## 1st Chapel-en-le-Frith
Open Evening and Annual General Meeting Wednesday 11[th] February 2026 Scout Headquarters, Chapel-en-le-Frith
## Agenda
- Attendees and apologies
- Governance topics
- Review of the period 1[st] September 2024 – 31[st] August 2025
- Appointment of Officers
- Any other business
## Chair’s Report
Between September 2024 and August 2025, 1[st] Chapel-en-le-Frith Scout Group has yet again been very successful in supporting the goals of the Scouts organisation to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
All our sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts - have enjoyed comprehensive programmes of activities as well as attending wider Group, District and County camps and events. They have also done us proud getting involved in local community events such as the Chapel Carnival, the local well dressing festival, celebrations of 800 years of Chapel en le Frith and representing the Scout movement at the Remembrance Day Parade.
This year sees several changes to the Board of trustees. We would like to express our thanks to outgoing Chair Catherine Pomery and Secretary and Lettings co-ordinator Vicky Cahill. Their volunteering time over the last few years is greatly appreciated and they leave the Group in a much better position thanks to their endeavours.
This does of course mean that the trustees require reinforcement, we are actively seeking volunteers for the roles of Chair, Secretary and Lettings Coordinator. The entire group depends on the generosity of volunteers freely giving their time and we would of course be grateful to anyone who would like to volunteer for any roles within the Group or individual sections. Please speak with any of the Trustees or leaders if you would like to volunteer but are unsure of where you might fit in.
We also take this opportunity to mark the sad passing of Ian Hill, an individual who gave many years of service to Chapel Scout Group in a variety of roles, latterly serving as a member of the trustee board. We remember him fondly and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.
Financially the group is in a solid position with healthy reserves – see Treasurer’s report below. Total Group reserves were at just over £50k at the end of the financial year. This £16k deficit from the previous year represents the Group’s investment in the new roof and heating system and the installation of a modern fire alarm system. This was made possible by the generous grant from HPBC of £38.5k. This has allowed us to modernise and futureproof the headquarters for many generations to come.
A final thank you to all parents and carers who play your part in ensuring that your young people are able to take part in Scouts and benefit from the fantastic opportunities available to them.
Yours in Scouting
## **Jamie Bell, Treasurer**
## Treasurer’s Report
The total Group income and expenditure for financial year ending 31[st] August 2025 is as follows:
Total Income - £59,081 Total Expenses - £75,852 Deficit at the year End - £16,770
Regular income for the year was primarily made up from sections subscriptions, regular lettings and casual lettings. Due to the tragic loss of their business owner, the Tumbletots group are no longer able to continue lettings. We have been able to attract regular lettings from Chinley Guides and Cracken Explorer unit. We are still recovering financially from the loss of Chapel playgroup, and the trustees are working hard to attract additional regular lettings.
Non-standard income for the year is the £38,500 grant provided by High Peak Borough Council (HBPC).
Regular expenditure for the year is largely made up of Annual Subscriptions to High Peak District Scout Council, HQ Expenses, repairs & maintenance, camping equipment and badges. We have managed to renew our utility and broadband contracts at much more favourable rates in an effort to reduce costs. Early signs this year are that the utility bills are much lower thanks to the investment in the roof and heating.
Non-standard expenditure for the year is of course the new roof, heating system and fire alarm system.
## Balances at 31st August 2025
Current Account £36,087 Income Bonds £4,000 Petty Cash £20 Section Accounts £10,529 Uncleared Cheque -£115 **TOTAL £50,521**
In conclusion the Groups financial position remains stable as we continue to manage both income and expenses efficiently. A concern moving forward is that current regular income does not cover expenditure required to operate and maintain our premises. In the short term we have healthy reserves and have reluctantly increased sections subscriptions. It is a priority of the trustees to increase revenues from lettings moving forward.
## **Jamie Bell, Group Treasurer**
Annual accounts
Income 2024125
Eypen$e$ 2024125
Membership
Contributions
Membership
alances at 01 Sept
Current Atcount
Income Bonds I
Income Bonds 2
Cash ID hand
Peiiy Cash
Section Accounts
Uncleared che
£0.00
£0.00
£3.798.50
£3.798.50
TOTAL
Miscellaneous
TOTAL A
Eo.00
Sections expenditufe
Contribuiions
Activities
Other
Camps
Sections Income
£3,962.51
£139.28
£3,194.82
E7,296.61
Subs
Activity
Sleepover/&tnp5
Other
£9,292.87
£586.00
ues
TOTAL J
£3,531.64
£163.38
£13.573.89
TOTAL F
TOTAL
HQ Expenses
Insurance
Council Tax
Water & sew2
Gas
Balances at 31 August
Current Account
Income Bonds I
Income Bonds 2
Cash in hand
Pett Cash
Section Accounts
Uncleared cheques
£1,244.03
£272.39
£679.25
£1,241.94
£829.04
£545.61
£4,812.26
HQ Lettin
Tumble Tots
Zumba
£2.279.85
£920.00
£3(K).00
BT
Casual Lets
£2,966.00
£6,465.85
TOTAL F
TOTAL
TOTAL H
Repairs & Maintenance
Repairs
Cleanin8
Servicing
Gr3ni Expenses
Fund Raising
Ba8 Pack
£4,725.29
£3,545.37
£254.89
Balance
£48.752.92
£57,278.47
TOTAL C
£0.00
TOTAL G
Miscellaneous
Beaver 6lanket5
Miscellaneou5
Equiptnent & Adtni
Equiptnent
Hardship Fund
£46.74
£353.52
£141.18
£773.68
£0.00
£0.00
HPBC- Grant
E38.5.00
Badg@s Uniform
Mistellaneous
£669.40
É1.223.18
TOTAL D
E39.041.44
TOTAL H
£2.666.26
Total A,B,C,D
£59,081.18
Total E, F, G. H
£75,852.10
Group Lead Volunteer's Report_
## Section Reports
## Beavers
## **Introduction**
The Beaver Colony has enjoyed a full and varied programme over the past year, offering young people opportunities to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, celebrate global cultures, and take part in the wider Scouting community. This report summarises the key activities, achievements, and events undertaken between April 2025 and March 2026.
## **Programme Overview**
## **Summer Term 2025 (April – July)**
_Reference: Summer 2025 Programme_ onlinescoutmanager.co.uk
The summer term focused heavily on outdoor adventure, international awareness, and teamwork.
## **Key Activities**
- **Earth Day (22 April)**
- Environmental awareness activities and discussions.
- **International Badge Work (29 April & 13 May)** Games from around the world, flag activities, and learning greetings in other languages.
Beavers also explored Scouting in other countries.
- **Joint Meetings with Buxton Beavers (6 May & 3 June)**
- Pools Cavern car park meet-up
- Wide game at the top park
These sessions strengthened inter-group friendships and teamwork.
- **Hike (20 May)**
- Evening hike as part of outdoor challenge requirements.
- **Parent Day & Campfire (10 June)** Investment of new Beavers, games, and a campfire.
- **Beaver Day Out (14 June)**
- A full day of activities and adventure.
- **Paddle Sports at Combs (17 June)** Water-based skills delivered in two one-hour sessions.
- **Raft Building (24 June & 1 July)**
- A two-part practical challenge encouraging cooperation and problem-solving.
- **Beacon Lighting at Eccles Pike (5 July)** Participation in a local community event.
- **Wells Dressing Activity (8 July)** Engagement with local traditions and creative skills.
- **Summer BBQ & Swimming Up (22 July)** End-of-term celebration and transition for older Beavers.
## **Autumn Term 2025 (September – December)**
The autumn term combined outdoor skills, creativity, community engagement, and festive activities.
## **Key Activities**
- **Log Chew & Games (16 September)** Planning session and team-building games.
- **Hike at Errwood Reservoir (23 September)** Evening hike developing navigation and outdoor confidence.
- **Sleepover with 14th Buxton (27 September)** A full-day and overnight experience at the Scout Hut.
- **Constellations & Space Talk (7 October)** Astronomy-themed learning session.
- **Planting Bulbs at Gradbach (14 October)** Environmental and conservation activity.
- **Pumpkin Carving (21 October)** Seasonal creativity and fun.
- **Remembrance Day Preparation (4 November)** Craft and reflection activities.
- **Remembrance Parade (9 November)** Beavers represented the group with pride.
- **Fire Lighting, Sparklers & S’mores (11 November)** Outdoor skills and traditional Scouting experiences.
- **Nerf Gun Centre Visit (18 November)** High-energy off-site activity.
- **Christmas Crafting (25 November – 9 December)**
- Christmas baubles
- Two-part Christmas cake activity
- **Christmas Party (16 December)** End-of-year celebration.
## **Winter & Spring Term 2026 (January – March)**
This term offered a mix of skills-based sessions, cultural celebrations, and another major sleepover.
## **Key Activities**
- **Out-of-Hut Activity (13 January)** Off-site session.
- **Jugalubs Circus Skills (20 January)** A fun and engaging skills workshop.
- **Health Badge (27 January)** Learning about wellbeing and healthy habits.
- **Games Night (3 February)** Team games and fun challenges.
- **Pancake Day (10 February)** Cooking and cultural celebration.
- **Chinese New Year (24 February)** Activities exploring traditions and symbolism.
- **Sleepover at the Scout Hut (28 February)** A long and exciting overnight event.
- **Mountain Rescue Session (10 March)** Safety awareness and rescue-themed learning.
- **Parent Day (17 March)** Family involvement and shared activities.
- **Easter Egg Hunt & Games (24 March)** Seasonal celebration to end the term.
## **Achievements & Impact**
Across the year, the Beaver Colony has:
## **Skills & Badge Work**
- Completed elements of the **Health** , **International** , **Outdoor** , and **Skills** badges.
- Developed teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through raft building, wide games, and joint activities.
## **Outdoor Adventure**
- Participated in **multiple hikes** , **paddle sports** , and **three sleepovers** , building confidence and resilience.
## **Community Engagement**
- Represented the group at the **Remembrance Parade** .
- Took part in local traditions such as **Wells Dressing** .
## **Cultural Awareness**
- Celebrated **Chinese New Year** , **Pancake Day** , and **Easter** , and explored global Scouting traditions.
## **Creativity & Fun**
- Enjoyed pumpkin carving, Christmas crafts, games nights, and a summer BBQ.
## **Conclusion**
The past year has been exceptionally active and rewarding for the Beaver Colony. The programme has offered a balanced mix of adventure, creativity, learning, and community involvement. The young people have grown in confidence, developed new skills, and strengthened their sense of belonging within Scouting.
The leadership team extends thanks to parents, helpers, and the wider Group for their continued support. We look forward to another exciting year ahead.
## Kinder Cubs
The past year has been a busy, active and very positive one for Kinder Cub Pack. Across all three terms we have delivered a full and varied programme that reflects the core aims of Cub Scouting: fun, friendship, adventure, skills development and personal growth. Attendance has remained strong and the Pack continues to do well.
Throughout the year, the programme has deliberately balanced traditional Scouting skills with creative, physical and educational activities. There has been a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, teamwork and leadership, alongside opportunities for Cubs to try new experiences, build confidence and take increasing responsibility. Links with other sections within the Group and with District teams have further strengthened the quality and breadth of what we offer.
## **Autumn Term**
The autumn term set a strong foundation for the year and quickly re-established momentum after the summer break. The programme focused on re-engaging the Cubs, developing teamwork and revisiting core Scouting skills, with plenty of time spent outdoors.
Highlights included a bike skills evening led by the Derbyshire Scouts bike team, knife, axe and saw skills, fire lighting, aeronautical challenges and a wide range of games and creative activities. The Cubs also worked on badge requirements through themed evenings covering topics such as the countryside code, first aid, global awareness and teamwork.
One of the main highlights of the term was the Autumn Camp at Gradbach, a two-night residential held jointly with 14[th] Buxton. Cubs took part in night walks, backwoods skills, cooking over fires, craft activities and learning to be Roman legionaries.
The term also included Remembrance Day, where the Cubs once again behaved impeccably and represented the Pack, Group and Scouting extremely well. The autumn term concluded with the Winter Sleepover at Scout HQ, providing a further night away that combined archery, crafts, Christmas activities and a full Christmas dinner. By the end of the term, several new Cubs had been invested and a large number of badges were presented, reflecting steady progress across the Pack.
## **Spring Term**
The spring term placed a particular emphasis on leadership, responsibility and skills progression. A key development was the reintroduction of the Six system, giving Cubs defined leadership roles and encouraging peer support, teamwork and organisation. Pack Forums and Cub-led activities gave the Cubs a real voice in shaping their programme and helped develop confidence and communication skills.
The Pack also took part in the District Ready Steady Cook competition, supported by two dedicated practice evenings. These sessions focused on food hygiene, preparation, teamwork and following recipes independently. While the Pack did not win the competition, the Cubs cooked confidently, produced high-quality food and were excellent ambassadors for Kinder Cub Pack and the Group.
The term included a wide range of additional activities, including cultural and faith-based learning, sustainability-focused food sessions, fire lighting and teamwork challenges. The spring term residential was the Spring Camp at Gradbach, a two-night camp shared with Beavers, featuring archery, kite making, outdoor cooking, crafts and team challenges. These experiences continued to build independence and helped prepare the Cubs for later District competitions.
## **Summer Term**
The summer term made full use of lighter evenings and improved weather, with a strong emphasis on outdoor Scouting skills, adventurous activities and community engagement. Cubs took part in pioneering, archery, fire lighting, tent pitching, canoeing, backwoods cooking and a full skills day at Gradbach, allowing them to consolidate and build on skills learnt earlier in the year.
The major highlight of the term was the Great Cub Challenge Weekend, a one-night camp where Cubs took part in District competitions including the Bowden Buffalo and the High Peak Hex. Despite challenging weather, the Cubs demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and Scouting skills throughout, earning positive feedback from leaders and judges. Preparation for this event also helped raise standards across the Pack, particularly in areas such as teamwork, problem-solving and practical Scouting skills.
The term also included visits and community-based activities such as a visit to the parish church to celebrates its 800[th] anniversary (as well of that of the wider town), well dressing, cultural evenings and local history sessions. The year concluded with the traditional family challenges and BBQ, providing an opportunity to celebrate the Cubs’ achievements and thank families and volunteers for their ongoing support.
## **Summary:**
In total, Kinder Cubs took part in four nights-away events, totalling six nights, which is a significant achievement and a clear strength of the programme. The year has been active, varied and well attended, with strong District involvement, excellent behaviour and clear progression for the Cubs.
## **Final Thoughts and Thanks:**
Throughout the year, the Pack leadership team has continued to invest Pack funds carefully and deliberately in equipment that enables Kinder Cubs to deliver a broader and more exciting programme in house. A significant example of this has been the purchase of nearly £1,300 of archery equipment. This investment has already been used on multiple occasions by the Pack and has allowed Cubs to develop their skills progressively and safely.
At this point it is also incredibly important to thank the people who not only enable Kinder Pack to happen, but who also make it thrive. In the year 2024-2025 this included several people but special mention needs to go out to Ben, Helen, Jade, Joe and Catherine without who the Pack would simply not have functioned.
## Bowden Cubs
This has been a good year for Bowden Cubs;
- As at 1st September 2024 Bowden Pack had 17 Cubs. At 31st August 2025 Bowden Pack had 11 Cubs. This drop in numbers of Bowden Cubs led to us working with the Beavers and Kinder Cubs volunteers to help bring more Beavers through to the section.
- There was a full and challenging programme throughout the year; 80 badges were awarded in total between 1/9/24 and 31/8/25, including 22 Challenge badges, 13 Activity badges, 29 Staged badges as well as new Membership, Joining In, Seconder and Sixer badges. Most pleasingly, 3 x Chief Scout Silver Award badges were presented.
- In Autumn term 2024 we worked on the Personal Challenge badge, we had a yoga lesson and visited Glossop Police Station, learned about World Food Day and donated food which Ben Brindley took around to the food bank. Bowden Cubs attended the Remembrance Parade.
- In Spring term 2025 we attended the Chapel Players pantomime production of Treasure Island. As usual, preparation for the District Ready Steady Cook competition featured in our programme. The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Sustainability’ and Bowden Cubs went on to win the district final. We worked on the Digital Citizen and Home Help badges.
- In Summer term 2025 Bowden Cubs focused on outdoor activities. We did tent building and shelter building, we also did some backwoods cooking and went on a hike from Combs Reservoir back to Chapel during which we learned about the Countryside Code. We did a litter pick as part of the Our World badge. A highlight of the year was when Bowden attended the Great Cubs Challenge at Gradbach in June. We finished the year off by going climbing, boating on the lake at the Pavilion Gardens, and during the summer holidays we went kayaking at Combs Reservoir.
- Finally, at the end of the year Iain Woodhouse left Bowden Cubs as a leader. Everyone at Bowden Cubs and 1st Chapel en le Frith Scout Group would like to thank Iain for all of his hard work over the years.
Darren Furness, Ben Brindley, Anne Furness and Fil Lovett Dean, Bowden Cubs Leaders
## Pathfinder Scouts
2024 – 2025 has been another successful year for Chapel Pathfinder Scouts. Our Autumn term was a busy one. We hosted Chinley Scouts for an evening of campfires and visited them the following week for climbing and to use their air rifle range. Other activities included map work, night hikes, pioneering and completing the chefs badge. We finished the term with a Christmas treasure hunt in Castleton and bowling and burgers in Stockport. This term we also entered teams into the Gradbach Border Hike and the Kinder Challenge Walk.
The Spring term started with the Chilly Challenge camp at Gradbach – always a popular event. We entered teams into the district ready, steady cook competition and the Scouts enjoyed menu planning and practicing.
The Summer term light nights allow the Scouts to spend more time outdoors. Learning camping skills putting up tents, lighting fires and outdoor cooking. We also went canoeing, kayaking, orienteering and night hiking. We entered a team of our older scouts into the district Taylor Trophy camp competition which was a huge success. We finished the year with archery and an end of term BBQ.
We finished the year with a troop of over 20 Scouts.
Many thanks go to John, Andy, George, Demelza and Simon for all their input and help in making Scouts possible.
## 1st Chapel-en-le-Frith Scout Group Board of Trustees
## _**Ex-officio members:**_
Group Scout Lead Volunteer
Ben Millner
## _**Appointed by the Scout Council:**_
## **Role**
## **Member**
Chair Secretary Treasurer Kinder Cubs Bowden Cubs Bowden Cubs Assistant District Commissioner Scouts Trustee
Vacant Vacant Jamie Bell Paul Read Darren Furness Ben Brindley Peter Bywater Katherine Thurgoland
## _**Trustees who left during the period:**_
Catherine Pomeroy Vicky Cahill Ian Hill
## How can you help?
We are always looking for people who can help out in a variety of ways, either directly working with our young people, or in a more ‘back room’ capacity:
- Section members / helpers
- Social media
- Fundraising
- Lettings rota
- Maintenance coordinator
- Equipment coordinator (quartermaster)
## **1st Chapel en le Frith Scout Group Accounts 2024 - 2025**
## **Income 2024/25**
## **Expenses 2024/25**
|**Membership**|**£**|
|---|---|
|Contributions|£0.00|
|Capitation|£0.00|
|Miscellaneous||
|**TOTAL A**|£0.00|
|||
|**Sections Income**|**£**|
|Subs|£9,292.87|
|Activity|£586.00|
|Sleepover/Camps|£3,531.64|
|Other|£163.38|
|**TOTAL B**|£13,573.89|
|||
|**HQ Lettings**|**£**|
|Tumble Tots|£2,279.85|
|Zumba|£920.00|
|Yoga|£300.00|
|||
|Casual Lets|£2,966.00|
|**TOTAL B**|£6,465.85|
|||
|**Fund Raising**|**£**|
|BagPack||
|Gift Aid||
|||
|**TOTAL C**|£0.00|
|||
|**Miscellaneous**|**£**|
|Beaver Blankets|£46.74|
|Miscellaneous|£353.52|
|Interest|£141.18|
|HPBC - Grant|£38,500.00|
|||
|£39,041.44
**TOTAL D**||
|Total A,B,C,D
**£59,081.18**||
## **Surplus at year end**
Signature
|||||**Balances at 01 Sept 2024**|**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||Current Account|£52,255.71|
|||||Income Bonds 1|£2,000.00|
|||||Income Bonds 2|£2,000.00|
|||||Cash in hand|£0.00|
|||||PettyCash|£19.97|
|||||Section Accounts|£10,528.70|
|||||Uncleared cheques|-£115.30|
|||||**TOTAL J**|£66,689.08|
|||||||
|||||**Balances at 31 August 2025**|**£**|
|||||Current Account|£36,087.25|
|||||Income Bonds 1|£2,000.00|
|||||Income Bonds 2|£2,000.00|
|||||Cash in hand|£0.00|
|||||PettyCash|£19.97|
|||||Section Accounts|£11,017.17|
|||||Uncleared cheques|-£1,206.23|
|||||**TOTAL H**|£49,918.16|
|||||||
|||||£16,770.92
**Balance**||
|||||£0.00||
|**Equipment & Admin**||**£**||||
|Equipment||£773.68||||
|HardshipFund||£0.00||||
|Insurance||£0.00||||
|Badges Uniform||£669.40||||
|Miscellaneous||£1,223.18||||
||**TOTAL H**|£2,666.26||||
|Total E,||||||
||Name|||||
||Catherine Pomeroy||Chair|||
||Jamie Bell||Treasurer|||
31
## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts**
## **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**
**Report to the trustees** Charity Name 1[st] Chapel-en-le-Frith Scout Group **On accounts for the year Charity no** 512042 **ended** 31 August 2025 **(if any) Set out on pages** 1
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the period ended 31/08/2025.
**Responsibilities and** As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the **basis of report** accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
**Independent** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were 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 requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
**Signed: Date:** 06/02/2026 **Name:** Wendy Corner **Relevant professional** Associate Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in **qualification(s) or body** England & Wales **(if any): Address:** 32 Hockerley Lane, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 7AT
**Oct 2018**
1
**IER**
## **Section B Disclosure**
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
**Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** .
**Oct 2018**
2
**IER**