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City of Newcastle Scouts www.newcastlescouts.org.uk ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Annual Report 2023

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Introduction from the Trustees

To all Newcastle Scouts and Friends of Scouting

The Executive is pleased to present the results and report for 2022-2023.

For Scouts and their parents, the adults in uniform are the visible face of Scouting. However at all levels within the District there is much expertise and support behind the scenes. At District level, the Executive and its Sub-Committees provide support to the work done by the Commissioner and her team. The Executive would like to thank all members of the Property and Finance Sub-committee, the Appointments Advisory Sub-Committee and the Gang Show Sub-Committee. The first deal with the finances of the District and the administration of the properties owned and leased by the District. We hope to shortly have a new property to store Gang Show Equipment and plans are starting to renovate House on the Hill. The second Sub-Committee has the important role of ensuring that all adults wanting to be involved in leading and supervising the members of the Scout Movement are able to do so. The Gang Show Sub-Committee steers the organization of the annual Gang Show. It was tremendous that it returned in April after a four year gap and it was better than ever. Many thanks to all involved in it.

After the constraints caused by Covid, events are now back to normal but the world has changed and zoom meetings are now a common occurrence. We are very grateful to Dan Mercer for his tremendous work as a District Commissioner. He has stood down from that role but is now organizing Explorers across the District and is doing a great job. Kath Tyson is thus the only District Commissioner and is coping amazingly well. We are very grateful to her for tremendous commitment.

Kathryn Toner, our Development Officer, continues to work hard on behalf of the district helping to recruit new leaders and to develop new sections such as a Muslim group in the West of the City.

No organization runs on physical effort alone! It needs money to help run activities and to help with such things as transport costs and equipment. In Andrew Bassett we have the services of an excellent Treasurer with vast experience and it is his efforts that enable us to present a solid financial position. Many thanks to him, Adam Kirk (his assistant) and staff in the County Office.

I would like to thank all members of the Executive Committee for their support and assistance. In particular I would like to thank Andrew Bassett, Bob Tyson (District Secretary) and the District Commissioners for their help and advice. This year we have lost several people who worked tirelessly for the District. In particular, Peter Short who was very helpful to me as I started off as Chair. They all will be missed.

Finally we wish to thank all the Volunteers, Young Leaders, Leaders, GSLs, Group Committee members and the District Team for all your past and continuing service and efforts. Your work enables Scouting to benefit many young people of Newcastle and provide a focus in many communities in the City.

Peter Avery

Chair

City of Newcastle District Scout Council Executive

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District Commissioner’s Report

It does not seem a year since I wrote the last report for the yearbook. I am pleased to report that Scouting continues to flourish within the City, 1429 young people, aged from 4 to 25 developing skills for life, and supported by adult volunteers. Young people have had their achievements acknowledged, and our congratulations go to them all. Young people gaining Chief Scouts Acorn, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Awards, Queens Scout Award and the first Kings Scout Award. Many young people have also achieved their Duke of Edinburgh, Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. This can only happen because of the leadership teams, delivering good active and interesting programmes week by week. The amount of time that they freely give is greatly appreciated.

Adults have been recognised for their service, 49 adults have been awarded length of service awards, going from 5 years to 60 years (Vince Mackell has completed 60 years service, an example for us all to follow).

This year, Gang Show resumed, and in acknowledgement we presented Commissioners Commendation for Good Service to the following, Stu Bennett, Debra Coulson, Geoff Coulson, Brian Gates, Claire Gauld, Katie Jackson, Dave McClen, Katy McClen, Di Middleton, Gareth Miller, Dave Phelan, John Reay. The citation stating “Awarded for their commitment and support of Newcastle Gang Show over many years”.

We also presented Commissioners Commendation for Good Service to Peter Coates, for his service to Scouting across the City of Newcastle over many, many years. Peter was not uniformed, but been involved for 40 plus years.

It is important that we have fully trained adults leading the sections and at Manager level, this year 27 adults have been awarded the Adult Leader Training Award (The Wood Badge). There is no cloth badge, but the sign is two wooden beads on a leather thong worn around the neck.

Since last year, we have been saddened by the passing to a higher life of Ian Fair (Scots Gap Warden for many years), Dave Mowbray (last position Manager of Scout Active Support), Peter Short (Manager of House on the Hill), Bill Hampson (SASU member) and Stephen Duck (GSL of Kingston Park Scout Group). They all gave exceptional service and are greatly missed. Their commitment to Scouting, is an example to be followed.

Scouting is a Movement, and to remain relevant changes are made. We now call our Executive Committees Trustee Boards, and I would like to thank most sincerely the Trustee Board members of City of Newcastle, your support, advice and encouragement is greatly appreciated.

We have had changes in the District Team. Dan has stepped down as a District Commissioner, and is now responsible for the development and leadership of the Explorer Scout Section. Thank you Dan for the work you did as a DC, and what you are doing as a DESC. Ben Skaife has stepped down as District Media Manager, to concentrate upon being an Explorer Scout Leader. Logan O`Hara has stepped down from District Youth Commissioner but is still involved as an Assistant Section Leader (Cubs). Thank you both for all your contributions, enthusiasm and commitment to the District. I hope you enjoy your new roles delivering Scouting directly to the young people.

I need to also thank Kathryn Toner (our Community and Growth Officer), and Pamela Iley and Adam Patterson (who we employ to support administration) for their commitment to Scouting in the City.

A final thank you to everyone who supports, either by wearing a uniform and leading the sections, or being part of a Trustee Board or sub-committee, this great District. Your commitment is second to none.

Kath Tyson

City of Newcastle District Commissioner

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Accounts

Growth and Development Report

This last year has been a great year for growth and development. I have worked closely with the District Team to target work where it has been most needed to ensure sustainable growth. There have been some fantastic achievements as a result of the growth project including the recruitment of upwards of 32 adults and 133 young people.

I have worked with a number of existing groups in the district to open and strengthen new sections which has increased the number of young people accessing Scouting. The second Beaver section for Central Gosforth based at St Hugh’s Church has grown from strength to strength – there is now a team of 7 dedicated adults creating a great programme for their increasing number of Beavers. I have also been supporting the team at St Hugh’s for launching a Cubs section in September. 17th Newcastle has received a lot of targeted support over the last year to strengthen their Beavers section – it is now being ran by a whole new group of adults who have taken on a range of volunteer roles and the section has grown from 5 young people to a full colony of 24 with an ever increasing waiting list of children ready to take up spaces as soon as they become available. A new Explorer unit was created based at House on the Hill which has a healthy number of young people attending. Through direct project work 85 young people have been placed in groups and 13 adults recruited alongside them.

I supported the district managing an extremely large waiting list of young people who were missing out on Scouting opportunities. I worked with parents to select a preferred group for their child and then shared details of these young people with the relevant groups. Through this project I know of more than 50 young people who gained spaces in groups during the Spring term. This number will increase as time goes on and more places become available.

In June 2023, I ran a Volunteer Recruitment Workshop for volunteers in the district and the wider county. 12 adults attended the workshop and feedback for it was fantastic and everyone went home excited to try new things with their section, group or district. 88% of attendees rated the workshop helpful or very helpful and 100% said they would recommend the workshop to other volunteers. I am hopeful that we will be able to run more activities like this in the future.

Other community engagement activities that have taken place this year have included a stall at Newcastle University’s Part Time Jobs & Volunteer Fair and taking part in national volunteering campaign The Big Help Out. As always, regular adverts have been placed on social media, do-it.life, the websites for Northumbria and Newcastle universities, sent directly to parents in groups and other sources both on and offline. This has led to approximately 19 volunteers joining groups across the city in roles from Section Assistant to Section Leader and even Group Scout Leader.

As part of my ongoing promotional work, I designed and printed a variety of resources that can be used as advertising materials for young people and adults – these have been effectively used by several groups around the district. I have also organised for equipment and resources to be loaned out to groups to support with events such as AGMs, litter picks, parent evenings and fundraising events for the World Scout Jamboree.

Kathryn Toner

Growth & Development Officer

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City of Newcastle

Scout Network

Independent Examiner’s Report

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of City of Newcastle District Scout Council

It's been another busy year for City of Newcastle Network, with a whole range of activities happening.

We were very pleased to see two of our members finish their King’s Scout Awards; Meghan and Fiona, who gave inspirational presentations to local Explorers about their adventures. Meghan was the first King’s Scout in Northumberland County since 1952 - perhaps even in the UK (we did ask, but didn't get a reply!) 5 members also gained their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards; 5 gained their Chief Scout Diamond Awards; and Jack (our last Queen’s Scout, for the time being) was awarded his certificate and badge at the County Top Awards Ceremony.

Last year we attended Poacher International Camp in Lincolnshire, where we met up with ex-CNN members and all worked on the staff team together. It was a magical camp with 6000 attendees, I am very proud that CNN continue to support this event (we’ve been going since 2013) and help make an event amazing for the children who attend; even better that those who are now too old for Network continue to come back and support us.

Also last summer we had one unit member go as part of Gang Show 90 to be part of the National Gang Show in a magnificent performance in London, with other Gang Members from all over the UK. What an experience that must have been, thank you to Aidan for representing Newcastle Gang Show and CNN so well. In Newcastle Gang Show this Easter we also had two unit members in the cast and several others helping front of house, where they proved themselves to be invaluable and very professional, especially as I was ill that week and not working at 100% - they really stepped up to help out.

We also saw Robert picked to represent the Scout Association at the Coronation in London, where he attended Coronation Camp at Gilwell Park and was part of the Scout delegation at St James’ Park; what an amazing weekend and again, something he will remember forever. Robert was in a patrol with Scouts from Canada and the delegation also had Scouts from all across the Commonwealth - it really was an amazing experience - almost an international jamboree in one weekend.

Our unit continues to meet monthly, attend activities and work on awards together; this year we have been for a Christmas day out in York (we also saw a panto there - oh yes we did); had our annual BBQ; been catchers in a games of ‘Hunted’ for the Explorers; had a Christmas night out, where we welcomed home those who are away at university and; enjoyed a Chinese meal. We also opened two of our events to older Explorers as a link activity, when some of them joined us for axe throwing and paddleboarding. It will be good to see the many 17 year olds in the District Explorers moving up to Network, especially as so many of the explorers from different units have become friends at the District Explorer events which have been running for the last couple of years.

In the future, we have several members who have been picked to be part of the County Contingent to Roverway in Norway next year, two volunteering at World Scout Jamboree in South Korea this summer and a couple of members doing the County Explorer Belt in Italy. Also we are hoping to send a staff team to help out at Red Rose International Camp in Cumbria next summer too.

So…if you know a Scout who is aged 18 - 25 (or you are one)...there are many opportunities in City of Newcastle Network. We don’t meet weekly, which suits this age group, and you can still be a member if you are going off to university. We can help you get involved with events and activities and support you to finish off top awards (and start new ones).

I report on the accounts of the Council (Charity Number 522413) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 14 to 16 .

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the 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 applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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 130 of the Charities Act or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and 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.

Nicola Leach 33 Amberley Gardens Cochrane Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7JR

31 May 2023

Vix Wallis - District Scout Network Commissioner

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City of Newcastle Network | [e-mail] | newcastlescouts.org.uk

Social Media Stats

City of Newcastle

Ensuring that we achieve our aims

A programme of activities, run by District volunteers, that furthers our purpose and method and compliments those offered by Scout Groups is provided for members of the Association for each of the sections: Squirrels 4-6 years; Beavers 6-8 years; Cubs 8- 10½ years; Scouts 10½-14 years; Explorers 14-18 years; and Network 18-25 years. These activities are open to all young members in the District via their Scout Groups. Some activities are restricted by their nature, in which cases places are taken on a first come, first served basis or by selection. Any selection process adheres to the Scout Association’s diversity policy and will take into account any requirements of the activity. Activities are normally financed by a range of charges, together with fundraising for larger scale activities. Should a young person not be able to pay 100% of the activity costs this would not be a bar to participation. Detailed reports are in the Annual Report for the District.

Financial Review

The charity reports a deficit on total funds for the year of £77,027 decreasing the net cash funds held by the charity to £93,380. This was against a budgeted deficit of £136,041. Major areas of ‘underspend, compared with the budgets were: support for the various district wide activities; underspend on property repairs etc (;largely pending major development at House on the Hill); less funds expended on support and development of groups, sections etc throughput the district and less than budgeted for travel etc offset by increased costs in the area of digital, media and PR and initial costs of surveys, reports etc re the purchase of Walker Hall, Blyth.

The charity does not seek to raise funds and does not charge a subscription to its members at District level. Individual members of District Explorer Scout Units pay subscriptions (as do members of the Groups within the District) to finance their sections’ activities. Subscriptions collected by the District are passed in full to Northumberland County Scouts. In 2020-21, and the two following years, the District has supported the subscriptions payable and incurred a deficit of that income over the payment to County and Headquarters.

The invested funds – generated largely from property disposals in previous districts – are held pending developments within and for the District in particular with properties but provide some income in the meantime. The District Executive intends to apply substantial funds to property development and improvements within the District to improve facilities for the provision of Scouting and have already committed £45,000 for the purchase of Walker Hall, Blyth.. There is also a commitment of c£47,000 for the next year utilising the benefit of the Development Officer.

The District makes grants, and provides other assistance to Groups and individuals in need, to assist in achieving the objects of, in particular, personal development.

Reserves Policy

The District has cash reserves but is aware of possible short-term needs arising from the developments referred to. The Treasurer has been delegated to place available cash funds on short/medium term deposits whilst ensuring sufficient liquid funds are maintained to meet the immediate needs of the District when interest rates make this beneficial although no funds are currently available for this purpose.

In addition, the District ‘inherited’ (from a previous District) invested funds totalling £255,000 with a market value at 31 March 2023 of £815,938 (2022: £827,875) which are invested to either protect the capital or provide some income for the future. The invested funds are managed by CCLA (Church, Charity and Local Authority) fund managers.

Future Plans

The budgets for the current (2023-24) year were approved in March showing a deficit of £122,851 but these excluded the cost of the purchase of Walker Hall and any initial costs (professional fees etc) re the proposed development at House on the Hill. Invested funds will be drawn on to fund these outlays as required. The actual outcome will depend on the speed with which any development of House on the Hill and the provision of other District facilities are achieved and also whether our tenant is able to reduce the arrears that accumulated during the pandemic lockdowns.

This Trustees’ Report has been approved by the Executive of the District and signed on their behalf by:

Dr Peter John Avery (Chair)

Andrew Graham Bassett (Treasurer)

31 May 2023p

Newcastle Explorers

500,000+

Views across all platforms

44,511

There are over 200 Explorer Scouts across the District taking part in activities weekly. As well as having several units delivering quality weekly programmes (including Top Awards such as Chief Scout Awards, Duke of Edinburgh, etc.) we’ve recently been able to offer many opportunities to take part in District-wide Explorer events.

Likes received on Explorer’s videos!

1,560 Comments received from scouts all over the world including: NETHERLANDS | MALTA | GREECE | SENEGAL | GERMANY | POLAND IRELAND | SWITZERLAND | CANADA | LIBYA | DENMARK | FRANCE BRAZIL | PORTUGAL | SPAIN | SOUTH KOREA | BELGIUM | AMERICA

Whether it was ice skating or bowling, a day trip to

Edinburgh (with our friends in Castle Morpeth Explorers), or a day of paddling along the river Tyne - there’s been something for everyone. Our annual Summer Camp attracted a huge turnout as Explorers finished their exams and enjoyed a relaxed weekend with friends.

Over 100 of our Explorer Scouts choose to volunteer as Young Leaders and are supported by regular training – including an annual residential weekend offering training for new young leaders and workshops and refreshers for existing young leaders.

We look forward to keeping the momentum going, and one of our key goals for the year ahead is to strengthen links with Scout Troops and Scout Network to ensure a smooth moving in and moving on process so that young people have a successful transition between sections.

We have some fantastic young adults who bring the ideas and rise to the challenge backed by a small but brilliant team of volunteers supporting and leading them – thank you everyone!

Dan Mercer - District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Newcastle Explorers @newcastleexplorers @newcastleexplorers www.newcastleexplorers.org.uk

Gang Show

The 2023 Newcastle Gang Show may well be the show that we achieved what was thought to be unachievable after overcoming significant barriers throughout the rehearsal schedule.

Our rehearsal’s commenced in January with our final performance week in April, however, due to an unexpected maintenance issue at the Peoples Theatre we were forced to look for a new theatre weeks ahead of our planned performance. We were very fortunate to have support from Newcastle College which allowed our show to proceed as planned in April.

Lead by our fantastic production team, nearly half of our 67 cast members were experiencing their first time on stage and were supported by a huge team to ensure they had costumes, stage scenery and props, makeup, and all the other support roles both front and backstage to allow this year’s show to exceed all expectations for our sell-out audiences throughout the performance week.

Over the four-month period, the cast and crew created new friendships, learnt new skills, and became proud members of the Newcastle Gang Show.

Planning has already started for a Gang Show experience day, plus the 2024 show which is due to be staged at the Peoples Theatre from 2nd – 6th April.

The show’s success is a mammoth team effort, and I would like to thank all the adult support that come together and make the show happen.

Paul Coulson

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Chair for Newcastle Gang Show

Appointment Advisory Committee

The AAC has continued to meet regularly throughout the year, using a mixture of zoom and in person meetings. We have held conversations with in excess of fifty adults to take on a variety of roles covering all groups from Squirrels to Explorers. This process is an integral part of Scouting and supports the safeguarding processes aimed at keeping our members safe.

I would like to thank all members of the committee who give up their time and expertise to this role, Pamela Iley for her excellent administrative support and Kath Tyson for her guidance and ‘wise words’. Hopefully in the coming year we will meet many new volunteers who will rise to the challenges and the fun that Scouting has to offer.

Lorraine Metcalf

Appointment Advisory Committee Chair

Scout Active Support Unit (SASU)

Since the sad death of our SASU Manager, Dave Mowbray, we continue to assist Newcastle Gang Show with all our members turning out to support their first show in 3 years by acting as stewards and selling raffle tickets. This enabled the strong support of the Explorers to be the youthful front in the foyer.

The BP Walk is still functioning and we are actively seeking an enlarged team to be able to advertise this historic walk more widely and in a proactive manner. Meanwhile, a small team do take parties from the Car Park of the Station Inn at Fourstones up to the Cairn where BP held his first official Scout Camp. The George at Chollerford displays information about the walk and we intend a visit to ensure that this is up to date and relevant.

We are aware that recent changes by the Scout Association may affect our current format and have therefor delayed the appointment of a new Manager of SASU until there is a clear way forward.

Risk Management

The District Executive has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed; these have been reviewed periodically and systems have been established and continue to develop 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 within the District. The District has sufficient buildings and equipment 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. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Casual helpers are insured directly by the District.

• Reduced income. Whilst the District currently has substantial funds arising from earlier property disposals and is not dependent on current incoming revenues, it also has substantial investment income arising from a property owned by the District. There are sufficient reserves to cover all current development prospects (including the last year of employment (via The Scout Association) of a development officer at a budgeted cost of c£47,000).

• The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

• The District prepares an annual budget before the commencement of the year to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover at least the following year’s expected requirements.

• The Executive have reviewed the situation that has arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic and is satisfied that there are sufficient funds to support Scouting throughout the District and to provide support to individual Groups if necessary.

Our aims and objectives

The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association.

The purpose of Scouting is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Scouting uses a Method, which is 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

It is sad to report that since the last City AGM, Bill Hampson, who was awarded his 50 year Long Service at our last AGM has “gone home” and he will be sadly missed.

• learn by doing

• share in spiritual reflection

• take responsibility and make choices

Geoff Coulson - SASU (Red Scarf)

• undertake new and challenging activities

• make and live by their Promise.

Tribe have been supporting the district in aiding the running of Duke of Edinburgh at various points in the year. They have supported some weekly activities and are steady in their numbers. Some members have helped with front of house at the Gang show.

Scouting is open to all young people between the ages of 4 and 25 years irrespective of class, ethnic origin, nationality (or statelessness) or race, gender, marital or sexual status, mental or physical ability, political or religious belief.

Colette Anson - Scout Tribe

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Structure, Governance and Management

Treasurer’s Report

Organisation of the charity

The charity was registered on 3rd July 1964 and formally changed its name in October 2011.

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 ('POR') of The Scout Association.

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

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

The District covers the same boundaries as the Newcastle upon Tyne City Council.

The District comprises 21 Groups (2022:21) (separate charities delivering Scouting for Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts in local areas) for which the District Executive has an advisory and support role. The district delivers Scouting through 8 Explorer Scout Units including a Young Leader Unit (for 14 to 18 year olds), a District Scout Network (18-25 year olds) and 3 Scout Active Support Units (SASU).

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 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 District Commissioner(s), District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Youth Commissioner(s), District Scout Network Leader(s) and a maximum of 5 each of elected, nominated and co-opted representatives, and meets every 2 months.

The District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner(s) in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment and is responsible for: promoting the development of Scouting in the District and arranging for harmonious co-operation with other organisations; the raising of funds and the administration of the District's finances and property, including Explorer Scout Units, District Scout Network and District Scout Active Support Units; appointing a District Appointments Advisory Committee, Chair and Secretary as per POR: The Appointment Process; appointing other subCommittees and their chairs as the Committee may require; supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and the trusteeship of property; attending to District administration, particularly: matters relating to Leader, Manager and Supporter appointments; the appointment of Section Assistants and Skills Instructors, Administrators and Advisers; registrations, membership of the Movement, appointing a Badge Secretary for the District; the presentation of an Annual Report and annual statement of accounts to the Annual General Meeting of the District Scout Council.

Trustee changes

These are shown in the reference and administrative details of the charity. New Trustees are provided with full support and induction into their role as Executive members on appointment.

At last, we were able to return to full provision of Scouting across the District which actually led to less district wide events being run as groups were able to offer more themselves. Our tenant at the investment property in Osborne Road was able to return to more normal trading and entered into an agreement to repay the arrears of rent that dropped from £59,500 at the start of the year to £49,740 at the end.

Our gross unrestricted receipts for the year totalled £97,790 after supporting Groups and Units with £6,943 (10% ‘rounded up’) towards their County and National subscriptions. Our gross receipts were almost £29,000 less than the previous year when we received covid related grants but benefitted this year from increased property rents with our investment property tenant starting to pay off the arrears. There was a lower level of receipts from district wide activities. The major increases in receipts over the previous year were in subscriptions and property rents offset by major reductions in the receipts from district wide activities.

Grants received accounted for around 2% of gross unrestricted income (2022 35%); rent and interest 70% (2022 39%) and receipts from charitable activities 26% (2022 30%).

Our unrestricted payments totalled £172,712 (down from £207,766 the previous year). Almost £62,225 (36.0% compared with 45.6% last year) was spent on District and Section activities at District level (including leader training) – this indicates that District supported centrally run activities and training at around £37,500 (but this does include £12,130 payments made on behalf of the Gang Show of which around £3,000 was on account of the 2023 show taking place in the next financial year). £17,350 (10%) was expended on properties (of which £11,644 was for repairs and maintenance) and £42,500 (24%) for our development officer. Grants and support for groups within the district totalled £10,621 (6%) with a broadly similar sum being spent on digital, media PR etc (including radio) whilst grants for individuals attending (Summer 2023) international events totalled £11,150 (6.5%). We also contributed to County in respect of the administration support for the DC team (in particular) at a cost of £7,630 (4.4%).

Overall, we expended £75,022 (2022: £81,030) more than we received in the year on unrestricted funds – whilst restricted funds decreased by £2,005 to give £22,840 carried forward of which £10,259 is within the Gang Show and the remainder being a deposit held against maintenance and rent arrears at Osborne Road.

There are two areas of major expected/hoped for future capital expenditure with the purchase of Walker Hall, Blyth for use primarily by the Gang Show and development at House on the Hill. A rough (and uncosted) estimate of the commitment for these would be in the range of £400,000 to £500,000.

The statement of Assets and Liabilities provides details of investment assets and other assets held by the District (and liabilities).

I am gradually divesting myself of more of the routine work on the District accounts and thank all those keeping ‘sub accounts records (primarily ESUs, SASU and the Gang Show). The ESU accounts are brought together very efficiently by Adam Kirk. We have also divested some of the routine district bookkeeping with Anna Patecka-Gebka taking on some of this (and we hope this will be developed over the next year). Whilst the administration services provided by Pamela Iley and Adam Patterson at Northumberland County Scout Office have a greater benefit for others within the District (principally the DC team, property rent administrators and event organisers), the standardising of processes makes the central accounting more efficient for which I am extremely grateful.

Andrew Bassett District Treasurer

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Trustees Annual Report

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name: City of Newcastle District Scout Council Other names by which known: Newcastle (City) Scouts Previous names: Newcastle Coordinating Committee Great North Scout District Newcastle East Scout District

CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Charity registration number: 522413 (England & Wales) Scout Registration No: 14626 Operational address: c/o Scout House 39 Horsley Avenue Shiremoor NE27 0UG

Registered Charity No (England & Wales): 522413

Independent Examiner: Ms Niki Leach

Scout Registration No: 14626

Charity Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Trustees: The Trustees who served during the year were as follows:

Dr Peter Avery District Chair ex-officio Mrs Kath Tyson District Commissioner ex-officio Mr Daniel Mercer District Commissioner ex-officio to 15 December 2022 Mr Daniel Mercer District Explorer Scout Commissioner ex-officio from 15 December 2022 Mr Andrew Bassett FCA District Treasurer ex-officio Mr Robert (Bob) Tyson District Secretary ex-officio Ms Victoria (Vix) Wallis District Scout Network Leader ex-officio Mr James (Jim) McDonald elected Mr Jonathan Portlock elected Mr Geoffrey (Geoff) Coulson nominated to 20th July 2022 Mr Scott Ideson elected Mr Aidan Byrne elected Mr Trevor Cox nominated to 8th November 2022 Mrs Lorraine Metcalf nominated Mr Joseph Ingram District Youth Commissioner ex-officio to 7th September 2022 Mr Logan O’Hara District Youth Commissioner ex-officio Mr Jack White District Scout Network Commissioner ex-officio to 6th February 2023 Mr Paul Coulson nominated from 2nd July 2022

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