## **Our Hybrid Year!**
**Harborough District Scouts Annual General Meeting 2022**
**Agenda for Annual General Meeting**
## **24 May 2022**
1. Welcome by Chair
2. Apologies
3. Approval of minutes for 2021 AGM
4. Trustees’ report
5. District Treasurer’s report
6. Approval of Auditor
7. District Commissioner’s report
8. DC’s nomination for Chair
9. Election of District Secretary
10. Election of District Treasurer
11. Election of members to the District Executive
12. DC Nominations to the District Executive
13. Co-opted members for District Executive
14. Nominations to the County Scout Council
## **Welcome by Chair**
Another year, an increase in youth membership and members meeting face to face once again. For many, the past two years have been difficult. Many of us have not seen family and friends as often as we would have liked, but looking back Scouting quickly adapted and the efforts have enabled us to be in a better position today. Some of those changes we will continue with as we have found new and better ways of working. Our challenge going forward is to capitalise and use this to our advantage.
Financially the District is in a good shape and continues to support Scouting within the District in many ways. We will continue to pay the sections’ membership to OSM and give a further discount on the annual Capitation Fee. We have also agreed to support the District Camp at Beau this year with the biggest ever subsidy. Our strong finances have also allowed us to plan a supportive Budget for next year. Our thanks go to Eddie Harman and the Finance Sub Committee for this.
As most Groups purchase their badges from the County Shop, our District Shop was being used less and less. We took the decision to cease this facility. Our thanks go to Jean Webb, our Badge Secretary for running this for many years. Our District badge, which is being redesigned to reflect the new District name will continue to be available from her. All the Chief Scout Award badges will also be available and will be paid for and presented by the District.
The Appointment Sub Committee has continued to support new adult members with some meetings being held face to face. During the year Charlotta Hickie stood down as Chair and we welcomed Phil Humphrey into the role. Thank you to both of them.
I would like to finish by thanking your serving Executive Members, for their support and hard work throughout the year. Most of all to ALL who make Harborough District what it is and help provide active Scouting, work and grow each year. A tremendous Thank You.
Derek Catt,
District Chair
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**2021 AGM Minutes**
## **HARBOROUGH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 18 May 2021 7.30pm Online via Zoom**
## **Attendees**
Debbie Billington , Derek Catt, Ruth Tallis, , Richard Brooks , Georgie Dove, Eric Gamble, Sue Gardner, Alistair Helm, Kate Helm, Phillip Humphrey, David Mugridge, Phillip Reed, James Ward, Hannah Dove, Elizabeth Cockbill, Pete Dove, Toby Taylor, Carol Black, Eddie Harman, Sue Dove, Ruth Hughes, Gary Duffin, Ruth Gibbs, Laura Grist, Isabella Anstee, Clive Wood, John Lacey, Ian Bartholomew, Rob White, Martin Pullen.
Proposed- Eddie Harman, 2nd – Eric Gamble – 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.
## **Apologies**
Denise Canadine – Guides Divisional Commissioner, Graeme Reid , Jean Webb
## **Elections and Nominations**
See table below.
## **County Representative**
## **Welcome by Chair**
Carol Black – County Commissioner gave a big thank you to all attendees for the tremendous efforts that are being made during lockdown.
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
## Meeting closed 20:00
|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 Gardner|
|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 Gardner|
|DC Nomination (up to 5 or less if less Elected)||||
|DC Nomination|Sam Buswell|DC Nomination|Phil Humphrey|
|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 Reed|||
|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|
## **Approval of Minutes for 2020 AGM**
Proposed – Phil Humphrey, 2nd – Eddie Harman – All in Favour
## **Trustees’ Report**
Derek summarised the report and encouraged people to read it.
## **District Treasurer’s Report**
Eddie Harman – highlighted various items on the report. Proposed – Eddie Harman , 2nd –Hannah Dove – All in favour
## **Approval of Auditor**
It was proposed that we retain Graeme Reed as the examiner for the District accounts.
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## **Trustees’ Report**
## **Harborough District Scout Council**
## **Trustees' Annual Report**
## **For the period 1 April 2021 to 31st March 2022**
## **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)**|**Period Acted**
**(if not whole year)**|**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|To 31 Dec 2021|Ex Officio|
|Hannah Dove|Youth Commissioner|To 30 Sep 2021|Ex Officio|
|Alistair Helm|||Elected|
|Diana Webb|Badge Secretary||Elected|
|John Lacey|Safety Officer||Elected|
|David Mugridge|||Elected|
|Elizabeth Cockbill|||Elected|
|Samuel Buswell||To 15 Nov 2021|Nominated|
|Eric Gamble|||Nominated|
|Suzanne Gardner|||Nominated|
|Peter Dove|||Nominated|
|Philip Humphrey|||Nominated|
|Philip Reed|||Co-opted|
|Kyle Hewett|Youth Commissioner|From 24 Nov 2021|Ex-Officio|
|Katherine Rollason|Youth Commissioner|From 24 Nov 2021|Ex-Officio|
## **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.
4
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 arranges 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.
5
## **SECTION D ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
- 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.
- Continued focus on TSA Skills for Life strategic plan and our corresponding action plan.
- Support and advice to Groups writing Covid Risk Assessments and also Session Risk Assessments.
- 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 Youth and Squirrel Commissioners.
- Support and advice to Groups to open Squirrel Dreys.
- Support and advice to Groups for safe return to face to face scouting.
- Volunteer training and support sessions through Zoom.
- Closure of the District Website shop and redirection of purchases to County Equipment Department.
- Member of the Harborough Lotto and income generated is being used to support the District.
- Planning of District Camp to Beaudesert 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 £7,800 against this at year end. This is within the limits set. Additionally a balance 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
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Derek Catt Deborah Billington
District Chair District Commissioner
01/05/2022
**----- End of picture text -----**
6
## **Independent Examiner’s Report**
I report on the accounts of the Harborough District Scout Council for the year ended 31/03/2022
## **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: 21/04/2022
## **Treasurer’s Report**
The year to March 2022 has been much more positive since the covid restrictions have been lifted. This has resulted in our youth membership increasing by 14.4% and brings our membership almost back to pre covid levels.
During 2021/22 there was a surplus of funds amounting to £13,683 (£9,720 surplus 2020/21) and the consolidated bank balance was £65,116. The majority of the surplus has arisen due to deposits being received for the district camp and Fraser Shield totalling £10,273 which will be spent in the next financial period. The remainder of the surplus was due to a significant proportion of the year under covid restrictions on face to face meetings.
With the surplus in the year the District are continuing to make funds available to the participants of major international events such as Eurojam and the World Jamboree and make funds available to subsidise district events if required.
Within the various bank accounts there are certain amounts have been designated for the following purposes:-
Camp Account £ 3,800 money set aside from fundraising for ESU members to use against activities Explorer Units £ 6,100 District Events £14,937 funds relate to District Camp, Fraser Shield & Gang Show* Reserves £13,000 Jamboree £ 1,500 Total £39,337
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
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|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Financial Report**||||||||||
|
**Receipts andpayments accounts**||||||||||
||**For the period**
**from**||Period start date||**To**||Period end date|||
||||1st April 2021||||31st March 2022||**31st March 2021**|
|||||||||||
|**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|**107**||||||**107**||**702**|
|Badges|**969**||||||**969**||**324**|
|Fundraising|**908**||||||**908**||**869**|
|MembershipFees|**38,948**||||||**38,948**||**36,738**|
|Traffic Management|**755**||||||**755**||**-**|
|~~M~~iscellaneous|**585**||||||**585**||**-**|
|~~I~~nterest|**1**||||||**1**||**4**|
|Trips & Activities|**11,850**||||||**11,850**||**22**|
|Fraser Shield|**30**||||||**30**||**- 50**|
|GangShow|**-**||||||**-**||**-**|
|Gift Aid|**581**||||||**581**||**1,164**|
|Subs|**3,184**||||||**3,184**||**4,629**|
|||||||||||
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for_
_AR)_|**57,920**||**-**||**-**||**57,920**||**44,402**|
|||||||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**||||||||||
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|||
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
|**_Total receipts_**|**57,920**||**-**||**-**||**57,920**||**44,402**|
|||||||||||
|**A3 Payments**||||||||||
|Donations|**25**||||||**25**||**25**|
|Badge Purchases|**1,330**||||||**1,330**||**506**|
|St Georges Day|**133**||||||**133**||**343**|
|Training& Leader Packs|**720**||||||**720**||**-**|
|District Expenses|**246**||||||**246**||**179**|
|Insurance|**42**||||||**42**||**903**|
|Award Evening|**801**||||||**801**||**350**|
|MembershipFees|**33,884**||||||**33,884**||**29,953**|
|District OSM|**1,625**||||||**1,625**||**1,548**|
|Branding& Media|**490**||||||**490**||**190**|
|Storage|**100**||||||**100**||**260**|
|Licences|**225**||||||**225**||**197**|
|Traffic Management|**76**||||||**76**||**-**|
|Trips & Activities|**3,538**||||||**3,538**||**227**|
|Fraser Shield Expenses|**1**||||||**1**||**-**|
|Jamboree Payment|**1,000**||||||**1,000**||**-**|
|||||||||||
|**_Sub total_ **|**44,237**||**-**||**-**||**44,237**||**34,682**|
|||||||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment**
**purchases**||||||||||
||||**-**||**-**||**-**|||
|**Camping Equipment**|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|||
|
**_Sub total_ **|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
|**_Total payments_**|**44,237**||**-**||**-**||**44,237**||**34,682**|
|||||||||||
|**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**|**13,683**||**-**||**-**||**13,683**||**9,720**|
|**A5 Transfers between funds**|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**A6 Cash funds last year end**|**51,433**||**-**||**-**||**51,433**||**41,713**|
|**_Cash funds this year end_**|**65,116**||**-**||**-**||**65,116**||**51,433**|
8
## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
|**Categories**|**Details**|**Details**|**Details**||**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted**
**funds**||**Endowment**
**funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**|
|**B1 Cash funds**|Bank Accounts||||**65,116**|||||
|||||||||||
||||||**-**|||||
||**_Total cash funds_**||||**65,116**||**-**||**-**|
||(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))||||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||||**450**|||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
||**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||||21/04/2022|
||||||Eddie Harman||||21/04/2022|
9
## **District**
## **Commissioner**
We started the year just as the third Lockdown to 29 March was lifted but with restrictions such as social distancing and masks still in place, most sections opted for meeting outside or via Zoom if the weather didn’t play ball. It was at least a chance to get back to face to face scouting, although now a year on we are only just returning to that family feeling in sessions having spent so long telling young people to keep their distance.
While in 2020 we saw a drop of 13% (Leics 26%) in youth members and 8% (Leics 7%) in adult volunteers, we got back to almost pre-pandemic levels with corresponding 13% increase in youth members and 10% increase in adults to get to 1010 total membership for 2022. The bounce back has been across all sections with young people moving on and new beaver intakes. However, we still retain many older ones in sections who would normally have moved on where leadership issues necessitate and also to allow youth members to complete their Chief Scout Awards.
A big change this year has been the numbers on waiting lists across the District. It seems lockdowns have prompted parents to seek practical and outdoors activities for their offspring but sadly we have not had a corresponding increase in volunteers so struggle to accommodate any of the increase.
As a District we held various events through the year to support sections. Our virtual Dragon Camp was a weekend of fun activities for all sections with challenges and activities to complete at home as well as via Zoom including scheduled fencing, bingo, cook-a-long, Bangra dancing, keep fit, disco and campfire sessions. It ended with a final St George Zoom in place of our usual parade and gathering in the Welland Park Assembly Rooms. It was such a success with
10
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 continued virtually until the start of 2022 when we selected to alternative monthly between face to face at Gartree Prison Visitors’ Centre and Zoom. While Zoom makes it easier to get the panel and new volunteers to attend, I for one have not found it easy to recognise new volunteers in the flesh from first meetings on Zoom or even remember their names. We also took the opportunity to review our processes, renaming our interviews as a Welcome Meeting to better describe their intent and format. The real bonus this year has been having Jo Baynes-Clarke as our appointments Secretary. She has been a wiz at using our Gsuite functionality to keep everyone on the ball and accessing necessary documentation in a very GDPR compliant fashion. Jo is a breath, no actually more like two lung-fulls, of fresh air. Thanks so very much Jo.
We have continued to work on our training compliance and had to be fairly ruthless by closing roles for those who do not want to update their training. Our Training Managers Sue and Pete Dove have kept us on top by ensuring new members and renewals complete compulsory training in a timely manner.
I completed several training and validation Zooms for our adult volunteers and managed one Scout Leader meeting mostly to enthuse everyone about Fraser Shield. Its seems to have done the trick as we have record numbers attending later in June.
Sam Arnold continued his amazing start as GSL at 1st Kibworth and the group returned to face to face scouting in a very adequate headquarters. However, leadership shortages meant that the two scout sections were again reduced to one. Sam has secured additional leaders across the group but there has also been some significant resignations. We hope to be able to move back to six sections running in the coming year.
Sections made a come back in awarding Chief Scouts Awards, especially Golds for Scouts. Many Troops arranged Expedition Challenge opportunities which was the bit that was most impossible during lockdowns. While I wanted to prioritise getting our ADCs back out into section meetings supporting leaders to run exciting programmes and celebrating CSA achievements, the reality is that the team have not managed this due to their own personal circumstance.
With no Queen’s Scouts, DofE Golds or even Chief Scout’s Personal Awards over the last year I am looking forward to the year ahead and the potential for such achievements. Our community involvement should also pick up again and hopefully put us back in the public eye to positive effect.
Our adult awards evening in January was a fantastic evening. We recognised and thanked our Champion Scouters and awarded Commissioner’s Commendations along with various National Awards. Nominations were received from across all
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groups and sections, along with presentations of Chief Scout Commendations for Carol Bootheway, Catherine Hedgecott, John Abbott, Susan Fox, Hannah Dove, Rob Pyle and Sue Dove. The Award of Merit for Louise Dicicco and Bar to the Award of Merit for Sue Gardner, Alistair Helm, Kate Helm and Toby Taylor and Bar to the Silver Acorn for Phil Reed. The citations explaining the commitment, dedication and achievements of these Champions made for awesome listening. I especially want to thank Phil Reed for his commitment to scouting in Harborough and all the support he gives to me. While the District Team has not been very active, Phil certainly has, including arranging and executing the celebrations for 1st Great Glen’s centenary. We really enjoyed the social side of getting together on the evening and listening to tales from Ed Stafford of his Amazon adventure even if we did nearly freeze to death with having the windows open to maintain maximum (Covid safe) ventilation.
The Awards Evening was finally a chance for me to meet Ruth Tallis, our District Secretary. She has continued to keep us organised with meeting minutes and agendas albeit the Exec still meets via Zoom.
The District Website continues to work well as demonstrated by the number of join enquiries we receive. We took the decision earlier in the year to close our district badge shop as most groups and sections were buying stocks elsewhere (quicker and as cheap) and the additional admin headache was not justified by any noticeable income or service to the district. Its much better for us to concentrate our efforts where we can really add value.
As I look back now upon the year having just completed our Beau Camp, it seems most of it was taken up in the admin and preparation for this amazing event. Although it falls within next year for reporting purposes, it was the effort and preparation in this year mostly from Phil Reed, Jo Baynes-Clarke and myself that got us to delivering such a massive and fabulous weekend for 656. This was 45% more participants than originally estimated and possibly 45% more fun than we anticipated after an extra 2 years waiting and planning.
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 achievements of our young people that fuels their commitment. Thank you Team GSL.
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, activities and making scouting happen. They have again launched themselves into nights away and enjoying being back doing real scouting. It is humbling to be part of this winning team delivering more amazing scouting! Thank you.
Debbie Billington District Commissioner
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1st Bowdens Squirrels opened at the beginning of January and was the first Squirrel section in the district and second in the County. At first, we had 12 Squirrels (all joined from the existing Beavers waiting list) and 4 leaders (two of which were existing Beaver leaders). Within a couple of weeks, we recruited an extra leader and her Squirrel son plus a young leader. This brings the total number within the section to 13 Squirrels (3 girls & 10 boys), 5 leaders and 1 young leader.
The squirrels meet every Thursday for 45mins. Initially it was advised that meetings are approximately an hour long, but we are restricted by hut availability, work schedules of the leaders and suitable timings for the Squirrels. We have found that the meetings are jam packed but with this age group it works. As a leadership team we have learned very quickly to plan the right amount of activities for the time we have.
On the opening night we welcomed some special guests including Ed Stafford, DC Debbie and a reporter from the Harborough Mail. Since then, we have invested all 13 Squirrels, 3 new leaders and 1 young leader. The Squirrels have achieved some activity badges including: feel good; super chef; let’s celebrate and have started working towards all their challenge badges meaning that those who will be leaving us at the end of the summer term are well on their way to achieving their Acorn Award. After trialling a few things at the beginning, we have now settled into a good routine with regards to the how the weekly
meetings run. We have had a very positive start with great support from the other sections within the group, our GSL Jo and DC Debbie.
Bowdens Squirrels have lots more planned for the summer term including a potential visit from the police as part of the Local Superheroes activity badge, donating food to the local foodbank as part of our community impact and a full afternoon of fun at East Carlton Park to complete the All about adventure challenge badge among other things.
As section leader I have been assigned to a ‘cohort’ (a group of other squirrel section leaders from across the country) and have been in touch with the ‘cohort coach’, who happens to live in Corby so is planning a visit to us after Easter. The idea behind the ‘cohort’ is that we all get together occasionally via zoom to share ideas or problems with each other and talk about how we are running our sections. As yet my cohort hasn’t had a meeting, but this is arranged for April.
I have recently been appointed as the ADC for Squirrels and I am looking forward to helping other groups set up their new Squirrel sections. Chamaine from MH 3rds has already been to visit Bowdens Squirrels and Catherine from Welland Valley is due to visit before Easter. MH 3rds will be opening their squirrels after Easter followed by Welland Valley in May. Hopefully, we will see more groups opening Squirrels later in the year.
Sally Gambles, ADC Squirrels
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Yet another challenging year for both the leaders and the beavers themselves, as each colony started the return to normality where beavers could meet face to face allowing meetings to commence under strict guideline. Many sections chose to remain on Zoom whilst others braved meeting under the new Covid risk assessed rules. As the warmer weather came outdoor meetings became almost the new norm.
The year saw a change in many colony’s leadership teams meaning even more challenges as they learn new skills themselves
The year saw a steady increase in Bronze awards being presented as leaders caught up with the programmes that were run during the previous year under Zoom meetings along with programmes created for the new year.
Beavers were seen during the District’s Dragon camp via Zoom which was a challenging event in itself but equally created a lot of fun for the beavers who attended.
September saw a few groups organise Group camps which were well attended by the beaver sections and for the beavers themselves this was their first time on an overnight scouting event. November saw a 30th Celebration for 3rd Market Harborough Mallard Beavers
Late in the year saw Covid restrictions back in place so many colonies closed early for the Christmas break and returned via Zoom in the New Year. Eventually the Green for go button was pressed and Beavers could return to nearer normal which also resulted in more sleepovers.
During the year there were 56 Bronze awards presented which I think under the circumstances is a great achievement. Since the turn of the new year, we have had a few new nights away permits issued for beaver leaders for them to be able to organise their sleepovers.
I would like to thank all the leaders and helpers who without them Beavers could not happened. I would like also to welcome all the new members who have joined the Beaver community and wish them a happy role in the Beaver section.
We all look forward to a much better beaver year. Yan Provins, ADC Beavers (Poppa Beaver)
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It’s come around to that time of the year again when I reflect on what’s happened in the world of Cubs in Harborough District.
It’s great to be back to relatively normal Scouting. Packs throughout the district have been very busy doing a range of activities and working towards their Silver Chief Scout Award.
Thank you to those groups who have invited me along to present Chief Scout awards. It’s amazing to see that the cubs have been working hard even through the difficulties Scouting has faced during the pandemic. Leaders, you have done a great job making Scouting fun and in supporting the cubs so they can achieve their goals in Scouting.
Great Glen had their Centenary anniversary this year and to celebrate had a Group camp weekend and invited some of the past leaders and scouts along with present leaders and Scouting friends from the District & County to join in. The weekend was a wonderful success, the weather was kind to us and the company both youth and adult was great.
Foxton cubs invited me along to a pack night where the theme for the evening was all about water, as in water pistols, water slides you know the sort of thing and a burger. At the end I presented a group of Cubs with their Silver Chief Scout Awards.
I have visited Fleckney at their camp at Foxcovert Campsite, a great time was being had by all three sections. I’ve also been along to pack nights at 1st Market Harborough, 3rd Market Harborough and Bowdens as well as Glen giving out Silvers to the cubs and also meeting new leaders.
Thank you to Kibworth for inviting me along to their camp at John Lowther Camp site.
This year has seen a lot of changes in the leadership of the packs in the district. I would just like to say a very big thankyou to all Cub leaders and helpers - without you putting in all your time, skill and help you give to your group and the district, our young people in Scouting couldn’t do or achieve what they do.
Sue Gardner ADC Cubs
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One very pleasing outcome from the year has been the number of Gold Chief Scout Awards. Its actually only 11 completions where we usually have at least double that but the key point is that the reward requires at least 8 nights away and more importantly the completion of the Expedition Challenge. Leaders have gone over and above to facilitate this with adjustments to planning, routes and supervision to ensure enough of a challenge while remaining Covid safe and within the rules.
Phil Reed arranged tickets and a shake the shirt opportunity for families across the district to the Tigers vs London Irish match on 29 March but other than that there was no chance for district wide scout section activities and camps with most of the year locked into the need to keep to small groups and social distancing but we are very much focussed now on making up for it in the coming year.
Sam Buswell was caretaking the ADC role but more as hands on support at events which couldn't happen and he needed to step down in September as work commitments made it impossible to continue. I asked Ben Reed to step in but he has equally not been able to support the Section. Thank goodness for Phil Reed, who has already arranged a Dodgeball Competition for later in the year.
I arranged a Zoom for Scout Leaders mainly to discuss Fraser Shield planned for June. With not having run it for the last two years and so many changes to troop leadership teams it was an ideal opportunity to get everyone to grips with our camping competition. It looks like it did the trick as we have 86 scouts attending, the highest number since the centenary ten years ago. Its also great when Scout Leaders come together as they readily share their ideas and successes. It would be great to get one of you to step up to the ADC role and do this more often!
## Debbie Billington
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Over the last 12 months there has been a gradual return to normality for Explorer scouting in the Harborough District as youth members and leaders adjusted to the easing of restrictions.
The Hatters and Inclined have continued to meet jointly on a Thursday under the guidance of Tina, Laura and the rest of the leadership team. The programme has remained an eclectic mix of core scouting skills and stress busting activities. These have ranged from developing micronavigation skills, route planning, expedition cooking and pioneering to bingo, the Easter Eggstravaganza and a mystery can cook.
The Lynx Young Leader Unit, inspirationally co-ordinated by Georgie and Sue, has continued to support a number of our young people in their Scouting journey. Our young leaders are not just the scout leaders of the future, they are already active in delivering great scouting across the district every week. As well as the leadership skills they develop while working along side the adult leaders, they are given further life skills opportunities such as the HSE compliant emergency first aid at work qualification.
The Explorers enjoyed their first (post pandemic) in-person camp in February, as the annual Winter Camp at Cold Ashby was resurrected. As is traditional, it was bitingly cold and fearsomely windy but wonderful to allow many of the younger members to camp out as an Explorer for the first time. Plans are already in place for a Summer Camp in August and a variety of Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh expedition dates are also pencilled in over the coming months.
As has become a welcome tradition, Harborough District will be well represented at the World Scout Jamboree with 4 youth participants forming part of the Leicestershire Unit who will be heading to South Korea in 2023. The fund-raising journey is underway for Christopher, Amelia, Ned and Rishan and I know they will be fantastic ambassadors for our District.
Finally, there is the exciting news that from September Inclined ESU will be re-starting to meet independently on a Monday night. In response to the burgeoning numbers of scouts who wish to progress through, a new leadership team of volunteers have willingly stepped forward and are already developing their plans. Their involvement will ensure that explorer scouting will continue to go on delivering experiences, memories and friendships that will endure a lifetime.
Toby Taylor, District Explorer Commissioner
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Network continued but in a dormant phase throughout most of the year simply because it was difficult for these young adults to meet within the restrictions.
Calum is taking a new life direction with studies further afield and so stepped down from the Commissioner role. The year ahead is looking promising as Tina Taylor got several of the members together and they have committed to monthly meeting with various fun activities. I have also had a great response from Network to my request for help in running Fraser Shield this year. Thank you Network!
## Debbie Billington
Many sections have started and some finished their Youth Shaped Award with extra care being taken to make sure young leaders are getting help completing theirs through the section they help out with and their explorer/young leader groups.
We are planning on getting more scouts to become young leaders by promoting the scheme and seen as a future (and fun) within scouting and not just something for DofE. The idea is to attend scout section meetings to explain about being a young leader, taking along either current young leaders or with video clips of young leaders explaining what they do and like about it. There are plans for young leader outings to laser tag for example so they get to meet each other and create links between them. This should also help to keep them long term and to become adult leaders at 18 as well as being an enticing reason for new young leaders to join.
We are working on evening meetings for young leaders to work on their awards and get further support. This will give us the chance to see if there’s anything else they need as well as giving them a chance to feel more included, helped and heard. We’ve already established that they would like to be more involved with the planning and running of meetings which we have put to the adult leaders of their sections and we are already seeing improvements. Young leader feedback has shown that they’re happier now from being able to help out more and are enjoying seeing things change for the better when they put forward a suggestion.
Katie Rollason, Youth Commissioner
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## **SAS**
## **(Scout Active Support)**
This year the S A S. is still alive and working!
The Traffic Management Team have become a valuable asset to the District team, supporting the Saint George's Day celebrations and Remembrance in the town and around the County. They have all been retrained to comply with regulations and are raring to go now all restrictions have been raised.
The Active Support Section is for any Adult who wants to get involved with District Scouting Activities with or without a Scouting Appointment.
The last major District event was an activity Camp at Beaudesert near Cannock Chase, extra adult help was needed and found to be invaluable . Thanks to all you Leaders, helpers and parents who made it work smoothly and making it an exceptionally enjoyable weekend for all our Young people.
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**
Most people have managed to keep their training up to date. Please be aware if you change your roll you will need to complete/ revalidate some of your training. We have been concentrating on getting people through the start-up modules. 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 has begun to restart. 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.
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
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