2023-12-31-accounts - 3rd Ashton-Upon-Mersey Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date From 01 01 2023 To 31 12 2023

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name 3RD ASHTON-UPON-MERSEY SCOUT GROUP

Other names charity is known by

3[rd] Ashton Scout Group (old name)

Registered charity number (if any)

520155

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
Simon Murray	Chair		Group Scout Leader
Alasdair Ferro	Secretary		Scout Group at the AGM
Andrea Morgan	Treasurer		Scout Group at the AGM
Harry Peet	Group Scout Leader		Scout Association POR
Sarah Goodstadt	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Robert Blairs	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Amanda Westhead	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Sally Yarwood	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Nicholas Edmondson	Parent Committee Member	01/01/23 to 08/07/23	Group exec.
Stuart Thompson	Assistant Section Leader		Group exec.
Adam Roberts	Parent Committee Member		Group exec.
Fay Brocklebank	Parent Committee Chair		Group exec

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year ~~——S——~~

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

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Type of adviser Name

Address

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by)	The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
	The Group is a trust established under the Scout Association rules which are common to all Scouts.
	The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

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You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

All our members, trustees, leaders, helpers and assistants give their time on a voluntary basis and received no remuneration or other benefits.

The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, 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 Group Executive Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, together with the Group Scout Leader, individual section leaders, and a maximum of 6 elected members representing supporters and parents. The committee meets every 2 months. The agreed Quorum for meetings is ⅓ of the Board + 1, and via email - ¾ of the Board + 1.

The 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 Control

The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include appropriate financial controls and comprehensive insurance to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Section C Objectives and activities

The objectives of the group are as a unit 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, Summary of the objects of the as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international charity set out in its governing communities. document

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.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have

In planning our activities for the year, we keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our trustees’ meetings.

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.

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had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

The focus of our activities is based on the Scout Associations planned programme and award schemes, reinforced with related fun activities and camping / outdoor experiences. This benefits young people by developing their self-confidence and social skills alongside practical and life skills.

In line with the Scout Association guidelines, we welcome all young people regardless of personal background, faith, gender, personal circumstances or disability. This philosophy of openness to all, enriches our young people aged 6 to 18 and our volunteers, through the sharing of skills, aptitudes and life experiences.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

All of the income from subscriptions, donations and fund raising is spent for the benefit of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. This includes maintaining the Scout Hut, necessary to provide a safe venue for regular meetings of all sections of the Group.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

Parents and leaders have helped directly with building maintenance to keep costs down and, where specialist skills have been needed, have raised the funds to carry out essential work improving facilities and cost efficiency. Ongoing improvements are planned and financed in the same way. The funds provided by claiming Gift Aid help enormously, this has allowed the group to finance and or subsidise activities for the young members. Where some families have struggled financially the group waives or discounts subscription and camp fees depending on the need.

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

The group relies entirely on volunteers. All Leaders, skills instructors, helpers, assistants, parents and trustees, willingly give many hours of their time for free. Only through their tireless enthusiasm is the group able to achieve so much.

The partnership with the Explorer unit continues to work well. The Scout group allows the Explorer unit to use its facilities and equipment for their meetings, activities and camps. In the same way the Group allows Girlguiding, Sale Scout and Guide Band to use the premises and equipment owned by the Group. Additionally, the group allows the hut to be used for Young Leader and Adult training courses.

Section D Achievements and performance Reports for 2023

Leaders work hard to provide an exciting programme at the scout hut and through many external activities. The efforts of the exec and the friends of 3[rd] Ashton, ensure funds and support are always available for leaders to concentrate on providing our young members with learning and fun throughout the year. A great deal of hard work goes on behind the scenes and we are extremely grateful the effort put in by the many volunteers. Beavers.

Beavers have had a busy year with many badges earnt including Safety / first aid / scientist / communications as well as challenge badges and several Chief Scouts Bronze Awards. We started the year with a visit from the short story lady who led the Beavers on a live version of the Going on a Bear hunt story which helped us with the book reader badge. February saw several Beavers (and leaders) take part in Sale Gang Show. We practiced marching for St Georges day parade and had a great turn out. First hike badge was a scavenger hunt hike, Beavers took turns at reading the maps and deciding which way to go and had things to hunt on the way. As part of an environmental clause for our world challenge we took part in a litter pick.

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summer saw our annual group family camp which was attended by many of our Beavers and their families. Lots of fun and a great time was had by all. There was a busy end to the year with more marching at the Remembrance parade. We had a sleepover at the hut, for some it was the first time staying away from home and we had fantastic fun. As part of the youth shaped award our Lodge Leaders planned a meeting, arranged and ran it themselves. They worked so hard with only a little help from the young leaders. We had a lasting effect on the Vicar from St Martin’s church when the Beavers, as part of the group carol service, performed a nativity play. There was a real baby for Jesus, ‘sheep’ that barked and a ‘dog-key’. The Vicar entered in to the spirit with her final story where she gave them all poo hats which they found very funny.

Cubs (Sir Peter Scott Pack)

2023 has been another busy year for the cubs. We’ve covered the Astronomy, Home Safety, Pioneering, Cooking, Naturalist, Communicator, Collector, Athletics, Artist, Fire Safety and the Entertainer badge. We’ve also covered a lot of the Challenge badges and are proud to have seen 6 cubs achieve their Silver awards. Camping started in the Spring, where we went go-karting, hiking, a low ropes course, crate stacking and on a very long zip line. Group family camp at Dunham with an “I’m a Celebrity” theme and lots of great activities. Autumn camp was really enjoyed getting back to basics and living like cavemen; exploring the woods, cooking on the fire and building dens. Finally, our Xmas hike and sleepover took us to Santas Grotto, a barge trip down the canal, and a hike back to the hut. Other activities have included the canoe and Cub Mudder competitions, Gang Show, a night at Dunham, tracking to the chippy, games in the park, parades and the Xmas service.

A very big ‘thank you’ to the leaders, young leaders and parents for making it all happen.

Cubs (Lord Mountbatten Pack)

Year began with a trip to the theatre to watch the Nomads Xmas Panto. We celebrated Chinese New Year sampling their food and traditions, this was part of our World challenge badge. The following few weeks we learnt about the body, good and harmful foods and first aid. This covered quite a few challenge badges and one staged badge. After the February half term, we asked the cubs to bring in any hobbies or collections from home. We had lots of football cards and even a rock collection. We finished the term with a trip to Bean and Brush where our creative cubs painted and took home their own plates and ornaments. Next half term we concentrated on the Monarchy and everything traditionally British. We learnt about St George, played soft archery and celebrated the Coronation of King Charles. The following few weeks we completed our staged air activities badge by making kites, paper airplanes and taking a trip to Manchester airports viewing area for a game of airplane bingo. The run up to the summer holidays saw Canoeing down the canal, a survival night hosted by Wyvern Explorers and litter picking at the local park. Our annual Group Family Camp was also well attended. After the summer break we learnt about our local area and went on a local knowledge quiz around Sale. In October we had the opportunity to go the cinema to see Elemental which everyone loved. Halloween games next followed by a Remembrance Day activity of spinning poppies. Our next trip was to the new climbing Centre at the chill factor and we ended the year with Xmas crafts and a Carol Service at St Martins. Congratulations to everyone who gained their Silver awards and Myself, Sally and Joe would like to thank all our volunteers at Mountbatten including Dan, Samantha and Matilda and also the financial support from group who subsidise our fun trips out.

Scouts (Tim Peake & MacArthur Troops )

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Section D Achievements and performance

Began with challenges for the scouts, the first was Third World Science solutions where patrols had to design an invention that could help 3[rd] world counties. Many fantastic inventions including solar powered water filters, emergency survival packs to be airlifted in to inaccessible communities, wind powered filtration systems and clip together emergency shelters. Then we had Taskmaster themes, make yourself in cake, build your friend out of clay, make human sized board games including hungry hippos and snakes and ladders. Scouts took part in the Gang Show and both troops helped build props with over 100 glow-in-the dark flowers! The Scout and Guide band based at our HQ came and ran an evening with the Scouts. Anyone who played an instrument brought it with them and those who didn’t borrowed one from the band for the evening. By the end of the night we managed to all play a tune together with cello’s, violins, recorders, all kinds of brass, drums and percussion, saxophone and a didgeridoo. Played a very unique version of Sweet Caroline. Other activities included a virtual escape room experience, then with limited funds 20 challenges to complete before a race to Dunham Scout Camp using public transport without any prior knowledge. County Cardboard canoe competition at Sale water park, making and rowing a canoe made of cardboard is as mad as it sounds. Scouts have attended group family camp in big numbers and had loads of fun with the more traditional activities as well as the slightly stranger ones such as their own bush tucker trial! Older Scouts arranged their own hike from the hut to Dunham Scout Camp for their expedition challenge. Planned their own menu’s, equipment, budget and route. The weather was awful and they got extremely wet but spirits were high and they made it all the way there and back with no incidents and only saw leaders at pre designated check points. All scouts at the St Georges Day and Remembrance parade. Took part in a community litter pick, climbing at chill factor and lots of fears were conquered and we finished the year off with a trip to Nerf Xtreme. Both Troops are full to bursting but we are busy and have lots planned for the coming years.

Friends of 3rd Ashton (Parents Committee)

The FoTA support the Group with fund raising and when needed as an extra pair of hands. There are several established fund raisers in the calendar. Financially the spring bedding plant sale and the Halloween party are the most successful. In 2023 we supported the Group with these events and also provided additional support for the group family camp. Once again we were selected to be start line marshals for the Manchester marathon and the half-marathon which brings in very reasonable donations to group funds.

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Scout Group should income and fundraising activities fall short, or major maintenance work on the premises is required.

The Group Executive Committee considers that the Group’s funds should hold a sum equivalent to 3 months basic running costs (utilities and insurance etc), which is approximately £6,000.

Additionally, the Group strives to set aside sufficient funds over the year to pay the annual capitation fees paid to the Scout Association in March each year without undue difficulty, which was £6,050 this year.

In addition, during December each year, the Group Executive Committee set a budget for the following year. All major expenditure is highlighted and finances held in the bank account are ear marked to cover the costs in good time.

Any other major expenditure arising during the year is agreed at the Group

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Executive Committee meetings.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

None

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

The main source of funds allocated for running costs is the monthly subscriptions paid by the Group members and regular fundraising which is mainly organised by the Parents Committee.

the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
sources of funds (including The majority of income is used to fund the running costs of the Scout hut which is the regular weekly meeting place for all the group members, and the cost of
any fundraising); programmes, related activities and camps. All of which serve to improve the
how expenditure has development of our members. supported the key objectives of the charity; Other major ongoing costs are the annual capitation paid to the Scout Association

Other major ongoing costs are the annual capitation paid to the Scout Association which provides support and insurance for all of the members.

investment policy and objectives including any The Group has additional insurance for non- members. ethical investment policy adopted. When necessary, the Group waives or discounts subscription fees / camp fees for members whose families may otherwise struggle to meet the cost due to hardship.

We allow other local groups to use the facility on a regular weekly basis. The stated aim of all of these groups is to promote the development of young people. When possible, they make a donation to cover additional costs, wear and tear of equipment, insurance, gas, electricity and water costs. The Group does not have sufficient funds to make long term investments. It has therefore adopted a risk adverse strategy to the investment of its funds.

All funds are held in cash using only one mainstream UK bank.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Simon Murray Alasdair Ferro Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair Secretary etc) Date 24/07/2024

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3rd Ashton upon Mersey Scout Group Charity No. 520155 Full Year Summary Group Profit & Loss

Group Proft & Loss
2022 GROUP INCOME 14686.04 Subscriptons 4003.50 Camps & Trips 4462.00 Donatons 2886.24 Gif Aid 6672.25 PEC - Plant Sale 1297.40 PEC - Halloween 349.63 Kanderstag 12.69 Other 70.53 Deposit Interest 34440.28 EXPENDITURE -1506.32 Insurance / Rent -2677.71 Utlites -6250.00 Capitaton -2114.90 Actvites -279.80 Training Fees -1519.81 Badges/Neckers -636.68 General Equipment -1992.00 Buildings & Maintenance -8661.11 Camp & Trips Expenses -804.70 Donatons 0.00 Gif Aid -4692.05 PEC - Plant Sale -312.35 PEC - Halloween -3079.64 Kanderstag -1333.33 Development Fund -10.74 Other -35871.14 -1430.86 Income over Expenditure Group Balance Sheet £ 4,603.80 Opening Balance Current a/c £ 33,028.05 Opening Balance Development a/c £ 4,435.74 Final Bank Balance £ 31,765.25 Development Fund Balance £ 36,200.99 Overall Balance	2023 GROUP P&L 14430.40 -4422.99 3680.40 -5208.48 900.00 -100.00 3681.98 3681.98 5273.46 1583.38 577.64 412.07 50.00 50.00 15.67 0.98 318.00 318.00
	28927.55 -3685.06
	P&L Category -1584.76 Subs -3705.22 Subs -6049.50 Subs -4140.41 Subs 0.00 Subs -970.81 Subs -1424.42 Subs -978.27 Subs -8888.88 Camps -1000.00 Donatons 0.00 Gif Aid -3690.08 Plant Sale -165.57 PEC 0.00 Kanderstag 0.00 Development -14.69 Other -32612.61 -3685.06 £ 4,435.74 £ 31,765.25 £ 6,482.18 £ 26,033.75 £ 32,515.93

I declare these figures to true to the best of my knowledge

Prepared by: Andrea Morgan Signed: A L Morgan Date: 3/11/2024

Examined By: Bev Sanders MAAT Signed: B Sanders Date: 4/15/2024

Expenditure and Categories Notes

Item	Notes	Revenue	Cost	Proft
Subscriptons	Subs income slightly down on 2022 Utlites increased by 28%	£ 14,430.40	-£ 18,853.39	-£ 4,422.99
Camps	The Group subsidised Group Camp (£2,200) and other camps and trips this year (£3,000) for the beneft of all our young members	£ 3,680.40	-£ 8,888.88	-£ 5,208.48
Donatons	In - Human Race, Sale District, One-of Out - Stockdales, Funding support for one member to atend World Jamboree	£ 900.00	-£ 1,000.00	-£ 100.00
Gif Aid	Received from HMRC - 25% of subs. Typically used for the beneft of all our members to subsidise Camps & Trips (see above)	£ 3,681.98	£ -	£ 3,681.98
PEC	Another successful Halloween event organised by the team of parents and group volunteers who make up the PEC.	£ 577.64	-£ 165.57	£ 412.07
Plant Sale	The legendary annual plant sale contnues to be a successful event, raising over £1500 this year	£ 5,273.46	-£ 3,690.08	£ 1,583.38
Kanderstag	All other income/expenditure in previous years accounts	£ 50.00	£ -	£ 50.00
Adhoc	Error transacton: refunded and test transacton for SumUp of £0.98	£ 15.67	-£ 14.69	£ 0.98
Development Fund	Deposit Interest	£ 318.00	£ -	£ 318.00
Totals		£ 28,927.55	-£ 32,612.61	-£ 3,685.06

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of

3[rd] Ashton-on-Mersey Scout Group

On accounts for the year ended

31[st] December 2023

Charity no (if any)

520155

Set out on pages

1-2

(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023.

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation 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 carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

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. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Signed:

Bev Sanders

Date:

15/04/2024

Name:

Bev Sanders

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): 1 October 2018

IER

MAAT - Member of Association of Accounting Technicians

Address:

14 Quarndon Heights

Allestree, Derby

DE22 2XN

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

October 2018

IER