2021-03-31-accounts

Registered Scout number: 10010395 Charity number: 512057

1[st] Marple Scout Group

TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31[st] March 2021

1[st] Marple Scout Group For the year ended 31[st] March 2021

Administrative details

Charity name 1[st] Marple Scout Group Registered Charity No 512057

Principle Address 1[st] Marple Scout Group Headquarters Memorial Park Marple Stockport, SK6 6BE

Charity Number 512057

Group Registration 10010395

Scout District Stockport District (Goyt until December 2018) Scout County Greater Manchester East

Trustees

Trustee Name Office Dr Richard Thorpe Chair David John Rainsbury FCA Treasurer Keith Frazer Group Scout Leader Judith Pauline Roberts Secretary

Address for Correspondence

2 Kings Drive Marple Stockport SK6 6NQ

Independent Reviewer

Thomas Ridgway CA

Principal Bankers

Barclays Bank and National Westminster Bank

Structure Governance and Management

Introduction

1[st] Marple Scouts was founded in 1908 and has existed on substantially the same site for 111 years. The Group was until late 2017 part of Goyt District Scout Council but was transferred into Stockport District Scout Council in January 2018. The change in District resulted in us changing how we present our accounts these changes were first reflected in the 2017/18 accounts.

The Group Executive

The Group is run by a Group Executive Committee. Collectively this group acts to further the group’s aims as an educational charity. The trustees of the charity are responsible for ensuring that all decisions made by the Group Executive Committee comply with the current legislation governing and applicable to charities whilst at the same time ensuring observance of the common rules, as set out in the Scout Association’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR).

The Executive Committee consists of three non-uniformed, independent representatives – these being the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. Uniformed members include, the Group Scout leader and representatives from each of the eight sections (i.e. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) as well as a representative for the two District Explorer Units that Marple Scouts host. In 2019 the Executive Committee re-elected two members and co-opted another member. The executive also has a youth representative amongst it number.

The Executive undertakes the necessary training as recommended by the Scout Association and are familiar with Essential Information for Executive Committees.

The Executive committee meets approximately every three months and manages the administrative burden of the Group, including the Group’s finances; insurances; the setting of subscription rates; approving the annual accounts; fund raising, governance; health, safety and safeguarding matters; the maintenance of the Headquarters Building; relations with the public; the management of risk and the appointment of any advisors who might have specialist skills as appropriate.

Executive Committee Members 2021

Richard Thorpe		– Group Chair Charity Trustee
David Rainsbury	- Group Treasurer Charity Trustee
Judith Roberts		- Group Secretary Charity Trustee
Keith Frazer		- Group Scout Leader Charity Trustee
Marjorie Bennett		- Beaver section representative
Marina Grifth		- Cub section representative
Thomas Tognarelli		- Scout section representative
Paul Marshall		- Explorer section representative
Edward Spreckley- Youth Representative (Also Network member and District
Youth Commissioner)
Stuart Jupe	- Elected member
John Spreckley		- Co-opted member

John Mills - Co-opted member Rob Roberts - Network Representative

Method of appointment and induction of Trustees

In early 2018, commensurate with the retirement and recruitment of a number of new officers 1[st] Marple Scout Group began a process of review, the first phase of this process is now nearing completion. One aspect of this focused-on governance, focused on refurbishing the scout headquarters in Memorial Park. The governance review has led to changes in the way our finances are reported and scrutinised, together with a review of the number and skill set of our trustees. Governance changes are ongoing and further changes will be reported in the 2021/2022 report to the Charity Commission. In relations to buildings, we have continued to secure grants to complete the refurbishment of the inside of the Scout Headquarters. These accounts show grants secured for the refurbishment of the floors in all parts of the building.

Objectives

The objectives of the Group are as a branch of The Scout Association. The aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The method of achieving the aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.

The Scouting Programme is provided to young people between the ages of 6 and 25. The Beaver Section covers the ages 6 to 8, Cubs cover 8 to 10 and a half, Scouts cover 10 and a half to 14, Explorers cover 14-to-18-year old’s (coordinated by the Scout District) and Network covers 18 to 25 year old’s (coordinated by the Scout County).

The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

Review of Activities by the Group Scout Leader

The 2020/21 1st Marple Scout Group year commenced in during the first lockdown of the pandemic. This meant that no face-to-face scouting activities were permitted to take place. Those activities that did take place were via one of the communication portals, Teams, Zoom or Skype. The leaders were able to use Zoom, but it was left to their own discretion whether they wanted to organize virtual meetings for their units. I was always very conscious of what their own personal circumstances might be, with many having to juggle working from home, educating their children and looking after wider family. Those sections that did however organise virtual scouting (which included a variety of activities) reported that the uptake was about 50%. As the year progressed, numbers did decrease and the term, 'zoomed out' began to be heard increasingly often. This, all things considered was understandable. Once the Covid restrictions were relaxed in early summer, Scouting was allowed to return to face-to-face meetings outdoors but with the caveat that there be a limit on numbers. Again,

although this was seen as a step forward, it was also weather dependent and again, I was conscious that the leaders also needed to feel that they weren’t been pressured to commence outdoor activities if they weren’t comfortable doing so. However, this was short lived due to Scouting in Manchester returning to Red status when the region was moved into Tier 4. At this point Zoom returned but in a very limited way. This pattern continued until the end of our year.

Covid 19 and lock down had an effect on the annual census conducted in January 2021. This showed that Group numbers had decreased by approximately 30% in relation to the previous year. This was drop was reflected in returns across the Country. January’s numbers identified 146 members (43 Beavers, 63 Cubs, and 40 Scouts). As members have been lost over the year, it does allow us to offer more places once we return from our waiting lists. As a consequence, we expect to be back to capacity by the end of 2021. We currently have 153 on the waiting list, many of which are already 6 years old but sadly we have been unable to offer them a place. The same situation also applies to a number of young people of cub age. The numbers we can take are affected by the availability of trained leaders. If the numbers of leaders in a section drops then the number of children that can be offered a place is affected for reasons of safeguarding. We are very conscious that we cannot offer places in Marple Scouts to all the young people who would like to experience Scouting because of the large catchment area we cover. Last year we discussed with the Stockport Scout District Team, of which we are part, the possibility of opening a new scout group in the surrounding area. However, this plan would be dependent on finding new leaders and a suitable venue. Sadly, this situation has not been able to be moved forwards at this particular time.

Our sections are led by 39 warranted leaders, assisted by 34 adults who support the sections as Executive Committee members, Occasional Helpers and section assistants. We are also supported by Young Leaders and parent helpers for which I remain extremely grateful. These numbers don’t include Explorers or Network members as these are formally registered at District and County levels respectively. There are two Explorer Sections that use our premises and one Network section.

This year, the levy charged by the District; County and National Scouting bodies was £42.00 per member. We made the decision in March, not to collect the summer subscription as there was no face-to-face Scouting. As the restrictions continued the Group asked sections to ask for a contribution of £50 subs to cover the membership of the youngsters. A number of sections felt unhappy asking for this as they were not meeting. They therefore covered this sum from their own funds. To assist in the running of the group we have Compass , the Scouting management database. The sections use Online Scout Manager to assist the running of their sections. This system makes organisational tasks easier including the claiming of Gift Aid. This year (2020-2021) our claim was for £5200.00. We do expect that this figure will be much reduced in the coming year. Can I use this communication to remind parents / guardians to check that all the details we hold are correct and if not are updated. The Group finances are still sound having been able to claim several grants available during the Covid period. Even though rarely been used this has enabled allowed us to maintain the building throughout the year.

Work has continued over the year, despite lockdown to make the HQ 'Covid compliant'. It has been regularly cleaned and ready for so should the situation change for the better the HQ could be used. However, refurbishment has been on hold but hopefully will be able to commence shortly. I am very grateful to the exec committee for their continued work behind the scenes during lockdown.

Unfortunately, our traditional fundraising events were all cancelled but we are looking forward to being able to run all our usual activities in the future.

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated team of Leaders and Young Leaders that assist the running of the sections, but we can always use more – I offer a warm welcome to all those who have joined us over the year. We also continue to be reliant on the support we receive from parents on a day-to-day basis, and I wish to express my gratitude for this support. But again, I must reiterate that we do need more. There is still a shortage of adults prepared to take on a leadership role within the different sections, support would also be welcome on the executive, join one of our committees, organise fund raising activities or help support and organize the Headquarters maintenance.

All leaders undertake ongoing training which has had to continue despite the lockdown and restrictions placed on us over the year. I am pleased to report that several leaders have received National Recognition from the Scout Association for going above and beyond in their volunteering within the group. Thanks should go to Judith Roberts our training advisor who has worked continuously twisting arms, cajoling but most of all supporting to ensure that leaders get their training qualifications updated.

Can I conclude by thanking both the District and County for their support over the year and finally, I wish to thank parents, members of the Group Executive Committee for their continued enthusiasm and support throughout the year but especially all Scouters, Young Leaders and Helpers, who give up their time, year in and year out to ensure Scouting thrives here at 1[st] Marple. Keith Frazer

Group Scout Leader

Awards and achievements in the Year

Service Awards

Gerald Fletcher - 40-year award Mike Dyer - 20-year award Andy Statham - 10-year award Rick Wood - 5-year award

Medals of Merit

Chris Plumb Mark Statham Ian Bennett Johathan Nolan Stuart Jupe

Chairman’s Report

Maintaining Scouting in the pandemic has been a challenge for leaders, members, parents and supporters. In many instances as the Group Scout Leader

reports a number of units did manage to retain links with members albeit with reduced numbers. This is a credit to those leaders who managed to make this possible when their own circumstances must have been far from easy.

There is no doubt that the financial year has been a difficult one, beginning and ending in a national lockdown with all that that has entailed. Over the whole period we have been taking advice directly from the Scout Association, District and County within the context of the National and local directives in operation at the time. Monitoring the situation on a regular basis we have at times adjusted our guidance to leaders, but always mindful of the fact that each individual’s circumstances will be different, and it is the leader that needs to be comfortable with what might be being proposed rather than having a uniform approach to all sections and units.

The method of contact of choice proved to be zoom during lockdown and when the regulations eased such that it was possible to meet up face-to-face outside, usually Memorial Park or Brabyns Park. Our proximity to both proved a God send.

Of course, this extraordinary year has also had other effects. It brought out the best in people and the Group has been the beneficiary of some unsolicited kindnesses. Two members of the public, who had been reflecting on their own time as Scouts donated money to the Group and for these donations, we are extremely grateful. Over the whole period we have not been able to take part in any of our traditional fund-raising activities or put on our annual staple of annal events. There have been no camps, no St Georges day Service no Gang Show (much to the frustration of all those who worked so hard on the production which had to be cancelled days before it was due to commence), there has also been no annual Community bonfire (again an event that was ready to run but as the winter months arrived it became clear that it would be ill advised for it to go ahead). There were also no plant sales nor Carol singing. At Christmas, parents were asked to deliver items for the hampers to outside the HQ at a set time with social distancing maintained. The Hampers were then made up by leaders in a family bubble. Contact was made with the recipients prior to delivery to ensure they were happy to receive the hamper and delivered by one leader.

I am pleased to report that the Group were beneficiaries of two of the Government schemes to support Charities and voluntary bodies for which we have been grateful. They certainly removed any anxiety that we initially felt in relation to our financial security. These can be seen in the accounts.

Notwithstanding COVID discussions have continued with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council with respect to location of the proposed new swimming pool and ‘Community Hub’. One round of consultations took place immediately before the first national lockdown and a second is imminent. How the Scout headquarters might be affected and how any new development might use landscaping to mitigate any effect on the aesthetics and feel of the park remain of paramount concern to us.

During lock down a number of grant applications were written to continue the build refurbishments and the result of these will become known in next year’s annual report.

I would like to thank all the leaders, helpers, parents, and executive committee members for all the work they have put over this last year a year that for all

concerned has been unprecedented. Finally, I wish everyone well for next year.

Richard Thorpe Chair 1[st] Marple Scouts Executive Committee

Independent examiner’s report

The review performed considered the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2021. This report relates to an independent examination carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. The examination was conducted in accordance with the Directions given by the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

Respective responsibilities of 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 this year under section 144 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;

• follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Co mmission under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

• state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. The examination included a review of the accounting records

kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and sought explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

No matter has come to my attention, in connection with the examination, which gives reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

• accounting records for non-company charities have not been kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011, or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

No material misstatements were noted based on the information reviewed. The financial notes describing the detail of accounting practices aligns with my understanding. A receipts and payments basis for preparing the accounts has been used. Proportionate consolidation has been used to consolidate the Gang Show and Bonfire accounts.

The group treasurer noted that the trustees took assurance over the bonfire and gang show accounts from separate independent reviews that are performed on the accounts from these activities.

Independent examiner: Thomas Ridgway C.A.

Statement of fnancial activities

Charity number 512057 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021

Section A Unrestri cted Restric ted Endowm ent Funds Funds Funds Income £p £p £p Members Subscriptions 5,602	Last year Total Total Fund s Funds £p £p Notes 5,602 25,545 Note 1 and note A.

HMRC Tax claim Gang Show Bonfre Plant Sales Rent of Scout Hut Combined Super Camp Donations received Fund Raising Bank interest The 8 units of Scouting Grant Asset and Investment sales Total receipts Expenditure Stockport District Capitations Gang Show Bonfre Plant Sales Combined Super Camp	5,250 4508 125 2,062 625 2,478 1,757 420 6 266 19,669 270 42,768 270 0 6,132 2,712 1,192 0 61 0 10,940	5,250 3,982 4508 8,979 See note 2. 125 6,240 See note 3. 2,062 8,664 See note 4. 625 3,692 See note 5&6. 2,478 6,379 See note 7. 1,757 5,807 See note 8. 420 2,119 6 65 266 12,879 See note 9. 19939 0 0 0 43,038 84,352 6,132 8,883 3,904 6,160 See note a. 0 3,063 See note b. 61 5,846 See note c. 10,940 1,143 See note e.

Donations made The 8 units of Scouting Group running costs Scout Hut running costs (including building work) Asset and Investment purchases Total payments Net of receipts and payments Opening Bank Balances as at 01/04/20	110 937 0 4,154 270 0 14,107 12,402 0	110 1,491 See note f. 937 17,994 0 2,294 See note h. 4,424 17,729 See note i. 0 0 26,509 64,604 16,529 19,478 64,310 0 9,212 73,524 90,053 90,053 0 0
	28660 (12,132) 0 51,922 12,388 0 9,212 61,134 12,388 90,053 90,053 0 0 0 0 0 0
Group C/As Cash Group D/A Total cash funds this year end
Section B Closing Bank Balances as at 31/03/2021
Cash funds Other monetary assets Investment assets

Assets retained for the charity's own use 0 0 0 0 Liabilities 0 0 0 0

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Signed on behalf of all trustees

Notes on the accounts 2020/2021

Charity accounts may be prepared either on the receipts and payments basis or the accruals basis. Receipts and payments basis has been adopted for these accounts, this is the simpler of the two methods of preparation and may be adopted where a non-company charity has a gross income of £250,000 or less during the year. It consists of an account summarising all money received and paid out by the charity in the financial year, and a statement giving details of its assets and liabilities at the end of the year.

Based on the practice followed last year the Group accounts ending 31 March 2021 have the receipts, expenditure and assets/liabilities from the individual units consolidated into the figures and 50% of the receipts, expenditure, assets/liabilities from the Gang Show and the Brabyns Community Bonfire (these being joint ventures with Marple Guides) have also being consolidated.

Note in relation to each line of Receipts

1. Membership Subscriptions. Subscriptions for members are paid into unit accounts and sections forward receipts to the Group for capitation payment to the District.

2. Gang Show. In normal periods this is an activity jointly organised with Marple Girl Guiding. Separate accounts are kept for the show by the Gang Show leadership team. These accounts are prepared with a year-end date of 31 December. The group accounts for 2020/21 reflect our 50% interest, however, due to the pandemic the Gang Show was cancelled at the last minute. Refunds were offered on all tickets. Some ticket holders chose to donate the money instead of accepting the refund. At year end there was a total value of tickets of £1,496 (included in income for the year) where the ticket holders had not responded to either accept or donate the refund. This amount will be held in reserve in the Gang Show accounts until the next show in case the ticket holders would like to accept a refund.

There are no other assets noted as all costs associated with buying, building or maintaining costumes and props are expensed each year.

1. Bonfire. This is a fundraising activity jointly organised with Marple Girl Guiding. The group accounts for 2020/21 reflect our 50% interest. due to the pandemic the Bonfire was cancelled in 2020.

2. Plant sales. Sales of plants (purchased from a third party and sold for a profit) is a fundraising activity. Receipts are paid directly into Group accounts. In 2021, due to the pandemic, there the group only handled online sales.

3. Rent of Scout Headquarters . Receipts relates to the renting out of the headquarters building to third party lettings.

6. Recognition of Marple Scout Hut as an asset: The title absolute is held by THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION TRUST CORPORATION Gilwell Park, Chingford, London. The value of the asset has therefore not been included in the Marple Scout Association group accounts. The cost of maintenance and improvements to Marple Scout Hut are expensed in the Marple Group Accounts.

1. Combined Super-Camp: This camp is a bi-annual event and was planned to be next held in 2022. However, due to the Celebrations for the Queens Platinum Jubilee, a number of events are competing for the dates the combined Super-Camp would normally held on. It is now planned to take place in 2023.

2. Donations received: This value relates to donations that were made directly into central Group funds. Other small donations made to Section accounts are included in the section receipts numbers.

9. Section Accounts. Each of the Scout units have a bank account in order to access an agreed level of funds and prepare a breakdown of receipts, payments and assets/liabilities for inclusion in the Group accounts. The review and monitoring processes for unit accounts are being developed further in 2022.

Note on Grants

Grants received are held in reserve until the work is completed. Grants from two Government Covid Schemes were received based on ratable value, £10,000 and £9,9939.21 together with a grant from the Stockport Hydro £270.00.

Note in relation to each line of Expenditure

• a. Gang Show . These figures are taken directly from the Gang Show accounts reviewed separately. The joint venture accounts consolidated are for a 20 month period from 31/07/2019 to 31/03/2021. Note that the year end date for Gang Show accounts was

incorrectly stated in prior year accounts as the 31[st] of December. The Gang Show treasurer has noted that he plans to return to a 31[st] of July year end date in future years.

• b. Bonfire. These figures are taken directly from the bonfire accounts. See note 3 above. The bonfire did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic.

• c. Plant sales. As indicated above, this is a fund-raising activity, this figure represents the cost of the plants.

• d. Rent of Scout Headquarters . See note 5 above.

• e. Combined Super-Camp. See note 6 above. The Combined Super-Camp did not take place due to the pandemic.

• f. Donations Made. Donations have been made to support local groups.

• g. Section Accounts. See note 8 above.

• h. Misc. Group Running Costs. This usually relates to payments for training for the voluntary leaders. In 2020/2021 no training payments were required

• i. Scout Headquarters running payments. This relates to gas, electrics, insurance, water, rates and scout hut building work/repairs. All utilities amounted to £3,509.36. General repairs totaled £887.69 and photocopying amounted to £27.40.

Note in relation to a reserves policy

The Group retain enough funding to cover one year’s expenses of the Group.

Bonfire:

The annual Brabyn’s Park Community Bonfire that takes place is managed by an experienced leadership team. Firework displays are organised and run by a professional firework display company and assistance and support are delivered by a number of the Group’s most experienced leaders. No bonfire took place in 2020. The accounts are prepared to 31[st] December 2020 and consolidated into the group accounts.

Gang show:

The Gang Show is managed by an experienced leadership team that have been involved in this activity for many years. The Gang Show accounts are independently prepared. No Gang Show took place in 2020 or 2021.