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2021-12-31-accounts

STAFFORD DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity No 524528

Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the period 1/1/2021 -1/12/2021

For the Annual General Meeting 27[th] June 2022

Names of the Charity Trustees who manage the charity

Sue Hewitt District Commissioner
Nick Lloyd District Chair Nominated
Val Wilson District Treasurer Elected (Deceased
(9/10/21)
Helen Ashwood District Secretary Elected
Craig Ansell District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Chris Rafferty District Scout Network Commissioner
Elaine Neville Nominated
Juliet Maiden Nominated
Keith Low Nominated
Paul Askey Nominated
David Brass Nominated
Cathy Hordern Elected
Graham Smith Elected
Paul Evans Nominated
Andrew Clode Chairman of Appointments
Steve Smith Nominated
Sam Scriven District Youth Commissioner
Roland Smith Scout Active Support Manager
Kevin Hewitt Camp Warden

Type of governing document

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

How the charity is constituted

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

Risk and Internal Control

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 a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered

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

The Purpose of Scouting – Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society The Values of Scouting – As Scouts we are guided by these values. Integrity, Respect, Care, Belief and Co-operation

The Scout Method – Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of scouting

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees have an awareness of the Public Benefit Guidance with regard to Scouting’s involvement with the local community. The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

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 six months running costs, circa £7,500

S ummary of the main achievements of the charity during the year as set out in the following reports –

District Commissioners Report

First of all, I would just like to say a BIG thank you to everybody for staying part of our scouting family for the last 2 years I know it has been very hard for everybody.

We have all missed out on such a lot of camping, scouting activities and holiday’s, we have all been through some very tuff times.

Zoom was the new way of Scouting some weeks it was good some not so good, but I think it kept groups ticking over

To try to make it more interactive groups did quiz’s, I did one or two, but it was not the same as Face to Face. It has been very difficult for some of our young people because this is what they had been using for school and the last thing the scouts wanted was to be sitting on another zoom meeting after being on them most of the day at School.

We managed to get through our last AGM’s on Zoom again strange, short & sweet but I think we all said it, “where is the Cheese and Wine and our get together afterwards” it just wasn’t the same.

So today this is our first AGM in 2 years where we are all sitting here face to face we may be a bit rusty as to what we need to say or do but I am sure we will get there.

Well as they say we just need to get on with our day-to-day things now Covid seems to have taken a back burner and all restrictions have now been lifted and it is something we have all just got to live with.

As soon as all restrictions were finally lifted groups started camping again, if you have not done one, yet I am sure you have got one booked somewhere and I’m sure the Jubilee Celebrations were a good excuse to be outside. It is just great to see everybody getting together again and going out enjoying what we’ve missed for the past couple of years.

The groups that had booked camps abroad have now had the go ahead

The jamboree at Korea in 2023 is back on track and the participants are now busy fundraising for the event.

So, whatever you have got coming up this year whether it is Camping, Hiking, Climbing, Abseiling Shooting Archery Sailing Canoeing, or cycling, go out be safe and enjoy what you have missed.

I am very proud to each and everyone of you in Stafford District for everything that you have done over the las 2yrs it has been very challenging, but we met it head on.

WELL DONE TO YOU ALL

Sue Hewitt

District Commissioner

Chairman’s Report

Welcome to the Council Chambers and our first “face to face” AGM for two years!!. Although zoom has been invaluable during the pandemic - nothing beats individuals interacting together as I’m sure all troops and leaders would agree.

2021 presented many challenges, however the sad passing of Val Wilson our treasurer and life long scouter was a shock for us all. Many of us joined her family in a service that saw uniformed and non--uniform colleagues pay their respects.

On a brighter note, Stafford District - thanks to its dedicated team remained strong and well prepared for the future, both financially and with expanding facilities such as the new canoe & Kayaking centre plus enhanced activities at Sherratts Wood camp site.

We look forward to offering the whole Scouting experience to more young people as Stafford District grows.

Considerable thanks has go to the whole team- Leaders, Executive Committee and Sue our District Commissioner for all their considerable efforts.

In summary I’d like to quote - Amy Poehler

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend time - a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever”

Nick Lloyd

District Explorer Unit

With the worst of the Covid pandemic hopefully behind us, Stafford District Explorers are slowly recovering in terms of numbers and activities. This year has seen a change of DESC with Craig Ansell stepping down and Effy Preston taking on the role. There is also a new Young Leader Coordinator, Sam Scrivens.

In late June / early July the delayed Explorer Belt expedition is finally going ahead in northern France. The participants are now in Network but hopefully they'll 'blaze a trail' for other Explorer Belt expeditions within the District. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme has re-started with 7A leading the way in terms of numbers involved. In addition, the District have 5 candidates busy fundraising for the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year - exciting times.

It is intended that a full programme of District Explorer events will be established, starting with the reintroduction of the OB cup in October.

Effy

Stafford Networks report

No report available

Stafford District Beaver report

No report as no ADC

Cub Scout Section Report

As we have come out of the pandemic it has been encouraging to see so many packs running at capacity again.

I have had the pleasure of visiting some packs in the last couple of months while they have been on camp or out & about enjoying proper scouting again

Due to time constraints, we have not yet reconvened the Cub Council but plans are in place to restart in September with a view to starting District events early in 2023.

The contact I have had with packs throughout the District shows that all packs are actively scouting & enjoying it.

Lydia Hilton

ADC Cubs

Scout Section Report

2021 proved an interesting year for Stafford Scout Troops in the early part all leaders were going the extra mile to deliver innovative online programmes.

I was really impressed with the way that the teams stepped up to the mark and found new activities to do or new ways in which to deliver more traditional scouting. Then of course thankfully we returned to some sort of “normal” and face to face meetings again. I believe we have made it through the lock downs and come out the other side hopefully stronger. Youth membership is very healthy. However, we are in somewhat of a crisis with Leaders. I have 2 Troops that are in dire need of more Adults and I’m sure there will be others who struggle on without letting us know.

My thanks go to Darren Horden and his team who recently ran a very successful Skills weekend at Sherratts Wood. Lucie and Dave Francis have been working hard to put together our forth coming Lord Stafford Cup. Which is hopefully due to take place on the weekend of the 15[th] July. I hope Troops will support this event, that the scouts have always had so much enjoyment from.

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel this year’s Raft Race. As we have found it impossible to source a venue. However, we are very confident that we will see it return next year. Thanks to Kevin Hewitt for his efforts.

There have been few Chief Scout Gold Awards this year. Mainly because of the limitations on meeting and being able to get out and complete Expeditions. Hopefully in the very near future we will see more coming through.

All, the Troops have at least one camp each organised for this Summer and I’m sure that they will be delivering the usual high standard of activities during these.

The district activity team has been instrumental in delivering activities at the climbing wall and at our new canoe centre based at Stafford Boat Club. My thanks to Paul Askey, Nigel Hill, Chris Rafferty and their teams for their continued support.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Scout Leaders, Section helpers and Young leaders, who have worked so hard and dedicate their spare time to delivering excellent Scouting in Stafford District. Without you all Scouting just would not be possible.

Graham Smith

ADC Scouts

Stafford District

District Activities Report

Overall, given the spectre of covid hanging over us, activities in the district fared pretty well. This has been mainly due to the activity teams rising to the challenge and finding ways for climbing, kayaking and caving to go ahead.

Kayaking

We started the sessions last year with covid restrictions giving the team a considerable challenge. Working within the restrictions we had managed to finish the kayaking centre at the Boat Club. The facility consists of a boat and equipment store plus male and female changing rooms. The Boat club is in the process of building a toilet block about 50m from our centre which will be a great help to us. Over the winter the team excavated a few tons of soil and built the slabbed launching steps at the centre which has made getting on to the water much easier. The team managed to get over 300 young people on the water over the season which was amazing considering the restrictions they were working under. This season it is planned to run 28 sessions so even more scouts will be able to experience the activity. None of this would be possible without the support of the members of the Boat Club. I was hoping to have organised an opening ceremony towards the end of this month but we have received some sad news that John Mountford, the Boat club Commadore, died recently. John was instrumental in us getting the use of the club and permission to build the centre. We owe him a great debt of gratitude so I thought it appropriate to delay the official opening.

Climbing

Given the challenges the climbing team had to overcome with the restrictions imposed on us they have done an amazing job. For obvious reasons numbers using the wall has been down on previous years although they are now starting to pick up and we expect in September to be back to the pre covid numbers.

A number of new belayers and instructors have joined the team and we plan to run more courses in the autumn.

Caving

Due to the confined spaces in caves, it made it impossible to run any trips but now restrictions have lifted we have started to run trips again.

Hill Walking

A number of trips took place in the Lake District, Wales and the Peaks. A number of leaders attended County hillwalking courses and have gained permits to take their members into the hills. Thanks must go to the County Mountain Activity Team for putting on the courses for leaders in the county.

It has been my privilege to work with such an amazing dedicated group of individuals who have given many hours of their time to put on these activities and work on the various facilities and to overcome the challenges that covid presented us with. On behalf of the District, I would like to thank them for all their efforts.

Paul Askey

ADC Activities.

Sherratts Wood District Camp Site

Sherratt’s Wood during 2021 was largely of recovering and making good the difficulties resulting from COVID and its consequence. The Storm Damage to the mature Oak Trees in the adventure play area was cleared after the trees were made safe professionally and the features repaired, renewed, or added to by our extended Crew.

Routine programme of mowing, cleaning, tree management and general maintenance was continuous with improvements in security, telecom, and our range of activities available to our visitors.

Scouting and camping began to recover, and we welcomed Groups from all Staffordshire and further in addition to most of our own Stafford groups.

We had generous welcome support from Grants from East Staffs and a reduced NFU insurance premium.

Looking after our environment included planting native tree whips from the Woodland Trust, installing 60+ nesting boxes with a high % of success including a Tawny Owl chick. Wildlife cameras recorded Badgers, Foxes and a Muntjac.

A new Website is in preparation. A new “Classroom” for training social events and specialist courses is planned.

Sadly, we lost our Vice-Chair Val Wilson who loved the Wood and will be remembered in a specially made dedicated area to celebrate her special contribution to scouting in Stafford.

Our thanks to the Crew and all the people involved during the year, every week, for their time, humour, and dedication in an eventful year.

Keith Low

Chairman Sherratt’s Wood

Sherratt’s Wood Site Warden

I would firstly like to say thank you to all the site crew who have all worked feverishly over the last 12 months to put the site in an even better condition now than it was before covid.

The main projects started and finished off since the last AGM are the shooting range is now finished bigger and better than ever and is being well used

The junior activity area has been completely cleared and new equipment designed , built, and fitted and as a consequence it is in almost constant use.

The assault course has been stripped out with some existing equipment being refurbished and having the addition of several new and exciting elements installed each week.

One of the port a cabins has been removed from the carpark and to facilitate the removal of the final one a 5mtr X 5mtr shed has been purpose built to store the equipment in the last port a cabin and when that is removed a new living fence will be installed along the boundary of the carpark.

The Askey lodge have been fitted with a new larder fridge a small freezer along with an electric range type cooker and a new extractor system. Which will reduce the need to store liquid gas on site.

New rainwater drainage has also been installed for the toilet block and rifle range.

Since the lifting of the covid restrictions we have seen the site slowly move back to normality and an increase in campers although the “Summer Camp” season is quite sparse this year, we have seen a number of new groups visit and promise to return.

We do have some tentative plans to increase the activities on site but that will hopefully all start to take some sort of shape over the winter months.

Thanks to everyone who helps make my job easier.

Kevin hewitt

Site Warden

Appointments Committee

Please find below a brief summary of progress of the Stafford District Appointments committee, the

Panel is going from ‘strength to strength’ with the ability two operate two panels on one day (due to increased numbers of the appointments team). Covid has still had an impact with a number of sessions needing to be re-dated, an unintended benefit of covid has been the ability to use ‘Zoom’ / on line for appointments sessions. Which has proved a successful for midweek evenings. Sessions held this year: -

3rd July 2021 – 2 candidates.

19th October – 3 candidates.

9th January 2022 – 1 candidate

25th January – 3 candidates.

29th January – 6 candidates.

15th February – 2 candidates.

2nd April – 1 candidate.

10th May – 3 candidates.

Standard interview pro forma introduced & now refined (Including GSL management

interview template).

Juliet Maiden has been providing sterling support on gathering references and co-ordinating.

I would like to Juliet for her on-going support and professionalism.

Forthcoming appointment dates for 2022.

o 21st June Zoom- (3).

o 25th June Sea Scouts (5)

o 26th November

Work in progress

Catching up with any backlog following COVID.

Issue with references (quality, compliance & supply) – Although this has improved.

Andy Clode

Stafford Active Support Unit Report

Not a great deal to report, we still have a small, dedicated group of Individuals which always step up to the plate when asked.

The only major activity we have covered since our last encounter was the

St Georges day parade and Church Service. Generally it went well, we had to adapt a few things as we went owing to the incident in town, but all in all a success in my opinion.

We had a working party at Sherratt’s wood where we did a bit of Timber treatment to the Wardens Den, Archery Shed and some of the cooking shelters.

SAS in the main also continue to play a major part in the Warrants Committee with its membership accounting for around 30% of the overall committee.

We are always pleased to accept New members into SAS, either as occasional helpers or full blown members, so if you are interested in joining our merry band please have a word with one of the team, you can’t miss us, were the ones with the Purple and Lime Green neckerchiefs.

Stay safe Roland

4[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

We have continued to provide our children with a wide variety of activities. From day camps to nights away, in tents, hammocks and bivvies. Hiking, climbing, sailing and building we haven’t sat down long enough to digest the amount of fun we have packed into the last 12 months. After being

released from Covid restrictions, we hit the ground running across all the sections and have not looked back. Numbers remain steady and the leadership team although has seen one or two movements remains strong and there is always plenty of support from parents.

We have the honour of leading the St George’s Day parade, at the time of writing this it is 3 weeks away. Planning the event has bought the group closer to St Paul’s and we are grateful for the support we have received from Rev’s. Martin and Ian.

We are planning a massive group camp which will fall on Jubilee weekend and is looking to be well attended. Our Scout Leaders are also in the throes of planning a District Skills weekend which, is always a ‘must attend’ event.

Beavers have, as always been out and about, learning new sports and exploring Stafford landmarks.

Cubs, have been visited by the armed response and police dogs, which is always an enjoyable evening. We have just taken on an allotment next to St Peters, bringing the group closer to the community it serves.

Scouts, as always pushing the boundaries of scouting #PioneeredAtThe4th

We are excited for the coming 6 months when we will welcome Elements Explorer Unit into our group umbrella, utilising our Scout Leaders, allowing us to continue our scouting programme with our Scouts who are ageing out.

Congratulations to all my leaders who have obtained special permits to ensure that our YP can undertake new activities safely. Without your effort and sacrifice of family time, we just wouldn’t be able to provide such a varied and exciting programme.

Cathy Hordern

4th Stafford GSL

6[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

2021/22 has been a year of ups and downs, starting with meeting restrictions and ending with our Group Camp at Sandon with relative normality for the past few months.

All sections have met face-to-face almost every week this year, with quite a lot of outdoor activities taking place and scouting skills / camping sessions to rebuild some skills that have been lost or a little rusty following 2 years of restrictions and a severe lack of camping.

We’ve been lucky to have been able to have a number of camps this year, bookended by the re-introduction of our annual group camp held on the Sandon Estate, something very special to us as a Group and we appreciate the relationship that we have had with the estate and Lord Harrowby for over 60 years now.

We congratulate our members on achieving 6 ‘Chief Scout’s Bronze Awards’, 4 ‘Chief Scout’s Silver Awards’ and 2 ‘Chief Scout’s Gold Awards’ in the past year.

We have welcomed a couple of new Young Leaders to the Group – Dylan (AKA Leaf who assists with our Beaver Colony), Chloe (AKA Karela who assists with the Cub Pack) as well as another Chloe who assists with Cubs as a Scout Helper and Cameron (Tabaqui) who is working with both Cubs and Scouts.

We have also welcomed back Ant (known to everyone as ‘Beany’) who was an ACSL with our Group around 20 years ago, he has now returned as a SA with Scouts and also helps with Cubs as well as acting as Cook Crew for a number of camps.

A couple of members of our exec committee have also been extremely active as helpers with different sections and camps and we are greatly appreciative to Kelly (Chair) and Emma (Secretary) for this.

Our numbers currently stand as follows:

Beavers – 17

Cubs – 25

Scouts – 23

During the past 12 months we have taken part in a number of events such as:

Some of the Group leaders and Exec Committee had the opportunity (finally after being cancelled for the past 2 years!) to camp on Brownsea Island at the site of the first Camp back in 1907. A fun weekend has had, including recreating a previous picture taken in 2002 (coincidentally the Diamon Jubilee year), this is the last time that the National Trust are allowing adults-only Scout camping on the island.

We were pleased that the District St George’s Day parade was able to take place this year and we were extremely proud of the behaviour of our members and the high turnout that we had. We were very proud that 2 of our young leaders and 2 of our Scouts were part of the Parade’s lead Colour Party.

As GSL’s we have had an extremely stressful and busy year and would like to express our thanks to all our leaders and exec for their assistance.

Regards, Justin L. & Vikki L. Williams (Group Scout Leaders)

7[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

Beavers

We currently have 27 Children and 13 on the waiting list. There is me as the main leader and Sarah Nightingale as assistant leader. Also have a section assistant.

Cubs

There are currently 25 children and the waiting list is closed, so we can ensure there is enough space for our beavers

Cubs have one leader and one assistant leader. They also have a section assistant.

Scouts

There are currently 17 children and no one on the waiting list.

They have one leader and 2 section assistants who aren't available for all meetings. It would be very helpful to have another Scout Leader.

I would absolutely love to open a Squirrel Drey, I know me and the cub leader have spoken previously about this as we are both keen to. But as we are already beaver and cub leaders we are not sure if we would be allowed to both run a Squirrel Drey together. I feel we would have the numbers as I could ask the children's parents who are currently on the beavers waiting list.

I would ideally run the group on a Wednesday before beavers. Could you let me know Sue what you think about this please. I can talk to Stef (cub leader) to ensure she would be still happy to do it with me.

Kirsty Watt Group Scout Leader

9[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

Beavers finally wrapped up their online Zoom sessions and headed back to HQ with the onset of lighter nights and the wonderful world of face to face.

Coming out of Covid restrictions has been a challenge, the initial return came with fresh challenges and learning how to operate together again but keeping apart, but they got there.

Numbers remained good and we are now starting to see several enquiries coming through, the future looks promising. They have also sent a number of long-standing Beavers up to Cubs over the last few months.

Some of the things they have worked on this year have been knots, Lego building, safety, navigation, pioneering, natural art, money skills, space / star gazing and nature walks.

Cubs are doing well. We are seeing a steady stream of new Cubs arriving and are gradually moving the older Cubs up to Scouts. They have been refreshing the skills they already had and developing the new ones. They had a successful sleepover at HQ in October and have been working on badges throughout the year, pioneering, chef, knots, fire-lighting, local knowledge and more. A trip to the castle gave them an insight into the history of Stafford.

Scouts are coming back to face to face meeting well, although attendance fluctuates. The sailing season was cancelled again but they did manage to arrange a variety of outdoor activities. They went kayaking on the Sow until the weeds got too bad. In place of summer camp they had a week of activities which included visits to the beach, the zoo, a tour around the Blue John mines and a cycle ride. With the onset of darker nights, a walk from the castle with chips in town was enjoyed by all.

They had several visits to Sherratts Wood including, a cooking day, weekend camp and an outdoor Halloween party which was particularly spooky in the dark

In response to a local request they collected donations for the people of Ukraine and took them down to the Polish Club. The support for this was very generous, thank you. Badge work is progressing well.

Numbers dropped off in all Sections as lockdown took hold but they have steadily built back up again and I expect demand for places to be high in the coming months.

2022 saw some overdue Long Service and Commendation Awards presented to the Group Leadership Team.

Tim Small, Beavers, 5 years’ service

Tiffany Sandy, Scouts, 10 years’ service

Sion Richards, Scouts, 30 years’ service

Kevin Hewitt, Scouts, 30 years’ service and the Silver Acorn for services to the Movement

Sue Hewitt, Scouts, the Award of Merit for outstanding service

Douglas Smith, GSL, 40 years’ service and Silver Acorn for services to the Movement

This impressive list highlights that we are not getting any younger and the importance of supporting and encouraging our younger adult Leaders, so that they are ready to take on the responsibility of running the Group when required.

The Leaders put a lot of effort into keeping their Sections going this year with Zoom and setting tasks for their members to do at home, helping to keep them involved in Scouting. I am immensely proud of the Leaders for keeping things going during the year and their enthusiasm for getting their sections going again. I am confident of a healthy future for the Group.

My Thanks go to all the Leaders, adult helpers, Group Executive Committee and parents that helped to get the Group through this difficult year.

Douglas Smith GSL

11[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

Well, that’s been a very difficult couple of years for the 11[th] . When the lockdown started, we obviously lost our home at the school, fully expecting to get back at some point in the near future. Unfortunately, this never happened. After terms spent having meetings in the park and temporary halls at Elim Hope Church, we have finally found what we are hoping will be a longer-term home. We are now meeting at the Exhibition space at the New Beacon Group on the old university site.

This lack of a home and the change of venue away from Wildwood has really hit our membership and we are currently down to very low numbers. This is a blessing in one way, as we are also very low on leaders, but it does make running meetings very difficult. Who would have thought you would hear a leader saying 6 young people at a meeting is far worse than 24!!

As we now settle into our new home, we are re-building and bringing the Young People in our care skills for life. It will take a while to re-build, but the leadership team have already been putting information out to the local community around the new venue and this is now starting to bear fruit, with people starting to re-join and get our numbers up. We now need to find the new leaders to allow the current team to not have to cover more than one section.

So as always and perhaps even more after the last couple of years, I cannot say enough about our small team of Leaders, Young Leaders and Executive members who continue to put 200% into the group.

Finally, I will say a bit thank-you to all our members of the district for you continued support of the group and let’s continue teach our members Skills for Life in these completely unprecedented times.

Dave

11[th] Stafford Scout Group

12[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

Like everyone else the 12[th] Leaders worked very hard to keep everything going during the Pandemic. Almost straight away we held meetings via zoom which we found to be very hard work. We were so relieved when we could resume meetings again face to face .

Even though the leaders were tired and under pressure to try and deliver a programme each week we didn’t lose any adults for which we were so thankful and fortunately we didn’t lose too many children either mainly because of the Zoom meetings and the leaders going that extra mile to ensure that they still worked for badges. And because of all this most Parent continued to pay subs which kept us afloat. I am happy to say that it didn’t take long for our numbers to start going up again resulting in us now being back to about 280 again which is very pleasing. Our aim after lockdown has been to try and do as much scouting and outdoor activities as we can so that we can catch up with everything the children missed out on during lockdown. Because of this we have been all been very busy but I am happy to say that all Section have made good inroads into the training programme.

With some trepidation some sections did hold camps in the Autumn. We really thought parents wouldn’t like their children to come along but surprisingly enough they were all very supportive so we ended up taking good numbers away. This year all sections will be holding at least two camps on top of what we have already achieved since January. We have had sleepovers, been on outings done Kayaking, Hiking along with all the other outdoor pursuits.

The Group managed to do a bit of fund-raising last year by holding a Fun Dog show and a Christmas Market both of which we hopefully intend to do again this year.

All in all I am more than happy at our progress and along with everybody else hope that nothing else pops up to knock us all down again.

I have to thank everybody connected to the 12[th] or all that they have done and continue to do. They are all very special people and we consider ourselves very lucky indeed.

Last but not least I would like to thank our DC Sue Hewitt and of course Kevin for all the help and support they have continued to give me. Stafford are very lucky to have you both looking after us so well. Doreen Smith. GSL 12[th] (Berkswich) Scout Group.

15[th] Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group Report

Beaver section

We now have two healthy Beaver colonies which meet on a Monday evening our Beaver leaders are only available on a Monday due to other commitments and had a waiting list of twenty four and due to the age of some on the list they would be to old by the time a space became available. It was decided that if the running time was shortened by fifteen minutes they would be able to run two colonies with a fifteen minute break in-between for change over.

the Beavers did their first sleep over and have a varied program that they all enjoy.

Cub section

We had our first camp at Kibblestone which was enjoyed by all after a long break away from camping due to covid restrictions, followed by our Halloween can at Beaudesert we are busy preparing for our trip to Southern Ireland in August and the Cubs are enjoying a varied programme of activity's.

Scout section

We have a new Scout leader and a new ASL the Scouts are enjoying a varied programme and the patrol leaders and APL enjoyed their first camp at Sherratt’s Wood.

Sometimes the scouts have to miss a night due to our ASL not being able make the meeting due to work commitments and at short notice not being able to arrange for another leader to help out. A shortage of leaders is our biggest concern and although we are growing in numbers none of the new parents are willing to step up to the challenge of helping out or taking a leadership role

We are waiting for a response from Penkridge Market to see if will be possible to hold our Bonfire there this year.

I apologise for not being able to attend the AGM due to holiday commitments

Yours in Scouting

Terry Day

16[th ] (Wheaton Aston) Stafford Scout Group Report

14 cubs now registered with small waiting list based on age

Potential new beaver leader (we’re in discussion with her but it’ll come down to volunteers to assist as always) we believe there’s sufficient interest within the village to re-start beavers so hopefully this will happen, potentially early September

No scouts, guides etc

Thanks

Simon Heath GSL

17[th] (Gnosall) Stafford Scout Group Report

This has been a successful year for the Group, and all sections have managed to bounce back, holding face to face meetings and maintaining healthy numbers.

Beavers are currently full and we have a few names on the waiting list for places. Cubs are also full. Scouts have a couple of spaces available. We continue to have a strong demand for places.

I am happy to report that as things are now getting back to normal, Scouts held their first camp in two years at beginning of April, very cold one with hail attacking us while putting tents up, but didn’t put any of the scouts off and they went on to attend the district scout skills camp in May which was very enjoyable for all.

The cubs have also booked a camp at Patshull which they are looking forward to.

They have had a very busy programme including making bird boxes and taking part in cycling proficiency and baking.

The Group's activities wouldn’t be possible without the support of the adult, young leader and parent helpers who generously give up so much time, and also our Executive Committee members. I’d like to offer the Group's thanks to all of them.

We are very lucky to own our own building, shared with the guides. This is looked after by a wonderful team of volunteers, known as the management committee who raise the funds to pay the bills and keep it fit for use and for this we are very grateful. However, it is very evident we now need some ‘new blood’ added to the team and the aim for the year ahead is to get new adult members both on the committee and as leaders.

20[th] Stafford Scout Group Report

As a group we have meeting regularly to try to give as many the opportunity to learn new Scouting skills. The Scout group attended the District skills camp 13th -15th May, and a camp later on in the year. Weekend activities for Beavers and Cubs has not taken place due to leader numbers and work commitments.

The group is in need of not only leaders but committee members, with our wonderful treasurer retiring after 22 years. Cubs require at least 2 leaders and another in Scouts.

Our Fete is on 9th July where we hope to have a good turnout.

Joanna Miller Scouter in charge

20th St Bertelin’s

21[st] Stafford Scout Group Report

Are you really well we are engaging from all the parents and we have done previously I suspect even better than pre-Covid.

We had our AGM last week and we managed to recruit quite a few parents to help the group.

CUBS is by far the strongest section with the current membership of 32, thereafter for that move up to Scouts. Beavers now has 14 members with six recently moved up to Cubs. Scouts is running with 16 names on the books however attendance is sporadic with some of them due to shall we say family issues, They usually get about 11 a week but not the same ones every week.

Leader wise cubs is very healthy, we could do with one to Beavers and we could do with three in Scouts as it appears that mini Riley does have other commitments and can’t make every week. We have full compliment on the exec now having recruited a new secretary and a couple of parent representatives.

On the subject you are already briefed on our plans regarding project bushy tailed we have three leaders that came forward at the AGM to run the section, I think we may have a 4th to join them. Therefore completed the paperwork for the DBS one has had theirs back already and they’ve started doing their basic training Paul Askey has been asked to make contact with them to sort out their PLP’s

Still waiting to hear back from HQ however the email that you get was not dismissive and I think we will be able to carry on despite not being in the 1 to 5 category that was a initial requirement. They will be putting us in touch with a cohort coach and 19 other cohort leaders.

We now have all sectioned meeting in the church hall instead of HQ which is better with the space that we need. This does mean of course our overheads have gone up so our subs will increase next year.

--

Roy Clarke

Group Scout Leader

Declaration

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signatures Full names Position Date ……………………………………………….

Receipts
and
Payments
Receipts
Donations a
Membership
Less Membe
Net Members
Donations
Payments Re
Section Repa
M & G Divide
Transfers
Explorer Inco
Insurance Cl
Minbus Incom
Grants
Maintenance
Other
Fundraising
Collections
Shop Sales
Badge Sales
Activity Fees
Advertising
Campsite Fe
Subscriptions
Gang Show
Gang Show T
Investment I
Bank Interest
Building Soci
Property Ren
Other Invest
Total Gross I		 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endownment Total Funds 2021 Total Funds 2020
nd other income
S
35,532
r
33,264		 35,532
33,264		 46,671
36,246

2,268
2,878
ceived

1,722

1,679
222

8,373
aim/Refund

200		 2,268
2,878
0
1,722
1,679
222
8,373
0
200		 10,427
357
292
2,892
1,521
3,892
8,527
7,986
410
17,342 17,342 36,303
16,864 21,334
16,864
16,864 16,864
340
1,602

1,245
e
8,192

Sales
icket Sales		 0
133
921
870
1,210
826
0
2,778
6,120
0
340
1,602
1,245
0
8,192
0
0
0
11,379 11,379 12,857
ncome 4
242

0		 0
ety Interest
t Income
ment Income		 77 77
0 77 77 246
n
45,586		 77 45,663 70,740
Asset & Inve
Total Receipt		 stment Sales

45,586		 77 45,663 70,740
Receipts &
Payments
Youth Progra
Training
Membership
District Purch
Minibus Purc
Rent
Water & Sew
Savings Tran
St Peters Exp
BT
Electricity &
Insurance
Repairs & Re
Materials & E
Printing & Po
Travel and V
Explorer Unit
Grants not tr
Events
Development
Trustee Expe
District Loan
Donations &
Other Expen
Fundraising
Camp Shop
Gangshow
County Jamb
Badges
s Expenditure		 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endownment Total Funds 2021 Total Funds 2020
Payments
mme & Activities		 337
191
352
186
1,131
0
337
0
0
522
296
1,944
11,913
1,480
123
520
7,576
12,375
272
2,409
44
2,202
100
30
0
0
Fees 0

726
h
1,045
655
erage

3,892

2,263
G
2,198
3,288

8,777

2,494
s
173
an Hire
s
6,744
a
2,826
Fund

388
to Group
G
191
s
792		 726
1,045
655
0
3,892
2,263
0
2,198
3,288
8,777
2,494
173
0
6,744
2,826
0
0
388
0
191
792
36,451 36,451 44,339
Expenses
1,081		 1,081 1,124
8,959
0
435
oree Fund 0
0
2,254 2,254
3,335 3,335 10,519
39,787 39,787 54,858
Loan Repaym
otal Payments
ts/(payments)
Transfers Be
Cash Funds
End This Year		 ent
39,787 39,787 54,858
5,799 77 5,876 15,883
tween Funds
L
90,887		 51,396 142,283
85,113 51,473 136,586

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endownment Total Funds 2021 Total Funds 2020

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year

Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities		 Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities		 Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities		 Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities		 Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities		 Cash Funds
Bank Current
83,760
83,760
75,343
Bank Savings
15,109
15,109
11,216
Building Society Account
51,473
51,473
54,828
The Scout As
400
400
404
Cash/Floats
1,355
1,355
492
Cash Funds
100,624
51,473
152,098
142,283
Other Monetary Assets
Tax Claim
Debts due from County/District/Groups
Insurance Claim
Investment Assets
Investment Property
Quoted Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Other Investments
35,326
35,326
31,157
Non Monetary assets for Charity's own use
Badge Stock
3,999
3,999
3,069
Shop Stock
Other Stock
Land and Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Scouting Equipment, furniture et
Internal Loan
3,999
3,999
3,069
Total
104,623
86,799
191,423
176,509
Liabilities

83,760
s
15,109
ety Account

400
1,355		 51,473 83,760 75,343
11,216
54,828
404
492
15,109
51,473
400
1,355
100,624 51,473 152,098 142,283
ary Assets
m County/District/Groups
aim
Assets
roperty
tments
ments		 35,326 31,157
35,326
35,326 35,326 31,157
ry assets for Charity's own use
3,999
ldings
es
ipment, furniture et
 3,069
3,999
3,999 3,999 3,069
104,623 86,799 191,423 176,509

Accounts not paid Expenses incurred but no yet invoiced Subscription not yet paid Loan Other Liabilities

Contingent liabilities and future obligations

and signed on their behalf by Chairman Nick Lloyd

District Commisioner Sue Hewitt

Report to the trustees/
members of		 Stafford District Scout Council
On accounts for the year 131/12/2021
Charity no
ended (if any)
Set out on pages
report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity ("the Tmst") for the year ended 31/12/2021.
Responsibilities and basis As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the
of report preparation of the accounts in accordance \Mth the requirements of the
Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Tmst's accounts carried
out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my
examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the
Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's (M?Sve completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters
statement ive come to my attention (att)6»-thafrtba+>dtsclossd-betewr*) in
[connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that
• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130
of the Act or
• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
(/\ have no concerns and have come across no other matters in
lconnection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in
[order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: /^
Date: ^ /o 7/ ,2.2.
^^^^- ,^^^i^^
Name: ^LJ^£> ^<^r^
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body (if		 A/^-T . ^ ^'</'/^ /^/^
any):
Address: 2^ ^SAT^I ^&t^£
^/"AC^^J)
^•r/<& (^
[Give here brief detaiis of
any items that the
lexaminer wishes to
Idisclose.