2025-12-31-accounts - 14th Richmond 'Viking' Scout Boating Centre

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14[th] Richmond ‘ Viking ’ Scout Boating Centre

Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements 2025

From (start date) 0 1 0 1 2 5 to end date 3 1 1 2 2 5

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name 14[th] Richmond 'Viking' Scout Boating Centre Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 3 0 3 8 2 2 Charity’s principal address The Hut Retreat Road Richmond upon Thames Postcode: T W 9 1 N N

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

All served from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025 unless indicated.

Trustee Name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for wholeyear
Trevor Gordon Rodger Hall	Centre Team Lead
Victor George Griffiths	Vice President
Patrick Leopold Ducker	Treasurer
Sian Ann Brightey
Steven Richard Brightey
Nicholas John Eaton
Simon Richard GeoffreyHall
Peter Nicholas Hapgood
Christopher Theodore Shaw Szyszkiewicz.

Names and addresses of advisers

Type ofadvisor	Name		Address
Maintenance & Construction of boats	Mark Edwards	Bridge Boathouses, Richmond, Surrey, TW9		1TH

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document The Centre's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. 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.

How the charity is constituted The Centre is a Trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts Groups ad Units.

Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Additional governance issues The Centre is a unit of the Richmond upon Thames District and is managed by the Centre Management Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Centre which is an educational charity. 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.

Policies and procedures adopted The Committee consists of 1 District representative, Centre Manager, Treasurer

for: and Secretary together with appointed boat instructors and other co-opted

a) the induction and training of individuals and meets every 2 months. trustees;

b) trustee' consideration of The Centre Manager is responsible for day-to-day management decisions, any

major risks and the systems and significant decisions regarding financial outlay or centre policy changes would be

procedures to manage them agreed by a minimum of three members of the Executive committee, including the Centre Manager and Treasurer and reviewed as soon as possible at the next full meeting, where it would have to be agreed by a majority of Trustees. This Centre Management Committee exists to support the Centre Manager in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:

The maintenance of Centre property; - The raising of funds and the administration of Centre finance; - The insurance of persons, property and equipment; - Centre public occasions; - Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; - Appointing any sub committees that may be required; - Appointing Centre Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.

Risk and Internal Control

The Centre Management Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Centre is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

Damage to the property and equipment. The Centre has sufficient contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members . The Centre, through the capitation fees paid for through the young people membership, benefits from the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.

Reduced income from fund raising . The Centre is primarily reliant upon income from fees and fundraising. The Centre does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of fees to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently, increase the participation from its client base or seek additional funding from the parent Scout District.

Risk and Internal Control (cont.)

Reduction or loss of leaders . The Centre is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Centre. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Centre.

Reduction in use of Centre . The Centre provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18 within the scout movement and to other voluntary groups/charities in the community. If there was a reduction in use of the Centre as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Centre. Financial Control . The Centre has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the The objectives of the Centre are as a unit of the Scout Association.

charity set out in its governing The Aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in

document achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and international communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.

Public benefit statement The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

14[th] Richmond Viking Scout Boating Centre

Annual Report for 2025

Summary

2025 has been a generally good year for activities and our financial situation is steady despite a large boat maintenance costs this year.

Overall, we achieved

Approx 600 young person boat sessions
Overall, we had approximately 2000 individual boat sessions including adult training
Successful Scout Water Weekend camp, with 200 young people
Boats out on the river almost every weekday May-Sept
Scout outings
Bench Blisters (South London club for the legal profession)
Areen and Pascal & Watson (corporate sponsors of the Centre)
Jubilant Crew (maintenance service and instructor support team)
Centre in use most weeks to raise funds
Art Class, Filming base for Richmond, foreign youth groups
Outreach support
Special Schools - Bensham Manor School and St Philips School
London Youth Rowing (supporting fund raising)
Our 121-year-old boat Viking had major refurbishment
Took part in the Great River Race (GRR) and won historical boat trophy

Thanks

My thanks go to the Boating Centre team and supporters who covered for me in the first part of 2025 after I had knee replacements and some other health issues that incapacitated me for a few months.

Water Activities: Assessments and training Events

Our evening trips on Jubilant and Skerrys remain popular, and we are normally out on the river with different groups of young people ranging, in age, six to eighteen. The boats are out on the Thames about three to four

evenings every week from May to September.

Our Associate Member Group – the South London Magistrates (Bench Blister Rowing Club) are regular users of our boats when the Scouts are not using them, we also had members of Pascal and Watson (part of Areen who are long-time supporters of the Centre) practicing for their own entry in the GRR, this along with the Jubilant Crew training, keeps our boats out on the river throughout the year.

Boats

We have the use of the Royal Shallop Jubilant, and own Two Thames Watermans Cutters, two Skerrys and two gigs, a historic lifeboat (Viking) plus our two motorboats Robin Arundel (the work boat) and Robin Rescue a safety boat. We also support other groups with the loan of our Skerrys for special events.

Viking- our Ships lifeboat

Viking is and has been a part of the 14[th] Richmond since the 1950s and many of the Scouts passing though the

Group have experienced rowing in her. She is over 121 years old, and a number of problems have been appearing in the planking and ribs.

This Year we commissioned Richmond Bridge Boathouses to overhaul Viking with new ribs and repaired planking and restoring the paint and hull bitumen. She now looks pristine; the Centre support Crew then took part in the 2025 GRR and won the historic boat trophy.

Adventurous Activity Permits

Our regular instructors include six County Assessors for Pulling and one for Power Boats - between us we have assessed and issued at least five permits for adults and another five for young people to allow water-based Duke of Edinburgh. These all require expert review of the application and logged experience of the leader/candidates to manage the overall safety of the young people in these activities.

Outreach

Over the course of the year, we support groups outside the normal Scout circle with instruction and loan of boats, this includes: Bensham Manor Special School and London Youth Rowing.

We also offer our facilities to youth groups from abroad as a base for sport tours and cultural activities.

Fund Raising

We continue to use the fund-raising potential of our training centre and boating equipment. We currently host an art class and support several filming events around Richmond. The Centre has been used by external boating groups e.g. Skerrys4Schools and the local paddle board companies for First Aid and British Rowing coaching courses. We also help the London Youth Rowing -Corporate Skerry race event with the loan of our Skerrys, we get a reasonable donation from the companies involved towards our insurance and maintenance costs.

Repairs and maintenance

Costs of insuring and maintaining our fleet of boats continues to be a large part of our annual expenditure. We try to get as much voluntary help, however, rely on our local boat builders for the specialist tasks. Currently, we have an annual schedule of preventative maintenance to protect the boats from deterioration during the winter months.

Water Weekend

The 14[th] Richmond Centre organised the Water Weekend 14[th] -15[th] June, at Thames Young Mariner (TYM) boating Centre in Ham. All the places were filled, and we received great positive feedback from the young attendees. We hosted 200 young people and about 60 Leaders and helpers.

The event was centrally run with the District Team doing their usual sterling job, organising the catering and setting up of equipment (the 14th Richmond Centre store provides equipment for several large Scout events).

We had the usual wide range of water activities from raft building, sailing, kayak, open canoes, paddleboarding and

rowing. We normally go up through Teddington lock for the experience; however the lock is under maintenance, so this was inadvisable this year.

Great River Race

The end of the boating Season is marked by the Great River Race. The 14[th] Richmond Centre organises and runs the crew camp located at TYM, again with the support of the District team. Most of the Centre boats take part in the race itself. The JUBILANT sadly missed this year. We also had crews from our sponsor Pascal and Watson in NAIAD, and the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (a London Guild) in GORDON HALL .

This event is good publicity for Richmond Scouts, and another great

fund-raising opportunity.

Scout Membership Online System

The Scout membership system has been updated and is now operational, however several teething issues have made normal operation difficult, this has slowed some of our training activities sadly.

Plans for 2026

The improved annual Safety processes of the Centre building are now in progress with heating electrical and gas inspections and preventative work maintenance this will be done throughout 2026. We now have a regular cleaner once a week.

We will continue to promote the Scout Centre to film companies, art and exercise classes and to organise the Scout Water Weekend and The Great River Race camping to provide a steady flow of income.

We now have a commercial booking system on our website; this has improved the boat booking experience for the Scout and other charity groups.

We are not planning any specific capital-intensive projects in 2026.

Trevor Hall – Boating Centre Team lead

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of

14[th] Richmond “Viking” Scout Boating Centre

Registered Charity 303822

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] December 2025, which are set out on pages 9 - 10

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts (under section 145of the 2011 Act);
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5((b) of the 2011 Act);
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner’s 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 charity and a 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 no opinion is give as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of 2011 Act:

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

14th Richmond " Viking " Scout Boating Centre

Summary of Financial Activities

for the Period 1st January 2025 - 31st December 2025

Movements in Cash & Bank Incoming Resources Boating Activities & Fundraising - Great River Race - Water Weekend - General Boating Activities - Insurance Claim (Pontoon) Other Activities Associate Membership General Activities & Voluntary Income Donations (inc Gift Aid) Use of Premises - Contribution to Costs Interest & Dividends Other Income Total Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources Direct Activities Fundraising Expenses from Boating Activities - Great River Race - Water Weekend - Boat Repairs - Boat Insurance - Other Boating Activities Purchase of Assets - Boating Purchase of Assets - Other Premises Costs General Activities Total for Direct Activities Overheads & Administration Trustees & Executives Expenses Total Outgoing Resources Net Incoming (Outgoing) Cash & Bank Total Movement In Funds Funds Brought Forward Funds Carried Forward	18,189 24,110 2,658 494 14,735 23,450 14,364 3,992 3,033	Designated Funds - ------------------- - - ------------------- - - ------------------- - ------------------- - ========= - - -	Total - - 45,451 3,250 348 601 10,955 1,174 1,212 ------------------- 62,992 59,575 - - 9,887 735 ------------------- 70,198 - ------------------- 70,198 ------------------- ( 7,206 ) ========= - 7,206 88,465 97,593	Total 2024 27,113 21,685 5,185
				53,983 3,343 279 1,050 12,170 1,672 1,516 ------------------- 74,013 23,448 23,270 9,250 3,840 1,173
				60,981 6,250 - 5,740 243 ------------------- 73,214 - ------------------- 73,214 ------------------- 799 ========= 799 104,000 104,799 =========

Fixed Assets Current Assets Cash in Hand & at Bank Debtors - Advance Payment made Total Current Assets Current Liabilities Creditors - Advance Payments Received NET ASSETS represented by Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds TOTAL FUNDS Signed Notes to the Accounts:	as at 31-Dec-25 £ - ------------------- - 97,593 ------------------- 97,593 - ------------------- 97,593 ========= 97,593 - ------------------- 97,593 ========= Centre Team Lead Trevor Hall 9th July 2026 Balance Sheet		Outgoing £ ( 70,198 ) - ------------------ ( 70,198 ) ========= Treasurer Patrick L Ducker 9th July 2026	as at 1-Jan-25 £ - ------------------- - 109,158 1,687 ------------------- 110,845 ( 6,045 ) ------------------- 104,799 ========= 104,799 ------------------- 104,799 ========= BSc ACIS
		Incoming inc Non Cash £ 62,992 - ------------------ 62,992 =========	Outgoing £ ( 70,198 ) - ------------------ ( 70,198 ) =========

1) The above accounts are prepared on an ongoing cash basis - no allowance is made for accruals or prepayments. 2) The cost of purchase or refurbishment of the boats owned by the Boating Centre is expended in the year concerned, and the value is therefore not included among the Fixed Assets.
3) The lease (999 years) of Boating Centre's Headquarters at The Hut, Retreat Road, Richmond, TW9 1NN is held by the Scout Association as Trustees, and are therefore not included among the Fixed Assets

Section E Financial Review

Brief statement of the charity’s	The Scouts, through Unity Insurance Services, provides insurance to cover:
policy on reserves	Public Liability, Personal Accident & Medical Expenses and Trustees Liability.
	The Centre's Management Committee considers that it should hold a sum
	equivalent to 12 months running costs and normal boating activities, circa £10k.
	The Committee felt that it would be prudent to hold a reserve of £20k. against
	the possibility of an uninsurable event resulting in the loss of a boat. A further
	£22k is held to cover the routine replacement of equipment such as oars and
	PFSs.
	Repairs were undertaken to the 120 year old lifeboat "Viking"
	The Centre Management Committee has arranged a full survey of the heating
	and electrical system at the HQ, and remedial work is being undertaken.in 2026
	The Centre holds uncommitted reserves of approximately £51k. against these
	provisions at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses
	and allows for some development.
Investment Policy	The Committee has adopted a risk adverse strategy to the investment of its
	funds. All funds are held in cash using only banks or building societies that are
	covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Transactions with Related Parties	The Centre Management makes regular use of the services of Mark Edwards,
	who is Adviser to the Centre, to build and repair the boats. The charges involved
	are regularly “market tested” to ensure that Best Value is realised.
	Many of the users of the services of the Centre are part of Richmond District
	Scouts, though no special arrangements are made.
How expenditure has supported	The Centre Management regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the
the key objectives of the charity;	interest rates received to ensure the Centre obtains maximum value and income
	from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account
	that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so
	the Centre's Management considers the cash flow requirements.
Plans for future periods	The new HQ was occupied from February 2012, although some parts were not
	completed until early 2013. The HQ has been made available to other
	community and charitable organisations to defray the running costs. The main
	focus, however, is to encourage more Scout Groups from outside the immediate
	area to use the facilities for short stays, whilst taking part in boating activities.

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signatures Full Names Trevor Hall Position Chairman & Centre Team Lead

Patrick Ducker Treasurer

9[th] July 2026