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## Sutton District
Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 8pm
## Scout Council
Sutton District Scout Headquarters
72B, Woodcote Road Wallington SM6 0LY
## Annual General Meeting 2025
(for the year ended 31 December 2024)
suttonscouts.org.uk/
## Contents
Agenda.......................................................................................... 3 Sutton District AGM ................................................................... 4 Chair of Trustees report ............................................................ 7 District Lead Volunteer’s report .............................................. 8 Trustees Annual Report ........................................................... 10 Sutton District leadership team reports ............................... 21 Programme team ................................................................................. 22 Support team ........................................................................................ 25 Volunteering development team....................................................... 26 14-24 team ............................................................................................ 29
2
## Agenda
## 1. Welcome
2. Apologies for Absences
## 3. Governance
- a. Approval of minutes of the A.G.M. 20 June 2024.
- b. Adoption of the Scout Association model constitution.
- c. Noting the District’s financial year.
- d. Agreeing the maximum number of appointed members (ex-officio, appointed and co-opted) of the District Trustee Board.
- e. Agreeing the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council.
4. Annual Report and Statement of Accounts 2024 for review and consideration
- a. District Lead Volunteer report
- b. District Treasurer report
- c. Questions from the floor on the report
## 5. Appointments
- a. Appointment of District Chair
- b. Appointment of District Treasurer
- c. Appointment of District Trustee Board members
- d. Appointment of one or two representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District Scout Council at meetings of the County Scout Council
## e. Appointment of Independent Examiner
## 6. County Lead volunteer.
7. Presentations.
8. Closing remarks.
3
## Sutton District AGM
## **Minutes of the Sutton District Scout Council AGM for the year ending 31 December 2023**
Thursday 20 June 2024, 7.00 pm at the District HQ
- Introduction: Ian Bowdler, District chair, welcomed attendees to the AGM and introduced Paul Littlechild, District Lead Volunteer; Owen Purcell, County Lead Volunteer and Julie Findlay, County chair, Board of trustees. An “AGM Welcome” video recorded by Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, was played to the audience.
- Apologies for absence: Catherine Keen, Jon Parker
- Governance:
- The minutes of the 2023 AGM (15 July 2023) were approved as a true and accurate reflection of that meeting.
- The Scout Association model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), March 2024 update, was adopted as the constitution for the Sutton District Scout Council by the meeting. A copy has been placed on the Sutton District Scouts website, along with a copy of the AGM report, for easy access.
- The Sutton District Scout Council financial year was noted as being 1 January to 31 December.
- Agreeing the maximum number of appointed members (ex-officio, appointed and co-opted) of the District Trustee Board: The meeting approved the trustee board recommendation of a maximum of 12 persons, in line with POR.
- Agreeing the quorum for future meetings of the Sutton District Scout Council: The meeting approved the trustee board recommendation of a minimum of 15 persons.
- Annual Report and Statement of Accounts 2023 for review and consideration:
- Paul Littlechild presented his District Lead Volunteer report (see the AGM report) and thanked the leaders and adults for their commitment to delivering excellent scouting in the District.
- The annual accounts (see the AGM report) were presented on screen to the meeting.
4
- No questions on the report and accounts either before the AGM or at the meeting were forthcoming.
- Appointments:
- Appointment of District Chair: The Sutton District Scout Council board of trustees’ recommendation of Ian Bowdler to be the chair of the board of trustees was approved by the meeting. Ian has agreed to take the role for the maximum duration of three years.
- Appointment of District Treasurer: The Sutton District Scout Council board of trustees’ recommendation of Janet Cantrill as its treasurer was approved by the meeting. Janet has agreed to take the role for the maximum duration of three years.
- Appointment of District Trustee Board members: The Sutton District Scout Council board of trustees’ recommendation of the trustees as named in the annual report (which also details their length of tenure) was approved by the meeting. NB. Mike O’Donnell is currently the District Explorer Scout Commissioner, but is attending the trustee board in a non-leadership capacity. He will be stepping down from the leadership role at the end of 2024 and will continue as a trustee.
- Appointment of one or two representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District Scout Council at meetings of the County Scout Council: Paul Green has agreed to continue as the District representative at County Scout Council meetings. The meeting confirmed its approval.
- Appointment of Independent Examiner: Steve Barnes, who undertook the accounts examination, was appointed as the Independent Examiner for a further year.
- County Lead volunteer: The County Lead Volunteer provided the following comments:
- Thanks to Ian Bowdler for taking on the role of chair of the Board of trustees and the work he has done to date.
- Thanks to volunteers across the District for providing a wide range of activities.
- Thanks to Paul Green and David Pearcy for supporting activities and the County.
- Thanks to Lynn Williams and Susan Peek for their drive on the training
- currently there is no one in the District with mandatory training due.
5
- Confirmation that if the mandatory training/DBS due date is passed, then immediate suspension from the relevant role will result. If after a further 30 days the training or DBS renewal is still outstanding, the role will be closed.
- A date for the new system/transformation changes to take effect is still awaited.
- Request that new roles be used from September to get used to the new structure.
- Awards:
- The County Lead volunteer presented the Bar to the Silver Acorn to Chris Williams [Group Lead Volunteer 1st Beddington.
- Chief Scout Commendation to Clare McNamara, Group Lead Volunteer 14th Wallington (noted in absence).
- Chief Scout Commendation to Carol Beard (noted in absence).
- Any Other Business:
- The requirement to appoint a lead volunteer to lead an activity (as defined by POR) or event was raised and discussed by the meeting.
- Close:
- Ian Bowdler closed the meeting after thanking Carol Beard for her eight years of service as District treasurer (noted in absence) and also Susan Jones (trustee) for her help with the Harrow Road lease renegotiation and Dave Pearcy for general property maintenance and assistance with the Abbotts Road site re-purposing discussions.
Meeting closed 7:44 pm.
Approved: Ian Bowdler, Chair, Board of Trustees
Date: 3 December 2024
6
## Chair of Trustees report
## **Chair, Board of Trustees report for year ending 31 December 2024**
As I reflect on the completion of my first full year as Chair of the District trustee board, my overarching impression is one of just how dedicated the volunteers in our District are, whether leadership teams or trustees, in the pursuit of providing scouting excellence in the District. We all know how much effort goes into those weekly meetings, camps, events, activities, as well as the behind-the-scenes administration undertaken by trustee boards and I want to acknowledge these efforts by everyone involved in Sutton scouting.
I’ve been fortunate to visit many Groups’ AGMs during 2024 and to chat with, and get to know, leaders and trustees. One of the messages I’m keen to get across at these meetings is that although the District trustee board have a similar remit to those in Groups, additionally, we are here to provide direction and help to trustee boards that may need advice or guidance, and to reach out to us where needed. I like to think that we have been of help to Groups in 2024, and I’m keen to continue such assistance where it’s required.
Many Groups have their ups and downs and where misfortunes occur, I have seen that their volunteers are prepared to fight to keep scouting alive in their corner of the borough. In particular, the merging of the 15[th] Wallington with 3[rd] Beddington to continue providing scouting to members with special needs, and the 1[st] Belmont, who suffered the loss of key personnel during the year but have worked their way on to the road to recovery. My thanks are extended to the trustee boards and leaders who have found a way to continue providing scouting to their communities during their difficult times.
There are always specific people to thank in the running of the District and in addition to the trustee board members (many of whom also chair Group trustee boards),I’d like to mention Ian Mellor, our District IT co-ordinator (and 1[st] North Wallington GLV), who has provided invaluable guidance and expertise to the District trustee board as we got to grips with the technology aspect.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to and thank Paul Littlechild, our out-going DLV, for his stewardship of the District over two and a half years, and to welcome Lisa Green into the role. We very much look forward to supporting Lisa as she works to shape the District to reflect the new look scouting structure.
Ian Bowdler
7
## District Lead Volunteer’s report
## **Annual report 2024**
I am delighted to have joined Sutton Scouts District in March 2025. It has been a pleasure to start visiting the different units around the District and experience the activities you are running as well as chatting with volunteers who already hold District roles – thank you all for being so welcoming.
My first event was an incredible way to kick off my role officially and it was fantastic to meet and see so many volunteers and young people at our first St George’s Day parade since 2019. Everyone should be incredibly proud of how well you represented Sutton Scouts with over 500 young members attending with their leaders. A huge thank you to Dave, Claire, Paul and the service crew for organising this event on behalf of Sutton District.
this will be around making sure we have suitable processes in place.
Despite having only been in role a few months I have been made aware of a huge number of amazing opportunties for our young people happening across the District including many planned camps, sailing, microlighting, activity days, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and caving – thank you to all involved.
In the coming months I will be looking to establish the District leadership team following the new structure that was brought in with Transformation – if you are interested in taking on a District role I would love to hear from you. Our teams include volunteer development, 1424, support and programme.
In line with Scouts programme of work I am keen to focus on our provision for 14-24 year olds – already the sections that are growing year on year in Sutton.
A huge thank you to every member of the District, from our adult and youth volunteers to our young members, for your commitment and enthusiasm to Sutton Scouts. I look forward to working with you in the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
Rosie received her award from His Worshipful the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Colin Stears.
Best wishes
I’m still fact finding by meeting different people thoughout the District to understand how the District functions, where the gaps are and what changes we might need to put in place. Firstly,
Lisa Green
District Lead Volunteer, Sutton
8
## Census highlights – Sutton District
Numbers of members, adult and young people, remain fairly constant in 2024 - 98.7% towards the pre-Covid membership. Sutton has 87 sections including 3 Squirrel Dreys, 24 Beaver Colonies, 26 Cub Packs, 24 Scout Troops, and 10 Explorer Units.
- 50% adults are recorded as female.
- 1.1% dip in numbers of adults.
- •
- 28.3% female young members, 2.6% up. 0.7% dip in numbers of young people.
- •
- Squirrels continue to grow by 27.3%. Scouts have dipped by 5.7%.
- Beavers have dipped by 2.4%.
- Cubs remain stable.
- Explorers increased by 28.3%.
- Network dipped by 13.3%.
9
## Trustees Annual Report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Charity name: Sutton District Scout Council Registered charity number: 303841 HQ registration number: 10001096 Charity principal address: Sutton District Scout HQ, 72b Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 0LY
Names of the trustees who manage the charity:
|**Trustee**|**Offce**|**Dates acted if not**
**for the whole**
**year: from**|**No of years**
**continuing***|
|---|---|---|---|
|Ian Bowdler|Chair||3(to 2027)|
|Janet Cantrill|Treasurer||3(to 2027)|
|Susan Jones|Trustee||2(to 2026)|
|Gavin Merivale|Trustee||1(to 2025)|
|Lisa Watson|Trustee||1(to 2025)|
|Katie Hollis|Trustee||1(to 2025)|
|Paul Littlechild|District Lead Volunteer||Ex-offcio|
|Mike O’Donnell|District Explorer Leader||1(to 2025)|
|Lorenzo
Heitmeyer|District Youth Lead
Volunteer||Ex-offcio|
- to the AGM date in that year
The trustees which had indicated they wished to only serve for one year (as shown above) have all indicated that they wish to be considered for re-election and continue their roles for a further one-year period. Accordingly, the trustee board recommends that these trustees are appointed for a further period of one year. At the end of their term, they may choose to be considered for reelection. The roles will also be advertised to promote interest (internal and external) in joining the trustee board. The trustee board are responsible for recommending trustees to the District Scout Council, which ratifies (or not) their recommendation(s) at the AGM.
Bankers and other advisers:
1. Barclays Bank plc
2. CCLA Investment Management Limited
10
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
Type of governing document: The District'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 District is a trust established under the Scout Association’s rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods: The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Organisational structure: The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the District, 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.
The Trustee Board (from the 2024 AGM) consists of the Chair, Treasurer and six Trustees (including two ex-officio Trustees – the District Lead Volunteer and District Youth Lead Volunteer) and meets five times a year.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Trustee learning within the first six months of joining the Board.
This District Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.
Risk and Internal controls:
The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the District faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen those risks.
11
## **Objectives and activities: The Purpose of Scouting**
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Sutton District Scout Council is responsible for Scouting in the London Borough of Sutton. The membership as at the 2025 census consists of 1,568 young people of both sexes between the ages of 6 and 18 years. The leadership of these young people is provided by adult volunteers, all of whom are unpaid. They are trained and appointed in accordance with the Scout Association's Policy, Organisation & Rules.
## **The Values of Scouting**
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
**Integrity** - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
**Respect** - We have self-respect and respect for others.
**Care** - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
**Belief** - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
**Co-operation** - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
## **The Scout Method**
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
Public benefit statement:
The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
- Achievements and performance: The District continued to pursue its objective of promoting and
- assisting in the running of Scouting in the London Borough of Sutton. Full details of developments, activities and achievements during the year are contained in the reports of the Chair, District Lead Volunteer and others, which are contained within this annual report.
12
**Financial Review:**
The District incurred a deficit for the year of £5392 - (2023 - surplus £3514).
Investment policy: The District does not have a formal investment policy. It endeavours to obtain the best possible return on its investments and cash balances. Fluctuations in markets can, however, result in the value of investments going down as well as up. Reserves Policy: The accumulated reserves are represented by the General Fund and are free reserves which have been built up over time to cover future expenditure on projects and meet ongoing running costs. It is considered that the minimum reserve to be held at any one time should equate to twenty-four months running costs for the District’s properties excluding associated income, which is approximately £30,000. Responsibilities of the Trustees: Charity law requires Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure for the year.
In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to:
1. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 2. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 3. state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the accounts; 4. and prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for having proper accounting records kept, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Declaration:**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature: Full name: Ian Bowdler
Position: Chair, Board of trustees, Sutton District Scout Council: Date: 11 June 2025
13
SUTTON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
## **Statement of financial activities summary For the year ended 31 December 2024**
|**General Fund**
**Notes**
Total incoming resources
2
Total resources expended
3
Net incoming (outgoing) resources
Unrealised gain on investment assets
5
Loss on investment redemption
Surplus (Deficit) for year
Fund balance brought forward
General and restricted funds balance carried
forward|**2024**
**£**
118,952
125,721
(6,769)
1,378
0
(5,392)
210,057
204,665|**2023**
**£**
76,066
77,684|
|---|---|---|
|||(1,618)
5,133
0|
|||3,515
206,542|
|||210,057|
The accompanying notes on pages 7-11 are an integral part of the financial statements.
14
## **Balance sheet**
## **As at 31 December 2024**
|||**2024**||**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Notes**|**£**||**£**|
|**Fixed assets**|||||
|Leasehold land and buildings|4|49,781||52,401|
|Investments|5|62,370||60,992|
|||**112,151**||**113,393**|
|**Current assets**|||||
|Stocks|6|7,486||6,893|
|Loan debtor – groups||0||0|
|Sundry debtors and prepayments||25,203||55,524|
|Cash at bank||0|||
|- District Council Accounts||43,588||39,570|
|- District Section Accounts||50,111||45,990|
|||**126,387**||**147,977**|
|**Current Liabilities**|||||
|Sundry creditors and accruals||(33,874)||(51,313)|
|**Net current assets**||**92,513**||**96,664**|
||||||
|**Net assets**||204,665||210,057|
|Represented by|||||
|**Restricted Fund**||**20,270**||**11,248**|
|**General Fund**||**184,395**||**198,809**|
|**Total Funds**||**204,665**|**210,057**
~~_~~||
The financial statements on pages 14 & 15 were approved by the trustees on 11 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Ian Bowdler, Chair, Board of trustees Janet Cantrill, Treasurer
15
**Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **1. Principal accounting policies**
## **Accounting basis and standards**
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value, and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 1995), with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities and with the Charities Act 1993.
The accounts have been drawn up on an accruals basis, which is consistent with prior years.
## **Leasehold land and buildings**
The leasehold land was acquired at no cost. The buildings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis in order to write the asset off over a period of fifty years.
## **Investments**
Investments are stated at market value, as required by the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 1995).
## **Stocks**
Stocks are recorded at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
## **Income**
Income is included in the accounts when due and quantifiable.
16
**Notes to the financial statements (continued)**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **2. Incoming resources**
|**Membership subscriptions**
**Investment income**
- Dividends and interest
**Section Activities**
- Beaver Scouts
- Cub Scouts
- Scouts
- Explorer Scouts
- Service Crew & Network
- Ski
- Sundry
- Badges / scarves
- Caving & Sailing
**Headquarters letting income**
**Grants**
**Total incoming resources**|**2024**
**£**
**4,212**
1,698
**5,910**
254
0
9,068
46,595
805
44,732
0
4,308
0
**105,761**
**7,281**
**0**
**118,952**|**2023**
**£**
**4,460**
1,674|
|---|---|---|
|||**6,134**
274
2,880
1,305
42,547
108
4,121
11,101|
|||**62,336**
**7,596**
**0**|
|||**76,066**|
17
**Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **3. Resources expended**
|**3.Resources expended**|||
|---|---|---|
|Notes
**Donations / grants**
- Sundry donations
**Section Activities**
- Beaver Scouts
- Cub Scouts
- Scouts
- Explorer Scouts
- Network
- Ski
- Badges / scarves
**Headquarters expenditure**
- Rates
- Light and heat
- Cleaning
- Repairs and maintenance
- Insurance
- Water
- Amortisation of lease
- Abbotts Road 2nd Cheam
- Harrow Road
**Administrative expenses**
- Leadership Team expenses
7
- Secretarial & other
**Other expenditure**
- District development activity
- AGM
- Miscellaneous
- Personal accident insurance
- Music Licence
- Leader training
- Equipment insurance
- Jamboree
- Caving & Sailing
- Equipment/clothing
**Total resources expended**|**2024**
**£**
1,000
359
0
10,225
42,285
44
43,538
2,837
**99,288**
349
3,520
2,400
738
2,033
291
2,620
5,084
5,075
**22,110**
0
679
**679**
0
62
248
104
1,201
0
695
(500)
0
834
**2,644**
**125,721**|**2023**
**£**
**-**
0
2,579
221
37,916
9
0
5,241|
|||**45,966**
393
1,977
2,400
1,995
3,125
964
2,620
2,332
2,471|
|||**18,277**
193
152|
|||**345**
820
0
257
52
55
113
357
7,500
3,192
750|
|||**13,096**|
|||**77,684**|
18
## **Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **4. Leasehold Land & Buildings**
The Scout Association holds, as Trustee for the District, a 125 year lease(commencing 11.10.1993) on land at 72b Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0LY, on which the District HQ now stands.
|**Buildings**
Cost
Depreciation
at 1 January 2024
- charge for year
at 31 December 2024
Net Book Value at 31 December 2024|**2024**
131,003
78,602
2,620
81,222
**49,781**||**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
||||131,003|
|||||
|||||
||||75,982|
||||2,620|
||||78,602|
|||||
||||**52,401**|
## **5. Investments**
|3073.44 COIF Charities Investment Fund
income units
**6. Stocks**
Badges / scarves|**Market value**
**31.12.24**
**£**
62,370
62,370|**Gain/loss on**
**revaluation**
**£**
1,378
1,378
**At 31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
7,486|**Market**
**value**
**31.12.23**
**£**
60,992|
|---|---|---|---|
||||60,992|
||||**At 31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
6,893|
## **7. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses**
No trustee, nor any person connected with them, has received or is due to receive any remuneration for the year, directly or indirectly, from the charity’s funds.
Expenses of £132 were reimbursed to trustees during the year (2023 £193).
19
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sutton District
Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Sutton District ScoLrt
Council for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of réport
As the charity trustees of the Sutton District Scout Council you are responsible for the
preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
('the Act,).
I report in respecl of my examination af the Sutton District Scout Council accounts carried
out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all
the appliGqble Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the
Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have cmpleted my examinatlon. I conflrm that no material matters have come to my
attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material
respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of (he Sutton District Scout Council as
required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have CA)me across no other matters in connection with the
examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper
understandi?g-of.the accounts to be reached.
Signed,
Nam8: Steve Barnes
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any):
Address; 292 Coulsdon Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey. CR5 1 EB.
Date: 12th June 2025
20
Sutto
rict
p) reports
f12
Il.
## Programme team
## **Events team**
## **Sailing**
In July 2024 16 young people from seven Sutton Scout groups took part in an exhilarating in an exhilarating offshore sailing experience hosted by the Discovery Sailing Project. The weekend took place aboard two impressive yachts, offering young people a unique opportunity to experience real offshore sailing in a safe, controlled, and adventurous setting.
The event followed a
structured trail format, with each team navigating a pre‐ laid route and completing a series of Scout-themed incident bases designed to test their problem-solving ability, resilience, and Scouting knowledge.
The Scouts tackled a variety of engaging and immersive challenges including bungee run, rope bridges, smoke-filled room and a first aid incident.
Congratulationg to the winning teams:
The young people achieved their caving badge and adventure elements. The next opportunity will be a Scout Caving camp in January 2026 with an Explorer Caving trip happening the week after.
## **Gorge walking**
In June 2024, 24 Scouts headed to South Wales for gorge walking with Quest Adventures.
**Main Event – The Tate Shield:** 1st Wallington.
**Ray Shaw Award for Team Spirit:** 14th Wallington.
All the Scouts were fully immersed in every aspect of yacht operation and earnt their time on water and nautical skills level 3 getting involved in helming, hoisting sails, navigation as well as domestic duties.
## **Night Adventure 2024**
A dynamic evening event held at Frylands Wood Scout Campsite, Croydon, bringing together teams of Scouts from across the District for a challenge-packed night of skill, strategy and teamwork.
**Novice Team Award:** 9th Cheam.
The next Night Adventure is 15 November 2025.
## **Caving**
60 Scouts were taken by service crew members to Charterhouse Outdoor Activity Centre, Burrington Combe for caving in January 2024.
## **Beaver activity day**
On a sunny June afternoon, over 100 Beavers and their leaders sat around the campfire circle at Frylands Wood.
Everyone sang plenty of silly songs, with the leaders joined in almost as enthusiastically as the youngsters, followed by hotdogs and drinks.
Thank you to everyone who took part with their colonies, and to the leaders at 3rd Beddington who helped with the catering, clearing up, and kept the fire going!
22
## **Squirrels**
## **8[th] Sutton Squirrels**
Just after Easter 2024 a new drey opened. We opened with just eight Squirrels but by the end of the term the numbers quickly increased and have remained at around eighteen ever since. At every meeting we enjoy games, an activity related to the programme, a story and an action song. The Squirrels are all very enthusiastic and join in wholeheartedly.
A huge thanks to Leslie who manages and approves all of the submissions and to both Ian and Leslie undertaking all camp approvals.
## **International**
In 2025 we have seen a variety of prepartions starting to be put in place for some planned camps abroad from Explorer trips to Norway and Holland, Scouts and Explorers headed to Scotland for PAGGS in August (I know not quite international this year!).
In 2027 we will see the World Scout Jamboree in Poland – unit leader applications are now open.
World Scout Jamboree | Scouts
## **Top awards**
Their families are very supportive too. We have a very able and reliable leader team so I am confident that we will go from strength to strength. The leaders were nervous at first of working with such young children but have found it very rewarding and most of all FUN.
## **Nights away**
In February 2024 Scouts travelled 10 hours to arrive in Claviere for their ski trip. The group split into several ability groups, the beginners practicing on the blue run and learning parallel turns. The advanced group bracing -6°C and climbing over 2100m into the mountains to ski 31km across in the France before retruning to Claviere.
Hundreds of top awards have been achieved in 2024 by the young people across the sections. These opportunities let young people have fun, make new granews and gains some great skills. The names of the individuals who have achieved them and their sections can be found on the next page.
January 2025 saw the introduction of the digital nights away notification (NAN). If you are planning on undertaking a residential you must submit your NAN using the membership system under the programme section.
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## Youth top awards
## Chief Scout Platinum
**Cheam Aviators:** Mikey, Austin and Elijah
## Chief Scout Bronze
**1st Cheam:** Jack, Ryan, Luke, Sebastian, Sophie, Rosa, Teddy, Daniel. **8th Cheam:** Thomas, Kieran, Alfie, Theo, Rosalie, Jacob, Cameron, Daphne. **9th Cheam:** Aaron, Luca, Nyah, Jack, Teddy, Oliver, Ayaansh, Rogan, Joseph, Theo, Leo, Charlie, Chloe.
**1st North Wallington:** Luke, Ella, Skylar, Isla, Lily, Ridta, Nathanal, Tianze
## Chief Scout Diamond
**11th Wallington:** Ignacia, Samuel, Aaron. **14th Wallington:** Aiden, Edward, Ethan, Owen, Gracie.
**4[th] Worcester Park:** Leo, Issabella, Elliot, Johnathon, Arlo, Isabelle, Jonathan, Alby, Toby, William, Daniel, Jack, Albert, Oliver, Shivansh, Ayaansh, Luke, Toby **5th Worcester Park:** Nathan, Luna, Philip, Logan, Fionn, Reeva, Kael.
## Chief Scout Silver
**5th Carshalton:** Leo, Logan, Hector, James, Vincent, Oscar, Sam, Sebastian, Daniel, Gabriel, Edwyn.
**9th Carshalton:** Alexsim, Shannon. **8th Cheam:** Millie, Jacob, Tiana, Isaac, Noah, Reis, Lucas, Rory.
**9th Cheam:** Oscar, Ryan, Alice, Charlotte, Rosie, Parker, Daniil, Oliver, Ozzy, Teddy. **1st North Wallington:** Oliver, Lincoln, Gaetano.
**11th Wallington:** Finn, Patrick, Julia.
**14th Wallington:** Thomas, Adele, Sebastian. **4th Worcester Park:** Ethan, Anglia, Jessica, Ilay, Aidan, Niamh, Ben.
**5th Worcester Park:** Marco, Daniel, Joseph, Matteo, Antek, Daniel, Liliana
## Chief Scout Gold
**5th Carshalton:** Jack, Oliver, Alexander, Walter.
**9th Carshalton:** Rafe, Ethan, Chad, Sophie, Amy.
**1st Cheam:** Ethan, Eddie. **8th Cheam:** Fynn, James, Daniel, Miranda, Joseph, Mati, Oliver, Anthony. **9th Cheam:** Rishan, Tia, Kai. **1st North Wallington:** Emma. **11th Wallington:** Thomas, Neilay, Jiya, Jonathan, Luke.
**14th Wallington:** Ryan.
**4th Worcester Park:** Liam, Ollie, Evan, Matthew, Arya, Logan, Vasu, Daniel, George, Alex **5th Worcester Park:** Oliver
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## Support team
## **Service Crew**
The service crew have been busy this year, supporting the Night Adventure exercise, Howe Cup, and several groups with their camps and equipment.
Most recently we were at Blacklands Farm assisting 1st Wallington with their group camp. Mainly on Catering but also with logistics and support.
Greater London South West Scouts (our County) have acquired a Mobile Climbing wall. This is being run by County but Districts have been asked to get people trained on how to use it. We are really pleased that there are now numerous members of the crew trained on the Wall and they have already been out at several events raising funds, getting young people climbing and assisting with the training of other volunteers.
We were successful in getting a Tesco Grant which has been spent on equipment for the
Expedition Challenge. We now have a full compliment of Map cases, compasses, map measurers, some rucksacks and more. All available for the district to use.
Behind the scenes we have been able to kit out many members of the crew with branded hoodies and Polo shirts - financially supported by the District.
Thank you to the whole service crew team, ably lead by Paul.
If you would like any info on the crew, need our help or want to join please email: paul.Green@suttonscouts.org.uk
## **IT and digital**
As Scouting continues to evolve in a fast-moving digital world, we’re increasingly relying on online and cloudbased systems to support the work we do across the District. Many of you will be aware that we’ve recently transitioned to the new HQ
management system. While there have been a few initial teething problems, most users are now up and running successfully.
Within the District, we use a range of tools to manage dayto-day operations and events. One of our key platforms is Microsoft 365 (M365), which we use for email, communications, file sharing, and document storage. These services are generously provided to us free of charge by Microsoft as part of their support for charities.
Thank you to Ian who is currently our one-person operation for all things IT. If you have skills or interest in digital tools and would like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
## **Property and equipment**
We have struggled a little with the District equipment store which is bursting at the seams, we have some plans and ideas and the District Trustee board are looking into the future options. Many thanks to Dave and Jim who continue to manage the two District buildings.
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## Volunteering development team
Our Volunteering development team makes sure that volunteers are safely recruited; welcomed into Scouting; have a positive and enjoyable experience and learn new skills.
## **Welcome team**
Ben, Claire, Ian and Sarah are our volunteers in the District with the Welcome Conversation Accreditation.
A welcome conversation is an opportunity to give a great first impression to our new volunteers so they feel welcome, valued and supported. Welcome conversations should happen within 30 days of a new volunteer’s joining journey. Please contact one of the welcome team through the membership system to arrange these.
## **Learning**
Learning is the new name for training. The Scout Learning tree helps all volunteers to have the skills and knowledge they need to feel confident to keep young people safe and help them gain skills for life.
New volunteers are encouraged to complete their Growing Roots learning within 180 days but must complete safety and safeguarding within 30 days.
Branching Out is the learning you can choose to do to develop your knowledge further and get accrediations.
Once in place our new Learning team will be helping our volunteers with identifying their learning needs and completing learning.
## **Growth and new**
## **provision**
We want to see more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing
volunteers that deliver an inpsiring programme. We want to grow, be more inclusive, be shaped by young people and make a bigger impact in our communities. Thank you to Lynne and Susan who are part of this team who will be using their wealth of experience to support some of the smaller groups within our District to grow.
## **Awards and recognition**
An incredible number of leaders within Sutton District have gained adult awards this year. A massive thanks to Susan who has been diligently making sure these are given out and travelling all over the borough to present them.
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## Adult awards (2024-2025)
## Chief Scout’s Service Awards
## Chief Scout’s Service Awards
## **5 years**
Adam Taylor, Alexander Stevenson, Amileigh Monk, Anthony Ellis, Benjamin O’Brien Skerry, Christopher Amer Clare Mcnamara, Danielle Walker, Dominic Devereux, E Wei Lee, Elizabeth Messenbird, Gemma Mascarenhas, Gordon Hold, Neill Denny, Holly Carpenter, Ingrid Hodges, Isabelle Lyons, James Whittingham, Jonathan Adams, Jonathan Parker, Kaitlin Duncan, Katharyne Crosse, Kieran Reynolds, Laura Tasker, Nafise Taghavi, Natacha Crosdale, Paul McDermott, Robert Home, Rosalind Hook, Rose Dawson, Sara Bartholomew.
## **10 years**
Anna Jackman, Christopher Doyle, Michael Dohan, Susan Ricks, Jack Francis, Bryony Gorley, Emma Doyle, Katy James, Matthew Cordwell, Nicholas Sergeant, Robert Low, Matthew Emerson.
## **15 years**
Cynthia Wise, Dennis Wallace, Hermione McMurray, Jonathan Kemp, Linda Joiner, Marc Wise, Mark Dennis, Peter Randall, Sarah Evans, Sarah Grainger.
## Chief Scout’s Service Awards
## Chief Scout’s Service Awards
## **20 years**
Andrew Marshall, Angela Duncan, Colin Siarey, Celia Langley, Dean Whitehead, Ewan Duncan, Graham Purton, Hanna Randall, Nigel Binns, Sally Page, Toni Wallace, Valarie Street.
**40 years** Janet Purton Jill Lennon Paul Sharp
**50 years** Robert Mann
## **25 years**
Christopher Little, Ian Daniel, Mark Laming, Michael Odonnell.
**60 years** James Dimmock
## **30 years**
Audrey Witham, Garry Renton, Stephen Roberts.
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## Good Service Awards (2024)
## Adult Wood Badge (2024)
## **Silver Wolf:** Paul Goldsmith.
**Bar to the Silver Acorn:** Chris Williams. **The Silver Acorn:** Joseph Clare.
**Bar to the Award for Merit**
David Pearcy, Paul Green, Mark Sagrott.
**Award for Merit:** Adrian Oliver, Andrew Marshall, Audrey Witham, Ben Pearcy, Dennis Wallace, Edward Driver, Ian Bowdler, Mark O'Leary, Matthew Cordwell, Ronnie Leste, Sally Page.
## **Chief Scout’s Commendation**
Adam Flint, Adrienne Rogers, Angela Bovis, Ben McDavid, Benjamin Oliver, Callum Buchanan, Campbell Milton, Carol Beard, Claire Adams, Claire Mcnamara, Cynthia Wise, Diana Schofield, Graham Cockram, James Endersby, Jeffery Richards, John Carpenter, Katharyne Crosse, Marc Wise, Nicole Potton, Nigel Laflin, Thomas Amphlett, Robert Low.
Andy Coppin, Benjamin Lewis, Campbell Milton, Cleo Morris, Donal O'Neill, Ella Yates, Elsa Presswood, Emily Lewis, Gerard Mascarenhas, Holly Stuart, Jonathan Adams, Josh Smith, Kelly Rice, Laura Tasker, Luella Marshall, Oliver Williams, Rose Dawson, Samantha McGann, Shaun Hodges, Thomas Amphlett.
**Additional or change of role certificates:** Alex O'Sullivan additional role Cub at 4th Worcester Park; Sam Carpenter assists at Squirrels 3rd Beddington; Richard Buckell took on Beaver leadership at 1st Belmont; Robert Low accepted the role on District Cub team; Mark Sherry took on the GLV role at 3rd Cheam; Susan Peek Awards ADC District; Sarah McLeod Scout Section lead at District.
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## 14-24 team
There are 127 young people participating in 10 Explorer units in Sutton District and 72 young people involved in Network. Explorers have seen an amazing 28% increase in numbers since the end of 2023. Many of our young people are supporting units as Young Leaders or undertaking their volunteering sections as part of their Duke of Edinburgh.
## **Duke of Edinburgh – Gold Expedition**
Four young people from Sutton took part in a great week in North Wales for their qualifiying expedition and all passed with flying colours. More young people completd their practice expedition and wil be doing their qualifying expedition in August in North Yorkshire.
Currently there are 27 young people in Sutton taking part in all three levels of Duke of Edinburgh but we would love more of the 14-24 year olds in the District to take part in Duke of Edinburgh. If you have anyone who has completed their expedition it’s a great idea to invite them to present to an explorer unit to encourage others to take part.
Congratulations to Aviators ESU, team Bviators on winning 1st place in the GLSW Scouts Operation Red Flare 2024.
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