1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2026
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Section A – Reference and administration details
Charity name: 1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group (“the Group”) Charity registration number: 505048 HQ registration number: 10015007 Contact address: c/o Neil Garnham 34 Churchgate Goosnargh Preston PR3 2BD
Members of the Trustee Board (members served for the whole year, unless otherwise stated)
Nik Birkby Chair Steve Pike Group Lead Volunteer (from 2 June 2025) Harvey Hamilton-Thorpe Group Lead Volunteer (until 2 June 2025), then Group Secretary Neil Garnham Group Treasurer Becky Clayton Tom Elcomb Sarah Halliwell James Halliwell Cath Joyce Cheryl Grindrod Steve Pike
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Section B – Structure, governance and management
Governing document:
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Constitution:
The Group is a charitable trust, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (‘the Charity Commission’) and established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts.
Selection of trustees:
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Governance:
The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee (“the Committee”), the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Group which is an educational charity. As trustees, the Committee is responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, the keeping of proper accounting records and for making all required returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Committee, which typically meets once every 3 months, consists of 3 independent representatives: the Chair, Group Treasurer and Group Secretary (this is a local role as there is no formal requirement for a Group Secretary any more) together with the Group Lead Volunteer and individual section leaders.
Members of the Committee complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
The Committee exists to support the role of the Group Lead Volunteer and is responsible for:
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The up-keep and maintenance of Group property;
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The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Group public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
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Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Risk and internal control:
The Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of risk that have been identified are:
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Damage to buildings, property or equipment. Whilst the Group progresses plans for a new, permanent home, the Group rents meeting space from two local community facilities. Other facilities are potentially available in the local area, in the event that these facilities become unavailable. The Group maintains sufficient contents insurance to mitigate against loss of equipment.
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Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. Through its annual capitation fees, the Group contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. In addition, risk assessments are undertaken before all activities.
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Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions. The Group aims to hold a reserve equivalent to at least 12 months operating expenditure to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Group prepares annual budgets and, in conjunction with the review of these budgets and forecasts, the Committee can adjust the subscriptions charge as required, to mitigate any potential shortfall in income.
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Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer its scouting activities. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section, or across the Group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. However, the Committee aims to ensure that resources are allocated across the Group to maximise the opportunity for young people to participate across all sections. Furthermore, the Group currently has a strong leadership team and has a record of being able to recruit new leaders where short term issues arise.
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Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the Group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section or, In the worst case scenario, the complete closure of the Group. However, the Group continues to experience strong demand from the local community, in particular across the younger sections, and mitigates this risk by providing a broad range of activities and experiences for young people that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Section C – Objectives and activities
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
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.
The values of scouting:
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
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Integrity We act with integrity, we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
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Respect We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief We explore our faiths, beliefs and at udes.
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Co-operation We make a positive difference, we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout method:
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun;
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors;
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learn by doing;
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share in spiritual reflection;
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take responsibility and make choices;
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undertake new and challenging activities; and
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make and live by their Promise.
Activities:
During the year, the Group’s sections have undertaken a wide range of educational and engaging activities in relation to these objectives. Our programme continues to follow the Challenge Awards and activity badges set out by The Scout Association, with the aim that all members have the opportunity to achieve the Chief Scout’s Award for their section, e.g. Acorn in Squirrels, Bronze in Beavers, Silver in Cubs and Gold in Scouts.
Squirrels (ages 4–6) have had a busy and engaging year, with 8 Chief Scout’s Acorn Awards presented and a total of 153 badges achieved. Their programme focused on early development through play, creativity, and exploration. Activities included a visit to the local fire station, a local heritage walk, tennis sessions, and themed celebrations such as Halloween and the Day of the Dead. Through games, storytelling, and activities such as nature exploration and memory skills, Squirrels have continued to build confidence, friendships, and key values like kindness and teamwork.
Beavers (ages 6–8) enjoyed a varied and active year, with 2 Chief Scout’s Bronze Awards presented and 120 badges earned across a wide range of areas. Their programme included camp preparation, visits to Waddecar, science experiments, and learning about space at Alston Observatory. They also explored safety themes such as fire lighting, the Green Cross Code, and first aid, alongside creative activities like crafts and bird feeder building. Highlights included bouldering, meeting birds of prey, participating in
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
a talent show, and celebrating the Beaver 40th Birthday. These experiences supported the development of independence, teamwork, and confidence.
Cubs (ages 8–10½) continued to take on new challenges, with 1 Chief Scout’s Silver Award presented and 110 badges achieved. Their programme included a broad mix of outdoor activities, skills development, and community engagement. Highlights included visits to Beacon Fell and Grimsargh Wetlands, a night walk, den building, navigation, and air activities. Cubs also took part in communityfocused activities such as a litter pick and disability awareness sessions, alongside cultural and creative evenings including a faith night and entertainer badge work. The Cubs celebrated their 110th Birthday and continued to grow in independence, resilience, and teamwork.
Scouts (ages 10½–14) have further developed leadership and independence within their programme, with 1 Chief Scout’s Gold Award presented and 48 badges earned. Activities included canoeing, air rifle shooting, crossbow sessions, bouldering, and a night hike. Scouts also took part in a range of skillbased and themed evenings such as the Dragon’s Den challenge, mechanics badge, expedition planning, and first aid. Visits to the Vault Youth Zone and participation in rugby sessions added further variety, while involvement in County Rally Camp provided a valuable shared camping experience.
Group highlights included a highly successful Group Camp in September 2025, attended by 85 young people and leaders, as well as participation in Remembrance Sunday at St Mary’s Church. Squirrels, Beavers, and Cubs also took part in the Whitsuntide Festival. Looking ahead, 17 Scouts and four adults are preparing to attend the District Summer Camp in Guernsey. Across all sections, young people have demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment, and continued personal growth.
Each section plays a vital role in supporting young people through key stages of development. We are incredibly proud of the achievements, resilience, and positive at udes shown by all members throughout the year, and we look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.
Section D – Achievements and performance
Numbers across the Group are broadly stable on last year, ending FY26 at 94 (FY25: 105). However, it is pleasing to see that numbers within the Scout section have grown and are higher than in recent years, which shows that more young people are making the transition from Cubs to Scouts. This is excellent news and shows the great work being done by our Cub and Scout section teams to support this. With a change in programme we’re confident we’ll soon start seeing more young people to reach the Chief Scout’s Gold Award too.
During the year we have continued our search for a permanent long term home for the Group and have held discussions with local organisations that may be able to help us secure a site to accommodate a building big enough for our needs. We hope to be able to update further on this over the coming months.
As such, the Group once again enters the new year in a strong position, with stability both within our membership numbers and our team of dedicated leaders and with new opportunities for a new, permanent home being actively pursued. In the interim, the Group remains fortunate to have access to both Whitechapel Village Hall, and Whittingham & Goosnargh Sports & Social Club, from where we have successfully run our weekly sessions for the past three years. We’re also lucky to be close to both Beacon Fell and Waddecar, which we use on a regular basis.
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Section E – Financial review
Basis of preparation
The Group prepares its financial statements using the receipts and payments method, which is permitted for groups with income less than £100,000 per annum.
Financial performance
During the year ended 31 March 2026, the Group generated receipts of £28,742 (2025: £29,107) and, after payments of £13,514 (2025: £26,318), recorded net receipts of £15,228 (2025: £2,789).
Receipts for the year included membership subscriptions of £14,318 (2025: £15,258), gift aid of £3,740 (2025: £3,290) and bank interest of £1,823 (2025: £1,641). In addition, contributions of £8,216 (2025: £6,445) were received towards camps and other activities. In 2025 the Group also received a grant of £2,400 from Lancashire County Council as a contribution towards the cost of demolishing the former scout hut.
Expenditure for the year included £8,291 (2025: £6,128) in relation to camps and other activities that were directly funded from the additional receipts noted above. As such, underlying running costs for the Group totalled £5,223 for the year (2025: £12,413). The reduction in underlying expenditure principally arose from the timing of capitation fees, which fell outside of the accounting period in 2026.
During 2025, payments also included £5,482 in relation to the demolition of the vacated scout hut (to which Lancashire County Council contributed the grant of £2,400 mentioned above), and £2,295 for planning and advisory fees associated with the proposed headquarters at the tennis club which is no longer being pursued. This expenditure (net of the £2,400 grant income) was funded from the designated reserve.
Consequently, total funds increased from £47,752 at 1 April 2025 to £62,980 at 31 March 2026. This movement represented net receipts of £15,228 within the general fund (2025: £8,165). There were no receipts or payments within the designated buildings reserve during the year (2025: net payments of £5,377). £10,000 (2025: £5,377) of the surplus receipts generated within the general fund were transferred to the designated buildings reserve at the end of the year, leaving a balance of £40,000 in the designated reserve (2025: £30,000). After this transfer, general funds increased by £5,228 to £22,980 (2025: £17,752).
Reserves policy
The Group aims to maintain general funds in reserve equal to approximately 12 months of running costs in order to enable the Group to continue its charitable scouting activities in the event of a temporary reduction in income, or through a period of exceptional costs.
At 31 March 2026, the Group held general funds of £22,980 (2025: £17,752), representing 26.0 months of underlying running costs (adjusted for the timing of the 2026 capitation payment. 2025: 17.2 months), by reference to the latest 12 month period (excluding expenditure related to the building and that directly attributable to separately funded activities such as camps).
1[st] Goosnargh Scout Group Trustees’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026
Investment policy
The Group maintains a modest level of reserves together with, currently, a designated fund earmarked to help finance a new permanent home for the Group. Since the Group does not have sufficient assets available to invest for the longer term, the Group seeks to maintain a high degree of short term liquidity with a low level of risk.
As such, the Group uses a combination of overnight cash deposits and short-term notice accounts (typically up to 120 days duration). The Committee regularly monitors the level of funds held by the Group and the interest rates applicable to the Group’s accounts, in order to maximise the return on its reserves within this context.
Section F – Future plans and developments
The Group remains focussed on ensuring a high quality of scouting activities and learning opportunities are available to young people across the local area through the activities and experiences available from all of the Group’s sections. In this context the Group seeks to continue to grow numbers in the smaller of the Group’s sections, whilst maintaining numbers across the larger sections, which are broadly at capacity and to expand the existing team of leaders, adding new skills wherever possible.
The Group’s other key strategic priority is to secure a new, permanent home, for the Group as soon as possible. In pursuit of this objective, the Group is currently pursuing a small number of local opportunities. Should one of these prove successful, a significant fund-raising effort will be required to secure the necessary financing to undertake the project.
Section G – Declaration
This Trustees’ annual report was approved by the Committee at the Group’s AGM, held on 29 June 2026, and was signed on their behalf by:
Steve Pike Group Lead Volunteer
Neil Garnham Group Treasurer
1st Goosnargh Scout Group Registered Charity no: 505048
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Year ended 31 March 2026 Year
ended 31
General Building March
Receipts and payments accounts account fund Total 2025
For the year ended 31 March 2026 £ £ £ £
Receipts
Subscriptions 14,318 - 14,318 15,258
Gift aid 3,740 - 3,740 3,290
Grants - - - 2,400
Camp contributions 4,395 - 4,395 4,594
Other funded activities 3,821 - 3,821 1,852
Fundraising 645 - 645 74
Bank interest 1,823 - 1,823 1,641
Total receipts 28,742 - 28,742 29,107
Payments
Hut clearance and demolition - - - (5,482)
- - -
New building costs (2,295)
Rent (2,249) - (2,249) (1,920)
Utilities 87 - 87 -
Insurance (254) - (254) (254)
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Capitation (58) (58) (6,041)
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Camp expenditure (4,300) (4,300) (4,416)
Other funded activities (3,991) - (3,991) (1,712)
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Equipment (95) (95) (964)
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Leaders uniforms and expenses (461) (461) (264)
Neckers (86) - (86) (197)
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Badges (874) (874) (1,083)
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Section expenses - Squirrels (313) (313) (378)
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Section expenses - Beavers (414) (414) (530)
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Section expenses - Cubs (8) (8) (160)
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Section expenses - Scouts (393) (393) (532)
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Fundraising expenses
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Other expenses (104) (104) (90)
Total payments (13,514) - (13,514) (26,318)
Net receipts/(payments) for the year 15,228 - 15,228 2,789
Movement in cash funds:
Balance b/f at 1 April 2025 17,752 30,000 47,752 44,963
Net income for the period 15,228 - 15,228 2,789
Transfer from general account (10,000) 10,000 - -
Balance c/f at 31 March 2026 22,980 40,000 62,980 47,752
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Year ended 31 March 2026 Year
ended 31
General Building March
Statement of assets and liabilities account fund Total 2025
As at 31 March 2026 £ £ £ £
Bank current accounts 1,456 - 1,456 1,752
Short term bank deposits 21,524 40,000 61,524 46,000
Total net assets 22,980 40,000 62,980 47,752
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The above receipts and payments accounts and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees at the AGM held on 29 June 2026 and were signed on their behalf by:
Steve Pike Group Lead Volunteer
Neil Garnham Group Treasurer
| Reportto the trustees | rJhariYyfalr 1stGoosnarghScout Group |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Onaccountsforthe year | 31 March 2026 | Charityno | 505048 |
| ended | (ifany) |
| Signed: | Date | 21t06t2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name: | WilliamJoyce ACA | ||
| Address: | 49 TansyRoad | ||
| Whittingham | |||
| PR3 2LZ |