1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
1[st] Marston Green Scout Group
Registered Charity Number 524591
Annual General Meeting
2020-2021 A virtual AGM by Zoom 6[th] July 2021 7.30 pm
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l- Marston Green Scout Group- Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21 SEhVE&S cubs Scouts EXPLORERS Band
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Agenda
Tuesday, 6 July 2021 at 7.30pm
Online via Zoom
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Chairman’s Welcome
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To receive apologies for any absence.
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To approve the minutes of the AGM held on 22 September 2020
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Matters arising : any questions submitted to the Group Secretary will be replied to.
REPORTS & ACCOUNTS
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Presentation of Annual Report
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Presentation of Accounts by the Group Treasurer
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Acceptance of Annual Report and Accounts
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Any other questions or business raised by members of the Group Scout Council
GOVERNANCE
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To confirm the outcome of the following votes carried out in advance:
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(i) the number of persons to be elected at the Group is usually between four and six
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(ii) a resolution that the quorum for a meeting of the Group Executive Committee is four members to include either the Group Chairman or Group Scout Leader
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To note the Ex-Officio members of the Committee as being: Group Chair, Group Secretary, Group Treasurer, Group Scout Leader. The District Commissioner and District Chair have a right of attendance.
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To note the number of persons nominated must not exceed that of the elected members of the Group Executive Committee.
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To note the number of persons co-opted by the Group Executive Committee
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
must not exceed the number of members who may be elected.
APPOINTMENTS & ELECTION
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To approve the Group Scout Leader’s nomination for Group Chairman
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To confirm the election of a Group Secretary
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To confirm the election of a Group Treasurer
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To confirm the election of certain members of the Group Executive Committee
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To confirm the co-opting of certain members of the Group Executive Committee
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To appoint an Independent Scrutineer of the Accounts.
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Chairman’s closing remarks
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
1 st Marston Green Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2019/20
Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name: 1st Marston Green Scout Group Registered Number: 524591
Location: Rear of 38 Elmdon Road, Marston Green, B37 7BT
Principal address: c/o 104 Coleshill Road, Marston Green, Birmingham B37 7HW
Advisor: The Scout Association Scrutineer: Mrs J Wilde, 4 Bickenhill Road, Marston Green, B37 7EL
Trustees:
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Trustee Name Office Period
(if not a full year)
Jacqueline Altham Member
Daphne Carter Member
Sarah Coleman Member
Pat Glynn Treasurer
David Hobbs Vice Chair
Lisa Ollis Member
Peter Jones Member
Robert Swindell Chair Resigned 14.2.21
Member From 15.2.21
Amanda Turnbull Group Scout
Leader
Helen Sale-Wilkes Member
Andrea Wynn Secretary
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Structure, Governance and Management
Our governing documents are those of The Scout Association consisting of a Royal Charter which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and its ‘Policy, Organisation and Rules’.
Our Scout Group is managed by a Group Executive Committee whose members are charity trustees responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities and for managing Group business, including keeping proper accounts, making returns to the Charity Commission, issuing an annual report, ensuring property and land is well maintained, ensuring leaders and trustees are trained, observing health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities, including risk assessment.
Risk and Internal Control
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
The Group has internal controls in place designed to provide reasonable reassurance against material mismanagement or loss, including two signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance to ensure insurable risks are covered.
Objectives and Activities, Vision, Values and Priorities
The objectives of the Group are to act as a unit of The Scout Association. The Aim is to promote development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and international communities. The Method is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership. Our trustees operate in line with these aims and objectives and in accordance with the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011.
We pursue The Scout Association’s Vision for 2018-2023 ‘Skills for Life’ to prepare more young people with skills for life , supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme, growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our community, with emphasis on values:
Care : We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Respect : We have self-respect and respect for others Integrity : We act with integrity: we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Cooperation :We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends. Belief : We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
We endeavour to give opportunities to enjoy fun and adventure while developing skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience. Our main priorities are:
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Membership To reach out to more Young People
Adults To attract, engage with and retain more adults though
delivering exciting volunteering opportunities
Relationship To work with others creating sound partnerships to serve young
s & people better
partnerships
Unity To pursue a common purpose at all levels
Planning To demonstrate sound strategic planning and efficient and
effective financial planning and budgeting across our
operations
Risk To manage our activities in accordance with The Scout
Management Association requirements
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Achievements and performance
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Individual reports by officers and section leaders within this Group set out achievements and performance during 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Reserves and Investment Policy
The trustees have determined Group policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. This amount is currently equivalent to £10k, held in reserve. The Group does not have sufficient funds given its planned expenditure, to invest in longer term investments and has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to investment of funds.
Meetings and Leadership
Our normal meeting times, shown below, were amended as necessary during 2020/21 to comply with The Scout Association’s requirements concerning Covid19.
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1 [st] Marston Green Scouts Sections Orion
Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Band Explorer
Unit
Mondays Wednesday Thursdays Tuesdays Mondays
s
Joanne Groves Paul Wood Steve Keith Tony Head
Chloe Scott- Zoe Curwood Ballington Matthew
Taggart Campbell Andy Glynn Tony Allen
Lewis James Ward Pat Lambert Whitehouse Ed Wallace
Chamberlain Zoe Campbell Steve Daniel Perks
Curwood
Rob Swindell
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*Orion Explorer Unit is the natural unit for our Scouts to progress to. Like other Units, it reports directly to the local Scout District, though uses 1[st] MG Group’s headquarters and facilities in line with a partnership agreement between both parties.
nd - Minutes of AGM held on 22 September 2020, held on line via Zoom
Chairman’s welcome.
Rob Swindell reminded us of the pumpkin event last year which was great fun. However, little did we know then that a virus could affect so much this year and the motto ‘Be Prepared’ is so relevant within the current circumstances. He said that we are required to give annual reports which have been sent out to all and that the reports are from April 2019 – April 2020.
A welcome was sent to Deputy Commissioner Alison Lowe for joining the AGM too.
Present.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Amanda Turnbull, Rob Swindell, Andrea Wynn, Pat Glynn, Tony Head, Zoe, Steve Curwood, Paul Wood, Pete Jones, Alison Lowe (Deputy District Commissioner), Daphne Carter, David Hobbs, Andy Glynn, Patrick Lambert, James Ward, Lisa Ollis, Sarah Coleman.
Apologies.
Joanne Groves, Anna Horan (beaver parent), Liz Rashvand (District Commissioner).
To approve AGM minutes of 23/10/19
The minutes had previously been circulated with the annual reports and all were asked to approve. This was proposed by Paul Wood and seconded by Zoe.
Matters arising.
No matters were raised.
Presentation of the annual reports by the chair and GSL.
The Chairs report is presented in the AGM documents for all to see. Rob gave a huge thank you to all the leaders and the committee for supporting the group over the last 12 months.
Amanda’s report is also included but she emphasized the amazing activities and badge work that the leaders had achieved and also gave a massive thank you to leaders and committee. It is much appreciated.
Presentation of the accounts by the group treasurer.
These have been circulated and Pat stated that we have had a good year. The accounts have been scrutinized by Jude Wilde who raised no concerns herself. Rob asked if there were any questions but none were raised.
It was noted that we had set aside 10K for reserves.
Thanks were given to pat for her hard work.
Acceptance of Treasurer’s accounts including the 10K reserves.
Rob asked for a proposer and seconder for the accounts. They were proposed by Sarah Coleman and seconded by David Hobbs. All were in favor.
Opportunity for other questions.
Rob asked if there were and other questions or business to be raised. No one had anything to bring up.
Governance.
Rob outlined the legal aspects of the committee which are already shown in the AGM report distributed.
Appointments.
Amanda stated that as GSL it was up to her to nominate and choose a chair for the next 12 months as it is a role that works closely with the GSL and therefore needs to be compatible. Rob has done a very good job over the last year and has
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
agreed to continue. So Amanda nominated Rob and looks forward to carrying on working with him.
Andrea Wynn is currently the group secretary and is happy to continue with the role No other nominations came forward so she was proposed by Pat Glynn and seconded by Pete Jones. Thanks were given for her work.
Pat Glynn is doing a great job as treasurer providing timely and informative information. There were again no other nominations and she is happy to continue with the role. This was proposed by David Hobbs and seconded by Lisa Ollis.
The current elected members of the group executive committee are Jacqueline Altham, Daphne Carter, Pete Jones, Lisa Ollis and Helen Sale-Wilkes who are all happy to continue. This was proposed by Paul wood and seconded by Steve Curwood. Thanks were given for their work.
There are two co-opted trustees. These are Sarah Coleman and David Hobbs. Thanks were given to them and they were happy to continue. This was proposed by Pete Jones and seconded by Daphne Carter.
We are fortunate to have Jude Wilde as our independent scrutineer and she is also happy to continue in this role so was nominated by Rob for this. This was then proposed by Pete Jones and seconded by Patrick Lambert.
Chairman’s closing remarks.
Before closing Rob invited Alison Lowe, the Deputy District Commissioner to say a few words. This is only one of a couple of groups she has visited and wanted to say a few words after hearing stories from Amanda about all that has been achieved. She said that the work done on zoom has inspired others and on behalf of the entire district wanted to say thank you as it has proven that we can achieve despite the obstacles we have had. She said she was very impressed with what was done for St George’s day. It has not been easy but she thanked everyone for showing what can be done.
Rob had 2 videos to show as part of the AGM but unfortunately they could not load so these will be put on Facebook later for all to see. He said it was a shame that we could not all be in the room together but obviously circumstances will not allow that. We will need to continue with virtual scouting for the time being but achievements can be made this way. He said thanks to all and appreciated their time and looks forward to seeing everyone in the scout hut face to face when able.
Termination of meeting.
The meeting concluded at 20.05
Annual Reports of the Group Chairman, Group Treasurer and Scrutineer
Group Chairman’s Annual Report, April 2020 – March 2021
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Mr Robert Swindell sadly stepped down from the Group Chair role in February. Robert had been in this role since 2018 and we are extremely grateful for his support and engagement during this period. Thank you from us all. We are pleased that Robert remains on our Executive Committee. We have a great team of volunteers, who have different skills and strengths, and all have different functions. Just like the sections, the Executive Committee has continued to meet via Zoom since the start of the pandemic, and much has been achieved. Thank you to you all.
The Group Chair role is currently vacant, and we need your help to find a suitable person. No previous experience of Scouting is necessary, just good communication skills are needed and empathy with our mission and values.
Below is a link to details about the role. Please have a chat with me or one of the leaders or committee members, and ask as many questions as you need and hear how you can make a huge different to all our members.
https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/executivecommittees/support-for-group-executive-members/a-guide-for-the-groupchair/about-the-role/
Our Group Executive Committee supports me in my role as Group Scout Leader and act as charity trustees in the best interest of our members: meeting most months, considering finance, fundraising, insurance, resources for scouting to run well, health and safety, risk management, safeguarding and building maintenance. The past 12 months has been busy with plans for our new kitchen extension and liaising with the Developer who is building the new housing estate on the site of the old Village Hall adjacent to our Scout Hut.
To ensure Scouting continues to flourish in Marston Green, ideally, we need additional committee members who represent our Beaver and Cub sections. Volunteering can be very rewarding, and you can make a difference. Please come and talk to us.
We are hoping to have our kitchen extension built towards the end of the year. We know all our members love cooking and this will give us a great space and much improved cooking facilities for everyone to use. During the past 12 months, a small group of volunteers have spent many days rebuilding our storage area, making it a much safer space, completing the roof insulation, improving the electrics and installing a new gas boiler. Just the new radiators still to be installed. We can’t wait to have everyone back at the Scout Hut.
A special thanks to:
Our Group Treasurer, Pat Glynn, our Group Secretary, Andrea Wynn and past Group Chair, Robert Swindell for all their hard work.
Jackie Altham and Lisa Ollis who have been superstars and found ways to still fundraise during the pandemic.
Richard Forbes, Tony Head, Ed Wallace, Richard Heappey and all the other volunteers who have done amazing work at the Scout Hut completing the roof insulation, electrics and rebuilding our storage areas.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Caroline Hemus and Abbie Forbes for brightening up the inside of our Scout Hut with an amazing mural, bringing the outside indoors.
Everyone who has helped and supported us this year.
We still have an interesting 12 months ahead of us, not only with the pandemic restrictions but with the housing development. We thank all our members and families for working with us through all the changes as we manage each new challenge.
Amanda Turnbull
Group Scout Leader
Group Treasurer’s Annual Report, April 2020 – March 2021
The statement of financial activities and balance sheet for the year ending 31[st] March 2021 have been approved by the Executive Committee and approved by Mrs Judith Wilde, our independent examiner. With the suspension of much faceto-face Scouting and cancellation of key events such as Annual Gala and the Christmas Fayre, it is little surprise the Group’s income and expenditure is rather different this year.
Given the pandemic and conversion to Scouting being via Zoom for much of the year, the Group Executive Committee took a decision to lower membership subscription fees. Unsurprisingly therefore, income from subscriptions reduced by just over a third, over £2,000, compared to 2019/20. Co-op funding which raised £2,387 last year did not carry on into this year.
The Scout Group was fortunate to qualify for some Covid-19 government grants and received in total over the year via Solihull MBC, the sum of £21,537 which has helped buttress lost income that was anticipated from other sources during the year, to be allocated especially to ongoing headquarters improvements and the development of a kitchen extension which will happen in summer 2021.
With Gift Aid income of £2,915, total income for the year 2020/21 amounted to £28,416.63.
Unsurprisingly, overall expenditure reduced this year, with HQ maintenance and refurbishment of £6,188, plus insurance and utilities costs accounting for much of the annual expenditure.
The Balance Sheet shows an overall surplus of £18,168.78 carried forward into 2021/22, giving an overall Group surplus of £29,402 at 31 March 2021 of which all but £2,236 is currently committed expenditure to support planned improvements at the Headquarters. Without the support of government grants received during the year, the overall position would otherwise have been a financial deficit at 31[st] March 2021. As it is, the Group Executive’s plans to refurbish the Headquarters will proceed in to 2021/22, when the great majority of the planned work should be completed.
Mrs Pat Glynn
Group Treasurer
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Scrutineer’s Report to the Trustees of the 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group
I refer to the accounts of the Group for the year ended March 2021.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer
As the Group’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.
Basis of Scrutineer’s Statement
In accordance with the directions given in the Group’s constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages one to three and also the report sheets of 1[st] Marston Green Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
Scrutineer’s Statement
In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.
Name: Judith Wilde
Address: 4 Bickenhill Rd, B37 7EL
Date 19.05.2021
Signature: J Wilde (A master copy of the Scrutineer’s report is available for inspection).
Group Scout Leader’s (GSL) Report, April 2020 – March 2021
On Tuesday 17[th] March 2020, all face-to-face scouting activities were suspended following the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 briefing – the first time ever in the UK.
Many Scout & Guide groups just came to a stop and some still haven’t returned to any kind of meetings. Monday 23[rd] March 2020 was the start of our Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer sections running online Zoom sessions. Daunting for many of leaders, as some not IT savvy and no experience of virtual meetings and how do you keep members entertained for an hour? Thanks to Akela and his work we were able to access Zoom to test drive virtual meetings. We all knew it wouldn’t be the same as meeting face-to-face, but we all felt it was so important to keep Scouting going and keep some form of normality and still “see” each other every week.
As you will read from the Section reports, at 1[st] Marston Green, we managed to get virtual meetings to work by talking and sharing ideas, not just with each other but other leaders across the Globe thanks to social media. Once we gained experience of using Zoom, we soon realised that there was so much that we could do:
We held our first virtual St Georges Day celebration
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
In June we held a Family Camp at Home, a full weekend of activities including camping in the garden or making a den indoors, star gazing, a very entertaining quiz by Pete & Ben, drum workshop, creating own Tshirts, Pizza lunch, highly creative marble run competition, campfire and learning to juggle!
We joined with the Parish Council and our local churches to deliver a prerecorded Remembrance Day Service.
In November was our Autumn Lockdown Family camp which comprised of various Taskmaster Challenges, re-creating a works of Art, Christmas Scavenger Hunt, making fake snow and then making a snowman!
We even managed to hold our annual Christmas Carol Service (virtually) with Penny the vicar at St Leonards joining us and guests from Solihull County Scouts. Each of the sections still managed to entertain and bring joy to us all.
In the background our Executive Committee didn’t stop either, as they continued their monthly meetings via Zoom too. Bills still needed to be paid, projects in progress, money still needed to be raised. Like everyone we had no idea how long this situation was/is going to continue for, and our Executive Committee have ensured that we have kept our head above water.
We know and understand that Virtual Scouting is not for everyone. It is wonderful to see most of our members returning to face-to-face activities, but I would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing leaders, to our parents for supporting Zoom sessions and to our young members for adapting and embracing the new ways of Scouting, and to our Executive members working hard in the background. Without you all, 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group would have come to a standstill and it would have been even harder to restart face-to-face activities.
With the easing of restrictions since Easter, and the return of face-to-face Scouting, our sections are making the most of the outdoors. With the added restraints of the housing development in front of our Scout Hut, we would like to say a huge thank you to Penny and St Leonards Church for giving us access to use the church grounds for our activities and to the Parish Council for access to Millennium Woods. Without this support, it would have been extremely difficult for us to run face-to-face Scouting. Thank you!
I would like to end my report with some other fantastic news. A few weeks ago, five of our adult members were recognised for their incredible voluntary service to Scouting. Whilst not everyone can be recognised every year, it’s wonderful for some of our members to have been nominated and recognised for their commitment and hard work. These are richly deserved and on behalf of the Group, congratulations. We look forward to the time when Shirley, our County Commissioner, will be able to formally present these badges and certificates.
The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service Award:
Baloo (Jo Groves) our Beaver Leader. With over 15 years running Beavers, embracing nights away with our 6 & 7 year olds and like everyone embracing zoom.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Keith Ballington our Band Leader, and Tony Whitehouse our Assistant Band Leader, for their commitment to our Scout Band with 40 years’ service.
Tony Head our Explorer Leader. Recognition for 14 years of scouting, taking on the Explorer section, assisting with Young Leader training and for the many hours maintaining and improving facilities at our Scout Hut.
The Award for Merit:
Amanda Turnbull – like everyone else, I’m quite speechless and so happy at the same time to receive this award, but its an award for all of us at 1[st] Marston Green, for engaging and supporting Scouting and its values.
BRAVO!
Amanda aka Clippy
Amanda Turnbull ~ Group Scout Leader
1st Marston Green Wildwood Beavers Report, April 2020 – March 2021
This last year has been a different kind of Scouting for Beavers and the Leaders.
In April 2020, we covered parts of the Outdoors Challenge, World Challenge, Skills Challenge, Creative Activity, Teamwork Challenge and Adventure Challenge. We did all this by Naming the Birds, Biscuit challenge, Kim’s game, Charades, Bingo and The Big Camp Out. The Beavers got highly creative with decorating their toilets with some amazing pictures. We saw videos of why Beaver like Scouting and we saw the video of St. George.
In May 2020, we started the month off by the Beavers taking part in The Great Beavers Bake off. We set them a basic list of ingredients and then they had to add something they have at home. This covered some of the Cook activity. They then went on and covered some of the Animal Friend Activity by Beavers showing their pets at home, tell us something about them and what food they feed them. We then covered some of the Craft Activity, Outdoors Challenge, Skills Challenge and World Challenge with the Beavers making pictures. We then did part of the Faith Activity badge by writing a reflection and reading it out. The last thing we did for this month was to cover part of the Creative Challenge and Skills Challenge by doing Mini pioneering using either Spaghetti or cocktail sticks with either marshmallows or peas. Beavers managed to do this very well.
In June 2020, we started the Disability Awareness Activity by playing an impaired game and then we had a lovely time meeting a speaker online and seeing the puppies used for the Guide Dogs for the Blind. We had a great laugh with Fred in the Shed Magic show. We then covered part of the Cook Activity and Skills Challenge by Beavers making a Cake in a mug. We held a family camp and finished the month by covering more of the Outdoors Challenge, Skills Challenge and World Challenge.
In July 2020, we covered parts of the Great Indoors badge by making Chinese lanterns and playing a Chinese game. We ended the term off by having a games night with lots of fun and games.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
September 2020, we started off the term with a face-to-face meeting by doing a Green Cross Code walk around Marston Green. Unfortunately, we had to return to Zoom meetings as we went back into Lockdown. So, we did the big debate, a science experiment and cooking. This covered the Adventure Challenge, Safety Activity, Teamwork Challenge, Experiment Activity, Cook Activity and Skills Challenge.
October 2020, we did part of the Teamwork challenge by Teambuilding, we covered part of the World Challenge by looking at the Union Jack and other festivals. We had a spooky night by dressing up for Halloween and making Halloween spooky bottles. We also set a Pumpkin Online competition by everyone carving out a pumpkin.
November 2020, we started the month of with singing Campfire songs and looking at why Poppies are used for Remembrance. This covered part of the Outdoors Challenge and Skills Challenge. We did a virtual Remembrance Service, had a Spy kids’ night with Beavers having to solve clues, a Christmas quiz, singing Jingle Bells, making Snowmen Biscuits, making an advent calendar and finishing off with the Autumn Lockdown Camp at Home. This month we covered more of the World Challenge, Teamwork Challenge, Creative Activity badges.
December 2020, we had a Christmas Fred in the Shed Magic Show, set a Santa’s Christmas Village Cryptic Trail and finished with a Christmas Party. We also managed to fit in a Virtual Christmas Carol Service.
In January 2021, we continued the New Year on Zoom by playing lots of various games, Made some wonderful Mud Creations the Outdoors Challenge and Skills Challenge badges. Covered part of the Faith Activity with Beavers doing their best.
In February 2021, we covered the Experiment Activity, World Challenge, Gardener Activity, Skills and World Challenge. To do this we did a floating egg experiment, Fire Safety, Games night and planting sunflower seeds. We are looking forward to seeing who grows the biggest!!
Finally in March 2021, we covered the Emergency Aid level 1 and more of the Cook Activity, Outdoors and Skills Challenge, Gardener Activity by making an Armpit Rocky Road cake, then finally making Easter Nests.
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Clippy for all your help over the last 12 months. It’s been a new way of scouting and we took the challenge on and continued scouting journey. I would not have been able to do it all without your help. I would also like to Thank my young leaders Jacala and Ko for staying with us while we did our online meetings.
Finally, I would like to thank the Beavers and Parents for your commitment and support. I know it has been a difficult year for some struggling with weekly meetings online. I am proud of you all for joining in each week.
Joanne (Baloo)
Beaver Scout Leader.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
1[st] Marston Green Cherokee Cub Pack Report, April 2020 – March 2021
This year was a learning curve and testament to the Scouting motto of being prepared and Cubs doing their best, as we learnt how to embrace zoom and virtual scouting. We continued to focus on shaping the program around badge work and encouraging the Cubs to use other activities that they might be doing as evidence for some of the requirements that are more challenging to complete via virtual meetings. As a result, we have awarded 196 Activity/Challenge badges and 1 Chief Scout Silver Award.
In April 2020 we took to zoom and brushed up on our navigation theory, playing battleships and other games to practice our 4 and 6 figure grid references. We then had our “Cub’s Got Talent” show to help everyone get used to being on camera and talking over virtual meetings.
During May we continued with more Scouting theory in the hope that we could soon be back out and able to go on a hike or work around the village. We covered Road Safety, First Aid and camp safety earning our first set of virtually achieved badges. We also had our 1[st] virtual cook along with making mug cakes.
June was focused on using our new IT skills and confidence to complete our Air Activities and Digital citizen badges. The Cubs were very creative with their PowerPoint slides and presented them flawlessly.
July, we started to wind down for the summer and played virtual games and took part in our 1[st] virtual camp (using all the skills from previous weeks). As has become custom over the last few years we wanted to end the Scouting year with a Pack meal. Akela very bravely did a live cook along with 17 Cubs and we all made a Spaghetti Bolognaise for our families. The cubs did a brilliant job and at the end we were all able to virtually sit down and start out meals together.
In September we kicked off still hoping face to face scouting might be just around the corner and brushed up our road safety and navigation.
October, we took to google street view to play a virtual Monopoly run. The Cubs had to answer clues based on locations and what they could find in the Street view photos. In preparation for the annual pumpkin carving competition, we had a Halloween party zoom.
In November the Cubs were able to meet face to face for the first time for a small group campfire and marshmallow toasting. We also took time to reflect on the Scouting role during the War as were prepared to pay our respects on our 1[st] virtual Remembrance Parade.
Charlie and Lewis, our young leader and his brother from Scouts, helped create Minecraft world and Orienteering game for the cubs to play
December was all about preparing for our Christmas carol concert.
January 2021 brought a new year and a greater appreciation for the outdoors and local wildlife. Cubs made birdfeeders from recycled pop bottles to help feed the birds and take part in the great British bird watch.
February, we celebrated Chinese New Year by making lanterns and banners for our homes.
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
March, we took the opportunity to reflect on times during the Pandemic when the Cubs had “done their best” they might have helped a neighbour who was isolating, made uniform bags for the NHS, donated to the food bank to help struggling families.
We also dusted off our creative skills and make a bouquet of flowers card for Mother’s Day and planted our sunflower.
Bagheera and I are very proud at how well the Cubs adapted to this new way of Scouting and saw
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1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
huge leaps in confidence as the weeks went on.
Paul Wood
Cub Scout Leader.
1[st] Marston Green Scout Troop Report, April 2020 – March 2021
Well… what a year that has been? Covid-19 posed many new challenges which I thought we’d never pull off, but we did! ZOOM? I thought that was what rockets did when they shot off into outer space or Formula One racing cars around Silverstone but not a virtual meeting platform. Sitting in front of a screen as you may notice doesn’t come naturally “A face for Radio not TV”.
How do we make virtual meetings enjoyable and not like “Death by PowerPoint or YouTube”. Looking back through OSM (Online Scout Manager) showed how much we managed to cram into the year.
Starting off games. Scavenger Hunts, Task Masker, virtual Monopoly around London and Birmingham, Map Bingo and MineCraft.
Cooking: Armpit fudge, doughnut in a mug, pan cakes and baked Alaska. All of which I hope family members also enjoyed.
Talks: Virtual tour around Star Fish’s workshop and a visit from the CSI!
Other activities were 1[st] Aid scenarios, photography and story writing, recycling, mini pioneering and some YouTube.
November: We managed between Lockdowns a real Bonfire, something we all needed at the time.
The troop took part in the Virtual St Georges Day Parade and Remembrance Parade.
So… without the camps, County events and Gala we managed to fill a lot of time.
A BIG BRAVO to all the Scouts (and their families) for sticking with us and hoping to get back to some form of normality.
Oh… one last thing… We still hold the County Air Rifle trophy!!
Yours in Scouting
Stephen Curwood
Scout Leader.
1[st] Marston Green Scout Band Report, April 2020 – March 2021
Band has not been able to meet this year due to COVID restrictions. This has been disappointing for members, but safety is at the forefront of all activities in Scouting. Some clips from the Bands previous events were shown at on-line meetings. No funds were spent or taken in this year the balance of account remains at £790.11
18
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
In 2021/22, Tony and myself are delighted to have received notification of a Chief Scout’s commendation in recognition of our service to Scouting.
Also, Band is looking forward in 2021/22 to regaining access to the Scout hut to resume our practice nights ready for a busy autumn programme to include the 50th Anniversary for opening of Scout hut, Remembrance parade, Christmas Carol concert, providing regulations allow.
Keith Ballington
Band Leader.
Orien Marston Green (OMG) Explorer Unit Report, April 2020 – March 2021
Although Orion Explorer Unit doesn't report into 1st Marston Green Scout Group (the unit reports directly into Solihull District), the Unit has a joint partnership agreement with 1st Marston Green, and therefore very much part of the group.
Like all the other sections, a core group of members joined the Zoom sessions, with new members joining as they moved up from the Scout Troop. The Explorers took control of the nights by creating their own quizzes and challenges.
Since returning face-to-face from Easter, our numbers have increased to 18, which is a great number.
Thank you to the leadership team Ed, Dan & Matt in the background.
Tony Head
Orion Explorer Leader
19
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Appendix 1a
1[st] Marston Green Scout Group 1st Marston Green Scout Group - CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS - Year Ending 31 March 2021
| 2018/20 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | |||||||
| Scout | Beave | Prior | |||||
| INCOME | s | Cubs | rs | Band | Group | Total | Year |
| 1,120. | 1,769. | 1,560. | 4,449.0 | 6,760.0 | |||
| Subscriptions | 00 | 00 | 00 | 0 | 0 | ||
| - | - | ||||||
| less paid to Scout | - | - | - | 2,412.2 | 2,318.0 | ||
| HQ | 606.25 | 903.00 | 903.00 | 5 | 0 | ||
| Refund | 0.00 | 30.50 | |||||
| Donations | 99.25 | 99.25 | 188.05 | ||||
| 6,573.5 | |||||||
| Activities/Outings | 250.00 | 250.00 | 9 | ||||
| Gala 2020 (not | 2,740.1 | ||||||
| held) | 0.00 | 7 | |||||
| Christmas Fayre 20 | 0.00 | 673.40 | |||||
| 1,656.5 | |||||||
| Other Fund Raising | 845.14 | 845.14 | 7 | ||||
| Necker/Badges/Unif | |||||||
| orm | 12.00 | 12.00 | 209.50 | ||||
| Contribution Orion | 0.00 | 470.00 | |||||
| Contribution | |||||||
| Brownies | 300..00 | 300.00 | 435.00 | ||||
| Amazon Funding | 61.52 | 61.52 | 0.00 | ||||
| 2,387.2 | |||||||
| Co-op Funding | 0.00 | 3 | |||||
| Easy Funding | 109.33 | 109.33 | 40.32 | ||||
| 21,787. | 21,787. | ||||||
| Grants | 19.00 | 00 | 00 | 19.00 | |||
| 2,915.6 | |||||||
| Gift Aid | 4 | 2,915.64 | 0.00 | ||||
| 513.7 | 866.0 | 669.0 | 26,367 | 28,416. | £19,865 | ||
| Total | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .88 | 63 | .33 |
| EXPENDITURE | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| Sections | 1,683.0 | ||||||
| Contributions | 477.95 | 628.75 | 576.36 | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Ground rent | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | ||||
| Gala 2020 | 0.00 | 415.60 | |||||
| 5,984.9 | |||||||
| Activities/Outings | 58.24 | 268.08 | 111.24 | 20.00 | 457.56 | 7 | |
| Necker/Badges/Unif | |||||||
| orm/ poppy woggles | 20.80 | 150.93 | 167.23 | 338.96 | 704.69 | ||
| Donations (to | |||||||
| Charities) | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Fireworks | 0.00 | 244.98 | |||||
| 1,338.5 | |||||||
| Equipment | 0.00 | 5 | |||||
| Stationery/Craft/Pos | |||||||
| tage | 13.04 | 86.34 | 99.38 | 192.99 | |||
| Food & Drink | 10.03 | 15.75 | 25.75 | 542.40 | |||
| Insurance | 1,784.8 | 1,784.8 | 1,700.6 |
20
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
| 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,778.3 | |||||||
| Utilities | 941.52 | 941.52 | 2 | ||||
| Repairs & | |||||||
| Replacements | 174.60 | 174.60 | 41.53 | ||||
| HQ | |||||||
| Maintenance/Refurb | 6,188.9 | 6,188.9 | 7,479.6 | ||||
| s. | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||||
| Presentations/Wreat | |||||||
| hs | 18.50 | 18.50 | 18.50 | ||||
| Training | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Other | 0.00 | 59.19 | |||||
| Fees Go Cardless | 59.10 | 80.59 | 77.10 | 216.79 | 486.44 | ||
| Gala 2021 | 120.00 | ||||||
| 626.1 | 1,128. | 960.7 | 7,532. | 10,247. | £21,109 | ||
| Total | 2 | 35 | 2 | 0.00 | 66 | 85 | .44 |
| - | - | - | - | ||||
| 112.3 | 262.3 | 291.7 | 18,835 | 18,168. | £1,244. | ||
| Surplus/Defcit | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0.00 | .22 | 78 | 11 |
21
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
1st Marston Green Scout Group - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - As at 31st March 2021
BALANCE SHEET
| BALANCE SHEET | |
|---|---|
| Scouts Cubs Beaver s Band Group Total |
|
| Brought Forward | |
| Cash at Bank 1,062.6 9 915.06 699.52 799.1 1 10,534.1 1 14,010.4 9 |
|
| Cash in Hand 0.00 -19.70 165.19 0.00 32.97 178.46 |
|
| Total 1,062. 69 895.36 864.71 799. 11 10,567. 08 14,188.9 5 |
|
| Year's Surplus/Defcit - 112.37 - 262.35 - 291.72 0.00 18,835. 22 18,168.7 8 |
|
| Carried Forward | |
| Cash at Bank 950.32 633.01 423.23 799.1 1 29,370.3 3 32,176.0 0 |
|
| Cash in Hand 0.00 0.00 149.76 0.00 31.97 181.73 |
|
| Total 950.32 633.01 572.99 799. 11 29,402. 30 32,357.7 3 |
|
| NOTES |
-
Bank Statements from every Section support the Cash at Bank balances as at 31st March 2021 and as shown in the above Balance Sheet
-
It has been agreed that 1st Marston Green Scout Group continue to monitor the joint account - Solihull North International Camp Bank Account, as previously agreed in 2015. An updated summary for 2020/2021 is attached to these accounts.
3 Income - Group
£250 re activities is Refund of Deposit paid in 19/20 Accounts for Ullesthorpe Campsite
4 Income - Group
Grants received are as follows : SMBC £21,537; Jacks Support £250. Total £21,787.
12.5.20 SIGNED DATE 21
P E Glynn, Group Treasurer
22
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
Appendix 1b
- Solihull North International Camp Bank Account Summary 2020/2021
Haarlem international scout camp was attended by a joint party from 1[st] Water Orton Scout Group (Warwickshire), 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group and Orion Marston Green Explorer Unit (both Solihull). A joint committee of some leaders attending the Camp organised the trip. A bank account ‘Solihull North International Camp Bank Account’ was set up by the party’s committee. 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group’s Executive Committee were asked to exercise governance over the accounts.
| INCOME 2020/21 |
INCOME 2020/21 |
|
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Fundraising 5.00 |
||
| Expenses – Insurance claim 294.33 |
||
| Travel costs – Insurance claim 274.00 |
||
| Total 573.33 |
||
| EXPENDITURE £ |
||
| Participant Fees 0.00 |
||
| Fundraising 0.00 |
||
| General Expenses 0.00 |
||
| Camp Costs 0.00 |
||
| Travel Costs 0.00 |
||
| Total 0.00 |
||
| Excess of Income over Expenditure 573.33 |
||
| Balance Brought Forward from Last Year 675.43 |
||
| Cash Position as at 31st March 2020 1,248.7 6 |
||
| Balances as of 01/04/2020 | ||
| Cash in Bank | 1,248.76 | |
| Cash in Hand | 0.00 | |
| Total = | 1,248.76 |
Note on Haarlem Accounts 2019/2020
Annual income and expenditure for the Haarlem international scout camp trip is summarised below.
| 2019/20 | 2018/19 | 2017/18 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (£) | (£) | (£) | |
| INCOME | |||
| Participant fees | 6,460.03 | 16,130.9 | 500.00 |
| 7 | |||
| Fundraising | 2918.10 | 8,285.49 | 0.00 |
23
1[ST] Marston Green Scout Group - Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21
| General expenses | 691.96 | 0.00 | 400.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp costs | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Travel costs | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Cash deposit | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Total | 10,070. | 24,416. | 900.00 |
| 09 | 46 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Participant fees | 6,441.00 | 50.00 | |
| Fundraising | 14.30 | 712.37 | 0.00 |
| Expenses | 3,677.48 | 45.27 | 0.00 |
| Camp costs | 0.00 | 13,521.9 | 0.00 |
| 6 | |||
| Travel costs | 10,278.5 | 391.00 | 0.00 |
| 4 | |||
| Cash deposit | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Total | 20,411. | 14,720. | 0.00 |
| 32 | 60 | ||
| Excess of income over | - | 9,695.86 | 900.00 |
| expenditure | 10,341.2 | ||
| 3 | |||
| Balance brought forward from | 11,016.6 | 1,268.60 | 368.60 |
| last year | 6 | ||
| Balance at 1 April 2019 | 675.43 | 10,964. | 1,268.6 |
| 46 | 0 | ||
| Balances at 1 April 2019 | |||
| Cash at bank | 675.43 | 10,965.5 | 1,268.60 |
| 6 | |||
| Cash in hand | 0.00 | 51.10 | 0.00 |
| Total | 675.43 | 11,016. | 1,268.6 |
| 66 | 0 | ||
| Discrepancy | -52.20 | 0.00 |
24