14[TH] Tonbridge Sea Scout Group 2022-23 Annual Report
Our group is in an extremely strong position, we now have over 140 young people across Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Sea Explorers. We are supported by over forty committed leaders and other regular helpers who make it possible to run nearly every day of the week during the boating season. We have regular meetings on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, along with Sunday sailing for Scouts and Explorers at Bough Beech - which is also continuing to grow in popularity.
Our Beaver Colony is now at 22 members. The Beavers take part in wide range of fun and games at the Weir View Hut on a Monday evening, and also get to enjoy going out on the water during the boating season, this includes a water-fights and ice-cream trips to the Country park. Additionally, we now have 3 leaders with Powerboat training and two with SUP training - to broaden the options available to this section.
The Cub Pack enjoyed boating activities including kayaking, motor-boating, Standup paddleboarding and pulling during the summer months, an Autumn Fancy dress party, and a Christmas party at the end of term. They made pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, and created lighted boats for Diwali, and also completed their First Aid badge. Cub Camp was held at Hope Hill for a second year, including backwoods cooking, Air Rifle shooting, Archery and hiking. The pack operates at 22-24 members with some small room from growth.
The Sea Scout Troop have been engaged in the usual wide range of activities during the year, including a weekly Taskmaster challenge, a weekly knot tying contest, an Ice-skating evening for both Scouts and Explorers, and wide games. As well as the Nautical Skills badge-work, they have been enjoying kayaking, rafting, stand up paddling boarding and pulling on the river. We have added an additional 4 leaders to the Friday night team, and 3 have completed Powerboat training to ensure we can provide safe and well presented training on our power boats. The troop is always at capacity with 46 members.
The Explorers completed spring term badge work including First Aid, Lifesaving and Survival Skills, as well as the typical Nautical Skills badge work. 2 of our Explorers attended the World Jamboree in South Korea this year, despite some challenges with the weather and flooding, they had a fantastic experience. The troop is at capacity with 46 members.
Summer Camp for Sea Scouts and Explorers was held at Lymington Sea Scout HQ for a second year. The weather was mixed, meaning our program had to be dynamic! Our Scouts and Explorers enjoyed a program of kayaking, power-boating and sailing, together with a range of land-based activities including tower building, camp fires, cooking and hiking. We took 64 young people and 27 helpers - the plan is similar for 2024.
I am pleased to report that the Group’s financial position remains healthy. Our cash position was £60,000 at 31 December 2022 compared to £67,000 at 31 December 2021, with the reduction due to equipment purchases and activities. We would like to thank the generosity of a number of donors, and we continue to generate other income through fund-raising activities such as the Water Fundays that we organise for Cubs, Scouts and Guides in the District; and also from Gift Aid received on the subs and other donations. Gift Aid remains an important source of income for the Group.
Since we set up the Assistance Fund with the financial support of a benefactor, we have had a number of requests for financial assistance for recurring subs or activities such as Summer Camp that have been approved, and this Fund continues to be available to support Young People and Leaders to participate in all of our activities.
The 14[th] Tonbridge manage the Weir View Hut for the District as well as using it for our own activities. During the year, we have the boiler, doors and locks and installed radiators in the external rooms to the hall.
Once again this year, on behalf of the Group Executive, I would like to thank all of the Leaders, helpers, parents and other volunteers who give so much of their free time, and so much energy to make the 14[th] Tonbridge Sea Scout Group such a wonderful experience for all our Young People.
Our priorities for 2023 are to continue to reinforce the leadership team with new volunteers so that we can continue to deliver the large number of activities that we currently do for the 140 + Young People in our Group.
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the th 14 Tonbridge Sea Scout Group Charlty Number 308284 I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31" December 2022, which comprise the statèment of Financial Activities. the Balance Sheet and related notes. Respe¢11 responslbllftle$ of trustees and examlner The ¢harlty's trustees are responsible for the preparatlon of the accounts. The charlty's trusiees considef that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charitles Act 2011 (the 2011 Aal and ihat an Sndependeni examinatbon is needed. Itls my responslblllty to.. examlne the accounts under sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act,. to follow the prtscedures laid down In the general Dlrectlons given by the Charlty Commission under section 145lSllbl of the 2011 Act- and to state whether partlcular matters have corne to my attention. Bas15 of Independent examlner'5 report My examination was carried out in accordan with the general Directions 8iven by the Charity Commlssion. An examlnatlon includes a review of the accounting Tecord5 kept by the charity and a comparlson of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also Includes consideiation of any unusual items or dlsclosures In the accounts, and seeking explanatlons from you as trustees concernin8 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not prov¢de all the evidence that would be requlred In an audlt and consequently no oplnlon Is glven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and falr vlew, and the report Is Ilmlted to those matters set out In the statement below. Indepèndent emamlner's stslement In connection with my examinatlon. no matter has come to my attentlon: iii whlch gives me reasonable cause to belleve thai In any material respect the requlrements.. to keep attounting records In accordance wlth Section 130 of the 2011 Act- and to prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounting records and comply with the a¢¢ounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or to whlch, In my oplnSon, attention should be drawn In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name". Relevant professional qualification or body.... Address:.......................................-...........-.....-.......-.-.--......................................................................................... Date:...