2021-12-31-accounts

SOUTH WEST CHESHIRE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MARCH 25[th] 2022

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AGENDA

Annual General Meeting

South West Cheshire Scout Council

March 25[th] 2022

• 1 Welcome by the DC

• 2 Approval of the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chairman

• 3 Apologies for absence

• 4 Minutes of previous AGM held on 14[th] May 2021

• 5 Approval of the Annual Report of the District Executive Committee and the Financial Accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2021

• 6 Approval of District Secretary

• 7 Approval of District Treasurer

• 8 Election of Members of the District Scout Council to the District Executive Committee

• 9 Approval of the District Commissioner’s nomination of Members of the District Scout Council to serve on the District Executive Committee

• 10 Election of two Members of the District Scout Council for nomination to the County Scout Council

• 11 The District Commissioner

• Awards

• 12 The County Commissioner

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DISTRICT OFFICERS 2021

	Life President Mr P F Taylor President Vacant Vice Presidents Mr R Ellwood, Mr P Kent, Mr R Stafford Office Holders Chairperson Mr R Chaplow Treasurer Mr R Bennett Secretary Mr J Bennett District Executive Committee Ex-officio Chairperson Treasurer Secretary District Commissioner Deputy District Commissioner District Explorer Scout Commissioner District Network Scout Commissioner District Youth Commissioner Elected Members Mr A Whalley (to 2022) Mrs C Wainwright (to 2023) Mr J Barlow (to 2024) Mr D Brough (to 2023) Nominated Members Mr M Rowe Mrs L Gamble Ms D Blurton Co-opted Member Mr C Shore Camp Site Chair County Scout Council Members Mr J Whittingham District ChaplainVacant Registered Charity No: 506895 Scout Association Registered No: 10808	District Commissioner Mr I Potts Deputy District Commissioner Mr J Statham District Explorer Scout Commissioner Ms I Shaw District Explorer Scout Administrator Mrs C Wainwright District Young Leader Unit Manager Ms D Blurton District Network Scout Commissioner Vacant District Youth Commissioner Vacant Assistant District Commissioners Beaver Scouts Miss S Fearn Beaver Scouts Mr L Potts Cub Scouts Mrs J Carlin Cub Scouts Mr N Tomlinson Scouts Mr T Clark Scouts Mrs L Grasmeder Activities Mr R Galloway General Duties Vacant Development Vacant SAS Manager Mr J Wedgwood Local Training Manager Adult Training Mrs J Taylor, Chair Appointments Sub Committee Mrs J Wilkinson District Scouters Mr A Collett, Mr B Westwood, Mrs J Shore, Mrs A Bourke, Mrs M Norbury, Ms G Evanson District Advisers Archery Ms D Blurton Mountaineering Vacant Shooting Mr A Brookes Sailing Mr I Brown Canoeing Mr A Sutton DOE Scheme Mrs R Edwards Swimming Mr R Binner

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South West Cheshire District Scout Council

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Held on 14[th] May 2021 Online Via Microsoft Teams

1.0 Welcome

The District Commissioner, Ian Potts, took the Chair. There were 42 members and 1 guest present.

Ian opened the meeting by welcoming all those present, particularly the new County Commissioner Dave Hopley. Ian proposed a change to the district constitution to enable this meeting to take place online. The proposal had already been agreed by the district exec. The meeting agreed to the change.

Ian announced that his nomination for District Chair was Dane Chaplow. Dane then took the chair for the remainder of the meeting. He began by asking those present to take a moment to reflect on those members and supporters of South West Cheshire Scout Council who had “Gone Home” since the 2019 AGM:

Graham Cookson. Les Davidson and Kath Titley.

2.0 Apologies

Apologies had been received from Amanda Harris, Andy Whalley, Steve Bullock, and Tim Clark.

3.0 Minutes of AGM held on 12th June 2020

Proposed, seconded and accepted as a true record.

4.0 Reports

The Annual District Report for 2020 was considered by the meeting. Each contributor was invited to comment. The Report was accepted with special thanks from the Chair to all contributors for their efforts during the past year.

Appointments

The report was accepted, and no questions were raised.

Secretary

Nothing to add to the report, no questions were raised.

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Beavers

The report was accepted, no questions were raised. Dane thanked the Beaver team for their report and asked that his thanks be conveyed to all Beaver leaders for their work.

Cub Scouts

Again, no questions were raised by the attendees and Dane asked for thanks to be passed to all Cub Leaders for their work.

Scouts

The report was accepted, no questions were raised. Dane thanked Lise and Rob for their hard work during the year.

Explorer and Network

Nothing to add to the reports which were accepted.

Milldale

Carl thanked everyone for their input and support, a lot of hard work on the site had been achieved.

Dane also thanked the Milldale team for their efforts and stated that in Milldale the district had a fantastic facility.

Activities

Sailing

The report was accepted Carl commented on the successful taster sessions run during the year.

Canoeing

The report was accepted.

Shooting

Given the huge success of Shooting in the district Ian recommended the use of the facilities at Milldale to all sections.

The DC commented on the need for additional instructors across the whole field of activities. Any offers of help please direct them to the DC.

Swimming

The report was accepted, Dane thanked the swimming team for their continuing work with the section.

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Scout Shop

The report was accepted, Dane thanked everyone involved in the shop for the excellent work and reminded everyone that the income from the shop helps to sustain the district financially, without it the District Levy would increase. Please continue to use the shop.

The meeting approved the annual report.

5.0 Financial Report

The annual accounts for 2020 were circulated, these were approved without comment from members

6.0 Election of District Secretary

• John Bennett was nominated and confirmed as District Secretary.

7.0 Election of District Treasurer

Richard Bennett was nominated and confirmed as District Treasurer.

8.0 Election of Members of the District Scout Council to the District Executive Committee.

Marilyn Norbury, Cathie Wainwright and David Brough were elected to the District Executive.

• 9.0 Approval of the District Commissioner’s nomination of Members of the District Scout Council to serve on the District Executive Committee.

Ian Potts nominated the following:

Beavers: Mark Rowe

Cubs: Helen Dorney

Scouts: Lisa Gamble Explorers & Young Leaders: Diane Blurton

10.0 Election of two Members of the District Scout Council for nomination to the County Scout Council.

John Whittingham was willing to continue in this role, the meeting agreed to this. There were no other volunteers

11.0 District Commissioner

• 11.1 Ian gave the following report:

My report last year ended with a quote from our Founder, Lord Baden Powell: ‘Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.’

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Our experiences during 2020 may have made looking on the bright side a difficult thing to do for many people. However, despite the challenges Scouting faced in 2020 there have been plenty of examples of our Leaders and Young People making ‘the best of it’.

We have risen to the challenge of running meetings on-line, learned that Zooming isn’t just a description of a group of Beavers running around a field and found out that Teams are not just what we split groups of Scouts into to play a wide game. I have been impressed by the range of activities that groups across the District have been able to run on-line, the imagination that has gone into devising new ways to achieve badges and the number of different ways that have been found to continue to deliver Scouting when we have not been able to meet face to face. From ‘Bob’s Badges’ and OSM’s Badges Online to virtual camps and Zoom meetings Leaders have covered the A to Z of how to deliver Scouting in 2020.

As a District our priorities had to change in mid-March and we had to find ways to respond to the challenges of running Scouting virtually, the issue of buildings being locked up and empty for long periods and the financial impacts posed by reduced income. With monthly District Executive Committee, GSL and ADC meetings we rose to these challenges, sharing ideas and best practice and taking advantage of support from outside Scouting where it was available. Planned activities and events were postponed and then cancelled, including the Gang Show and Eurojam, and eventually thoughts turned to how to return to face to face Scouting safely. Just as we were starting to get back to face to face Scouting, with the appropriate adjustments and Risk Assessments in place, we were then hit with a further Covid lockdown and had to return to virtual Scouting.

Unfortunately, one of the consequences of the changes to the delivery of Scouting has been a reduction in the number of members, especially young people, many of whom have found that spending time on Zoom school lessons followed by a Zoom Scout meeting has not been enjoyable. However, one thing I am confident of is that if we can rise to the challenges 2020 presented us, we can bounce back in 2021 and beyond.

The number of people across the District who deserve thanks for their efforts over the last 12 months are too numerous to mention here but I would particularly like to thank our District Secretary, John Bennett, for his hard work and support.

Our founder once said ‘A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room’. Having personally run just one face to face meeting between March and December last year this could be re-phrased as ‘An hours face to face Scout meeting is worth six months of Zoom meetings’.

12.0 The County Commissioner

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• 12.1 Dave Hopley gave a slide presentation and discussed a number of topics:

• 12.2 He started by echoing everything Dane and Ian had said and commented that Scouting was more important than anything.

• He referred to the four priorities of Scouting:

• Delivering the Programme

Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers

Funding Scouting

Keeping Everyone Safe

• 12.3 In referring to Home Scouting Dave said that he was humbled by the way leaders had continued to deliver Scouting during lockdown. He thanked Craig Shaw for the series of “How to” videos.

• 12.4 Speaking about a slide entitles Be Kind. Dave said there was evidence of kindness in buckets. Ne gave a shout out to Joshua from Wistaston who had cycled at least 10 miles every day for 26 days to raise money for the NHS

• 12.5 The census figures for Cheshire are broadly in line with the national trends and we have retained 80% of our membership during the pandemic, He congratulated those groups who have shown growth during the last year.

• 12.6 In looking at the year ahead he mentioned Cheshire Hike which is planned for 2[nd] and 3[rd] April 2022

• 12.7 Dave finished by saying that you are amazing and paid tribute to Ian, the district exec and everyone in SWC for keeping Scouting going.

Dane closed the meeting at 20.25.

John Bennett

District Secretary, South West Cheshire Scouts. June 2020

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021

DISTRICT SECRETARY’S REPORT

The District Executive met on four occasions in 2021, all the meetings were held via Microsoft Teams.

Submission of the annual census return was completed on time. The submission of the district accounts and annual report to the Charity Commission was also completed on schedule. In addition, the district submitted an interim report to HQ on youth membership numbers in October 2021.

The Executive was pleased to note the number of awards presented during 2020 and 2021 in South West Cheshire including:

• 72 Chief Scouts Bronze Awards

• 61 Chief Scouts Silver Awards

• 25 Chief Scouts Gold Awards

• 2 Chief Scouts Platinum Awards

• 2 Chief Scouts Diamond Awards

• 18 Young Leader Belt Buckles

• 4 DoE Bronze

• 3 DoE Silver

Award for Merit

Jacqueline Bloor Paul Goodwin Elizabeth Hough

Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service

Catherine Jones

Tina Jones

Long Service Awards

2020 Peter Taylor - 60 Years Michael Bennion - 50 Years Jim Thompson - 50 Years Olive Ward - 50 Years

2021

William Elliot - 60 Years Gillian Evanson - 40 Years Martyn Booth - 30 Years Carl Shore - 30 Years

Jacqueline Shore - 30 Years

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It is with great sadness that we record the deaths, since the last District AGM, of former leaders and supporters of Scouting in South West Cheshire:

David Ballard John Pennington Tony Stockton Colin Germain Bob Jones Peter Norbury Rev. Ken Sambrook Ian Russell

		CENSUS	CENSUS	RETURN	COMPARISON	COMPARISON	COMPARISON
	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Groups	24	24	23	23	23	22	22
Beaver	404	416	429	390	385	255	313
Cub	466	480	497	456	427	301	346
Scout	453	400	412	413	422	371	344
Explorer	103	118	104	116	138	120	122
Network		27	105	102	90	25	10
Adults	414	500	564	612	513	505	341
Total	1840	1941	2111	2089	1978	1578	1476

* The Explorer figure includes members of the Explorer Young Leader Unit

John Bennett

District Secretary

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DISTRICT APPOINTMENT TEAM’S REPORT

The Appointments Committee has continued to meet on Zoom throughout 2021. Using this technology means that candidates can be interviewed wherever they are, a bonus when it comes to interviewing University students!

There were 6 interview meetings in 2021, during which a total of 37 new Section Leaders, Assistant Section Leaders and Sectional Assistants were appointed. The Committee also considered and approved additional roles for 8 Leaders, and 16 changes of role.

We recruited and trained 3 new members for the Committee. They are all now active on the interviewing panel.

My thanks, as ever, to our committee members for their continued support and for contributing to this very important part of the selection process for new prospective Leaders.

We are often asked why there is a long wait for interviews after the forms have been submitted. The most common reason is that we wait for the references to be received before the candidate is added to the list for interview. Cathie spends a great deal of her time chasing references! Candidates can help speed up the process by just asking their referees to respond to our request at their earliest convenience, and GSLs can help too with regular reminders to candidates to ensure their references have been submitted. Candidates can begin their Getting Started training before they have been interviewed, but their appointment will remain provisional until that training is completed, and they have been approved by the Appointments Committee.

Jen Wilkinson Appointments Sub-Committee chair

Cathie Wainwright Appointments Secretary

BEAVER SCOUT SECTION REPORT

Resilience. Fortitude. Gratitude. These are some of the key strengths we have seen displayed this year by our fantastic leaders and helpers, all of whom have been there to support Beaver Scout’s on their journeys of success. 2021 was filled with many mixed emotions due to the pandemic, but we are fortunate to have had such dedicated individuals pioneering the scouting vision. Without the hard work of the Parents, Leaders and Young Leaders during this difficult time, we would not be here today.

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For the first time since we can remember, we were unable to hold a Bronze Award ceremony. Despite this, we were still able to celebrate the fact that 72 Beavers completed their Bronze Awards during this difficult period. This is further testament to the hard work of the Leaders and Parents in providing opportunities to still thrive despite numerous lockdowns. Each Bronze Award recipient was sent a personalised letter and a certificate to commemorate their achievement.

We moved our Beaver Challenge online this year, where we challenged Beavers to complete in four weeks a wide variety of tasks including making a jam sandwich with one hand, climbing through a piece of A4 paper and, a Beaver favourite, balancing as many biscuits on your head as possible. Many groups took part in this and we had lots of positive feedback. This then became inspiration for our celebration of the Beaver 35th Anniversary.

In July, we extended the number of challenges to 35 different fun and unique tasks, designed to promote investigation, puzzle solving and a love of the outdoors. This was well received during the summer holidays, with parents and leaders commenting about how it had given families things to do whilst stuck at home.

Unfortunately, Sports Day was also unable to be held this year – but that did not stop us! Each group was invited to partake in 7 different sports day races. We had several groups partake, with Beavers from across the county competing for the fastest times. The 23[rd] SWC (Wheelock) Beaver Scouts became the 2021 Sports Day champions.

Our year ended with a trip to Milldale for a Christmas celebration. Beavers took part in a scavenger hunt, fire-lighting, pedal kart racing and had a special visit from Santa. The Beavers had a fantastic time, and we are thankful for all the leaders and helpers who gave up their time to enable us in being able to hold this event.

Once again, we would like to thank the Beavers, Parents, Leaders, Young Leaders and other helpers in enabling scouting this year. It has been difficult for many people, but with your dedication and resilience, 2021 has been another successful year for Beaver Scouts in South West Cheshire Scout District.

We are now looking forward to the next 12 months; the return of face-to-face events and the continuation of providing life-long skills for all Beaver Scouts in the district.

Stephanie Fearn Liam Potts ADC Beavers

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CUB SCOUT SECTION REPORT

2021 did not start the way we had hoped, and we had to work a bit differently beginning of the year although the later part of the year has turned out better for us all and we could get back to some normality.

We have continued to catch up on Zoom for our Leaders' meetings during the year. It was good to hear about everything the packs had been up to. Although more recently we have been able to catch up face to face at the events we have held. It has been great to see people and share ideas and support each other as well as hear about all the great things Cub Leaders have achieved with their Cub packs.

We know how much hard work the Leaders have continued to do and working on Teams, Zoom, Face to Face indoors and outdoors and this has been great.

Silver Awards

In February, we were not going to allow Covid to stop the Chief Scout’s Silver Award evening, we had a special guest speaker, Megan Giglia Para Olympian and Pam Owen (Assistant County Commissioner Cubs). A bit of extra planning took place and certificates were sent out in advance to 61 Cubs from fourteen packs who had achieved their award in 2021: 1[st] , 3[rd] , 7[th] , 14[th] , 17[th] , 18[th] , 22[nd] , 23[rd] , 26[th] , 28[th] , 30[th] , 38[th] , 39[th] , and 41[st.]

To see this number of awards in a tough year was a fantastic achievement. We would like to say well done to all the Cubs and their Leaders for all the hard work that has gone into achieving this, the highest award for Cubs, it was great to see that the Cubs continued to complete badge work at home. A fantastic achievement to all.

Funday

In October we held a fun day at Milldale, although a little cold and damp this did not stop over 160 Cubs, Leaders and Explorers and supporters attending the day.

The Cubs took part with much excitement in a range of activities including, Sports, Assault course, Crafts, Backwoods cooking, Garden games, Nerf guns, Water rockets, Spider’s web, Blind trail, Beat the goalie, Drums, Orienteering, Circus skills and much more.

The event was only able to take place due to the support and work from many Leaders. Thanks go to everyone involved this included the camp site team, who spent many hours prior preparing for the event due to the site not been in use for a long period due to Covid restrictions. The District Leaders and the Car Park Team.

Special thanks must go to the Explorers and leaders who supported the event and without their much needed support the day would not have gone ahead as they provided support to facilitate activities and they also enjoyed a well-earned evening

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camping after the event the first night camping for many of them for some time. All in all, the day was a great success and enjoyed by all, thanks again.

Christmas Party

On Saturday 4th December, The Cubs held their Christmas celebration over 100 Cubs attended the event at the Lifestyle Centre in Crewe, all had great fun with music, games a fancy-dress competition and even a visit from Santa who fitted us into his very busy schedule. Cubs all went home with a selection box. Along with this we have donated 50 Selection boxes split between the Food bank at St Pauls, The Rotary Club and the Children’s Ward at Leighton Hospital. Thanks again to all leaders that supported the event and made it a great success

Thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank-you to all Leaders, young Leaders and helpers for all the time and effort that went in to 2021. We know 2022 is going to be a great year with lots of great activities going ahead the district team is certainly planning to make this a great year. Hope to see you soon.

Jenny Carlin Neil Tomlinson ADC Cubs

SCOUT SECTION REPORT

The start of the year saw us all still in lockdown and the Troops who had been meeting on Zoom continued to do so.

March found some Troops starting to get back to Face to Face Scouting on a tentative level. By the summer half term more Troops had started to meet and were planning more outdoor activities. However, many Troops have experienced a loss of several Leaders, as well as Scouts. This is now being reversed with very healthy waiting lists.

Since troops have been back to normal meetings, they have been taking part in regular Scouting activities including Science Badge, International Cooking, Night Hikes, JOTA/JOTI, Climbing, Wild Swimming, Museum Visits, Manchester Monopoly Run and many others both interesting and varied.

Summer camps and Winter camps were back on the agenda for a couple of Troops with the Scouts enjoying the outdoors experience again.

September saw Milldale host the World Scout Jamboree Selection, which was well represented by the Scouts section and was a good experience for all.

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November was the month that saw the District Scouts being able to resume their annual Remembrance Parade in Crewe and what a great turn out we had.

The New Year looks promising

Lise Grasmeder Tim Clark ADC Scouts

EXPLORER REPORT

Having weathered the first year of the pandemic with minimal loss of membership, our second year has been just as positive for our units.

As we moved to face to face meeting, the units continued to develop a successful set of engaging and enjoyable programmes. Programmes are predominately developed through the units 16 plus youth forums and are Explorer run. These programme activities range from kayaking, international nights, student cooking, drag and casino nights to helping with the local Santa float and attending a Promise night with local Cubs.

While membership at the units continues to flourish, leadership issues remain problematic. Mallory and Fiennes continue to hold join meeting at the 26th SWC HQ due to leadership issues. Drake again lacking in leaders rely on continued support from Scout leaders at the 35th SWC. Recruitment and retention must be our goal for 2022-2023 and a way found to increase the leadership provision of our units.

The units are in the process of developing ties within their own Scout group localities, meeting with specific assigned groups with the hope of running sessions for the Scouts to develop an understanding of what Explorers can offer the 14 – 18 age group.

It was with pride that a member of Shipton was asked to represent Explorers at Crewe Remembrance Service, Cerys had also been named Shipton Explorer of the year.

District Explorer accounts are again still healthy, with provision in place to ease membership payments for 2022 and 2023. All but Shipton are now under one account umbrella, with provision for Shipton to move fund this Spring. Next on our agenda is to organise top up debit cards for each section, allowing for easier payments of general expenses.

With no Network Commissioner, currently, in SWC and a large number of Explorers turning 18, we have spoken with Ian Turnbull (ACC Explorers), who has suggested that we set up a network section on OSM, to store what would be Network members

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information. Ian also suggested that we look at the use of Social Media to engage with Network aged membership. This again is on our agenda for the coming year.

Ingrid Shaw District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Cathie Wainwright District Explorer Scout Administrator

YOUNG LEADER EXPLORER SCOUTS

It has been a very productive year for the Young Leaders in South West Cheshire. Young Leaders are a great asset to any group. They are very supportive in running the weekly programme and can take a lot of pressure of the leaders.

We have been very proactive within the district with the young leaders and from January 2020 until the award Ceremony deadline in July 2021 we awarded 18 Young Leader Belt Buckles. This is an amazing achievement through a very difficult 18 months with Covid and the pandemic. Well done to all the Young Leaders who gained their Young Leader Belt Buckle in this time.

The Young Leaders have completed their training during the pandemic online and via modules on the Cheshire Scouts Website. All Young leader modules can be accessed via face to face or via the Cheshire Scouts Website; https://www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/youth-programme/young-leaders-14-17/yltraining

All Young leaders are encouraged to complete their training and obtain the Young Leader Belt buckle but also the only requirement is for them to complete Module A and attend their section meetings and help out as a leader.

We have found that a Young Leader in a section (Maximum 3 per section this is to ensure that they get the best out of their experience it is also the guidance from Scout HQ that 3 be the maximum) brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the section and I know a lot of leaders who have young leaders in their sections wouldn’t do without them

I look forward to presenting many more Young Leader Belt Buckles in the near future.

Diane Blurton

Young Leader Explorer Scout Leader

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SCOUT NETWORK REPORT

Unfortunately due to the pandemic there haven’t been any Network events in the past year. A new District Scout Network Commissioner is being sought to reinvigorate the section in the coming years.

Ian Potts District Commissioner

DISTRICT YOUTH FORUM

Unfortunately, again, due to the pandemic there haven’t been any Forums in 2021. A new District Youth Commissioner is being sought to restart youth engagement in the District in 2022.

Ian Potts District Commissioner

ACTIVITIES REPORT

The periodic lifting of restrictions in late 2020 and the progress made on risk assessments had lifted hopes for a good start to the New Year, but it was not to be, and Scouts once again found themselves locked out of the face-to-face meetings that are so essential to activities.

As the weeks stretched on, over half term we challenged all our young people to “Dare to be Different” and find ways or places to sleep, eat and exercise that they hadn’t done since the start of the pandemic. Although the response wasn’t huge, those who did have a go clearly had a great time and it gave us an incentive to find other activities that could be done within the restrictions.

The staged badges provided sufficient inspiration and we found 3 that we thought worked well via Zoom:

Navigator Stages 1&2 for Cubs, Scouts & Explorers – run over 2 Zoom sessions covering the theory and with the practical hike completed by a walk with their families (with requirement for lots of photographic evidence)

Musician Stage 1 – run over a Saturday morning, with separate sessions for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts (many thanks to Graham Proctor). Much fun was had, though their neighbours may not have been too appreciative….

Nautical Skills Stages 1&2 – another 2 zoom meetings covered the theory and practical parts of knot tying. A couple of participants had already completed the

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practical parts by kayak or sail, but the others were offered priority places on the first Kayak training courses as soon as they could resume.

All sessions were filled to capacity and the photos and videos that were sent back clearly showed everyone had a lot of fun.

With all our Risk Assessments already approved, the eventual move back to Amber at the end of March meant that we could make a rapid start in offering ‘proper’ activities. Those who had taken part in the Navigator badge sessions were offered of a chance of a hike without parents in tow, and many of them joined in a walk from the 18th SWC in Gresty Road to Weston on a gloriously sunny morning in late April. The Cubs were accompanied by leaders, but the Scouts walked in small groups by themselves – and nobody got lost!

Adventurous activities rely heavily on the willingness and availability of Instructors with appropriate Scout Activity Permits – so it was a huge relief that appeals to our kayak team from 2019 received an enthusiastic response, all keen to get back on the water. Over the next 3 months we held 4 week-end training courses covering Paddlesport Stages 2&3 plus a “Taster” weekend. Over the year we had well over 100 of our Young People in kayaks (all gaining Paddlesport Stage 1) with around 45 achieving Stage 2 or 3.

We finished the season in September with a flat-water trip along the Weaver Navigation and games on Winsford Flash.

Covid risk assessments for Climbing proved slightly more challenging but were eventually approved and it was good to see the Milldale Climbing and Abseiling walls back in action – now complete with floodlights which has proved an added attraction on dark evenings. In addition to the normal Milldale sessions, we piloted a full day course covering all parts of the Scout Climber badge. This is now available to all.

Offers to help leaders organise Hillwalking for their Sections remain – but have not as yet been taken up; however it is good news that several leaders in SWC have undertaken Terrain 1 training with the County team and we wish them good luck in achieving their Permits soon.

It has become clear that Sailing cannot continue in the same way as it has done in the past as we no longer have sufficiently qualified instructors. We have started discussions with Winsford Flash Sailing Club on a new approach and are hopeful that some sailing will be possible in 2022.

As mentioned earlier, Permit Holders are the key to successful and active programme – Kayaking and Climbing are definitely ‘success stories’ this year. My sincere thanks go to all who dusted off previous skills and permits and those who have come forward

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to achieve new permits for the first time. Special mention should also be made of the Explorer Scouts who have applied for and achieved Activity Permits, with some showing particularly inspirational leadership skills – they too are an invaluable part of our teams.

Wild Swimming and Cycling are 2 activities popular with Scouts that I’m keen to add to our options this year. Whilst I can offer advice and some help to leaders wanting to run events for their own Sections, we’ll need more volunteers before we can offer them as District events.

Rob Galloway

ADC (Activities)

MILLDALE CAMPSITE REPORT

2021 again saw Milldale heavily impacted by Covid-19. During the various lockdowns when the site remained closed to visitors, the Service Team continued to perform ongoing maintenance. The site reopened to visitors after Easter with bookings gradually increasing throughout the remainder of the year.

We continue to be financially sound, maintaining a positive cashflow throughout the year, mainly due to several Covid-19 related grants.

Not all of our activities have been available throughout the year due to Covid restrictions although most are now back up and running, with additional risk assessments and minor changes to the operating procedures for some of the activities.

The first part of the year was heavily focused on removal of fallen trees. Power and networking cables were laid to the shooting and archery range shelters with floodlighting installed together with additional CCTV. The climbing tower has been floodlit to enable night-time climbing. The roof on the Warden’s cabin has been refelted and improvements made to the pathways in the ancient woodland. The shooting container has been moved with the surrounding area landscaped as well as clearance of sections of the Millrace.

Numerous volunteers continue to support the site during the weekends and weekdays working on a variety of projects from widening and refurbishing the paths through the woods for wheelchair access to pruning trees and mowing grass; there are always jobs to do suiting anyone’s skill level.

Looking forward, we have an extensive schedule of work for 2022, everything from block paving the Archery Range to organising new fundraising events. Our biggest

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challenge remains fundraising circa £300k for the planned accommodation block. Planning permission had to be re-applied for due to the impact of Covid on the project timeline.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the campsite team and wardens for all their hard work over the past year and a special thank you to the 2 young people that come down to the site come rain or shine almost every Sunday to help. If you would like to get involved at the campsite, then please ask myself or a member of the campsite committee for more information. We always have the kettle on and biscuits available (you will have to fight the youngsters for the Jaffa Cakes).

Carl Shore Milldale Campsite Chairman.

SWIMMING

The District Swimming Club was unable to run during 2021 due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

Ian Potts District Commissioner

SHOOTING

Again, a very slow year within the District Shooting Team. We looked at risk assessments, did work on equipment and facilities and purchased some new equipment, but struggled to start shooting at Milldale

In September we ran a taster session at the 35th Fun Day and followed this with six open sessions through to December. We started with 8 scouts and explorers at this first session and had over 20 attending some of the later sessions, which was a fantastic start in challenging circumstances.

It has been very difficult for the small team of instructors, helpers and leaders in this period, learning how to shoot with Covid rules, getting the equipment up and running, dealing with frequent breakdowns on rifles and pistols, and remembering what we should do.

Another problem was that the majority of the older shooters have moved on, and new shooters have a lot to learn and can be very challenging!

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We have put together a full program of session through to June and plan on running the Waterloo shooting competition on the weekend of the 11th/12th June.

It would be great to get some of the old shooters back and involved either as shooters or helping; they have a lot of experience to share. We are also, as always, short of adult help, so if anyone wants to dip their toe in the water and help, please let us know.

Andrew Brookes District Shooting Advisor

SCOUT & GUIDE SHOP REPORT

The Scout and Guide Shop was unable to open until May due to the pandemic and therefore income was again reduced this year. Turnover in 2021 was up on 2020 but still more than a third down on 2019. Along with the restricted opening there have also been shortages in the supply of uniform which has restricted sales. Around 60% of sales were uniform and 25% were badges, continuing the trend in recent years towards these two lines.

The sterling efforts of Rosemary Schofield and Andrew Whalley have ensured that the shop has continued to flourish, and they have been ably supported by a small but dedicated team of Scouting and Guiding volunteers. If you would like to join the team, I know you would be welcomed.

Ian Potts District Commissioner

21

South West Cheshire District Scout Council

Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date
	For the year from	01/01/2021	To	31/12/2021
Receipts and payments
Receipts		2021 £ £48,331 £42,142 £6,190 - £0 £6,190 - £753 - - - £964 £460 £2,177 - £3,770 £525 £4,295 £11,002 - - £80 £1,472 - - £12,554 £337 £337 £25,552 - £25,552		2020 £
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions		£48,331		£62,924
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (National / County)		£42,142		£50,875
Net membership subscriptions retained		£6,190		£12,049
Network		-		-
Scout Shop		£0		£7,500
Sub total		£6,190		£19,549
Activities
Beavers		-		£13
Cubs		£753		-
Scouts		-		-
Explorers		-		-
Leaders		-		-
Swimming Club		£964		£1,336
District events, activities, training and camps		£460		£340
Sub total		£2,177		£1,688
Fundraising (gross)
World Scouting Jamboree		-		£1,748
Eurojam (including refunds )		£3,770		£11,354
Other fundraising activities		£525		£1,890
Sub total		£4,295		£14,992
Other receipts
Business grants		£11,002		£11,334
Emptying Mallory bank account		-		£4,166
3rdSWC share of District store insurance		-		£195
Donations		£80		-
38thSWC refunding payment		£1,472		-
Maintenance		-		£29
Fiennes reimbursing District for rent payment		-		£600
Sub total		£12,554		£16,324
Investment income
Bank interest		£337		£372
Sub total		£337		£372
Total Gross Income Asset and investment sales, etc. Total receipts
				£52,924
				£0
		£25,552		£52,924

South West Cheshire District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date
	For the year from	01/01/2021	To	31/12/2021
Receipts and payments
Payments		2021 £ - £824 - - - - - £764 - £1,588 £166 £582 £8,087 £300 £149 - £588 - £45 £688 £20 £138 - - £10,762 £1,800 £200 - - £5,203 £1,472 - - £8,675 £162 £4,784 - £4,946 £25,971 -		2020 £
Activities
Beavers		-		£39
Cubs		£824		£57
Scouts		-		£943
Explorers		-		-
Youngleaders		-		-
Leaders		-		-
Districtyouth forum		-		-
District events, activities, trainingand camps		£764		£380
SwimmingClub		-		£1,890
Sub total		£1,588		£3,309
District running costs
Water and Sewerage		£166		£136
Electricityand Gas		£582		£577
Insurance		£8,087		£9,357
Accountancy		£300		-
Bank charges		£149		-
Repairs and Renewals		-		£387
AGM and trustee expenses		£588		£269
Legal Expenses		-		-
CVS Licence		£45		£45
MPLC(film licence)		£688		£668
Lotterylicence		£20		£20
MiFi		£138		£136
Websites		-		£451
First Aid		-		£300
Sub total		£10,762		£12,346
Exceptional expenses
Donation to Guides		£1,800		£750
Donations		£200		£50
PayingFiennes ESU’s rent		-		£600
ReimbursingMalloryESU bank accountproceeds		-		£4,166
GangShow(includingloan)		£5,203		£2,350
Payment on behalf of 38thSWC		£1,472		-
Payments on behalf of District shop		-		£2,577
PPE		-		£362
Sub total		£8,675		£10,055
Fundraising expenses
Distributedproceeds of fundraising		£162		£96
Eurojam(includingrefunds)		£4,784		£12,777
World ScoutingJamboree instalments		-		£3,000
Sub total		£4,946		£16,673
Total Gross Expenditure Asset and investment purchases, etc.
				£42,383
		-		£0

Total payments	£25,971		£42,383
Net of receipts/(payments)	-£418		£10,541
Cash funds last year end	£98,241		£87,701
Cash funds this year end	£97,823		£98,241

Activity Accounts

Activity Accounts
Section	Receipts	Payments	Opening balance	Closing balance
Milldale	£19,974	£11,083	£39,510	£48,401
Canoe and Kayak	£0	£0	£742	£742
Sailing	£20	£765	£4,556	£3,811
Shooting	£2,090	£3,338	£2,935	£1,687
Scout Shop	£27,118	£20,120	£16,714	£23,711
Explorers	£11,104	£4,968	£12,271	£18,406
Gang Show	£5,091	£1,873	£4,342	£7,560

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year	Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31/12/2021 £ Cash funds RBS current account £50,453 NS&I investment account £47,169 The Scout Association Charity Deposit Account £201 £97,823 Non monetary assets for charity's own use (insured values) Land and buildings £422,783 Motor vehicles £25,950 Scouting equipment, furniture etc £103,449 Marine £56,715 Sub total £608,897 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid - Sub total £0 Total cash funds		31/12/2020 £
Cash funds
RBS current account	£50,453	£51,208
NS&I investment account	£47,169	£46,832
The Scout Association Charity Deposit Account	£201	£201
Total cash funds	£97,823	£98,241
Non monetary assets for charity's own use (insured values)
Land and buildings	£422,783	£286,533
Motor vehicles	£25,950	£25,950
Scouting equipment, furniture etc	£103,449	£65,680
Marine	£56,715	£56,715
Sub total	£608,897	£434,878
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid	-	£1,384
Sub total	£0	£1,384

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 7th March 2022 and signed on their behalf by

Signature	Print Name
	Chair
	Treasurer

I CHARITY COMMISSION I FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the I accounts Section Al Independent Examiner's Reporti, Report to the trusteesl members of sovfH ￿rtST C14fiSHlrtft On accounts for the year ended Jlsv OLI Charity no {If any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination, of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trusl.) for the yp.ar ended Responslbilltles and basis of report As the Charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the a¢counts in accordance with the réquirèments of the Charit18s Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2.011 Act 2nd in carrying Jut my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5}(bl of the Act. Independent tThe Charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 and l am qualified to examiner'8 Statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member ot linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. D61eto I l if nor applicable. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the pxamination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records ware not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requiremenls concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts givè a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns aiid have come across no other matters in connection wilh the examinatson to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delote the words in the br8Gkets if they do not apply. Signed: Dats". Name: Relevant professlonal qualificationlsl or body IER Oct 2018

lif any): Address: 61f sm*s&r C14r:S14111 c￿19 l¢45 Section B Disclosure Only complete if Ihe examiner needc to Iighligkit material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity 8GCOUnts. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018