.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Our events in the last year;

Future events

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

We appreciate all the help from DLV team to leaders including Buckmore park crew and people who contribute behind the Scenes for helping Medway towns young people enjoying scouting events #skills for life.

Yours in scouting.

Chrissy, Kim, Jenni and Adam

Medway Towns Beaver Team.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District Cub Team Report:

The Cub section has run a number of events over the past year, that have been attended by nearly 300 Cubs. We had the Activity Day at Buckmore Park, where nearly a 120 Cubs took part in 16 activities that counted towards 8 different Challenge Awards and Activity Badges. There was also a number of fun activities and the District Welly Wanging competition, that was won by the 50[th] . We took over a 120 Cubs on a trip to the RAF Museum, London to do their Air Activity Stage 1 Badge. We took 60 Cubs to Dover Castle and the Western Height Defences for the ‘Medway Cubs Invade Dover’ event. We have the Quiz & Fizz event coming up in November and the Cub Tema are already planning next year’s events.

The Team have been out and about to proudly present a number of Chief Scout Silver Awards to Cubs across the District.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Carrie Payne, who has had to step back from the Cub Team, for all her hard work and efforts on behalf of the Cubs of Medway. The Team are looking for one or two volunteers who would like to join the District Cub Team.

The Cub Team

Medway Towns District Scout Team Report:

District Scout Events over the past year consisted of the following.

Generally, I feel that the Scout Section has had a good year.

Yours in Scouting Dave Payne

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District 14-24 Team Report:

It has been a busy year for the for the 14-24 team which now covers Explorers, Young Leaders and Network.

Medway Towns Explorers has seen good growth from 155 Explorers in 2023 to 191 at the 2024 census. We started the year with the chip shop survey in January with 11 units and Network trying their local chippies to find the best in Medway. iScout in March saw Explorers completing several tasks with Scouts across the world - I am proud to say that we came 540[th] ! We also have our new event Spearhead coming up soon with 16 teams taking part in an overnight event at Buckmore Park. This year has also seen the return of a regular district Young Leader training programme and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provision for bronze, silver and gold levels.

Network has also relaunched with a cone-based rebrand. It is pleasing to see steady numbers of 18–25-year-olds engaging with this district provision and a strong programme. There have been several events including the chip shop survey, pub quiz, Gilwell Reunion and helping at Spearhead. Network offers the chance for Explorers to carry on scouting beyond Explorers and continue working towards top awards.

There have been a number of top awards awarded to 14–24-year-olds this year including: Chief Scout Diamond Award’s, King’s Scout Award’s, Explorer Belts and Young Leader belts – congratulations to all of those who achieved an award!

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns Scout Active Support Unit (MAST):

Medway Scout Active Support Team (MAST) has continued to support the district with activities from Rope making to Water Rockets,

Whilst meeting socially once a month at the 41[st] HQ in Mafeking Road, with a programme of various topics ranging 5 from talks on air pollution in the Medway f all YE : Towns to how to use a defibrator and much more. er > ~ rm —— We also enjoyed our annual river trip on the Medway.

Finally, after finding out about the various changes that are being proposed and after agreeing with the district on how MAST would be incorporated into the new Team structure, we will continue to support the district and others in the future.

Registered Charity Number 303434

Medway Towns District Inclusion Team:

The district now has a kit that will support within the district at events which had its debut at the camp last year. It any group or section would like to borrow it please do let me know. The Squirrel and Beaver sections welcomed me to attend their Skills Day with a great group of leaders. New dates for the Inclusive Scouting and Behaviour modules will be coming out soon. I am looking forward to attending the Young Leader Training to deliver information to the section.

If anyone needs any advice please let me know. I am happy to come to your group. The 50th Scouts have already invited me to attend one of their Troop nights.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

GROUP REPORTS

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

7th Medway Towns (Allhallows)

Since opening on 8th March this year with 17 Squirrels and 14 Beavers our group has grown immensely. We now have 28 Squirrels, 19 Beavers and 22 Cubs.

As a group are very fortunate that we have a very small but dedicated group of volunteers including an ex Cub from before the groups closure.

We are currently in the planning stages to open our Scout and Explorer sections in early 2025 and our waiting list is growing in preparation for our last two sections opening.

As a new group we have been overwhelmed with support from the residents of Allhallows and surrounding villages as well as District and many other groups in Medway Towns District. We are excited about what the future has in store for Scouting in Allhallows.

10th Medway Towns Scout Group (Sea Scouts)

We at the 10th have keep our number steady around the 80 mark this year throughout the group. We are still missing the squirrel section at the moment.

In January we sadly lost our Beaver leader, Assistant Beaver leader and our Explorer Leader due to work commitments. The GLV and AGLV took on the role of running both sections along with the help from The District Beaver Leader Christine Firmin.

The lack of leaders didn't stop us, however, taking part in this year’s District St George's Day Camp.

The group has since had the good fortune to gain four volunteers to take on the roles of leaders.

We have also been very lucky to have a donation from the Chatham Masons to put towards new canoes and equipment, happily tested of course by our scouts and explorers

Kelly Beck AGLV 10th Medway Towns Sea Scout Group

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

11[th] Medway Towns Scout Group

The 11th Medway scouts have had another successful year. Their growth continues, aided by the amazing Squirrel section.

The Beaver section has also flourished with the new intake of members from the Squirrels. Cubs remains a strong section too. We do experience some fall out from Cubs to Scouts and the Explorer section is still regrowing after the Covid shut down left the section on zero members.

Lots of work from the section teams have encouraged lots of new leaders and their help will be invaluable as the group offers the best scouting it can.

With our land now secured and owned by 11th Medway Scout group we will look to start the process of building a new HQ. Exciting times but a lot of work to do to reach that goal. If we can achieve it we will be providing a state-of-the-art purpose built building to enable great Scouting experiences for the next generations.

24th Medway Towns (Borstal) Scout Group

It has been a great year for Borstal with the introduction of our Squirrel Drey and growth of the group exceeding 100 youth members for the first time.

All sections are working very well providing amazing activities for the young people of the group. The group also celebrated its 100[th] anniversary with a fantastic event where we were able to share an afternoon with our young people, parents, leaders and some great visits from past scouts and leaders.

We were thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Medway and his Consort who took part in all the activities and enjoyed our hog roast and BBQ. We also welcomed our District Chair Marc and the Vice President of the District David Brake and his wife.

27[th] Medway Towns Scout Group

Our group have celebrated it Centenary those year and have done various events to celebrate this. Our group is going strong with one beavers colony, one cub pack, two scout troops and one explorer section all with healthy numbers.

We are excited to be also opening our first squirrel dray this November.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

30[TH] Medway Towns (Cuxton) Scout Group.

30th Strood (Cuxton) Scout Group has spent some time adjusting to the changes which have been brought in over the summer. The Executive committee changing to Trustees with the new format, the volunteer experience and ensuring our sections are running smoothly.

Sadly, we have lost two or our Trustees who have taken this change as a time to move on and we wish them well for the future.

The leaders have been amazing, and we have had camping for Scouts, Explorers and Cubs over the summer months and we have two leaders preparing to obtain their Night's Away permits.

Numbers in the sections have maintained and we have again started to get enquiries for new young people to join, in fact our Explorer Scout Section has grown and been very active.

Before the summer break a number of leaders spent a day tidying up the storage rooms and the hall and grounds have been maintained.

As the new term begins, we are looking forward to a very busy autumn in all sections.

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

BUCKMORE PARK REPORT

Medway Towns

Registered Charity Number 303434

Buckmore Park Scout Campsite Annual Report 2023/2024

Firstly, we must start this report with a big thankyou to all those who have help Buckmore run throughout the year, and to continue to develop its resources. That’s the whole crew, and those who came to our working parties.

The year was yet again a busy one with a number of projects and large activities taking place, far too may to mention here. So here is a snapshot.

In April we hosted Gillingham District St Georges event, as you would expect this was a large event and stretched our resources a bit. All went well and the several hundred who attended had a great day. Our own event in May, Jamboree on the Tail was also well supported and took place in nice weather. Cans PIN if Y Wo ME DAR ha) Ne ray

One of the long running projects that was completed this year was the paving around the toilets. This has been a challenge but was well worth the effort. The construction of the retaining wall and associated steps by the front container was a true test of ours crews ability.

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Scouts
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Registered Charity Number 303434

During the summer we saw a lot of Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition activity take place, driven by the KCC and Medway teams. We were also visited by Kent Search and Rescue a couple of times for training exercises. We had a number of groups both local and from further afield camp with us during the summer holidays. We had lots of positive feedback, and the word is spreading what a great campsite we have.

On going work has continued on improvements to the caving system. This is a long-term project and the caving activity is not effected.

In early autumn work started on the preparations for the annual Reindeer Workshop. This year as well as getting all the timber cut, we decided to tidy the area in front of the Perk (catering container). This involved landscaping the area with paths and turf.

The Reindeer Workshop: This amazing event was again a very successful event due to the hard work of a small planning team supported by a large number of workers during the event. As usual it was a sell out within a few hours of going on sale. Lots of smiling faces were seen leaving the site with large or very large reindeers under their arm.

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Scouts
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Registered Charity Number 303434

For this year’s round of coppicing we chose a solution to a problem. A large number of trees around the main camping area were getting too large and needed removing as part of our tree risk management. We chose to

bite the bullet and use our contractor to undertake the work and also get some income from the sale of timber. It dramatically opened up the views across the site. Within a few months we are confident that regrowth will take place.

Early spring saw preparation taking place around the site for the District Camp. This was mainly a clear up of the brash from the coppicing. Thanks to all who assisted with this.

Buckmore Park is your districts camp site . If you have any thoughts and ideas how we can improve the site do please get in touch.

We are always looking for new people to join the crew. Everyone has skills we could use.

Keep up to date with what is happening at Buckmore throughout the year by following the Buckmore Blog in the monthly editions of ‘Scouting About’

‘Flushed with success of another completed project’

Registered Charity Number 303434