4[th] Lewisham (1[st] Hither Green) Scout Group Charity Number: 303778, Scout Registration Number: 649
Annual Report, Governance and Accounts 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024
Reference and Administration Details
Charity name: 4[th] Lewisham (1[st] Hither Green) Scout Group
Charity Registration Number: 303778
Scout Registration Number: 649
Charity’s principal address: Ted Ray Scout Hall, 123-127 Springbank Road, Hither Green, London SE13 6SS
Board of Trustees
| Board of Trustees | |
|---|---|
| MrGregNoonan | Chairperson |
| MrsEsther Nicoli | Secretary |
| MrStephen Nicoli | Treasurer |
| MrsDeidreDowling | Parent Representative |
| MissIsabelGainey | Group Scout Leader |
| Mrs JanetGainey | Hallbookings /Assistant BeaverScout Leader |
| MrJon Forsdyke | Deputy Group Scout Leader/AssistantCub Scout Leader |
| MrGavin Forsdyke | ExplorerScout Leader(DiscoveryESU) |
| Mrs ClaireRuiz | SquirrelScout Leader |
| MrsMichelleForsdyke | Cub Scout Leader |
| Mr AlasdairGray | Scout Leader |
Secretary’s Report
Building
We have been looking at improving the hall acoustics and have had several companies carrying out surveys. We have been recommended to install acoustic panels to the ceiling which we are planning to do soon.
Hall Hire
We have regular hirers; KN Pilates, Tai Chi and Ark of God, which provide a regular income.
We are in discussion with a preschool, which is hoping to commence hire in September 2024.
We do not have occasional hirers as the Trustees decided, as running costs were covered, it was not necessary to have the added maintenance and administration. This is regularly reviewed.
Scout Sections
Squirrel Scout Drey
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The Squirrel Scouts opened in September 2023, under the leadership of Claire Ruiz and Sarah Hamilton. It has been a huge success with an excellent programme and activities.
They built up the number of children gradually to give their new leaders time to learn their roles. They have a great programme with singing, crafts and games. They visited Clip and Climb, went to a firework night at Wilberforce campsite and the pantomime at Bromley Churchill Theatre. In the new year they visited the police station to see the horses, the fire station and celebrated Chinese New Year.
They have two young leaders, Georgia and Lola and several parent helpers.
Beaver Scout Colony
The Beaver Scouts are as lively as always entering the hall every Monday with enthusiasm. Our numbers have fluctuated with the availability of adult helpers, but are now running with a full colony of 18 with the help of Janet, Nick, Anoushka and Giulia. We have enjoyed Clip and Climb, a Beaver camp at Frylands Wood which tied in with the Fun Day, local litter picking, paddleboarding, a visit to the Apple Store to create their own emoji as well as our hall activities. We have also enjoyed taking part in joint activities such as an Easter Egg Hike and Hunt at Beckenham Place Park with the Squirrels, Wiggly Wild Show with Cubs, pantomime at the Churchill Theatre and the firework night at Wilberforce.
Over the past year we have worked towards the 6 challenge badges as well as the Builder activity badge (making a Coronation Chariot fit for the King), Creative activity badge (making sock worms and clay pencil holders to name a few), International activity badge (taking part in food tasting, flag bingo and learning about Beaver equivalents), Communicator activity badge (learning the phonetic alphabet, sending text messages, making phone calls and invisible ink!), as well as the Global Issues activity badge (working on endangered animals and Fairtrade).
In July 2023 we awarded Bronze Chief Scout Awards to Oscar, Orla, Johannes and Melody before they moved up to Cubs to continue their Scouting adventures. It’s great to see all their efforts rewarded.
Cub Scout Pack
The Cub Scouts went on a weekend camp at Bears Wood Scout campsite, along with our Scouts. They did a hike to Frylands Wood, campfire, geocaching, and wide games. They went paddleboarding at Beckenham Place Park and indoor climbing at Sutcliffe Park. They built a bug hotel as part of their DIY activity badge and wind turbines for the Environmental Conservation activity badge.
Nathaniel and Isabel achieved their Chief Scout Silver award, which is an incredible achievement. We welcomed our new leaders, Liz and Elle to the pack which has been a great addition. We had help from two young leaders, William and Lillian which went towards their DofE Bronze award for volunteering.
Scout Troop
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The Scouts have an active programme inside and outside of the regular meeting hall, building towards the Challenge Awards and providing opportunities for its youth members. We have been indoor climbing at The Reach, paddleboarding at Beckenham Place Park, enjoyed athletics and other sports and games at the local parks. We hosted a workshop with BAC Beatbox Academy and had a go at track cycling at Herne Hill Velodrome. We have developed skills, such as cooking, photography and electronics as well as core scouting skills of navigation and pioneering.
We have taken part in broader events such as the First LEGO League Robotics competition, District cooking competition and the Monopoly Run Live with 8,000 other members.
We offer regular residential experiences, for example Spring Camp at Bears Wood with the Cubs, Autumn Camp at Cudham Shaws, and a Winter Camp back at Bears Wood with 6[th] Lewisham South.
Going forwards we aim to continue to develop core scouting skills and values, offering an increasing range of activities for the Scouts to experience and broaden our interactions with other scout groups across Lewisham District and beyond.
Scout Group
We enjoyed a family camp at Wilberforce Scout Campsite at the end of June 2023. It was a great success as we recruited our two new Squirrel Scout volunteers which meant we could go ahead and open our new section in September 2023.
Our Scout troop and Discovery Explorer Scouts took part in an international adventure to the beautiful island of Malta in July 2023. They took part in lots of activities including zip lining off a cliff and over the sea, coasteering, abseiling and a trip around Valetta.
We enjoyed, as a Group, a Trustee led firework night at Wilberforce Scout campsite attended by many families as well as the customary panto visit to the Churchill Theatre.
We thank all our volunteers for making Scouting happen. Our Group continues to provide excellent activities and experiences for all our members. We’re constantly evolving and our section numbers remain constant, running at full capacity. We have maintained a large waiting list for all sections, referring enquiries to nearby groups should a space be unlikely.
Board of Trustees
The Scout group Board of Trustees meet every 6 weeks and organise the overall management of the group, Scout sections and building. We thank all our Trustees for the time they commit to the group.
We thank Ruth Jessop, our bookkeeper and advisor to the Trustees.
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Structure, Governance and Management
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scouts UK. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
The 4[th] Lewisham (1[st] Hither Green) Scout Group delivers scouting for four sections of young people as follows:
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Squirrel Scout Drey (4-6 years) Cub Scout Pack (8-10 ½ years)
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Beaver Scout Colony (6-8 years) Scout Troop (10 ½ - 14 year
We have a partnership agreement with the Discovery Explorer Scout Unit, which is a Lewisham District Scout Council provision. This agreement is reviewed annually.
- Discovery Explorer Scout Unit (14-18 years)
The Group is managed by the Board of Trustees, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the Scout Group. As Charity Trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Board of Trustees consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, Deputy Group Scout Leaders, Section Leaders and parent representation.
The trustees meet regularly and is responsible for:
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●Ensuring that the Ted Ray Scout Hall is safe for all users
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●Insuring people, property and equipment
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●Managing Group finances and fundraising
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●Planning and financing the maintenance and improvements to the Ted Ray Scout Hall
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●Managing the commercial hire of the Ted Ray Scout Hall
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●Paying utility bills for the Ted Ray Scout Hall
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●Maintenance and storage of Group equipment
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●Acting as data controller for records of members of the Scout Group
Supporting an active, attractive and balanced programme of activities by:
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●Organising, funding and supporting Group activities as required
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●Providing financial subsidies to members where appropriate
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●Supporting recruitment and training of adult leaders and supporters
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●Supporting the recruitment of young people
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●Ensuring all activities are risk assessed with safety a priority
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●Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected
Risk and Internal Control
The Trustees have identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed and put mitigations in place as follows:
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members: The Group, through the Annual Membership fees, contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all Scouting activities. At all events and activities at least one leader must hold a valid First Response certificate. First Aid kits are provided.
Reduction or loss of leaders: The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer its activities. This is an ongoing challenge to ensure enough volunteers are available. The Group will continue to recruit adults and make use of flexible volunteering from those who have limited time available.
Reduction or loss of members: The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 14. The Group believes that an active, attractive and balanced programme of activities will continue to attract young people to scouting. Our four sections are currently at capacity for the size of our hall.
Damage to the Ted Ray Scout Hall: The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. If the Ted Ray Scout Hall was unusable, the Group could arrange to temporary use a local church hall, however we would suffer a significant loss of income.
Reduced income: The Group has a reserve fund policy sufficient to pay expenses for the Ted Ray Scout Hall and to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Group could also limit or suspend the provision of subsidies and investment expenditure. The Group could also apply for grants or undertake more fundraising activities.
Financial Controls: The Group has in place financial controls designed to provide reasonable assurance against financial mismanagement or loss. These include having a limited number of Trustees who can access our financial reserves; two signatures required to authorise bank payments; separate access to smaller operation funds; processes for continuous accounting including checks against bank statements; and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
Objectives and Activities
The Purpose of Scouting
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Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun;
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors;
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learn by doing;
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share in spiritual reflection;
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take responsibility and make choices;
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undertake new and challenging activities; and
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make and live by their Promise.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
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Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
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Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
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Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objectives
The 4[th] Lewisham (Hither Green) Scout Group will deliver scouting to children and young people in line with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scouts UK.
The Scout Group will provide an attractive and balanced programme of activities, events and experiences for children. These include weekly meetings, a range of activities outside the Ted Ray Scout Hall, including outdoor activities, and the opportunity to attend nights’ away experiences each year.
The Group has a partnership agreement with the Discovery Explorer Scout Unit.
The Scout Group will ensure the operation of each section is overseen by an adult. The leader will ensure that at least two adults are present at regular indoor meetings. The leader will also ensure that the Scouts UKs recommended minimum ratio for adults to children is adhered to. (Squirrel Scouts: 1 to 6 plus leader in charge (1 to 4 outside); Beaver Scouts: 1 to 6; Cub Scouts: 1 to 8; Scouts: 1 to 12).
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The Scout Group Board of Trustees will work with the Group Scout Leader to manage the Scout Group by delivering effective governance to ensure scouting is delivered and developed.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives, and in planning future activities.
Future Plans
The Trustees hope that improved facilities will enable us to further increase the number and value of regular bookings and therefore increase the Group’s income. We will continue to look at ways to reduce our energy usage and costs.
We will look to increase the number of our Scouting members achieving their top Chief Scout Awards. We will also increase our leader training compliance to ensure all adults are fully competent and equipped to run a range of activities.
We are continuing to support and work in partnership with the Discovery Explorer Scout Unit.
The most important task for the future is to recruit and train adult volunteers for all sections. The Trustees would welcome offers of help or ideas about how to recruit leaders and helpers for all sections but especially for our new Squirrel Scout section.
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Financial Review
The Group’s income and expenditure are divided into two parts – Scouting activities and the hire and maintenance of the Ted Ray Scout Hall. It is the Group’s policy that surpluses from the hire and maintenance of the Ted Ray Scout Hall may be used to fund or subsidise Scout activities and to invest in upgrading scouting equipment.
Scout Activities Financial Review
We are registered with HMRC for Gift Aid on members’ subscriptions and were able to make a claim resulting in a receipt of £1,596.00 including interest.
The Group received a volunteer hour grant from Bloomberg of £4,072 for which we have to thank our Chairperson, Greg Noonan. We will use these funds toward scout group activities.
In December 2023 the Group purchased a used minibus to support camps and regular activities. The cost of the purchase, initial repairs and insurance is included within “Scouting Activities” and is the cause of the overall deficit this year.
Ted Ray Scout Hall Financial Review
Usually, the hire of the Ted Ray Scout Hall to regular hirers provides a stable income which is used to pay for maintenance and improvements to the hall, as well as to subsidise scouting activities. Regular hall hire is stable compared to last year and provided as an income of £10,060.50.
We also receive a small amount of income for our Feed in Tariff on electricity produced by our solar panels. This also reduced our utility expenditure.
A total of £1,620 was paid to M Forsdyke, who is a Trustee, for maintenance services related to the scout hall. ~~.~~
Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to:
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continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short.
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pay expenses related to the Ted Ray Scout Hall including the payment of utility bills and insurance and the funding of maintenance; and
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fund repairs or improvements to the hall or garage.
The Trustees consider the Group should hold a minimum of £10,000. As of 31st March 2024 the Group held total funds of £34,999.02.
Investment Policy
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The Group has adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in mainstream banks.
Statements of Accounts 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024
Financial Year 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024 and Comparison with Previous Financial Year
| Financial Year 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and Comparison with Previous Financial Year |
Financial Year 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and Comparison with Previous Financial Year |
Financial Year 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and Comparison with Previous Financial Year |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Scout Group | |||
| Income | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| Scoutingactivities | £24,602.82 | £25,308.50 | |
| Gift aid rebate | £1,596.05 | £1,989.12 | |
| Grants received | £5,532.00 | £4,324.00 | |
| Total Scout Group Income | £31,730.87 | £31,621.62 | |
| Expenditure | |||
| Scoutingactivities | £28,059.12 | £27,452.14 | |
| Groupequipment | £2,084.52 | £54.50 | |
| Ofce and admin | £878.52 | £773.79 | |
| Membershipand subscription | £4,598.00 | £3,021.00 | |
| Leader training | £210.00 | £46.00 | |
| Total Scout Group Expenditure | £35,830.16 | £31,347.43 | |
| Scout Group Surplus /(Defcit) | (£4,099.29) | £274.19 | |
| Ted Ray Scout Hall | |||
| Income | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| Hall hire | £10,060.50 | £10,499.50 | |
| Donations and solar income | £327.13 | £309.18 | |
| Deposits received | £0.00 | £300.00 | |
| Misc other | £0.00 | £60.00 | |
| Total Ted Ray Scout Hall Income | £10,387.63 | £11,168.68 | |
| Expenditure | |||
| Deposits returned | £100.00 | £250.00 | |
| Hall Maintenance and building projects | (£150.00) | £960.21 | |
| Utilities and overheads | £8,308.60 | £6,549.08 | |
| Hall equipment | £148.58 | £59.87 | |
| Total Ted Ray Scout Hall Expenditure | £8,407.18 | £7,819.16 | |
| Ted Ray Scout Hall Surplus / (Defcit) | £1,980.45 | £3,349.52 | |
| Overall Surplus / (Defcit) | (£2,118.84) | £3,623.71 | |
Statements of Accounts - Payments and Receipts
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| 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 | 1st April 2023 –31st March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance B/F 1 April 2023 |
Income | Expenditure | Balance C/F 31 March 2024 |
|||
| Totals | £37,117.86 | £42,118.50 | £44,237.34 | £34,999.02 | ||
| STATEMENTOF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT31 MARCH 2024 | ||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Cash funds Bank accounts Total cash funds Assets retained for the Charity's own use Buildings (professional valuation) Equipment (at cost) Total assets retained for the Charity's own use |
£34,999.02 | |||||
| £34,999.02 | ||||||
| £500,000.00 £17,911.61 |
||||||
| £517,911.61 | ||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||
| £0.00 | ||||||
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