TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
From 1[st] April 2024 To 31[st] March 2025 ~~eee~~ Section A Reference and administration details Charity name 1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group Other names the charity is 1[st] Ashton Scout Group / 1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group known by Registered Charity Number 517134 Scout Association Group 11562 Registration Number Charity's principal address 1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group Scout Association, Ashton Scout Hut Liverpool Road Ashton in Makerfield Wigan WN4 9LP
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year |
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year |
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year |
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| Barry Kay Chairman |
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| Eileen Heyes Group Lead Volunteer |
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| Andrew Linster Treasurer |
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| Andrea Linster Trustee Resigned 9th March 2025 |
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| Kevin Smith Trustee and Scout Leader |
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| Steve Bell Trustee and Cub Scout Leader |
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| Janet Derbyshire | Secretary to the Trustees |
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Names and addresses of advisors ~~eee~~ Type of advisor Name Address
There are currently no advisors to the Scout Group
~~eee~~ Section B Structure, governance, and management Type of governing The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout document Association. 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 constituted a Declaration of Trust dated 21 September 1949 and is 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 method The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. Additional governance The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 4 Trustees. The Trustee Board meets every 1 to 2 months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
The Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is wellmanaged, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Risk and internal controls
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which 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:
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. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters, and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. 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 Board 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 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.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section. In the worstcase scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
hE ~~eee~~ Section C Objectives and activities Summary of the The Purpose of Scouting objects of the charity Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their set out in its personal development, governing document empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy, and loyal.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs, and attitudes.
Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Public benefit statement
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.
Section D Achievements and performance ~~a~~
Summary of the During the year: main achievements in the last year Financial position and Group premises
As well as the Christmas Fayre the Group also undertaken the annual Beer Festival which was a big success.
During the year we placed an order for the Containers and associated equipment that will form the bouldering wall and paid a deposit. They are due to be delivered in the next few months once the final payment have been made.
Further plans will be discussed at future Trustee Board.
Overall, the Group continues to be in good financial health.
Future Plans
In Summer 2025 the Internation camp to Kandestag in Switzerland will take place. Work will be undertaken to set up and complete the bouldering wall.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
~~i~~ Section E
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. This sum is £11,500.
~~ee~~ Section F Additional financial information
Insurance Public Liability Insurance is provided directly by the Scout Association, the current certificate is displayed on the notice board. Building & Contents Insurance is arranged through Unity Insurance Services Ltd via The Scout Association.
The Group own a ride on lawnmower which is not currently used to cut the grass in front of the Scout Hut. If this was to change the Group would purchase an appropriate motor insurance cover to meet legal requirements.
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 and TSB.
We are pleased to report that the Group is in a sound financial position. Future capital expenditure is considered 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 Trustees regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the financial policy interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.
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.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
~~ee~~ Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Barry Kay (Chairman) .. 98. Kes. ................................... Eileen Heyes (Group Lead Volunteer) .. ...................... Date 26 July 2025.........................................
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
| Scouts | |||||||
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| 1st Ashton Lord Gerard's Scout Group Balance Sheet at 31st March 2025 |
Scouts | ||||||
| LAST YEAR | LAST YEAR | ASSETS | THIS YEAR | LAST YEAR | LIABILITIES | THIS YEAR | |
| £26,586.46 | HEADQUARTERS | £25,257.14 | £98,456.48 | £98,456.48 | |||
| £1,329.32 | LESS DEPRECIATION @ 5% | £1,262.86 | PLUS EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE | £18,794.29 | |||
| £25,257.14 | £23,994.28 | ||||||
| £9,291.79 | EQUIPMENT | £12,795.90 | |||||
| £4,925.88 | ADDITION | £1,637.08 | |||||
| £14,217.67 | £14,432.98 | ||||||
| £1,421.77 £12,795.90 |
LESS DEPRECIATION @ 10% | £1,443.30 £12,989.68 |
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| £30,822.63 £1,628.73 £1,709.54 £34,160.90 £26,242.54 £60,403.44 |
MONIES NATWEST BANK CURRENT NATWEST BANK RESERVE CASH IN HAND TOTAL OF GROUP FUNDS SECTION BALANCES TOTAL AMOUNT IN GROUP |
£28,886.84 £1,651.66 £1,434.67 £31,973.17 £48,293.64 £80,266.81 |
? £98,456.48 ASSETS £117,250.77 LIABILITIES £117,250.77 Accounts prepared by .............................................…Andrew Linster (Treasurer) AL — Signature of Chairperson……………………...……..Barry Kay (Chair) DB Key,
Depreciation is shown in accordance with accounting procedures. However, this does not necessarily reflect the realistic value of the Headquarters and land owned by the group.
1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group
Receipts Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31 March 2025
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|This Year|Last Year|
|Total receipts for the year|£ 96,594.11|£ 69,045.75|
|Total payments for the year|£ 76,730.74|£ 52,065.57|
|Net receipts (payments) for the year|£ 19,863.37|£ 16,980.18|
|Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward|£ 60,403.44|£ 43,423.26|
|Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward|£ 80,266.81|£ 60,403.44|
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The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the
Trustees on…28 September 2024..and signed on their behalf by:
………………………………………. ……………………………….. Akl Gb. Ke, Andrew Linster (Treasurer) Barry Kay (Chair)
1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group
| 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group | 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group | 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group | 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group | 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's) Scout Group | cs) Scouts |
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| Receipts and Payments Accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 | uordGerard's) | |||||||
| LAST YEAR | RECEIPTS | THIS YEAR | LAST YEAR | PAYMENTS | THIS YEAR | |||
| £1,950.00 | RECBUILDING RENTAL | £2,000.00 | £0.00 | EXPMINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - PURCHASE | £0.00 | |||
| £0.00 | RECSPONSORED EVENTS | £0.00 | £1,308.71 | EXPMINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - INS & TAX | £1,375.60 | |||
| £0.00 | RECMINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - SPONSORSHIP | £0.00 | £345.00 | EXPMINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE | £408.20 | |||
| MINIBUS & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY - DONATIONS & | ||||||||
| £693.25 | REC ACTIVITIES |
£320.00 | £5,775.00 | EXPCAPITATION TO DISTRICT | £7,830.00 | |||
| £1,924.90 | REC1CHRISTMAS AND SUMMER FAIRS | £1,867.05 | £0.00 | EXPCAPITATION IN RESPECT OF TRANSFERRING SCOUTS | £0.00 | |||
| £0.00 | REC1CHARITABLE COLLECTIONS | £0.00 | £1,430.00 | EXPINSURANCE | £2,288.58 | |||
| £90.61 | REC1INTEREST | £362.39 | £464.37 | EXP1WATER | £432.33 | |||
| £4,894.00 | REC1HMRC GIFT AID CLAIM | £5,728.00 | £8,232.61 | EXP1GAS & ELECTRIC | £5,705.70 | |||
| £556.27 | REC1SOCIAL EVENTS (INC BINGO) | £144.00 | £1,169.44 | EXP1CLEANING & CLEANING PRODUCTS | £1,235.00 | |||
| £17,215.00 | REC1SPECIAL CAMP (KANDERSTAG) | £25,255.00 | £1,154.13 | EXP1REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE | £954.80 | |||
| £0.00 | REC1CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID GRANTS | £500.00 | £6,686.45 | EXP1PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT, UNIFORMS,BADGES ETC | £23,015.07 | |||
| £0.00 | REC1SALE OF EQUIPMENT | £0.00 | £842.51 | EXP1CHRISTMAS AND SUMMER FAIRS | £529.98 | |||
| £18.41 | REC2DONATIONS | £2,844.35 | £0.00 | EXP1CHARITABLE DONATIONS | £0.00 | |||
| £15,060.00 | REC2SUBSCRIPTIONS | £20,370.00 | £185.62 | EXP1SOCIAL EVENTS | £446.95 | |||
| £8,147.55 | REC2CONTRIBUTIONS TO CAMPS & ACTIVITIES | £11,359.50 | £0.00 | EXP1WREATH | £27.50 | |||
| £0.00 | REC2REPAYMENT OF LOAN FROM ASHTON EXPLORERS | £0.00 | £9,747.21 | EXP1TRIPS, CAMP FEES, FOOD & ACTIVITIES | £19,063.06 | |||
| TESCO - Groundwork Trust (RESTRICTED GRANT FOR | ||||||||
| £0.00 | REC2 CONTAINER AND ARCHERY RANGE) |
£0.00 | £5,143.95 | EXP2SPECIAL CAMP (KANDERSTAG) | £0.00 | |||
| £18,495.76 | REC2BEER FESTIVAL | £25,843.82 | £40.00 | EXP2TRAINING FOR ADULT LEADERS AND HELPERS | £995.20 | |||
| £1,435.64 | EXP2WEBSITE FEES & CO CARDLESS FEES | £2,671.60 | ||||||
| £7,554.93 | EXP2BEER FESTIVAL | £9,201.17 | ||||||
| £550.00 | EXP3AUDIT FEES | £550.00 | ||||||
| £69,045.75 | SUBTOTAL | £96,594.11 | £52,065.57 | SUBTOTAL | £76,730.74 | |||
| £2,751.09 | DEPRECIATION OF ASSETS | £2,706.16 | ||||||
| £4,925.88 | LESS ADDITION OF NEW ASSETS | £1,637.08 | ||||||
| EXCESS OF EXPENDITURE / INCOME | £0.00 | £19,154.97 | EXCESS INCOME/EXPENDITURE | £18,794.29 | ||||
| £69,045.75 | £96,594.11 | £69,045.75 | £96,594.11 |
Eu CHARITY COMMISSION | Independent examiner's report on the Ca¥) FOR ENGLAND AND WALES accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard’s Own) Scout Group On accounts for the year | 31.03.2025 Charity no | 517134 ended (if any)
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| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust’) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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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”). | 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, | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
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Independent | have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have
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examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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e the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or e 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.
| 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.
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Name: | Michael Nelson
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Relevant professional |FCA — ICAEW: Membership Number 1307113
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
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Oct 2018
IER
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Address: | 296 Clipsley Lane
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Haydock, St. Helens WA11 QJQ
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 |/ can confirm the books and records were found to be complete, any items that the comprehensive, accurate and give a true and fair view of the financial position examiner wishes to of the organisation throughout the 24-25 accounting period. disclose.
A small number of cash income receipts were also selected for testing. Although, due to the nature of the income, supporting documentation was not available. However, valid explanations were obtained and the transactions were agreed to the Group Account Spreadsheet. Therefore, we can confirm that these were bona fide business transactions, and no further action required.
IER
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Oct 2018