2021-03-31-accounts - Harborough District Scout Council

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Our Virtual Year! Harborough District Scouts Annual General Meeting 2021

Agenda for Annual General Meeting - 18 May 2021

Welcome by Chair
Apologies
Approval of minutes for 2020 AGM
Trustees’ report
District Treasurer’s report
Approval of Auditor
District Commissioner’s report
DC’s nomination for Chair
Election of District Secretary
Election of District Treasurer
Election of members to the District Executive
DC Nominations to the District Executive
Co-opted members for District Executive
Nominations to the County Scout Council

Welcome by Chair

Last year I began by saying that I was writing my report during the Covid 19 pandemic, at that time I never thought that I would be doing the same again this year. The time has been difficult for everyone and we have all learnt new skills, all be it different in type to those of the past. Zoom has become part of the ‘norm’, but Scouting has quickly adapted to the new normal and has continued to offer activities and contact with our Membership.

Your Executive has concentrated on ensuring that our finances are in good shape which you can see from the Treasurer’s Report. We have made a trading surplus this year. We have been able to support the District by funding and by providing online activities. We have been able to continue this support by not increasing the District Capitation Fee, giving a discount from the Lottery and general funds and still provide everyone with membership to OSM (On Line Scout Manager).

Our budget going forward is conservative, in order to allow to provide support to any Group that may need it. This will be under constant review. I have to thank our Finance Sub-committee for their support and quick responses to requests.

The Appointment Sub - committee has quickly adapted to interviews conducted by Zoom and has worked throughout the year. Our thanks to Charlotta Hickie and her Team.

One of the main changes this year has been in our name, we are now known as Harborough District Scouts.

As I write this Report, Groups are planning and beginning to meet together, Face to Face with restrictions. Let us hope that this year will see us offering a near normal programme of activities for our young people.

My thanks go to all who have served on your Executive this year and for everyone who works hard to provide Scouting in Harborough District.

Thank You

Derek Catt

District Chair

2020 AGM Minutes

HARBOROUGH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 25 June 2020 7.30pm Online via Zoom

Attendees

Debbie Billington , Derek Catt, Ruth Tallis, Jo Baynes -Clark , Richard Brooks , Louise Dicicco, Georgie Dove, Eric Gamble, Sue Gardner, Alistair Helm, Kate Helm, Phillip Humphrey, Sue Lamont, Sarah Levy, David Mugridge, Milly Pinnock, Phillip Reed, Michael Thomas, James Ward, Jean Webb, Austen Mitchell, Rebecca Humphrey, Katrina Briggs, Hannah Dove, Sam Buswell, Tina Taylor, Elizabeth Cockbill, Pete Dove, Lucinda Andrews, Toby Taylor, Susan Fox, Carol Black, Sam Arnold, Iain Provins, Eddie Harman.

Apologies

Andrea Vick, Anna Mowsley, Ben Reed, Pauline Wells, Clive Wood, Vicky Richards.

Welcome by Chair

Derek Catt welcomed everyone to the AGM and thanked people for attending a somewhat different style of AGM via Zoom video. He also extend a warm welcome to Richard Brookes - District President and Carol Black – County Commissioner

Approval of Minutes for 2019 AGM

Proposed by Eddie Harman, seconded by Pete Dove and All in favour.

Trustees’ Report

Explained by Derek Catt from the AGM Report. Proposed by Iain Provins, seconded by James Ward, all in favour

District Treasurer’s Report

Eddie Harman explained the figures in the AGM Report. Proposed by Iain Provins, seconded by James Ward, all in favour

Approval of Auditor

It was proposed that we retain Graham Reed as the District accounts auditor. Proposed by Iain Provins, seconded by James Ward, all in favour

District Commissioner’s Report

Debbie Billington gave a verbal report on the activities over the last year and the challenges and focus for the coming year, full details available in the annual report.

Adoption of amended District Constitution

Derek explained the reasoning behind the proposed change to the quorum for District Exec meetings and the addition of being able to hold meetings and voting via online applications. Proposed by Eric Gamble, seconded by Phil Reed, all in favour.

Elections and Nominations

See table opposite

County Representative

Carol Black – County Commissioner gave a big thank you to all attendees for the tremendous efforts that are being made during lockdown. Carol also reported that TSA were publishing guidance with regards to face to face scouting resuming and the measure that groups will have to put in place. The responsibility will be on each group to carry out a risk assessment, submit it to district for approval before resuming face to face sessions. There will be a lot of support on TSA website which will be continually updated. Concern was raised by a leader that this was a lot of responsibility for a volunteer to undertake. Acknowledgement was given to this statement and both county and district will look to support groups

Position	Nominee	Nominator	Seconder
District Chair	Derek Catt	Debbie Billington
District Secretary	Ruth Tallis	Elizabeth Cockbill	Pete Dove
District Treasurer	Eddie Harman	Hannah Dove	Sue Gardener
Elected Members (up to 5)
Elected Member	Jean Webb	Hannah Dove	Sam Buswell
Elected Member	Elizabeth Cockbill	Hannah Dove	Dave Mugridge
Elected Member	John Lacey	Debbie Billington	Eric Gamble
Elected Member	David Mugridge	Jean Webb	Pete Dove
Elected Member	Alistair Helm	Elizabeth Cockbill	Sue Gardener
DC Nomination (up to 5 or less if less Elected)
DC Nomination	Sam Buswell	DC Nomination	Matt Hughes
DC Nomination	Sue Gardner	DC Nomination	Eric Gamble
DC Nomination	Peter Dove
Co-opted members (up to 5 or less if less Elected)
Co-Opted Members	Phil Humphrey
Ex-Offcio members
DC	Debbie Billington	DSNC	Calum Facer
DESC	Toby Taylor	Youth Commissioner	Hannah Dove
Nominations to the County Scout Council
E-O DC	Debbie Billington	Youth Commissioner	Hannah Dove
Chairman	Derek Catt	Another	Eric Gamble
Secretary	Ruth Tallis	Another	Peter Dove
Treasurer	Eddie Harman	Another	Phil Reed

Trustees’ Report

Harborough District Scout Council

Trustees' Annual Report

For the period 1 April 2020 to 31st March 2021

SECTION A REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity Name Harborough District Scout Council Registered Charity Number 521764 Charity’s Principal Address c/o Derek Catt, 62 Weir Road, Kibworth, Leicester LE8 0LP

List of Trustees

Trustee Name	Office (if any)	Method of Appointment
Deborah Billington	District Commissioner	Ex Officio
Derek Catt	Chair	Ex Officio
Edward Harman	Treasurer	Ex Officio
Ruth Tallis	Secretary	Ex Officio
Toby Taylor	District Explorer Commissioner	Ex Officio
Calum Facer	District Network Commissioner	Ex Officio
Hannah Dove	Youth Commissioner	Ex Offcio
Alistair Helm		Elected
Diana Webb	Badge Secretary	Elected
John Lacey	Safety Officer	Elected
David Mugridge		Elected
Elizabeth Cockbill		Elected
Samuel Buswell		Nominated
Eric Gamble		Nominated
Suzanne Gardner		Nominated
Peter Dove		Nominated
Matthew Hughes		Nominated
Philip Humphrey		Co-opted

SECTION B STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Description of the charity’s trusts

The District's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

Trustee selection methods

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

Management

The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Ex Officio officers, Elected, Nominated and Co-opted members. The District Executive meets usually 6 times each year.

This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the

appointment and also to support the Executives of each of the Scout Groups within the District and is responsible

for:-

The maintenance of District property;

The raising of funds and the administration of District finance;

The insurance of persons, property and equipment;

District public occasions;

Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;

Appointing any sub committees that may be required;

Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.

Overseeing the correct running of the Groups within the District and providing support where needed.

Risk and Internal Control Section 1

The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from Scout Groups as appropriate. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with all Groups within the District and some other organisations. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District through membership fees contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy and has additional cover for those not included within this. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The District is primarily reliant upon income from member fees and other fundraising. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of member fees to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently or approach other organisations for grants or loans.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular Group or the District as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a Group. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the District.
Reduction or loss of members. The District provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 25. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular Group or the District as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the District.

Risk and Internal Control Section 2

The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. The District also has comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

The responsibility for control of the finances falls collectively to the Executive Committee and they may be held responsible for any loss. As such we implement the following requirements:-

A budget is set annually as soon as possible after the start of the financial year to give an indication of the level of income / expenditure and thus what fundraising may be required. This budget is set by the Finance Sub Committee and is approved by the executive committee.
All sectional events are self-financing and the event organiser must keep an accurate record of income and expenditure so that a balance sheet can be produced to demonstrate compliance.
Any expenditure not included in the budget must be approved by the executive committee beforehand. No individual has the right to commit the use of any funds without this approval. This does not include reasonable personal expenses and occasional items below £25 in value.
There is no pre-signing of cheques under any circumstances.
All online banking transactions are set up and authorised by two people independently with their own secure login details.
Wherever possible the person authorising an online payment or countersigning the cheque should compare it to an appropriate invoice.
Bank statements are presented at all executive meetings with a brief review of all major transactions from the treasurer.
An auditor (not necessarily professional) is appointed annually from outside of the District. This is done at the AGM preceding the financial year.
The secretary or chair (not the treasurer) should invite the auditor to attend the AGM at the year end.

SECTION C OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association. Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

enjoy what they are doing and have fun;
• take part in activities indoors and outdoors; • learn by doing; • share in spiritual reflection; • take responsibility and make choices; • undertake new and challenging activities; and
make and live by their Promise.

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

The District supports the Groups within its boundaries to enable them to provide activities to achieve the Scouting aims.
The District also runs Camps, Competitions and Activities for the various sections to achieve Scouting aims and in particular badges.
The District interviews and carries out DBS checks on all Adults working in the District to ensure a safe environment for young people.
The District Executive follows the safety policies and code of practice as laid down in the Association’s Policies, Organisation and Rules.

SECTION D ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Review of District GDPR policy and practices
Application and set up of GSuite for non profits and migration of emails to gmail.
Application and set up of Microsoft 365 for charities.
District Virtual Campfire
District Poppa Beaver Challenge afternoon by Zoom.
Dragon virtual camp which included St George’s Day celebrations of the achievements of our youth members.
Sectional and GSL support at 1[st] Welland Valley.
Sectional support at 1st Kibworth to reopen Polars Bears Troop and Executive support.
Continued focus on TSA Skills for Life strategic plan and our corresponding action plan.
Adult awards evening to celebrate the achievements of our volunteers including National Awards.
Online Scout Manager District Dashboard and Adults account with discount subscription for sections.
Appointments Sub Committee meeting monthly with District inductions and completion of Module 2 training.
Recruitment and induction of new District Secretary and GSL for Kibworth.
Adult recruitment through VAL.
Volunteer training and support sessions through Zoom.
Revamp of the District Website.
Member of the Harborough Lotto and income generated is being used to support the District.
Postponement of District Camp to Beaudesert until 2022.

SECTION E FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves Policy

The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. The District Executive Committee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £5,000.

The District held reserves of approximately £9,000 against this at year end. This is within the limits set. Additionally a balance of £3,000 is held in a separate account for administration of the Explorer Scout Units. This is controlled by Harborough District Scouts but administered separately on a day to day basis for effective running of the units.

Investment Policy

The District’s Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

SECTION F OTHER INFORMATION

Plans for future

Continue to work on the objectives as set out in our #Skills for Life Action Plan.

SECTION G DECLARATION

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Derek Catt		Deborah Billington

District Chair		District Commissioner

01/05/2021

Independent Examiner’s Report

I report on the accounts of the Harborough District Scout Council for the year ended 31/03/2021

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b)) of the Charities Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s 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 charity 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 any 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 examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 120 of the Charities Act or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Graeme Reid Signed: Relevant professional qualification or body: ACCA Address: 22 Goldsmith Road, Braunstone Frith, Leicester LE3 1PT Date: 19/04/2021

Treasurer’s Report

The year to March 2021 has proved challenging especially with the continued restrictions on face to face meetings, which was the main factor in our youth membership reducing by around 12.5%.

During 2020/21 there was a surplus of funds amounting to £9.720 (£2,978 deficit 2019/20) and the consolidated bank balance was £51,433. The surplus has arisen due to the district funded activities not being able to take place.

Although there is a surplus in the year the District are still planning to have some funds available to the participants of Eurojam and the next World Jamboree. In the next financial year as things start to return to normal we will be looking at how we can emerge from Covid stronger and continue to

Within the various bank accounts there are certain amounts have been designated for the following purposes:-

Camp Account £ 4,092 money set aside from fundraising for ESU members to use against activities Explorer Units £ 6,240 District Events £ 4,664 funds relate to District Camp, Fraser Shield & Gang Show* Reserves £12,000 Jamboree £ 1,500 Total £28,496

All other funds are unrestricted.

*£1,270 of the events account balance belongs to MH Girl Guides due to Gang Show being a 50/50 joint venture.

Eddie Harman District Treasurer

Financial Report	Financial Report	Financial Report	Financial Report	Financial Report
Receipts and payments accounts
	For the period from	Period start date	To	Period end date
		1st April 2020		31st March 2021	31st March 2020

Section A Receipts and payments
	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds	Total funds	Last year
	to the nearest £	to the nearest £	to the nearest £	to the nearest £	to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donation	702			702	226
Badges	324			324	1,444
Fundraising	869			869	4,785
MembershipFees	36,738			36,738	31,706
Traffic Management	-			-	1,200
Miscellaneous	-			-	-
Interest	4			4	7
Trips & Activities	22			22	6,868
Fras er Shield	- 50			- 50	1,790
GangShow	-			-	-
Gift Aid	1,164			1,164	925
Subs	4,629			4,629	4,989

*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)	44,402	-	-	44,402	53,939

A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*	-	-	-	-	-

*Total receipts*	44,402	-	-	44,402	53,939

A3 Payments
Donations	25			25	225
Badge Purchas es	506			506	1,293
St Georges Day	343			343	472
Training& Leader Packs	-			-	760
Equipment	-			-	-
Equipment Maintenance	-			-	197
Gifts Comemorations	-			-	25
District Expenses	179			179	851
Insurance	903			903	873
Award Evening	350			350	586
MembershipFees	29,953			29,953	28,648
District OSM	1,548			1,548	1,355
Printing& Stationery	-			-	43
Room Hire	-			-	268
Branding& Media	190			190	1,146
Storage	260			260	390
Licences	197			197	192
Traffic Management	-			-	-
FundraisingExpens es	-			-	133
Trips & Activities	227			227	18,068
Fras er Shield Expens es	-			-	1,392
Jamboree Payment	-			-	-

**Sub total **	34,682	-	-	34,682	56,917

A4 Asset and investment purchases
		-	-	-
Camping Equipment	-	-	-	-
**Sub total **	-	-	-	-	-

*Total payments*	34,682	-	-	34,682	56,917

*Net of receipts/(payments)*	9,720	-	-	9,720	- 2,978
A5 Transfers between funds	-	-	-	-	-
A6 Cash funds last year end	41,713	-	-	41,713	44,691
*Cash funds this year end*	51,433	-	-	51,433	41,713

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at	the end of the period	the end of the period
Categories	Details	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds
		to nearest £	to nearest £	to nearest £
B1 Cash funds	Bank Accounts	51,433

		-
	*Total cash funds*	51,433	-	-
	(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	OK	OK	OK
		Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds
	Details	to nearest £	to nearest £	to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets






	Details	Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional)	Current value (optional)
B3 Investment assets





	Details	Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional)	Current value (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use
	Badge Stocks	650








	Details	Fund to which liability relates	Amount due (optional)	When due (optional)
B5 Liabilities





Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Signature	Print Name		Date of approval
		Derek Catt		22/04/2021
		Eddie Harman		22/04/2021

District Commissioner

We started the year in Lockdown, which for us in Leicestershire meant no face to face scouting from 23 March 2020 through to the beginning of September. Most groups provided some sort of programme at home during that time to at least some of their members with some sections holding virtual meetings on Zoom.

Six of our eight groups and the Explorers restarted face to face (f2f) in September which generally included most of their sections but it was short lived with the second Lockdown starting in November. While sections could return to face to face in December, we took a collective decision not to and felt justified in doing so with the third Lockdown from 4 January through to 29 March 2021. Groups offered more structured programmes at home having built on their experience and skills in previous months. The range of Zoom sessions on offer was diverse and exciting with things like magicians, space workshops, escape rooms, live lambing and cook-a-longs. 1st Foxton and 1st Great Glen must be congratulated on their particularly engaging Zooms and the number of young people who participated.

The pandemic was obviously going to impact on our youth numbers for the census but overall we faired very well, better than the county and national averages, with a dip of 13% (Leics 26%) in young people and 8% (Leics 7%) in adult volunteers. The biggest loss was from beaver sections, or rather it was not so much of a loss as groups finding it impossible and inappropriate to welcome in new 6 year olds while restricted to virtual scouting or a maximum of 15 young people when face to face. Explorers and Network saw relatively big losses. In contrast 1st Foxton and 1st Kibworth both increased their cub numbers and 1st Foxton, 1st Bowdens, 1st Fleckney and 1st Welland Valley all increased their Troop numbers. In fact special mention must go to 1st Foxton who actually saw an increase in youth membership. This is a fantastic result and testament to their amazing virtual and f2f programmes which has attracted young people.

As a District we held various events through the year to support sections. Our St George’s Day 2020 was a short celebration hosted by Hannah Dove and Sam Buswell and live streamed on Facebook. Despite connection and signal issues it demonstrated just what was possible in the new Lockdown world.

Our Campfire 666 at the beginning of June and hosted by Ian Mackintosh now with Cheshire Scouts, saw young people from all sections join together with a song book to sing along with solo performers.

Poppa Beaver’s Challenge afternoon in October had beavers making armpit fudge, completing a world quiz and tracking Poppa through Welland Park on his bike!

The real virtual masterpiece must be Dragon Camp which included our 2021 St George celebrations so technically should feature in next year’s report but it was such a success it would be amiss not to mention here. With over 420 individuals signed up we got to seven screens of devices on Zoom sessions and an amazing amount of interaction on Facebook with the activity challenges.

Our Appointments Committee sessions went virtual almost immediately with the first Lockdown. It would seem this is one positive outcome from the pandemic in that it has been easier to get the panel and new volunteers to attend via Zoom from home as there is no need for travel or even a baby sitter. Using

breakout rooms we have been able to get volunteers through the Induction, Training and Interview sessions. But I am looking forward to meeting them in real life in the coming months.

The opportunity to return to face to face scouting in September also gave an opportunity to bring our training compliance right up to scratch as Covid Risk Assessment Approval is only granted where all adults at the group are compliant. Having achieved this compliance in September, our Training Managers Sue and Pete Dove are able to keep us on top by ensuring new members and renewals complete compulsory training in a timely manner.

I arranged several Zoom training sessions for our adult volunteers to help with the ever changing skill set needed as a scouter. These included Zooming Marvellous about how to use Zoom – which all Groups were entitled to and took up the free licence available via TSA. The session on writing Risk Assessments helped adults prepare firstly for Covid safe restarts of face to face sessions but also for all session activities following the introduction of written activity risk assessments as a new requirement from Gilwell.

Despite Lockdown, the pressure of youth members needing to move on between sections meant the planned re-opening of 1st Kibworth’s second scout troop Polar Bears, went ahead. It facilitated existing cubs and beavers moving on as well as 30 or so young people on the waiting list, mostly cub or scout age, could join the group. The reality was not all did and a shortage of leaders as well as the deteriorating condition of their HQ meant f2f meetings were not possible and virtual sessions a struggle. Sam Arnold the newly appointed GSL, co-ordinated the membership moves and recruiting of new leaders. On top of that, Sam spent many hours getting the HQ back up to meeting standard. He has made a stunning start as a manager and was rightly recognised for this at our Award Awards Evening.

With the decrease in youth membership but mainly the inability to meet f2f, many sections struggled to achieve as many Chief Scouts Awards. Programmes and Badges at Home through OSM helped a little but I expect there to be some catch up in the coming year, at least back to where we were. Our District priority will be getting our ADCs back out into section meetings supporting leaders to run exciting programmes and celebrating CSA achievements.

Although there were no Queen’s Scouts this year we did have one Network finally achieve his DofE Gold Award. And a first for the district was a Chief Scout’s Personal Award for Hugo Anderson, a cub from Welland Valley who stayed calm and followed instructions carefully when his father was set alight in their garden workshop. Hugo has also been named as one of Bear Grylls’ Unsung Heroes of 2021 and awarded £500 for his actions.

Much of the community involvement which has been a staple within section programmes had to stop with Lockdowns but several groups got involved with the county Mucky March campaign which saw youth members litter picking with their families in their local communities and taking action to spread the message to keep it clean. 1st Bowdens also managed to help plant 100s of trees with a local town scheme.

Our adult awards evening in January was a way of recognising and thanking our Champion Scouters and awarding of Commissioner’s Commendations. Nominations were received from across all groups and sections, along with presentations of a Chief Scout Commendation for Sharon McCarthy and Silver Acorn for Vicki Fortnum. The citations explaining the commitment, dedication and achievements of these Champions made for awesome listening. The evening was held via Zoom and ended with a truly amazing magic show from Nick Einhorn. While we missed the social nature of getting together for a meal, the fact that so many more members could be involved in the evening, especially families was a bonus.

During the first Lockdown, there was a rush nationally to volunteer to help with the crisis and we were fortunate to recruit Ruth Tallis as our new District Secretary. Ruth has been fantastic in taking minutes and sending out agendas for our Exec meetings. But more than that, she lead the review of our GDPR policies and practices and managing the document library and

is helping to set us up on Microsoft 365 charities version. I am looking forward to meeting Ruth in person hopefully soon!

We have made strides in other tech areas too with our new District Website. It is acting as the sign post to groups that we needed and most importantly has a working Join function. In fact, in the last few weeks with the April return to f2f scouting we have seen a burst of join enquiries from all ages. We have migrated our emails to Gmail and are setting up GSuite for Non Profits to allow for (GDPR compliant) document sharing across the District Teams.

Much of the continued success of our district is down to our awesome team of Group Scout Leaders. I sometimes think I have the longest scouting week but quickly correct myself when I see them in action. I know that it is seeing the enjoyment and fulfilment of our young people that fuels their commitment.

I continue to be in awe of the hours, hard work and dedication of our adult volunteers. Week in, week out, locked in, locked out they are delivering sessions and activities. I know they can’t wait to get back to nights away. We have a winning team of volunteers and it is humbling to be part of them having delivered this year of amazing, mainly virtual ,scouting! Thank you.

Debbie Billington District Commissioner

Fun and friends

A new challenge for Beavers since the Pandemic struck last year – as face to face meetings were stopped altogether a new way in keeping in contact with the beavers was needed.

First by facebook then something new for nearly all leaders including myself – Zoom. Although it was slow to take off but eventually nearly all sections started to use Zoom from May onwards – some held weekly meetings some held a meeting every other week. The program for Beavers required adapting to suit the methodology – especially as no adventurous events were allowed such as sleepovers. The use of outside sources to provide not just educational but entertainment to the beavers was used widely as the aim was to try and keep the contact going rather than to provide a full program.

April saw the district organise a virtual St.George’s Day event where some beavers took part in the event. Some beavers took part in the nationally organised Camp @ Home.

In September the District organised an event called Poppa Beaver challenge which provided some activities via Zoom such as scavenger hunt , armpit fudge, world landmarks, Poppa Beavers challenge by cycle – still catching my breath on this one. 17 Beavers from 8 colonies attended and all had such great fun.

During the end of 2020 face to face in limitation re-started and a few colonies started to meet, however almost immediately the colonies were back to Zoom meetings only. No section has been forced to go back to face to face and it is entirely down the leaders’ decision.

During the last year I have been invited to go onto the beaver meetings whereby I presented – remotely – a few bronze awards. With the new challenges of non face to face the number of bronze awards have decreased since before the pandemic.

As we turned into the new year and further continuation of Zoom meetings, concern was raised about the loss of members. The numbers loss within the beaver sections throughout the district was much lower than expected – for this we owe a great deal of thanks to all the leaders and their assistants who rose to the new challenges and provided something for the children to keep the interest in scouting going.

As we approach the next few months and the vaccinations get well underway, beaver colonies start to look at how they can re-start meeting face to face once again.

We all look forward to the future when the restrictions can be lifted to allow the sections to start to go back on sleepovers again.

Thanks for everyone’s support over this difficult year not just the leaders but the parents as well.

Yan ADC Beavers (Poppa Beaver)

2020 was a very different year in scouting. The pandemic saw face to face scouting being cancelled and we went on line for meetings via Zoom.

Leaders added a new skill to their other scouting skills and transferred the cub program from a regular weekly meeting down at the scout hut to Zoom.

Leaders magnificently adapted to carrying out pack meetings via Zoom. The activities have been varied covering many things that would have been done at a normal pack meeting. Quizzes on many different topics, paper plane making, cooking, guest speakers, sleepovers and group camps have all taken place via zoom.

Also I have had the honour of presenting some Silver Chief Scout Awards via Zoom.

I would like to say a very big Thank You to all Harborough District Cub leaders, helpers and parents who have supported their groups and the district during this very different scouting year.

Looking forward to going back to normal pack meetings soon.

Sue Gardner

ADC Cubs

It is safe to say that this year has been a tough one for most of us in Scouting and with restrictions being the way they have, we have had to adapt our usual meetings to be online. I am happy to say that for the majority this has been a success with many Scout Sections managing to keep their young people engaged online. It has been great to see so many new ideas and ways to keep our Scouts earning their top awards through this challenging time.

Due to work commitments through the lockdowns, we have not had a Scout Leaders meeting for a while, but worry not, I have been working on ideas in the background ready for when we can resume to carry on (as close as we can) to before.

Many groups have hosted camps at home, and it has been a great thing to see the success of these and their impact on not only helping achieve the top awards but also helping young people’s mental health by giving them a space to be themselves and interact with many others.

It was great to see so many faces from across the District join in on our Dragon Camp event and we hope that all who participated enjoyed themselves and managed to tick off plenty towards their CSA Gold.

All in all, despite the uncertainty of the past twelve months, we have all managed to take up the challenge and to keep Scouting great.

Sam Buswell

ADC Scouts

Over the last 12 months, the challenge has been keeping the Explorer Scouting flame alive during the ever-changing restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Fortunately, the District leadership team have embraced the challenge and worked hard to continue to provide an engaging and entertaining experience.

The District’s two main units, Mad Hatters ESU and Inclined ESU joined to deliver weekly meetings via Zoom and although numbers were lower than face to face meetings, a hard core of committed Explorers have got involved and enjoyed a range of experiences.

The Explorers are always regular campers and it was no surprise that being in lock-down was to prove no barrier to gaining more nights under canvas. Admittedly, Gilwell 24, twenty four hours of activity, zero hours sleep was trickier with just WhatsApp communications for company but from solving a murder mystery at midnight to 6am Zumba, the activities kept coming. Other camps included creating your own spot the difference images, often involving pets and siblings, campfires that ranged from towering bonfires to birthday candles and such creativity with cooking that camp foods may never be the same again.

It has been pleasing that it has not just been existing explorers who have been getting involved, a number of new members have joined over the last 12 months. It is to the credit of everyone involved that they have fitted in and become established despite for the majority of their time they have had to scout remotely. Conversely, one of the sadder parts of the last year has been those explorers who have hit 18 and had to move on to pastures new. Each individual makes their own special mark and while it is always with a mixture of pride and sadness that they go, it has been harder to say farewell over the last 12 months.

Now we are looking to the future with renewed hope and excitement. The resumption of joint district face to face meetings has inspired and reinvigorated explorers and leaders alike. Numbers have swelled as older members have left their hibernation to return to action and younger members have continued to join the fun. The determination of the leadership team to ensure socially distanced scouting is still socially enjoyable has been matched by the amazing attitude of the explorers themselves. The sight of over 30 teenagers line dancing to Achy Breaky Heart on a Thursday evening in Welland Park will linger long in my memory.

There will be further challenges ahead. As numbers continue to grow, we will need to split into the two units again in September, which will require new leadership support. There are still questions about when we can start to offer expeditions and a longing to camp somewhere other than our living room or garden. However, as the last 12 months have shown, explorer scouting will always go on delivering experiences, memories and friendships that will endure a life time.

Toby Taylor District Explorer Commissioner

Not much has happened in network between April 2020 and April 2021. Covid has impacted significantly on any possible meetings. We've had a few members get to the age where they've left us. We've had quite a few new sign ups the last couple of months especially. Things going forward for 2021 and onward is getting a regular program set up with a planning meeting to be established in June.

Calum Facer

District Scout Network Commissioner

There is not much to report this year. We are still waiting for the release of the new You Shape award, national have still not confirmed when this will be. However, the steady flow of CSAs that are being achieved across the district gives me confidence that good youth shaped scouting is taking place, as this is on the teamwork badge for most sections.

Remember youth shaped scouting can be easy, when running virtual camps take note of activities that young people engage the best with. These are the activities that they enjoy and you can run again at face to face camps. If you need any inspiration for your log chews, pack forums or troop forums, let me know and I can always pay your section a visit.

Hannah Dove Youth Commissioner

Activities

A strange year from a district activities perspective with so many cancelled and postponed events. It has been fantastic to see all the virtual events that groups have been putting on, with many that will hopefully live on as activities long after these challenges have passed. The year was finished with the fantastic Dragon Camp. Attending this as a Beaver parent myself for the first time, the event was absolutely brilliant, and huge congratulations to all of the team that coordinated activities or presented session, and I hope all of the young people around the district enjoyed it as much as my son did.

As we look into the coming year, with face to face Scouting now back, and hopefully camps possible again in the not too distant future, we will be picking up the planning for our District Camp for next year, so keep an eye out for initial details coming out before the end of the summer term.

A huge well done to all of the leaders for keeping the young people engaged during this challenging time, and here’s to some more 'normal' Scouting in the year to come.

Ben Reed

Deputy District Commissioner

SAS

(Scout Active Support)

The S A S. is still alive and keeping safe!

Although Face to Face Scouting is not fully operational most SAS members have been helping with "Zoom" meetings and "online" stuff. We can't wait to get out in the fresh air Camping, Marching and doing "Real" stuff to help Scouting run smoothly!

The Active Support Section is for any Adult who wants to get involved with District Scouting Activities with or without a Scouting Appointment.

The next major District event will be an activity Camp at Beaudesert near Cannock Chase, recently cancelled in 2020, the site has been held over 'til 2022.

The Site is booked for May 1st - 3rd 2022

So if you want to be part of a successful team contact me and I'll keep you informed of our next adventure!

Eric Gamble SAS Manager

Adult Training

We don’t need to point out that it’s been a difficult year! On a positive note most people have managed to keep their training up to date or caught up with it whilst on furlough. We’ve even managed to sign off some Wood Badges!

The ‘Getting Started’ modules have been fully updated and are all easily accessible on line, members are rewarded with a PDF certificate once a module is completed.

Face to face training had to stop during the pandemic but is slowly returning. There are already several modules that can accessed via the County website - leicestershirescouts.org.uk

More are being added every week so it’s worth keeping an eye on that.

There have been changes to the first response module. Now it must be completed in two sections, 10A is the theory module, courses have been running throughout the pandemic. We have been waiting for 10B - the practical module to be introduced and have just been given the go ahead for that. There is a course running at the end of May, again with more dates being added. All of these courses can be booked via the County website.

We are always happy to answer any questions and help you with your training needs. Email - ltm@harboroughscouts.org.uk or call Sue on 07940 789276

Pete and Sue Dove

Local Training Managers

Scouts Harborough Do more. .11 11 cours O }'/ Learn more. Be more.