2025-03-31-accounts - 3rd Woodthorpe (St Mark's) Scout Group

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3[rd] Woodthorpe (St Mark’s) Scout Group iat Be

Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024/25

SCOUT GROUP REGISTRATION NUMBER : 32167 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER : 507206

CHAIR & PRINCIPAL ADDRESS : Rebecca Mellors, 9A Breckhill Rd, Woodthorpe, Nottingham, NG5 4GP.

CHARITY TRUSTEES ACTING DURING THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2025:

Rebecca Mellors (Chair), Tracey Box, Andy Burger, Derek Corke (Treasurer), Ben Danvers (GSL), Roz Hawks, Rob Powley, Simeon Ractliffe, Tara Rose, Mike Smith, Lawrence Staniforth, Jonathan Wilson.

HOLDING TRUSTEE OF PEPPERPOTS: Scout Association Trust Corporation Limited.

LEADERS AND SECTION ASSISTANTS DURING THE YEAR:

Group Scout Leader: Ben Danvers.

Assistant Group Scout Leader: Andy Burger.

Squirrel Drey: Danielle Blackman, Lizzie Mullins, Isobel Robinson.

Beaver Colonies: Emma Benner, Danielle Blackman, Tracey Box, Chris Dove, Heather Hattersley, Joan Hodges, Sintija Macqueen, Hannah Wilson.

Cub Packs: Trish Adams, Louise Carey, Tony Danvers, Fred Perkins, Lawrence Staniforth, Mark Woolley, Marc Wright, Lisa Whistance.

Scout Troops: Andy Burger, Ben Danvers, James Dunn, Graham Johnson, Sophie Lin, Lawrence Staniforth.

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

The associated Peppers Explorer Scout Unit: Fiona Green, Matt Etchells-Jones, Rob Powley.

Welcome to our Annual Report, covering the year ended 31st March 2025.

GOVERNANCE & LEGISLATION

The Trustees have had regard to the UK Charity Commission's public benefit guidance during the year. The Trustees are satisfied that the objectives of the Group fall within the description of charitable purposes set out in the Charities Act 2011, and that in delivering these objectives the Group provides public benefit as required by the Act. Membership of the Group is open to young people of all faiths and ethnicities. Arrangements ensure that membership of young people and their participation in activities is not restricted as a result of economic factors. Pepperpots is made available for use by other Scouting and community organisations on a non-profit basis, subject to health and safety provisions and to limitations contained in planning legislation.

We have followed the Scout Association requirements relating to the appointment of Trustees, offering an ‘open selection’ facility whereby any person entitled to attend and vote at the Group’s AGM is allowed to put their name forward to be elected as a Trustee. The size of our Board of Trustees is limited to twelve members. Trustees may resign at any time without notice.

We take the Board of Trustees as responsible for overseeing the development of Group resources, securing financial stability and ensuring that major risks are appropriately identified and managed. The Leadership Team holds responsibility for running safe and successful Scouting programmes for our young members.

TRUSTEE ACTIVITIES

This year the Trustees have focussed on the maintenance of our existing building and grounds to ensure safety, improve energy efficiency and make the outdoor space more usable. Some of the fire doors have been replaced as have some of the windows, and new lighting and heating have been installed recently. There has not been any progress with plans for the new field. This is due in part to the necessity of ensuring the above tasks were completed, although other contributing factors are the need for it to be re-seeded again and the simple fact that none of the Trustees had enough time to oversee such a big project.

In terms of fundraising, the Trustees assessed the feasibility of holding a Bonfire Party and decided that as we are now located between 2 major roads this is no longer possible from a safety point of view. The Beer Festival is therefore now our only significant fundraising event, and whilst it was a great success once again we will be working to try and diversify our fundraising over the next 12 months.

If anyone would like to assist us with fundraising (no need to become a Trustee) all help will be gratefully accepted. We are also still in need of a Secretary (this is a Trustee role) – if you are interested in either of these areas then please contact any of the Trustees or speak to your section leader, who will be able to pass on a message to the Trustees on your behalf.

The Trustees would like to thank all of our volunteers for their support over the past year, especially those running or assisting with sections.

FROM THE GSL

3rd Woodthorpe continues to go from strength to strength. We currently provide Scouting for 135 young people - the highest numbers since the pandemic years saw a number of members drift away from the group. This is thanks in part to a healthy Squirrels section feeding enthusiastic young people into Beavers,

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

improving retention rates in those sections, and leading to an increase year on year in the number of top awards (Chief Scout Gold, Silver, Bronze and Acorn Awards).

We also have a healthy 85 people on our waiting list - as much as we would like to reduce that number by offering more young people the chance to join in with us, this is very dependent on the support of our 26 strong Leadership team, who work tirelessly to create the excellent environment at the group. With more support we could do so much more!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone associated with this group for making this such a special place for all the young people entrusted into our care.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Group's financial statements are shown on pages 5 to 7 of this report. The accounts have been examined by George Alex Weatherall FCA, our honorary Independent Examiner. His report is on page 4. We are most indebted to Alex for his continuing support as our Independent Examiner and a resolution to reappoint him will be tabled at the AGM.

The Group’s income and expenditure are detailed on page 6. The accounts reflect the growth of 3W with the advent of our Squirrel section during the period. The accounts show that the Group had an excess of expenditure over income of £9,514, however if we remove depreciation which is not a cash item, this figure is reduced to £1,057. This situation has come about because we have finished receiving bonfire compensation, which we have benefited from over the past few years and also we have not received any Gift Aid payments during the period. We have some technical difficulties with this which we are currently trying to resolve and should recover back payments from HMRC.

The accounts also show that we have spent more on maintenance items this year, after previous years of spending very little. The majority of this expenditure was in respect of the new windows installed in the Ellis Building costing £5,442.

The trustees have sought to limit the extent of subscription increases as we recognise the difficulties caused by the cost of living. The trustees therefore carefully consider increases alongside the annual budget planning process to ensure that the Group has sufficient income to operate and this is monitored throughout the year.

Our statement of financial position is shown on page 7 and this shows our net assets and reserve funds totalling some £278,000 at 31st March 2025. These designated reserves and our strong asset base show that the Group is in a satisfactory financial position going forward as we look to develop Pepperpots HQ.

A charity is required to determine and disclose its policy for the maintenance of reserves. The policy adopted is to maintain free reserves of at least twelve months of expected normal levels of expenditure. The actual level of free reserves at 31st March 2025 was 9.3 months of such expenditure (last year 11.5 months).

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Rebecca Mellors

Rebecca Mellors, Chair of the Board of Trustees 2nd July 2025

Ben Danvers

Ben Danvers, Group Scout Leader

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT ON THE PREPARATION OF THE ACCOUNTS

The accounts set out on pages 5 to 7 have been prepared on behalf of the Trustees of the Group and they were approved by the Trustees on 12 May 2025.

Rebecca Mellors

Rebecca Mellors, Chair

Derek Corke

Derek Corke, Treasurer

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 5 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act); to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

a. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act and

b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirement of the Act.

have not been met; or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

George Weatherall

George Weatherall, FCA Nottingham 12th May 2025

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the valuation of land and buildings at Pepperpots, which is explained under ‘Fixed Assets’ below. The financial statements cover general Group activities and those of our squirrel, beaver, cubs and scout sections, but not of the Peppers Explorer Scout Unit as that is a separate and independent Unit within the Central Nottinghamshire Scout District. The financial statements adopt the going concern assumption as the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Scout Group will continue its operational existence in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of Income

Membership subscriptions are due at the start of each school term and are recognised when received. Gift aid is recognised as income when it is received. Income from hiring of Pepperpots is recognised when the hiring period has been completed. Income from donated goods is recognised only when those goods are sold. The Scout Group benefits greatly from the involvement and support its volunteers. The monetary value of the time provided by volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

Grants and compensation are recognised when the Scout Group becomes unconditionally entitled to income. Grants received for specific purposes are treated as restricted income. Grants and compensation relating to future accounting periods are deferred and recognised as income in those periods. If a grant or compensation received is due to be repaid it is recognised as a current liability.

Recognition of expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party and the amount of that obligation can be measured reliably.

Fixed assets

The land and buildings of the Pepperpots site have been professionally valued. Additional land, transferred to us in November 2023, is based upon a valuation undertaken for Charities Act purposes in April 2020. Other land and buildings were professionally valued in March 2021. Land is assessed using a market valuation based upon its Existing Use Value. Buildings are assessed using the Depreciated Replacement Cost basis.

Fixtures & fittings and tents & camping equipment are recognised in the statement of financial position at their historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Heritage assets are not recognised in the balance sheet as the Trustees believe that there is no reliable method to determine their cost or value to the Scout Group.

Depreciation of fixed assets

Land is not depreciated. From 1[st] April 2021 buildings have been depreciated on a straight-line basis, based upon their useful lives which were estimated at the date of their valuation, typically over 20 to 30 years. Other fixed assets are depreciated on a reducing balance basis of 15% per annum for fixtures and fittings and 25% per annum for tents and equipment. Assets no longer in use are removed from the balance sheet.

Reserves

The General Fund is an unrestricted fund available for use to resource any activities in conformity with the Scout Group’s charitable objectives. The Development Fund and the Environmental Fund are designated by the Trustees to be used to support the future development and environmental sustainability of the Pepperpots site. Restricted Funds are those earmarked for a special purpose by donors; the Scout Group currently has no Restricted Funds. The Pepperpots Revaluation Reserve records the unrealised surplus on the revaluation of land and buildings.

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 Income from Scouting Activities £.p £.p £.p £ Subscriptions received 17,892.00 14,963 Gift Aid received on subscriptions 0.00 623 Camp fees and section income 7,646.60 8,524 Pepperpots and equipment hire 676.00 636 26,214.60 24,746 Fundraising and Other Income Gross Expenses Compensation in lieu of Bonfire Party 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,543 Beer Festival 7,830.49 3,827.68 4,002.81 3,133 Sale of clothing and neckers Bank interest received 292.00 1,511.24 260.00 0.00 32.00 1,511.24 0 1,441 Grants and donations received 21.67 0.00 21.97 132 9,363.40 3,827.68 5,568.02 8,249 Total Net Income 31,782.62 32,995 Expenses Section and camp expenditure 9,390.27 10,323 National, County and District capitation fees 6,669.00 6,283 Rent of church hall 831.00 784 Broadband, website, card and OSM charges 2,043.55 1,752 Insurance 1,136.51 1,089 Electricity charges 1,726.84 1,112 Water charges 178.86 195 Badges, uniforms & training 1,704.31 1,035 Cleaning and maintenance 8,604.83 1,887 Banking and finance charges Donations paid AGM costs and sundry expenses 60.00 0.00 494.61 82 300 253 Depreciation of buildings, fixtures and equipment (includes £4,501 relating to revaluations) 8,457.53 7,693 Total expenditure 41,297.31 34,888 Excess of expenditure over income 9,514.69 1,893 CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 NET CASH INFLOW FROM SCOUTING AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES £.p £ Excess of expenditure over income for the year -9,514.69 -1,893 Depreciation expenses 8,457.53 7,693 -1,057.16 5,800 (Increase) / Decrease in stocks of clothing 69.00 -158 (Increase) / Decrease in debtors and prepayments -1,843.50 -5,794 Increase / (Decrease) in creditors and accrued expenses 159.89 -979 Net cash outflow from Scouting and fundraising activities 2,671.77 1,131 NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash outflow on the purchase of fixed assets 1,643.53 7,533 NET CASH OUTFLOW FOR THE YEAR 4,315.30 8,664 Decrease in bank deposit account (increase in 2024) 2,753.72 9,952 Decrease in current account 1,561.58 18,616 DECREASE IN TOTAL BANK AND CASH BALANCES 4,315.30 8,664	STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 Income from Scouting Activities £.p £.p £.p £ Subscriptions received 17,892.00 14,963 Gift Aid received on subscriptions 0.00 623 Camp fees and section income 7,646.60 8,524 Pepperpots and equipment hire 676.00 636 26,214.60 24,746 Fundraising and Other Income Gross Expenses Compensation in lieu of Bonfire Party 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,543 Beer Festival 7,830.49 3,827.68 4,002.81 3,133 Sale of clothing and neckers Bank interest received 292.00 1,511.24 260.00 0.00 32.00 1,511.24 0 1,441 Grants and donations received 21.67 0.00 21.97 132 9,363.40 3,827.68 5,568.02 8,249 Total Net Income 31,782.62 32,995 Expenses Section and camp expenditure 9,390.27 10,323 National, County and District capitation fees 6,669.00 6,283 Rent of church hall 831.00 784 Broadband, website, card and OSM charges 2,043.55 1,752 Insurance 1,136.51 1,089 Electricity charges 1,726.84 1,112 Water charges 178.86 195 Badges, uniforms & training 1,704.31 1,035 Cleaning and maintenance 8,604.83 1,887 Banking and finance charges Donations paid AGM costs and sundry expenses 60.00 0.00 494.61 82 300 253 Depreciation of buildings, fixtures and equipment (includes £4,501 relating to revaluations) 8,457.53 7,693 Total expenditure 41,297.31 34,888 Excess of expenditure over income 9,514.69 1,893 CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 NET CASH INFLOW FROM SCOUTING AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES £.p £ Excess of expenditure over income for the year -9,514.69 -1,893 Depreciation expenses 8,457.53 7,693 -1,057.16 5,800 (Increase) / Decrease in stocks of clothing 69.00 -158 (Increase) / Decrease in debtors and prepayments -1,843.50 -5,794 Increase / (Decrease) in creditors and accrued expenses 159.89 -979 Net cash outflow from Scouting and fundraising activities 2,671.77 1,131 NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash outflow on the purchase of fixed assets 1,643.53 7,533 NET CASH OUTFLOW FOR THE YEAR 4,315.30 8,664 Decrease in bank deposit account (increase in 2024) 2,753.72 9,952 Decrease in current account 1,561.58 18,616 DECREASE IN TOTAL BANK AND CASH BALANCES 4,315.30 8,664	STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 Income from Scouting Activities £.p £.p £.p £ Subscriptions received 17,892.00 14,963 Gift Aid received on subscriptions 0.00 623 Camp fees and section income 7,646.60 8,524 Pepperpots and equipment hire 676.00 636 26,214.60 24,746 Fundraising and Other Income Gross Expenses Compensation in lieu of Bonfire Party 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,543 Beer Festival 7,830.49 3,827.68 4,002.81 3,133 Sale of clothing and neckers Bank interest received 292.00 1,511.24 260.00 0.00 32.00 1,511.24 0 1,441 Grants and donations received 21.67 0.00 21.97 132 9,363.40 3,827.68 5,568.02 8,249 Total Net Income 31,782.62 32,995 Expenses Section and camp expenditure 9,390.27 10,323 National, County and District capitation fees 6,669.00 6,283 Rent of church hall 831.00 784 Broadband, website, card and OSM charges 2,043.55 1,752 Insurance 1,136.51 1,089 Electricity charges 1,726.84 1,112 Water charges 178.86 195 Badges, uniforms & training 1,704.31 1,035 Cleaning and maintenance 8,604.83 1,887 Banking and finance charges Donations paid AGM costs and sundry expenses 60.00 0.00 494.61 82 300 253 Depreciation of buildings, fixtures and equipment (includes £4,501 relating to revaluations) 8,457.53 7,693 Total expenditure 41,297.31 34,888 Excess of expenditure over income 9,514.69 1,893 CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 ST MARCH 2025 2024 NET CASH INFLOW FROM SCOUTING AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES £.p £ Excess of expenditure over income for the year -9,514.69 -1,893 Depreciation expenses 8,457.53 7,693 -1,057.16 5,800 (Increase) / Decrease in stocks of clothing 69.00 -158 (Increase) / Decrease in debtors and prepayments -1,843.50 -5,794 Increase / (Decrease) in creditors and accrued expenses 159.89 -979 Net cash outflow from Scouting and fundraising activities 2,671.77 1,131 NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash outflow on the purchase of fixed assets 1,643.53 7,533 NET CASH OUTFLOW FOR THE YEAR 4,315.30 8,664 Decrease in bank deposit account (increase in 2024) 2,753.72 9,952 Decrease in current account 1,561.58 18,616 DECREASE IN TOTAL BANK AND CASH BALANCES 4,315.30 8,664
£.p £.p Gross Expenses 0.00 0.00 7,830.49 3,827.68 292.00 1,511.24 260.00 0.00 21.67 0.00
	26,214.60 24,746
	0.00 3,543 4,002.81 3,133 32.00 1,511.24 0 1,441 21.97 132
9,363.40 3,827.68	5,568.02 8,249
	31,782.62 32,995
	9,390.27 10,323 6,669.00 6,283 831.00 784 2,043.55 1,752 1,136.51 1,089 1,726.84 1,112 178.86 195 1,704.31 1,035 8,604.83 1,887 60.00 0.00 494.61 82 300 253 8,457.53 7,693
	41,297.31 34,888
		1,893 2024 £ -1,893 7,693
	-1,057.16 69.00 -1,843.50 159.89	5,800 -158 -5,794 -979
	2,671.77 1,643.53	1,131 7,533
	4,315.30	8,664
	2,753.72 9,952 1,561.58 18,616
	4,315.30 8,664

3[RD ] WOODTHORPE (ST MARKS) SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31ST MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 ST MARCH 2025	POSITION AT 31 ST MARCH	2025
2024 £.p £.p £.p £ Fixed Assets Cost or Accumulated Valuation Depreciation Land and buildings at Pepperpots 225,000.00 25,500.00 199,500.00 205,875 Pepperpots fixtures and fittings 13,375.00 6,233.00 7,142.00 8,725 Tents and equipment 4,683.00 2,410.00 2,273.00 1,129 Total fixed assets 243,058.00 34,143.00 208,915.00 215,729 Current Assets Stocks of clothing 170.10 283 Debtors and prepayments 8,766.50 6,879 Deposit account 57,839.61 60,593 Current account 3,216.25 4,778 Total current assets 69,992.46 72,533 Less: Current Liabilities Creditors, accrued expenses and deferred income 816.61 657 Net current assets 69,175.85 71,876 Net assets 278,090.85 287,605 Reserves General Fund 46,933.24 46,947 Pepperpots Development Designated Fund 33,500.00 38,500 Pepperpots Environmental Designated Fund 10,281.61 10,282 Pepperpots Revaluation Reserve 187,376.00 191,877 Total Reserves 278,090.85 287,606 CHANGES IN GROUP RESERVE FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2025 Name of Fund General Fund Pepperpots Development Pepperpots Environmenta l Revaluation Reserve Total (Unrestricted) (Designated) (Designated) (Permanent) £.p £.p £.p £.p £.p Funds at 1stApril 2024 46,946.93 38,500.00 10,281.61 191,877.00 287,605.54 Excess of Expenditure -5,013.69 -4,501.00 -9,514.69 Transfer from Designated Funds 5,000.00 -5,000.00 Funds at 31st March 2025 46,933.24 33,500.00 10,281.61 187,376.00 287,090.54 2025 £.p 2024 £	£.p £.p Cost or Accumulated Valuation Depreciation 225,000.00 25,500.00 13,375.00 6,233.00 4,683.00 2,410.00	2024 £.p £ 199,500.00 205,875 7,142.00 8,725 2,273.00 1,129
	243,058.00 34,143.00	208,915.00 215,729 170.10 283 8,766.50 6,879 57,839.61 60,593 3,216.25 4,778
		69,992.46 72,533 816.61 657
		69,175.85 71,876
		278,090.85 287,605
		46,933.24 46,947 33,500.00 38,500 10,281.61 10,282 187,376.00 191,877
		278,090.85 287,606