2024-03-31-accounts - Bury St Edmunds District Scout Council

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cubs SCOUTS P)EhVERS District AGM 2024 EXPLORERS network Scouts Active Support Scouts Bury St Edmunds and District

BURY ST EDMUNDS DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Annual General Meeting

Thursday 26[th] September 2024, 7.30pm

AGENDA

1. Introduction and welcome

2. Apologies for absence

3. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 15[th] June 2023

4. Governance topics

a. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules
b. Note the District’s financial year
c. Agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
d. Agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the District Trustee Board, meetings of any sub-committees

5. Review of the previous year

a. The District Commissioner’s review of Scouting in the District
b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts

6. Making appointments

a. To approve the nominations to the District Trustee Board
b. To appoint the Scrutineer

7. County Representative

8. AGM Close

BURY ST EDMUNDS DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Minutes of The District Annual General Meeting 15[th] June 2023 – 1[st] Brandon Scout HQ

1. Welcome – Chair

Alan Chilestone, acting as Chair, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Present: 27 District Scout Council members, including the District Commissioner.

2. Opening Reflection – DC

Some groups have faced challenges over the last year. We are now moving forward with ‘proper’ Scouting again following Covid, but there remain challenges because of Covid, mainly in support and leadership, particularly Trustee Boards, in some groups. All leaders are making a difference in their work with sections and groups. Thank you and keep doing it.

3. Apologies for absence

68 apologies received from adults in the District.

4. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Review held on 16[th] June 2022 The minutes were agreed as accurate and approved. Proposed by Cat Williams, seconded by Ruth Nunn.

5. Receive and approve the Annual Reports of the District contained in the 2022/2023 Review Booklet

a) District Commissioner’s Report
b) Section and Activity Reports. Squirrels also started in 3 groups in the District.
c) Group Reports

6. District Treasurer – District Accounts for 2022/2023

Approval of the accounts was proposed by Alan Chilestone, seconded by Graham Mackie. All were in favour.

7. Appointment of Auditor

Mike Golston proposed we continue to use Lovewell Blake as auditors. This was seconded by Leigh Foster-Green and approved by the meeting.

8. Elections for the Year 2023/2024

a) Approval of the District Commissioner’s nomination of District Chairman The DC nominated Lee Holman. This was approved by the meeting.
b) Election of District Secretary Becs Banks was elected from the floor

Proposed by Tony Millburn, Seconded by Alan Chilestone.

c) Election of District Treasurer

Mike Golston was proposed by Andy Webber seconded by Karen Pettitt and elected unanimously.

d) Noting of the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Trustee Board – None
e) Election of Members to the District Trustee Board – Dylan Watkins
Proposed by Tony Millburn, seconded by Rebecca Silk and duly elected. – Alan Chilestone, Amanda Wade

Proposed by Ruth Nunn, seconded by Margaret Chilestone and duly elected.

f) Election of District Representative to the Suffolk County Scout Council – Graham Mackie
Proposed by Alan Chilestone, seconded by Dylan Watkins and duly elected.

9. Presentation of Awards

The Lesley Biden Award- 1[st] Red Lodge

Paul gave out a number of other long service awards to individual adults to recognise their contribution to Scouting.

10. County Commissioner: Howard Blackett (or his representative)

No representative attended.

Vote of thanks and close of business

Meeting closed at 8.05pm

Acting District Commissioner’s Report

Let me start by saying a thank you to those in the District and the District leadership team for all the hard work that has been put into Scouting this past year. We Thank Paul (DC Retired) and Ashley (former ADC Cubs) for the hard work that they put in to providing a high level of Scouting for both adults and young people before deciding to move on. I would like to thank Mike our District Treasurer for all his hard work and assure him we are in the active process of trying to find a replacement, not an easy job. Thank you to all those other leaders who have moved on.

I would like to thank you all for your support during the transition and my role of Acting DC during the last six months. County have started the search for a new District commissioner which may have been appointed by the time this report goes out at our AGM.

The District, along with every other District nationally, has started on the journey of transformation as set out by HQ. Some changes are easy to put in place, and others not so; we will continue to push through the changes as we understand them and adapt to fit our vision for the future. We know that some changes and new procedures put pressure on our leadership teams, but together we can do it!!! It has been great to see so many young people enjoying adventure and fun within the District and County.

Let’s all keep providing our exciting and adventurous programme, inspiring young people to achieve all their potentials. Many young people achieve their Top Awards and other recognised achievements away from Scouting. The brilliant turn out for St George’s Day and Squirrel Scouts continuing to grow is a great sign of a healthy District.

The County/District plan has been put in place and the continued expansion of the Squirrel provision high on the County Challenge for the District and Groups. We continue to grow as a District and are keeping up with new adults, training and essential safety/safeguarding modules thanks to the continued dedication of Alan and the Appointments Panel. The development of areas at Bradfield and the Scout & Guide Shop are making the District better able to provide what groups need.

All the young people, adults and other supporters are amazing, and without your dedication, Scouting would not be the success it is in the District.

THANK YOU ALL

Tony (Wontolla) District Commissioner (Acting)

Squirrel Section Report

We are lucky to have 4 Squirrel Dreys in our District (1[st] Lakenheath, Mildenhall, 1[st] Red Lodge and 1[st] Brandon) who all have great weekly activities.

Without a District programme this year, we tried our best to provide some fun for the Squirrels.

In October, all 4 Dreys held a Halloween Party where they made marshmallow ghosts, Halloween masks and bats. Apple bobbing and dancing proved for a fun party.

Squirrels proudly attended St Georges Day parade and were all a credit to the District, sitting nicely in church and parading with their group flags.

In June, 2 Dreys, 1[st] Brandon and Mildenhall visited Easton Farm Park as part of a County event, they had a great day and Brandon Squirrels won the County Competition, a very well done to them.

July saw the first Squirrel water activity day, where the 4 dreys all went on Bell Boats and some Squirrels even jumped into the lake which they all enjoyed.

Leaders met in May and we have put together an exciting programme of events for our Squirrels for the coming year, it kicks off in September with all 4 Dreys taking coaches to Church Farm, Stow Bardolph.

I would like to thank all the leaders who give up their time to make sure Bury St Edmunds District Squirrels have a fun and engaging programme.

Wendy Barnes ADC (Beaver Scouts)

Beaver Section Report

Beavers across the district have had a great (busy) year for events

In September we made a visit to Hunstanton, with 4 coaches taking 178 Beavers and leaders we had a great day visiting the Sealife centre, playing on the beach and for the first time taking a boat ride.

November saw us taking over Theatre Royal for our first ever District Christmas panto, 8 colonies saw a performance of Snow White and it was such a hit that we have booked again this year to see Aladdin with 10 colonies signed up.

Our annual bowling competition held at Bury Bowl in January saw 167 Beavers take part over 4 days. Thurston won again with 1[st] Bury in close 2[nd] . Well done to all colonies that took part.

In March we held our sleepover at Hallowtree, over two nights 74 Beavers enjoyed cooking, tracking, obstacle course and a rope bridge provided by 14[th] Ipswich.

In June the weather was not so kind for our Beaver camp at Bradfield, but as normal we made the most of it and still got to enjoy some wonderful activities. 115 Beavers tried the climbing wall, air rifle and cooking. We made tree faces and learnt all about owl pellets, dissecting them was messy but we found lots of skulls and bones.

The weather was against us again this month, when Beavers took part in the water activities day at Lackford lakes. This gave the Beavers a chance to earn a Time on Water badge and learn about water safety whilst having fun in Bell Boats and rafted canoes.

We have an exciting programme planned for 2024/2025 with lots of event already booked and confirmed, let’s hope the weather is nicer to us.

As always, I would like to thank all the leaders and volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to providing great opportunities for the Beaver in Bury St Edmunds District.

Wendy Barnes

ADC (Beaver Scouts)

Cub Scout Section Report

Another active year for the Cub section in the District. Thank you to the dedicated teams of leaders working in the Cub Packs throughout the District. The number of Cubs in the District is now the highest it has been since the 1990s.

District events in 2023-24 included the District Cub Bowling in May 2023. Congratulations to 1[st] Lakenheath for taking home the trophy.

The highlight of the year was the District Cub Camp at Two Mile Bottom in July 2023. Despite the rain and wind, the Cubs who attended had a great time, undertaking activities such as abseiling, archery and air rifles. Also important is that the Cubs got to mix with others from around the District.

Unfortunately, the Cub Water Activities day was cancelled due to blue-green algae at the venue. Cubs were however invited to take part in the weekend kayaking sessions organised by the District Water Activities Team.

Thank you to Ashley Thorne for his efforts during his time as ADC (Cubs). As I write this, County Cub Camp has just finished, and planning for the 2024-25 District Cub Programme is in place. More on that next year!

Leigh Foster-Green Deputy District Commissioner

Scout Section Report

B.S.E. Summer Camp in August was at Belchamps, on their Activity Week 7[th] till 12[th] , attended by Scouts and Explores and a good time was had by one and all, the Scouts took part in Abseiling, Areal runway, Low ropes, crafts, Archery and lots of other activity’s enough to keep everyone extremely busy from dawn to dusk.

In the evening, there where discos or film nights to keep everyone entertained, which everyone seemed to enjoy

Whilst all this was going on the Water Activities Team and CMAT had been training Scouts and in Kayaks, Hillwalking and climbing and over the year had reached a good standard, ready to take part in various adventures.

In October we held a beginner’s camp at Bradfield, this was to enable those Scouts who were new to Scout camping to gain experience without the hustle and bussell of some of the bigger camps again this was well attended with about 25 Scout who seemed to have a great time.

The District Dodge Ball Challenge was held in November at Bury Leisure Centre

and saw teams from across the district compete. Admittedly, some were more talented than others, but an afternoon of skill and

sportsmanship ensued, and good fun was had by all.

As the year ends and everyone’s thoughts turn to Christmas the Scouts have their annual 10 pin bowling competion, which is always very well attended and great fun.

And into 2024

Our first event of the year in February was the Scouts and Explorer Quiz. Our very own Ex DC Paul Hunt supplied the questions, whilst Thurston chippy produced a chip supper to round off the evening. Teams arrived from all over the district. We heard some strange answers to some of the questions and some even stranger team names, but everyone had a great time.

February we had a winter camp again at Bradfield and a hardy bunch braved the cold to do some backwards cooking, using ground ovens and other bushcraft means to cook excellent range of food.

In March we had a Patrol camping competion, not one of our best attended events, but I except this to change of the years as Troops gain experience.

April well as normal was St Georges Day Parade, and again was very well attended May saw the Archery and Air rifle camp take place, a very well attended event with a lot of young people and Leaders having a fantastic weekend.

In June Horringer organised the playground challenge at the activity centre in Barrow and a lot of fun was had by the Scouts for the day, this is again a very popular event in the Scouting Calendar.

As I write this in early August the Scouts are preparing to head off to Thriftwood Scout Activity Centre for their INTENTS week of fun games and activities, the forecast is looking good, we hope that the squirrels at Thriftwood are kind to us, and that’s the furry ones not the youngest Scout section, Thriftwood is set in a very large woods near Brentwood and is notorious for its hungry squires, who happily eat an unsuspecting Scouts secret stash of sweeties if left unprotected in their tent.

Several of these regular events now enjoy attendance approaching 100 Scouts and are growing year by year, which can be taken not only as a sign of the strength of Scouting in our District, but also as a testimony to the work and dedication of the leaders. It should be noted that this interesting and enjoyable programme would not be possible without the help of Scout leaders throughout the District, each of whom take responsibility for organising certain events and put in a great deal of time and effort into both their own projects and into bringing their Scouts to the other events.

Steve Williams Deputy District Commissioner

Explorer Scout Section Reports

The District Sections are still going strong thanks to the commitment of the leaders and with 50 Explorers and 30 Young Leaders numbers have remained stable, and with many scouts are looking to move onto Explorer/Young Leader Sections soon we can look forward to building a stronger Explorer District.

District events have continued with a bowls evening, meetings at Bradfield Camp Site and the District Archery camp.

The CMAT Wales Expedition this summer was a success with over 50 scouts and explorers participating and a trip to the Peak District in April, CMAT continues to provide adventurous activities for the county.

Five Explorers and a Leader attended the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, it proved to be a memorable event with the original venue being spread out over the country and the people of South Korea helping to ensure its success.

The county wide Duke of Edinburgh expedition option has been continued and a number of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were completed.

The Covid pause to normal Scouting is becoming a memory and units are getting out and about more but encouraging young people to get back into exploring all Scouting can offer will need the continued involvement and support of everyone.

Bob Butler

District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Endeavour Explorer Unit

Endeavour has a membership of 36 explorers with an average of 20 attending our monthly meetings. Over the past year the explorers have had a chance to design their unit t-shirts, cooked, geocached, hiked, ice-skated and even completed a set of Squirrel activity badges for a bit of fun (and hopefully helped with their Young Leader roles).

We have organized archery and air rifle sessions, a Lazer quest evening and a scavenger hunt. On our last couple of summer nights (and thankfully the weather was kind to us) we rafted and had a rounders match. Many of the Explorers joined in the district water sessions, including the pool sessions, Lackford lakes, and the weekend river sessions.

We have had a Bronze DofE training weekend – where we camped at a very cold and windy Barrow campsite, and our Silver DofE group are currently planning their canoeing practice expedition. Two of our older explorers achieved their Silver DofE and have now moved onto Invictus Network and have started their activities for the Gold Award.

Camps attended during the year were, Mildenhall Group camp, District Archery and Air Rifle camp, District Summer Camp at Belchamps 2023, CMAT weekends in the Peak District, WSJ Korea 2023, CMAT Summer Camp Wales 2024, Roverway 2024 – so the total nights away during last year was 196.

Karen Pettitt Endeavour Explorer Leader

Scout Network Report

The end of January 2024 saw the first Invictus Network meeting since before Covid. Meeting on the 4[th] Wednesday of each month the group have been and continue to take part in a range of activities from hikes and escape rooms to air rifles and cooking.

With the group currently having 14 members all aged 18-25, from the district and as far as Stowmarket we would like to continue expanding and will happily welcome anyone who would like to join us. Some of our members have carried on from Scouts and Explorers by taking on leadership roles within their local groups however some have now returned to Scouting since the reboot of the Network group.

Unfortunately, since the group extends out so far, we don’t have a regular meeting place due to sharing out the travel distances and as we are all still in education and/or in the beginning of careers we are trying to keep costs to a minimum where possible. Therefore, we would gladly accept the hospitality of any group that would be willing to lend us their hut from time to time.

With this being said, as a group we would like to start organising some of our own camps and bigger activities as well as integrating ourselves into being part of the district again.

We would like to extend our thanks to Leigh and Karen who have fully supported us in restarting the group.

Harriet Samuel Scout Network

Scout Active Support Report

As we look back over the last twelve months or more, there has been changes that have affected the DSASU directly. We have lost our Unit Manager Barbara Ruthven as she hangs up her Scouting boots after more years than she is happy to admit! Barbara will be missed by many for her cool calm approach to supporting Scouting in our District, not just for the DSASU but other areas that she has been involved with. As a Unit we have celebrated with her whilst playing Croquet at the local club that she is a member at Thurston New Green.

The position of DSASU manager is still vacant…...! however, the forth coming Transition is set to disband the SAS provision in favour of multi-teams under the

banner of Support Team Leaders. It has been discussed that we could fall back to a Fellowship Team for social friendship to continue and explore the new teams, to offer skills and to learn new skills.

As we come to terms with the void that one of our number has left behind, yet another and another has made the decision that the time is right for them to stop Scouting. So, we say thank you to Bill Charnaud for his contribution to District Scouting over many years at Group level in Great Barton, the Scout Shop support and I am sure many other aspects over the District’s history. A double whammy with Derek and Penny Poole stepping back from Scouting, Penny with her hands-on support catering and helping wherever she is needed. Penny’s support for Derek over his Scouting years has been invaluable. Derek has been more recently our Unit’s Flag Bearer for many years after taking over from our dear departed friend Vera. He has maintained that vital support in a quiet unassuming professional way, and it will be hard to find another individual to continue that role. Derek has been active in other Scouting roles in direct support of our youth member over the years. His passion of late is behind a camera catching shots of wildlife, butterflies, birds, insects, the placing of Owl boxes. It has been an overwhelming debt of gratitude for their joint support to Scouting in our District. Thank you!

The Unit over the last twelve months has been called upon by the District leadership team to provide support for St Georges Day parade, the settingup/dismantle assist in Abbey Gardens, the flag support in St Marys Church and the catering provision for the social gathering at 6[th] Bury HQ. Some of our members are active in other roles in the District and at our County.

The social diary has been reactivated with the Croquet event on 7[th] June at Thurston, which proved to be an extraordinary evening of challenges and fun followed with celebration of the outgoing members. Yet to come, at time of writing, will be a DSASU BBQ on the 18[th] August at Bradfield Campsite and the last event this year a DSASU Bingo Night, hopefully at Great Barton Scout HQ in November.

The DSASU at the moment is being jointly co-ordinated by Ruth Nunn and myself Graham Mackie. With the future unsettled as the transition period evolves and reveals itself we look forward with trepidation and hope that our youth sections will still be as enthusiastic as always! and Scouting lives on for years to come in our vibrant District.

Yours in Scouting

Graham Mackie ADC (SD) and Ruth Nunn GSL Ixworth (DSASU Coordinators

Water Activities Report

After the pool sessions at the beginning of the year, we had a good turn out for the Kayak courses, river days and the canoe and SUP taster sessions. The SUP sessions filled up fast and we need to think about maybe doing SUP sessions like we do Kayak in the future, as this activity is becoming really popular with the young people.

Beaver Day and Cub day were a great success as usual with over 100 of each section attending, Luckly we had great weather for both events which really helps with the enjoyment and fun we can have in and on the water.

One problem we did have this year was that as we changed to our new system and started to use OSM instead of Eventbrite, as we could not get the payment part to work we had to have parents pay on the day. Unfortunately this meant that a lot of YP were booking on and not turning up, and so the pool sessions at the beginning of the year meant that we spent more on the pool hire than we had coming in from the pool sessions.

Hopefully this will be fixed in the future and we will be able to take payment through OSM in the coming years.

Stuart Bassett Water Activities Lead

Appointments Advisory Committee Report

I have been kept busy with applications throughout the year to March 2024. There were 371 applications compared to 293 the previous year. This includes those new to our District, but also changes of role, cancellations and DBS renewals. Applications for all types of appointment have been greater than the number cancelled for the first time since the first lockdown.

The number of Occasional Helpers has shown an increase, now more groups are restarting their family camps.

Net Change in membership

Year	Leaders & Assistants Occasional Helpers Others (eg Trustees/Admin) Total
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21	1 55 -7 49 9 42 4 55 -18 -38 -5 -61

2021/22 2022/23 2023/24	27 -27 -7 -7 12 -30 6 -12 20 12 9 41

The Appointments Panel continues to meet every month, with extra meetings being added when required. “Transformation” is getting ever closer, which will mean we lose the Appointments Panel to be replaced by a “Welcome Conversation”. There is also likely to be more work needed at Group level for applications, but I will continue to support where I can.

Can I please remind you that any adult staying overnight, including parents, need to have a DBS clearance, so will need to apply for at least an OH role in good time. Ideally these applications should be with me two months before the event, as it can take that time to process the DBS. Leaving it until the last minute, a week before the camp, risks the disclosure not being issued and you losing the helper needed for camp. The same applies for parents at family camps. Some applications are taking longer to get through at the moment so please allow plenty of time.

I continue to send GSLs and Line Managers monthly updates for those due an Appointment Review or DBS renewal. This system seems to work well, but please keep an eye on the review dates. I also email GSLs annually (on a rolling basis) with a list of OHs in their group. I would also ask that when you receive this, you act on it and return to me as quickly as possible, so that I can cancel those no longer required.

To conclude, may I thank all the members of the Appointments Advisory Committee for the support they give to me, the D.C. (past & current) and Scouting in Bury.

Alan Chilestone Appointments Secretary

Training Report

My report last year concluded with the statement that I planned to step back from the training role, although I would stay in post while Transformation and the changes to the Training Scheme took place. Well, as you can see, I am still here.

Training, or “Learning” as we will need to call it, has continued with learning events at County and others run by local trainers. The aim has been to try and concentrate on modules required for the new scheme, As soon as modules become available to book, I will circulate leaders who I believe require them, by email. Details will also be published on the DC Bury St Edmunds Facebook page.

Mandatory Learning is becoming more important than ever, with First Response, Safeguarding and Safety needing to be renewed every three years. I regularly email those who have these modules due, to try to ensure they do not expire. This is mostly successful, to the extent that I understand we are one of the best Districts in the County for compliance, in this respect.

Denise King continues to present Module 10A&B (First Response) for the District and I am forever grateful for her work here. We have been holding courses not only at weekends but also over two evenings to provide more flexibility. Denise has worked particularly hard as we deal with the bulge or renewals that are due, following completion after Covid. We also have more people needing to complete the module, as it will be compulsory for all adults with a role where they face young people. Including former Section Assistants.

Congratulations to all who have achieved their Wood Badges this year. Once again, a total of 9 were awarded during the year.

I would like to thank all who give up their time to support the training of adults in the District. Especially the trainers who have organised modules, my team of Training Advisers, without whom none of the validations could take place, wood badge holders who provide witness statements and last, but not least, Margaret, whose constant support enables me to continue enjoying scouting.

Alan Chilestone

(Local Training Manager)

Note: Reports were not received from the following Groups: 1[st] Bury St Edmunds Great Barton 1[st] Horringer 1[st] SENDAT

1[st] Brandon

Having recently (November) taken over as Acting GSL, I am thankful for the support of the leaders in helping me to make Brandon Scout group a success for the young people. We made some immediate changes, reducing termly subs and implementing policies all of which we hope has been beneficial for you.

I would like to thank the leaders, not only do they volunteer on a weekly basis to run the section meetings, they also give up their weekends and holiday time to take our young people on camps and trips so a massive thank you to them from me!

This year, our scouts of all ages have attended camps, trips, water activities and inter group events. These always look so much fun, and I personally wish I could attend them all.

Thank you to all our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who continue to amaze us with their perseverance and effort, we are proud to take you all on these events representing Brandon.

We also have a great team of Young Leaders who support all sections with the programme, and I would like to thank them for giving up their time to help.

As always, we need to build our Exec Committee and are looking for a Treasurer and Secretary to join us and help focus on fund-raising, updating our policies and reviewing our Development Plan.

Wendy Barnes Group Scout Leader

6[th] Bury St Edmunds

I would like to thank all, of the 6[th] Bury leaders for their support, and dedication without their efforts this year, it would not have been possible for the Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts to run a full and varied program across all sections.

With all sections reaching capacity and now having waiting lists, our challenge is to make more places available this will require more support and more leaders for the sections.

I would like to extend my thanks to the trustee committee for all their support, hard work, and help over the last year. With the many changes to the structure of Scouting and the consequential changes these have required at the Group level the last year has been very challenging and will continue to be like this as more changes come through the system. The major change has been within the rules that govern the Scout group. These have led to a separate trustee board that oversees the day-to-day running of the leadership team and the section teams. We still have vacancies in all areas but with the roles being split up this should mean we can spread the jobs around more individuals. Our most pressing need at the moment is a Group chair.

For the year going forward, it is going to be tough, and we are having to review our finances as the costs of running our buildings and sites are still rising, we are making every effort to keep our fees low to continue doing this and provide the equipment for the sections we are going to have to fundraise and will need to form a fundraising committee volunteers are required.

For the Scout HQ, we need a new development plan to focus on supporting and developing the HQ. We still have more work to do including upgrading the fire doors and rebuilding the hall's entrance. The work is needed to allow us to continue to deliver safe and inclusive Scouting, now and into the future. We are looking for recommendations for tradespeople who can help us achieve these goals.

Our plans also need to cover Hardwick Heath to continue doing up the buildings and carry out further improvements at the site. We have plans for the toilet block, clearing more of the undergrowth to give more usable area within the site. We are also looking at doing up the storage container on site which would allow us to have more equipment on site ready for use. Currently, we are looking for volunteers to mow and help maintain Hardwick heath. over the coming year and possibly form a maintenance committee to manage the site. My thanks go out to everyone who has already helped with the site this year. I look forward to the next year and continuing to improve the assets that are the Scout HQ and Hardwick heath so we can get as much benefit for the Scouts and the local community as we can.

Now we need to grow the group to deliver a successful scouting program to as many young people as possible. The challenge is to recruit enough leaders to open a Squirrels section and possibly expand and open second sections within the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. I would ask everyone to give a few hours to the group to help us grow and strengthen the group for the future.

Giles Lillistone

Assistant Group Scout leader

1[st] Culford

This year we started an ambitious Scouts Pathway at Culford. Operating from Pre Prep up to Prep School, we now run Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Sections every week. The vision is to build an appreciation of the benefits of Skills for Life in the youth that will eventually filter into the Senior School, where the programme will run in parallel with the CCF and complement the DofE Programme.

The joint Squirrel and Beaver section in Pre-Prep have been very busy this year, completing a number of badges such as their Cooking badge and Emergency Aid Level 1. Next year we are keen to attend District events and engage with the Local Community on a more regular basis.

We wish all the best to our Beavers who will move up to the Cub pack in September. Another massive thank you to our additional staff, Carolyn Packham, who without her support, running such an active program would not be possible.

The Cubs had about 18 members through the year. Most have achieved their Cycling, Naturalist, Pioneer and Navigator badges as well as their Adventure Challenge Award by learning knots, map-reading and outdoor skills. They have also learnt to put up a tent, and cleared a phenomenal amount of rubbish from the woods. The Cubs attended the County Cub Camp in May, as well as completing an assault course, taking part in paddle sport activities and improving their cycle racing skills.

The Scout Troup continues to flourish at the Prep School, we have invested 14 Scouts, most of whom have achieved the fire safety and navigation awards, with several Scouts achieving badges for other activities they have a personal passion for.

1st Culford saw its first Celebration Event on June 28th where members from each section took part in their Moving on Ceremony and were welcomed into their new group. This event was a lovely way to round off our first year of scouting at Culford.

Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Culford that helped make this great start possible.

Andrew Shoesmith Group Scout Leader

1[st] Honington (RAF)

1[st] Honington (RAF) Scout Group is growing and developing. We have more Scouts than we have ever had, Cubs are Running 3 full sixes with the possibility of a 4[th] and Beavers is currently running a rather healthy number.

We are currently going through some exciting times and changes within the group including the transition to wearing the Air Scout Uniform. This, along with exceptionally good relationships with the current RAF staff, have opened up all sorts of opportunities for our Scouts.

We have somehow managed to recruit an effective, and whole, Board of Trustees including a non-trustee Secretary as per the new rulings.

As with most groups, we are always on the hunt for more leadership and will be continuing to recruit from both civilian and RAF to fulfil this need.

Martin Brooks Group Scout Leader

1[st] Ixworth

The year started with the group attending St George’s Parade. It was well attended & was lovely to see the public out watching the Parade. Throughout the year, the 3 sections have had a busy time doing varied activities, ranging from crafts to more adventurous activities.

Over the past year, overall, all 3 sections have gained 41 challenge badges, 241 activity & staged badges, with 3 Chief Scout Awards being gained. Chief Scout Awards are the highest award that the young people can gain in each section. With several of the members very close in achieving the awards. Well done to everyone who worked hard to achieve these badges.

The beavers had a camp at Hallowtrees Scout Campsite, where we had an excellent view of the Royal Flyover for Trooping of the Colours in London. This was the highlight of the summer camp. Lunch stopped while everyone watched. This year, the beavers attended the panto at Theatre Royal in Bury. We travelled to Hunstanton to the Sealife Centre & a boat trip along the coast. We joined 2 colonies to celebrate the King’s Coronation, making crowns, sceptres & orbs out of natural materials & designed a card for the King & everyone signed it & was sent to the Palace.

The cubs have been busy with badgework. In August, a camp was arranged at Bradfield campsite. They were supposed to sleep in tents, but luckily, we booked Lunney lodge, as the heavens opened all day!!!! Plenty of wet cubs doing the activities. The cubs managed to do a hike in between showers. On the hike they were looking for geocaches. On their return they made & cooked pizzas for their evening meal.

Our scouts have also been very active over the year. They joined the district for the summer camp at Belchamps Campsite. They have visited Flixton Airfield for an overnight sleep in the hangers.

All sections have attended District events over the past year, ranging from Sleepovers, Bowling, Camps, water activities, beaveree, & quizzes. We have also joined in with our community in Ixworth. During half term, the cubs cleaned the War Memorial ready for Remembrance Sunday & the beavers cleaned inside the Church. We joined the villagers in the Parade to our Village Church, where we took up half of the Parade. The beavers & cubs made scarecrows for the Village trail. Raksha had pirates & a mermaid on her front lawn this year. Wonder what will be there this year!!!!

As a group we decorated the Church for Easter, had a display outside the Church for Remembrance & a tree decorated for Christmas. Plenty of glitter!!!!!!

Our local running club organised a 24hr sponsor run for Children in Need. Several of our cubs & scouts were sponsored & joined in the last circuit of the field. Well done to all that took part. In December, we held our Group Christingle Service in the Church. Parents & families were invited.

Our numbers have been up & down over the year. We have had a long waiting list for beavers but now that has gone down rapidly. I am sure the list will again grow!!!

I would like to thank the Group Exec members for their support to the group, the leaders who do so much to give an exciting & active programme, our young leaders for helping at each week’s meetings & parents for their support. Finally, a huge thank you to the beavers, cubs & scouts for their enthusiasm & enjoyment at our meetings.

We look forward to another exciting year ahead.

Ruth Nunn Group Scout Leader

1[st] Lakenheath

Following another successful year for Lakenheath Scout Group, I am once again thanking all our leaders who give up so much of their spare time to ensure scouting in Lakenheath continues. Not only do they volunteer on a weekly basis to run the section meetings, they also give up their weekends and holiday time to take our young people on camps and trips so a massive thank you to them from me!

This year, our scouts of all ages have attended camps, trips, water activities and inter group events. These always look so much fun and I personally wish I could attend them all. Thank you to all our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who continue to amaze us with their perseverance and effort, we are proud to take you all on these events representing Lakenheath.

We also have a great team of Young Leaders who support all sections with the programme and I would like to thank them for giving up their time to help. We now have a fund-raising team who held their first event ‘Bingo’ which was very successful and we look forward to more events from them in the future.

Wendy Barnes Group Scout Leader

Mildenhall

The group has doubled its youth membership during the last year, including opening a Squirrel Drey and a second Beaver Colony. We have welcomed 12 new adult volunteers, mainly to lead these new sections. Our Executive Committee (Trustee Board) has also been bolstered by the recruitment of additional parents as elected members.

All sections continue to be active participants in District events and we enjoy the wellsupported family events that we put on in the group through the year, such as the family campfire evening and annual awards evening (with AGM). We were also spoiled with great weather for our annual Group Camp, welcoming Squirrels to sleep over for the first time.

Going forward, all sections are aiming to award more top awards- numbers awarded have been relatively low following the programme disruption through Covid. We also have a fundraising effort ahead of us following the granting of planning permission for the addition of an accessible toilet & wet room and shower block to the HQ.

A massive thank you to all the adults who work tirelessly to provide great programmes for our youth members at Mildenhall.

Leigh Foster-Green Group Scout Leader

1[st] Red Lodge

The Group continues to be successful with all 4 sections being very active and with high numbers of young members. The annual census saw the group register 89 young members, the highest it’s ever been. This is the result of the section leadership teams planning fun programmes each week and giving their time to enable the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to take part in some weekend activities too. Earlier in the year, we saw our first Squirrels moving on to Beavers. By September all the original Squirrels who started in September 2022 will have successfully moved on to the Colony.

The year has seen the group successfully recruiting many new adult volunteers to help in all sections. A big welcome to them all. With some adults choosing to change sections over the next few months, each section will hopefully have a fairly good compliment of adults. However Rachel, who has taken the lead role in Cubs for several years, will be stepping down in July so we do need to look for a replacement. The Scout Troop could also do with more volunteers.

There have been several events where the group as a whole has shown its’ presence in the village. In May last year we joined in the village Coronation event providing some activities; fire lighting, toasting marshmallows and small angel (axe) throwing at a target. All to highlight Scouting activities to the public and we successfully recruited 2 new adults. Last autumn, we did more spring bulb planting in 2 location in the village. In November, we attended the village Remembrance Service and Parade. There have been other events where the whole group has participated together too. The group sleepover at Jump In Ipswich, a resounding success, the group camp fire in March and the District St George’s Day Parade and Service held in Bury St Edmunds. I’m always proud to lead the Group at this event, with a good attendance of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Unfortunately our quest to secure a piece of land within the village for Scouting is still making slow progress. We desperately need this so we can safely meet and do traditional outdoor activities, such as fire lighting, cooking on fires, saw and axe skills etc. Currently we can only do this if we travel to a Scout site elsewhere. Hugo Upton of Upton Farms is still championing our cause and hopefully once approval has been given for the next stage of the development, there may be opportunities for our wish to be granted. The Group Trustee Board have continued to lobby on our behalf.

Finally, I end with extending my sincere thanks to all the present leaders who so readily give up their time throughout year. Also to the Members of the Group Trustee Board who support the Group and have organised fundraising events to ensure there are sufficient funds for the group to fully operate. I am very fortunate to be part of a Group with dedicated leaders and Trustees who all have the best interest of the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at heart. Thank you too to the parents who support Scouting and make it possible for their children to join. Most importantly thank you to all the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts themselves, whose enjoyment of the activities provided, give us the incentive to strive to do better.

Margaret Chilestone

Group Scout Leader / Group Lead Volunteer

1[st] Thurston

We currently have 89 youth members - a few spaces currently remain in Scouts, however our Beavers and Cubs are full and we have waiting lists. As families with children already in Scouting move into the village they will take priority over those brand-new to Scouting. We are unable to manage a Squirrels Drey at present due to lack of Leaders and meeting place. We also currently have 5 Young Leaders (14-18 year olds) working across the Group. It is lovely to know that our young people don’t want to leave us when they reach 14.

During the year May 2023 – April 2024 we awarded nearly 1,200 badges across the Group. We have also invested 46 members (some brand new to Scouting, some moving up between sections as they got older). We also ‘hosted’ 2 American boys from Texas who were staying with their grandparents for 3 months. Each Section provides a full programme of activities and events on a week-by-week basis – from visits to Elmswell Fire Station, Scouts visiting to Mildenhall Air base thanks to one of our Scout Leaders who is a serving USAF Airman, as well taking part in District-wide and County-wide events & camps including quizes, bowling and archery & air rifles competitions. The Scouts had a very cold winter weekend camp and stayed at Belchamps at Southend for the week.

Group events:

In Summer Term 2023 we again attended Woolpit Steam Rally – which is our largest fundraising event of the year. The Woolpit Steam Rally Committee allow us to camp there in order to sell programmes on the pay gate - we were rewarded with a donation of £1,100. We held our End of Term Family BBQ which was well attended. We again held our Family Archery & Air Rifles sessions during the summer holidays. Without Steve Taylor, Ian Taylor, John Johnson & Keith Hutchens giving their time this would not have been possible.

Autumn Term started the first Family Camp that I have ever organised. 24 families took up the challenge of sleeping in tents with their families and taking part in various activities during the day. Archery, Air Rifles, Tomahawk/Angels throwing, Cresta Run, code-breaking, lighting fires. I couldn’t have managed it without the help from our Leaders – some were unable to camp but visited during the day to run activities. We attended the village Remembrance Service. Our Family Christingle Service was well attended at St. Peters Church.

Spring Term – and we held a very well attended ‘Beetle’ night. We finished the term off at Planet Laser with our End of Term Group Event. All our members had the opportunity of having 2 sessions running around the maze with laser guns, followed by the moving up ceremonies. 80 Members (& some Leaders) entered the maze for a bit of end of term fun during the course of the evening. St George’s Day was marked this year as Scouting members within the BSE District paraded from Abbey Gardens to St. Mary’s Church for the service where we all renewed the promises that we made when joining Scouting.

A massive THANK YOU to all of Thurston’s current Leaders and our Trustee Board for all of your support throughout the year. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

Melanie Johnson Group Scout Leader

Gounts fortheyearendodLrt Marcb2024 EXecu1coMmIttee alTruSteel A¢tln8 Dlstrfctcommlssloner Dlstrl¢t Chalnnan Dl$trlct Tr¢asurer DIsirfctSe¢retary DDC Scouis DOC Scouts DESC Commltte• AMIUbum Vacant M G0Th V•unl L Foster- Gree SWIWams R Buller AChllestoD• PHurt Awade Barclays Buttennarltet Buryst Edmund¥ Independent Ex•mlnefs Hlllslde Buslness Pa B¥rySi E¢lmunds Reiistered Ch•rlty Muml

114COMEFQRIEI&YE4R ENDED 31SIMaRCH 2024 BUDGET 2023 Membership subscript6on Less IPaKI outl 40131 31980 8151 DONATIONS Scout sl OTHER INCOME 800 Capitlon refund CAF Donaiion Legwftom estate ofjohn Mann Less paid tQgTOIIP$ Car Parkn'ng IOMe 250 27923 410 349 714 CAmPIACTIVy ACCOUNT Dlstrlct Cafflps District EventA¢t1tles Scout Summer Camo Waier Aetmties I21 4874 2717 INVESTMENT INCOME Scout Assoclatlon Investment TOTAL INCOME

BUBXSLEDMIIPlll&DISTrICTSCOUTCOUNCIL EXPENSE&F.OELIHEYEa8.ENLIED 31ST frIABCH2024 BUDGEr 2023 1180 Tnjstees Expenses 1370 Seuion Expenses 447 OTHER EXPENSES IXKJ Sl Geoige's Day 500 TrainId 140 General Insurance & WaterActfvtty Equlpment 300 Hlre of Rooms 1000 GeneraL Expenses Independent Examination lee Dlstiict Website Grants torvlorld lambo 1972 105 710 1091 167 2000 6011 6540 CAMPACCOUNT District Camos Dlstrlct EventslAciivltks 4816 Water ActNftles &Jmmer Camo Summer Camp deposlt 5187 1150 20805 TOTAL EXPENSES 26818 O Income 01 Expense5

BARCLAY GENÉBALACCOUNT 2023 Recelpts Paymenls 36714 6011 30703 BARCLAY CAMPACCOUNT Recelpts Payments 20805 -714 .24 SCOUT ASSOCIATION DEPOSIT ACCOUNT-Interesl TOTAL CASH AT NK & OTHER FUNOS 8fF CASH AT BANK & OTHER FUNOS C .71291 'io MONETARY ASSErs BarciayCommunltyAccount 8arciavCampAccount Scoth Assoclation In¥estmentAceount IThis COUnt was closed bvlhe Scout Assoclatlon on 12105r23 and moneytransfefred to our BafciayCommuntyAccountl iI¥MJ51 27020 70874 973 .101284 Flguies marked ' are increse(I by£20 I$¢ a cwuewas rr piesenteu. The above accounts and accompairytre stalement olassetsand I•111t1es were approNd on behail ol the TnJsteeson....*..l.xh4..-&.2024 Si8ned A MilLbum Acting Dlstrbct Commlssborw M.l.Gotston Distr Trea5ur¢r

5TATEMEMfoFASSETS & LIA8ILITIESASAT31 MARCH 2024 2023 Fixeo Assets Current A5set5. Cash at Bank .101284 Uablllties- Storage Crediior Accwats Delerre(I Income 570 12816

Bury St Edmunds Dlstrict Scout Council Independent examlnorfs report to the trustees of Bury St Edmunds Dlstrlct Scout Council Y•ar ond•d 31 March 2024 I rep)rt lo lh8 ch• trustees en my exlal of the finanual stal8ment5 of the charity lor the y ènd8d 31 Mah 2024 corwse the balance sheet. 51alem•nt ofcash lknvs and the relaled nole$. RMpon•lblllll•s •nd ol r•port A8 the chantys tntstees you are r•spMsit4• tr tr• ol the rThnCi stat•rnnts in •ccord4rt• with lh• r•4uif•nK•nts of the Charlbes Ad 20111.the Ad'l. I report in re5pecl of my exam1fiaw the (ri$ ffinanc¢al statements carrd oth undfrr sedion 145 of the Ad in caing Out my ¢xaMInat I have f01rld all Ihe appb"¢18 Direcbws 9i¥eTh by Ihe Ch•nty Comi$$ion undgr section 145(Sllbl of th• Ad. Ind•p•nd•nf •tst•m•ftt I have completed my ¢xorNTrali. I corrfwm that no mat•r41 mailers haw c•)Trw to my •tt•ntion connecon with Ihe examinalion gNw)9 m cause lo th8t ony material rgsFCt". aco)unb'ng rwwrd5 wer• k•pt in respett of the rth•rty rwuired by sgction 130 01 tho Ad. thg fina81 5tatsmenls rnpty wilh lh• rewreffnts ConMIA thè form aTra cont•ni of set out m the Chantie$ (Accounls And R•pMIl R•wlatK)ns 2008 olher th ony requireffnl Ihal lh• acctyJni$ gfft • 'Wu• and l is not 4 matter cffi8er0d As part ol an ind•p•ndofit •x¥nwboDw. I no eoncèms and ve fAYM rK othw rnollws in ¥rilh Ihe •xaminalk)n lo ¥vh atteTrlion should be dr•n In tlis reFtyJrt in order to •nablfr a kycyr urthislanding of th¢ a¢unIS to t¢ r••che(l. Your gttention l¥ ththvn to Ihe lacl that lh• Charify h•3 wep•red accounts ffinanu•l smementsl In accoidance with A¢etyJnlifig and Reporting by charilS Slalernent ol Recomrn•nded Pr8di¢e appl¢¢8ty• to charili•$ preparing Iheii accounls In xcordanc• wth Iho Finawal Repgrting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 ifi pieference lo Ihe Accounting aThd ReprytirvJ ty Charilies Slal•m•nt ol R•fthinwnded Prxbc• on 1 2()5 rnlw•d lo m th• •xlwt h•• l uTh1w$tand that Ihis ha5 be•n don• in Mlfrr lor lh• •¢oyJrts lo wo¥•Je a In lair accord•r+ wlth th• G•Mr¥lty A¢cW•d PraciK• •ff•eiN• for pfrrkn t49innw or 1 Juary 2015. L Thjrston FCCA Independent ExanMn•r Lo¥•vell 81ake LLP Ch4rtertd arKnIon1* First Floor Suite 2 Hills Business P•rk Bury Sl Edrnur IP32 7EA

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 305673 Bury St Edmunds District Scout Council 31 March 2024

BURYST EDMUNDS DIST COUTcON_C.1L Acting Dlstrict Commlssloner Dlstrlct Chalrman Dlstrict Treasurer Dlstrlct Secretary DDC Scouts DDC Scouts DESC Commlttee A Miliburn Vacant M Golston Vacant L Foster- Green Swllliams R Butler A Chilestone P Hunt Awade Bankers Barclays Buttermarket Buryst Edmunds Independent Examlner's Lovewell Btake LLP Hiltside Buslness Park Buryst Edmunds Registered Charlty Number 305673

BUDG 2024 2023 Membership subscription Less (Paid out) 64693 40131 31980 8151 37400 27293 5940 DONATIONS Scout shop 6000 OTHER INCOME 600 Capitation refund CAF Donation Legacyfrom estate of John Mann Less p3i(fj to groups Car Parking income 425 390 250 102923 75000 27923 410 6540 34128 36714 CAMPIACTIVITY ACCOUNT District Camps District EventslActivities Scout Summer CamD Water Activities 11521 4874 2717 5840 7567 7300 220 6660 20091 26608 INVESTMENT INCOME Scout Association Investment TOTAL INCOME 60745 56809

.LLLT EDM.VS.DlsIB[CIsCQT CAUIL ND BUDGE[ 2024 2023 1180 Trustees Expenses 1370 Section Expenses 447 558 120 OTHER EXPENSES 1200 St George's Day 500 Training 140 General Insurance & WaterActiVlty Equipment 300 Hire of Rooms 1000 General Expenses Independent Examination fee District Website Grants for World Jamboree 1972 105 710 1091 20 40 167 570 1200 450 1515 5932 2000 6011 6540 CAMPACCOUNT District CamDS District EventslActivities Water Activities Summer Camp Summer Camp deposit 12230 9792 4816 1850 604 7802 5187 1150 29026 20805 TOTAL EXPENSES 34958 26816 O Income over Expenses 25787 29993

Rl TTHE BARCLAY GENERAL ACCOUNT 2024 2023 Receipts Payments 34128 5932 28196 36714 6011 30703 BARCLAYCAMPACCOUNT Receipts Payments 26608 20091 29026 20805 -714 -2418 SCOUT ASSOCIATION DEPOSIT ACCOUNT-Interest 25787 29993 TOTAL CASH AT BANK & OTHER FUNDS BIF CASH AT BANK & OTHER FUNDS CIF 101284 127071 .71291 101284 MONEtARY ASSETS Barclay CommunityAccount Barcla! Camp Account Scout Association Investment Account {This account was closed bythe Scout Association on 12105123 and moneytransferred to our BarclayCommunityAccount) 100051 "70874 29437 973 27020 127071 101284 Figures marked . are incresed by £20 because a cheoue was never presented. The above accounts and accompanying statement of assets an(t Liabilities were approved on behalf of the Trustees on....A.1:fj4.... k4%L52024 Signed A MilLburn Acting District Commissioner M.J.GolSton District Treasurer

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Current Assets- Cash at Bank 127071 .101284 Liabilities- Storage Creditor AccruaLs 1600 1600 570 12816 Deferred Income 39253

Bury St Edmunds District Scout Council Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bury St Edmunds District Scout Council Year ended 31 March 2024 I report to the charity trustees on my examinalion of the financial slalements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the balance sheet, statement of cash flows and the related notes. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the finanoial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Acl 2011 I'lhe Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial slatemenls carried out under section 145 of the Acl and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Act. Independent examineVs ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no material matters have come to my attention in connection with Ihe examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act., or the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounls set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 olher than any requirement Ihal the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Your attention is drawn to the fact Ihal the Charity has prepared the accounls (financial statements) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 in PTeference lo Ihe Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Stalement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepled Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. L Thurslon FCCA Independent Examiner Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants First Floor Suile 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 305673 Bury St Edmunds District Scout Council 31 March 2024