2025-03-31-accounts - 4th Bramhall (St Michael's) Scout Group

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4thbramhall.org.uk

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4[th] Bramhall (St Michael’s) Scout Group Trustees Annual Report & Accounts Year Ending 31[st] March 2025

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1 Reference and Administration Details

1.1 Administration

Charity Name: 4[th] Bramhall (St Michael’s) Scout Group Charity Number: 520206 Scout registration: 10013938 Principal Address: St Michael’s Scout Centre, 67 St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK7 2PG

1.2 Trustees

David Percy Group Chair Timothy Elston Group Treasurer Rana Audah Trustee (to 25[th] May 2025) Shula Johnson Trustee Revd Calum Piper Trustee (Sponsoring Body)

1.3 Group Leaders

Jon Wood Lead Volunteer (to September 2024) (Campsite Service Crew) (NW Bushscout Member), Assistant Section Leader - Scouts Matthew Wilson Lead Volunteer (from October 2024) Sammie Wood Section Leader – Beavers (to September 2024) (Campsite Service Crew) Barry Wheeldon Assistant Section Leader – Beavers Ciara Dwan Assistant Section Leader – Beavers Kieran Donnan Beaver Section Assistant Matt Walker Section Leader - Cubs Vicki Hemingway Assistant Section Leader - Cubs James Gilmore Assistant Section Leader - Cubs Laura Gilmore Assistant Section Leader - Cubs David Leaver Assistant Section Leader - Cubs Max Hemingway Section Leader - Scouts (District Training Advisor)(ADC Scouts)(NW Bushscout Manager) Andy Farnsworth Section Leader - Scouts (NW Bushscout Member) Philip Harwood Assistant Section Leader - Scouts (NW Bushscout Member) Andy Brown Assistant Section Leader - Scouts (NW Bushscout Member) Ash Clinton Assistant Section Leader - Scouts (NW Bushscout Member) Mike Tombs Assistant Section Leader - Explorers Damian Hedley Assistant Section Leader - Explorers Steve Davies Assistant Section Leader - Explorers Bernie Stevens Assistant Section Leader - Explorers

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1.4 Group Membership

4[th] Bramhall (St Michael’s) Scout Group is made up of sections which follow the structure of the wider Scouting Movement. 4[th] Bramhall (St Michael’s) was registered with the Scout Association in September 1961. The sections that currently make up 4[th] Bramhall (St Michael’s) include:

Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers (Attached District Unit)

2 Structure, Governance and Management

2.1 Governing Document

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 (POR) of the Scout Association.

2.2 Group Scout Council

The Group Scout Council is the electoral body to which the Group Trustee Board is accountable. Membership of the Group Scout Council is outlined within the Group constitution.

2.3 Constitution

The Group is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and is approved annually at the Group AGM.

2.4 Trustee Selection

The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.

2.5 Group Board of Trustees

The Group is led by the Group Lead Volunteer and overseen by the Group Trustees. They are accountable to the Group Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the Group.

The Trustees exists to support the Group Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Members of the Trustees Board must act collectively as charity Trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:

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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 Group
Manage the Group 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.
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 Group.
The opening, closure and amalgamation of Sections as necessary.
And all other duties as set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules.

2.6 Risk and Internal Control

The Group Board of Trustees has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed which are:

2.6.1 Injury to Leaders, Helpers, Supporters or Members

The Group 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 Group contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy.

2.6.2 Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising

The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions, hall hire and fund-raising. The Group 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 Group income either temporarily or permanently.

2.6.3 Reduction or Loss of Leaders

The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. 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.

2.6.4 Reduction or Loss of Members

If there were a reduction in membership of a particular Section as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section or the Group.

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3 Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of the Group 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 Group are:

The provision of the Scouting programme for 4–18-year-old members
• The support and development of adult leaders within Scouting.

4 Achievements and Performance

4.1 Lead Volunteers Report including Section Reports

Since taking on my role as Lead Volunteer in late 2024, I have been warmly welcomed back into the scouting family by all. I have had the pleasure of carrying out an investiture for a new leader, I have made it along to some (but not all) section meetings. I have also attended one camp (briefly) and seen how much hard work and planning goes into making the experiences of all our sections membership a fulfilling and enjoyable time, whilst building essential life skills. I am looking forward to my next 12 months attending further section meetings (occasionally) and how I can help maintain and where needed improve the already thriving world of 4[th] Bramhall Scouts. A big thank you to all who have supported me since taking on my new role. Matthew Wilson – Lead Volunteer

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Beavers

This year has been a season of renewal for the 4[th] Bramhall Beavers! We have welcomed Ciara as the new Beaver Leader, Isla as our new Young Leader, Laura (on occasional loan from cubs) and more than 10 new members since last September. A record number of Beavers (5) have earned their bronze chief scout award, we created 3 new Beaver lodges, and we covered a range of topics and activities throughout the year ranging from Cycling to Valentines Day. We also took advantage of the lovely weather this year to run more activities outdoors.

Around 8 beavers experienced their first camp in Linnet Clough as we joined forces with the cubs again, and we also had the opportunity to take part in the Beaver Fun Day that was running at the camp site during the same weekend. There are some stand out highlights which include the VE day celebrations, in which the Beavers prepared an afternoon tea fundraising event and raised £25 for charity, a real ‘camp fire’ evening behind St Michael’s church with the obligatory ‘smores’ and also an eco-friendly Easter Egg Olympic Games evening where we competed in events using real (hard boiled) eggs!

One significant development this year is the regular contribution of Beaver Parents at our weekly meet ups. This really has made it possible to build a more creative schedule, and to do more outdoors events. We’d like to thank those volunteers for their time and dedication and we look forward to more fun together in the coming year.

Barry Wheeldon – Assistant Beaver Section Leader

Cubs

We currently have 24 cubs in the pack, with a healthy waiting list.

Six new cubs have joined us during 2025, and we are in the process of adding an additional adult leader – Ian Povall is joining David Leaver, James & Laura Gilmore, myself and Vicki. We also benefit from great parental support/volunteering.

Between them, the cubs have won more than 237 badges since last year – beating last year's total! This includes 6 Chief Scout’s Silver Awards – the highest award you can get in Cub Scouts. Our activities have included hiking, navigation, shooting, archery, music and most recently a visit to the Avro Heritage Museum. We have also been camping with the 4[th] Bramhall Beaver Colony – including the first night away from home for some of our cubs (and parents!)... Including leaders, we had 14 Adults camping with us this year. We owe a particular thanks to Mike Tombs [Explorers], Ash Clinton [Scouts] and George Royden [Assistant Leader] for their assistance with the camp.

Matt Walker – Cub Section Leader

Scouts

This past year has been an enriching one for the Scouts “Wolf Troop” at 4[th] Bramhall, characterised by a variety of meetings and events that have fostered both teamwork and personal development. The highlight of the year included the successful Winter Camp at Linnet Clough and the Summer Camp at Barnswood, where Scouts engaged in numerous activities and learned vital skills. During the Summer Camp the Scouts learnt to make slate arrowheads, and pine pitch glue. These camps provided memorable experiences that the young members will cherish as they continue their journey in Scouting.

Throughout the year, numerous meetings were held, each focusing on different skills and activities. From activities and evenings that encouraged competitive spirit and teamwork to evenings dedicated evenings to activities such as air rifles and cooking, each session contributed to the development of essential skills.

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Notable gatherings such as the Halloween Spooky Evening and the Panto showcased creativity and team collaboration among the Scouts. The dedication displayed during the various training sessions, including First Aid and navigation, has undoubtedly prepared our members for future challenges.

This year, it is worth acknowledging the hard work of all the Scout Leaders who have played an integral role in guiding and teaching the Scouts. Their commitment and enthusiasm have made a significant impact, ensuring a nurturing environment that promotes learning and fun alike. The Leaders' contributions, from organising meetings to preparing for events, are truly commendable.

Looking ahead, there is much to anticipate for the upcoming year. The section is poised for growth, with a growing waiting list expanding and Cubs transition into Scouts. There is a need for more Scout Leaders to allow the section to grow. Although we have a good number of leaders, some evenings we are only at a minimum number of leaders due to work etc. We are excited about what lies ahead for existing and new members.

Over the past 12 months we have awarded 2 Chief Scout Gold Awards and are looking to award more in the future. A total of 200 badges (Challenge, Activity, Staged) have been awarded over the past 12 months.

Max Hemingway - Scout Section Leader

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Sabre Explorers: A Year of Adventure, Creativity & Challenge!

What a phenomenal year it’s been for Sabre Explorers! From wild hunts to creative chaos, freezing camps to fiery experiments, we’ve packed our months full of unforgettable experiences and laughter-filled memories.

Under the YouShape programme, our Explorers took charge and shaped their own epic evenings – from navigating the great outdoors on a hike, tracking prehistoric beasts on a dino hunt, to wrapping it all up with an exhilarating end-of-year games night.

We pushed boundaries (and our coordination skills!) during our very own Sabre Paralympic Games, showing that determination and teamwork are always gold-medal material.

Then came the Winter Camp – a frosty adventure in sub-zero temperatures that proved just how tough (and slightly mad!) Sabre Explorers really are. Think frozen socks, sleeping in five jumpers, and mugs of hot chocolate that never tasted better.

Brains and business collided in our very own Dragon’s Den, featuring some returning ex-Explorers dragons and our sharp-tongued, sharp-witted expert, Vicar Calum. Some ideas soared, others… not so much – but all were pitched with passion!

Part of Explorers is preparation for adulthood - evenings of entertainment were turned up a notch with our classic Pub Quiz and the thrilling Horse Racing Night, where fortunes were won and lost (mainly lost)

Creativity exploded in two very different ways: first, we built towering structures out of newspaper – and then gleefully burned them to the ground (all in the name of science and spectacle, of course!). Later, we swapped destruction for creation as we unleashed our inner Jackson Pollocks, producing vibrant, chaotic masterpieces that now bring colour and character to the upstairs walls.

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From icy camps to infernos of creativity, this year has been nothing short of epic. We’ve laughed, learned, and led. Here’s to Sabre Explorers – boldly going wherever curiosity, courage, and a little bit of chaos take us next!

Mike Tombs – Assistant Section Leader

5 Financial Review

5.1 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.

5.2 Investment Policy

The Group 's Income and Expenditure is relatively small and as a consequence, does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service.

6 Declaration

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

David Percy Date: 11[th] July 2025

Group Chair of Trustees

Timothy Elston

Date: 11[th] July 2025

Group Treasurer

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4TH BRAMHALL (ST MICHAELS) SCOUT GROUP

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 Unrestricted Funds £ 29,852 27,148	2025 Restricted Funds £ - -	2024 Total Funds £ 22,999 24,632

2,704 52,111	- -	(1,633) 53,744
54,815	-	52,111

The above accounts and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 13th May 2025 and signed on their behalf by

David Percy Group Chair

Timothy Elston Group Treasurer

4TH BRAMHALL (ST MICHAELS) SCOUT GROUP

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4TH BRAMHALL (ST MICHAELS) SCOUT GROUP

RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 Unrestricted Funds £ 8,045	2025 Restricted Funds £ -	2024 Total Funds £ 6,890

626 50 9,712	- - -	265 30 9,385
10,388	-	9,680
2,865 1,188	- -	2,450 120
4,053	-	2,570
1,172 1,146 -	- - -	1,241 1,257 111
2,318	-	2,609
500 1,749 2,799	- - -	- - 1,250
5,048	-	1,250

29,852	-	22,999

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4TH BRAMHALL (ST MICHAELS) SCOUT GROUP

PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 Unrestricted Funds 5,137 459 2,850 1,985 4,898	2025 Restricted Funds - - - - -	2024 Total Funds 3,959 345 2,960 1,836 4,296

15,329	-	13,396
3,122 3,174	- -	2,330 2,160
6,296	-	4,490
1,526	-	1,777
3,157	-	2,425
721 119	- -	105 25
840	-	130
-	-	2,414
-	-	2,414
27,148	-	24,632

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4TH BRAMHALL (ST MICHAELS) SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 Unrestricted Funds 3,471 48,695 3,094 606	2025 Restricted Funds - - - -	2024 Total Funds 17,588 31,083 3,044 606

55,866	-	52,321
1,500	-	2,250
1,572 979	- -	1,457 1,003
2,551	-	2,460

54,815	-	52,111

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the 4[th] Bramhall (St Michaels) Scout Group

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of 4[th] Bramhall (St Michaels) Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 12.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Group 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 Group’s accounts carried out under s. 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s. 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 in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.

I 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.

Name Richard J Cameron MA Address 3 Huxley Close, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 2PJ Date 11[th] July 2025

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