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2022-03-31-accounts

Welcome to Habberley) re AGM ¥t."4f4XW. Thursday IS September 2022 6pm WFIS Scout Hut

INDEX

GROUP INFORMATION

AGENDA

MINUTES OF THE LAST AGM

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

 SQUIRRELS

 BEAVERS

SCRUTINEER’S DECLARATION

THE GROUP SCOUT LEADER’S REPORT

SECTION LEADER’S REPORTS

 SQUIRRELS

 BEAVERS

 CUBS

 SCOUTS

GROUP INFORMATION

- Ex officio Members

Elected members

SCRUTINEER

BANK ACCOUNT

SCOUT ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION NUMBER

GROUP CONTACT – GROUP SCOUT LEADER

CHARITY COMMISSION REGISTRATION NUMBER

AGENDA

Chairperson’s opening remarks

Apologies

Minutes of the previous meeting

Matters arising

Reports

Nomination of the Chairperson

Election of Officers

District Commissioners comments

Presentations

Any other business

Close of meeting

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 15[th] Wyre Forest (Habberley) Scout Group on 3[rd] June 2021 @19:00

Welcome

Jane Spragg (Group Chairperson), invited all members and Parents/Guardians to the meeting and apologised that due to the current constraints due to Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was held via Zoom video conference. Jane gave a special welcome to Julie Goodyear (District Commissioner), and thanked her for her attendance/support

Apologies

Apologies were received from Mark & Deb White, Marcus Hart, Ryan Hardiman, Lucy Isaacs.

Matters arising

There were no matters arising from the 2020 AGM report.

Chairperson’s report

Jane commented that over the last 12 months there had been a reduction in fund raising activities, which had been due to Covid-19 pandemic, but fortunately we had received substantial grants from Wyre Forest District Council which meant that the financial position of the group was now in a much healthier position.

Jane then thank all committee members and leaders for their ongoing support throughout the last 12 months. Finally, she thanked all the young members and their families for supporting us throughout the last 12 months and was now looking forwards to a more positive year.

Group Scout Leaders report

Lesley thanked everyone for attending and gave special thanks to all leaders for their support over the last 12 months, especially for all the work going on behind the scenes to provide virtual meetings all sections during the restricted difficult times. Now that the lockdown had lifted sections were now meeting face to face at Rhydd and the hut, so our young members were no getting involved in physical activities. Lesley gave a special mentions to the young people who had completed badges from home which was great to see! Lesley thanked the current committee for their support to the group over the last 12 months.

Treasurers’ Report

David Harris advised that all accounts had been submitted for validation, scrutinised and approved. David also confirmed that due to various grants, the financial position of the group was now in a much better position, compared to last year’s AGM. Dave advised that he had been trying to improve our banking facilities with our current Bank provider but after getting nowhere was now in the process of moving the groups account to another bank who had confirm that they would offer better facilities. Kevin Guest gave

special thanks to Dave for the sterling work that he had done in improving the reporting process for the group’s accounts and also the work he had done with the banks.

Nomination of Group Chairperson

Chairperson – Jane Spragg was nominated by Lesley Hicks and agreed to continue the role for the next 12 months

Election of Officers

Nomination of Group Secretary

Denyse Plant has agreed to stand for another 12 months.

Nomination of Group Treasurer

Dave Harris has agreed to stand as for another 12 months.

Ex-officio Members

Elected Members

Presentation of Beaver awards

Lesley advised that all Beavers had been visited and presented with outstanding badges (including ones completed during lockdown)

Beaver of the year – Matthew Jackson

Most Improved Beaver – William Waldron

Best attendance - Eddie Brooks

Presentation of Cub awards

Kevin thanked Chris Guest, Karen Maiden, Karen Evans and Denyse Plant for their support over the last 12 months and advised that without their ongoing support, weekly Cub meetings would not have taken place. Kevin also advised that for the last 12 months 2 special awards would be presented for outstanding achievement to cubs and personal challenges. The 2 recipients being:

Rosie Brooks

Tyler James

Presentation of Scout awards

Julie thanked Ryan Hardiman and Macaulay Warren for the great job they have done in running the weekly virtual troop nights and was happy now that everyone was meeting face to face now.

Scout of the year – Ellie Wall

District Commissioners report

Julie Goodyear thanked everyone for her invite to the AGM and advised that there had been some financial concerns with the group during 2019-20, but was happy to see the group now in a much more stable financial position. Julie thanked all the leaders and committee members for their continued support to the group and young people. She gave special mention to Dave for his great work as treasurer, and Lesley and Jane for their ongoing support to the District as week as WF15. Julie was pleased to confirm that there was now “light at the end of the tunnel” and was looking forwards to when everything returns to some sort of normality. Julie advised that there were some leader awards due and was hoping to hold a special presentation event during the summer (Covid-19 permitting)

There were no questions raised from the floor

Meeting closed at 19.27 p.m.

HAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2021-2022 Firstly. I would like to say how extremely proud l am of all the members of WF15, the Young People. the Leaders and Ihe Executive Committee for how they have continued to engage in Scouting throughout the year and their enthusiasm has made us grow. We are slill in good financial circumstances, but will need to get back to fundraising now to keep thal position, therefore rf you can think or hear of something we can do, please let us know. The more people with ideas, the better it is for us. l am happy to say that we were one of the first Groups in Wyre Forest to start a Squirrel Drey and that come June. will be starting an Explorer Unit. which means we will be the first Group in Ihe Dislrict to have all the five Seclionsl I would also like to say Thank You to you, the parentslguardians of our Young People. Without your support by bringing them to meetingsleventslcamps etc, it means that they would not gel such a varied programme as they do. I would also like to say Thank You to all the members of the Executive Committee for all that they do to support me and the Group. They muck in and do what is needed at the "me, whether it is getting new light bulbs, or getting up on the roof and sweeping itl So to end my thanks, I would just like to say ONE BIG THANK YOU to one special lady who has kept this Group running, especially through these difficult few years. Lesley (our Group Scout Leader) who as well as keeping the leaders in check, running Beavers and reminding me of things I need to do, l am happy to call a friend. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wanted to say that we really appreciate your support and Ihat we look forward to seeing you more in a less Covid restricted time. Yours in Scouting Jane Spragg WF15 Chairman

Treasurers’ Report to the Trustees of 15[th] Wyre Forest (Habberley) Scout Group for the year to 31 March 2022

The finances of the group reflect the immense changes over the past year, from the relaxation of Covid restrictions, allowing some normality to return to people’s lives. To the start of the ‘cost of living’ crisis, which began as the world economy struggled to re-start post pandemic.

Our income for the year did include some additional grant funding from the UK government at the start (April 2021). Then, as restrictions began to ease and more activities could start again, the group has seen a return to more sustainable levels of subscriptions and other income for camps and charitable activities, signalling a return to almost pre-pandemic levels. The continued support of parents and other charities has played a crucial part in keeping our group going through some very difficult times, indeed without your support, none of this is possible.

During the latter part of the year WF15 Squirrels was formed, our newest section and plans are in motion to introduce a new Explorers section in 2022. These new sections allow the group to grow significantly and will enable us to do more in the future, offering a broader range of activities for different age groups.

As a group, we have a responsibility to spend surplus funds wisely and during the year there have been several projects to buy new camping equipment including tents and cooking equipment, with further funds set aside for portable cookers. The group has also replaced the main cooker at the hut premises, along with improvements to the hand washing facilities in the toilet cubicles. The group is also looking at other ways to improve the energy efficiency of our main hut, to help reduce running costs in a sustainable way.

The group undertook to move the banking facilities to Lloyds Banking Group and this process started early in 2021, the transfer has now completed and the old account with HSBC is now closed. The group will continue to find ways to reduce cash transactions and find easier methods of managing payments for subscriptions and other events.

In addition to grants and other fantastic donation from individuals, this financial year we received £ 344.50 from our membership of the Wyre Forest community lottery fund. This independent community lottery supports our group and many other local charities. Adding additional prizes, along with the £ 25,000 Jackpot.

Tickets can be brought as a one-off purchase, or you can subscribe to a monthly amount. Thank you to all our supporters, please continue to spread the word. For more details copy and paste this link into your internet browser.

https://www.wyreforestcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/15th-wyre-forest-scout-group

We’ve also introduced a new way of supporting WF15, through https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ same products, prices and service, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases. Business owners can do this too. The best part, there is no cost to you!

It’s clear that 2022 is going to bring its own challenges, and opportunities, for everyone. Groups like WF15, thrive with the support of parents who volunteer their skills and experience to help with events, fund raising and in so many other ways.

David Harris

Treasurer 15[th] Wyre Forest (Habberley) Scout Group.

tat fFln 15th re Forest Habberle Scout Grou Rt 'stertd th number 506614 Income and endowments from: Donations & Legacies Charitable activities Other Trading Activities Investments Other Total 1,394 2,071 16,654 1.394 2.071 16.654 2,157 1.716 1.739 8,575 28.694 8.575 28.694 19.540 25.152 Expendlture on: Raising Funds Charitable artivtties Other Trading Activities Donations & awards Equipment Establishment Costs Total 1,964 13,496 532 2,028 4,093 22,113 1.964 13.496 532 2.028 4.093 22,113 5.342 68 li 3,064 8,485 Net galnslllossesl on Investments Net income/expenditure 6.581 6.581 16.667 Re¥aluation of tangible assets Other 8ains/1055es Net Movefflent in funds 6.581 6.581 16,667 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 15,153 21.734 6,650 6,650 21,803 28.384 5,136 21.803

15th re Forest Habberle Scout Grou Re stered tha umbef 506614 ar Imar 22 Total funds Prior year funds rixed Assets: Tangible assets Totalfixed Ossets Current Assets: Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 28.384 21.803 Total current Qssets 28.384 21,803 Liabilities: Creditors.. Amountsfolling due within one yeor Creditor5 le55 1 year Net current assets or liabilities (Totol ossets less current liobilities) 28.384 21.803 Provisions for liabilities Total net assets or liabllitles.. 28.384 21,803 The fund5 of the charity: Restricted Income funds Unre5trirted Fund5 Revaluation Reserve Current Year M¥mt {Unrestricted) 6.650 15.153 6.650 15.153 6.581 28,384 Total charityfvnds 21,803

Sertlon Statement of Flnanclal ActlvStles for WFIS Totals Income and endowmentsfrom: Donations & Legacies Charitable artivities Other Trading Activities Investments Other Totsl 1,394 265 1,394 2,071 16,654 1,081 3,283 161 1.847 565 10.672 852 8,S75 10.234 8,575 28.694 852 4.363 2.008 11.236 Expendlture on: Raisin8 Funds Charitable artNities Other Trading Activitie5 Donations & awards Equipment Establishment Costs Totsl 575 1,942 191 256 50 3.014 285 577 636 4.206 307 831 12 5.992 468 6,511 34 627 4,031 11.671 1,964 13,496 532 2,028 4,093 22.113 259 314 574 862 Net gainslllos5e51 on investments Net incomelexpenditure 278 1.349 1.147 5.244 -1.436 6.581 Revaluatbon of tangible assets Other gains/losses Net Mo¥ement In funds 278 1,349 1,147 5,244 -1,436 6,581 ReconclIlatli￿ of ful￿s. Total Restricted fvnd5 blfvid Total funds brought forward Totsl funds carrled forward 6,650 9.945 15.158 6,650 15.153 28.384 1.084 2.434 882 2.028 3242 278

Balance Shee 15th re Forèst Habb@rf Scout Grou rsa6614 Squirre15 Beavers tub5 Bal Scouts Bal Grnup ￿1 WFIS Bal Bal Sheet Bal sheet Sheet she Sheet Sheet FLYed Assets: Tangible a55ets Totglfvedg55ets Current Assds= Stock5 Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 51 203 28,103 28,333 ratalcurrnit ossets si 12 203 28,103 28,333 Liabilities: Creditors.. Amountsfallir4J due within oreyeor Creditors less l year Net cumt assets orliabilities (Totol ossets le55 cuffent liobilitiesj si Is 12 203 28,103 28.333 Provision5 for liabilities Totvl ￿ta￿Tets orliqbilities." 51 203 28,103 28,333 The fvnd5 01 the charity: Restrirted Funds Unrestritted Funds Revaluatlon Reserve Current Year Mvmt (Unrestricted) 6,650 9.945 6.650 15,153 1,084 882 3242 278 278 1,349 2,434 1,147 2,028 5,244 8.486 -1.436 15,158 6,581 28,384 rotal¢hartyfvnds

HAB8ER RO TOTAL 4IXIO Inc(ffte Oistrict events 4(X)I Incwie section events Sants Salari 4IXI2 Inc(me Sectson events Wpi Animal Encounte 4(M)3 Inccffie Sertion events Jubilee Infiata￿e5 4{￿•7 Intmie Group events Panto 4010 Inc(ffie Bank interest 4020 Income Camp/sleepo¥Èrs All (amps 4021 Inc(me Campslsleepmrs Squrrels Camps 4022 Income cam￿151Pep￿￿ÉrS Beavers Camps 4023 Inc(me Camps/sleepo¥ers Cubs Carnps 4024 Income cam￿151￿ep￿erS Scout Camps 4025 Inc(Nne Camp5/sleep(NÈrs Exploref Camps 4030 Inccne Grfts Donatsons 4031 Intome Hire al hut 4045 Inc(ne Fundraising Christmas Post 4070 Income Investiture Fees 41￿0 Inc(me Pledged Plod 4(VJO Inccffie Subscriptions Beave 4091 Inctyne ￿ts$criptionS Cubs 4092 Inccme Subscriptions Sc(wts 4(B3 Income SubsCriPtion5 Squirrels 4100 Inc(me Unrformlbadges Neckers 4101 Inccffie Unrform/badges 8ad8es 4102 Inc(me Unrformlbadges Other 4150 Incrffie Grants & C￿ld 4￿.[￿) 20.(KI 465.C 6.195.62 1.259.33 135.IXJ 245.C 217.(VJ 785.IXI 3.038.60 1.838.96 4.361.31 852.(XJ 122.44 27.94 8.2￿.[￿) 4200 Inccffie Wyre Comm Lottery 4300 Income Paypal 4400 Inc(me knile Amawn UK 24.58 TOTAL IMCOML" EXPENIXTURE. Cashbook values SIXIO Expense Group Artivities 5(X)l Expense District Èvents Outdoor Pursuils SIX12 Expense Equipment at Rhydd S(X)3 Expense Activities Genefal 5019 Expense Carnps/sleeptréÈrs Food and Refreshments 5020 Expense Camps/sleepovers All Carnps 5040 Expense Craft materials 5(r)O Expense Donations S(TJl Expense Guide d￿5 lor the blirnl O Expense Equipment $070 Expense con5￿￿3b1e Items e8 decoratlons TOTAL 833.Sl) 42.IXI 1.665.01 196.77 3.861.83 110.75 136.IMJ 2.028.32

5070 Expense Gifts Awards S071 Expense Gifts Presents 50.49 345.76 O Expense Ple(*ed Pk 5100 Expense Adminlstrative Postage 5101 Expense Admin•strative StatM)nery 5102 Expense Administrative Printing 5103 Expense Administrative PayPallYouth Man 5200 Expense Refreshments Drinks 5201 Expense RefrÈshmÈnts Biscuits 5203 Expense Refreshments Food 68.45 188.60 33.98 1.275.37 5220 Expense Uniform Neckers 5225 Expense Unrform Bad8ts 5230 Expense Unrform Literature 5240 ExpÈnse Unrform OthÈi Unilorm 7CnO Expense Rent & Lease fees 7010 Expense NDBR & Water rates 7020 Expense Heatir% & L￿t 7030 Expense Repairs & Maintenance CleaninE & Sundry 7031 Expense Repairs & Maintenance Hut maintem￿e 7032 Expense Repairs & maintenan￿ Gardenin& & Grounds 7033 Expense Repairs & Maintenance Fire & Security 715.98 813.17 250.44 160. 177.94 610.62 34.34 1.061.20 247.fAI 8CKJO Expense Capitation 8010 Expense Investrture 8020 Expense web￿te & ma￿eting 8030 Expense Trainin8 3.813.L¥J 144.1)] 95.(XJ O Expense Bank Charges 9500 Expense Other Funding s￿ree$ 9600 EX￿nse Insurnnces 9700 Expense DiStr￿t L 9800 Expense Group Activities Panto 9￿)0 Expense Group Activities Santa Safari 263.15 1.395.94 1,026.(XJ 62.LKI let Fwds Movement

Scouts Inde endent Examiners Re ort to the Trustees of 15th w re Forest Habberle Scout Grou The followln8 report is for the accounts of the 8roup prepared by the Treasurer for the year ended 31 March 2022. In accordance with the directions 8r¥en in the group's constitution I have examined the accounts prepared to ensure that they comply with the following reqU1￿Ments. . l. Ensudn8 compliance with the Charlty CommSsslons financlal reporting requirements 2. Ensure that sufficient reserves and resources are Sn Pla￿ for SCO￿￿r to contlnue operations for at least 12 months from the balance sheet date. It is my opinion a5 the independent exarniner, that the accounts prepared ft>r the group for Ihe year to 31" March 2022 compty wlth the constitution and the requirements of the charity Commi￿lon. Name of Independent Examiner- Mrs Nornh Howells Address- ZO Warwick Street, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 8JB Date - 31° May 2022 151h Kidderrnin51er IHabbErleyl kwt Group Truro Drt¥e, H•bbèr Estatè. Kiddefrnlnster, DYII 6DN

Group Scout Leader Report

Thank goodness since our last AGM we are now free to meet face to face and life as we knew it before Covid-19 is returning back to normal.

All the events we enjoy like camps, sleepovers etc. can now go ahead and all of our sections as you will see from their reports have pulled out all the stoppers to make sure our young people get the best of everything.

Earlier on this year we had a grant from Councillor Tracey Onslow who brought our brilliant new flags ready for St. George’s Day Parade.

Our group continues to grow not only in numbers but in sections. We welcome our youngest section in January this year. Many people doubted that Squirrels would work but our little band of red sweatshirt 4 to 6 year olds are just brilliant and are having so much fun. They joined us at St. George’s Day parade where they smiled all the way. Their success is due to the leader team of Jodie, Gemma, Donna, Frankie, Clive, Terri, Sophia and Keira.

Later this month we will open our fifth section, our own Explorer Scout section. This will be run by Julie (our Scout leader) and David Woodward who was a Beaver, Cub and Scout several moons ago. They will be helped by Mark and Michelle who both have previous knowledge with Explorer Scouts. We know that this section will be a great success and hope that all our scouts once 14 years of age will stay and join this section plus other scouts from other groups.

We are the first group within the Wyre Forest district to have 5 sections which is a great achievement in itself and is only possible because of all the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers.

WF15 has a brilliant team. Leaders, Assistant leaders, Section Assistants, Young Leaders, Occasional Helpers, parent helpers and the Executive Committee who have been out standing over the last couple of years.

To each and every one of them I would like to thank them all for everything they have done over the last year.

Last but not least, we mustn’t forget our young people that are WF15. They never cease to amaze me in everything they do or take part in. They are a truly wonderful bunch and I am honoured to be part of their family.

Lesley Hicks Group Scout Leader

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BEAVER REPORT

We have had another very busy year at Beavers. In April we were just coming out of lockdown and trying to get back to normal. Our first few meetings were via zoom where we made bread in a bag or pizza’s.

After the Easter holidays we met back at our Scout hut where we learnt all about St. George. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we were not allowed to have a parade this year. We also practised our Green Cross Code in our car park.

In May we started our Safety badge, learning about the different crossings, the Emergency services, Fire safety and house dangers. PS Mark White and PC Matthew Link came to talk to us all about “Stranger Danger” and how to stay safe. We also learnt to remember where we lived which proved very comical. We then designed our own robots.

After the Whitsun holidays Bubbles took us on a safety hike to Trimpley Reservoir, which was great fun for all the Beavers but not so for some of the leaders. Going down was good but not coming back up. So we could do all these outside activities we needed hi-vis jackets to keep us safe and seen. A lovely lady called Nicole Morrell paid for hi-vis jackets for all the Beavers. Thank you Nicole.

Karen Blanchfield and Little Warriors litter pickers came to visit us and helped us pick up the litter around our Scout hut and in the local park.

We visited Wolverley Animal Centre where we met all the animals and took the sheep for a walk. We all liked the reptiles best.

Back at our hut in July we planted seeds in the container outside our hut. We finished off the summer term with a games night.

Calabbria came in September and taught us all how to make delicious pizzas. We also completed our Collector, Hobbies and Sports badges.

There are many disabilities. Some of these we learnt about and the different things that disabled people can use to get around including hearing and blind dogs.

In October we discovered the difference sorts of money and where money comes from then we had to design our own bank note.

Pledged Plod was slightly different this year with no parents being allowed to take part. So we decided to do a sponsored walk around our Scout hut and finished off at the chip shop which is always one of our favourites.

For Halloween we still had a party although we had to follow Covid-19 rules.

We had to save up all our recyclable empty cardboard boxes, tubes etc. to make a robot for our Builder badge. We finished off the money badge and Rusty gave us all a camp blanket.

We ended the year making Christmas cards and went to the Safari Park to meet Santa and the dinosaurs.

After Christmas Deb White and Nikki Best came to teach us all about Emergency aid. How to help someone who is injured, bleeding or who has an accident. We also learnt how to call 999 and what details we need to give.

Anthony Arnold paid us a visit and taught us how to juggle, stilt walk and various other tricks.

At the end of January some of us went to the Civic Centre in Stourport to see Jack and the Beanstalk which was very funny. Amazingly we all stayed awake.

The Tribe Theatre Company came and helped us perform little plays in February. He said we were very good actors.

We made Valentine gifts for our loved ones and learnt about the good and bad foods and how to keep clean and safe when cooking.

Fireman Ade came in March to teach us all about fire safety. We made pizzas and created our own flags.

We all donated an Easter egg and made Easter cards for the residents of Brook Care Court. Unfortunately due to a couple of the residents catching covid-19 we were unable to visit them. Rusty delivered the cards and Eggs.

This year we were allowed to have a St. George’s Day parade but instead of being held in the churches we all went to Kidderminster Harriers. I was a long way but everyone enjoyed it and it meant all sections could be together. The hi-light of the morning was the Bishop of Worcester taking his clothes off.

We planted Sunflower seeds and made grass heads. Julie from Scouts and Sue from Squirrels came along and helped us make 2 bug hotels which we took in turn with going swimming.

The rest of this term promises to be just as exciting. As the weather hopefully becomes drier and warmer we will be meeting at Rhydd Covert when we will be climbing the tower, using the grass sledges, water sliding, attempting the assault course and using the play area. We also have one evening planned with the Squirrels.

The badges that we have been working towards this year are;

The Chief Scout Award is the highest badge a Beaver Scout can be awarded. A big well done to Matthew Jackson, Elijah Bruce, and Eddie Brooks for achieving this badge.

All of our leaders have worked very hard to give us a different programme each week and we would like to give a BIG, BIG THANK YOU to Rusty, Bubbles, Keeo, Sunshine, Chloe and Keira as without them none of this would have been possible. Also a special thank you to, Nikki, Deb, Mark, Caz, Sue, Mr Rusty, Gary, Jodie and all the parents who have help us when needed.

WF15 Beavers

- WF15 Cubs Annual Report 2021 22

Well we have had another busy year getting involved in various group and district activities.

We spent the summer months up at Rhydd where we learned back woods cooking and cooking on an alter fire. We also learnt how to use a compass and did a treasure hunt to find sweets. We also all completed the assault course, climbing wall and finished off the summer term with a water fight, were everyone got soaked!!

After the summer break, we returned to the hut where we all cleaned up the outside of the hut, which included cutting the grass, trimming the bushes and clearing weeds. We had a great evening at Wolverley high school on the tubing slide – It was brilliant fun. 😊😊

We then focused on getting fit and healthy eating which everyone really enjoyed. As usual, we took part in the District Pledged Plod, raising funds for the group, but we did miss going to the Safari Park, which due to Covid restrictions, was not available this year ☹☹☹.

We finished off the year with a Halloween party, explored Habberley Valley (including a game of cricket) and Christmas crafts and finished off with our usual Christmas party. We also made up a couple of Shoe Boxes for the annual Shoe box appeal.

This year we have really focussed on badge work, learning the Countryside code, made bird feeders and gained many new skills, including ironing our group neckers, laying a table, peeling vegetables, changing light bulbs and building towers with spaghetti and marsh mellows. We have also learned some problem solving skills!!

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, we didn’t do any camping over the last 12 months but are now looking forwards to this year’s planned camps.

We also took part in the District Swimming gala, where we finished Runners up in the Cub competition and helped WF15 finish runners up in the overall swimming gala. Well done to our fantastic team (Edward, Georgie- Mae, Amelia and Eddie). Eddie was the youngest competitor on the night having only been invested in cubs 3 days before the event.

It has also been great to see some of our Cubs achieving great results outside of Cubs in hobbies including, dance, ballet, cycling, running, swimming, acting, cake baking – you have all done so well and the leader team are so proud of all our Cubs.

Personally, can I thank Karen, Chris, Karen, Denyse and young leader Georgina for their continued help and support, and for all our wonderful Cubs for making all our hard work and efforts worthwhile.

Kevin

Cub Scout Leader

Scout Leaders Report

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

On board with me I have Macaulay who is my Assistant Section Leader and for whom I would be lost without.

Joining us we have:

Kieran, Lauren and Lucy who are all Section Assistants and completing modules to become Assistant Section Leaders. Sacha and Dave are both Parent Helpers and Karl is our Occasional Helper.

We are exceptionally fortunate to have 5 Young Leaders; Fin, Harry, Ethan, Ben and Ewan – all of whom are mature and responsible and work well with the Leadership Team with their history in Scouting and acquired skills.

If any of our current parents are not yet DBS’d and are able to offer 2 or 3 nights over the course of a year please come and see me after the meeting for an application form. The more helpers we have to hand the more adventurous some of our nights can be.

It is so difficult to condense the last 12 months of Scouting. We have had so much fun throughout the year – you need to be there to appreciate the laughter and the mad and crazy times.

SO JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAST YEAR

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In May scouts learnt and demonstrated the safe use of Axes, Knives and Saws.

An evening of Wide Games was handed over to our Young Leaders. The laughter and the cheering of each other during Rounder’s, Moose and Human Velodrome was a pleasure to hear from our enthusiastic and ever funny scouts.

When we decided to put on Saturday night special we didn't anticipate on having almost a full house. 30/32 scouts + 2 newbies, the Young and Adult Leader Team and our parent helpers we managed to escape the rain whilst the scouts used the axes and saws, lit fires, played wide games and ate burgers and hot dogs 3 hours wasn't long enough to fit in everything we wanted to do.

Nothing like a Homing Pigeon Night for a competitive evening with teams of scouts racing back to the hut from different locations. Map-Reading skills were involved; however this meant more than one wrong turn was taken. A cracking night finding local places of interest and discovering how deceptively deep some puddles were.

Bank Holiday Monday hike took us from Bewdley to Stourport via Mount Pleasant Tunnel. A 'pit stop' at River Side Fish Bar before burning off what energy the scouts had left; at Stourport War Memorial Park.

A fabulous night at Ombersley Golf Club in June. The Troop were divided into 2 and under the supervision of Mark and Jordan were shown how to hit a ball on the Driving Range and on the Putting Green. Mini Tiger Woods in the making.

Scouts worked towards various badges constructing A-Frames and Da Vinci Bridges with Knots and Lashings during their Pioneering evening.

My personal favourite evening was in July when we were given exclusive use of Habberley Trail. We were comfortable in letting the scouts wander round to have fun at their own leisure. Sounds of laughter, shrieks and screams came from all directions.

We ended our Summer Term challenging scouts on the Assault Course with time trials and a surprise visit from the ice cream man and his van.

I would be lying to you if I said we had no idea when we’d be able to get away for the week again on camp. So to say we were relieved is an understatement. Our Summer Camp took place at the Frank Chapman Centre in August. Months of planning and hard work all came down to those 8 days and they were worth it. The scouts were absolutely amazing and got involved with whatever we asked of them. The jokes, the laughter, the love, the smiles, and the energy it REALLY made it worth it.

In Septembe r the scouts looked at honing their skills with some back to basics; learning flag break, shoe polishing, ironing and how to correctly roll their neckers. They also thought about their code of conduct and ideas for the programme for the term.

Lots of fun was had during Oli’s Famous Pizza Roulette. I think we can safety say that Dominoes certainly won't be adding lemon curd, marshmallows or marmite to the menu any time soon!

Kinver Edge Farm Shop extended their opening hours so we could solve the Harry Potter clues as we made our way through the Maize Maze.

The Cub Pack were invited to join us on Pledged Plod around the Rifle Range in October . We finished up with games and cooking hotdogs on the fire.

Scouts continued their work towards the Forester and Naturalist Badges and planted a hedge on the boundary of our car park and showed us their axe and saw skills. To re-cap their Tree/Woodland knowledge for the Foresters Badge we did a 'Hungry Hippo' Quiz.

Bread on sticks, Chocolate in Bananas and Oranges were on the menu during our Backwoods Cooking evening. Congratulations to the Young Leaders for organising a successful night.

We Remembered Them in November with the help of retired school teacher, Sarah Dalziel.

Scouts all took part in: painting stones/rocks with acrylics, A 'Dear Future Me' writing and art activity, Writing a postcard to the 'Unknown Warrior', using sticks and their knot tying skills to create crosses and then tying their laminated, hand drawn poppies on.

Their work is displayed on the Scouts Board. As for the Poppy Rocks; Sarah placed them at St Mary's Church for Remembrance Sunday.

We celebrated Guy Fawkes Day a little late with a Bonfire on a Monday evening. S'mores were eaten and Camp Fire songs were sung.

Remembrance Sunday saw the scout’s parade to St Mary’s Church where the service took part outside.

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Scouts were challenged to choose appropriate items to put in a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. The Troop gathered in Kidderminster Town Centre and went off in their patrols with money from the group and generous donations from our parents/guardians.

4 scouts represented the troop to hand over our Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.

PCSO Simon Gallagher from West Mercia Police kindly gave up his time to talk to our scouts and Young Leaders about Knife Crime Awareness and the Steer Clear initiative. The session was great, informative and engaging, and I’m sure the young people left feeling more informed and confident at the end.

Kinver Scout Camp Site was our venue for Christmas Camp in December. It was a full weekend of nonstop jokes, eating and more games of Uno than we could count.

Scouts certainly knew how to party and they got into the swing of Christmas with lots of singing, dancing and games. It goes without saying that all the parents/carers played a big part in it with all the food they supplied. What a feast!

We took part in the Scout District Post and delivered all the cards for Habberley Estate – singing Christmas Carols as we went along. Stopped at the chip shop for a well deserved treat afterwards.

New Year and new challenge to work towards so January we spent the first night looking at Map Reading, Route Card Planning, Compass/Bearings, Map Symbols and Emergency Planning. A big chunk of the Expedition Challenged ticked off.

Mud, mud and more mud was a pretty accurate description of the New Year Hike and a big achievement as the conditions were also cold and foggy.

Two-thirds of the Scout Troop descended on to the Monday Night Group's Pantomime performance of Jack and The Beanstalk.

Skills Challenge Badge criteria gave us the opportunity to discuss Diet and Sleep and Alcohol, Drug and Smoking use. The scouts also got their physical side pumping with circuit training.

February saw the patrols work together to Plan and Cook a meal for a family with a set budget. Not quite sure about jelly cubes on toast. However they made up for it with a sensible Bolognese for a main course. Then back to typical WF15 madness with unset ‘jelly drink’ as a dessert.

Billy, Ellie and Peter represented 15th Wyre Forest Scout Troop at the District Swimming Gala. Winners just for participating; but they also went on to win individual medals and came 2nd overall!

We had a ‘flipping’ good night celebrating Shrove Tuesday. Pancakes galore, all sorts of shapes, sizes and different degrees of ‘burnt’ Topped off with all the toppings you can imagine

Liz Parkes, Senior Operations Manager from West Midlands Ambulance Service taught our scouts a thing or two about Emergency Aid in March.

We had a hedgehog, chinchilla, frogs, owl and a turtle (that couldn’t swim) join us along with Angie from Animal Antics.

Simon Gallagher from West Mercia Police came along and had a discussion on Drugs & County lines.

St Mikes Explorer Unit Leaders joined us for a night of fire lighting and the ever popular s’mores.

Scouts were invited to attend a sleepover at the hut in April. But they had to get there first; with all of their kit in a rucksack on their back. We met at Trimpley Reservoir and split into smaller groups where the role of the adult leader was to trail them to ensure they hiked back to the hut safety. A trip to the park to burn off more energy before finally watching King Fu Panda, after demolishing Pizza, Chips and Garlic Bread followed by Chocolate Fudge Cake.

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Scouts dressed in full uniform and attended St Georges Day Parade and marched to the Harriers Football Club to celebrate.

The hut grounds and car park were spruced up by the scouts in the way they do best. Through laughter, fun and enjoyment. Litter picking, pulling up weeds, cutting wood, stacking logs and cutting grass.

Our local Pickup Artists supplied us with all the necessary equipment and we participated in litter picking; searching high and low, in and on, under and over and through things on Rhydd Covert in May .

Split into their patrols; Scouts went their separate ways and created bivouacs of various sizes. Guidance was given about different kinds of shelters, how to build them and the most suitable place, along with the use of tarps.

Patrol Leaders/Assistant Patrol Leaders were given the responsibility to discuss plan, budget shop and cook food on tranjeas with the rest of their patrol.

FINALLY

Another year, partially hit, with Covid restrictions and an ever growing section, what a year it’s been. It felt like every other week we had another scout wanting to join our troop. Do we look back and say that we said yes to having too many Young People in an already challenging and uncertain period… Absolutely not!! When the Young People are caring, compassionate, friendly, enthusiastic, loving, energetic, and downright awesome I think I can speak on behalf of the other leaders and say its makes our lives so much easier.

We hope the Young People have enjoyed themselves. We have tried our best to cover a plethora of activities, events and badge work at the Hut, Rhydd, on camps and out and about in our community. We hope they’ve managed to make and build on friendships, accomplish their goals and ultimately feel happy and safe coming to us on a Monday evening.

Huge ‘THANK YOU’ to the leaders and adults involved in the amazing section. It’s easy to forget sometimes they’re all volunteers and come every week with the passion to have positive impacts on your Young People.

Julie Hardiman 15[th] Wyre Forest Section Leader