GSL’s Report – 1[st] Ashtead Scout Group – Malcolm McKee It gives me great pleasure to submit my report for the 2021 AGM as Group Scout Leader of 1[st] Ashtead Scout Group, my tenth annual report in this role. Although we have restarted face to face scouting and are even delivering some camps, this report specifically refers to the period April 2020 to March 2021, where apart from a couple of brief respites, we were restricted to online virtual scouting. It is worth noting that since covid controls have eased our group numbers have been steadily rebounding, and I am confident that we will not show a material reduction in numbers when we complete the census in January 2022 when compared with that of January 2020. A real highlight of 2020 was that 1st Ashtead celebrated its centenary. We celebrated with a weekend-long virtual camp with activities for all sections and an evening of celebration including looking back on 100 years of scouting history and a fun family quiz. Former members joined us and we received messages of support from across the community. Also during 2020, the 1[st] Ashtead executive committee did a fantastic job during the period when we could not use the headquarters of keeping it in a high standard of upkeep, and in particular managed to complete a number of jobs that would otherwise have been disruptive, including a replacement staircase, floor resurfacing, and elecrical works. They also kept the two minibuses in good working order – ready to return to service at any time, and continued to ensure that the headquarters was safe and secure by periodically visiting and inspecting the premises. When we returned in person, the committee also provided periodic deep cleaning, anti-viral fogging, PPE and cleaning materials which we needed to operate safely. I must take the opportunity to thank members of the executive committee for their continued efforts to support the group and the delivery of programme. This leads me to my second strand of discussion and thanks. From the moment we had to adopt virtual scouting, our leaders at 1[st] Ashtead were quick to adapt and initially supported a district-level programme before delivering our own section level virtual programme. We originally estimated that we would have to deliver virtual scouting for 12 weeks, but ended up delivering a full year of termtime virtual scouting and was only possible because of the dedication and creativity of the leaders in all sections. It was during these difficult times that we demonstrated not only a range of individual talents, but also what an amazing team-ethic that 1[st] Ashtead has. We owe the team of dedicated leaders who carried on despite personal challenges a huge vote of thanks. The pandemic is still with us and we cannot afford complacency, but I truly believe that we have kept going through the most difficult times, we can accelerate our way back to normal programme delivery and our best days are ahead. Looking forward to another year of scouting. Malcolm McKee – 1[st] Ashtead GSL Three year census summary ||1st Ashtead (2019)|1st Ashtead (2020)|1st Ashtead (2021)| |---|---|---|---| |Beavers|72|74|78| |Cubs|87|90|75| |Scouts|95|93|107| |Ashtead Explorers|78|85|62| |Adults|52|60|58| |Totals (including exporers)|384|402|380| |Totals (not including explorers)|306|317|318| ## **GROUP CHAIRMANS REPORT 2020 - 2021** I would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL those who freely volunteer their time and expertise to the Group in adult leadership and support roles for their amazing work during this difficult period, and enabling our young membership to continue to receive activities, communication and social interaction, albeit online and in a socially distanced manner. The size of the group membership this year stands at 380 young people and adults and continues to drive a list of financial demands and long term planning which the Group Executive Committee manages in a number of ways. The Group, following its Centenary year, is able to benefit from its new boat store and storeroom facilities and from its upgraded minibus transport. Inside the main building, the floor has been resurfaced, a new staircase has been constructed and electrical work has been carried out. Income generation is always important to us and we receive annual revenues from the hire of the hall to – external groups and from our annual community events the Xmas Fair, Epsom Fireworks, Ashtead Village Day etc. - We are also interested in any parents who can help the Group with ‘fund matching’ opportunities for events and we seek, as always to maximise all parents Gift aid tax refunds on Subscriptions, which can be back dated for several years. Having 100% of our young people’s parents providing us with Gift Aid forms still represents the easiest way for the group to claim £000’s back over a period of several years. I would like to thank all of my colleagues on the Executive Committee for their time, expertise and friendship. Behind the scenes, a lot of work is done week after week, to administer hall rentals, manage the group’s revenue and expenditure, maintain and clean the buildings, update our website and social media and so on. We are always keen to invite new parents onto the Group Executive committee should they want to get involved. Peter Leonard Group Chairman As with all organisations, 20/21 was challenging year for 1st Ashtead Scouts. Gross subs income fell by 23% due to the reduction in annual fees, the decline in numbers and an increase in the number of individuals paying a reduced amount due to difficult financial circumstances. However the amount paid to district / central organisation increased as was budgeted leading to overall reduction of £11,000 or 38%. Gift aid held up well as this is based on prior year subscriptions, but we will see a reduction in this in future years. I would urge all parents and leaders to ensure that we can maximise this amount Donations for hall usage and fundraising both fell by around 90% reducing our income by around £11,000. The above was mitigated by a covid grant from Mole Valley of £10,000 but we still saw an overall fall in income of £12,000 or 22%. Careful management meant that business as usual operating expenses were reduced by £4,000 or 18%. However, specific costs relating to covid such as cleaning and fumigation were almost £2,000. We also took the opportunity of an empty hall to spend money upgrading some of the existing electrical installations and getting the floor professionally sanded and resealed. Overall our net income from operating activities fell by £18,000. Due to this and due to high levels of spend in the previous year, we invested significantly less in capex this year allowing us to generate an overall surplus of £14k for the year to March 21 as a buffer against the future uncertainty at that time. This has enabled us to enter 21/22 in good financial health and in acknowledgment of the tremendous support from parents during the last year we reduced subs by 10% for the current year. Finally I would like to thank John Ashurst for his support and patience whilst reviewing and signing off these accounts 1st ASHTEAD (PELHAM) sco￿ GR