## **NOTICE** is given of the **Annual General Meeting (AGM)** of the 

## **1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts Group Council to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams Saturday 11[th] June at 18:30** 

Dear Friends of 1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts, 

In order to ensure the continued good governance of the 1st Swindon Sea Scouts and to comply with Charity Commission Law and the requirements of the Scout Association, the Executive committee is serving notice of this year’s Annual General Meeting. 

We are inviting all those involved and supporting 1st Swindon to log on and ‘attend’ and hope that you will be able to support our AGM.  We expect the formal business to last no more than half an hour. 

We will share a link to allow our members to join us nearer the time. 

We look forward to joining with you. 

Best wishes, 

Sanita Rai **Chair, Executive Committee** 

Catharine Smith 

**Group Scout Leader** 

Charity Commission number: 305941 - www.firstswindon.co.uk 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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## **AGENDA** 

1. Welcome from Group Chair 

2. Apologies 

3. Approval of last year’s A.G.M. Minutes 25[th] June 2021 

4. Presentation of Accounts (Treasurer’s Report) 

5. Chairman’s Report 

6. Approval of nomination of Group Chairman 

7. Election of Group Secretary 

8. Election of Group Treasurer 

9. Appointment of Examiner 

10. Confirm Section Leaders to be Trustees 

11. Election of Parents to serve on the Group Executive 

12. Group Scout Leader (GSL) Report 

13. Section Reports 

14. Guests - District Commissioner (or representative) - Verbal Report 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**Welcome from Group Chair** 

In my second year as Chair, I am happy to announce that we have a thriving, diverse, busy, financially sound and above all, fun group.  I am very happy to report yet another hugely successful Scouting year for all sections of the group. Now that we are out of the strains of the pandemic, our young people have enjoyed activities and events set for them whilst still following post covid safety measures to keep everyone safe. 

With healthy numbers across all sections, we are able to offer the friendship and adventure of Scouting to more local young people. As you will see from the section reports from Beavers through to Explorers, they have achieved a great deal throughout the year. We have a very active programme across all sections, whether at the Wick, at Bowmoor Lake or on one of our annual events - everyone is again, getting out for some great adventures, fun and building skills for life. 

I would like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution of time and enthusiasm given by the various Section Leaders and the parent helpers to this Scout group. I wish to praise the time, energy and enthusiasm put into the group by the Group Scout Leader, Catharine, and all the members of the Executive Committee. The contribution of all of these people to the smooth running of the group is essential and greatly appreciated. Without these leaders and helpers, the groups would not be as successful as it has been over the years and the time and effort put in by these leaders and helpers, far exceeds the time in Section meetings, that is the ‘visible part’ of scouting. We must never forget that they are all volunteers, and that the time and expertise they bring to the group is reflected in the continuing success of scouting in all sections in our group. 

I would like to say a really HUGE ‘THANK YOU’ to our volunteers in all the roles they have and take on from committee members to helpers to leaders and assistants who make this group achieve what it does for the young people and community. 

Our young people are incredible and so are our brilliant volunteers. Again, thank you for all you do to step Scouts up, play their part and gain skills for life. It’s people like you who give their time, commitment and dedication in inspiring a new generation to be confident, take the lead and find their place in the world. We are bringing people together and building a more resilient community. Most of all, we are helping young people to see that anything is achievable and everything is possible. We have been lucky to have supportive parents to allow this to happen. 

Although the AGM was always the point in the year to reflect on the activities of the various sections, financial standing of the group, and election/re-election of volunteers to the Executive Committee, it has also been an opportunity to ask for new volunteers to step forward. We are looking for more adult volunteers to enable us to keep growing the group and provide Scouting in our community.  With more adult support, we would be able to offer a higher quality of scouting. Not only for our current members but for future members too. If you are interested in providing support, please speak with your section Leader or Catharine our Group Scout Leader. 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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We as a Group and Executive are conscious of the fact that everything we do is for the benefit of the young people and it gives us all great pleasure and a sense of achievement when we see such enthusiasm and commitment to Scouting. It is very pleasing to see the Young People take full advantage of everything we are able to offer. 

Finally, I would like to say thank you to the Executive Team for their support and time they have dedicated to the Committee. 

Sanita Rai 

## **Group Chair** 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**AGM Minutes – 25[th] June 2021** 

## **Annual General Meeting** 

## **Teams online meeting – 25[th] June 2021** 

## **ITEMS** 

## **1.0 Welcome by Chairman** 

- 1.1 Due to the COVID 19 pandemic the meeting was held over Teams.  Sanita welcomed parents, helpers, leaders and District representatives to the AGM for 1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts. 

- 1.2 As the previous year and to be more environmentally and sustainably friendly, copies of the agenda would be made available to anyone who requested one. 

## **2.0 Apologies** 

- 2.1 Apologies received from Delcia 

## **3.0 Minutes of last AGM** 

- 3.1 Previous AGM minutes were approved as an accurate account of proceedings 

## **4.0 Presentation of Accounts** 

- 4.1 The annual Financial Report was available for reference within the AGM pack. 

- 4.2 Overall the Group funds are in a healthy position with full reserves as required by the Charity Commission and funds being held for the future extension of The Wick.  We did take a hit on not being able to run the annual scout post however we are so thankful to all parents for continuation of monthly subs. 

- 4.3 Gift aid and grants received will appear in the 2022 AGM report and we also signed up for easy fund raising via Amazon Smile 

- 4.4 The accounts have been fully audited and approved. 

## **5.0 Chairman’s Report** 

- 5.1 The full report was available within the AGM pack. 

- 5.2 COVID-19 has caused it fair share of problems meaning that with all sections remain full and as a direct result we are currently unable to move children between the different sections.  Due to hitting maximum capacity and we continue to hold waiting lists to which parents will be contacted when spaces become available.  A special thank you for all of the hard work of the leaders and helpers. 

- 5.3 We still would like to recruit more parent helpers, Executive Members and Leaders to support the Group, please contact Sanita or a member of the executive team if you would like to help out. 

## **6.0 Nomination of Group Chairperson** 

- 6.1 Sundar announced that he was standing down from the role of group chairperson. Sanita was nominated and seconded as Group Chairperson. 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**ITEMS** 

## **7.0 Election of Group Secretary** 

- 7.1 Chris Williams was nominated and seconded as Group Secretary 

## **8.0 Election of Group Treasurer** 

- 8.1 Sarune Valentaite was nominated and seconded as Group Treasurer 

## **9.0 Appointment of Examiner** 

- 9.1 The Examiner of accounts with be confirmed nearer the time as per previous years. 

## **10.0 Confirm Section Leaders to be Trustees** 

- 10.1 The Group Scout Leader, Assistant Group Scout Leaders and all Section Leaders have confirmed and agreed to be Trustees for the Group. 

## **11.0 Elections of Parents to Serve on the Executive** 

## **12.0 Group Scout Leader Report** 

- 12.1 The Full report was available within the AGM pack. 

- 12.2 Catharine thanked all the leaders for their hard work and dedication and also for their support to deliver fantastic ideas and amazing programs working through COVID-19 to continue to deliver a service to our Scout troop.  Thank you to all our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers for sticking with the virtual meetings at a time when Children needed Scouts more than ever.  Also a thank you to the Executive Team for playing such an active role in supporting the leaders when face to face meetings were not possible.  Finally a thank you to Kelvin, District Commissioner and also to Bryan. 

## **13.0 Section Reports and Awards** 

- 13.1 All section reports were available within the AGM Pack 

- 13.2 Section leaders provided a written summary and overview of their years with special thanks to their section leaders, parents and all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers for a successful year. 

## **14.0 District Commissioner** 

- 14.1 District Commissioner offered his thanks to all concerned for their hard work throughout the year and support of the Group. 

- 14.2 Further congratulations and recognition were provided for all of those that received awards, recognition and badges throughout the year. 

Meeting Formally Closed at 7:15pm 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**Trustees’ Annual Report for the year to 31 March 2022** 

## **1[st] Swindon Sea Scout Group** 

## **Section A Objectives and activities** 

The objectives of the group is as a unit of the Scout **Summary of the objects of the** Association. **charity set out in its governing document The purpose of scouting** Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Overall, the group has gained 13 Bronze, 10 Silver over **Summary of the main activities** the course of the year. **in relation to these objects** Group numbers have dropped slightly due to disruption of leadership team for Michigan Colony. The group has had challenges this year that really do not need mentioning, I have been very proud of the Leadership and Exec for their support during the year. We are starting to stabilise and looking forward to 2022/2023. Flexible volunteering is the main focus of the Scout Association, this can only happen with more  leaders in our sections, this makes it easier to manage work / life balance for everyone. This is always an ongoing process but the more parental support we have with people stepping up to Section Assistants, Exec, Skill Instructors and Leader roles the more active a programme and positive message in the community we make. As a volunteer for 15 years with the group it is time that I take a step back I will remain as a County Training Adviser but will not have an active executive role within the group after the AGM. I would like to thank all of you (past and present) for your support, but it never stops so please continue to support. Finally I would like to say thank you to Kelvin King and the District for their support with the group. The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity **Public Benefit** Commission guidance on Public Benefit on deciding what activities the charity should undertake. Membership subscriptions are charged to cover the immediate running costs of the Group and these do not unduly restrict membership.  The Group follows the principle that no one should be excluded because of their 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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## inability to pay membership subscriptions 

Two key principles demonstrate scouting’s aims are for the public benefit are that through the scout method young people develop towards their full potential and there is a clear link between the benefits for young people and the purpose of scouting.  The safety of young people is taken very seriously and the benefits scouting activities provide far outweigh the risks.  Any private benefits from scouting are incidental, other than to those as beneficiary. 

## **Section B Achievements and performance** 

The charity has enjoyed another busy year following **Summary of the main** restrictions being lifted. Our young people continue to **achievements of the charity** enjoy events put on and achieving their awards. They **during the year** have participated in charity fund raising which was organised and led by our Scouts. Our young people continue to learn and achieve through resources made available to them. 

|**Section C**<br>**Financial review**||
|---|---|
|**Policy on Reserves**|The Group policy on reserves is to hold sufficient<br>resources to continue the charitable activities of the<br>district should income and fundraising activities fall short.<br>The Group Executive Committee considers that the group<br>should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs,<br>approximately<br>The Group held free reserves of approximately £8000.00<br>against this atyear-end|
|**Further financial review details**|The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in<br>longer term investments. The Group has therefore<br>adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its<br>funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream<br>banks or buildingsocieties|



|**Section D**<br>**Structure, governance and management**|**Section D**<br>**Structure, governance and management**|
|---|---|
|**Type of governing document**|The Group governing documents are those of The Scout<br>Association.  They consist of a Royal Charter, which in<br>turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association<br>and The Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout<br>Association|
|**How the charity is constituted**|The Group/District/Area/County is a trust established<br>under its rules which are common to all Scouts.|
|**Trustee selection methods**|The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the<br>Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.|
|**Additional governance issues**|The Group is managed by the Group Executive<br>Committee, the members of which are the “Charity|



1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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Trustees” of the Scout Group that is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities.  This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as applicable The committee consist of 10 Independent members who meet 6 times a year **Ex – officio** Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Group Scout Leader **Nominated  2 Elected Members 2** This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Leaders in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of Group property; The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment Group public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected. The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered 

## **Section E Reference and administration details** 

|**For the period**|31/03/2021 – 31/03/2022|
|---|---|
|**Charity Name**|1stSwindon Sea Scout Group|
|**Charity Number**|305941|
|**Charity’s principal address**|7 HATFIELD CLOSE, SWINDON, SN25 1UY|



**Section F Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

Page 9 of 29 



||**Trustee Name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for**<br>**whole year**|
|---|---|---|---|
|1|Sanita Rai|Chairperson||
|2|Christopher Williams|Secretary||
|3|Sarune Valentaite|Treasurer||
|4|Catharine Smith|GSL||
|5|Lucy Schofield|Finance Chair||
|6|Carl Steckerl|||
|7|Jacqueline Stevens|||
|8|Mark Crossland|||
|||||
||**Nominated**|||
||Tracy Hatton|||
||Noria Hussain|||
|||||
||Elected|||
||Tracy Hatton||01/01/2022|
||Noria Hussain||01/01/2022|



## **Names and addresses of advisers** 

|**Type of advisor **|**Name**|**Address**|
|---|---|---|
|IndependentExaminer|SueHeath|104 Avonmead, Swindon, SN25 3PS|




1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

Page 10 of 29 



Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees o11st Swbndon Sea SGouts group
I teport on Ihe accounts of the tharity for the year ended 31* Maich 202L￿ ale sel out on
pages 1 to 3.
Respective responsibilrties ol trustees and exarniner
The charrty's I￿slee$ are re5ponsitAe for Ihe preparat￿n olthe accounts The charity's Iruslees
consjderthal an audrf is not required for th￿ year under secb.on 144121 oflhe chanb.es Act 2011
{Ihe 2011 Act} and that an independent examinatbon L% needed.
11 is my responsibilrty to".
examine Ihe accounts under sectKJn 145 of the 2011 ￿.
fdl¢Mv the wocedures laid down in the general DireL*"¢Ms gfven by the Chanty
Comrnission under 5ecb.on 14515Mbl ofthe 2011 ￿. and
slate whelhei pawlicular mattews have come to rny attenlion.
Basis of independent examin*s report
My examinats.on was carnied out in accordance with Ihe general Directiong given by Ihe Chanty
Cotntnission. An exatninat'on includes a ieview of the accounting iecoids kept by the chatty
and a comparison of the accounts piesenled wrth those ietords. 11 also includes consideialion
ol any unusual rtems or d￿￿osUre5 in the ￿ seeking eX￿ana￿.0nS from you as
trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures unoertaken do not provide all the
ev1¢Jen￿ that woul(J be required in an audrt and consequently no Opini￿ is gNen ￿ lo whelhei
the accounts present a Yrue and fair vithW_ and the ieport is liffliie¢J lo those maltets sel out in
the slalemenl below.
Inde￿ndent examinefs StateMe￿t
In Ccffinec1￿ wth my examinats"￿, no matter has c(ffie lo my attent￿..
which gNes me ieasonabbe cause to belI￿e that in any rnatewial respect the
requirement5".
to keep accounting recotds in accordance th section 130 of the 2011 ￿. and
to prepare accounts which accord with the acc￿ntsng records and comwy wlh the
accounb.ng requirernents ofthe 2011 Acl
have not been mel., or
lo which, in my wnlon, attenb.on should be dravm in order to enable a propel
undetslanding ofthe account5 to be reathed.
24 /5/2022
L)N2s sfs
1st Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, Il" June 2022
Page 11 of29

**Treasurers Report for the year to 31 March 2022** 

With the slight reduction of members of the Group in the last year, we remain in a good monetary position with minimum overheads and our financial focus is providing excellent Scouting opportunities to our members. 

We have continued to make progress towards our building extension goal and have £48,800 ring fenced and allocated to this.  We will be looking to apply for further grants in the near future to contribute more to our building fund so work can commence.  If any parents would like to nominate our Group for a fundraising event or corporate donation/grant we would be most appreciative.  These contributions will make a real difference and bring us closer to having a meeting place to suit our needs. 

This year we have received various grants from Swindon borough council to help us with Covid-19 expenses and to get back to face to face meetings. 

As we are a Charity, we are able to claim Gift Aid on your subs, which gives us an extra 25% income.  Thank you to all who have opted in to Gift Aid via our record keeping system My.Scout.  If you have not signed up and would like to, please ask your section Leader who can arrange for the link to be sent to you. 

Sarune Valentaite 

**Group Treasurer** 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

Page 12 of 29 



## **1st Swindon Sea Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account** 

Year start date Year end date **For the year 01/04/2021 To 31/03/2022 from** 

## **Receipts and payments** 

**2021/22 2020/21 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds £ £** 

**Receipts** 

|**Receipts**|**2021/22**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**||**2020/21**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**Donations, legacies and similar income**||<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>||
|Membership subscriptions|**13,380**||**12,604**|
|Less:Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District)|**-**<br>**4,440**||**-**<br>**4,444**|
|Net membership subscriptions retained|**8,940**||**8,160**|
|Donations|**495**||**43**|
|Legacies|**-**||**-**|
|Gift Aid|**6,741**||**-**|
|Other similar income - Boat sale|**-**||**-**|
|**Sub total**|**16,176**||**8,202**|
|**Grants**||||
|Start up Grants|**-**||**-**|
|Other grants|**18,668**||**2,382**|
|**Sub total**|**18,668**||**2,382**|
|**Fundraising (gross)**||||
|Scout Post|**2,470**||**-**|
|Bag Packing|**-**||**-**|
|Badges|**-**||**-**|
|Activities / Events|**4,243**||**-**|
|**Sub total**|**6,713**||**-**|
|**Investment income**||||
|Bank interest|**5**||**22**|
|Building Society interest|**-**||**-**|
|The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service|**-**||**-**|
|Property Rent income|**-**||**-**|
|Other investment income|**-**||**-**|



1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**Sub total** 

**5 22** 

## _**Total Gross Income**_ 

## **Asset and investment sales, etc.** 

## _**Total receipts**_ 

||**41,562**||**10,606**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
||**-**||**-**|
|||||
||**41,562**||**10,606**|



## **Receipts and payments** 

|**Payments**|**2021/22**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>**8,452**<br>**230**<br>**1,175**<br>**525**<br>**2,288**<br>**-**<br>**2,681**<br>**-**<br>**5,902**<br>**21,254**<br>**-**<br>**1,132**<br>**-**<br>**1,132**<br>**22,386**<br>**-**<br>**22,386**<br>**19,176**<br>**56,152**|**2020/21**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|
|**Charitable Payments**|||
|Youth programme and activities|**8,452**|**3,852**|
|Adult support and training|**230**|**-**|
|Badges|**1,175**|**619**|
|Rent|**525**|**525**|
|Premises|**2,288**|**2,423**|
|Premises building project|**-**|**-**|
|Insurance|**2,681**|**2,571**|
|Admin|**-**|**-**|
|Grants|**5,902**|**-**|
|**Sub total**|**21,254**|**9,990**|
|**Fundraising expenses**|||
|Activities|**-**|**-**|
|Scout Post|**1,132**|**-**|
|Other fundraising costs|**-**|**-**|
|**Sub total**|**1,132**|**-**|
|**_Total Gross Expenditure_**<br>**Asset and investment purchases, etc.**<br>**_Total payments_**<br>**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**<br>**Cash funds last year end**|||
|||**9,990**|
||||
|||**-**|
||||
|||**9,990**|
||||
||**19,176**|**616**|
||**56,152**|**55,536**|



1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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_**Cash funds this year end**_ 

**75,328** 

**56,152** 

## **Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year** 


|**Statement of assets and liabilities at the**<br>**end of the year**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2021/22**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>**23,690**<br>**2,766**<br>**48,872**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**75,328**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**400**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**251,825**<br>**-**<br>**21,888**<br>**12,421**<br>**286,535**|**2020/21**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**|
|**Cash funds**|||
|Bank current account|**23,690**|**5,053**|
|Bank deposit account (Events Account)|**2,766**|**2,232**|
|Bank savings account (ring fenced building fund)|**48,872**|**48,867**|
|Building society account (ringfenced building fund)|**-**|**-**|
|The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service|**-**|**-**|
|Cash/Floats|**-**|**-**|
|**Total cash funds**|**75,328**|**56,152**|
|**Other monetary assets**|||
|Tax claim|**-**|**-**|
|Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group|**-**|**-**|
|Insurance claim|**-**|**-**|
|**Sub total**|**-**|**-**|
|**Investment assets**|||
|Investment property - detail|**-**|**-**|
|Quoted investments|**-**|**-**|
|Other investments - detail|**-**|**-**|
|**Sub total**|**-**|**-**|
|**Non monetary assets for charity's own use**|||
|Badge stock|**400**|**400**|
|Shop stock|**-**|**-**|
|Other stock|**-**|**-**|
|Land and buildings|**251,825**|**260,149**|
|Motor vehicles|**-**|**-**|
|Scouting equipment, furniture etc|**21,888**|**20,055**|
|Sailing and Kayaking Equipment|**12,421**|**13,516**|
|**Sub total**|**286,535**|**294,391**|
|**Liabilities**|||



1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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|Accounts not yet paid|**-**|<br>|**-**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Expenses incurred but not invoiced|**-**||**-**|
|Subscriptions not yet paid|**-**||**-**|
|Loan - detail|**-**||**-**|
|Other liabilities|**-**|||
|**Sub total**|**-**||**-**|



## **Contingent liabilities and future obligations** 

**The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 24th May 2022 and signed on their behalf by** 


1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

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**Group Scout Leaders Report** 


Overall, the group has gained 13 Bronze, 10 Silver over the course of the year. 

Group numbers have dropped slightly due to disruption of leadership team for Michigan Colony. 

The group has had challenges this year that really do not need mentioning, I have been very proud of the Leadership and Exec for their support during the year. We are starting to stabilise and looking forward to 2022/2023. 

Flexible volunteering is the main focus of the Scout Association, this can only happen with more leaders in our sections, this makes it easier to manage work / life balance for everyone. 

This is always an ongoing process but the more parental support we have with people stepping up to Section Assistants, Exec, Skill Instructors and Leader roles the more active a programme and positive message in the community we make. 

As a volunteer for 15 years with the group it is time that I take a step back I will remain as a County Training Adviser but will not have an active executive role within the group after the AGM. 

I would like to thank all of you (past and present) for your support, but it never stops so please continue to support. 

Finally, I would like to say thank you to Kelvin King and the District for their support with the group. 

Catharine Smith 

## **Group Scout Leader** 

1[st] Swindon Sea Scouts AGM Pack, 11[th] June 2022 

Page 17 of 29 



**Section Reports:  Ontario Beaver Colony** 



## **ONTARIO** 




This year has brought Scouting back into its own, with Beavers taking up Camping and getting back on the water with enthusiasm and positivity. We continued to be at full capacity with consistently 24 Beavers which is fantastic! We watched many of the Beavers move onto Cubs with their Chief Scout Bronze Award in their hands. Moving from virtual to face to face presentations was seamless and each as important as the other. With six Chief Scout Bronze Awards and 152 badges presented in five months! 

We have seen a change in leadership as the year has progressed with the departure of our Assistant Leader Terry King who has taken on a new role with our oldest members as assistant Leader in Explorers. I would like to thank Terry for all the support he has given both Beavers and the leadership. He is always willing to lend a hand and has shown many beavers that they can achieve their full potential. We wish him every success in Explorers, we know that he will be an asset to the group and will enhance the Explorers time with us. 

As you are all aware there has been other changes within Ontario, so this report reflects this. With a change in leadership this report has been jointly written with both present and past leaders who have provided a wonderful experience for all Beavers. 

On this note I would like to add a personal thank you to all the leaders I have worked with and who have supported me through my journey. Terry King, David McGaw and Tersia Hall, started the year with me. They are the best team I could have, who have shown me what a team that works well together can achieve, they have been reliable and positive throughout the year. They are amazing! Joined by Tracy Hatton and Sharon Lakey who very quickly gelled with the team which very quickly became a family. I was sad to leave these wonderful people after 7 years as I made my transition to Scouts and Explorers but feel honoured that I had the opportunity to work with them all. Ontario Beavers will always bring a smile to my face, and I have so many wonderful memories to remind me how wonderful those little Blue Ninja’s and their parents are. This brings me to the parents, what can I say! Whenever I needed a hand, parents were there, both physically and emotionally. Thank you all for making my time in Beavers a fantastic one! – Jackie Stevens 

So here is a snapshot of the year which I will begin and hand over to Tracy to continue! We managed to achieve three camps over the year Cranham, Chilton and Bowmoor pirate camp where the Beavers put behind their anxieties and pushed themselves to participate in many activities on land and water. It was amazing to see Beavers who have never camped 

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before, get stuck into all aspects of the camp supported by older Beavers who really showed their skills. Those days of practicing knots and working as a team really can to light, showing that the Beavers listened well. 






We went on hikes, working out routes and exploring the countryside around us. For me, a game of busy bee where a Beaver chased me to sting me comes to mind (you will know who you are) we laughed as he caught us. 

We have had many experiences including trampolining, circus skills, martial arts and cycling, those little blue ninjas’ just keep on going…. We are so proud of what you have all achieved. 




So on to the second chapter of this report which must start with the most heartful of thankyou's to Jackie Stevens for her time and dedication to the Ontario Beavers section. The past seven years have been full of adventure, fun learning, and laughter that many of the current past and no doubt future leaders own children have been lucky enough to have experienced. Our current team can only hope to continue the legacy that Jackie has left but as I am sure the whole current team will agree she has given us the best foundation we could ask for and has offered all of us excellent guidance as we start our own leadership journeys! Thankyou Jackie for everything you have given to Ontario! You too have been AMAZING! 

As Ontario has navigated through the initial reopening of indoor scouting and back to a ‘normal’ programme we have been fantastically supported by Noria Hussain as our stand in leader. Noria has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from many years leading in another Swindon group, and she has supported both Sharon and Tracy as they both have started and continued their Leadership journeys. We are grateful to have been continuously supported by Tersia Hall section assistant and David McGaw assistant leader to the current day and we have also welcomed Amy Axford to the team as a fabulous Section Assistant. We are also lucky to still have the offer of help from many of our parents and we look forward to working with you more in the next year as the adventure continues! 

Over the last 8 months under the new leadership team Ontario have had a wealth of exciting experiences including amongst other things Bowling, Adventure golf, Stargazing, Hikes to Stanton Park and Nightingale Woods (including an investiture in the woods!), Team games, experiments, plant growing, cooking, first aid, stamp selling, Scout post, Drumming, and bug house building! 

We have visited Aqualush to look at reptiles, insects, spiders and fish, Stratton fire station where we were lucky to watch the Firefighters called out to an emergency and our local church to take part in a remembrance session. We have also had some amazing visitors including Dave a British Airways pilot, Charlotte an Astronomer, Ian an archaeologist and a drummer who taught us to play the African drums! 

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We have been amazed by the resilience of the children who make us smile every session – they have been exceptional to work with both at The Wick and when out visiting and we continue to be proud of everything they are achieving. This year alone we have seen all our departing Beavers achieving their Bronze despite the unavoidable restrictions to our programme and our ability to meet in person over the year. In fact, since September our Beavers have achieved 4 Bronze, 41 challenge badges and over 250 other badges!! What an achievement Ontario! Well done! 

We cannot wait to make some more memories with you all but for now a picture says a thousand words so we will leave you with a short video of some of the fun times we have had 2021-2022! 

Enjoy! 

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**Section Reports:  Michigan Beaver Colony** 

## Michigan 


This year we said goodbye to Mark Edwards as our Section Leader, I have supported the colony during this year with a big thank you to Claire Brewster, Noria Hussain and John Smith for their support. 

Squirrel – ADC Beavers -  Jo Prior has also supported the Colony and a big thank you. 

We are starting to develop a team but early stages and a lot more events are being planned with Ontario to support and develop the leadership team. 

A big thank you to David Wohlgemuth, Natalie Wiles and Mike Voong who have started to support the Colony and are becoming Section Assistants. 

Max Warren also joined the colony as a Young Leader which give sour older age group to train and becoming leaders of the future. 

Over the year we have focussed on activity badges including Health and Fitness, Emergency Aid Stage 1, Safety, as well as awarding 3 Bronze Awards. 

Thank you. 

Catharine Smith 

## **Group Scout Leader** 

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**Section Reports:  Drake Cub Pack** 



In April 2021 we were coming out of lock down (again). We started the term with remote Teams meetings. We met all of the Cubs pets and completed the animal carer badge and then learned about how plants grow and we grew sunflowers again for the gardening badges. Then with the weather improving and COVID restrictions easing we planned the rest of the term to be outside. We managed the usual hikes and games (socially 



distanced) in the park and even went bug hunting In Coate Water. We squeezed in a visit to Royal Wootton Bassett Cricket and finished the term with a visit to Jungle Parc and a McDonalds picnic at Lydiard Park. 

With COVID restrictions being further reduced after the summer we were able to plan our camp at Cranham and had a successful ‘back to basics’ camp in early October even if it was a but muddy…..  During the term we were able to start to meet inside again and had a mixture of activities covering Our Skills and Teamwork challenge badges as well as enjoying a Christmas party at ATB Skate Park. 



And so into 2022 when life seems relatively normal again. We ran a programme with a mixture of being inside and outside and managed to have some hikes, visit to the fire station, cooking pancakes and celebrate St Patricks Day, litter pick in the park and once again enjoy our own eggstravaganser. 

The District Bowling event ran in 2022 once again although in a slightly different format with the Packs taking part bowling on their own evenings rather than a single large event. I am pleased to say that Fletcher managed to win the whole event with his score of 113 being the highest of all of the Cubs. Fletcher got a winner’s trophy and had his name on the District one which he can keep a year and until the next event. 

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Our year and report ends at Easter but I would like to mention that we are looking forward to camping at Woodhouse Park in May, taking part in the District Scrap Heap challenge and District Orienteering and generally being able to do the things we haven’t been able to do over the last 2 years. 

The Drake Cub pack continues to be a busy one, run by Vicky, Luke, Nick and myself as leaders and joined by Jamie as our young leader. We typically have around twenty Cubs in the pack. 

During the year, we continue to make use of our Facebook page to share information and to keep everyone updated. 

Each week, Cubs needs planning and organising and so I would like to thank Vicky, Luke, Nick and Jamie along with the parents who have all helped over the past year. 

Once again thank you for your help and support. 

Carl, Vicky, Luke, Nick and Jamie **Drake Cub Leadership Team** 

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**Section Reports:  Nelson Cub Pack** 

What a great year of adventures we have had. 

We finished our virtual programme and moved into the great outdoors come rain or shine. The cubs have had a year of a varied exciting program, which has included cooking, a murder mystery in which some cubs terrified the leaders with their interrogation skills, DIY, a fabulous stop motion for Flanders Fields for Remembrance Day, athletics, money skills, digital maker and paddle sports with some taking to kayaking like ducks to water. 

We have managed some great outings. Highlights have to be the Fire station where we almost lost a leader to a new career and going into the vault room of Metro bank whilst working on the money badge. A first for us, and Rockstar was investing a cub whilst she sat at the top of a tower at a climbing session; strengthening the belief that scouting is for everyone, everywhere. 

The cubs have welcomed a variety of visitors to the Wick and have welcomed them with impeccable manners and inquisitive minds. Two famous palaeontologists came to show us all things dinosaur related, a very loud African drumming session, karate sessions with high kicks and a stargazer with an abundance of knowledge. 

We have actively tried to get the cubs to renew some lost skills with most now able to rewire plugs, change fuses, use screwdrivers safely and use saws and drills to create bird-feeders. 

Under Catherine’s strong guidance the pack has strengthened their leadership team recruiting new leaders and are greater supported by parent helpers. She is still an active pair of hands whenever the pack needs and comes smiling and willing to help at camps. As she steps further away from this role her presence is noticed and missed. 

As covid rules relaxed Nelson Pack managed to take part in the district cubs bowling event bringing home the trophy for 3’rd place. A wonderful achievement because it’s the skill we are most proud of them for. Working as a team. 

We have managed to get the cubs out under canvas for a great camp at Chiltern farm where all became experts at pioneering projects. The long-awaited return to camping was loved by all leaving the cubs left hungry for more. 

We cannot run the section without parental support and a big thank you to the parents who help support the pack to allow us to give the children what we hope is a fun and varied scouting programme. 

This year we have had the pleasure of 3 Young Leader to come and help out. They bring with them great enthusiasm and fantastic games skills. They have taken to the challenge of starting to program plan and adding a wonderful sparkle to the sessions. 

A big thank you to: Maddie, Elliott and Billie 

This year’s leaders have been: Sally, Jack, Louise, Catherine and Noria (Akela) Section Leader. 

Sally completed training and was awarded her Wood Beads and all others are persevering working through modules. 

I would like to say a big thank you to the Nelson team, who support the Cubs but also a special mention to the Ontario team and Lucy who help support, help organise events and provide seamless transitions for Beavers going to Cubs 

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We have managed to get 4 Cubs to leave with silver awards and the other 3 should hopefully achieve them shortly in scouts. We have also handed out 41 challenge badges and 200 other badges. The cubs have risen to the challenge of the new you shape badges with our first handed out for exceptional leadership skills. 

As the pack goes from strength to strength getting more involved in the community and shining we welcome any new parents who wish to take a more active part and come and enjoy shaping the future of the next generation. 

Noria and Sally as well as our Young Leaders, Jack and Maddie. 

## **Nelson Cub Pack Leadership Team** 






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**Section Reports:  Scout Troop** 


## **Swallow Scouts** 

The Scouts have seen many changes this year with the return of Summer and Winter seasons being split between the Wick and Bowmoor. The disruption of being off the water has had its impact and we feel like we are starting again. Summer 2021 introduced many new Scouts to the water, and they participated in Sailing and Kayaking. Many completed their paddle start award for kayaking. 


To support the scouts, a new system was introduced, of a RYA camp at Bowmoor over a weekend it was planned over summer 2021 and introduced in spring 2022. It was greeted, with perseverance, commitment, resilience and of course fun! A remarkable success for all, which we plan to continue. This has put the scouts in a better position to start sailing again. 

The end of the summer season also sadly saw the passing of the Scout leader Paul Stevens, it is with great sadness we say goodbye and thank you for all that you have done for the Scouts and the group, you will be missed. ‘The best kind of Scout leader doesn’t tell Scouts what to do, he gives them just enough so they can work the problem through.’ Thank you, Paul, for being the best kind of Scout Leader! 

The Scouts continued their journey with the support of the summer Scout leaders and Catharine our GSL who stepped in to lead sessions in navigation, safety, and many hikes. They took the reins to ensure that the Scouts were able to attend their planned trip to PGL, a fun time was had by all those who participated. 

We looked towards the stars for our Astronautics and Astronomers badges making telescopes and constellations. While also learning to cook for ourselves in preparation of summer camps. Menus were planned and practiced. Tents were put up and camp safety reinforced, we were ready for summer! 

We finished our time at the Wick by holding a cake sale to raise funds for the people in Ukraine. The Scouts gave the ideas, planned, and organised the event. The money they raised was doubled by the executive committee, so that they now have £800 which will be presented to a Ukrainian Scout group which we intend to ask to join us in a camp at Bowmoor. They will be able to experience water activities with our group. 

I would like to say a special thank you to the young leaders in Scouts who approach the sessions with enthusiasm and ideas. The scouts look up to them as role models and have trust in them, a great example of this is a scout who was anxious about sailing who said they would only sail if they could be in with him (pointing at a young leader) what better recognition could you get! The young leaders have taught me to play Dungeons and Dragons, shared jokes and experiences as well as passing on important skills to the younger members of the group. Thank you Samuel, Bill and Jamie, you are all great leaders for the future! 

The Scouts are lucky to have a winter and summer leadership group who often cross over to support where needed. The commitment shown from these leaders is enormous, they give up their summer break to allow us to run through-out the summer. I would like to thank the summer team Gavin Cox assistant scout leader, Mike Godwin assistant scout leader, James Relph water skills instructor, Ben Gough water skills instructor, Andy Rolfe water skills 

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instructor, Alex Odell water skills instructor. Without the knowledge and experience of which we would be unable to run sessions at Bowmoor. Thank you winter leaders (who also support the summer team) David McGaw for stepping in as assistant leader, Lucy Schofield who will be moving from parent helper to section assistant as will Jo Phelps and Rhys Bestwick for taking on the role of section assistant. I would also like to thank the Explorer leadership team who support us on the water, Terry King Explorer assistant leader, Evie Lawrence section assistant and Tom Lawrence section assistant. Finally, thank you Charlotte King and Carla Carter who have taken on the role of tuck shop planners, organisers, and stock takers. If I have missed anyone, I apologise but as you can see, we have a large scout team. 

I am immensely proud of the Scouts who have shined through all the difficulties of the last year. They have shown great resilience, empathy, and respect for others. I have watched them change and grow over this year showing a profound sense of humour and adventure. I look forward to collaborating with them over the year ahead. 

Jackie Stevens, David McGaw, Lucy Schofield, Rhys Bestwick and Jo Phelps 

## **Scout Leadership team** 

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**Section Reports:  Poseidon Explorers Scout Unit** 


The Poseidon Explorers Unit never cease to amaze me. They continue to be a strong and positive group with tons of ideas and the ability to implement them! 

As you will be aware, Explorers plan their own programme, which is varied and imaginative. Over the year they have reinforced fire skills, taken part in a murder mystery, games nights, I am a celebrity, food tasting and a baking night. They have planned, prepared and lead hikes in a variety of places and that is just the start. Explorers not only camped while taking part in their RYA training but also camped on a passport to support leaders with boat maintenance. 

They play an important part in the remembrance parade where they lead the district scouting groups while carrying the flag. Explorers also take on young leader roles within the sections, at present we have six young leaders who we hope will become our future leaders. 

Of course, the Explorers take part in many activities away from the Wick, bouldering, Ninja warrior, bowling, laser quest, escape rooms and frisbee sessions with the district team. Not forgetting the role, they play to support the Scouts on the water during our summer season. 

We have seen many changes in Explorers with many young people reaching the age of eighteen, three of which have become leaders in the younger sections. I am so proud that these young people are passing their skills onto our younger members. They are a brilliant example of what can be achieved. We have had six explorers gain their Platinum awards and seven gain their Diamond award. This is a massive achievement! 

I would like to thank Terry King Assistant Leader, Tom, and Evie Lawrence our soon to be Section Assistants for all the time and energy that they put into enabling the explorers to achieve their aims. Without the dedication of these leaders, we would be unable to run the activities that we do. I would also like to say thank you for stepping in at the last minute when I needed time off. 

Finally, thank you to all the parents for supporting us throughout the year! 

## **Poseidon ESU leadership team, Jackie Stevens, Terry King, Tom, and Evie Lawrence** 

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