Scouts
North West Norfolk
North West Norfolk District Scout Council
Annual Report 2025
th
Annual General Meeting: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Agenda
l. Welcome/President's remarks
2. Apologles for absence
3. Minutes of the annual general meeting held on 25 September 202%lr
4. Remarks and Reports
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5. Presentation of the Accounts
6. Adoption of the Constitution
7. Electlon of Honorary Auditor
8. Presentations- Percy Robinson award
9. Meetlng close

Minutes of the North West Norfolk District Scout Council Annual General Meetin
Visitors Centre on Wednesda
25th Se
tember
held at Sandrin
ham
Present: John Rospopa, Roz Rospopa, Rick Cooper, David McGuiness, Gary Clark, Dudley Scott, Nicky Scott,
Rebecca Chilvers, Jean McGuiness, Dave McGuiness, Dave Andrews, Rae Steward, Wayne Hornigold, Andy
Nicol, Vicki Nicol, Martin Lever, Jack Walker, Pam Walker, Ben Colley, Jim Tripp, Beth Smith, Vanessa Malone,
Jim Taylor, Karon Hearle, Bob Hearle, Simon Abel, Tim Rowe, Andrew Farr, Nick Swann, Lesley Doherty,
Joanne Fountain, John Marshall-Grint, Pauline Marshall-Grint, Tracey Clark, Dawn Stevens, Donald Birdseye,
Linda Birdseye, Phil Jordan, Stephanie Whitley.
l. Welcome
John Rospopa welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meetin8. Thanks were noted to the
Sandringham Estate for the Garden Tour and for the hospitality for the use of the facilities
tonight. John Rospopa thanked all present for their attendance and thanked the Trust Board for
fundlng sandwiches and Moira Wessson for the cakes.
John welcomed Tim Rowe, County Chair.
2. Apologles for absence
Received from: Edward Parsons, Jill Hudson, Miranda Smlth, Kelly Bowen, Elaine Taylor, Kim Smith,
Paul Spalding, Pam Kirby, Ben Raynor, Sally Hornigold, Lucy Hearle, Claire Palmer, Carolyn Cooper,
Zoe Horni8old, Tim Lake, Jane Warden, Paul Beane, Luke Morgan, Shirley Sinclair, Sue Rix, Simon
Rlx, Simon Allerton, Lisa Allerton, Amanda Follen, Donna Barr
3. Mlnutes of the annual general meeting held on 5th July 2023
These had been circulated and copies available at the meeting. Proposed by Roz Rospopa,
Seconded by Dave McGuiness and accepted unanimously by all - subject to the correction of those
present which did not include many who had attended and included names of those who had sent
apologies.
4. Remarks and Reports
Reports were circulated within the annual report and it was proposed by John Rospopa that all
reports bar the accounts were accepted 'en-bloc', this was seconded by Andy Nicol and agreed
unanimously.
John Rospopa highlighted the growth within the District of both youth members and adults and
thanked everyone for their contribution to this. Specific mention was given to the expansion of the
District Explorer Section in both memberships and locations, to District Network which has
established since the last meeting and has facilitated members work on Kings Scout Awards. John
thanked all those who had been part of the 2024 District Camp for its success.
5. Presentatlon of the Accounts
Gary Clark presented and circulated the audited accounts, there were no questions
raised. Proposed by Wayne Hornigold and Seconded by Phil Jordan, accepted unanimously.
6. Adoption of the Constitution
The new District Constitution as per Gilwell's guidelines was circulated and explained by John
Rospopa. Proposed by John Rospopa, Seconded by Nicky Scott, agreed unanimously.
Meeting agreed that the quorum for the District AGM inline with the Constitution should be 50
members of the District Scout Council. Proposed by John Rospopa, Seconded Vicki Nicol, agreed
unanimously.

John Rospopa explained that the size of the District Trustee Board can be between 5 and 12
members including the District Lead Volunteer and District Youth Commissioner as Exofficio. John
Rospopa proposed that the New District Trustee Board have 9 members. Seconded by Dave
Andrews and agreed unanimously.
John Rospopa proposed that the District Trustee Board should have a quorum of 5 members, of
which 4 must be elected members. Seconded by Rick Cooper and agreed unanimously.
7. Elections and nomlnatlons to Dlstrlct Executive committee
Distrlct Commissionerfs nomination of District Chalr
ill Hudson
ohn Rospopa
Rick Cooper- agreed ALL
b. Election of District Treasurer
Gary Clark
Kelly Bowen
Nicky Scott- Agreed ALL
c. Electlon of member5 to the District Trustee Board
Miranda Smith
Kelly Bowen
Don Birdseye
Kelly Bowen
Kelly Bowen
Gary Clark
Rick Cooper
ohn Rospopa
Kim Smith
Kim Smith
Beth Smith
Beth Smith
Beth Smith
Beth Smith
Beth Smith
Joh'n Rospopa explained the District Trustee Board members are now appointed for a 3 year
term. He thanked Richard Wicks, Doreen McNiff and lan Savage for their Service to the
Distrlct Executive Committee.
8. Electlon of Honorary Auditor
Gary Clark outlined that the Dlstrict have a good relationship with Mike Andrews of Stephen50n
-smart as Auditor and would recommend this relationship continue. This was proposed by Lesley
Doherty and Seconded by Dave Andrews, agreed unanimously.
9. Presentations:
John Rospopa congratulated and presented:
Gary Clark- 15 years Service
Jean McGuiness- 40 years Service
Percy Robinson Award
Following a number of nomlnations the team of Jill Hudson, Gary Clark and Kelly Bowen agreed that
the parent nomination for Vicki Nicol of 2nd Runction Holme and Watlington for Service beyond the role
of Group Treasurer. John Rospopa presented the award.
10. Date of Next Meetlng
September 2025- date to be conflrmed and circulated following discussions With the team.
11. Meeting close
All were thanked for their attendance. The meeting closed at 19.35

District Leader Volunteer (DC)
Annual Report 2025
Firstly, I would like to thank all adult volunteers, whatever your role, for your continued support over
the last year. Without you giving up your time and energy the youth members would not have had
such an exciting and fruitful year in scouting.
Transformation has now taken place and despite the issues with its functionality it is gradually
becoming a useful tool. Some leaders have struggled with it and sadly a small number. have chosen to
leave Scouting via retirement.
AchlevementS:
We have increased the number of Squirrel Drays to 7 with Dreys now at the following groups:
1st Terrington
5th Kings Lynn
9th Kings Lynn
12th Kings Lynn
13th Walpole
14th Kings Lynn
21st Kings Lynn
Explorers:
We have Increased the number of Explorers with sub unlts now meeting at:
1st Downham Market
1st Snettisham
1st Terrington
14th Kings Lynn
12th Klngs Lynn
Growth:
The District saw stability in youth member numbers and an increase in adult volunteers (up 60AI. This
was reflected in the 2025 Census.
Sectlon Reports:
Squirrels
North West Norfolk Squirrel Dreys have continued to increase in numbers, we now have 7 Dreys
across the district with 1st Terrington being the latest Drey to have opened. Varied, exciting and
action-packed prograrnmes have again been planned and enjoyed by all groups throughout the last
year. Activities including," story-telling, pioneerin& canoeing, visits to care homes and the fire
station, sleepovers, campfires, cooking, visits from the emergency services and so much more have
been enjoyed by many.
In January 2025 the Squirrels enjoyed, what has become our annual'District Squirrels, cinema trip
to the Alive Corn Exchange Cinema. This year we enjoyed 'Christmas in January, watching Arthur
Christma5, wearing our festive headwear and everyone receiving gifts of a selection box and goody
bag. In June, 83 members of North West Norfolk District Squirrels filled two coaches for a summer
trip to Banham Zoo. A fabulous day was enjoyed by all, with lots of lovely comments from members
of the public and zoo staff about how amazing and well behaved all the children were.

Termly get-togethers with the Squirrel leaders and helpers continue to be well represented and
enjoyed, enabling ideas to be shared and future plans to be made. A system of sharing resources
and 'helpers' has been developed within our 'team' of Squirrel Drews which has been well received
and is working well for all.
We have dates in the diary for a further District Squirrels trip to the cinema and plans are underway
for a future fun day and another summer trip. All of our Squirrel Dreys currently have waiting lists
and we hope to see new Dreys opening soon to allow more children to start their Scouting journeys
at Squirrels. Many thanks to all the Squirrel Leaders, helpers and young leaders fortheir ongoing
enthusiasm and ideas enabling the Squirrels to have such varied and exciting programmes and
adventures.
Beavers
North West Norfolk District Beavers Many thanks to all the leaders, young leaders and volunteers
who have continued to offer exciting and action-packed programmes throughout the year for all
the North West Norfolk Beaver Colonies.
During the autumn term it was fantastic to see many of the colonies join 1500 Squirrels and
Beavers from Norfolk Scouts to have a fabulous time at Bewilderwood. For many children the
adventure started with the bus journey before climbin8, swingin8, zip-wirin8 and sliding through
the magical woodland. It was great to see so many young people, leaders and volunteers enjoying
themselves and meetin8 Beavers from all over the county. It also gave the opportunity for adult
volunteers to reconnect with new and 'old' scouting colleagues to share news and ideas for future
programmes and events.
Beaver colonies throughout the district represented their groups smartly and respectfully at lots of
dlfferent venues for Remembrance Services during November, and again taking part in the VE
parade with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk in May.
The Alive Corn Exchange was filled with groups from all over the district throughout the festive
season; with screams of laughter, lots of cheering and booing from all. Beavers even representing
Scoutlng on at least two occasions going up on the stage with the character Buttons from Cinderella
to sing 'Theres a worm at the bottom of the garden, l Termly get-togethers with the Beaver leaders
has been difficult to achieve, with so many of the adult volunteers'wearing more than one hat, and
getting the District Squirrel Dreys up and running. Moving forward plans are underway for a District
Beavers fun day and a possible venue has been found to reintroduce our District Beaver Sleepover.
Huge thanks to all the Beaver Leaders, helpers and young leaders fortheir ongoing commitment
and ideas enabling the Beavers to have such varied and exciting programmes.
Cubs
Although we had a quiet end to 2024 we had a few activities to go through into 2025.
NWN cubs saw the annual trip in February half term to the majestic cinema, one of the cinemas
taken over for 126 Cubs to watch Dog Man. The attendance to this is always a very good turnout.
Hence, we have booked in for next year.
May 2025 saw a visit to The Minster in King's Lynn, to complete activities for the World Faith badge
day. Several activities included matching religious symbols to the correct faith, a treasure hunt /quiz
of the Minster, colouring in Rangoli patterns and Cubs were able to try on clothing worn by the
leaders of the church.

Thank you to the Cub leaders who supervised the activities.
The Cubs walked together to the Catholic Church on London Road. We were given a history of the
church and about the faith. A big thank you to Kelly Bowen for use of the Minster, activities and
excessive knowledge and information given on the different faiths..
June 2025
We returned to the West Norfolk rugby club for a District Cub camp, the theme was Christmas, and
leaders did not disappoint with the theme, activities and crafts. Unfortunately, not many groups
were able to attend this was a little disappointing.
Cubs had a great time. With the climbin8 wall, shooting and inflatables, campfire singing, crafts,
disco, hike and games. The weather was kind, most of the time. However, it did rain rather heavily on
the Saturday with a thunder and lightning showl Cubs seemed to enjoy this and were back out
between showers to join others and run around havin8 fun.
The Norfolk Jamboree (Nor-jam) was held at the Norwich showground in August several Cub groups
from NWN attended on the Cub and Brownie days. They visited a few sub camps played some games
and made some crafts came home very happy with their drawstring bags and goodies.
Thank you as ever to all the leaders, helpers, parents and guardians who support the Cubs to enjoy
the activities, pro8ramme, crafts, days out and camps.
I would like to say a personal thank you to Phil Jordan and Su Rix for their support throughout the
year.
Lesley Doherty IADC Cubs)
Scouts
We held the annual Survlval Camp in October 2024 when 9 Scout Troops, 40 Scouts, 3 Young
Leaders, 6 Explorers and 25 Leaders took part. This year the Explorers were there to promote
Explorers and compete on an equal playing field as the Scouts.
The scouts were split Into 7 groups with each group being made up of scouts from at least 2 different
troops. With the support of Adults, they had to construct a shelter on the Saturday night. They then
had the issue of food to work out. However, this year they had to find their food via a scavenger hunt
around the site {we had not hidden real food but rather printed pictures of the food)
The results were as follows:
l. The Happy Team- 70 pts and Tinkerbell (Explorersl- 70 pts
2. Team Bush- 69 pts
3. Tired & Delirious- 68 pts and Area 51- 68 pts
3. The Roblns- 65 pts and The 22nd- 65 pts
4. Disney Princess - 60 pts
On Saturday 16th March into Sunday 17th March 41 Scouts from 9 Scout Troops and 9 Explorers took
part in the 2024 Merv Beckett Trophy (District Scouts Night Hike). The Explorers were obviously
judged a little harder than the Scouts.
This event is in memory of Merv Becket (District Scout Leader and Scout Leader at the 12th Kings
Lynn)

The event again took place at Rougham Hall and involved the Scouts hiking through the night and
undertaking tasks at 10 bases along the route including Ditch Crossing, Archery in the Dark, Escape
Room, Bearings, Drainpipe Challenge, First Aid and 'The Towers of Hanoi" to name a few.
All Scouts did well, with only a couple of minor detours by some, and all were back at base by
6.45am.
The results were as follows:
1st - 1st Downham Market - 286 Points
2nd - 1st Dersin8ham - 278 Points
3rd - 14th Kings Lynn B - 273 Points
Explorers
Griffin 1- 208 Points
Griffin 2 - 140 Points
Over the very hot weekend of the 20th to 22nd June 2025 26 Scouts from 4 groups took part in the
Expedition Challenge. On day I they hiked from the 2nd Runcton-Holme & Watlington HQ to
Downham Market. Due to the extreme weather {30 degrees) the hike was cut short and they were
then transported to the 19th Kings Lynn HQ for a rest, evenin8 meal and an overnight stay.
Griffin Explorer members (working towards Platinum & Diamond Awards) were also hiking with some
having walked from the 7th Kings Lynn HQto Runcton-Holme & Watlington on the Friday evening.
The
Explorers then also walked to Downham but via a self-planned route which was different to the
planned route for the Scouts.
With the weather still hot on the Sunday, the leadership team decided to cancel the Scouts day 2
hike, but still awarded the badges. The leadership team did allow 4 determined Scouts to join the
Explorers on their hike.
Despite all the heat the Scouts did extremely well and the activity management of the leadership
team ensured it was safe.
Explorers
This past year has been an extremely busy one for the explorer groups across the district.
First of all we had the pleasure of opening a 4th group at downham market, who meet on a thursday
night 6-8pm at 1st downham scout hut.
Survival camp last year was jointly won by our group'the tinkerbells" &"the happy team" of scouts.
Earlier this year Jim, Karon & Suzy took 17 explorers to london for the weekend in march for the
annual monopoly run.
It was a real eye opener for the young people to be trusted to go round london using different modes
of transport & friendships were made, it was great to get to know some of the young people from
our other groups.
We had the pleasure of presenting our first diamond award to Imogen Allerton on our final day of
the term at our beach party at hunstanton.

Even though we had broken up for the summer it was full steam ahead with the preparations for
Norjam, where 19 explorers joined jim, suzy, katy & nick for a fun filled packed week of activities in
Norwich.
This september we are proud to open our 5th district explorer group at snettisham, jimmys field who
will meet on every other wednesday.

NORTH WEST NORFOLK DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Income and Expendlture Account
Year Ended 31 March 2025

North West Norfolk Distrirt Scout Councll
Income and Expenditure Account
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Income
Expenditure
Badge Secretary Income
8916.00
Badge Secretary Expenditure
8508.95
Squlrrels Events
200.00
Squirrels Events
242.84
Cub Events
2340.00
Cub Events
2504.45
Scouts Events
1027.40
Scouts Events
877.82
Explorers Income
9623.56
Explorers Expenditure
13534.36
County Events
2025.00
County Events
2025.00
Water Sports Income
953.00
Water Sports Expennditure
1245.96
Membership Fees 2024
5610.00
Membershlp Fees 2025
45960.00
Membership Fees 2025
45177.00
Equipment Hire
437.80
Equipment Repairs
722.96
Dlstrlct Camp
4978.00
Dlstrlct Camp
4017.77
Bursary 2024
400.00
Bursary 2025
500.00
Dlstrict Uniform
50.00
Training
987.48
Equipment Insurance
479.85
Helper Insurance
52.00
Fllm Llcence
681.42
Appointmentnravel/AGM
376.91
Donations
65.48
Stationery/Website
118.68
Excess Income over
Expenditure
1301.83
82970.76
82970.76

North West Norfolk Distrlct Scout Councll
Balance Sheet
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Balance At l Aprll 2024
Balance at 31 March 2025
Current Account
31337.88
Current Account
32824.71
Current Account IFellowshipl
5647.00
Current Account IFellowshipl
5462.00
Excess Income over
Expendlture
1301.83
38286.71
38286.71