## #SkillsForLife
## Three Brooks Scout District
Including final reports from Ladybrook Valley and Cheadle Scout Districts prior to merger. Trustees Annual Report & Accounts Year Ending 31st December 2025
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## 1 Reference and Administration Details
## 1.1 **Administration**
Charity Name: Three Brooks Scout District Charity Registration: 520177 Scout registration Unique level ID - S20318376
Principal Address: Base Camp, Oak Avenue, Cheadle. SK8 5DR.
## 1.2 Trustees
## Ladybrook Valley
## Cheadle
Revd Calum Piper District Chair Andrew Hughes District Chair Rob Holland District Treasurer Robert Caffrey District Treasurer Claire Jarvis District Lead Volunteer Stuart Cox Elected Member (Ex-officio) Jeanette Sumner Elected Member Sam Rogers Youth Lead (Ex-officio) Tanya Cross Elected Member Brian Adshead Elected Member Victoria Tompkins (to 21.05.25) Elected Member Barry Aitken Elected Member
## 1.3 District Leadership Team Members
## Ladybrook Valley
## Cheadle
Claire Jarvis District Lead Volunteer Sam Rogers Youth Lead Gill Barlow Volunteer Development Team Leader Max Hemmingway Leadership Team Member Barry Aitken Support Team Leader Paul Barlow Leadership & Programme Team Member / Nights Away Team Leader Pauline Wardrop Programme Team Member & Nights Away Team Leader James Mennie Leadership Team Member Vacant 14 – 24 Team Leader
Neil Kidd Programme Team Member & Nights Away Team Leader
Plus, Group Lead Volunteers of 10 Groups And Team Leaders of 4 Explorer Scout Units
Plus, Group Lead Volunteers of 8 Groups And Team Leaders of 5 Explorer Scout Units
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## 1.4 District Group Membership
Three Brooks Scout District is made up of Groups which are geographically located in the Bramhall, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heald Green and Woodford areas of Stockport in the County of East Manchester. These 18 Groups are :
1[st] Bramhall 1[st] Cheadle Hulme 2[nd] Bramhall 3[rd] Cheadle Hulme 3[rd] Bramhall 5[th] Cheadle Hulme 4[th] Bramhall 7[th] Cheadle Hulme 2[nd] Cheadle 1[st] Gatley Cheadle Fitya 1[st] Woodford
1[st] Hazel Grove 2[nd] Hazel Grove 3[rd] Hazel Grove 2[nd] Heald Green 3[rd] Heald Green 4[th] Heald Green
The District is also made up of 9 Explorer units & a Network Unit : 1[st] Hazel Grove Explorers Partnered to 1[st] Hazel Grove Bullock Smithy ESU Partnered to 3[rd] Hazel Grove Discovery ESU Partnered to 2[nd] Cheadle Gatley ESU Partnered to 1[st] Gatley Phoenix ESU Partnered to 2[nd] Heald Green Pheonix ESU Partnered to 2[nd] Bramhall Sabre ESU Partnered to 4[th] Bramhall Vanguard ESU Partnered to 1[st] Cheadle Hulme XBU Partnered to 1st Bramhall Endeavour Network Unit 2[nd] Cheadle
## 2 How to read this report
This report reflects a significant moment in the life of local Scouting.
On 1 January 2026, Ladybrook Valley Scout District and Cheadle Scout District formally merged to form Three Brooks Scout District .
Because the two legacy Districts operated on different reporting cycles:
- Ladybrook Valley reports on the period January–December 2025
- Cheadle reports on the period April–December 2025 (final operational period prior to closure)
- Both Districts formally ceased to exist on 31 December 2025, and this report therefore includes their final reports alongside an overview of the transition into the new District.
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## 3 Structure, Governance and Management
## 3.1 Governing Document
The District’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 (POR) of the Scout Association.
## 3.2 Group Scout Council
The District Scout Council is the electoral body to which the District Trustee Board is accountable. Membership of the District Scout Council is outlined within the district constitution.
## 3.3 Constitution
The District is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and is approved annually at the District AGM. Cheadle District also has an addendum to their constitution in relation to Abney Scout and Guide centre. This addendum and responsibility has been carried over to the Three Brooks Governing Document.
## 3.4 Trustee Selection
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
In 2025 a new shadow Trustee Board was formed for Three Brooks District. The County Lead Volunteer appointed Calum Piper to be Chair and all Trustees of both Districts were appointed to the new board of Trustees to help oversee the transition to one joint District.
## 3.5 District Board of Trustees
The District is led by the District Lead Volunteer and overseen by the District Trustees. They are accountable to the District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the District.
The Trustees exists to support the District Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.
Members of the Trustees Board must act collectively as charity Trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its members to:
- Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association
- Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District
- Manage the District finances.
- Provide insurance for people, property and equipment.
- Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fund-raising activities.
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- Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
- Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally
- Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
- Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-Committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-committees
- Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District.
- The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups as necessary.
- And all other duties as set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules.
## 3.6 Risk and Internal Control
The District Board of Trustees has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed which are:
## 3.6.1 Injury to Leaders, Helpers, Supporters or Members
The District supports compliance with the Safety Policy and ensures appropriate risk assessment; elimination, reduction and control measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of any injuries.
In addition, through membership fees, the District contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy.
## 3.6.2 Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising
The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fund-raising. The District holds adequate reserves to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The trustees could also raise the value of subscriptions to increase the District income either temporarily or permanently.
## 3.6.3 Reduction or Loss of Leaders
The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there were a reduction in the number of volunteers to an unacceptable level, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of activities or groups.
## 3.6.4 Reduction or Loss of Members
If there were a reduction in membership of a particular Group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a group.
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## 4 Objectives and Activities
The primary objective of the District is that of the Scout Association generally, namely:
‘to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, 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.
- 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 cooperate 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:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
The activities of the District are:
- The provision of the Scouting programme for 4–18-year-old members
- • The support and development of adult leaders within Scouting.
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## 5 Achievements and Performance
## 5.1 Ladybrook Valley
## 5.1.1 Chair of Trustees Report -Ladybrook Valley
With regards to governance in Ladybrook Valley District in 2025 the main items of governance were supporting local groups and planning for the merger with Cheadle District. There were no other out of the ordinary matters of business to transact. Thank you to everyone that has supported the District particularly Trustees at every level.
## 5.1.2 Lead Volunteers Report (Ladybrook Valley & Cheadle)
Scouting in Cheadle and Ladybrook Valley during 2025 once again saw many developments and challenges, particularly as we began planning for the forthcoming amalgamation. Throughout this process, we worked hard to ensure that all members, including our young people where appropriate, were involved and had opportunities to contribute. I remain immensely proud of the Scouting that you provide for our young people, whatever your role may be.
Our January 2025 Census returns for Cheadle and Ladybrook Valley showed an impressive 705 and 751 young people respectively. While this represented a slight reduction compared with 2024, the Scout section experienced a significant increase of 14.9%. The January 2026 Census recorded a combined total of 1,470 young people across the new District. I firmly believe that this growth and strong retention are directly attributable to the excellent programmes delivered by our Groups and Units. Thank you for everything you do.
Waiting list figures from the January 2026 Census showed that numbers across Three Brooks District remained broadly similar to those recorded in 2025, with the exception of the Scout section, where 195 young people were waiting to join. As always, we could reduce these waiting lists further if we were able to recruit more volunteers.
Particularly noteworthy are the waiting list figures for Squirrel-aged children. In the combined District's 2025 Census, there were 190 young people waiting to join Squirrels. By January 2026, this number had reduced significantly to 133. The opening of several new Squirrel Dreys contributed to a remarkable 73.1% increase in Squirrel membership, with further plans already underway to establish additional Dreys during 2026. As a District team, we fully support these developments and thank everyone involved for making them possible.
The Census also showed an increase in the number of young people achieving the highest awards available within their sections. One of the highlights of the year for me was attending the County Awards Presentation Evening, where a large number of Gold Awards through to King's Scout Awards were celebrated. Congratulations to all our young people on these outstanding achievements. These awards are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers in delivering a varied, adventurous and high-quality programme across the District.
Nights Away activities were a regular feature throughout 2025, with sections away every month, both within the UK and overseas. My thanks go to Neil, Paul and Pauline for their hard work in supporting and approving these valuable experiences.
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I would also like to thank all the volunteers who gained, renewed or maintained permits and qualifications, enabling us to continue delivering such an adventurous programme.
The amalgamation has certainly brought its challenges. However, I firmly believe that, in time, it will bear fruit. As with any significant change, it will take time for new ways of working to become fully embedded as we continue building the very best Scouting District possible.
All of these tremendous achievements — the many Nights Away experiences, adventurous activities, award successes and weekly programmes — would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the adult volunteers within our new Three Brooks District.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for everything you do. The difference you make to the lives of young people is immeasurable, giving them a true ‘Place to Belong’.
Thank you.
## 5.1.3 Safeguarding
The District continues to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures in line with the Scouting Association. There were no major safeguarding incidents or concerns within the District during 2025.
## 5.1.4 Health and Safety
Health and Safety continue to be important priority within the District, with risk assessments routine plans and nights away documentation checked thoroughly and followed. There were no major accidents within the District during 2025.
## 5.2 Cheadle
## 5.2.1 Chair of Trustees Report
Cheadle District continued to demonstrate strength and resilience throughout its final year, with a clear focus on supporting young people and volunteers.
The District benefited from strong facilities, particularly:
- Base Camp , which continued to generate income and provide a valuable resource for Scouting and community use
- Abney Scout & Guide Centre , which remained a thriving and well-used residential and activity centre
Significant investment and volunteer effort ensured that these facilities continued to improve and serve future generations.
The District Chair noted the continued commitment of volunteers across the District, recognising that Scouting is only possible because of the time, energy and dedication given by adults in a wide range of roles.
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## 5.2.2 Safeguarding
The District continues to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures in line with the Scouting Association. There were no major safeguarding incidents or concerns within the District during 2025.
## 5.2.3 Health and Safety
Health and Safety continue to be important priority within the District, with risk assessments routine plans and nights away documentation checked thoroughly and followed. There were no major accidents within the District during 2025.
## 6 Facilities and Resources
## 6.1 Abney Scout & Guide Centre
The Centre continues to provide excellent residential and activity facilities for Scouts and Guides.
Key developments during the year included:
- Ongoing improvements to buildings and grounds
- Continued strong booking levels throughout the year
- Investment in infrastructure to support future use
The Centre remains a valuable shared resource and an important part of the District’s offer.
## 6.2 Base Camp
Base Camp continues to provide a well-used venue for:
- Regular meetings
- Sleepovers and activities
- External hire
The site remains an important financial and operational asset for the District.
## 7 **Financial Review**
## 7.1 Reserves Policy
The District’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient funds to ensure the continuity of Scouting activities and to provide financial stability in the event of unexpected changes in income or expenditure.
In line with this, the District aims to maintain reserves to:
- Support Groups in the event of financial difficulty
- Maintain and develop District facilities
- Enable the delivery of future District activities
- Contribute towards shared obligations, including the ongoing support of the Abney Scout & Guide Centre
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## 7.2 Investment Policy
The District adopts a cautious and low-risk approach to the management of its funds.
Funds are held in a combination of:
- Bank accounts for day-to-day operational use
- Short-term investment accounts where appropriate
Any surplus funds are held in secure, low-risk investments, prioritising capital preservation and liquidity over return.
The District does not currently invest in equities or higher-risk financial instruments, reflecting the need to ensure that funds remain available to support ongoing Scouting activities and commitments.
## 8 Merger and Transition
2025 marked a significant year of change, with the formal merger of Ladybrook Valley and Cheadle Scout Districts.
This process involved:
- Consultation with volunteers and trustees
- Alignment of governance and structures
- Planning for a unified future
The formation of Three Brooks Scout District represents an exciting opportunity:
- To strengthen Scouting across a wider area
- To share resources and expertise
- To support more young people and volunteers
The Trustees would like to thank everyone who contributed to this process, particularly those who led and supported the transition behind the scenes.
## 9 Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:
Signature: Date: Full Name: Claire Jarvis Position: District Lead Volunteer Signature: Date : Full Name: Revd Calum Piper Position: District Chair
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## **CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Membership Subscriptions**
Collected IN
Paid OUT Levy rebate
**Property Rental Income**
Base Camp, Oak Avenue
**Investment Income Received**
COIF Investment Interest
**Activity Income**
District
**Sundry Receipts**
Badge Receipts
2nd Cheadle Loan Repayment
2nd Heald Green loan repayment
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**|**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
**£**
11,033
824
10,209
7,915
7,915
718
-
3,862
2,000
1,000
6,862
**25,704**|
|---|---|
1
**CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Premises Expenditure**
Rent & Rates
Light, Heat & Water
Insurance & Professional Fees
Cleaning and maintenance
Repairs & Renewals
**Activity Expenditure**
Jamboree 2
2027
District
Fun day
**Admin/Establishment Expenses**
Climbing Wall + equipment
Health & Safety
Miscellaneous
**Trustees Expenses**
Postage & Stationery
Internet & Telephone
**Sundry Payments**
Loans to Groups
Donation to Abney
Badge Purchases
Bank charges
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
2|**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
£
989
3,458
2,860
2,604
168
10,079
1,500
-
1,500
13,303
266
500
14,069
-
408
408
-
-
2,668
54
2,722
28,778|
|---|---|
**CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **Unrestricted Funds**
|Total Receipts for the Year
Total Payments for the Year
Bank brought forward
COIF brought forward
Total Funds brought forward
Bank carried forward
COIF carried forward
Total Funds carried forward|
|**YE 31.12.25**
£
25,704
28,778
3,074
-
8,324
23,022
31,346
4,331
23,739
28,070||**YE 31.3.25**
£
15,791
18,847
3,057
-
12,461
21,935
34,396
8,324
23,022
31,346|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The above receipts and payments accounts plus accompanying statements of assets and liabilities were approved by the trustees on the 2022 and signed on their behalf by:
Signature Name District Chair A P Hughes District Treasurer R Caffrey
3
## **CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Monetary Assets**
Bank Accounts
**Other Monetary Assets**
Debts due to District: Badges
Debts due to Capitation
Loan to 2nd Cheadle
Loan to 1st Cheadle Hulme
Loan to 2nd Heald Green
**Investment Assets**
COIF Investment
**Non Monetary Assets**
Badge Stock
Scout Equipment
Computer Equipment
Specialised and/or Electrical
Fixtures & Fittings
**TOTAL ASSETS**
**TOTAL LIABILITIES**||**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
£
4,331
74
-
-
-
-
74
23,739
2,527
14,303
450
3,500
2,300
23,080
51,224
-|**YE 31.3.25**
£
8,324
358
11,033
2,000
-
1,000
14,391
23,022
3,213
1,000
450
3,500
2,300
10,463
56,200
-|
|---|---|---|---|
4
## **CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Membership Subscriptions**
Collected IN
Paid OUT Levy rebate
**Property Rental Income**
Base Camp, Oak Avenue
**Investment Income Received**
COIF Investment Interest
**Activity Income**
District
**Sundry Receipts**
Badge Receipts
2nd Cheadle Loan Repayment
2nd Heald Green loan repayment
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**|**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
**£**
11,033
824
10,209
7,915
7,915
718
-
3,862
2,000
1,000
6,862
**25,704**|
|---|---|
1
**CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Premises Expenditure**
Rent & Rates
Light, Heat & Water
Insurance & Professional Fees
Cleaning and maintenance
Repairs & Renewals
**Activity Expenditure**
Jamboree 2
2027
District
Fun day
**Admin/Establishment Expenses**
Climbing Wall + equipment
Health & Safety
Miscellaneous
**Trustees Expenses**
Postage & Stationery
Internet & Telephone
**Sundry Payments**
Loans to Groups
Donation to Abney
Badge Purchases
Bank charges
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
2|**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
£
989
3,458
2,860
2,604
168
10,079
1,500
-
1,500
13,303
266
500
14,069
-
408
408
-
-
2,668
54
2,722
28,778|
|---|---|
**CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **Unrestricted Funds**
|Total Receipts for the Year
Total Payments for the Year
Bank brought forward
COIF brought forward
Total Funds brought forward
Bank carried forward
COIF carried forward
Total Funds carried forward|
|**YE 31.12.25**
£
25,704
28,778
3,074
-
8,324
23,022
31,346
4,331
23,739
28,070||**YE 31.3.25**
£
15,791
18,847
3,057
-
12,461
21,935
34,396
8,324
23,022
31,346|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The above receipts and payments accounts plus accompanying statements of assets and liabilities were approved by the trustees on the 2022 and signed on their behalf by:
Signature Name District Chair A P Hughes District Treasurer R Caffrey
3
## **CHEADLE & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
Registered Charity No. 520177
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Monetary Assets**
Bank Accounts
**Other Monetary Assets**
Debts due to District: Badges
Debts due to Capitation
Loan to 2nd Cheadle
Loan to 1st Cheadle Hulme
Loan to 2nd Heald Green
**Investment Assets**
COIF Investment
**Non Monetary Assets**
Badge Stock
Scout Equipment
Computer Equipment
Specialised and/or Electrical
Fixtures & Fittings
**TOTAL ASSETS**
**TOTAL LIABILITIES**||**Unrestricted Funds**
**YE 31.12.25**
£
4,331
74
-
-
-
-
74
23,739
2,527
14,303
450
3,500
2,300
23,080
51,224
-|**YE 31.3.25**
£
8,324
358
11,033
2,000
-
1,000
14,391
23,022
3,213
1,000
450
3,500
2,300
10,463
56,200
-|
|---|---|---|---|
4