Scouts 1st Lower Morden
AGM & Annual Report
January – December 2021
1[ST] Lower Morden Scout Group
Registered Charity No 303787 Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021
CONTENTS
| Officers/Leaders | Page 2 |
|---|---|
| Minutes of 2021 AGM | Page 3 |
| Income & Expenditure Account Summary | Page 6 |
| Chair’s Report | Page 8 |
| Treasurer’s Report | Page 9 |
| Section Reports | Page 9 |
| GSL’s Report | Page 12 |
Section Meeting Times
| Beavers | Tuesday | 5.45 – 6.45 pm |
|---|---|---|
| (6 – 8 years) | ||
| Cubs | Tuesday | 7.00 – 8.15 pm |
| (8 - 10½ years) | ||
| Scout Troop | Thursday | 7.15 – 9.00 pm |
| (10½ - 14 years) |
Any child wishing to join Beavers, Cubs or Scouts should have their parent/guardian contact one of the Leaders.
1
OFFICERS/LEADERS
Group Scout Leader Andrew Hayward Beaver Leadership Team Nicky Hayward Tracy Eaton Ashleigh Cadman Iva Valkanova Helena Davey Cub Scout Leadership Team Andrew Hayward Peter Mead Bob McNally Delene De Haas Grace File (Young Leader) Holly Wright (Young Leader) Scout Troop Leadership Team David Williams Bob McNally Luke Cadman Joe Benjamin Jude Faulkner (Explorer Helper) Executive Committee Chair Terrie Jerrom Secretary Donna Murray Treasurer Martin Knight Other Members Jeff Walters, Rachel Sibson, David Collins, Keith Ridgeway Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc. Blackheath London Branch PO Box 1000 BX1 1LT Auditor: Rayvathi Katzanos Scout Association Group Registration No: 46746 Charity Registration No: 303787
The Officers are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
The Accounts have been drawn up on an income and expenditure basis.
2
1[st] LOWER MORDEN SCOUT GROUP
Charity Number 303787
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 11 September 2021 at 4.30pm.
Present: Group Executive Committee Group Leaders Parents and Friends Deborah Carter – District Commissioner Chris Dean – Assistant County Commissioner
Meeting commenced at 7.00 p.m.
1. Welcome
Andrew opened the Meeting by welcoming everyone.
2. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from Martin Knight, Donna Murray, Evelyn Steele, Owen Purcell and Ashleigh Cadman.
3. Minutes of AGM 2020.
Approval - These were accepted as a true record. Peter Mead.
Matters Arising – No matters arising.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Please see a copy of the Treasurer’s report in the Annual Report emailed out for this AGM. The accounts have been audited. We have no financial issues.
5. Section Reports
It was noted that all 3 sections had continued meeting online and had received lots of support from the young people and their parents. All sections focused on what they could do rather than what they couldn’t.
It was especially noted that the troop was the first land-based troop in the County to resume face to face scouting. Terrie thanked all the leaders for all their hard work and a round of applause was given.
6. Group Scout Leader’s Report
Andrew thanked everyone for coming and summarised the report – an online and offline programme was developed within hours of lockdown being announced. A special Group Challenge badge had been launched. 700-800 badges had been earned and though at times it was difficult, lonely and disconnected the group supported each other through the online platforms.
Andrew mentioned that the group had bucked the local, regional and national trend by growing over the last year and that is an achievement that not many groups could boast. We had honoured our Promise – we did our best and this success was a team effort and we should all feel proud of it. We shared best practice with others and made links across the country. Zoom visits helped keep the young people engaged and lessened the load on the leaders. During Easter, the group initiated an Easter Egg Challenge and also took on the County Commissioner’s Challenge by having our posters displayed in California and New Zealand!
Lots of work had been done on the grounds and the former Gang Show Stores had reverted to Group Ownership and the leaders were discussing plans for it’s future use.
Andrew closed his report by thanking the leaders, the Executive Committee, all volunteers, parents and of course our young people.
3
The passing of Brian Whalebone (a former leader of the 4[th] Morden and a supportive district leader) was recognised by a round of applause.
7. Group Scout Leader’s Nomination of Group Chair
Mrs Jerrom was re-appointed as Group Chair.
8. Group Chair’s Report
Mrs Jerrom echoed her written report and thanked all leaders, volunteers and members of the Executive Committee. There was a proposal from the Executive Committee to amend the Group Constitution to propose a new role of Vice Chair. Proposal was agreed with no objections.
9. Election of Group Officers and Group Executive Committee Members
Vice Chair – David Collins Treasurer - Martin Knight Secretary – Donna Murray Parent Representatives - Rachel Sibson, Keith Ridgeway GSL’s Representative – Jeff Walters
Proposed – Andrew Hayward Seconded – Terrie Jerrom
10. Appointment of Group Auditor
Rayvathi Katzanas has been appointed Group Auditor.
Proposed – Andrew Hayward Seconded – Terrie Jerrom
11. Guest Speaker
Deborah Carter, District Commissioner, congratulated the Group for their efforts in bringing back all sections, including the Risk Assessments to ensure they were Covid safe and therefore protecting the leaders and young people.
A special mention was made with regards to David Williams who had supported the Group and the District in the development of the risk assessments.
Though lockdowns had kept us apart, the online Scouting had enabled us to make links across the world thereby creating a global community as never before. The DC gave a massive thank you to the parents for letting us loose in their homes and in the support of the activities.
The following awards were presented:
| Sectional Wood Badges | – Nicky Hayward & Bob McNally |
|---|---|
| 5 Year Service | – Tracey Eaton |
| 15 Year Service | – Peter Mead |
| 25 Year Service | – Nicky Hayward |
| 30 Year Service | – Andrew Hayward & Bob McNally |
| Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good | Service – Jeff Walters |
| Award Of Merit | – Terrie Jerrom |
| Bar To The Award Of Merit | – Nicky Hayward & Bob McNally |
4
11. Chris Dean – Guest Speaker
Chris was pleased with the support on show tonight and commented that this was a positive sign for the future of the group. He was pleased to see a lot of thank yous had been made and felt this was thoroughly deserved and the last year had been particularly tough. He was pleased to see and read how the group had coped in 2021 and had not only maintained numbers but also grew significantly. The Group had bucked the national trend where numbers had fallen – especially in Beavers. 10% of adult leadership had been lost and it was pleasing to see the group also buck this trend. Chris also mentioned that a lot of changes had been made recently.
There was a new top team at the head of the organisation, a new Chief Commissioner, a new County Commissioner, the introduction of Squirrels, the selection of contingent members for the Jamboree in South Korea and that all restrictions had been lifted following the move to ‘Green’. Chris wished us well for the oncoming year.
12. Any Other Business
None. The Meeting closed at 5.10 p.m.
5
1st Lower Morden Scout Group Year Ending 31 December 2021
Income
| Opening Balance | 20598.56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| BBQ | 168.50 | |
| Beavers | Beavers Fun Day | 300.00 |
| Campfire Day | 65.20 | |
| Camp | Cubs October camp | 1950.00 |
| France 2022 | 200.00 | |
| Wales Acorn refund | 8980.00 | |
| Wales | 3930.00 | |
| Cubs | Water Sports | 460.00 |
| Donations | Co-Op | 1889.79 |
| Defibrillator | 650.00 | |
| Misc | 423.17 | |
| Gift Aid | 1121.62 | |
| Grants | Covid Grant LBM | 8764.00 |
| Leivers Trust | 1000.00 | |
| MVSC | 2040.53 | |
| SES Water CommunityFund | 500.00 | |
| Group | GLSW ElectricityContribution | 1000.00 |
| Scarves | 5.00 | |
| Investiture Fees | 265.00 | |
| Memorial Donations | 70.00 | |
| Mini Bus Hire | 25.00 | |
| Premises | Contribution Towards Floor Cleaner | 500.00 |
| NurseryPhone | 162.09 | |
| Rental Income | 11524.50 | |
| Scouts | Bowling | 88.00 |
| Paintballing | 300.00 | |
| Subscriptions | 6362.50 | |
| T Shirts Income | 113.00 | |
| Total Income | 52857.90 |
6
Expenses
| Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Expenses | ||
| AGM | 60.00 | |
| Badge Account | 50.00 | |
| BBQExp | 189.45 | |
| Beavers | Beavers Expenses | 505.79 |
| Beavers Fun Day | 441.89 | |
| Campfire Day | 30.20 | |
| Camp | Cubs October | 1867.10 |
| France 2020 refund | 450.00 | |
| Norfolk Lakes | 8317.09 | |
| Spain refund | 320.00 | |
| Wales | 5328.00 | |
| Wales | 1410.00 | |
| Census | 2240.00 | |
| Christingle 2021 | 137.96 | |
| Cubs | Cubs Expenses | 1315.50 |
| Water Sports | 468.00 | |
| Group | GroupExpenses | 2008.32 |
| 1st Aid Kit Items | 120.93 | |
| Archeryexp | 435.63 | |
| Furniture | 207.50 | |
| Lawn Mower | 204.95 | |
| Scarves | 505.00 | |
| Uniform s | 608.25 | |
| Memorial Stone | 275.00 | |
| Mini Bus | Fuel | 143.73 |
| MOT | 60.00 | |
| Motor Insurance | 1349.47 | |
| Motor misc | 67.98 | |
| Motor Tax | 165.00 | |
| Repairs | 640.32 | |
| Premises | Alarm System | 163.57 |
| Cleaning | 335.00 | |
| Cooker | 49.99 | |
| Defibrillator | 910.00 | |
| Fencing | 86.97 | |
| Fire Doors | 11664.00 | |
| Floor Cleaner | 1573.62 | |
| Hand Driers | 1069.01 | |
| Insurance | 2207.37 | |
| Misc | 668.41 | |
| Plumbing | 90.00 | |
| Stand-By-Fire Equip | 171.60 | |
| Thermostats | 509.81 |
7
| Scouts | Scouts Expenses | 526.78 |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling | 112.95 | |
| Paintballing | 330.00 | |
| TrainingExpenses | 97.75 | |
| Utilities | British Telecom | 353.41 |
| Electricity2020 SSE | 224.78 | |
| ElectricityOctopus | 1001.78 | |
| Gas E-On | 1033.94 | |
| Gas Npower | 236.60 | |
| SES Water | 319.00 | |
| Website Costs | 201.60 | |
| Zoom | 100.73 | |
| Total Expenses | 53961.73 | |
| Closing Balance | 19494.73 |
Income – Where the Money Came From
– Expenditure Where the Money Went
8
Group Chair’s Report
At this time of year, I often find myself thanking the wonderful group of leaders we have at 1[st] Lower Morden Scout Group, who work tirelessly to create and deliver exciting and innovative activities for your children to participate in. This is not a given. Everyone involved gives their time to make your children’s scouting lives a positive experience for them. All sections are led by people who strive to provide opportunities for all our young people to develop skills and encourage them to have high aspirations. The last two years have been a challenge to us all and I am pleased to say that we are getting scouting back to the way it was pre-pandemic. So, I make no apology for using this opportunity yet again to thank them all.
Unfortunately, the Group is not as sound financially as it has been in the past, the increase in cost of living is affecting the group too, we have reluctantly had to increase subs in order to maintain the high level of scouting we provide in the fantastic HQ that we have. It is imperative that you, as parents, make prompt payment of subs. Please gift aid your subs as this brings in a lot of money to the group at no cost to yourselves.
The HQ at Bow Lane has been kept in excellent repair and is a pleasure to visit. I would like to take opportunity to thank David Williams who works tirelessly on this.
Finally, I would like to finish this report with a special thank you to Andrew Hayward our GSL, who has continued to lead the group with enthusiasm and great determination throughout this year.
Terrie Jerrom.
Group Treasurer’s Report
The Group’s Annual report and Accounts are presented on an income and expenditure basis. A copy of the audited accounts will be displayed on the notice board. There are no financial issues arising from the accounts.
Rayvathi Katzanos independently audits the accounts. We are grateful for her carrying out this work voluntarily.
I would like to point out the following from the accounts:
-
Gift Aid this year raised £1121.62.
-
Government Covid-19 Lockdown grants received £ 8764.00.
-
Other grants received £3540.53.
-
Major expenditure was the purchase of fire doors £11664.00.
-
Thank you to all those who have completed the necessary Gift Aid form. If you have not already completed a form, can you please reconsider as this brings in a substantial amount to the Group? If you require a form, please contact your Group Leader.
Thank you to all the Officers and Leaders for their support during the last year.
Martin Knight
9
REPORTS FROM SECTIONS
As we started the new year in lockdown, the beavers first task of the year was to complete the Christmas Challenge. A good number took part and duly earned this award. When our meetings resumed in January this was via Zoom and we had an average attendance of 75% most weeks which was very pleasing.
The first online challenge was to check out the IT skills of the beavers by sending messages via text, WhatsApp, memorising their parent’s mobile number, sending an email and then sending themselves a letter to compare the speed. We think they were a bit shocked to find out how slow the post is compared to other methods of communication!
During February Half Term the beavers too part in the ‘Prince of Wales 6 nature challenge’ and we received some fantastic leaf art, stone art and cress/seed caterpillars. We also purchased bird boxes and bug hotels for the beavers to paint and put in their gardens.
Online activities continued with the beavers building Lego tower bridges plus having an array of guests join us from a drumming evening to ‘Witchy Woo the story teller’, an evening with someone who kept reptiles and a memorable evening making armpit fudge!
We joined in with the Group’s Easter Egg Hunt by putting up beautiful, coloured pictures of eggs in windows across our community and throughout the District. We then gave the beavers a list of local roads so the beavers and their families could go hunting over the easter weekend and upon completing the hunt collect an Easter Egg from the HQ as their reward.
April arrived with a great deal of excitement as the Beavers were able to return to face-to-face meetings. We packed a lot of activities in (ALL Covid safe) where the programme was all about making friends, undertaking team building activities and doing things that the beavers had missed. We kept that term’s programme full of these activities to keep them busy and occupied!
The colony had hoped to attend the District Beaver Day at Walton Firs in June, but this had to be cancelled because of covid restrictions. This didn’t deter us as we held our own one! Activities included a rope bridge, cooking marshmallows over a fire, face painting, soft archery and tomahawk throwing amongst others! The beavers had an amazing day and was a great way to finish off the term.
For a change we had the Group AGM in September, and it was great to all meet up as a group once more. We also hosted the Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band and they entertained us playing at their first post Lockdown performance!
We got the beavers to act as super sleuths when we discovered that our Beaver Mascot had been kidnapped. Using the clues available he was soon rescued without a ransom being paid! Lots of fun was had this term as things started to return to normal. We undertook the ‘Disability Awareness Badge’ and we had a visit from Megan and Rowley – her super assistance dog. The beavers also got to have a go on an electric wheelchair, tried out crutches and boots to understand how hard it is to walk with these aids.
Lots of beavers attended our Christingle Service which was held at our HQ for a change. We opted for glow sticks instead of candles and all the possible germs that could be released if everyone blew on them!!
Though it was rather an unusual and very different year, we succeeded in keeping our beavers active and having fun. Thank you to our parents who were with the beavers when they logged in to the weekly meetings, who had their
10
houses trashed when we held the scavenger hunts and just for being there to support all our young people in what has been a difficult time for everyone.
Thanks to all the team – you know who you are! Even if you weren’t able to log on each week you were there in the background offering support. Here’s to a better and more active Scouting 2022!
Roo & Team
As the Scout Association’s restrictions started to ease during 2021 it meant we could revert to a more ‘normal’ programme but like 2020, the leadership team were determined that we would focus on what we could do rather than what we couldn’t. This flexibility, can-do attitude has meant that the cubs have had an action-packed year with many activities including a trip to PGL Marchants Hill with the Scouts.
Because of the size of the pack we couldn’t initially all meet together so the pack was split in half with Group A meeting one week and then Group B meeting the next – both doing the same programme and earning the same badges.
The cubs were very patient with us as the new way of working took some time to get used to but together, we did it and I think returning did wonders for not only the cub’s mental health but also the leaders.
Highlights over the last year have included a visit by the touring production of ‘Bicycle Boy’ as the pack paid host to their opening date of their 2021 UK Tour. It was Covid safe and great fun! The cubs also earned their ‘Paddle Sports’ and ‘Time On The Water’ badges with a Saturday session at Wimbledon Park Lake. It was really heartening to see the Cubs on the water (again Covid safe) undertaking normal activities. We are determined to see if we can make this activity a regular occurrence.
A large number of the pack also attended a weekend away at PGL in Marchants Hill along with the scouts where a fantastic time was had by all. It was great to get away with the young people once again and see the enjoyment on their faces. We all liked it so much that we are returning in September 2022 too!
Badgework continued to be undertaken and a huge number of badges have been achieved over the last 12 months. This will pave the way to some of the cubs being awarded their Chief Scout’s Silver Awards later this year and in 2023. We are all very proud of them – they have worked so hard.
Numbers have continued to increase over the last year too and in my positions as Group Scout Leader as well as the ‘unofficial Akela’ I continue to be delighted and very, very proud. Our cub pack is now one of the largest in the District. This is purely down to the hard work undertaken by the cub leadership team to ensure that despite Covid and the restrictions placed on us, we were going to keep our young people active, engaged and Scouting. The results proved that we did the right thing – growing the pack helped the group to grow in turn and I am pleased to say that the 1[st] Lower Morden were one of a handful of groups regionally to grow over lockdown. I am so proud of the leadership team and also our cubs. They kept the faith, embraced a different way of Scouting, made the most of things and quite simply did their best.
In closing I would like to record my thanks to the cubs and their parents who stayed with us over 2021 and to also to the Cub Leadership Team of Peter (Kaa), Bob (Baggy) and Delene (Kim) plus other Group Leaders who joined in with the pack over the course of 2021.
Andrew Hayward (Baloo)
11
We currently have 20 scouts with more to come up in June and September. The scouting section has been full on since our last AGM Report as activities have been running again. We certainly cannot be accused of standing still over the last 12 months!
Since our last report the Scouts accompanied by the explorers spent a week at Manor Adventure in Norfolk. Canoeing, kayaking, climbing and rafting were run in a busy week. September saw us away again this time with the cubs at Marchants Hill a PGL Centre for a weekend. The Troop took part in giant swing, rafting, shooting and climbing. November saw our attendance at the Remembrance Day Parade and December saw the return of our Scout Christmas Party.
Our Survival Camp weekend ran in February and we headed off to London to visit the Imperial War Museum in the morning and we then took a speedboat to down the Thames in the afternoon.
March saw us competing again in the District football competition and we won yet again. An unprecedented 5 times! We do not want to give that trophy back!
The scouts have also been on the Solent on a RIB powering across to moor just off the Isle of Wight, assisted in litter picking for the London to Brighton mini car run before heading off to Brighton for the day, competed on the District Cyclocross and District Sports Day which saw us win a trophy with the cubs in the Relay.
We have the Jubilee Celebrations coming up, rafting, water party and a camp at Bow Lane in August.
As well as the above the scouts have earned a number of badges some without the scouts realising!
My thanks go to Bob (Baggy) and Joe and our Explorer helper Jude who have all been brilliant.
There are many scout troops but there is only one 1st Lower Morden
David Williams (Cobra)
12
Group Scout Leader’s Report
The last 12 months have started to bring in a sense or normality once again but 2021 still gave us some challenges as we returned to face to face meetings with new ways of working and new guidance given to us by the Scout Association so when we could return, we did so safely.
You will have read in the reports the various activities the sections have been up to and it has been great seeing things return to normal – or a new normal! We held a very successful AGM in September where we were entertained by the Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band. They were playing at their first post lockdown performance which must have been thrilling for them as well as us. We also held our Christingle Service once again but held it at the HQ where we could have more ventilation than would be available at St Martin’s Church. It was pleasing to see both events being well attended. Yet again we focused on what we could do rather than what we couldn’t.
It is very pleasing that I can stand before you once again and say that despite the challenges the group has had another good year where numbers have grown, where fun and adventure have been had and where young people have grown in their personal development and where they have been empowered to make a positive contribution to society – just look at the amazing response we’ve had to the crisis’s in Afghanistan and Ukraine. I firmly believe that following a year that mostly kept us apart, it was 2021 that brought us all much closer and together than we have ever been before. I also believe not only has this benefited us personally but also the community and Scouting. Right now, I feel that we are in the middle of something special. I can’t really put my finger on it, but this cohort of young people have a chance to embrace the best possible Scouting we can offer here and to really make something of the opportunities they have been given.
We will ensure that that our young people will continue to “Lead The Way” as the “First Never Follows!”
We have continued to do a lot of work in and amongst our HQ and grounds and it is pleasing to see the place looking a lot brighter! The large outbuilding that was formally the County Gang Show costume store and is now called ‘The Den’ and is being currently being developed into an additional meeting venue and also an air rifle shooting gallery. There is still some work to do and this project and others we have planned will cost money and will take time and effort to undertake. If there are any volunteers out there who may be able to help us in completing the various projects that we are currently undertaking, please contact me. Likewise, if you think that you have a skill or a talent that you think might be useful to the group (practical, fund- raising, administrative etc) then please also get in touch with me or the leadership team. Whatever you can do and offer will be appreciated and welcomed!
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the entire leadership team at the 1[st] Lower Morden. The success of this Group is down to them. We all bring something different to the Group and it is their talents that have made this Group what it is. Delene & Iva have fitted in seamlessly to the group as have Helena with the beavers and Joe with the Scouts. Grace has been joined by Holly and both of them are just about to finish the Young Leader Scheme with us. Sadly Brian (Ikki) decided to leave during 2021 but to the team that remain - Nicky, Ashleigh, Tracy, Iva, Helena, Peter, Bob, Delene, David, Luke, Joe, Holly & Grace thank you so much for your support, zoom expertise, patience and understanding. We got through this TOGETHER.
Likewise, the Group would not be where it is without the continuing support from the Group’s Executive Committee – thank you David C, Keith, Rachel, Jeff, Martin, Donna and our Chair, Terrie Jerrom. Thanks also should go to their partners and families for their support too. If you have a talent and would like to get involved on the ‘admin’ side,
13
then please make yourself know and come and join us. We’re a friendly bunch and we are always on the lookout for new blood!
Finally, a huge thank you should also go to you - the parents, supporters and the Beavers, Cubs & Scouts. Without you and your children our hard work would be wasted. You encouraged them to re-join us once we were allowed to meet face to face along with the new challenges and ways of working. Like 2020, the last 12 months have not been at all easy but I am proud that as a Group, we rose to the challenge, put our young people first and kept them engaged, interested and challenged. As a result our numbers increased in all sections enabling the group to be one of a few locally and regionally to grow over Covid – not many can claim that! Thank you for the privilege of letting us teach, instruct and work with your sons and daughters. Together, we will all work to build on our successes and put the young people first and give them the best Scouting experience possible.
Andrew Hayward (Baloo)
14