4th East Barnet (Sea Scout) Council
Annual Trustee’s Report
Monday 13th October 2025
Discovery Hall, 1 Stevenson Close, New Barnet, EN5 1DR
BEAVERS REPORT
4EB BEAVER COLONY REPORT 2024/ 2025
We have had another fun-filled year which has been possible due to the enthusiasm of the Beavers and help from parent volunteers and Young Leaders, Ethan and Natasha. The Beaver colony currently has 15 boys and 9 girls and we continue to receive regular requests to join.
The programme and activities are planned around gaining Challenge Awards and Activity Badges and for Beavers to hopefully obtain their Chief Scout Bronze Award. This is the highest award members can achieve within the Beaver Section. Over the past year, 6 Bronze awards were achieved by Arlo, Eddie, Cass, Alfie, Dylan and Albie. We have also awarded 50 Challenge awards, 86 Staged and 77 Activity badges throughout the year – a great achievement. Well done to all of the Beavers that have completed badgework through “Badges at Home” on OSM.
The Summer term was an action packed term with numerous sessions held outdoors. The Beavers created monsters out of foliage in the woods, participated in Mini Olympics, had an archery session at Frith Grange and met some animals during a visit from Furry and Scaly. As part of our ‘Kindness in the Community’ programme, the Beavers raised money through helping out at home which allowed us to purchase items for the local food bank. Thank you Beavers and parents for supporting this project. The Barnet Beavers district team organised a trip to The North London Society of Model Engineers in June where 11 Beavers had the opportunity to ride on the model trains and engage in train-themed activities. The “Beavers Got Talent” show was held again to celebrate the numerous skills and interests held by the Beavers in July and it was a wonderful session enjoyed by all family members that attended.
The Summer term would not be the same without the annual Family Camp at Skreens Park. Thank you to Stuart, Tracey and all of the adult volunteers for their time and hard work in ensuring the smooth running of the camp and numerous activities. The Autumn term started with us enjoying the good weather outdoors and working towards our Earth Tribe badge. This is a new badge launched by Scouts with a specific focus on Environmental awareness. The beavers picked up litter at Oak Hill Park, explored the impact of non-recyclable items on wildlife and visited the Barnet Environmental Centre. We joined the Beavers of 8th Barnet for a Medieval-themed sleepover in October at Frith Grange which was attended by 11 Beavers. Thanks to Mandi (8th Barnet) for organising the event. The RAF museum hosted their Scout Day in October and 5 Beavers attended to earn their Air Activities 1 badge. Thank you to the British Legion for organising the Remembrance Parade in November, which was attended by 13 Beavers. The year ended with attendance at Chickenshed’s production on ‘Pan’ which was organised by the Barnet District Beaver team. The Spring term included numerous indoor activities with the Beavers working on their disability awareness, experiments and
safety badges. The Beavers celebrated Chinese New Year and Holi. Thank you to Pranav’s parents for running the session on Holi. The Beavers practised playing Dominoes in preparation of the district competition and it was a session in learning how to be a good winner and loser. Thanks to our Dominoes team (Ana, Oscar, Maari and Dylan) - we didn’t come last this year!! The end of term brought with it some lovely spring weather and we headed off to Darlands Nature reserve for a ramble and to look out for some minibeasts.
We have had an action-packed year with numerous activities and events but this would not be possible without the support of Young Leaders (Ethan and Natasha) and parent helpers. I really appreciate all of the help and regular support from parents across the year. It has been a wonderful year and I thoroughly enjoy running the Beavers sessions. I continue to learn and develop the skills needed for this role and greatly appreciate the support received from Stuart, Clive, and the wider district beaver team. A very heartfelt thanks to Clive for helping with all of the administration behind the scenes – I wouldn’t be able to run Beavers without you managing with numerous emails, the finances and for keeping me on track.
Lynzi - Sparrowhawk
4EB CUBS REPORT APRIL 2024 / MARCH 2025
Firstly, I would like to thank all the Cubs for their efforts and enthusiasm on a weekly basis, without which we would not have a Cub Pack. The Cub section currently has 21 boys and 9 girls and continues to be stable with a short waiting list and is still one of the largest in the Barnet Borough District. We structure our programme and activities so that the Cubs can gain Challenge and Activity Badges and to hopefully obtain their Chief Scout Silver Award. This is the highest award members can achieve within the Cub Section. Only 1 of these top awards has been achieved over the last year from our Pack – well done to Alfie G. We have also awarded 266 other Challenge, Staged and Activity badges throughout the year – a great achievement. The core badges (Challenge Badges) are normally completed within our weekly meetings or at camps as they are multipart. The activity badges can be done at home, school or club and evidence uploaded on Online Scout Manager (OSM).
The summer programme concentrated on outdoor activities, with us doing the fire safety badge, fire lighting and cooking at Well End Campsite, countryside code, wide game in Hadley Woods, tent pitching, building catapults and launching water filled sponges at each other. We also had a couple of sessions of health and fitness – this highlighted how fit most of the Cubs are and how unfit all the leaders and adults were! We ended the term with a game of family rounders.
With the weather starting to get cooler and the nights drawing in, we started the autumn term with the personal safety badge. We also built shelters from canes and black bin bags, planted winter flowers in the troughs outside Discovery Hall, cooked and ate a simple meal from ingredients given to them. We also enjoyed an evening of ten pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl and had a spooky night at Well End finding all the bones of skeletons. For remembrance we made model spitfire planes and attend the East Barnet Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade. We ended the term with the disability awareness badge, Christmas craft and a party.
The New Year saw us start with a discussion and activity on all aspects of anti-bullying and good behaviour. We celebrated the Chinese New Year by making colourful spiral snakes, we practiced knots, discussed what we would need to take on a hike and then went on a local hike the following week. We also cooked pancakes – there seemed to be a competition between the Cubs as to who could have the most sugar/sweet items on a single pancake! We completed the communicator badge and ended the term with Mother’s Day and Easter craft.
Over the course of the last year we have also attended/entered various District run events, these included; St George’s Day Parade in April, Chess competition in May, Ten Pin Bowling in October – which we were the winners!, Ready Steady Cook in November – which we were
the winners!, Swimming Gala in January, Quiz in February and the Night Hike and Chess competition in March.
As you can see, we are an active Pack organising our own activities as well as attending most District events. So yet another busy year has been had for the Cub Pack and all this would not be possible but for a few dedicated people who give up their time free of charge, so I would like to thank all of my Cub team AKA my scouting wives) – Lisa (Baloo), Jennifer (Bagheera), Didi (Raksha) and then of course the younger leaders (this year Nathan & Lochlainn) who help out when doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, for all their hard work, commitment, and continuous support, without which the Cub Pack would not be as successful as it is. Thanks to any parent who has helped in any way however small. Also thank you to Jenny Lambert, who works behind the scenes keeping on top of the finance tasks.
Akela - Stuart Austin
Cub Section Team Leader
4EB Scout Troop Report 2024/2025
This past year has been another busy and rewarding one for our Scouts, with membership growing from 23 to 27. Each term we welcomed Cubs moving up and also some new recruits joining us this year, keeping the troop lively and full of enthusiasm.
We began the year with our usual team-building evenings to welcome new members. Our first event was the St George’s Day Parade, where our Scouts proudly marched along the High Street and renewed their promise with the rest of the district.
In May, Scouts built on their outdoor skills with sessions on fire safety, backwoods cooking, knots, and navigation, putting their learning to the test with route planning, for a hike later in the term.
The end of June saw the return of our popular Group Family Camp, where families joined in on the fun, tried new activities, and shared sociable evenings around the fire. Later in the summer, Scouts enjoyed a sunny day of water sports at ESSA, trying kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding and rating. Another evening spent pioneering at Frith Grange, building tripods and ballistas, and tackling an 8km night hike from Botany Bay back to our hall — an impressive feat of navigation and teamwork. The earlier planning paid off!
July saw a group of Scouts head to the Fun Day at Frith Scout Camp, where they enjoyed a mix of activities including inflatables, archery, shooting, caving, climbing, and a bungee run.
We always wrap up the summer with our annual Summer Camp. Although we had to shorten it this year, we still crammed in all the usual favourites — Ready Steady Cook and Budget Meal competitions, campsite service, site activities, a trip to an Aqua Park, and plenty of fun, laughter, and teamwork.
The autumn term opened with the International Badge, exploring global issues, crafts, and food, followed by an international cooking evening for the Chef’s Badge.
In October, two teams represented us in the Chiltern 20 Challenge, improving their orienteering across the Chilterns. One evening, the Scouts took on the Sundown Adventure Challenge at Go Ape, and another, one of our Young Leaders, Libby, ran her own Mini Monopoly Run, which was a big hit.
November was marked by the Remembrance Parade with the local Royal British Legion — a proud and reflective event. In preparation, Scouts completed home skills such as ironing shirts, sewing badges, and polishing shoes. We also ran a thoughtful evening about EEDI (Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), and later enjoyed a delayed but much-anticipated Guy Fawkes fire night at Well End.
Winter featured First Response training, making gingerbread houses (Dan had a plan with the “Gingerbread Man”), and a lively Christmas quiz.
In the new year, we celebrated Burns Night with haggis and tatties (thanks to Magdalena!) and Chinese New Year with spring rolls and all wearing something red for good luck. February featured a very popular make-your-own pizza night, which saw every Scout succeed in crafting and cooking their own meal.
March saw the return of our residential Winter Activity Camp, this year held in the Lodge at Frith Grange. Scouts enjoyed both on-site and off-site activities, including visits to RAF Hendon and climbing in Hemel. Some Scouts attended a district Badge Day, during which Scouts completed their Chef, Mechanics, or Master at Arms badges.
Across the year, Scouts earned a range of badges including Mechanic, Chef, Artist, Master at Arms, Time on the Water, and multiple Nights Away, Hikes Away, and Challenge Awards.
We are fortunate to have Young Leaders (aged 14–18) who return from Explorers to continue to help deliver our programme. This year, Daniel has turned 18 and became a new leader, Michal earned his Wood Beads, and we welcomed Magdalena as a new adult volunteer, and Zosia a new Young Leader. Ethan is just joining us as a Young Leader.
A huge thank-you to Leaders Dave, Michal, Daniel, and Maggie G; our Young Leaders Khush, Libby, Louis, Fryderyk, and Zosia; our occasional helper Will, and especially Maisie for her background admin and camp organizing and all the parent helpers who stepped up throughout the year — especially during my absence. Your support kept Scouting thriving at 4EB.
It takes a lot of commitment to provide such a full programme, and we continue to seek more adults to join our leadership team. If you can help, even occasionally, whether on an evening session, or just a spare hour from home, or car sharing transport to an event, please consider volunteering — Scouting can’t happen without you, and it’s a fantastic way to be part of the adventure.
Ian Thornton Sea Scout Leader
Lead Volunteer Report 2025
Firstly, I would like to welcome all families that have joined the Group over the last 12 months and for many, this year’s AGM will be the first time they have seen and heard what really goes on week after week in every Section. In accordance with customary practice, the attached reports from Section Team Leaders and from the Board of Trustees cover the years’ highlights and achievements. Please read all the reports that have been so carefully prepared for you, as for many it is the only source of information about activities in sections other than that in which your son or daughter may belong. These reports are not confidential so please feel free to pass them on to those who might not know anything about Scouting or of our Group.
As you will read, the Group has had another jam-packed year of activities across all sections and despite not always having good weather they still went ahead. Well done leaders and a bigger well done to all the children who attended and benefited from these activities.
The Group continues to maintain membership at a high level in all sections and for a very short period was able to take recruits off the waiting lists. Currently we are very limited at being able to offer places to all who have their names on our waiting list. A little reminder for you that a child needs to have their name down by the age of 3 years to be sure of a place. The growing popularity of Scouting continues year on year and has meant we have seen a dramatic increase in a number of applications for youth places – few of which we have been able to even consider offering them a place, but we do refer them to other Groups hoping they can find a place somewhere.
I want to say thank you to the current team of section volunteers, for their varied and extensive contributions and hours of unstinting and dedicated service. The results of their efforts are evidenced with in section reports and in the number of awards and badges attained as well as the numerous successes in District and County events and competitions that we see mentioned in the reports.
Thanks to the Board of Trustees for ensuring the building is well maintained, leaders and children have the right equipment for all the activities and that our financial status remains stable. Although on saying that we have had an increased expenditure over the last year, so there will be a focus on fundraising, over the coming year(s) to recoup some of the monies spent.
PARENTS WE NEED YOU – please consider being on the Board of Trustees. I know your time is precious but its 3 or 4 short (on average 1.5 hours) meetings a year. It’s where you can have a say in how the Group is run and money spent for your child(ren).
Finally – a big thank you to the parents and children for the support that you give to the events that we run – without you the Group would not be a strong as it is.
Stuart Austin Group Volunteer Lead
Chairman’s Report
4th East Barnet Scouts 2024/2025
Good evening, everyone,
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Annual General Meeting of the 4th East Barnet Scouts and to present this year’s Chairman’s Report .
This past year has been one of renewed strength and continued recovery. Like many organisations, we faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. But 2024–25 has marked a turning point — a time of rebuilding, reconnection, and revitalisation.
I am proud to say that 4th East Barnet has emerged from those difficult years not only intact, but thriving.
Financial Overview
Our financial position has improved this year , thanks largely to a steady and welcome increase in membership as families have returned to Scouting following the pandemic. With an Improved Gender balance!
As our Sections have reached or approached capacity, the increase in subscription income has allowed us to start rebuilding our reserves and investing once again in the programme and equipment. This has been a significant step forward — and one that reflects both the strength of our Group and the value our community places on what we offer.
That said, we are also facing rising costs . In order to continue developing our programme, modernising our equipment, and supporting our amazing volunteers, we will need to increase subscription fees further in 2026 .
This will allow us to:
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Continue the modernisation of kit and facilities;
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Offer better training and support to our leaders and helpers;
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Build a financial buffer to ensure long-term sustainability.
We know that every penny matters for families, and we will remain transparent and careful with every decision. But to keep delivering high-quality Scouting, we must plan for the future — and that includes investing now.
The Lasting Value of Scouting
Of course, Scouting is about far more than finances. What we do here at 4th East Barnet transforms lives.
This past year, I’ve seen firsthand the joy and pride on the faces of young people as they challenge themselves — whether they’re building fires for the first time, taking part in their first night away from home, learning practical life skills, or simply discovering the power of teamwork and friendship.
Scouting teaches resilience, confidence, independence, and compassion — qualities that are more important than ever in the world our young people are growing up in.
The skills they develop here don’t just prepare them for the next activity, but for life beyond Scouting . That is why we do what we do. That is why it matters.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to a number of people and teams who make all of this possible.
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To my fellow trustees : thank you for your tireless support, diligence, and commitment to keeping the Group running smoothly and safely.
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To the District and County teams : your guidance and encouragement help keep us aligned, informed, and supported as part of the wider Scouting family.
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To our amazing volunteer leaders and helpers : and specifically our junior leaders!! your creativity, patience, and dedication inspire our young people week after week. You are the heartbeat of this Group.
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And above all, to our parents and carers : thank you for your continued support. Whether it’s helping with lifts, supporting events, or simply encouraging your children to show up and try something new, your role is vital. We truly value your trust and involvement.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we are full of ambition. We want to continue growing the experiences we offer, enhancing our resources, and making sure that every child who walks through our doors leaves with more confidence, more skills, and more belief in themselves.
We remain deeply proud of our Scouting traditions, but equally committed to adapting and improving to meet the needs of today’s young people.
Thank you again for being part of this journey. Together, we are building something lasting and meaningful — not just for now, but for the future.
Yours in Scouting,
Rich Cubbidge Chairman, 4th East Barnet Scouts
4th EAST BARNET ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP
Trustees' Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2025
| Registered charity number | 303479 |
|---|---|
| HQ registration number | 18377 |
| Charity's principal address | Discovery Hall |
| 1 Stevenson Close | |
| New Barnet | |
| EN5 1DR | |
| Appointed Charity Trustees | |
| Rich Cubbidge | Chair |
| Richard Tolfree | Treasurer |
| Stuart Austin | Group Lead Volunteer |
| Mia Houghton | Secretary |
| Mark Hailey | |
| Jenny Zourdani | |
| Sarah Hinton-Smith | |
| Nerav Patel | |
| Ruta Baikova |
4th EAST BARNET ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP
Receipts and Payments Account for the year ending 31 March 2025
| Receipts Membership subscriptions Hall Hire and Donations Gift Aid Interest Activities Fundraising Minibus Other Total Payments Rates and Waste Collection Water Electricity Repairs and Renewals Insurances Activities, Equipment, Training, Uniforms Minibus (excluding Insurance) Fundraising costs Website and Phone Capitation paid to District Other Total |
2024-25 10,433 6,392 1,884 87 12,083 2,779 625 0 |
2023-24 7,011 3,045 1,989 325 14,150 2,277 438 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 34,283 2024-25 738 252 868 1,132 5,119 15,139 606 1,130 154 5,186 110 30,434 |
29,236 | |
| 2023-24 709 245 522 8,946 2,235 18,245 2,403 1,045 203 3,223 90 |
||
| 37,866 |
4th EAST BARNET ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP
Receipts and Payments Account Sumary for the year ending 31 March 2025
| £ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Receipts for the year | 34,283 | |
| Total Payments for the year | 30,434 | |
| Net Receipts/Payments for the year | 3,849 | |
| Funds Brought Forward | 41,753 | |
| Net Receipts/Payments for the year | 3,849 | |
| Funds Carried Forward | 45,602 |
Financial Position as at 31 March 2025
| Cash | 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | 15,504 | |
| Savings Account | 30,087 | |
| Funds Carried Forward | 45,602 | |
| Assets as at 31 March 2025 | ||
| Discovery Hall (rebuild cost) | 480,000 | |
| Storage Container | 1,500 | |
| Minibus | 3,000 | |
| Camping and other Equipment | 40,000 | |
| Boats | 7,000 | |
| Trailers | 11,000 | |
| Total Assets | 542,500 |
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Rich Cubbidge
Date 13th October 2025
4th EAST BARNEf ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP Trustees, Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2025 Registered charity number 303479 HQ registration number 18377 Charity's principal address Discovery Hall I Stevenson Close New Barnet EN5 IDR Appointed Charity Trustees Rich Cubbidge Richard Tolfree Stuart Austin Mia Houghton Mark Halley Jenny Zourdani Sarah Hinton-smith Nerav Patel Ruta Baikova Chair Treasurer Group Lead Volunteer Secretary
4th EAST BARNET ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP Receipts and Payments Account for the year ending 31 March 2025 Receipts 2024-25 2023-24 Membership subscriptions Hall Hire and Donations Gift Aid Interest Activities Fundraising Minibus Other Total 10,433 6.392 7,011 3,045 1,989 325 14,150 2,277 438 12.083 2,779 625 34.283 29,236 Payments 2024-25 2023-24 Rates and Waste Collection Water Elettricity Repairs and Renewals Insurances Activities, Equipment, Tra+nin& Uniforms Minibus & Trailers (excluding Insurance) Fundrai5in8 Costs Website and Phone Capitation paid to District Other Total 738 252 709 245 522 8,946 2,235 18,245 2,403 1,045 203 3,223 90 37,866 1.132 5.119 15.139 606 1,130 154 5.186 110 30,434
4th EAST BARNET ( SEA SCOUT ) GROUP Receipts and Payments Account Sumary for the year ending 31 March 2025 Total Receipts for the year Total Payments for the year Net Receipts/Payments for the year 34,283 30,434 3,849 Funds Brought Forward Net Receipts/Payments for the year Funds Carried Forward 41,753 3,849 45,602 Financial Position as at 31 March 2025 Cash Bank Bank Savings Account Funds Carrled Forward 11 15,504 30,087 45,602 Assets as at 31 March 2025 Discovery Hall (rebuild cost) Storage Container Minibus Camping and other Equipment Boats Trailers Total Assets 480,000 1,500 3,000 40,000 7,000 11,000 542,500 The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Rich Cubbidge Date
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the 4th East Barnet (Sea Scout) Group I report on the accounts of the 4th East Barnet (Sea Scout) Group- Charity number 303479- which comprises the summary of receipts and payments for the year ended 31st March 2025 This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters l am required to stste to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assurne responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the Charity's Trustee5 for my Respectlve responslbllStles of trustee5 and examlner It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts (under Section 145(11 of the Charities Act 2011) To follow the procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 14515) Ib} of the Charities Act 2011) and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of examlner'5 report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examlner's Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep the accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date