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2024-03-31-accounts

Scouts Blackpool w• Annua report and

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Contents

ontents
Welcome from the Chair 5
A year of achievement 6
Shaped by young people 8
Programme Team
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 2024!

Another busy year and another year of delivering outstanding Scouting across Blackpool. We all should be immensely proud of what we are achieving, particularly as some of our young people and families will be impacted by the wider cost of living crisis. Whilst for some this will make access to Scouting harder, I know all of us would agree that it is times like these when Scouting will come together, reflect our core values and work tirelessly to ensure we are accessible for all.

Transforming futures

Transformation will be key this year with many changes already present in the District and more to come around our structure, governance and accountability. We all accept how any change can and does cause worry, apprehension and sometimes frustration, but I am confident the work of the Board of Trustees and all of us within Blackpool District will ensure that the transformation required is successful and improves the service we deliver to our young people involved in Scouting.

As I have said before, what we provide as a District is second to none, and it does not happen by accident; it is the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers involved in Scouting that allows us to continue to be the largest voluntary group across Blackpool and positively impact the lives of many young people. On behalf of all of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your continued efforts and the support you have shown myself and the wider Board of Trustees.

The work that goes on across all of the groups, by all of those that support Scouting, truly confirms to me that Blackpool Scouts is the best!

Thank you all!

Chris Hardy

Chair of the Board of Trustees

A place to call home

The development of the new headquarters will be a huge focus of 2024 going forward and hopefully in the near future we will be able to announce the ownership of the old Marton Methodist Church site so that we can start to develop a place for Blackpool Scouts to call our new home. Alongside this we will ensure a fitting memorial for Paul Marshall and his exceptionally kind bequest of his property to fund this venture. Our job as a District is to ensure that we deliver is the best HQ that we can so that we can continue to support and develop Scouting across Blackpool, and I am more than confident that we will achieve this.

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A year of achievement

As we look back on the last year of Scouting in the District and read the contents of this annual report. It is perfectly clear to see that we are going from strength to strength.

For me, 2023 was always going to be a year of stability and finding our feet. With changes that we had begun to implement. In many ways this got us ahead of the curve in preparation for transformation.

I am really pleased that our stakeholder engagement has increased, and we are getting noticed in our town! Our attendance at local events and colleges is vital to support the pillar of work in our strategy around this. My thanks to all those who have made this happen.

With people positively talking about the work that we do in our communities this I know will lead to growth. Now we have solid foundations, this enables us to make 2024 a year for development. This includes work that has already been done with finding a place to call home in our District Headquarters.

It has been great to see more Squirrel Dreys open as well as others taking the leap to get ready for them too! Seeing the development at Mowbreck is brilliant and ensures that our resource is enjoyed by many more young people.

My thanks must go to each and every one of you for all that you do. I know that at times things are a challenge but together we will always find a way to overcome and continue the journey!

Matt Hornby

Lead Volunteer District Leadership Team

As I reflect on 12 months of Scouting in Blackpool and present this annual report on behalf of the District Leadership Team, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and how we have challenged ourselves.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Matt Hornby for his leadership as our lead volunteer during the year and for the direction and course he started us on in our transformation journey. As we move forward it is these foundations which we will build on during the next twelve months.

Change comes with Challenge and in the past twelve months we have changed how we structure our meetings and our governance; we have challenged our programme that we deliver and worked towards changing our district structure in readiness for transformation.

This year we saw our third year of growth and we now have over 1075 members. Our ambition to increase our youth and adult membership is challenging but with good programmes and activity opportunities we know it will continue to be successful.

Squirrel Dreys continue to open, with our most recent at the 8th Blackpool. Our move towards Squirrels in all groups increases the opportunity to strengthen our numbers and tap into a new pool of adults who we can encourage to join us. We currently have three more Squirrel Dreys in the plan for opening in 2024/2025.

Our Group and District programmes have been stronger than ever with some amazing opportunities for young people to take part in. Programme in all sections must continue to develop and whether it is a Group night, a District section event, or a night away activity we can inspire young people and help them develop more #SkillsForLife.

Safety has also been top of our agenda in the past twelve months and our local focus on safety training compliance and risk assessment continues to ensure that we deliver safe scouting every week.

I would like to thank all our volunteers, especially our Groups, District teams, Trustees & Supporters for another great year of Scouting in Blackpool.

Paul Harris

Interim Lead Volunteer District Leadership Team

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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

Inclusivity

Youth Shaped

Community Impact

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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Shaped by young people

Once again, Blackpool Scouts are doing well in supporting a Youth Shaped Programme within all of our sections.

When visiting groups, it is clear that most of our young people in every section are given the chance to input into their own programme- whether this being within their section evening meeting night or in activities that happen away from the group at the weekend.

Our Network members have also been stepping up and taking on more of a role in sharing ideas and running different programme nights according to what their members want to do and have enjoyed taking part in previously.

A great step forward in ensuring that all of our young members from 4-24 are involved in shaping their own Scouting journey!

Gabby Howson-Tax

Many, if not all, of our young people are given the chance to feedback after an activity at their group or one run by the District/ County, giving our leaders the chance to see what it is that our young people enjoy doing within their Scouting activities. It has been brilliant to see more and more Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers gaining their YouShape award by setting themselves a goal, planning, leading and representing in their Section. Well done to everyone who has completed the full award! This award has now launched for Squirrels who are on their way to achieving it already.

Youth Lead Volunteer District Leadership Team

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Our second year of Squirrels in Blackpool has been even better than the first! Our Squirrels are loving the adventure and showing everybody just what they can do!

We now have 6 Dreys in the District: 4[th] Blackpool, 7[th] Blackpool, 8[th] Blackpool, 57[th] Blackpool, 1[st] Bispham and 1[st] Staining, with another few on the horizon.

In October, Blackpool Gang Show had its first ever Squirrels performing in the show at the Grand Theatre and what a great job they did! From opening the show to ‘holding out for a hero’, their song and dance along with other members of the cast was spectacular to see!

In November Squirrel Scouts in Blackpool also took part in their first Swimming Gala competition and splashed their way to the finish line. It was a brilliant afternoon with the Squirrels taking part wanting to stay in the water for much longer! Many of our Squirrels also took part in their first Remembrance Day services within their own groups.

In December lots of Squirrels joined in with the District’s ‘Carols around the Campfire’ where we joined other members of Blackpool Scouts for an evening of activities, food and of course singing around the magnificent campfire.

April brought around the Junior Jamboree with other Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs around the County. Blackpool Squirrels had an adventure filled day, canoeing on the water, completing low ropes courses and practicing our target sports with some archery and axe-throwing. It was also brilliant to see another St. George’s Day celebration at Stanley Park where our Squirrels got stuck in with more fabulous activities before renewing our Squirrel Scout promise together.

This year we have seen 4 separate nights away for our Squirrels, one of which being our first District Sleepover themed around going on a bear hunt. The Squirrels that attended made maps and binoculars to find the bear and set off on their very own hunt for the Bear (who wasn’t as scary as we thought!). A brilliant start to implementing nights away into our Squirrel Scouts programme.

2024 has already seen Squirrels growing their own gardens, learning about animals (both at group nights and visits to Pets at Home), building dens, making bug hotels and much more. It has been a pleasure to see and hear about all the badge work and fun and exciting activities that you have been getting up to.

I am very proud to have congratulated and presented many Squirrels on achieving their Chief Scouts Acorn Award, the highest award that can be earned as a Squirrel. It has been brilliant to see these Squirrels move on to start their next adventures in Beavers.

For everything over the past year to take place, there has been a great deal of planning and enthusiasm from the Squirrel Leaders within the District, many of whom are new to Scouting or to the roles they have taken on. The support from their groups and group lead volunteers has been an immense help in getting this brand-new section off the ground and started on their journey.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported the Squirrel Section over the past year with all our activities, many of which couldn’t have gone ahead without your assistance.

We look forward to taking the Squirrel Section forward within Blackpool over the coming years!

Gabby Howson-Tax Squirrel Section Team Leader Programme Team

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with lots of teams taking part. Thank you to Paul and Christine our judges and well done to our winners 1[st] Norbreck.

It has been fantastic to see all the exciting adventures our Beaver Colonies have been getting up to over the past 12 months.

Back in April it was St George’s Day in the park, the sun shone and we enjoyed a treasure hunt, archery, catapults, and tug of war before renewing our Promise at the Bandstand. In May lots of us volunteered to take part in the Big Help Out. It was great to see the young people and their families making a positive contribution to our community. I also enjoyed seeing our colonies take part in the final JOTT around the Fylde Arboretum area. My thanks to the Cub Section Team for organising.

In June, I was delighted to see Colonies at the County Beaver Event, Puddle & Waddle Camp at Waddecar Campsite. A lot of plastic ducks, kayaks and much more! Great to be joined by some Squirrels too. Sadly, the unpredictable British weather caused us to cancel our Forest Fun event. Whilst we did manage to re-schedule, we were sorry it meant some Beavers did miss out. Thank you as ever for your support with this.

Autumn started with a visit to Bibby’s Farm for the County Beaver Skills Day. A fantastic opportunity to be in the outdoors and working towards a multitude of Challenge and Activity badges. October, it was a delight to see many Beaver Scouts perform at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool Gang Show – we were so very proud! The Swimming Gala was back in November! Well done to all those who took part. December brought ‘Carols around the Campfire’ a chance to join other members of Blackpool District. A huge thank you for all the generous donations for local charities in need.

We were also very excited to try a new event, Forest Christmas Crafts, a chance to learn, and be brave enough to use some new tools and make some unique Christmas decorations. In February, 160 Beavers and volunteers headed to Manchester Science & Industry Museum. A great day of handson learning, from textiles to experiments, the Industrial Revolution to modern technology. In March we brought back the Great Beaver Bake Off

In April, Beavers and Cubs got together for a weekend at Waddecar for the Junior Jamboree. Organised by the County Korean Jamboree Team. The rain and mud certainly didn’t put us off! Archery, climbing, tomahawks, kayaks, orienteering, Korean crafts and food plus a talent show!

2024 has already brought Colony visits and sleepovers, external visitors, and badge earning. I have been delighted to see and hear the badge work you have been focussing on over the past 12 months! Congratulations to so many Beaver Scouts on achieving the Chief Scout Bronze Award. This also meant we had to say goodbye to lots of young people who moved onto Cubs, and we can’t wait to see you in the next stage of your Scouting journey.

Our young people are fortunate to have such amazing volunteers. I am also reliant on such a supportive Leadership Team. Sadly, after over 10 years of dedicated service to the Beaver Section Team, John Sanderson stepped down from his role. During this time John has not only run his own successful colony but shared his skills and expertise with all our leaders and young people across the District. His outstanding service to the Beaver Section is to be commended as a Section Team Leader and in our District Team. The number of young people who benefitted from his dedication and the opportunities he provided will be felt for years to come. I have been so fortunate to gain so much knowledge and expertise over our time working together, I will be forever grateful. I know you will all join me in thanking John for his time and support and wish him well, I know he will always remain a firm supporter of our Beavers.

A special thank you must go to the rest of my team, Sarah, Ann, Irene and Annastasia. Also, thank you to the wider District Team who we are fortunate to have as support at our events, without you simply none of this would be possible. Here’s to another exciting year!

Emma Hornby

Beaver Section Team Leader Programme Team

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Over the past year, our focus has been on how we can offer a wider range of experiences to our young people and support them to achieve the Chief Scout Silver Award.

2023 started off with a new event, Race to Silver, using Mowbreck Campsite. Taking input from the packs, the team put on a nights away experience, covering aspects of the Outdoor Challenge badge to help provide the opportunities for members to obtain the missing parts of the Chief Scout Silver Award. This will be returning as we look to help bridge any gaps in programmes.

We also offered another new experience in November. The Sea Life Centre was booked to enable our members the chance to sleep with the sharks and learn all about life under the sea.

In January, a favourite evening returned, the board games night. A chance for Cubs and volunteers to come together over two nights to play games and take part in the Cub District Chess Competition.

In February, we arranged for Cubs to earn their Snow Sports Stage 1 badge with a chilly but sunny day out to Rossendale Ski slope. Attended by 97 Cub Scouts, the day was a great success and we even spotted some leaders enjoying the slopes!

To celebrate the highest award, we returned to the Town Hall so our young people could have their awards presented by the mayor as well as in front of family and the leaders who had supported their journey. We are proud of the 65 Cubs that earned this award and the effort that goes into it.

March saw our rebranded Blackpool District Cub Scout Challenge event, with 8 packs competing in Scouting skills challenges new & old. Areas such as first aid, pioneering, cardboard ovens, fencing and our ultimate disaster were provided. It was a really competitive competition with 1st Bispham coming out as winners. We would like to thank the Leaders who came down to run and support the event.

In May, a group of Cub Scouts and leaders ventured out from Blackpool on an overnight trip to York. We travelled by train, visiting all the main sights, including the Minster, Castle Museum and a wizarding walk around the Shambles. The Cubs and leaders had a great experience with some very tired feet at the end! A great positive from the event has resulted in multiple Cubs applying for future international events based on the confidence gained from the York experience.

With the JOTT coming to an end, we didn’t want to let this successful event leave the calendar as it’s a great link night for all the sections. It also helps with getting Scouting out and about in the town therefore we created BOTT - Blackpool On The Trail. The theme this year was the Elmer Trail to link with an event going on around Blackpool town centre. We have planned a three-year cycle to encompass the whole of the District.

We supported a quick turnaround to enable Cubs to attend County Cub Camp at Waddecar, securing the tented village to help with the logistics for our group. It was a real pleasure to see Cubs and Leaders from across the district pitching in to make the weekend a success.

Our biannual Athletics night was held in June at Stanley Park. Over 100 Cubs used the athletics arena to run, jump and throw to achieve their badge.

As I look back over this period, I am proud of what we have been able to offer. None of this would be possible without the continued support of the Cub Section team, our volunteers and the young people. As a team we’re already looking forward to what new opportunities and experiences we can offer the Cubs in Blackpool through 2024/25 and how we can support our fellow volunteers.

Stephen Chow

Cub Section Team Leader Programme Team

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A Scout has courage in all difficulties

What a great year it's been, with so many events and activities organised by our small army of volunteers.

A Scout is to be trusted

When Scouts got stuck in with the cooking competition in November, our courageous taste testers put us to the test. The Scouts were tasked with preparing a dish with a Christmas theme, aiming for both delicious taste, and avoiding poisoning the judges! 5th Blackpool demonstrated exceptional creativity by cooking a delicious meal whilst staying within budget, earning first prize. Every group made an amazing effort. Well done!

A Scout is loyal

We all came together in April to honour St. George, the patron saint of Scouting. Looking quite sharp in their uniforms, our Scouts and leaders visited Stanley Park engaging in a mass of entertaining activities, we renewed our promise and laws in the bandstand. Amazingly the sun shone all day long!

A Scout is friendly and considerate

Following the triumph last year, the decision was made to once again utilise centralised cooking at County Rally at Waddecar. We all worked together on an industrial scale, hauling up a mountain of marquees, and pitching a tonne of tents! Both our Scouts and volunteers always look forward to County Rally due to the sheer variety of activities on offer. From tug-of-war, volleyball and shooting, climbing, kayaking and a silent disco, which was anything but silent! Making friends and having fun!

A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts

In South Korea, 43,000 Scouts from 158 different countries gathered for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. Scouts from across the County (with four of our own from Blackpool) began an unforgettable journey. The adventure was filled with new experiences, cultures and a heat wave like no other! They showed perseverance and the ability to adapt, making memories along the way. Planning for 2027 in Poland is already well under way.

Although there have been numerous moments of bravery this past year, Scout Cars is our own unique take on Formula One. More than 20 teams from across the UK compete to be the fastest on the track, with six of them coming from Blackpool. They must navigate bends and chicanes and opponents from 49th Eastfield secured 1st place. 57th Blackpool came 2nd and 1st Norbreck secured 3rd!

A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property

Who Dares Wins. Every November, older Scouts connect with our Explorer Scouts at an orienteering challenge. Teams are assigned checkpoints along a course and must navigate through difficult terrain in typical Lancashire weather conditions, whilst relying on maps and compass skills only. They must be mindful of the clock, as they must reach checkpoints in an allotted time and take care of their equipment. The final checkpoint must be reached before the time runs out, to avoid being captured!

A Scout has self respect and respect for others On the 11[th] hour, of the 11[th] day, of the 11[th] month. “We will remember them” What better way to demonstrate our appreciation and respect? With pride and thanks, donning our poppies to our immaculately ironed uniform. Each year we attend the cenotaph to honour our armed forces and remember those who have died whilst serving their country. Whilst scouting is all about enjoyment and FUN, it's also about taking the time to honour those who sacrificed so much to enable us to have that. Every year, the Scouts make the district proud by participating in the parade in all weather conditions as our way of saying ‘thank you’.

This spectacular year would not have been possible without the incredible work of our volunteers who have given their own time to provide the Scouts with experiences they will never forget. A special thanks goes to Emma Harrison who led the District Scout Section team from Sept 2020 - April 2024.

You are all amazing individuals, and I hope that the next year is filled with even more fun and exciting adventures.

Claire Hadgraft

Scout Section Team Leader Programme Team

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Another year full of opportunities for Explorer Scouts. We have had Explorers travel as close to home as the Lake District and as far as South Korea, making memories that they won’t ever forget.

All 3 of our Units have been running with youth led programmes and with an influx of new starters, we continue to support them to learn how to review and develop programmes which can be enjoyed by all.

I would like the thank the leaders in our team for their hard work and support. Additional support is required so if you are interested in taking on a task no matter how small within the section, the please get in touch.

I look forward to the coming year of transformation as we move into the 14-24 Team working closer with our Scout Network.

Joanna Hacking

Programmes consisting of traditional Scouting skills such as pioneering and campfires to adventurous activities such as climbing, cycling and kayaking. They have also arranged activities which have helped the community such as stone painting for Sam’s Superheroes, site service at Mowbreck Campsite, improving the environment by collecting and conducting studies on litter and making bird boxes which were donated to a local school. The creativity on some evenings has been very impressive and we continue to build on teamwork.

Explorer Section Team Leader 14-24 Team

We have had good times with investitures on roller skates and standing in kayaks! Sad times as some of our Explorers turn 18 and move onwards and upwards! Some have become volunteers within Scouting and will pass on the experience they have had to the younger sections. We have also had Explorers join the County ‘Ignite’ weekend which was to teach leadership skills for the future.

Following on from the theme of teamwork we have again won the West Lancashire Scout County Mountain Activity Challenge, a competition based around map work and camping skills and have joined with the Scouts for another Successful Who Dares Wins. I look forward to working with Claire to arrange further linking activities to help the Scouts transition to Explorers.

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The last 12 months has been another year of adventure for our network members.

Over the summer we had several of our members go on to a County Trip to the Baltics. Whilst cultivating their knowledge on North Macedonia history, National parks, local cuisine and lots more, they completed one of the top 4 awards in Scouting, their Explorer Belt. I had the immense pleasure to watch and learn about their trips. I was really impressed with the 2 making it onto a national radio whilst another managed to do a badge swap from North Macedonia to Korea. They all sounded amazing and unique, which is the true beauty of this award.

Whilst we had members in the Baltics, we had members on other County international trips over the summer. With climbing the Julian Alps to assisting an explorer trip to an Austrian Jamboree. With a further international trip taking on the seas with Yachting in Croatia over the October Half term. All these experiences enhance and shape the lives of our members and those around them.

We have welcomed and invested new members to the section this year, with investitures clinging on to a climbing wall; to falling into the water from a Paddle Board; to the highs of the Lake District. Our programme has been filled with exciting opportunities to get the team out to the great outdoors and some chill evenings where we come to relax. Network does it all. We have been Yachting on Coniston, trips to the local chippys whilst walking the illuminations, climbing, several hikes across the Trough of Bowland and the Lake District, craft nights, roller blading, Martial Arts lessons, BOTT walk and much more.

We also had 3 members head down to the capital, to collect their DofE Gold, Queen Scout Award (QSA) and the District’s first King Scout Award (KSA). Whilst other members collected their awards from the County team at its celebration evening. Well done to everybody who attained an award this year and for those working towards them, keeping working hard, you’ll get there!

Over the year we have been growing our links and friendships with the rest of the county by attending Gathering and Reconnected with good numbers. These are great opportunities to try something different with new people. We’re also always looking to get involved with the Explorer Scout section, with linked nights for a Halloween Scare Fest, climbing and First Aid.

We look forward to transitioning over the next year to the 14-24 Team and working ever closer with the Explorers team.

Thank you to everybody who has assisted over the last 12 months and thank you to everybody who will assist over the next 12 months. Here’s to the next year, another year where we can continue to expand our achievements and celebrate our successes.

Liam Chow

Scout Network Team Leader 14-24 Team

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2023 was another busy year at Mowbreck with almost every weekend having campers on site and several evening visits not just from Blackpool but Kirkham & Wesham, Clifton, Fylde and Fylde Guides. We have also had visits from St. Nicholas Forest School and this year also sees their return as well as Fylde Coast Home Education.

The archery and tomahawks had a good uptake with lots taking on the challenge of trying a new activity. If you are a permit holder and willing to volunteer your services please contact Andy Inglis.

Thank you for all who have volunteered to help with our activities and to our “meet & greet” team. There is always a lot to do when running a campsite from looking after the flower beds, weeding, taking ivy from the trees to strimming and cutting the grass - we already have a team of Mowers and we are hugely thankful for all that they do. We have purchased a new mower and a strimmer to help with the upkeep of the site.

We had a working weekend in March. Sadly only a few people turned up to help but that was a real help. Look out for the next one, and if you can, please give an hour or so of your time - brews and biscuits for all who show up!

Those who have been to Mowbreck since January will have seen a new dry shelter being built which is now open and being used - thanks to Stephen Joyce for all your hard work creating this! A very special thank you to Peter Greathead whose generosity enabled us to complete this building. Bookings this year are again really good, the diary for 2025 is open so if you know you want to visit get in and book early so you’re not disappointed!

Once again thank you to the volunteers and if you would like to give some of your time to Mowbreck in any way please, please contact one of the team - remember it’s your site let’s look after it!

Andy and Stephen

Mowbreck Campsite Managers

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Gang Show 2023 saw a sprinkling of comedy sketches. I am not sure the real jamboree attendees had such a hectic time packing their gear or that the world of radio broadcast is as mixed up in real life!

We were taken on a journey as our ‘secret agents’ recovered the stolen secrets and saved the world in true James Bond style. The Junior Gang sang and danced to songs celebrating all the superheroes that played their part over the last couple of years. We sang two of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits as we paid tribute to her 50 years entertaining the whole world. ‘Who’s in Scouts’. We really found out in this hilarious sketch. I think they got it right at least once, very funny.

The whole cast paid tribute to our new king in a fantastic 1st half finale. The Junior Gang were the ‘Men in Black’. We saw a variation of the Halloween theme as we Wooed Wednesday and met some spooky characters including some stripping skeletons! We were entertained by a duet singing ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’. Then we were introduced to the hectic morning of a wedding and what happens if one detail is missed. The monologue ‘Jabberwocky’ was admirably performed by Theo from the Junior Gang, well done. We then danced to hits from the 80’s, laughed at a comedy sketch all the way from Greece before we signed our performance of ‘Make Your Own Kind of Music’ and then wrapped it up with a fantastic finale medley and some Gang Show favourites.

This year saw Steve Townsend take on the role of Musical Director and what a brilliant job he did and such a

talented musician. Steve was joined by Doug Cox. Who will forget his stick twirling antics, and the fantastic sounds he produced from his drum kit. Without such a talented team organising the music and ensuring we sound great the show would not be as successful.

Trips to see Chester Gang Show and Chorley Capers Gang Show were organised and a great evening out was had by all who made the trips.

2024 sees Darrell and Steve hand over the production of the next Gang Show to Jordan and Tor. Jo steps down as Treasurer making way for Jen to look after the accounts.

We wish them all the best as they take the show into the future!

Steve and Darrell

Gang Show Leadership Team 2023

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Scout Active

Support Unit

Another busy year for SASU supporting many activities and events. Here are some highlights.

In July we welcomed Brenda, our new Treasurer to our Group. After a few hiccups transferring account details we won through eventually!

Two of our members, John and Michelle ran a Tombola stall for us and raised £100 for our funds, well done.

In September we organised a social afternoon tea at the Hungry Elephant. Tt was a wonderful afternoon with many good friends. In October we supported the Gang Show and the swimming gala. November saw SASU out in force at Armistice Day and later coordinating refreshments at the programme leaders seminar.

In the latter part of the year we were informed that Scouting was to undergo a change and as part of that transformation, SASU members had presentations which provided an explanation of the way forward and promoted discussion on how our members would fit into the new teams. A process that is still ongoing.

We wanted to support every group in the District and after a discussion we decided to donate membership badges to them so all benefitted.

Our, Late, late New year lunch was held at the Sheraton hotel and it was a great day for people to dine, talk and make more memories.

It is always nice to receive news of awards being given to our members. This year we congratulate…

Bringing the year to a close was the annual St George’s Day dinner dance enjoyed by all and coorganised by a team including a SASU member.

In the future we will still meet as a group of friends with Scouting as our common bond, if you would like to join us contact Phil & Irene.

Irene Wheatley

Scout Active Support Unit Manager

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Our finances

Receipts and Payments account

For the year ending 31st March 2024

2023-2024 2022-2023
Receipts
AGM/DC Retirement
Badge Receipts
Carol Service
Dinner Dance
District Camp
Donations
Greathead (DC)
HQ Charity Account
Interest and dividends received
International
Jamboree
Membership fees
Miscellaneous
Network Neckers
Paul Marshall Legacy
Recruitment/Media
Stakeholder Lunch
Swimming Gala
Training
44th Blackpool
Section Income
Beaver Scouts
Cub Scouts
Explorer Scouts
Gang Show
Mowbreck Beer Festival
Mowbreck Campsite
Paul Marshall Legacy
SASU
Scouts
Service Team
Total Receipts		 £
0
7261
40
8747
0
622
500
27040
7457
0
0
30948
80
43
0
30
0
80
86
1217
84150
4998
11284
10935
21252
0
16405
865816
1110
8762
0
940561
1024711		 £
1214
5788
0
7622
15180
251
500
0
3247
58
6085
27047
404
68
853411
36
100
0
0
0
921009
553
18169
13964
18688
0
6161
0
3
2457
0
59996
981005

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27

Receipts and Payments account (continued) For the year ending 31st March 2024

2023-2024 2022-2023
Payments
AGM/DC Retirement
Awards Evening
Badge Payments
Carol Service
Dinner Dance
District Camp
District Expenses
Greathead (DC)
Insurances
International
Jamboree
Membership Fees
Miscellaneous
Network Neckers
Paul Marshall Legacy
Recruitment/Media
St George's Day
Stakeholder Lunch
Swimming Gala
Training
Welfare
Young Leader Training
Youth Commissioner
44th Blackpool
Section Costs
Beaver Scouts
Cub Scouts
Explorer Scouts
Gang Show
Mowbreck Beer Festival
Mowbreck Campsite
SASU
Scouts
Service Team
Total Payments		 £ £
678 1590
0 58
6614 5230
109 0
6956 5246
0 13869
6605 2356
510 490
636 854
2717 800
1120 8300
30710 48746
0 401
0 387
859101 0
1153 1220
143 0
0 137
638 0
1134 345
0 230
219 0
0 52
964 0
920007
3955
11964
10554
17241
0
19722
1938
7020
0
72392
992399
90310
1168
21170
14174
18365
0
4134
231
2707
0
61950
152260

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28

Net Surplus/(Deficit) for the

Net Surplus/(Deficit) for the Net Surplus/(Deficit) for the Net Surplus/(Deficit) for the
year
32312		 828745
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
For the year ending 31st March 2024		 2023-2024 2022-2023
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
Stock of badges
Mowbreck training centre
Mowbreck buildings/contents
Mowbreck equipment
District equipment
Liabilities
Advance payments
44th Blackpool		 £
0
13661		 £
984618
13661
998280		 £
26851
12572
4840
30000
0
0
19091		 £
952092
39423
991515
5391
5106
30000
37500
22500
20950		 116056
1114336
0
253
1114083
1045446
954
0
1044492
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
Less increase/(reduction) in liabilities		 1048874
32312
1089
62126
-701		 177868
828745
-448
17625
-25084
Reserves carried forward 1145102 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 26 to 31.

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:

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:

Mike Heed

6 Hexham Ave Signed Thornton Cleveleys FY5 2NP Date 20.06.2024

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Notes to the Accounts

For the year ending 31st March 2024

Note 1: Cash at bank and in hand 2023-2024 2022-2023
Exec accounts
CAF bank current account
CAF bank gold account
Virgin account		 £
3595
53676
110
57381		 £
1989
891249
0
893238
Section Accounts
Beavers
Beer Festival
Cubs
Explorers
Gang Show
Mowbreck
Paul Marshall Legacy
SASU
Scout Car Races
Scouts
Service Team		 2133
5059
3555
2611
16971
27611
865816
530
310
2117
429
927142		 1089
5059
4236
2154
12760
30927
0
1514
310
375
429
58853
Total 984522 952092

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Notes to the Accounts (continued)

For the year ending 31st March 2024

Note 2: Analysis of Reserves

Note 2: Analysis of Reserves
2023-2024 2022-2023
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
Young Leader Training
Youth Commissioner Fund		 £
1113987
116310		 £
1048874
54885
997 12527
12113
5059
3000
2611
16971
0
672
1500
30000
27611
500
865816
530
310
429
281
200		 12873
5059
3000
2154
12760
10
58
3451
30000
30927
0
853411
1514
310
429
0
36
Free Reserves 29078 25470

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 and Ian Gledhill. 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 2024

Male Female Self-identify Prefer not to say Total
Youth membership
Squirrel Scouts 44 20 0 0 64
Beaver Scouts 160 49 0 0 209
Cub Scouts 150 69 0 0 219
Scouts 107 75 0 1 183
Explorer Scouts (including Young
Leaders)		 33 32 0 0 65
Network members 5 19 1 0 25
499 264 1 1 765
Adult membership (listing the main role category for each adult volunteer)
Programme delivery roles 69 106 0 0 175
Plus Young Leaders* 19 19 0 0 38
Manager roles 9 10 0 0 19
Governance roles 20 15 0 0 35
Support roles 45 36 0 0 81
143 167 0 0 310
Total membership 642 431 1 1 1075

*Young Leader 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 2024

Squirrel Scout Dreys 5
Beaver Scout Colonies 16
Cub Scout Packs 17
Scout Troops 16
Explorer Scout Units (including YL Units) 4
Active Support Units 3
Young Leader Units 1
Groups 17

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Our board of trustees

Governance structure and executive committee membership - 31 March 2023 to 1 April 2024

Ex-Officio

District Commissioner District Chair District Secretary District Treasurer District Explorer Scout Commissioner District Scout Network Commissioner District Youth Commissioner

Matthew Hornby Chris Hardy Elizabeth Abbott Janet Hardy Joanna Hacking Liam Chow Gabrielle Howson-Tax

Nominated

Joan Swan Lesley Meddings Andy Mitchell

Elected

Andy Inglis Emma Harrison Robert Ward Philip Wheatley Diane Parkinson Peter Rumley Tor Kenmare Ted Cooper**

Until July 2023 *From July 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.

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Roll of honour

Congratulations to all who have been honoured with awards. It’s a privilege to present 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.

2023

Ann Clayton - Silver Wolf

This award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. Awarded for service of exceptional nature.

Sylvia Johns - Bar to the Silver Acorn

Awarded after at least five years of similarly distinguished service after receiving the Silver Acorn.

Joanne Fratzak - Award for Merit

Awarded for outstanding service. Keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service

Nichola Bonsor - Bar to the Award for Merit.

Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.

John Sanderson - Bar to the Award for Merit.

Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.

Mark Stubbs - Bar to the Award for Merit.

Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.

2024

Matt Hornby - Bar to the Award for Merit.

Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.

Stephen Shaw - Award for Merit

Awarded for outstanding service. Keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service

Sarah Whiteside - Award for Merit

Awarded for outstanding service. Keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service

Gone home

Some of our members have gone home this year and we say goodbye to these much-loved members and supporters.

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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SkiLlsForLife

36

blackpoolscouts.org.uk #SkillsForLife

Blackpool Scouts Registered Charity number 521534 #SkillsForLife