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2023-04-06-accounts

A Year of Excellence 114• Jl. AnnuaL Report 2023 Lowry District Scout Council Scouts Lowry

Welcome from our District Chair Paul Wilson

It’s my pleasure and privilege to introduce the annual report for 2022/23.

During the last 12 months we have seen the District go from strength to strength and the recovery from the Covid pandemic is well and truly behind us. Yet again the District’s training programme has been a huge success, with over 100 courses being completed by adult volunteers. We have also seen x§26 new members join Lowry across our 9 groups and 2 District Sections.

Communication between our Groups and District Team has grown and developed over the last year after introducing The Thread, our new quarterly update for all members across the District and it is wonderful to see the ‘spotlight’ portion of this update, showing everyone the amazing work that is going on across our teams.

2023 saw the introduction of Squirrels to the Lowry district with the first drey opening in January. Since then we have seen a further two dreys open; amazingly the 82nd has two dreys!

Our Beavers have had a busy 12 months with lots of events taking place, ranging from swimming gala, football competition, cinema and zoo trips. A massive thank you to those who attended the District Beaver Camp, bringing together sections from across Lowry to have fun and make more Scouting friends!

We have seen our Cub Programme begin this year with the District Halloween Party being held at Armstrong Hall and attending a number of events with our Beavers and Squirrels including attending the zoo trip, which looked like an amazing day!

The Scout Section has been attending a range of events over the last year, with sections coming together to develop not only their Scouting. As always, the sun came out just in time for the District Camping and Backwoods Cooking Competition and after a quick trip to the shops the Scouts were extremely happy with an ice lolly (even if they did melt in 5 minutes!)

Stegosaurus Explorers are making the most of our District head quarters and this has seen the unit grow and also help increase the number of young leaders across the District for grow, this really shows how our young people are gaining skills for life! Their trip to Edinburgh last year looked like an incredible adventure into the heritage of Scotland whilst having some fun at the Dungeons!

During the last 12 months we have seen our Scout Network support the District and help facilitate our events, whilst they continue to enjoy their own Scouting journey.

Finally I’d like to thank our young people, their parents and most importantly our volunteers which help Lowry District run and provide Scouting opportunities for all across Swinton, Pendlebury, Clifton and Salford.

You are the reason that more young people gain skills they will carry with them for life.

1 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 2

Awards

Silver Wolf

Dr Geoffery Sides Mrs Ann Salt Mr Stanley Atkins Mr Martin Maynard

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Mrs Adela Ramsbottom

Silver Acorn

Mr Alfred Armstrong Mr Mark Gore Mrs Suzanne Atkinson Mr Robert Hambelton Mr Justin McDonnell Mr Gregory Archer Mr Harry Fairchild Mr Dennis Matthews

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Meritous Conduct

Mr David Heald

Award for Merit

Mrs Elizabeth Samson Mr James Samson Mr Michael Rollinson Mrs Pauline Mack Mrs Rusine Heald Mrs Lisa Bold Mrs Sarah Moore Mr Collin Gettins Ms Jacqueline Blades Mr Ian Boydle Mr Richard Eaton Mr Michael James Mr Paul Mullineux Ms Josephine Stephens Mr David Heald

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

Mrs Donna Goucher Ms Emma Hambelton Mr Gerard Mack Mr Ryan Swailes Mr Wesley Buckley Mr Nicholas Jolly Mr David Heath

Commissioner’s Commendation Award

Mrs Michelle Rowlands Mrs Susan Heys Mrs Victoria Burrows-Boon Mr James Seddon Mr Joshua Macdonald Mr Daley Lyson Mrs Yasma Osman Mrs Sharmila Clarke Mr Tony Rice Mrs Lynn Harman Mrs Sarah Moore Mr Nathan Talbot

3 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 4

Mr Wesley Buckley Mr James Samson

Our District Team

District President

District President Dr Geoffrey Sides Vice Presidents Mrs Ann Salt Mr Alf Armstrong Mr Stanley Atkins

District Nights Away Advisors

District Trustees

Mrs Lynn Harman Mr Martin Maynard

County Commissioner Mr Andy Farrell District Commissioner Mr Ryan Swailes District Youth Commissioner Mr Luke Turner District Network Commissioner Mr Joshua Macdonald District Explorer Scout Commissioner Mr James Seddon District Chair Mr Paul Wilson District Treasurer Mrs Sharmila Clarke District Secretary Ms Stacey Beaver District Appointments Chair Mrs Ann Salt District Training Manager Mr Justin McDonnell Assistant District Commissioners Miss Courtney Pope (Beavers) Mr Robert Hambelton (Scouts)

District Communication Managers Mrs Michelle Rowlands Mr Benjamin Beaver

Group Scout Leaders Mr Ian Boydle (1st Clifton) Mrs Susan Heys (1st Springwood) Mr Stephen Woodcock (3rd Pendlebury) Mrs Pauline Mack (Leader in Charge, 3rd Swinton) Mrs Adela Ramsbottom (24th Swinton) Mr Ric Eaton (43rd Salford) Mr Tony Rice (82nd Salford) Mrs Suzanne Atkinson (88th Salford) Mr Michael Rollinson (100th Salford) District Leaders Mr William Heath (Stegosaurus ESU) Mx Asher Carr (Stegosaurus ESU)

5 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 6

Minutes of the 2022 AGM

2. Minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting

The minutes were presented to members in the Annual Report.

Minutes of the 7[th ] Annual General Meeting of Lowry District Scout Council, held on the 23[rd] of September at Armstrong Hall.

Present

Mr Alf Armstrong, District Vice President Mr Stanley Atkins, District Vice President Miss Stacey Beaver, District Secretary

Ms Jacqueline Blades, Scout Leader (3rd Pendlebury)

Mr Jacob Bond, Deputy County Commissioner - Programme (Greater Manchester West) Master Harrison Boon, Scout (100th Salford)

Mrs Victoria Boon, Deputy Group Scout Leader (100th Salford) Mr Wesley Buckley, Scout Leader (43rd Salford) Mx Asher Carr, Explorer Leader (Stegosaurus ESU) Mrs Sharmila Clarke, District Treasurer Master Matthew Christian, Explorer Scout (Stegosaurus ESU) Mrs Rachel Christian, Parent (Explorer) Miss Laura Greenhalgh, Assistant Cub Leader (88th Salford) Mr Robert Hambelton, Assistant District Commissioner - Scouts Ms Emma Hambleton, Cub/Beaver Leader (88th/100th Salford) Mr Jon Knipe, Scout Leader (24th Swinton)

Mrs Susan Leonard, County Chair

The minutes were proposed as a true and accurate record of AGM 2021.

Proposed by: M. Rollinson

Seconded by: M. Maynard

Motion carried.

3. Approval of the Annual Report and District Commissioner’s Report.

PAUL: It is my pleasure to present the Annual Report for 2022. We need to formally adopt the report.

Proposal to adopt the Annual Report 2022

Proposed: J Macdonald

Seconded: R Hambelton

Motion carried.

Mr Martin Maynard, Treasurer (43rd Salford)

Mr Joshua Macdonald, District Network Scout Commissioner Mr Justin McDonnell, District Training Manager Mr Ian McGealy, Scout Leader (3rd Pendlebury) Mr Kacper Mlekodaj, Scout Network Member Mr Matthew Moran, Scout Network Member Mrs Adela Ramsbottom, Group Scout Leader (24th Swinton) Master Joseph Ratcliff, Explorer Scout (Stegosaurus ESU) Mrs Louise Ratcliff, Parent (Explorer)

Mr Simon Ratcliff, Parent (Explorer)

Mr Michael Rollinson, Group Scout Leader (100th Salford) Mrs Ann Salt, District Vice President

Mr James Samson, District Executive Committee Member Dr Geoffrey Sides, District President Master Daniel Sitrikovs , Explorer Scout (Stegosaurus ESU) Mr Ryan Swailes, District Commissioner

Mr Nathan Talbot, Assistant Section Leader - Scouts (100th Salford) Miss Fiona Taylor, Assistant Section Leader - Scouts (43rd Salford) Master Blake Thorpe, Explorer Scout (Stegosaurus ESU) Mr Paul Wilson, District Chair

Mr Steve Woodcock, Group Scout Leader (3rd Pendlebury)

4. Treasurer’s Report

Sharmila Clarke thanked the auditor for auditing the accounts.

Paul Wilson thanked Sharm for her continued hard work, and to all the Treasurers in the District. Mike Rollinson and Ryan Swailes were thanked for the effort in gaining valuable grant money for the District and Armstrong Hall.

Proposal to adopt the 2022 accounts as a true and accurate reflection of the finances of Lowry District Scouts

Proposed by: S. Clarke

Seconded by: S Atkinson

Motion carried.

5. Announcement of the District Membership Fee

The District Executive, after reviewing the accounts, have set the Membership Fee for Lowry at £2.00 per head. No Change on Previous years.

Apologies

Mr James Seddon, District Explorer Scout Commissioner (Stegosaurus ESU)

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Paul Wilson, District Chair, welcomed all in attendance to the Annual General Meeting of 2022.

7 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 8

6. District Commissioner’s Nomination for District Chair

Ryan Swailes nominated Paul Wilson to continue as the District Chair.

Proposed by: R. Swailes

Motion carried unanimously.

9. Election of Members of the District Executive

Seconded by: S Beaver

Motion carried unanimously.

No Other Nominations have been received.

7. Election of Officers to the District Executive

Proposed by: J Macdonald

Sharmila Clarke has put herself forward for to remain as the District Treasurer. Proposed by: P. Wilson

Seconded by: R. Hambelton

Motion carried unanimously.

Seconded by: S. Atkinson

10. District Commissioner’s Closing Remarks

Motion carried unanimously.

Stacey Beaver has put herself forward for election to role of District Secretary

Proposed by: P. Wilson

Seconded by: J. Blades

Ryan Swailes thanked everyone for attending and how proud he was of the work of the district over the last year. Ryan asked that if anyone would be interested in working as part of the exec, or indeed anywhere else within the district to please get in touch with himself, or Paul.

He closed by thanking everyone in attendance and special thanks to the volunteers who helped prepare the food for the evening.

Motion carried unanimously.

11. County Representative Closing Remarks

The Executive Committee would like to nominate the Independent Scrutineer as Ryan Thompson.

Jacob Bond, Deputy County Commissioner, gave thanks to all in attendance and beyond in the district. He said how great it was to see the District Camping Competition and noted that it was a fabulous event and how lovely it was to see things getting back to normal.

Proposed by: S. Clarke

12. President of Lowry District - Closing Remarks

Seconded by: J. Macdonald

Motion carried unanimously.

8. District Commissioner’s Nominations for the District Executive

A thank you was sent to all of those who have sat on the executive in the past year.

Ryan Swailes has decided to nominate:

Dr Sides said how impressed he was by the AGM gathering, and how glad he was to see active, progressive and successful scouting in Lowry. He thanked the executive team, volunteers and the young people of the district for their hard work and dedication.

13. Closing Address

Paul thanked all volunteers and young people for their continued contribution to Scouting in the Lowry district. Paul thanked Dr Sides and Jacob Bond for attending and for their kind words, and closed by stating himself or Ryan are available to the district and to please get in touch with anything.

Proposed by: R. Swailes

Seconded by: M. Rollinson

9 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 10

District Accounts 2022-2023

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 6th April 2023

MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE YEAR

Report & Accounts for the year ended 6th April 2023

Lowry District Scout Council

Geoffrey Sides Ann Salt Alf Armstrong Stan Atkins

PRESIDENT Geoffrey Sides VICE PRESIDENT Ann Salt Alf Armstrong Stan Atkins TRUSTEES: EX-Officio- Appointment District Chair Paul Wilson District Commissioner Ryan Swailes District Explorer Scout Commissioner James Seddon District Youth Commissioner Luke Turner District Network Commissioner Joshua Macdonald District Treasurer Sharmila Clarke District Secretary Stacey Beaver Nominated by the District Commissioner Adela Ramsbottom Martin Maynard Elected by the District Scout Council Lynn Harman Justin McDonnell Steve Woodcock James Samson Co-Opted by the District Executive Committee Ann Salt

Bank CAF BANK

The operational result for the year is an income above expenditure of £16,444.51 This is because of receipt of Veolia Grant for £7,520 (repairs works completed in prior year) and £8,631.56 received from transfer of 14th Swinton Bank Account due to closure

Taking out the restricted funds then the resultant working capital is £32,483.47

The working capitals since Lowry District formation are On formation Feb-16 £17,888.43
End of Year 1 Apr-17 £16,397.76
End of Year 2 Apr-18 £15,536.28
End of Year 3 Apr-19 £14,684.28
End of Year 4 Apr-20 £15,362.51
End of Year 5 Apr-21 £17,609.77
End of Year 6 Apr-22 £22,812.65
End of Year 7 Apr-23 £32,483.47

The District's financial policy remains to control spending to an amount equal to its income and to be able to fund District events, administration, meetings, and support Groups in activities such as leader training and to ensure the District is growing and developing.

Transfer of 12th Swinton bank account is still ongoing.

Unfortunately 14th Swinton Group is in the process of closing. As per POR, assets have been transferred to District

Very successful District Camp held this year. £1,996 surplus generated from last minute change of plans to be used to part fund some programme events next year for each section

We have received £7520 Veolia Grant for Armstrong Hall refurbishment, works mainly completed in prior year

FP Early Years Grants for £500 received to support the district with squirrels and nights away

A trading subsidiary of the Charities Aid Foundation

Restricted Funds balance at year end:

Independent Examiner of the District Accounts Ryan Thompson

District Registration Number with the Scout Association Charity Registration Number 514098

Contact Name and Address : Sharmila Clarke

60 Park Lane, Salford, M6 7RQ Mobile 07834836758

The District is a Trust established under the rules that are common to all Groups/Units. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.

The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis. During the year all Groups/Units have been asked / filed a financial report with the District.

Approved by the trustees on 7th September 2023 and signed on their behalf by

Sharmila Clarke Paul Wilson District Treasurer District Chair

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payment form (Multi -Fund)

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payment form ( Multi -Fund) D1

D2

11 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 12

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 6th April 2023

This year This year This Year Last
General Restricted Total Year
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
Total receipts for the year (see page D4) 21,108.93 14,369.50 35,478.43 39,142.91
Total Payments for the year (see page D5) 8,178.82 10,855.10 19,033.92 45,356.27
Net receipts (payments ) for the year. 12,930.11 3,514.40 16,444.51 -6,213.36
Transfer of funds between funds (Balance Sheet Transfer) Badge Stock
Resultant Net receipts (payments) for the year 12,930.11 3,514.40 16,444.51 -6,213.36
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value brought forward 27,279.53 80,379.61 445,631.35 121,855.99
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value carried forward 32,483.47 422,160.28 454,643.75 445,631.35

The above account and accompanying state of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 7th Septmember 2023

Sharmila Clarke Paul Wilson District Treasurer District Chair

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Receipts for the year ended 6th April 2023

Receipts for the year ended 6th April 2023
This year This year This Year Last
General Restricted Total Year
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCIPTIONS
In 35,909.40 35,909.40 12,777.50
Out -35,117.50 -255.50 -35,373.00 -12,239.50
791.90 -255.50 536.40 538.00
INTEREST
Bank Interest 158.65 158.65 5.44
Building Society Interest
PAYMENTS FROM EQUITY INVESTMENTS:
CAF Financial Investments 4,248.00 4,248.00 4,248.00
GRANTS:
PROGRAM IN A BOX 0.00 0.00
ARMSTRONG HALL 7,520.00 7,520.00 23,101.15
1st Springwood HQ Grant 0.00 5,840.00
Booths Grant WSJ 3,000.00 3,000.00
Early Years Grants 500.00 500.00
DONATIONS
Amazon/PayPal/DONR.COM 37.78 37.78 96.34
ACTIVITIES & TRIPS
District Camp 1,996.04 1,996.04 0.00
Camping Comp 0.00 0.00
SWG 0.00 0.00
Cubs Indoor 5-a-side 0.00 0.00
FUND RAISING
Jamboree Fund Raising 1,780.00 1,780.00 0.00
ARMSTRONG HALL RENT 7,105.00 7,105.00 0.00
OTHER INCOME
repayment of balance of Fairfax card 0.00 24.59
transfer 12th swinton Bank accounts 0.00 3,259.39
transfer 14th Swinton Bank Account 8,361.56 8,361.56 0.00
Sundry Receipts
Badge Receipts 235.00 235.00 2,030.00
Loans Received 0.00 0.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR 21,108.93 14,369.50 35,478.43 39,142.91
Groups and Districts Receipts and Payment form ( Multi -Fund) D4

13 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 14

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 6 April 2023

MONETARY ASSETS Cash, Bank, and similar funds.
Bank Current Account
Bank Deposit Account
Loans
Cash In Hand
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS
Income due
Income received for next years income
Expenditure paid for next year
Expenditure due
TOTAL OTHER MONATORY ASSETS
TOTAL MONATORY ASSETS
INVESTMENT ASSETS
Government Stocks at Market Value
Other Quoted Securities at market value
Other investments
Property held for investment purposes
NONE-MONETARY ASSETS- For Charity use.
Badge Stock
CASH, BANK AND SIMILAR FUNDS TOTAL
LIABILITES. Those due within one year
Accounts not paid at 31 March
Expenses incurred not yet paid
Subscriptions not yet paid
LIABILITIES. Those payable after one year
Loans
Hire purchase owing
Lease payments out standing
Other long term liabilities
The District has no contingent liabilities and future obligations
Groups and Districts Receipts and Payment form ( Multi -Fund)		 This year
This year
This Year
Last
General
Restricted
Total
Year
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
7,959.61
7,959.61
9,619.10
22,402.13
11,780.67
34,182.80
17,044.47
43.96
43.96
43.96
30,405.70
11,780.67
42,186.37
26,707.53
2,156.21
2,156.21
30.00
0.00
0.00
-16,882.00
0.00
0.00
17,424.00
-618.44
-618.44
0.00
1,537.77
1,537.77
572.00
31,943.47
11,780.67
43,724.14
27,279.53
80,379.61
80,379.61
87,811.82
330,000.00
330,000.00
330,000.00
540.00
540.00
540.00
32,483.47
422,160.28
454,643.75
445,631.35
D6

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Payments for the year ended 6th April 2023

Payments for the year ended 6th April 2023
This year This year This Year Last
General Restricted Total Year
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
PREMISES - Armstrong Hall
Bills 136.35 136.35 111.08
Clearance/Cleaning 400.33 400.33 252.49
Insurance 1,179.50 1,179.50 1,039.28
Maintenance 769.98 769.98 60.00
Other 1,992.10 1,992.10 1,004.22
Repairs 809.13 809.13 35,349.99
replacement locks/keys 115.70 115.70 229.10
Utlilty Bills 4,549.05 4,549.05 2,282.99
DEVELOPMENT COSTS
District Website 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT COSTS
Helper/Contents Insurance 0.00 207.60
Bank Charges 72.00 72.00 96.00
Meeting costs inc AGM 616.25 616.25 785.50
Armstrong Hall - see above premises 0.00 0.00
Other 30.57 30.57 6.09
ACTIVITIES & TRIPS
Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorers, District events and Trips 44.63 44.63 207.64
Program In A Box 902.96 902.96 28.24
Jamboree 6,405.30 6,405.30 2,093.38
CAMPING & COMPETITIONS
Scouts 59.39 59.39 89.99
Indoor 5-a-side Football & Swimming Gala 46.45 46.45 0.00
Refurbish Shields 105.00 105.00 0.00
TRAINING
Young Leader, Leader, First Aid, Safeguarding 0.00 47.20
First Aid 50.00 50.00 225.00
District Development days 0.00 70.68
FUNDRAISING EXPENSES
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
OTHER EXPENSES
Communications - Pull out banner/leaflets/business cards 0.00 563.64
Rent 395.00 395.00 0.00
Badges 0.00 157.69
SUNDRY PAYMENTS
Domain Names 28.78 28.78 0.00
Visual Name Badges 0.00 131.74
Necker Samples 57.30 57.30 0.00
Web Hosting 175.00 175.00 172.80
Poppy Wreath 20.00 20.00 0.00
Other 73.15 73.15 0.00
Sherif Affinity IT Licenses 0.00 143.93
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR 8,178.82 10,855.10 19,033.92 45,356.27
Groups and Districts Receipts & Payments Form (Multi fund) D5

15 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 16

Stegosaurus ESU Accounts

Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023

This year This year This Year Last
General Restricted Total Year
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
Total receipts for the year 6,872.64 6,872.64 5,142.14
Total Payments for the year 6,873.59 6,873.59 5,167.44
Net receipts (payments ) for the year. -0.95 -0.95 -25.30
Resultant Net receipts (payments) for the year -0.95 -0.95 -25.30
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value brought forward 1,047.12 1,072.42 1,072.42
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value carried forward 1,046.17 1,046.17 1,047.12

Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of the

LOWRY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

I report on the accounts of the District for the year 6 April 2023

Respective responsibilities of Trustees Year ended 6 April 2023

As the District's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 1993 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out and audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.

Basis of Scrutineer's statement

In accordance with the directions given in the Districts constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages 3 to 6

Scrutineers Statement

In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.

Name: Ryan Thompson Qualification: ACCA

Lowry District Network Unit

Signed………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 6th April 2023

This year This year This Year Last
General Restricted Total Year
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
Sharmila Clarke Paul Wilson
District Treasurer District Chair
Total receipts for the year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Payments for the year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Net receipts (payments ) for the year. 0.00 0.00 0.00
Resultant Net receipts (payments) for the year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value brought forward 0.00 0.00 0.00
Cash, bank and asset funds at market value carried forward 0.00 0.00 0.00

Date:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Groups and Districts Receipts and Payment form ( Multi -Fund) D7

Sharmila Clarke Paul Wilson District Treasurer District Chair

17 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 18

District Commissioner’s Report Ryan Swailes

Another twelve months have drawn to a close, and so does my fourth year as your District Commissioner. When I reflect backwards to October 2019, and the State of the Nation within Lowry, I can see the incredible work carried out by each and every one of you over these four years. A District that has come together and supported each other at every event, taking in young people from different groups - simply to allow them the opportunity to learn and take part. I would like to express a huge thank you to Jackie Blades, who has assisted at countless nights at different Groups, ensuring the young people are safe and still operating when other volunteers were not available. It gives me enormous pleasure seeing people coming together to support each other at every step of an adventure.

This year we welcomed our first Squirrel Dreys in Lowry. A huge thank you to Tony Rice, Courtney Pope, Nathan Talbot, and their respective teams at 82nd Salford and 100th Salford who collectively have opened three Dreys. Bringing in a wave of red jumpers and smiling faces to truly demonstrate the power of Scouting at all ages. I am fully confident those Squirrels and out there making incredible memories and new friends.

Our packed District Calendar has powered on all cylinders this year, with Justin McDonnell bringing out his old showstopper It’s a Knockout for St Georges Day- a day to reaffirm our promises and have some fun! Held at Hollinwood, the event was attended by a huge wave of young people and parents from across Lowry. The space hoppers were a huge hit, and even the leaders had a go themselves.... A massive congratulations to Justin and his team for a very successful day.

Recently, we have seen more transformation changes being released from Gilwell; this has seen a re-shuffle of the District Team with a new agenda, and vision, for Lowry. We have recently launched Summit 2028, our new five year vision, which will see Lowry grow year on year and offering direct human support in opening and developing new sections. The future is looking incredible, and we will get there one camp at a time.

I always like to make a note of how many awards we are due to hand out, this year it stands at 24 and 5 Woodbeads. That is around 20% of our volunteers being recognised this year for their unwavering dedication. The service awards amount to 140 years, with 40 going to one individual in particular. A big congratulations to you all, and I know Justin McDonnell and Ann Salt are hard at work preparing the next wave of volunteers to be recognised.

I would like to end my report by saying thank you to each and every volunteer within Lowry. We have truly come together as one team, breaking down old boundaries and differences to move forward and keep growing together. Our people matter, and we will continue to champion excellence in all things we do. My team is hard at work preparing another twelve months of incredible opportunities. Let us look forward to the future, grab it with both hands, and give each young person the programme and memories they deserve!

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2023 Annual Report - 20

Training Justin McDonnell

Over the past 12 months, adult training has been progressing steadily, and things are now back to normal after the disruption caused by the pandemic. I have been able to introduce myself to new volunteers at appointments meetings, and have been able to visit many groups and sections, to check in with the leaders. It is my intention to resume drop-in sessions, and make a big effort to encourage those who are very close to completion of their wood badge, to get the remaining modules verified, and award their beads.

Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping your mandatory training up to date. Since the AGM last September, 62 volunteers have completed their Safety training, 54 volunteers have completed their Safeguarding training, and 22 volunteers have completed their First Aid training. This is a fantastic effort, and it has been noted by the GMW County Training Team. Well done everyone.

Looking forward, if you receive an email from HQ about mandatory training, please act on it as soon as you can. There are also still a few leaders who need to renew or complete their First Aid training. Please look out for future courses which will be organised in the not too distant future.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your efforts over the last year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your training needs, whatever they may be, email me at justin.mcdonnell@lowrydistrict.org.uk and I will be only too happy to assist.

Communications Ben Beaver

It has been great to join the leadership team this year as part of the communications team, and I believe we have made great strides this year. We have seen the launch of the Thread, and I have ensured that the District’s Microsoft 365 provision is as up-to-date as possible to be useful for our volunteers.

I look forward to working with everyone again next year to develop the District’s communications even further, both internally and externally, and to make sure that we can all work as effectively as possible! As always, please do get in touch if there are any queries around communications or technology within the district.

Appointments Ann Salt

Over the last year, we have been holding regular appointments meetings, meeting the 26 new members of the District and supporting volunteers with role changes as a part of their personal development. This vital part of the joining process couldn’t be completed without the support of the Appointment’s Team and a special thanks goes to Martin Maynard, Wesley Buckley and Steve Woodcock for their continuing support.

The Appointments Committee provides a friendly yet vital welcome to Scouting; allowing leaders to meet and discuss vital Scout Association Policies including Safeguarding, Risk Assessments and Equal Opportunities.

As always, we are looking for people to come and join the Appointments Team so please do get in touch if you would like to learn more about what the team does.

Youth

Luke Turner

My first year as District Youth Commissioner has been a great experience and I’m glad to have joined the team. All sections have been working hard trying to reach those Top Awards and gain #SkillsForLife.

I have visited a number of sections and have begun promoting the new YouShape Award. It’s an amazing opportunity for young people to learn new skills and become leaders and role models to their fellow scouts. It is an exciting time to see more young people completing their top awards!

I would like to say congratulations to the young people who have managed to achieve this, to get the top award is difficult and provides many challenges for them to overcome. A very big well done to volunteers helping our young people achieve the very best!

If anyone wants to learn more about YouShape or help with any top awards, please let me know and I can help!

21 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 22

Squirrels Courtney Pope

With our first Squirrel drey opening in January we have seen a quick rise in the number of young people across the district. Individual dreys have attended trips over the last few months, a group visit to the fire station. Followed by attending the District Beaver Easter Egg Hunt, the St George’s day celebrations and more recently the District Blackpool Zoo trip. We now have grown to three Squirrel dreys in our district with the 100th and 82nd leaders working relentlessly to make sure the Squirrels make an impact in the local area.

Beavers Courtney Pope

Over the last 12 months our Beavers have been very busy. We have attended the Swimming Gala, dominoes competition, five-a-side football competition, cinema trip, Easter egg hunt, St George’s Day, District camp and the Blackpool Zoo trip in July. I would like to thank all the leaders who planned trips and activities for our young people to engage in, we have had great feedback from the leaders all round.

Cubs Tony Rice

Over this last year Cubs have not had a ADC But regardless of this a lot of our great leaders have banded together to plan many great events and activities for all of our Cub packs which has made it a fantastic year for all of them, Which I would like to say thank you so much to each and every one of them, Since my appointment as ADC Cubs several groups attended this year’s district zoo trip which turned out to be a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. Next year is going to be amazing for our Cubs.

Scouts Robert Hambelton

The last year has been wonderful for the Scouts Section in Lowry and we have seen a number of events that have brought more Scouts together than ever before.

In May 2022, we introduced our newest Scout Section to the district with the restart of Scouts at 24th Swinton (St Charles) and a massive congratulations for the hard work that is going on there. Everywhere else in the District the numbers of Scouts attending meeting nights were good despite the fact that some groups have only been back to face to face meetings for six months.

In June 2022, a number of groups from across the district participated in the County Cardboard Canoe Race at the Helly Hansen Water Sports Centre and I look forward to attending next year- although I think I’ll be watching from Quayside! Later that month, we returned to our Ashworth Valley for the full return of the Camping and Backwoods Cooking Competition. Congratulations again to 43rd Salford A for winning the Backwoods Cooking Competition and to 88th Salford for being victorious in the Camping Competition! I would like to say a thank you to the Scouts for such a wonderful event- it was great to see the Scouting spirit of helping each other teams even though it was a competition!

During October, Scouts from across the District came together for the District Orienteering Competition where 1st Clifton held on to their title as Champions with 100th Salford A close on their heels! Later in October saw the Scout Leaders come together for a social event where the Bowling Honours were shared between James Seddon and Justin McDonnell!

In December, we introduced the Lowry District Dodgeball Competition where 100th Salford A came in for the win with 3rd Pendlebury very close behind them!

The Get Out of That Competition was held at Giant’s Seat in March where 8 teams participated for the trophy. Congratulations to 43rd Salford B for their win this year!

I would like to thank each and every Scout for their hard work at all of our activities and competitions over the last year- we do all of this for you! Further to this, a massive BRAVO to all of the Leaders within the Scout Section for their dedication to our young people!

Explorers James Seddon

Since moving into Armstrong Hall last year, the explorer unit has gone from strength to strength, growing in leaders and young people; it has been wonderful to see Scouts from across the district come together at Explorers as they take on the next part of their adventure!

As always, the Explorer Section is out and about providing a range of challenges for our

23 - Lowry District Scout Council

2023 Annual Report - 24

young people and sometimes our leaders as well!

During 2022, we were invited to join the 43rd Salford on their Summer Camp in North Wales. The Explorers got to have a go at Go Karting, Bounce Below and an amazing hike… even if they did get a little bit lost!

As we moved through the summer months and into Winter we continued our Four Cities tour, taking the Explorers up to Edinburgh for the weekend where we attended the Edinburgh Dungeons, Edinburgh Castle and went on a Ghost Walk around the city, culminating in a wander around Greyfriars Kirkyard!

During March the Explorer unit attended the Get Out of That Competition and put on a base for the Scouts- if you ever need someone to recreate a creative First Aid incident, give Tyler, Oscar and Kristoff a shout!

During the year, the number of Young Leader across the District increased and it has been wonderful to see how they have been working to teach younger sections vital skills! A massive thank you to all the Young Leaders in the District and a huge thank you to the leaders supporting them too!

Network Josh Macdonald

Since our last AGM Scout Network has been up and running! Consistently meeting on the final Friday of every month the Scout Network Section (18-25) has gone from strength to strength with not only running their own programme but to support the programme of District Events!

Over the last year, Scout Network have attended a National Network Gathering, held in North Wales each year, to come together and enjoy a chilled weekend and have a good time.

We have been ice skating (our yearly Christmas Activity) had games nights and a night of chilling around the fire- what more could you ask for?!

This year also saw the first Lowry Scout Network Necker being given out- it’s a bright pink necker with a black border so if you see one around please give our Network a little hello!

As we look to the future of Scout Network, we have a lot of fun things planned and some further support for the running of the section from members of Network. James Seddon will take over the operational running of the section in his new role as 14-25 lead and Lauren Alred will be joining the team as a Network Lead. If you have any queries or questions about the section, please feel free to reach out to them!

Census

Census of District Membership in Lowry For the year ending 31st January 2023

Census of District Membership in Lowry
For the year ending 31st January 2023
Male Female Self-identify Prefer not
say		 to Total
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
Squirrel Scouts 3 5 0 0 8
Beaver Scouts 122 23 0 0 145
Cub Scouts 88 26 0 0 114
Scouts 83 19 0 0 102
Explorer Scouts (including Young Leaders) 15 2 0 0 17
Network members 5 6 0 0 11
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP 316 81 0 0 397
PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES
Section Leaders 10 9 1 0 20
Assistant Section Leaders 19 17 1 0 37
Section Assistants 4 11 0 0 15
TOTAL ADULT PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES 33 37 2 0 72
Young Leaders+ 3 3 0 0 6
TOTAL PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES 36 40 2 0 78
LINE MANAGER ROLES
Group Scout Leaders 5 3 0 0 8
District Commissioners 1 0 0 0 1
District ES/SN Commissioners 2 0 0 0 2
TOTAL LINE MANAGER ROLES 8 3 0 0 11
GOVERNANCE ROLES
Group Chair 3 2 0 0 5
Group Secretary 2 4 0 0 6
Group Treasurer 5 2 0 0 7
Group Executive members 2 3 0 0 5
TOTAL GROUP GOVERNANCE ROLES 12 11 0 0 23
District Chair 1 0 0 0 1
District Secretary 0 1 0 0 1
District Treasurer 0 1 0 0 1
District Executive members 1 2 0 0 3
TOTAL DISTRICT GOVERNANCE ROLES 2 4 0 0 6
TOTAL GOVERNANCE ROLES
SUPPORT ROLES		 14 15 0 0 29
Deputy Group Scout Leaders
Group Administrators/Supporters		 0
0		 1
1		 0
0		 0
0		 1
1
Group Skills Instructors 0 0 0 0 0
Other Group Adults 13 2 0 0 15
TOTAL GROUP SUPPORT ROLES 13 4 0 0 17
Deputy District Commissioners 0 0 0 0 0
District Youth Commissioners
Deputy District Youth Commissioners		 0
0		 0
0		 0
0		 0
0		 0
0
Assistant District Commissioners 0 0 0 0 0
District Leaders 0 0 0 0 0
District Administrators/Supporters 0 0 0 0 0
District Skills Instructors 0 0 0 0 0
Other District Support roles
TOTAL DISTRICT SUPPORT ROLES		 1
1		 0
0		 0
0		 0
0		 1
1
Active Support 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL SUPPORT ROLES
TOTALS		 14 4 0 0 18
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP 316 81 0 0 397
TOTAL ADULT MEMBERSHIP 69 59 2 0 130
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 385 140 2 0 527
Total Membership due to pay the Headquarters Membership Subscription
ie Total of Youth Membership excluding Scout Network		 386
UNITS
Squirrel Scout Dreys
Beaver Scout Colonies		 1
9
Cub Scout Packs 8
Scout Troops 7
Explorer Scout Units (Including YL Units) 1
Active Support Units 0
Young Leader Units 0
Groups 9

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2023 Annual Report - 26

Lowry District Scout Council Greater Manchester West Scout County The Scout Association

Lowry District Scout Council c/o Armstrong Hall Lynton Road Pendlebury Greater Manchester M27 6HD

info@lowrydistrict.org.uk

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www.lowrydistrict.org.uk