2025-03-31-accounts - 12th Warrington East (1St Birchwood) Scout Group

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2023 - 2024

Annual General Meeting Reports and Annual Accounts 2024 - 2025

==> picture [11 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Kc
----- End of picture text -----

Our values

As Scouts we live by the values of Scouting. They underpin everything we do, how we act and the way we treat each other.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Agenda

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting of the 12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) Scout Group to be held on Saturday, 21[st] June 2025

1.	Opening Prayer	Christine Worthington
2.	Introduction and Welcome	BrianMorrow
3.	Apologies for absence	Secretary
4.	Governance topics	BrianMorrow
	a.Approve the minutes of the Annual General
	Meeting held on Sat 29 June 2024 (Copies
	provided)
	b.Adopt the model constitution from Policy,
	Organisation and Rules (POR) (Copies provided)
	c. Note the Group’s financial year (April to March)
	d.Agree the number of members that may be
	appointed to the Trustee Board (Max of 8)
5.	Review of the previous year	Pearl Haskew-Jones
	a.Treasurer’s Report - including statement of
	accounts (copies provided)
		Brian Morrow
	b.Chairman’sReport
	c.Group Lead Volunteer’s Report	Christine Taylor
7.	Making appointments
		Christine Taylor
	a.Appoint the Chair of the Group Trustee Board

	b.Appoint the Treasurer
	c.Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board,
	following recommendations from the open selection
	process initiated by the Group Executive Committee
	d.Appoint the Independent Examiner -
	Bernard Aspinall

8.	Presentation of Awards	Lesley Regan
	Squirrels
	Beavers
	Cubs
	Scouts
	‘Joan Peel Best Achiever Award’
	Leaders’ Awards
9.	Closing remarks – District Representative	Districtrepresentative
10.	Any Other Business

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Minutes of Previous AGM

1.	Opening Prayer	Christine Taylor
2.	Welcome by Chairman Brian Morrow introduced himself and welcomed everybody to our Annual General Meeting and hopefully because of the changes it won't take too long.	Brian Morrow
3.	Apologies Squirrel Section – Noah Milner, Landon & Evereet Moran-Roger and Maesi Paston-Endrina Beaver Section – Oliver Roussot, Cub Section – Chloe Roussot, Scout Section – Nick Barker, William Icke, Olivia Booth-Simenson & parents, Abbigael & Joe Hunter and parents, Emily Ritson & parents, Ethan Manning & parents, Bruno Hordecki & parents, Elliott Conway & parents, Evie Peers & parents, Pak Clare Barker Brenda Dodd	Becki Hughes
4.	Explanation of the changes of governance of the group Short presentation given by Justin Mills and Brian Morrow explaining how the new set up of the Trustee Board and the Group Leadership Team. Justin also gave a presentation along with some of the scouts, cubs, beavers and squirrels. If you can assist please fill in one of the forms going round the meeting today.	Brian Morrow & Justin Mills
5.	Governance Topics a. Approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Sat 15 July 2023 (Copies provided) Approved b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) (Copies provided) Approved c. Note the Group’s financial year (April to March) Approved d. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board (Max of 8) Approved Proposer:Mike Scholes Seconder:Christine Taylor	Brian Morrow
6.	Review of the Previous Year a. Treasurer report This will be last appointment as treasurer the last financial year the report is with the agenda spent an awful lot of money by installingthe solarpanels a lot were approved by grants. We also	Paul Speake

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

have a new system in place and the proposal should be that we have a budget of about £1000 a month, we do try to keep subs down as much as we can but we do need to fundraise a lot more. We do bag for schools and bonus ball which is £4 per month fundraising team will be getting involved to add more names. If you want to be a third party user then please get in touch with us via the website also if you see that the international fund has closed by the side of it, this is for international trips and this currently sits at £2500 the bank decided to close the account, we do now have it back but it currently sits in our current account. Our future proofing fund we have £1300 which we used for sol it now sits at £300 if you are able to do gift aid, if you can please get in touch after we can get you to complete the form. Brian Morrow I wish my successor good luck in the future, Brian said thank you Paul b. Chairman's Report Brian did an overview of recent things that have been done around the Scout Centre, you can see his full report in the Annual Report. It is another sad day as I am standing down as chair of the group, I am not too sure what to say yes it has been brilliant and would I do it again yes, but it has been a pain, my aspiration when I took over was for this group to be the best group in Warrington there is a shed load of extra stuff that could be done. have I done it in the best possible way probably not but I'd like to Lesley Regan think that I have made friends and I know I have upset people but I didn't mean to. As chairman of the group and executive committee that is me done and thank you. c. Group Lead Volunteers Report Brian passed over to Lesley is standing in on behalf of Christine Taylor. Christine wrote the first half of this report and I have written the 2nd part, I am not going to read the whole report which you can see attached to our main AGM report. Christine is a brilliant GSL and as it brilliant mentor as it is not an easy job being a GSL there is a massive amount of work done in the background and after a 2 month full break Christine has stated supporting me and thank you to all the leaders who have helped. Christine thank you what more can I say we miss you. 7. Making appointments a. Appoint the Chair of the Group Trustee Board - Lesley Regan We have nominated and appointed Brian Morrow b. Appoint the Treasurer - Brian Morrow

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

We have appointed Pearl Haskew-Jones

c. Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Group Executive Committee - Nominated and appointed: Christine Worthington Brenda Dodd Sharon King

d. Appoint the Independent Examiner - Appointed Bernard Aspinall

Proposer: Justin Mills Seconder: Jon Davies 8. Presentation of Awards. Squirrels – presented by Nick Coupland Runner up Isaac Harley Squirrel of the year Henry Jeffrey Beavers – presented by Helen Waring Runner Up T J Bartley Beaver of the Year Ava Reedy Lodge of the year No longer have Cubs – presented by Lesley Regan Runner Up George Zoumis Cub of the Year Blake Lyon Six of the Year Blue Six

Cubs – presented by Lesley Regan Runner Up Cub of the Year Six of the Year

Scouts – presented by Justin Mills and Becki Hughes

Runner up Scout Scout of the Year Scouts Scout of the Year Runner up Scout of the Year Scout of the Year Patrol of the Year

Joan Peel Best Achiever Award – presented by Christine Taylor and Lesley Regan

Taylor Young Leader Award – presented by Christine Taylor and Lesley Regan

Tobiasz Le Gall Korben Ince Evie Peers Ollie Christian Falcon Patrol Zack Spencer Alice Barker

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

==> picture [348 x 366] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Leader Awards – presented by Lesley Regan, Christine and Mike
Timmins
Wood Badge - Helen Waring
5 year service award
Clare Barker
Richard Mills
Chief Scouts commendation for Metorious Conduct
Janette Lineham
Flowers were presented to Janette by Lesley
9. Closing Remarks - District Representative Mike Timmins
Mike said thank you very much for inviting me, I have known this
group for a long time and got to know the group very well, Brian
has been your chairman for a very long time and on behalf of the
district we would like to thank Brian and keeping Christine and
Lesley in line and we look forward to working with you under the
new team. Would like to thank Lesley not long after I took over as
DLV I got the call from Lesley about Christine, Lesley stepped in
and has supported the group and it is lovely to see Christine
today and I would like to thank Lesley for all she does for the
group. This group is full of young people and your children, we
need you to support the sections and leaders, if you can help
then please fill the form in.
10. Any Other Business Brian Morrow
Christine would just like to say a few words as Paul has decided
to stand down as Treasurer after 7 years, along with Tracey Cub
Section Lead they put 100% into the group. Paul didn't want any
fuss thank you Paul it is one job I wouldn't take on. Thank you for
everything you do Paul and he is staying on as a Beaver Leader
and Tracey in the cubs.
----- End of picture text -----

tarmac.

hall.

about yourself.

a badge for

the big Centre.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

- Treasurer’s Report 2025 For the financial year of 1st of April 2024 to 31st March 2025

Paul Speake has continued as Treasurer due to issues with our bank. The original bank didn't recognise my full authority as Treasurer, insisting I access the business account via my personal savings account card, which I refused. This would not have allowed me to make payments or deposits.

Due to challenges encountered, both the Trustees and the Group Leadership Team decided to change banks. After investigating available banks that accept registered charity business accounts, Lloyds Banking Group was selected. Since all dealings for this type of account are handled online, it has taken some time to arrange.

There were issues with one of the three designated individuals experiencing difficulties in approving the opening of the account. After multiple attempts, it was decided to remove this individual and proceed with the switch. The new account was successfully opened, but the bank switch from the old bank was initially declined. This issue has now been addressed, and as of 15 May 2025, when this report was completed, we are awaiting the process to be finalised.

Pearl Haskew - Jones Group Treasurer

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Chairman’s Report 2024 - 2025

Well, this is a difficult one to write.

I have decided after much heart searching to stand down as Chair of your Trustee Board.

There are a lot of reasons, but I feel that the time is right to stand aside and let another person with the passion and enthusiasm take the Group/Board forward.

I have been involved in Scouting for over 30 years in a variety of roles and the vast majority of it has been absolutely brilliant.

From challenging the Scouts (of all ages) to think out of the box and look at a problem from a different point of view, showing them that there is more than one way to do something and of course take the micky at every opportunity.

The best bits were of course when they realise that they are just as important as anyone else and got their own back on me. Filling my tent with cornflakes and my rucksack with stones (which I only found after a 12 mile hike) will always stick in my mind.

All part of giving them “Skills for Life”.

believed that the Scouts deserved to have the same type and quality of facilities that any adult would expect to have.

In terms of other boring stuff that we have done over the year. The Trustee Board is now setup and running. Budgets set.

Reporting requirements set between the Group Leadership Team and the Board. The day to day running of the Group is now fully with the Group Leadership Team.

And the biggest challenge over the year has also been resolved (moving the Group Bank account), thanks to Paul and Pearl for all their hard work on this.

So thank you all for the last 30+ years and all the best for the future.

Brian Morrow Trustee Board Chairman

Then there is of course all the stuff in the background. Helping plan and run activities, camps, fundraising and your Scout Centre.

In terms of achievement the development of the Scout Centre would be a close second to the stuff with the Scouts themselves. Turning it from a just about functional building to what I would say is the best and the most memorable Scout Centre in Warrington. I have always

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Group Leaders’ Report 2024 - 2025

This year has seen major changes implemented by the Scout Association; mainly related to the running of the Scout Group. It means that Section Leaders have had to take on more responsibility in relation to the financial running of the Group. Also, to take on the maintenance of the Scout Centre itself. This is a tremendous responsibility for everyone involved and puts extra pressure on the Section Leaders as they are still running their weekly Section meetings. It is far from ideal.

*On a rather sad note - Brian Morrow, Chair of the Trustee Board, is resigning from this post at the AGM this year. Brian has been my Group Chair for over 30 years. He has been, along with his family, a linchpin and stay of the Group for all these years. Brian was key in the extension to the Scout Centre. He has done so many things for the Group, Leaders and young people. Brian you will be missed.

A Group Leadership Team has been set up (as per Scout Association instructions.) This is made up of Section Leaders, 2 Group Lead Volunteers, Group Treasurer, Fund-Raising Lead, 2 Scout Leaders who have taken on the running of the maintenance team, another Scout Leader who is heading up the technical running of the Group, ie computers etc and a Note Taker (a Cub Scout parent.)

Christine Taylor Group Lead Volunteer

Also, a Trustee Board has been set up under the Chairmanship of Brian Morrow*.

I will endorse what Christine has said above. It has been difficult and challenging at times. Not made any easier with extra Learning to comply with.

I would like to thank ALL my Leaders, Helpers and each of the sub-committees.

Because of my continuing serious health problem (I am still under two hospitals for investigations and care) Lesley and I have split our Group Lead Volunteer roles. Basically, Lesley is dealing with the running of all the Sections, whilst heading up the Cub Scout Section also. I do all the administration, head up meetings and believe me there is quite a lot of administration to do. Also, I head up the general running of the Group. Lesley and I have regular catch up meetings.

Without Lesley, I would not be able to carry on as Group Lead Volunteer. THANK YOU so much Lesley.

Christine has managed to keep all the Sections up to date with the changes which have been invaluable and time saving for our Leaders.

Our Sections have been running some exciting and fun activities for our young members; which you will find in the Section Reports. Please read them all.

We are very lucky to have enthusiastic Leaders and Helpers; also we have very supportive parents. We all come from different backgrounds, this helps to add to our Section programmes, keeping them fresh, enjoyable and appropriate.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Our parents have been very supportive travelling back and forth with their children, near and far, also helping out on external events.

Although we may not see Christine at weekly meetings; Christine is fully up to date with the programmes and all the Leaders and Helpers within our Group which does take a lot of her time behind the scenes.

It is all down to Christine that we all are up to date with our important learning, that we do need to comply with, and the background work we need to do before we can hold a Section meeting.

Thank you Christine, I know it is not always easy to do what you do, but I do not know where we would be without you.

Let us hope we do not have any more major changes in running Scouting for quite a few years ahead!

Lesley Regan Group Lead Volunteer

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Squirrel Scout Section Report 2024 - 2025

It’s been a fantastic year for Squirrels.

It’s been a fantastic year for Squirrels; this year we have gone through a bit of change but still welcomed more Squirrels to the Scouting movement! •

•

This year we continued to have plenty of Squirrels move up to Beavers both at our Group or continuing at other Groups, and we wish them all the best of luck!

Events

We have taken part in:-

Squirrels District Christmas Party Squirrels and Beavers Christmas Party

Kenyon Hall Farm Trip

We once again had a bunch of new parents begin to help out alongside their Squirrel and I can’t thank you all enough for chipping in here and there when we needed you, and who knows, we might make future Leaders of you yet!

All of the Squirrels Leaders also stepped up this year during the few months when I couldn’t make it on time. All of the Squirrel Leaders are amazing and thank you all so much for helping me while I was busy!

Since the last AGM, we have roughly earned:-

140 Activity Badges

13 Staged Badges

5 Joining In Badges

34 Challenge Awards

6 Chief Scout Acorn Awards

Visit to Birchwood Fire & Police Station

•

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

•

South African Link!

And another big thank you to all the new adults who have come into our Section and got stuck in straightaway, helping out with activities, photo taking, idea suggestions, or even just hanging around when we need extra adults:- Jane, Irena, Diana, Radu, Lisa and Emma.

A final big thank you to all the parents that bring their children to Squirrels every week. Without you bringing them we wouldn’t be able to keep making fun and exciting activities for them. You are all always super helpful and supportive, and are always there when we need the extra support.

Here is to another year of Squirrels’ adventures to come!

Summary

This year has been another steady year for Squirrels, we once again have been able to introduce so many new families and children to Scouting and make sure they have a whale of a time doing so.

Nick Coupland (Oak) Squirrel Scout Leader

Scouting is all about teamwork, and without all the Leaders and adults helping at Squirrels every week, we wouldn’t be able to have a Squirrels Drey. So, a massive thank you to my team:- Mary, Jeremy, Gary, Gary, and Janette.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Beaver Scout Section Report 2024 - 2025

It’s been a busy and enjoyable time at Beavers, with a full and varied programme, ensuring there is something for everyone and great opportunities to have fun, learn new skills and earn badges.

Just so you know, the Chief Scout Bronze Award Badge and Staged Badges can be worn on the Cub uniform.

Many Squirrels have moved into our Beaver Colony and we are pleased they have settled in so well. Some of our long-standing Beavers will be moving up to Cubs in the near future. They have grown in confidence and, it is with much pride, that we send them on to embrace new challenges, experiences and adventures.

It's a huge and heartfelt Thank You to all our Beavers, who bring their infectious enthusiasm, fun and knowledge to our sessions – there is always something to learn from them.

Our activities:-

A huge Thank You too to the Young Leaders, and Beaver Leaders in our Section who bring programme ideas to life and prepare and run the sessions – it’s really is a great team effort. Lastly, not forgetting the Leaders from other Sections and the Group Leadership Team who support us when we need it most, notably Akela from Cubs who has been a great source of guidance and additional support in recent months.

We were delighted to award a total of 210 well-earned badges.

6 Beavers successfully completed their Personal Challenge Badge, and 5 Chief Scout Bronze Awards have been achieved. Congratulations and well done everyone.

We listen to the Beavers and capture their ideas and wishes in our regular ‘log chews’. A flavour of some of the things we have done are below -

Hikes, den building, scavenger hunts Community impact, littler picking Faith, different faiths, festivals and cultures, a visit to Thomas Risley Church Environmental impacts, reusing, recycling and junk modelling

Money skills, including shopping for healthy choices and simple cooking Building and creative, Lego challenges Crafting gifts for our loved ones Science and experiments, playing with light and making rainbows

Team working and the importance of friendship and kindness

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

amongst them, the Beavers rose to the challenge of our photography project with wonderful and varied submissions. – Yet to

be seen!

…the list goes on and there are many more opportunities to enjoy, learn new skills and achieve the all-important badges, before we conclude our year with an evening with some very special visitors – more information will follow.

Please look at our boards in the main hall for some examples of our work and activities.

Some of our Beavers are passionate about their collections and hobbies and have been able to present to the Colony all about what interests them. For budding photographers

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

We are proud to volunteer with 12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) Scout Group and look forward to continuing to be part of your children’s progress, personal growth and independence as they embrace the wonderful and numerous opportunities that Scouting offers.

Thank you for your trust and support

Helen Lucas Beaver Team Member

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Cub Scout Section Report 2024 - 2025

Our Cub Scouts started the year off with some Community Impact work at Woolston Park. It is always good and rewarding to get outside and give a helping hand. To be able to find our way around we took a look at maps, map symbols and compasses. We even had a game of Maple Ships. It is similar to Battle Ships but use grid references to destroy each others bases.

Before a camp/sleepover we usually look at putting tents up. If dry outside if wet inside as a practice for camps. Together with this activity, usually we have grading wood activity and fire lighting; always good to finish off with a smore. We had a very busy sleepover at our Scout Centre with lots of activities. As a plus, most of the activities were completed outside. The weather was kind to us.

It is always good to have some knowledge on how to grow flowers and vegetables. Our Gardener Badge covers this and we all learn new things by watching our seeds grow.

A very good night is were we all can do some backwoods cooking and try different recipes. This time was made our own dough and made your own Pizza. They went down a treat.

Part of being a Cub is to learn basic First Aid, which we do cover, were the Cubs cover their fellow Cubs in old bandages; I think they enjoy that part the best!

Then there are times that we just have a games night. No badge work but team work.

When we are out in the countryside we do hope that our members do know and use the Country Code. We do learn it with them.

We do find the Cyclist Activity Badge difficult to arrange as all of our Cubs need to bring along their own bike, however we did manage to do this and our Cubs completed a short ride, mounting and dismounting their bikes, some basic road safety and general bike maintenance.

To keep our Cubs fit we have an Athletes Activity Badge. This is always very

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

energetic and we always hope for a nice evening so we can do this outside.

We held a Cubs and parents evening; we had lots of games that everyone could join in. It was lots of fun.

When we returned in September we held a game of Beetle Drive. It is surprising how many young, and not so young, have never heard of the game let alone played it. Our Cubs did enjoy it.

Most of us all now take so may photos with our phones; it is not so common to use a camera. We held the Cubs Photographer Activity Badge. One of the bases had cameras of yesteryear!

Our Cubs joined in with the local Remembrance Service held at Birchwood Centre, a really good turnout. Thank you and well done to everyone.

We can always have fun with science and our activities reflect this.

A few of our Cubs spent a day in Chester where the County Cub Scouts were holding My Faith Badge in a church. A brilliant time was had and we all learned so much.

We have a brilliant District Water Team who does canoeing for lots of Scouts and Guides they are bases at Grappenhall Scout Centre. It is always a thrill for our Cubs to go along.

We also like to think of those who are not as well off as ourselves and we give food donations to the food bank.

Crafts are always a good night to have. Lots of creativity is shown.

We cannot end the year without a Christmas Party.

Our Cubs do love cooking and our Chef’s Badge helps their creativity.

Computers are a main part in our daily life but do we know what Ttheyhave inside? We do now have a better understanding of the workings with our Digital Citizen Activity badge.

Fire Safety is always important to look into, that is why we do the Fire Safety Activity Badge.

It is always good to start a new term with a fun activity. We went bowling. A great night was had by everyone.

We are lucky to have one of the members of Friends of Risley Moss to come to our Scout Centre and take us through bird identification. This was pre-information for us to join in the Big Bird Count.

We do enjoy celebrating other countries celebrations. We are very lucky to have a parent who put on and ran a Chinese New Year Evening.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025 The homeless is always a subject that we cover. We do this by allowing the Cubs to make a shelter out of cardboard boxes and going outside where they get into them, we serve up hot chocolate for them. The colder the weather the better it is for them to start to understand how fortunate they are to have warm dry beds to sleep in.

Also many thanks to Christine Taylor, Group Lead Volunteer, for all her support and encouragement.

Without our Cub Scouts we would not have a Cub Pack. Thank you to all of them for turning up each week and making us smile.

Our sincere thanks to all of our Cub parents who have been so supportive and helpful; it has not gone unnoticed.

We always love to get to know what hobbies our Cubs have. To start them off, two of our Young Leaders treated them to an evening of what their hobbies are. Both Young Leaders did a fantastic presentation.

Our thanks also go to our Group Leadership Team for their support over the last year.

A bit more science as well as a Counties Celebration it was the Festival of Colours. They produced a rainbow of colours. We had skittles arranged around a plate and added in the middle some water and milk.

Here is a list of badges awarded during the reporting year:-

Chief Scouts Silver Award - George Zoumis 1

We ended the year off with Mothers Day gifts.

Challenge Awards - Adventure 5, Outdoors 1, Personal 1, Skills 6, Team Leader 3, Teamwork 7 and World 4

To arrange and hold all the activities above takes dedication by our volunteer Leaders to keep them relevant, engaging and fun. My thanks, on behalf of all our Cubs, go to each and every Leader in our Section for their devotion and dedication to our Cub Scout Pack and also to the Leaders in our other Sections who come and help us with their own expertise, without which we would not be able to offer such a wide range of activities.

Activity Badges - Athletics 12,

Backwoods Cooking 13, Book Reader 2, Book Reader 14, Cyclist 15,

Environmental Conservation 1, Fire Safety 18, Gardener 1, Home Help 6, My Faith 3, Photographer 9 and Scientist 18.

Staged Badges - Community Impact 3, Digital Citizen 1, Emergency Aid 6, Hikes 1, Nautical Skills 8, Nights Away 7, Paddle Sports 7 and Time on the Water 17.

Group Badges - District & County 7, Group Name Tape 4, Membership 6 and Joining In 18.

227 badges have been awarded.

Lesley Regan Cub Scout Leader

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Scout Section Report 2024 - 2025

Over the past year, the Scout Section has had quite an eventful and engaging journey, marked by a variety of meetings and activities that have contributed to the growth and development of our young Scouts.

We have consistently had an active Troop of between 15 to 17 Scouts, however, this has now come down to 12 Scouts as of the end of December term. We have had 5 Scouts complete their Chief Scout Gold Award. Most of our Section are young Scouts but all work well together as a Troop, this has included having 1 Cub transition over the year.

Outdoor Archery and Crossbows plus we have done Archery indoors, along with soft axe throwing, these have been particular favourites. We have also had some Scouts that have taken part at Warrington Target sports district team and done shooting, which has led to one of our Scouts completing the Master at Arms Badge and attending a competition. Our enthusiastic Scouts have participated and showcased their skills at these activities plus also showcasing their skills in Patrol challenges which contributed to collaborative activities such as creating homemade weather stations.

Continuing on from the previous year’s success were we had 2 Scouts achieve their Chief Scout Gold Award, we have had a further 5 Scouts achieve their Chief Scout Gold Award, which has been very pleasing. Their dedication and hard work in gaining their Award has been very much down to their ongoing commitment and effort as to those of the Leaders to get them through and complete the Award.

Notable highlights of our programme have included us continuing to base our programme around key Scouting practical skills such as knotting skills, pioneering, backwoods cooking, fire skills along with orienteering and hiking skills. Some other varied visits included a trip to Alston Observatory to engage in astronomy sessions. We have done

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

The Group have also successfully carried out a range of events that have provided memorable experiences for all involved. The Summer Camp, which lasted three days, allowed the Scouts to immerse themselves in nature and develop their skills further with hiking and fire lighting, plus they coped very well with the deluge of rain we had on the Saturday night! Other notable events, included the indoor climbing sessions, the 2 caving sessions we had at West Mine in Alderley Edge, which I think all Scouts loved and a unique evening of gliding at Staffordshire Gliding Club. The Spring Sleepover helped foster friendships and teamwork, while the Birchwood Remembers event instilled a sense of community and remembrance. The Christmas Bingo night offered a delightful chance for families to come together in a fun and engaging evening.

We finished off the year taking on an expedition to Lytham St Annes. Unfortunately we could not do the camping part due to Storm Ashley, but we were able to adopt a last minute revision of the trip and do the main part which included travel to Lytham where we visited the RNLI station, bus back to Blackpool where we had a meal and then saw the lights, we then got the train home. All the Scouts enjoyed the day and there was a lot of good bonding on the journey.

Finally, we are very proud that we had 4 Scouts attend the District Cattaro camp for Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders in March this year. This camp only happens every 18 months and it’s main goal is to develop their leadership skills. They represented the Group and Scout Section very well and since coming back have displayed leadership skills learnt at this event.

We had an engaging visit to the Warhammer Shop in Warrington to link in with the Model Making Badge. All the Scouts enjoyed this and were the quietist we have ever seen them. They really got into this activity and we are hoping to put on some Warhammer games as part of our future programme.

We are exceptionally grateful to all the Leaders who contribute their time and effort to facilitate these opportunities for our young Scouts. Special thanks go to Justin, Mary, Nick, Josh and Mike along with our Young Leader, Will, and our for

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

their unwavering support and assistance over the last 12 months. Their commitment has been pivotal in ensuring that our programme continues to thrive. I would also like to give a mention to Will who completed his Chief Scout Platinum Award last year, well done.

committed Scout and did very well in completing his Chief Scout Gold Award. We hope to see you at the Celebrating Success event at the end of year.

Finally we would like to express our gratitude to all the families supporting our Section and to the children for bringing so much enjoyment to the activities. The Leaders genuinely appreciate the enthusiasm and spirit displayed by every Scout. Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our Group, and we look forward to another year of growth in Scouting. We would also like to thank Christine, Lesley and the Trustee Board for their support and trust in us.

Becki Hughes and Justin Mills Joint Scout Troop Leaders

Looking ahead, there are exciting adventures ahead planned for the coming year. The Scouts can look forward to doing more camps over the next year, another expedition and hoping to do more caving and gliding, and additional indoor camps that promise to enrich their scouting journey.

We have said goodbye to Tobiasz, Korben, Abbiegael and Emily, who did very well in completing their Chief Scout Gold Award and have continued their Scouting journey by following the Young Leader programme and helping in our Squirrel, Beaver and Cub Sections. We have also said goodbye to Ollie who left the Group in December, he was a very

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Fundraising Team Report 2024 - 2025

As you may know, the 12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) Scout Group provides valuable experiences for young people, helping them develop essential skills for life, teamwork, and community involvement through various programmes and activities.

To enable us to do this we need to Fundraise to supplement Membership Subscriptions and the overall running costs of our own building.

This year we have set up a Fundraising Team and have run various events throughout the year: Bedding Plant Sales, Stall at Birchwood Carnival, Quiz Night, Raffles, Christmas Themed Bingo, Clothing collections, (Bag2School) Jumble Sale and more. We have set up some future fun Events so keep a lookout on the notice boards, TV screen in the Foyer, social media, letters home, emails and word of mouth….

If you are interested in helping or have any questions, please email us on Fundraising@12thwesg.org.uk and we will contact you.

I would like to thank the newly formed Fundraising Team and helpers, for all their hard work and efforts so far this year. You have made a huge difference. Here’s to another successful year of Fundraising.

Did you know that you can bring your Family & Friends to these Events?

Did you know that we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team who can bring ideas to the table and help at Events?

Christine Worthington

Fundraising Team Leader

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Building Maintenance Team Report 2024 - 2025

==> picture [57 x 92] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
a th
.
Centre=
«Al|
pos
me
1+} .
----- End of picture text -----

Over the past year the Building Maintenance Team and their volunteers have provided, amongst other things, the following updates and improvements to the Scout Centre building and grounds:-

Some of the future planned works from April 2025 onwards include:-

Relocation of the IT hub
Replacement of low-level flood lights
Building fire risk assessment
Building risk assessment
Grounds maintenance
Lawn maintenance and mower servicing
Fire extinguishers servicing
Tree maintenance works
Strip and recoating of the main hall floor
Repainting of PRM parking bay and front step.
General painting works
Additional safety signage
Gas boiler servicing
Request to Warrington Borough Council to clear the surface water drain at the main entrance.
Assessment of climbing wall
Loft area clear out and reorganisation

As you can see the ongoing maintenance and improvement programme is a long and ongoing task. Mike and I would like to thank all the maintenance team, volunteers, along with the support of all of our Scouting Group and anyone else who has assisted with maintenance and improvements for their hard work.

Installation of a new concrete base to the gas bottle store
Construction of a new firewood store

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

In order to support these tasks, we would like to appeal to anyone who would like to assist in providing any skills or labour, even on an occasional basis. Please look out for assistance requests for occasional ad hoc maintenance events.

If you would like to assist or have any relevant skills which may be helpful to building and ground maintenance, please contact me on

nick.barker@12thwesg.org.uk

Many thanks –

Nick Barker and Mike Scholes Maintenance Team Leaders

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

Group Constitution

Policy, Organisation and Rules

c. Constitutions of Groups, Districts and Counties (except Scotland) (see Chapter 5d for constitutions for Scottish Groups, Districts, Regions) This chapter was previously sections 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 from the Autumn 2024 edition of POR.

5c.1. Constitution for a Group (except Scotland)

Introduction to the Constitution for a Group (except Scotland) This introduction is not part of the model constitution for a Group but includes important points of context. The Group constitution must always be used in the context of the rules in Chapter 5b of POR – these are Rules and must not be amended. In accordance with Rule 5b.3.1.5, any amendments or differences to the model constitution at 5c.1 below must be agreed at the AGM and fully recorded in the minutes of the AGM.

In the interest of openness, especially for new members of the Group Scout Council, the Group Scout Council must re-adopt their constitution at each Annual General Meeting (AGM). 5c.1.1 Preamble 5c.1.1.1

This constitution describes the role, membership and operation of the Group Scout Council, and the Group Trustee Board.

In the previous versions of POR, it was section 5.4.

5c.1.2 Charitable objects

5c.1.2.1

[Rule 1.1 of POR]

Our purpose is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

5c.1.3 The Group Scout Council

5c.1.3.1

The Group Scout Council has a governance role for the charity and

makes Group Trustee Board appointments other than ex officio and co-opted Trustee appointments. 5c.1.3.2 The Group Scout Council has no Trustee responsibilities. 5c.1.3.3 The members of the Group Scout Council are The ex officio members of the Group Scout Council are detailed in Rule 5b.3.2.4.

The Group Scout Council may appoint some members as detailed in Rule 5b.3.2.8.

The Group Scout Council may appoint some community members. See Rule 5b.3.2.9.

The maximum number of appointed and community members of a Group Scout Council is defined in Rule 5b.3.2.10. 5c.1.3.4

Group Trustee Board administration must ensure that appointed Group Scout Council Members are recorded

locally in the minutes of the Group Scout Council meeting which appoints them (normally the AGM). Group Scout Council members (whether ex officio or appointed or community) must not be recorded as such on the membership system.

5c.1.4 The Group Trustee Board 5c.1.4.1

The Group Trustee Board is responsible for the governance of the charity. Although the Group Trustee Board is responsible for the charity, it is accountable to the Group Scout Council. 5c.1.4.2

Group Trustee Board membership The ex officio Group Trustees, as defined in Rule 5b.3.3.5(a). Appointed Group Trustees (including Chair and Treasurer) are persons appointed by the Group Scout Council as described in Rule 5b.3.3.5(b). The selection process for appointed Group Trustees must follow Rules

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025 5b.3.3.5(b) and 5b.3.3.6. Co-opted Trustees are persons coopted by the Group Trustee Board as described in Rule 5b.3.3.5(c). Their term of appointment is a maximum of 12 months (though re-appointment is permitted).

meetings of the Group Scout Council Review the previous financial year by receiving from the Group Lead Volunteer an overview of the past 12 months of activity in the Group receiving and considering the Group Trustees’ Annual Report and the annual statement of accounts which have been approved by the Group Trustee Board. Make appointments

The number of co-opted members must not exceed the actual number of appointed Trustees, excluding Chair and Treasurer. If a co-option is required mid-year because of a vacancy arising, then this rule may be broken, provided that the total number of Trustees remains no greater than the total number of Trustees permitted by Group Scout Council resolution at the AGM. The selection process for Co-opted Trustees must follow Rules 5b.3.3.5(c) and 5b.3.3.6. The Sponsoring Authority, or its nominee, has right of attendance at a Group Trustee Board.

appoint a Chair of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendation from the selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board.

appoint a Treasurer of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendation from the selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board.

appoint other members of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendations from the selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board.

5c.1.5 Group Scout Council – Annual General Meeting 5c.1.5.1

approve the appointment of any Group Presidents or Group Vice Presidents, and note current appointees (if any) appoint (or re-appoint) an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer as required (see 5a.1.7)

To support the planning and delivery of a Group AGM there is a downloadable ‘script’ (including agenda and script templates and a suggested planning timetable). 5c.1.5.2

5c.1.6 Group Trustee Board - purpose

Each Group Scout Council must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of the end of the Group’s financial year. The Group should give a minimum of four weeks’ notice of the date of the AGM. 5c.1.5.3

5c.1.6.1

The Group Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure Scouts is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance, working to ensure that the Group is meeting The Scout Association’s overall aims and strategic goals.

The AGM must:

Undertake governance oversight by approving the minutes of the previous Group AGM adopting (or re-adopting) the constitution of the Group (see Rule 5b.3) noting the dates of charity’s financial year approving appointed and community members of the Group Scout Council agreeing the maximum total number of members of the Group Trustee Board (this is one number representing the total of ex officio, appointed and co-opted members) agreeing the quorum for future

Effective Trustee support helps other volunteers run the Scout programme that gives young people skills for life. 5c.1.6.2

Members of the Group Trustee Board must act collectively as charity trustees of their Group, and in the best interests of the charity’s members. 5c.1.6.3

The Group Trustee Board must act in the charity’s best interests, acting with

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

reasonable care and skill and take steps to be confident that: The charity is: well managed carrying out its purposes for the public benefit complying with the charity’s governing document and the law managing the charity’s resources responsibly the charity is operating compliant with POR and the local charity regulator, including effective management of each of the Key Policies listed in Chapter 2. young people are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels the Group has sufficient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) available to meet the planned work of the Group including delivery of the high-quality programme and resource requirements of the training programme (4.3.7 of POR) 5c.1.6.4 The Group Trustee Board members must themselves collectively: develop and maintain a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations ensure that the Group’s finances are properly managed, including development and maintenance of appropriate budgets to support the work of the Group ensure that where the Group is partnered with an Explorer Unit and the operational financing is undertaken by the Group, this arrangement must be documented in the Partnership Agreement, and the finance arrangements must follow this guidance. maintain and manage: a reserves policy for the charity. This must address the minimum reserves that should be maintained to allow for difficult financial circumstances in the Group, and must also include a statement about how reserves outside that ‘minimum’ will be used for development of Scouts an investment policy for the charity a public benefit statement for the charity ensure that people, property and equipment are appropriately insured, and that any property and equipment

owned or used by the Group is properly protected and maintained ensure the appointment and management and operation of any subteam(s), including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-team(s). This should normally be one of the Group’s Trustees. This sub-team Chair role title is Sub-Team Leader (see the Teams Table in Chapter 16). ensure that effective administration is in place to support the work of the Group Trustee Board appoint any co-opted members of the Group Trustee Board ensure transparency of operation, including: prepare and approve the Annual Accounts and arrange their examination by an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer (as appropriate) and as appointed by the Group Scout Council at their AGM prepare and approve the Group Trustees’ Annual Report (which must include the Annual Accounts and include the report from the auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer) present the approved Group Trustees’ Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the Group Scout Council for their consideration at the Group AGM following the Group AGM, ensure that a copy of the Group Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts is filed as described in 5e.2.1.2 of PO take responsibility for the Group’s adherence to Data Protection Legislation recognising that, dependent on circumstances, it may at different times act as a Data Controller and as a Data Processor individually and collectively maintain confidentiality regarding appropriate Group Trustee Board business put in place annually an open and transparent selection process to recommend to the Group Scout Council appropriate members to be appointed members of the Group Trustee Board, including Chair and Treasurer. Vacancies for appointed Trustees only occur at the end of their period of appointment (for example, a Trustee

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

may have been appointed for three years and so does not need to be reappointed or re-selected after years 1 and 2). where staff are employed: act as a responsible employer in accordance with Scouts’ values and relevant legislation ensure that effective line management is in place for each employed staff member and that these are clearly established and communicated ensure that appropriate specific personnel insurance is in place 5c.1.6.5

A Group Trustee Board may create sub-teams it deems necessary to support its governance function. The Group Trustee Board must ensure that for any sub-team it appoints: its purpose is governance-focused and not operational its members are agreed and approved by the Group Trustee Board the Group Chair has right of attendance the Group Lead Volunteer has right of attendance 5c.1.6.6 Sub-team members are not Trustees unless they are already members of the appointing Group Trustee Board. 5c.1.6.7 All sub-team members must be recorded on the membership system.

5c.1.7 Group Scout Council – Conduct of meetings

5c.1.7.1

The Group Scout Council meets at their AGM (see 5c.1.5). 5c.1.7.2

It would be unusual for there to be additional meetings of the Group Scout Council. This is because the primary task of the Group Scout Council is to appoint the Group Trustee Board. If members resign from the Group Trustee Board, Rule 16.9.2.2 must be followed, thus rendering an additional meeting of the Group Scout Council unnecessary. 5c.1.7.3

A Group Scout Council meeting should normally be convened with at least four

weeks’ notice. A meeting may be convened on shorter or no notice with the agreement of at least three quarters of the members of the Group Trustee Board. 5c.1.7.4 Group Scout Council meetings are chaired by the Group Chair. If the Group Chair is unable to be present, the Group Chair may appoint a delegate to chair a meeting of the Group Scout Council subject to such appointment being approved at the start of the meeting by a majority of the Group Scout Council members present. 5c.1.7.5

Only Group Scout Council members, as defined in 5c.1.4.2, may vote in Group Scout Council meetings. 5c.1.7.6

The quorum for a Group Scout Council meeting is agreed by the Group Scout Council at their AGM (see 5c.1.5.3(a)). If there is no quorum present at a meeting of the Group Scout Council, the meeting must be closed and reconvened at the earliest available opportunity. 5c.1.7.7

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by those present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side, the Chair does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried.

5c.1.7.8

To discharge their responsibilities, the Group Scout Council may meet by video conference as well as, or instead of, face to face when agreed by the Group Chair. The Group Scout Council must not ‘meet’ using any indirect process, such as email.

At any meeting which is not fully in person, there must be an online poll or other electronic method of counting votes. 5c.1.7.9

All meetings of the Group Scout Council, whether face-to-face or otherwise, must be properly recorded and minuted.

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

5c.1.8 Group Trustee Board - Conduct of meetings

5c.1.8.1

Meetings of the Group Trustee Board should be convened on at least two weeks’ notice. Meetings may be convened on shorter or no notice with the agreement of at least half of the members of the Group Trustee Board. 5c.1.8.2

Group Trustee Board meetings are chaired by the Group Chair. If the Group Chair is unable to be present at a meeting, the Group Trustee Board may choose a member to act as chair for the duration of the meeting of the Group Trustee Board subject to such appointment being approved at the start of the meeting by a majority of the members present at the meeting. 5c.1.8.3 Only members of a Group Trustee Board as defined in Rule 5b.3.3 of POR may vote in its meetings. 5c.1.8.4

To fulfil their responsibilities, the Group Trustee Board may meet by video conference or in person, as determined by the Group Chair. This includes 'hybrid' meetings, where some Trustees are present at an agreed location while others participate remotely via phone or video. 5c.1.8.7

Where urgent matters arise between scheduled meetings of the Group Trustee Board and if it is not feasible to convene a meeting of the Trustee Board, electronic voting (such as email) may be used for decision making provided the Group Chair deems it appropriate. For such decisions, a minimum of 75% approval from the Trustees is required [the ‘rounding’ guidance from 5c.1.8.4 also applies in this case]. The results of the vote must be reported to, and recorded in, the minutes of, the next Group Trustee Board meeting.

The quorum for a meeting of a Group Trustee Board is one third of the Trustees (ex officio plus appointed plus co-opted) plus one [round down if necessary]. So, a Trustee Board with 10 members would have a quorum of four. And a Trustee Board with six members would have a quorum of three.

For any sub-teams of the Group Trustee Board, the quorum for each sub- team must be set by the Group Trustee Board, based on the size of the sub- team and the complexity of its task(s). If there is no quorum present at a meeting of the Group Trustee Board, or a meeting of a sub-team, the meeting must be closed and reconvened at the earliest opportunity. 5c.1.8.5 Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by the Trustees present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side, the meeting Chair does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried. 5c.1.8.6

12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) - Annual General Meeting 2024 - 2025

‘A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.’ Robert Baden Powell