TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
From 1[st] April 2020
To 31[st] March 2021
| Section A | Reference and administration details |
|---|---|
| Charity name | 1stAshton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group |
| Other names the charity | 1stAshton Scout Group / 1stAshton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group |
| is known by | |
| Registered Charity | 517134 |
| Number | |
| Scout Association | 11562 |
| Group Registration | |
| Number | |
| Charity's principle | 1stAshton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group |
| address | Scout Association, Ashton Scout Hut |
| Liverpool Road | |
| Ashton in Makerfield | |
| Wigan | |
| WN4 9LP | |
| Correspondence | Andrew Linster |
| address | 8 Ware Close |
| Ashton in Makerfield | |
| Wigan WN4 8XU |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole |
|---|---|---|
| year | ||
| Barry Kay | Chairman | |
| Eileen Heyes | Group Scout Leader | |
| Andrew Linster | Treasurer | |
| Mary Smith | Cub Scout Leader (Thursday) | |
| Jo Pollitt | Beaver Leader | |
| Andrea Linster | Fund Raising Committee | |
| Kevin Smith | Scout Leader (Wednesday) |
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Names and addresses of advisors Type of advisor Name Address
There are currently no advisors to the Scout Group
Section B Structure, governance and management Type of governing The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. document They consist of a Royal Charter (4 January 1912), which in turn gives authority to the by-laws of the Association and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. How the charity is 1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group was established under a constituted Declaration of Trust dated 21 September 1949 and a Charity in its own right on 31[st] January 1986. The Group is a trust established under its rules that are common to all Scout Groups/Districts. Trustee selection The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation method and Rules of the Scout Association. Additional The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, the members governance of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities.
This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Committee meets every 1 to 2 months.
This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of Group property; The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; Group public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected. Risk and internal The Group Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which controls they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. The Group minibus is insured, however the vehicle was SORNed (kept off road so no vehicle tax due) and was insured with a laid up insured policy as the vehicle was not driven on public roads after June 2020.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy for members. In addition, the Group has additional insurance to cover non-member helpers and supporters for personal accident and medical expenses. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
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.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Public benefit The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under statement both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Section D Financial Review Accounting policy The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis with a statement of the assets and liabilities and is consistent with the previous year. The accounts are drawn up in accordance with the requirements of Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and reflects the Charity Commission Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Executive Committee considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £6,000.
Section E Additional information Insurance Public Liability Insurance is provided directly by the Scout Association, the current certificate is displayed on the notice board. Building & Contents Insurance and Personal Accident & Medical Expenses Insurance for non-member helpers have been arranged through Unity Insurance Services Ltd via The Scout Association. Additional insurance was taken out to cover liability for the ride on lawnmower. As the Group now has a Gardener who undertakes this work the insurance lapsed in November 2016. Although the Group retains the lawn mower it is no longer used. Banking Bank accounts in the name of the group are held with the Natwest Bank plc. We have a Current account and a Reserve account which is registered to receive interest paid gross and with a minimum of 2 signatures for any withdrawals. Individual sections have their own bank accounts, and are with NatWest, Barclays and TSB. We are pleased to report that the Group is in a sound financial position. Future capital expenditure is taken into account in our budget. The Trustees are provided with sound administration in respect of its obligations according to POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules), including insurance, fundraising, and maintenance of Group property. Investment and The Group Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and financial policy the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.
We are pleased to report that the Group is in a sound financial position. Future capital expenditure is taken into account in our budget. The Trustees are provided with sound administration in respect of its obligations according to POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules), including insurance, fundraising, and maintenance of Group property.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks / building societies.
Review of the 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2021
During the year:
General
Shortly before the start of this accounting period, the UK Prime Minister made the decision to put the whole UK into a National Lockdown. As a result, all face to face Scouting Activities ceased immediately as well as activities undertaken by day groups who hire out the hut during the week.
As the first wave of the pandemic waned, the UK Government lifted some restrictions. This meant that for a brief period over the summer of 2021, one of the day groups could meet (as they were an exercise class until restrictions were once again tightened as the second wave of the pandemic hit). The restrictions were in force until after March 2021. As a result, no day groups were able to meet and use the Scout Hut after the summer.
Scouting
Scouting under guidance from the UK Government appointed agencies introduced a traffic light system.
Red – No face to face activities Amber – Outdoor only activities with the number of participants limited Yellow – Outdoor and Indoor activities allowed with some restrictions on the number of participants Green – no restrictions
For this accounting period, Scouting was either in Red or Amber conditions.
The Group purchased a ZOOM license to enable sections to meet virtually and Leaders ran their sections virtually while under Red conditions.
When amber conditions were in-force, our Scout and Cub sections completed the appropriate risk assessment and had approval from the District Commissioner to meet up outdoors. 1[st] Ashton Cub and Scout sections were the first Groups in Wigan District to restart face-to-face activities. It was not possible for the Beaver section to restart in this period.
The Group purchased some Cargo parachutes and set up a steel cable between some trees in the hut grounds. This meant when the weather was inclement, some degree of shelter was possible within the Amber restrictions.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Financial position
With the varying degrees of lockdown restrictions in force, the normal fund raising activities that we would expect to undertake were cancelled. Although we were able to run an on-line bingo night.
Steps taken at the beginning of the year to reduce non-essential Group expenditure: The main areas were the suspension of payments to the gas provider as we had built up a large credit pre-pandemic and we could run this down. In addition, as the Scout Hut was left unoccupied for long periods electricity costs were much lower. The Water supply was turned off during the first pandemic wave with weekly flushing of toilets and running of taps to reduce the risk of Legionnaires disease affecting the hut. Weekly checks of the hut were also done to check that the building and its grounds were secure.
During the first part of the pandemic when all Scouting was virtual, the decision was taken not to collect subs as the sections had more than adequate financial resources to continue.
Once Scouting moved to Amber conditions the decision was taken to restart subs for those section Cubs and Scouts that were meeting outdoors, and so some subs have been collected.
As the Scout Group owns the building and land, we were also eligible to receive some UK Government and Local Government Covid-19 related grants. In addition, we applied for grants for other things and received a number of donations. Government grants in the period totaled £25.2 K, plus £1.6K in other donations and the remaining £1K Tesco restricted grant.
The Executive Committee agreed to spend this money wisely and focus on areas that will bring long-term benefit to the Group as a whole.
The vast majority of this money remains unspent, as due to the lockdown it was not possible to spend the money on maintenance and equipment etc.
A small proportion of the grant was spent on:
-
The purchase of additional tables (from other organisations that ceased in the pandemic).
-
Remodeling of the old storeroom. Although the shelving was treated in prior years for woodworm, the shelving had been weakened and was unsafe. The old wooden doors and wooden wall panel were rotten and needed to be replaced. The old storeroom was remodeled into a new smaller storeroom and bunk
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email 1 stashtonscoutgroup@gmail.com, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Bear Grylls Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Scouts room. The bunk room will be a y1Come addition, as it will give a dedicated area for leaders to sleep on ovemKJht camps at the S¢out HUL There are a number of future projects. whith the remaining grant money will be focused on. How8ver. these will b8 subject to (gOIng discussion within the Executive Committee.. Replacement windows and fire escape doors New wndow blinds Central heating UFgrad8 RepEament of lighting with energy efficient LED lighting Completion of the bouldering wall (additional future fundraising will also be neaded) Overall the Group is very gcM)d finanaal health. Future Plans Future plans are discussed regularly at the Executive Committee meetings. Due to th8 National L¢xkdown, the ExetiVe Committee cannot meet fa to fd¢e so CLnMUniCation is via zoom and other online methods. Section F Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report ave Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Barry Kay Chairman Eileen Heyes Gmup Swut Lethr Andrew Linster Treasurer Date £oZ7. , 1rfAshton (Lirfd G•rar(V$l Scout Group RvJthrwJ Charity No. 517134, The Scout ¢ortrè, LOrpu01 Rol.AsMon4nkgrfk1,Wo Emall 4sLashlOIlSCOiJ rail.c . ITKortAY81ed by Royal ChgrteF No. 6101 Patron Th&tsJeen predent HR Thè Duke of K•t Found• Robèrt Baden P1 CN ¢hlef S¢out8garGryl pthershipsY*h Wg8n CnGl- BulkliroJ Ihefthur•Togethei
1st Ashton Lord Gerard's Scout Group BalanGe Sheet at 31st March 2021 Scouts LAST YEAR ASSETS THIS YEAR LAST YEAR LIABILITIES THIS YEAR £32,641.20 HEADQUARTERS £31,009.14 £S7,%2.42 £57.962.42 £1,632.06 £31,009.14 £6,833.97 £3,194.92 £10,028.89 £1,002.89 £9,026.00 LESS DEPRECIATION £1,550.46 LESS EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE £20,170.fjB £29,458.68 EQUIPMENT ADDITION £9.026.00 £1,546.66 £10.572.66 £1.057.27 LESS DEPRECIATION @ 10% £9.515.39 MONIES NATWEST BANK CURRENT NATWEST BANK RESERVE CASH IN HAND TOTAL OF GROUP FUNDS SECTION 8ALANCES TOTAL AMOUNT IN GROUP £6.898 65 £1.599.39 £1.224.37 £9,722.41 £8,204.87 £17.927.28 £31.378.71 £1.600.00 £836.32 £33,81S.03 £5,344.00 £39 159.03 £57,962A2 ASSETS £78.133.10 LIABILITIES £78.133.10 Accounts prepared by .... .Andrew Linster (Treasurer) Signalure of Chairperson.. )8:)¢ .Barry Kay (Chair) DepreTh8lion is shown in accordancE vAth accounting procedures. However, this does not neces$arity refiect the realistic value of the Headquarters and land owned by the group.
1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Accounts for the period 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021
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LAST YEAR RECEIPTS THIS YEAR LAST YEAR PAYMENTS THIS YEAR
£1,125.00 MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - SPONSORSHIP £0.00 £0.00 MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - PURCHASE £0.00
MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - DONATIONS &
£0.00 ACTIVITIES £0.00 £778.60 MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - INS, FUEL & TAX £422.00
MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - REPAIRS &
£7,794.20 SUBSCRIPTIONS £4,919.50 £2,308.25 MAINTENANCE £0.00
£3,685.00 BUILDING RENTAL £150.00 £3,610.50 CAPITATION TO DISTRICT £3,594.50
£963.81 SPONSORED EVENTS £0.00 £0.00 CAPITATION IN RESPECT OF TRANSFERRING SCOUTS £182.00
£10,709.91 CONTRIBUTIONS TO CAMPS & ACTIVITIES £784.35 £1,121.33 INSURANCE £1,177.06
£245.03 DONATIONS £1,650.02 £214.59 WATER £205.45
£3,264.02 BRUNCH & CHRISTMAS MARKET STALL £0.00 £2,959.49 GAS & ELECTRIC £423.85
£308.51 CHARITABLE COLLECTIONS £0.00 £884.07 CLEANING £125.37
£3.21 INTEREST £0.61 £1,542.00 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE £2,215.49
£3,190.56 HMRC GIFT AID CLAIM £2,851.33 £1,897.16 PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS,BADGES ETC £1,472.47
£589.56 SOCIAL EVENTS £134.59 £868.85 BRUNCH & CHRISTMAS MARKET STALL £0.00
£0.00 CUBJAM £0.00 £345.00 CHARITABLE DONATIONS £0.00
£0.00 REPAYMENT OF LOAN FROM ASHTON EXPLORERS £130.00 £310.01 SOCIAL EVENTS £5.21
TESCO - Groundwork Trust (RESTRICTED GRANT FOR CONTAINER
£3,000.00 AND ARCHERY RANGE) £1,000.00 £20.00 WREATH £0.00
£0.00 CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID GRANTS £25,205.75 £9,297.58 TRIPS, CAMP FEES, FOOD & ACTIVITIES £5,279.56
£0.00 SALE OF EQUIPMENT £207.00 £0.00 CUBJAM £0.00
£0.00 LOAN TO ASHTON EXPLORERS £130.00
£241.00 TRAINING FOR ADULT LEADERS AND HELPERS £83.50
£3,350.33 CONTAINER & ARCHERY RANGE (from restircted grant) *** £261.60
WEBSITE FEES & CO CARDLESS FEES £223.34
£34,878.81 SUBTOTAL £37,033.15 £29,748.76 SUBTOTAL £15,801.40
-£559.97 DEPRECIATION £1,061.07
EXCESS OF EXPENDITURE / INCOME £5,690.02 EXCESS INCOME/EXPENDITURE £20,170.68
£34,878.81 £37,033.15 £34,878.81 £37,033.15
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*** Please note an amount of 440.40 was paid for climbing holds as part of the restricted grant fund and was incorrectly recorded on the prior set of accounts under Trips, Camp fees, Food and and Activities. For the prior year the amount should be £3350.33 + £440.40 = £3790.73. This years amount of £261.60, this means the total spent for the project stands at Means the total project funds are accounted for £4052.33 spent against the grant of £4000.
Scou 1st Ashton (Lord Gorard's) Scout Group Recelpts Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31 March 2021 This Year Last Year Total receipts for the year 37,033.15 34,878.81 Total payments for the year 15,801.40 29.748.76 Net recefpts (payments) for the year 21,231.75 5.130.05 Cash, bank and similar ft6nds brought fothrd 17,927.28 12,797.23 Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 39.159.03 17,927.28 The above account and accomparying statement of assets and liabilities were approved ty the Tmstees on.. -.and signed on their behalf by. J6:K Andrew Linster (Treasurer) Barry Kay (Chair) 1st Ashton {Lord Gerard's) Scout Group
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independènt Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard s Own) Scout Group On accounts for the year ended 3110312021 Charity no lif any} 517134 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounls of the above charity I'lhe Trust") for the year ended 3110312021. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the 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 carri8d out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb} of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives m8 causa to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordanc8 Wlth section 130 of the Acl or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 1012 Name". Daniel Martin Relevant professional qualificationls) or body lif any): ACAIICAEW Address: 11 Woodgarth Drive, Swinton, M27 5GG Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independenl examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). IER October 2018
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishe5 to disclose. IER October 2018