34[th] Reigate (Meadvale) Scout Group Annual General Meeting 17 May 2023
Group Trustee Board Chair Report
2023 is a year of considerable change at the 34[th] , with several people taking on new responsibilities as a few long-standing members of the Group Executive Committee step down from their positions.
In fact, one of the changes we are enacting tonight is that the Group Executive Committee as we have known it for so many years will now be known as the Group Trustee Board.
This change has been put forward by the Scout Association to make it clear that the members of the Trustee Board, including the GSL, Group Chairperson, Group Treasurer, Group Secretary and the Scout, Cub and Beaver Section Leaders are all trustees of the Group as a registered charity.
This does not represent a change in responsibility for the people in each of those posts, as members of the Executive Committee have all been named and have acted as trustees of the 34[th] since their induction in post. However, the change in nomenclature from Group Executive Committee to Group Trustee Board is meant to reinforce those roles as trustees and to make that clear to the community as a whole.
I want to point out that this change is not particular to the 34[th] , but is being adopted by Groups and Districts across the entire UK Scouting movement.
With that, I propose that we formally adopt the name Group Trustee Board to replace the term Group Executive Committee.
REQUEST FOR A SECOND, ASK IF THERE ARE ANY OBJECTIONS, CONFIRM AS ADOPTED
Another formal order of business necessary tonight is the formal adoption of our Constitution as a Scout Group.
This, too, comes as an instruction from the Scout Association to ensure that all Groups have formally taken on a constitution as a set of rules and procedures for operation and governance of the Group.
We have always operated according to the tenets of the constitution as spelled out in the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), but we have not, to my knowledge ever formally adopted the constitution as such.
Accordingly, that is our next order of business. The members of the Trustee Board have all been asked in the last few weeks to review the Constitution text as published in POR, and I now propose its adoption by the Group.
REQUEST FOR A SECOND, ASK IF THERE ARE ANY OBJECTIONS, CONFIRM AS ADOPTED.
Finally on procedural matters, the constitution specifies that in addition to the Ex Officio membership of the Trustee Board – those people who are trustees because of their office with the Group – we confirm a number of elected members of the Trustee Board, who can be nominated at the AGM and voted into membership.
In previous years, we have usually three such elected members, including those people who have led our fundraising efforts, been responsible for maintenance of the hut, and managed issues such as sorting out uniform orders and other matters.
Our current elected members are Caroline Richardson, fundraising lead; and Jonathan Bradbourne, Hut Master. As noted at last year’s AGM, Caroline will be stepping down from the post after the Meadvale Fete. Jonathan has expressed his willingness to remain in post. Nikki Mackay was our third elected member of the Executive Committee providing a range of ad-hoc support on tasks, but she stepped down from that role earlier this year.
POR states that we can have no more than six elected members of the Trustee Board. I would therefore like to propose that we specify three elected posts to the Trustee Board, in keeping with the previous practice of the Group.
REQUEST FOR A SECOND, ASK IF THERE ARE OBJECTIONS, CONFIRM AS ADOPTED
Now that we have addressed those procedural matters, I am glad to report that the 34[th] continues to offer outstanding experiences in Scouting to 80 young people in our community, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our section leaders, ASLs and young leaders.
Thanks to the commitment of our leadership teams and the enthusiasm of our members, we have had plenty of activity and engagement across each of our sections, as will be detailed in James King’s GSL report shortly.
As chairman, it is my responsibility to update you on the overall administrative health of the Group. The team formerly known as Group Executive Committee worked very effectively together over the last year to ensure that sections are supported, vehicles and premises taken care of, uniforms provided and that our paperwork with the Scout Association and the Charities Commission is kept up to date.
As I noted at the start, 2023 is a year of significant change for the Group, with new people taking on key roles. First, I am very glad to welcome Jonathan White, who will be put forward this evening to take on the role of Group Treasurer. A chartered accountant, Jonathan is an experienced financial professional who has helped many businesses prosper and grow. He is also extremely community-minded, having served as a local councillor.
Jonathan will be taking over from Gill Harley, who will be stepping down from the post as of this evening. Gill has been our Group Treasurer for more than five years, and she has done a sterling job managing our accounts. Not only is the Group in good financial health, as Gill will report this evening, but we are in a much tidier administrative state than when she took on the role. Gill, speaking on my own behalf but also as a representative of the Trustee Board and the Group as a whole I want to say thank you for everything you have done for the 34[th] .
Also stepping down from a key role, officially as of this evening, but in practice after the Meadvale Fete on 24 June, is Caroline Richardson. Caroline took over organisation of our fundraising events back in 2019, leading the planning and execution of three Meadvale Fetes and three Christmas Tree sales. Caroline has mobilised volunteers to make these events both fantastic days out and highly successful fundraisers. Our financial health and our ability to make sure that Scouting can be accessible to all owe a great deal to Caroline’s . efforts. Please join me in thanking Caroline for her many contributions to the 34[th]
The post of fundraising lead is now open. We need a volunteer to put themselves forward for election to the Trustee Board for this key role. Thanks to the efforts of Ruth Grey, Amy Miller, Vicky Ward and now Caroline, we have a clear process for pulling together the fete and the Christmas tree sale each year, but we do need a volunteer to drive it. Nominations are most welcome!
Next, I want to welcome Simon Kitchen to the Trustee Board. Simon is an experienced professional and leading strategist in financial markets. Locally, he has served as chairperson of the Friends of Reigate Priory School and he is now taking on the role of Group Chair of the 34[th] . Simon has joined the last two meetings of the Group Executive Committee to become familiar with our operations and he’s spent time getting to know the rest of the leadership team. We are very glad to have him with us. Let’s give Simon a very warm welcome to the Group.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to share a few thoughts as I complete ten years as Chair. I have spent a lot of my time at these meetings and in emails and in conversations encouraging people to get involved with the 34[th] . Of course, we always still need more volunteers, but tonight I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the many people who give so generously of their time and spirit to keep the 34[th] thriving.
James King, you’ve been part of this organisation since you were 6 years old. You started as a Beaver and now you are GSL. Keep ascending the Scouting ranks at this rate and Bear Grylls will need to watch his back. I am hugely grateful to you for stepping up to be our GSL. You’ve brought a commitment to Scouting and to our young people that makes a huge difference.
I also want to express my thanks to Jon Lowther, who served as GSL from 2013-2020. Jon and I came into our posts together and worked very closely over those years. I truly valued Jon’s friendship and partnership, and I am glad that the Lowthers remain both members of the 34[th] and great friends of the Group.
Mark Warner, as both Bandar among the Cubs and as de-facto leader of our Explorer Unit, and the head of the 34[th] Motor Pool, you have been an absolutely crucial member of this team. Not only are you there for every camp and every event, but you always bring enthusiasm, kindness and warmth no matter what the circumstances might be. I have been very grateful to know you. Thank you for all that you do.
Kate Milton, our erstwhile Scout Section leader and one-time Group Secretary, your determination to keep Scouting going strong in our community has been fantastic. You stepped into the breach several years go to get into uniform and support the Cubs – where you did a great job indeed. Then, when our Scout section needed a leader, you took on the
charge. You have helped take Scouts to the next level, providing great experiences for our young people, and doing so with true generosity of spirit. Thank you.
Robert Walker. Baggy, you are the institutional memory and the foundation of the 34[th] . You are the keeper of our kit and the master of our lore. You have seen hundreds of young people through the group over the years. Think how many members of this community have had the chance to learn, grow and have great fun with you over so many years. But your contributions go way beyond Cubs. You are always willing to help every section. You support activity at District and County level. You received the Silver Acorn award for your decades of service to Scouting, and it was more than deserved. Thank you, Robert.
Niklas Richardson, I must confess that I bear a deep resentment toward you. Niklas, like all Beaver leaders, has a section name. Niklas is known to our Beavers as “Eagle.” The majestic lord of the skies. The emblem of freedom, determination, nobility and strength. When leading a section evening back in 2013, I, too was given a moniker by our Beavers, one of whom was my own son. Would I be Bear, Hawk, Wolf, Fox? No, the name bestowed upon me by those youngsters and used for years by some of them: Chicken. So when Nik came along and got Eagle, my hackles were well and truly raised. But Niklas, you have deserved the title indeed. You have been strong in the face of adversity and change. You have kept the Beavers going through challenging times, and most recently, you have rallied together a new team of leaders who will keep the colony thriving. Not only have you led Beavers, but you’ve been a fantastic support to Scouts as well. And, as with all of your fellow section leaders, you do so with so much kindness and warmth. Thank you, Niklas.
There are so many more to whom I am grateful – all of our Leaders and ASLs, past and present, Roger Lee, Ruth Grey, Phill Marks, Simon Kruger, Gulshan Khan, Spencer Mitchell, Liz Timbrell, Liz Sales (may she rest in peace), John Davies, Julian Gribble, Pete Schofield, Nick Wilks, Nicky Shreeve, Kelly Musk, and so many more. Our current and previous Exec members, Gill, Claire Patterson, Richard Cox, Aidan Smithson, John Adams, Alin Memet, Vicky Hookway, Vicky Ward, Teresa Craig, Amy Miller, and others.
I am grateful to the team at District, Alan Osborn, Chris Davis, Margaret Tilford and Adrian Jackson who have provided such helpful guidance, direction and support to the 34[th] .
I’m thankful for our Hut Master Jonathan Bradbourne, who has kept this place standing, and thanks to whom we just had a brilliant turnout of 20+ people for our maintenance day last weekend, all of whom also deserve thanks for doing such a great job.
I have hugely appreciated the commitment and support of so many parents and carers who step up and get involved – in particular, master chef Peter Grey who keeps us all in burgers and buns; Phil & Kerry Rolaston who are always here to lend a hand and helped make summer camp such a success last year. And of course Paula and Dave Munro and Luke and Leila Doughty who can always be counted on to pitch in when things need doing.
All of you, and I’m sure there are more I’ve not mentioned that I should have, have helped keep the 34[th] running and providing the adventure of scouting to so many hundreds of young people for so many years. I have greatly enjoyed serving with such an outstanding group of people.
34th Reigate (Meadvale) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account or rho yoar 0110412022 3110312023 Receipts and payments 2022123 2021122 Unrestrictsd fund¥ R88tri¢td funds Eodowm•nt funds Total funds Total funds Rec•1 ts Donatn$, 1ggacl•• and ¥lmllar In¢ome a762 L¢9$. NknbgrShi>subs¢fiptionstId oo INalongVCountyiArg4lDtrkll N¢irnqmbarshipwbscfy)ns r•ine 8762 3A18 -3420 4420 4675 5342 GfftA $342 448 1867 Dmawons IGBnaiAII 1•7 on4ih)n5 ICAFI 2,197 EO oNier5Jmlgrco 50 Subtotsi 14,140 14,140 Grants OU)Frgr8nts Subtotsi 8,DDO 8ectlon ALiivttle& & CampB 8wrs Cub 2002 2D02 Ek¥bre 910 •io 113 11345 Subtotol 1.691 15,047 1¥.e47 In¥tment inwrne The SCoulAs&1kn ShortTgrm Inv**EI Serv
PropétyR¢ntwKom¢ Clherknvgsffieni Inc(¥ne b tota Total Gmss Income 29,965 29,955 A88etdnd Inv•sknetFt ¥alÈ¥. et¢. Total r¢¢•ipts 29,955 29PSS 14. Oft yoar from 0110412022 To 3110312023 Receipts and payments 2021122 Unre¥trlct8d fvnds Restdcted Endowment Fur•d$ Total fuk)ds Total funds monts Char4t4bl• Payrnenl$ Youth pTogiamme uSU[wild 278 Rent 278 CrAki¢dRetes 23 W&teran¢ 8ewragel5ha Krfthvllageh8111 41D 410 eth¢tyand Gè5 1306 In$uf&nL 130 117 7B2 Repivs am Rvngwai 7B2 Y3 19TS 1075 MBt8rfÈls qwwmgni Fmanrjng tDyts 72 253 42 425 10 ¢8mp costs us 25 25 919 135 2713 42 Subtotal 3,145 Siion AltIeS & CÈmp Be£vetsExpendrtU19 Cubs EyAdMuro
ScwLq Expendwtr 2454 ExprE[sExpedthre 32 Summgr Camp 1NO 1D402 3ubtatsl 15.528 Total Gross Expendllure 2T.160 27.160 Assgt and Inv•stmnl pur¢hasB8. ot 4104 4104 Tot81pyments 31214 31,28 Net offr•celp¢fP&yMefSj TraTh¥fers betwe8n funds -t,3 -1,309 6,296 Cosh fvrbds188t y¢ar end Cash funds ihis ye8r•nd 70,093 63,757 68.784 7D,093 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 31st March 2022 31st March 2023 Ro8trTct¢d Endoviment funds funds Urtr88trictsd fund8 Totsl funds Total funds Catsh funds CUbACnt 2577 SaY9$ActDU GPAcCOUnt CAF Account 429 SQQ25 45.761 2&93 Total ¢48h furtd$ Othèr monetary a¥sets 68, Taxdalm Deb15 duefrom untyiAfean)L5tr1oup knsUrane•¢l Sub total lTrveslmtrTrt a$sts Invè5bnevtWOPWty.d•taH QuolÉd My¢•1 vesbnBni¥- Subtatal Non ntonfrtary as88ts for ¢harfV6 own Bsdgpstock SThOP5tock
r¥tock Land and bulding 2020 Campty Equwntht 103 pquwrneni.knnknre 91¢ Subtotat 14159 12,
Llabllltlès AttOunlsnoly#ipa Eyrt5lS Inv¢dcBd Subatripiionsmtyel pè LDan-dBtrai Oarkablti Subtotal Contlngont Ikibi41tl*ts and future obllgatlons Th& above rec8lpts anrl payments account and statement of a¥set$ and liabllities were approved by th6 Ttll$t80& on 17th May 2023lthe datq of th8 Annual Genèral M98tSng that approved the accounts) and 6ign8d ori thelr behalf by Signature Print Nsme avi ompson GILL Chair Treasurer