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Annual report and accounts 2022-2023
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## Contents
|**Welcome from the Chair**|5|
|---|---|
|**A year of adventure**|6|
|**Our strategy**|7|
|**Youth Shaped**|9|
|**Section Reports**||
|Squirrel Scouts|11|
|Beaver Scouts|13|
|Cub Scouts|15|
|Scouts|17|
|Explorer Scouts|19|
|Scout Network|21|
|**Mowbreck Scout Campsite**|22|
|**Blackpool Gang Show**|23|
|**Scout Active Support Unit**|24|
|**Our finances**|26|
|**Our membership**|32|
|**Our board of trustees**|33|
|**Roll of Honour**|34|
|**Gone Home**||
## **Our thanks**
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## Welcome from the Chair
## **Welcome to Blackpool District Scouts’ Annual General Meeting 2023!**
I was delighted to accept the offer from our District Commissioner to accept the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees and further contribute to Scouting across Blackpool.
The work by the Board of Trustees continues with new members welcomed on board and the committee growing. The launch of the new strategy for the District was released earlier this year and it shows the commitment of all to growing, developing and continually improving Scouting. Yes, there are some challenging targets to grow our membership, but as the largest volunteer group across Blackpool and the dedication of all of our volunteers, we as an executive and wider District team and certain we will all rise to the challenge!
and what scouting can do for them – we are confident that going forward this partnership can only benefit us all.
As you all will be aware, the hunt for a new HQ goes on, but as we have said we won’t rush this as we will make sure we buy the right property for us and Scouting. Thank you to all who have offered support and suggestions of buildings.
Finally, as ever from the Board of Trustees thank you for your ongoing support and effort, we can never forget the positive impact we all have on the children involved in scouting and the memories, life skills and positive influence they are receiving – thank you!
## **Chris Hardy**
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Work continues across Mowbreck Scout Campsite and this is now supported by Peter Rumley taking on the role of Chair for Mowbreck. Lots of work already completed and plans for further development to maintain and develop the site for many more years.
This year has also seen local stakeholder events held with key stakeholders and Council members to again seek funding, support and raise awareness of what they can do for scouting,
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## A year of adventur e
**As I reach 12 months having been in post as the Lead Volunteer for the District, I took a moment to reflect on the last year and what has been achieved.**
I am sure you will agree with me when reading through this year's report that since the pandemic we really have bounced back! It is truly fantastic to see our young people getting out and about once again learning those valuable #SkillsForLife.
I truly believe, in our post pandemic world that Scouting is needed more in our communities in Blackpool now than it ever has been. Scouts really are a force for good and have such a positive impact. The skills that we teach our young people prepares them for a better future.
We have produced a strategy which sets out a clear plan and objective for us as an organisation on how we will work with partners in Blackpool to bring Scouting to more areas of the town and bridge those gaps to bring communities together.
We have made some really good progress on our pillars of work as outlined in our strategy.
We have formed a programme team, and this is working hard to ensure that as a District we bring new experiences to our young people with activities and events that they may not have had the opportunity to do before.
As a District we are committed to supporting our adults by giving them the tools and support to deliver high quality and varied programmes. We will be continuing to support our volunteers by providing some workshops for team leaders and also team members to ensure that they feel empowered to continue to deliver the best opportunities they can.
We have held an event with key stakeholders in the town with a view to forge new relationships and partners and ensuring that Blackpool Scouts is well known by people outside of the organisation. This is really positive, and I hope that these partnerships will continue to grow.
We have seen new sections start including new Squirrel Dreys and also brought provisions together to make them stronger within the communities in which they are part of.
We are determined to make a difference, grow our membership, increase our visibility, and become a key part of our town.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for all that you do. You are making a real difference to the lives of young people in Blackpool and together this can only go from strength to strength!
## **Matt Hornby**
Lead Volunteer (District Commissioner)
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## Our vision
By **2025** we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.
## Our goals
We will achieve the following goals against our four objectives:
## Growth
- Grow to 900 young people
- Increase adult volunteers to 400
- More young leaders, 2 per section
- Fewer sections with less than 12 members
- All Groups with at least 3 sections
## Inclusivity
- Our members reflect the demographics of our local area
- Stronger groups within areas of deprivation within the town
- Increase our members from
- underrepresented communities
## Youth Shaped
- 100% of young people shaping their Scouting experience
- 50% of young people achieving their top awards
## Community Impact
- Young people making a positive difference in their local community
- Develop a community impact week
## Our pillars of work
To meet these objectives, we will focus on four pillars of work:
## Programme
A fun, enjoyable, high-quality programme consistently delivered and supported by simple (digital) tools.
## People
More, well trained, better supported and motivated adult volunteers, and more young people from diverse backgrounds.
## Perception
Scouting is understood, more visible, trusted, respected and widely seen as playing a key role in society today.
## Places
Good quality, practical locations are available to support our scouting programme across Blackpool.
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## Youth Shaped
**Blackpool District is in a really good position in regard to the percentage of Groups and sections that are running a Youth Shaped programme.**
When I have been out and about visiting Groups, it has been clear that around 70% of our Groups are giving their young people the chance to input into their own programme- whether this is in the form of a termly gathering of ideas, or purely through gaining feedback at the end of a session, activity or camp.
Sixers and Seconders weekend and Puddle and Waddle.
Whilst our volunteers have increased how youth shaped our programme is, there is always more we can do to ensure that our young people are making the most out of their scouting journey and I hope to increase our group statistics to 90% or more by next year.
**Gabby Howson-Tax** District Youth Commissioner
As well as our groups, our District Sections have increased how youth shaped their programme and events have become, which has been great to see.
As well as our young people getting involved with their Group and District programmes, they have also been involved with shaping our County programme. At this year’s WLShape23, Blackpool was represented by 5 Scouts, 4 Explorers and 2 Network members, along with all our ADCs for these sections. They met at Myerscough College for a morning of youth shaped sessions and then enjoyed their afternoon with some bowling and mini golf at the Flower Bowl.
These Young People represented Blackpool exceptionally and spoke out during their morning sessions. As well as the West Lancashire County’s Youth Shaped event, our young people have also been looking to shape their programme through providing input at County section events, such as the County Cub
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**Our first year of Squirrel Scouts in the District has been a huge success! We currently have 5 Dreys, 7[th] Blackpool, 4[th] Blackpool, 1[st] Bispham, 1[st] Staining and 57[th] Blackpool.**
It has been a big year for our 4 and 5 year old Squirrels, the newest Section, and an even bigger year, and immense learning experience, for the brilliant volunteers. The volunteers, though not all new to Scouting, are all new to a brandnew Section. There is a huge amount of practical and programme support available from HQ when a Squirrel Drey opens, but the volunteers have all had to ‘learn by doing’ as there is no historical programme template the volunteers inherit from more experienced leaders- and each and everyone has been exceptional and risen to the challenge.
Squirrels love getting messy! Whether it is nature activities when making a bug hotel, planting sunflowers and growing cress or craft activities making some wonderful artwork creations with their extremely vivid imaginations of Loch Ness Monsters and virtual campsites to exciting scientific experiments with jelly and salt dough. The messier the better!
The year has been full to bursting with investitures, presentations of the Chief Scout’s Acorn Award, Challenge and Activity Badges. The first Squirrel sleepover was held at the 7[th] Blackpool and there are further sleepovers
planned for the Squirrels to enjoy and be part of.
Squirrels have enjoyed being part of the District Carol Service and St. George’s Day event and we had a lovely time celebrating our Founders Day with the Beaver Scouts, thank you to Emma Hornby, and team, for inviting us and organising the event.
In addition, Squirrels joined fun days at Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, tasting adventurous activities at the County Fun Day and Puddle and Waddle event; an excellent linking event with the Beaver Scouts.
It has been a very, very, special first year in the new Section; full of fun and laughter. The Squirrels, volunteers and supporters have made this year so very extra special. The Squirrels are brilliant; very, very inquisitive and with a thirst for adventure, the volunteers are extra special!
I would like to thank each and everyone within Blackpool Scout District who have encouraged and supported the opening of Squirrel Dreys in their Groups.
We look forward to a further 12 months of even more adventure and activities, outings and getting even more messy!
## **Victoria DaSilva**
Assistant County Commissioner (Squirrel Scouts)
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## **We begin thinking about how it has been a busy year for our Beaver Scouts.**
Back in April so many of you joined on District Camp at Bibby’s Farm. There was time spent on the water, grass sledged, investigated a cave bus, sang around a campfire and so much more! It was a perfect weekend of sun, fresh air and fun as well as learning some new scouting skills.
In May we gave Beavers an opportunity to perform at the George Schofield Competition – we made our own props and bravely sang in front of a panel of judges! What a fantastic array of talent we have in our Colonies. Well done to those who took part and congratulations to 57[th] Blackpool.
In June, I was delighted to see some colonies at the County Beaver Event – Puddle and Waddle at Waddecar Campsite. Another jam-packed fun day in the sun, that involved a lot of plastic ducks, water, kayaks! Back in October it was a delight to see the many Beavers who were performing at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool Gang Show!
It was incredible to see so many colonies at our Evening Gazette Competition, we used recycling junk to design our own Bonfire and Firework model. Thank you to those who took part and well done to the 7[th] Blackpool.
December brought ‘Carols around the Campfire’ a chance to join other members of Blackpool Scouts. A huge thanks for all the
generous donations that we were able to give to local charities.
2023 has already brought colony visits to the Fire Station and the Jewish Reformed Synagogue, sleepovers, visitor and badge nights. I have been delighted to see and hear the badge work you have been focussing on this year.
It was amazing to see you at Mowbreck Campsite with Cubs, focussing on Scouting skills. My thanks to the Cub District Team for organising this event. We hosted a joint Squirrel and Beaver event with a Birthday Party for Baden Powel for Founders Day. I am looking forward to continuing to work with our Squirrels and Cubs in the future.
I have proudly congratulated many Beavers on achieving the Chief Scout Bronze Award, the highest award you can earn as a Beaver. This also meant we had to say goodbye to lots of young people who moved onto Cubs.
We have so much more planned and still to do! So, watch this space!
Finally, for all the above to take place a great deal of planning, commitment, enthusiasm and time is required. Our young people are fortunate to have such amazing leaders and supporters. I’m reliant on such a supportive Leadership Team. A special thank you must go to my own District Team; John, Sarah, Ann, Irene and Annastasia. I would also like to thank the wider District Team who we are fortunate to have as support at our events, as well as without you simply none of this would be possible.
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**Emma Hornby** Assistant District Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)
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THE STREETLIFeTHUST
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**The focus has been ensuring that all our Cub Scouts have the best chance of earning the Chief Scout Silver award.**
Our final event of last year was the Commissioners Flag held at Blackpool Zoo with the theme of environmental conservation and the winners on the day were 5[th] Blackpool. 1[st] Bispham was also awarded Pack of the Year!
In summer, Cubs attended a Viking Experience at Red Rose. In September, 2 Cub Packs represented the District at County Challenge Day. Congratulations to 5[th] Blackpool for winning the event and 1[st] Bispham runners up.
A Chief Scout Silver presentation in October was attended by the Mayor where 52 young people were given the highest award in Cubs. Then it was our longawaited London trip, postponed from 2020. 27 Cubs, 6 Scouts, 8 Leaders and 8 Network visited the capital city to explore and visit all the sights. A fantastic time!
November, suggested by our leaders, a pioneer badge activity evening developing the skills for both our young people and our volunteers. 153 achieved the badge. The focus of 2022 was the 105 badges in which all the hard work was celebrated with a party at Fylde HQ in December.
2023. New Year. New events. A board games night in January gave the chance to challenge friends, and make new friends. An event at Ski Rossendale was offered by the County and enjoyed by 50 members.
February, Founders Day trip to Liverpool World Museum, with 167 of us visiting for the day. The Beaver Cub link event happened in March with just under 100 young people taking part in outdoor activities at Mowbreck, ticking off elements of their top awards.
A plan on hold from 2020 was to take part in the Big Sleepout organised by The Streetlife Trust. In March, it happened, and 14 brave Cub Scouts and 6 Leaders raised over £1,200 for the charity by making themselves a bed out of cardboard and facing the elements outdoors for an evening.
We celebrated St George’s Day in April. May was the Jack Lamb competition and 2 JOTT events in a new location – the Fylde Arboretum. Over 460 members joined in with this event, from raft building to fire lighting. In June, 12 Cubs attended the County Sixers and Seconders weekend at Bibby’s Farm.
The District team also visit packs, welcoming new leaders alongside other commitments. I am grateful to Gordon, Haydn, Nichola, Sophie and Terry for all they do.
My favourite part of my role is visiting packs. It is a pleasure to see the programmes provided to our young people, helping them to earn badges and top awards. My thanks to all our volunteers who provide such great opportunities for our young people.
My thanks to Matt and his District team, Ted and County Cub team
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for all their support. We look forward to another busy year!
## **Stephen Chow**
Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts)
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## **So, where to start for the Scout section report… let me set the scene!**
I am at Mowbreck attending the Scouts Patrol Leaders (PLs) & Assistant Patrol Leaders (APLs) weekend, the sun is shining and I can hear the voices of Scouts enjoying themselves learning new skills and making friends. What a perfect place to take 5 minutes to reflect upon the last 12 months and what the Scout section has achieved.
We have been impressed by the culinary skills of the teams who entered the Cooking Competition that was held in November 2022. The judges had difficult choices to make as the standard of cooking was so good with the 37th Blackpool taking first place.
The PLs forums have made a return and have been well attended. PLs & APLs have engaged in the sessions sharing ideas with the Scout District team of activities and events that they would like to attend and see organised. Hence the reason I am sat at Mowbreck as they wanted to camp together #TheySayWeDo. These forums will continue throughout the forthcoming year.
The highlight of the year for me is County Rally 2022! We increased numbers from Blackpool Scout District with 157 attendees and hope to better that number next year. We took the bold decision to central cater this year, yes there was resistance, there was concern and worry but what a success it ended up being. The game changer was the use of the
camp cooker from 44th Blackpool, thanks to them! Again we were lucky with the weather, wall to wall sunshine all weekend.
Six teams have entered the Scout Cars which is being held in Barnsley. As I write this the event hasn’t taken place but will have by the time you are reading this, so catch up with Dobbie or Rhona from the 57th our Scout Car organisers to get race highlights.
The team and I have had the pleasure of visiting groups to award Chief Scout Gold (CSG) awards to Scouts who have completed all of their badge requirements. I have also had the pleasure of attending two CSG presentations that County have organised, and I look forward to attending more in the future.
The Scout District team will be working on the activities and events for the next 12 months. We intend to share the details as soon as we can.
I would like to thank the team and all of our Scout leaders who have given their time over the last 12 months to bring Scouting activities to all our young people.
Without our Scout leaders volunteering their time we would not be able to enhance and develop our young people, so many thanks for all you do.
## **Emma Harrison**
Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)
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**It's been another busy year in the Explorer section with events being put back on the calendar after the break due to Covid.**
The past year has seen Explorers travelling near and far on County trips, from the fields of
Westmorland showground for Red Rose, on to the mountains of Scotland for Snow & Ice, over the sea to the Swiss Alps and even Bangladesh!
I would like to thank the Explorer leaders for their help and support to deliver a varied and adventurous programme and look forward to the events we are planning for the second half of the year and in to summer 2024.
## **Joanna Hacking**
District Explorer Scout Commissioner
As a district we have also taken part in activities, the fun and games of Explorer County Camp and hosted our own Winter Camp in the Lakes. We have entered competitions which have challenged the Explorers on their navigation and teamwork skills such as Operation Moonlight, the County run Mountain Activity Challenge (MAC) in which we came 3rd overall and the Who Dare Wins link event with the Scout section.
The Explorer Scout Young Leader section was relaunched with a fantastically attended Module A training. We have signed off a ESYL belt, awarded Platinum & Diamond awards and continue to teach the skills the Explorers need to plan and carry out their expeditions.
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## **Looking back over the last 12 months we've done a lot!**
Bike rides, Karate session, pancake night, Pleasure Beach, climbing, dog hikes, trip to London with the Cub team, service work, linked nights with Explorers, a hosted county Splash Day, District run Explorer Belt and so much more!
Over the period we've had 10 top awards for our Network members completing their Explorer Belt, Duke of Edinburgh Gold, and Scouts of the World Award (SOWA). This year we’ll be working hard to beat that. With members signed up to the County Explorer Belt, and others well on their way with their SOWA, Kings Scout Award and DofE award.
many people who have assisted along the way and the Network members that turn up, plan & run the meetings. Special mention to 5th Blackpool for allowing us to use the Hut as our main meeting place.
It has been great pleasure to be the Network Commissioner over the last 12 months. Here's to the next 12, another year where we can continue to expand our achievements and celebrate our successes!
## **Liam Chow**
Scout Network Commissioner
We’ve had new people join the movement and others re-join due to friendships they made when they were in the younger sections. This has been great as we’ve all made new friends and I'm sure we've all learnt something new.
Over the next 12 months, as ever there is a busy county calendar with events almost monthly. As a district we also meet weekly. If you know somebody 18-25 who would like to get involved, then please ask them to contact me – netcom@blackpoolscouts.org.uk
None of this year's success would be possible if it wasn't for the
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## Mowbreck Scout Campsite
Mowbreck has gone from strength to strength over this last season with the highest number of bookings in over 10 years, with Groups from all over the County coming and staying. We have also opened the site up to a couple of school now using it as an outdoor area and for their forest schools.
Mowbreck is improving week by week with the newly refurbished toilet block and galley kitchen both of which have hot water. We have added a couple of adventurous activities to the site. Firstly, the new archery range which has been used by all sections including our Squirrels and secondly, we also have tomahawk throwing.
We also did two working days throughout the season pruning trees, laying wood chip and painting of the toilets and containers to name a few. The future of Mowbreck is also looking very prosperous with the plans to put an all-purpose dry shelter on the field with a new campfire area.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our meet and greet team, activity instructors and everyone else who has either helped or visited the site over the past 12 month as without them we wouldn’t have a campsite.
**Andy and Stephen** Mowbreck Managers
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## Blackpool Gang Show
Putting on the 2022 60[th] Anniversary show was great fun and being joined by over 30 past cast members made it extra special. We had a member from every show from the past 60 years either on stage or in the audience on the Saturday shows to help us celebrate. Thank you!
We saw a slight dip in audience numbers, with only 1,083 seat tickets sold. We were extremely fortunate in 2022 as we received donations from outside organisations & individual people - our thanks go to all these organisations and people for their generosity.
What does 2023 bring us, well over 100 have signed on to be in the cast giving us some logistical challenges to overcome, bring it on! The show is set, rehearsals are underway, wardrobe are measuring, producers are working out routines, theatre is booked, we are a go!
Join us from 25-28 October 2023 at The Grand Theatre!
## **Steve and Darrell**
Gang Show Leadership Team
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## Scout Active Support Unit
## **We look forward with a new slant on our story of Scouting and see where SASU fits in.**
We held an afternoon tea at Stanley Park Café which was a great success. It was at this time that Gordon Clarke, our treasurer, decided to stand down after many years.
2023 is the year of the next World Scout Jamboree and 4 young people from Blackpool will be there in Korea being our Scout Ambassadors. We hope that Aniela, Jamie, Leijla and Josh have a journey to remember.
The Jamboree “Tune-a-thon” at Anchorsholme Park raised over £1000 for the Jamboree fund and was supported by SASU as well as two local choirs, Coasters and Trinitas.
One of our members, Michael Heed received his 50 year Long Service Decoration so well done Mike!
Remembrance Day came and we were blessed with fine weather a great turn out for SASU.
Our late, late Lunch was held at Cleveleys Masonic Hall and we enjoyed a beautiful lunch there.
The St George’s Day Dinner Dance was back at The Grand Hotel in April. A new organising team set about the future of this event.
The very first Squirrel and Beaver Event took Place at Unity Academy and SASU helped on several bases.
Due to an excess of £500 in our funds, we were able to provide each group with 13 sets of badges containing a World, County and District badge
We welcome our new treasurer Brenda Shaw and we wish her well in her new role
So, as I finish, we look towards the new 2025 Plan for the District and all it will bring. Don’t forget our motto is Be Prepared!
## **Irene Wheatley**
Scout Active Support Unit Manager
“Carols by the Campfire” put a new and different slant on our usual Carol Service, but it was very well attended. SASU provided the refreshments.
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## Our finances
## **Receipts and Payments account**
For the year ending 31st March 2023
||**2022-2023**|**2021-2022**|
|---|---|---|
|**Receipts**
AGM/DC Retirement
Awards Evening
Badge Receipts
Dinner Dance
District Camp
Donations
Grants
Greathead (DC)
Interest and dividends received
International
Jamboree
Loan Repayments
Membership fees
Miscellaneous
Network Neckers
Paul Marshall Legacy
Recruitment/Media
Stakeholder Lunch
Transfer from Mowbreck
(Raynor)
**Section Income**
Beaver Scout section income
Cub Scout section income
Explorer Scout section income
Gang Show income
Mowbreck Beer Festival income
Mowbreck income
SASU income
Scout Section Income
Service Team Income
**Total Receipts**|**£**
1214
0
5788
7622
15180
251
0
500
3247
58
6085
0
27047
404
68
853411
36
100
0
**921009**
553
18169
13964
18688
0
6161
3
2457
0
**59996**
**981005**|**£**
0
952
1523
692
3775
3296
500
0
396
0
0
800
26559
290
0
0
0
0
3000|
|||**41782**
0
8108
8155
1073
0
16091
256
683
0|
|||**34366**|
|||**76148**|
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## **Receipts and Payments account (continued)**
For the year ending 31st March 2023
||**2022-2023**|**2021-2022**|
|---|---|---|
|**Payments**
AGM/DC Retirement
Awards Evening
Badge Payments*
Dinner Dance costs
District Camp
District Expenses
Eqjuipment
Greathead (DC)
Insurances
International
Jamboree
Membership Fees
Miscelleneous
Network Neckers
Recruitment/Media
Stakeholder Lunch
Storage costs
Training
Transfer to Mowbreck (Rayner)
Welfare
Youth Commissioner
**Section Costs**
Beaver Scout section costs
Cub Scout section costs
Explorer Scout section costs
Gang Show costs
Mowbreck Beer Festival costs
Mowbreck costs
SASU costs
Scout Section costs
Service Team costs
**Total Payments**|**£**|**£**|
||1590|0|
||58|1431|
||5230|3993|
||5246|388|
||13869|1435|
||2356|1267|
||0|919|
||490|0|
||854|854|
||800|0|
||8300|63|
||48746|19382|
||401|290|
||387|0|
||1220|753|
||137|0|
||0|320|
||345|668|
||0|3321|
||230|0|
||52|0|
||**90310**
1168
21170
14174
18365
0
4134
231
2707
0
**61950**
**152260**||
|||**35083**
344
4173
8868
1429
0
9348
126
53
0
**24341**|
|||**59424**|
|**Net Surplus/(Deficit)**
**for the year**|**828745**|**16724**|
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## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
|For the year ending 31st March 2023||**2022-2023**||**2021-2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Assets**
Monetary balances (cash and bank)
**Investment assets**
Scout short term investment fund
Rayner funds: 668.6 units
in the Charities Office
Investment Fund at Valuation
**Non-monetary assets**
Mowbreck training centre at cost
Stock of badges at cost
District Equipment
**Liabilities**
Advance payments|**£**
26851
12572|**£**
952092
39423
991515|**£**
26851
13020
30000
5676
630|**£**
123378
39871|
|||||163248
36306|
||30000||||
||4840
19091|53931
1045446
1045446
954
**1044492**|||
|||||199554|
|||||199554
26038|
|||||**173517**|
|**Represented by**
Reserves brought forward
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year
Increase/(reduction) in value of
investment funds
Increase/(reduction) in value of non
monetary assets
Increase/(reduction) in loans
Less increase/(reduction) in liabilities||177868
828745
-448
17625
0
-25084||142365
16724
1034
31151
-800
12606|
|**Reserves carried forward**||**1048874**||**177868**|
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## **Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Blackpool District Scout Council**
I report on the accounts of the District for the year ending 31st March 2023 which are set out on pages 24 to 29.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The District’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 act
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission
- under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 act; and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiners report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the District and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiners statement**
In connection with my examination, no other matter has come to my attention:
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material aspect the requirement to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 act have not been met; or
- which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Mike Heed**
6 Hexham Ave Signed Thornton Cleveleys FY5 2NP Date 18.05.2023
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## **Notes to the Accounts**
For the year ending 31st March 2023
## **Note 1: Cash at bank and in hand**
|**Note 1: Cash at bank and in hand**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2022-2023**|**2021-2022**|
|**Exec accounts**
CAF bank current account
CAF bank gold account|**£**
1989
891249
**893238**|**£**
26868
35671|
|||**62539**|
|**Section Accounts**
Beavers
Beer Festival
Cubs
Explorers
Gang Show
Mowbreck
SASU
Scout Car Races
Scouts
Service Team|1089
5059
4236
2154
12760
30927
1514
310
375
429
**58853**|1704
5059
7237
2482
12505
28898
1586
309
630
429|
|||**60839**|
|**Total**|**952092**|**123378**|
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## **Notes to the Accounts (continued)**
For the year ending 31st March 2023
**Note 2: Analysis of Reserves**
|**Note 2: Analysis of Reserves**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2022-2023**|**2021-2022**|
|Total Reserves Less:
Non-monetary assets + loans and liabilities
**Restricted Funds**
Rayner Bequest
Butterworth Bequest
**Designated Funds**
Beer Festival
District Camp
Explorers
Gang Show
Greathead Fund
International
Jamboree
Membership Fees
Mowbreck
Recruitment/Media
Paul Marshall Legacy
SASU
Scout Car Races
Service Team
Youth Commissioner Fund|**£**
1048874
54885|**£**
177868
62344|
||12527|13020|
||12873
5059
3000
2154
12760
10
58
3451
30000
30927
0
853411
1514
310
429
36|12873
5059
0
2482
12505
0
4466
0
30000
28898
247
0
1586
309
429
88|
|**Free Reserves**|**25470**|**3562**|
## **Reserves Policy**
The District mainly raises its running costs from its members and has limited capacity for other fund raising, therefore the trustees exercise a prudent approach to their free reserves policy: the trustees will initiate additional fund raising when free reserves fall to below the equivalent of nine months annual costs measured against the latest Executive Income and Expenditure account or the forward budget plan.
## **Donations**
We gratefully acknowledge the following generous contributors to our fund raising this year: Peter Greathead, Ian Gledhill, the estate of Paul Marshall, in memory of Geoff Clayton, in memory of Alan Brogden. We also continue to benefit from the legacies of Mrs Patricia Butterworth and F G Rayner.
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## Our membership
Census results for the year ending 31 January 2023
||**Male**|**Female**|**Self-identify**|**Prefer not to say**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Youth membership**||||||
|Squirrel Scouts|30|13|0|0|43|
|Beaver Scouts|145|47|0|0|192|
|Cub Scouts|153|87|0|0|240|
|Scouts|119|75|1|0|195|
|Explorer Scouts (including Young
Leaders)|33|23|0|0|56|
|Network members|9|22|0|0|31|
||**489**|**267**|**1**|**0**|**757**|
|**Adult membership (listing the main role category**||**for each adult volunteer)**||||
|Section leadership team members|70|94|0|0|164|
|Plus Young Leaders*|13|16|0|0|29|
|Manager roles|9|11|0|0|20|
|Governance roles|20|15|0|0|35|
|Support roles|48|35|0|0|83|
||**147**|**155**|**0**|**0**|**302**|
|**Total membership**|**636**|**422**|**1**|**0**|**1059**|
*ESYL totals are not included in the overall totals as they are already included in Explorer Scout totals.
## **Our District comprises**
Census results for the year ending 31 January 2023
|Squirrel Scout Dreys|3|
|---|---|
|Beaver Scout Colonies|18|
|Cub Scout Packs|19|
|Scout Troops|18|
|Explorer Scout Units (including YL Units)|5|
|Active Support Units|5|
|Young Leader Units|1|
|Groups|18|
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## Our board of trustees
Governance structure and executive committee membership - 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
## **Ex-Officio**
District Commissioner
District Chair
District Secretary District Treasurer District Explorer Scout Commissioner District Scout Network Commissioner District Youth Commissioner
Victoria DaSilva** Matthew Hornby*** Katherine O’Connor** Chris Hardy**** Elizabeth Abbott Janet Hardy Joanna Hacking Liam Chow Gabrielle Howson-Tax
## **Nominated**
Geoff Platt** Christine Fitton** Reid Skipper** Joan Swan Lesley Meddings Andy Mitchell
## **Elected**
Andy Inglis Emma Harrision Robert Ward Heather Clegg** Stewart Swan** Philip Wheatley* Diane Parkinson*
*Until July 2023 **Until July 2022 ***From July 2022 ****From January 2023
## Our Scout ambassadors
Our incredible team of ambassadors. They have one thing in common: to share far and wide how Scouts is helping young people gain skills for life.
- **Steve Royle** , Actor, Comedian & Radio Presenter
- **Nicola Thorp** , Actor, Broadcaster & Journalist
- **Hayley Kay** , Radio Presenter
- **Ged Mills** , Radio Presenter
- **Paul Maynard MP** , Member of Parliament for Blackpool North & Cleveleys
- **Gordon Marsden** , Blackpool Labour, former Member of Parliament
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## Roll of honour
Congratulations to all who have been honoured with awards. It’s a privilege to present Wood Badges, Long Service and Good Service awards to our volunteers. Our congratulations to all recognised in the St. George’s Day awards for their contribution, dedication and loyalty to Scouting in Blackpool.
## **2022**
## **Irene Wheatley** - Silver Wolf
This award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. Awarded for service of exceptional nature.
## **Philip Wheatley** - Silver Wolf
This award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. Awarded for service of exceptional nature.
## **Darrell Shuck** - Silver Acorn
20 years’ service, which is specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
## **Stephen Smith** - Silver Acorn
20 years’ service, which is specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
## **2023**
## **Paul Harris** - Silver Acorn
20 years’ service, which is specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
**Andrew Barrett** - Award for Merit. Awarded for outstanding service.
**Carol Barrett** - Award for Merit. Awarded for outstanding service.
**Amanda Hayden** - Award for Merit. Awarded for outstanding service.
**Adamene Stubbs** - Award for Merit. Awarded for outstanding service.
**Michael Fish** - Award for Merit. Awarded for outstanding service.
## Gone home
Some of our members have gone home this year and we say goodbye to these much-loved members and supporters.
- William Broadley
- Muriel Turner
- David Cooke
- David Allen (Daffy)
- Michael Loomes
- Marjorie Wiseman
## Our thanks
Blackpool Scouts would like to thank all its volunteers and supporters for their commitment and contributions over the last year. We look forward to another year of making a positive contribution and impact on society.
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We’re the largest volunteer led mixed youth organisation in Bl k l
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#SkillsForLife
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blackpoolscouts.org.uk **#SkillsForLife** #SkillsForLife
Blackpool Scouts Registered Charity number 521534