2022-03-31-accounts

CONTENTS

Agenda for 2021/22 AGM Group Chair’s Report Group Scout Leader’s Report Group Treasurers Report Scrutineers Report Squirrel Drey Report Beaver Colony Report Cub Pack Report Scout Troop Report Scout Band Report Explorer Unit Report	2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11	Reference & Administration Details Objectives and Activities Section Meetings and Leadership 3 ways to raise money for the group without spending a penny Appendix 1 – Minutes of 2020/2021 AGM Appendix 2a – Consolidated Accounts Appendix 2b – Solihull North International Camp Bank Account Summary	12 13 14 15 16 18 20

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AGENDA

Annual General Meeting for April 2021 – March 2022

Wednesday 19[th] October 2022

6.30pm til 7.30pm

Arrive between 6.30-6.35pm and place your carved pumpkin on the relevant table, ready for judging

View all the carved pumpkins, then take a seat for a short AGM. Whilst the AGM takes place, the judging of the pumpkins will take place.

1. Welcome from Group Chair

2. To receive apologies for any absence

3. To approve the minutes of the 2020/2021 AGM held on 6[th] July 2021 (Appendix 1)

4. Matters arising – any questions submitted to the Group Secretary will be replied to

5. To receive and consider the Annual Report and Accounts

6. a. Presentation of the Annual Report by the Chair and Group Scout Leader

7. b. Presentation of the Accounts by the Group Treasurer

8. c. Seek approval of the Annual Report and Accounts

9. Approval of the Group Scout Leader’s nomination of the Group Chair

10. Election of the Group Secretary & Treasurer

11. Election of remaining members of the Group Executive Committee

12. Appointment of independent scrutineer

13. Jamboree 2023 – Ben Jones

14. Any other business

15. Close AGM

Winners of the pumpkin carving will take place.

Squirrels

Beavers

Cubs

Scouts

Explorers

Adults

Refreshments will available afterwards free of charge, however any donation will be gratefully received.

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GROUP CHAIR’S REPORT 2021/22

I was appointed as the new Chairman part way through the financial year, in August 2021. As my 3 children are members, I’ve been involved with various Scouting events over the years, but completely new to the role of Group Chair.

With Covid restrictions still in place during 2021/2022, this once again caused continuous challenges, especially when having to decide whether to go ahead with our fundraising events. The Executive Committee decided for both Gala 2021 and Christmas Fayre 2021 not to go ahead. Despite not holding our annual events, we still managed to fundraise £804.89, thanks to Jackie and Lisa for inventive ways of selling anything! We were delighted to hold Gala again this June and the plans are in motion for the Christmas Fayre on 29[th] November. These events help raise funds for the upkeep of the building, pay the utility bills and provide funds for equipment for the many Scouting activities that our Leader Team organise every year.

During 2021/2022 the Executive Committee decided to keep the Termly Subs to the reduced price of £30, mainly due to Covid restrictions still affecting some of the Scouting programme, and also with the restricted access to our Scout Hut whilst the housing development progressed.

The Executive Committee have worked closely with the housing developers, Orion Developments and formed a good working relationship. This enabled us to access the Scout Hut during the build with very limited disruption. They have also given us support and advice during all the work we have undertaken at the Scout Hut. We are delighted that the housing development is now complete, and we welcome our new neighbours to our new road, the Village Mews.

Over the past 4 years, a team of volunteers have been working hard on improving the facilities at our Scout Hut. It all started because we found we had a major woodworm issue. However, turning a bad thing into a positive, means the main hall has had a facelift, storage has been dramatically improved, a new heating system has been installed and we secured funding from HS2 to build an amazing kitchen extension which means our young members can learn and development greater #skillsforlife. A special thanks to everyone that has contributed their time to the renovations over the past 4 years, you know who you are. But an extra special thankyou to one of our parents and past GSL, Richard Forbes. Without his help and guidance, we would never have completed all of these projects and on such a budget. And finally, a special mention to our committee member, Caroline and Young Leader (now a leader) Jacala for painting the wonderful camp mural on our cupboard doors, bringing the outdoors indoors and brightening up the main hall.

We are always in need of tea makers, fundraising event planners, tidy-uppers and helpers for as little or as much time as you can spare. Please put your name down on our adult helpers list in the main entrance and we’ll get in touch with ways that you could help and see what suits you.

I look forward to meeting you all at our forthcoming events.

Steve Harris, Group Chairman

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GROUP SCOUT LEADER’S REPORT 2021/22

Following a year of holding section nights on Zoom, in April 2021 it was so good to finally start getting back to normal. It started with meeting outdoors, but as we were unable to access our Scout Hut due to the new housing development, we are extremely grateful to St Leonards Church for allowing all the sections to meet on the church lawn, and to have access to the toilets and storage of basic equipment.

In September, we returned to the Scout Hut and held meetings inside with a handful of restrictions. Our leaders did an amazing job to continuously adapt the Scouting programme around all the restrictions, and was greatly helped by the understanding of our young members and parents. With money we received from Solihull MBC relating to Covid, we decided to give something back to our young members, especially as they had missed out on so much since March 2020, so we subsidised a Thrillseekers day at Ackers Trust. Thanks to the support of leaders and parents, 74 of our members all had go at Canoeing, Archery, Climbing, Skiing and the Tower Drop! It was a fantastic day.

We know our members have missed out on vital Scout camping experiences due to Covid, with no camps taking place within April 2021 – March 2022. However, the leaders still continued to teach the skills needed, and we are delighted that all sections have had a couple of opportunities to camp in the past 6 months.

In September 2021, national Scouting launched the new section for children aged 4 and 5: Squirrels, and we were delighted when Baloo offered to start a Drey at 1[st] Marston Green. We were the first in Solihull to start and it’s been an amazing journey, as your will read in Baloo’s Annual Report. We have offered support and encouragement to other groups, with a Drey recently opening in at Chelmsley Wood Group.

It was also great to see our Scout Marching Band members blow the dust from their instruments, attract new members and come back strong after Covid.

We have a great team of leaders and committee members at 1[st] Marston Green, and together we support each other and give our young members some amazing #skillsforlife. My passion for Scouting and what it represents, is always accelerated with the commitment of our volunteers. We don’t get paid for doing Scouting, but what we do get is:

• ✓ The enjoyment of seeing our members grow and develop as they learn more skills.

• ✓ Awarding badges. Did you know our leaders awarded 441 badges from April 21 to March 22 !

• ✓ 116 young people each week attending a section meeting at our Scout Hut

• ✓ The satisfaction of running a fun and successful fundraising event or activity

• ✓ The friendships we make.

• ✓ A severe lack of sleep when away camping, and once back home after that needed shower or soak in the bath, a nice glass of wine and sharing all the photos of the amazing weekend we have all had.

I am looking forward to our sections making use of on new fantastic kitchen facilities, although I’m hoping I won’t be asked to judge too many baking competitions!! And also looking forward to more nights away experiences, whether local or further afield.

Thank you to everyone involved with 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group – leaders, committee, young members, parents and our local community. And to my wonderful husband for all his support.

Amanda Turnbull (Clippy), Group Scout Leader

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GROUP TREASURER’S REPORT 2021/22

At the year end 31[st] March 2022, the Group’s finances remained in a healthy position, the Balance Sheet showing £2,471 carried forward (to 2022/2023), albeit a deficit of £9,877.69 occurred, due mainly to a spend of £23,741.32 on the kitchen extension.

The Consolidated Accounts show how total income of £29,533.61 and total expenditure of £39,411.30 is made up.

Grant income of £21,253 included £10k from HS2, £8k from the government via Solihull MBC re Coivd and £2,573 from Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council. An Early Years Grant of £500 was received from TSA Charity Account to help start up our new Squirrels Section. Over the last two years, the Group is fortunately to have received over £20k in government (Covid) grant support fue to it owning its own premises.

Income from members subscriptions was £6,450 and £3,112.50 was paid in membership fees to The Scout Association. A further £5,866.40 went on activities and outings for our young people.

Repairs and replacements accounted for a spend of £2,860.54 and annual insurance cost the Group £1,873.97. 2021/2022 and 2020/2021 have shown the importance of building in resilience to the Group’s finances.

The Group’s trustees in compliance with good accounting practice previously agreed to continue a policy of maintaining a reserve of £10k, which they considered sufficient to continue the charitable activities of the Scout Group, in normal circumstances should income and fundraising fall short, as can happened for example as evidenced by the major impact of Covid-19 over the last two years.

Patricia Glynn, Group Treasurer

Scrutineer’s Report to the Trustees of the 1st Marston Green Scout Group April 2021 – March 2022

I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended March 2022.

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 1 to 4 and also the report sheets of 1st Marston Green Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, Squirrels, The 1[st] Marston Green Band and Solihull North International Camp.

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 22/08/2022 Signature: J Wilde (A master copy of the Scrutineer’s report is available for inspection)

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1[ST] MARSTON GREEN SQUIRREL DREY REPORT 2021/22

Welcome to our new section Squirrels. We have had lots of fun since we started on 27[th] September 2021 with 11 young members joining. Due to the housing development, we had to hold our Drey meetings at the Parish Hall.

In September and October 2021, we covered parts of the All Together Challenge, Be Active Activity, Exciting Experiments Activity by playing lots of games, making Noughts and Crosses using twigs and natural items from the garden and making yummy fruit kebabs.

In November 2021 we had a celebration by investing all our members with flags, balloons and a delicious cake to eat. We made our own Poppies, went on our very first Parade by attending our Village Remembrance Parade, building den’s, showing our feelings and building Bridges. All this work covered parts of the All About Me Challenge, Brilliant Builder Activity, Feel Good Activity, Let’s Celebrate Activity and Get Creative Activity.

December 2021, we covered part of the Get Creative Activity by learning a Christmas song and then recording it for our virtual Christmas Carole Service and then joining up with our Beavers Section for an exciting Christmas Party.

January 2022, we did parts of the All Together Challenge, Feel Good Activity, Brilliant Builder Activity and Let’s Celebrate Activity by trying out some Yoga poses, making models, being Detective Squirrels and then celebrating Chinese New Year.

February 2022, we started the month of by making fruit hedgehogs, learning where food comes from, tasting and eating pancakes and making bookmarks for World Book Day. All these covered parts of the Get Creative Activity, Super Chef Activity and Story Time Activity.

March 2022, we covered parts of the All Around Us Challenge, Local Superhero Activity, Get Creative by designing a Superhero with Powers, making Mother’s Day Cards, learning how we are all different and a visit to Marston Green Library where we had story time.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Clippy for all her help in setting up this brand new Section in Marston Green and in fact in Solihull County, as we were the only Group to do this. I would not have been able to do it all without your help. I would also like to thank Kaa for coming back to Scouting and joining us at Squirrels. Thank you to Kym (Maggie) and my young leaders Keego, Ko and April for helping out each week.

Finally, I would like to thank the Squirrels and parents for your commitment and support.

Joanne (Baloo), Squirrel Scout Leader

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1[ST] MARSTON GREEN WILDWOOD BEAVER COLONY REPORT 2021/22

It was finally great to see everyone face-to-face even though it was outside meetings.

In April 2021 and May 2021, we started our meetings off outside of St. Leonards Church and finished it off with the last couple of meetings on Zoom, we covered parts of the World Challenge, Outdoors Challenge, Skills Challenge and Camp Craft Activity by learning the story of St. George, doing a Nature Scavenger Hunt, Learning Knots, doing Palm Art and doing a Quiz and Memory Game.

In June 2021, we started the month off by bubble making, fire lighting, planting and finished it off by Tobogganing at Ackers Adventure. By doing all this, we covered parts of the Skills Challenge, Adventure Challenge, Camp Craft Activity and Gardener Activity.

In July 2021, we covered parts of the Teamwork Challenge, Adventure Challenge and Skills Challenge by playing lot’s of team games and then learning how to play Tennis at Marston Green Tennis Club.

In September 2021, we finally moved our weekly meetings back into our Scout HQ. We kicked the month off with a Thrillseekers Group Activity Day at Ackers Adventure then learnt about 5 animals, and made catapults. In October 2021 we did a Cooking Quiz and learnt about Dangers in the kitchen, made Fruit Hedgehogs. All this work covered parts of the Adventure Challenge, Outdoors Challenge, Skills Challenge and Cook Activity.

November and December 2021, we made our own Poppies, attended our Village Remembrance Parade, did Pioneering, learnt the Value of Money, practiced our Carol Service song and recorded it for our virtual Christmas Carole Service and had a joint Christmas Party with our new section Squirrels. Doing all this we covered parts of the Skill Challenge, World Challenge, Teamwork Challenge, Faith Activity, Camp Craft Activity and Money Skills Activity.

January 2022, we did part of the Skills Challenge by learning how to look after your teeth, Teamwork Challenge by being a Good Friend, World Challenge by making Bird Feeders, Celebrating Chinese New Year.

February 2022, we started the month of by learning how to express yourself then learning how to wash up. We then made our very own pancakes which were very yummy and went down a treat. All this covered parts of the World Challenge, Skills Challenge and Cook Activity.

March 2022, we covered parts of the Air Activities Activity by making Bird Kites, the Skills Challenge and Creative Activity by making Mother’s Day Cards, Teamwork Challenge and Adventure Challenge by practicing Tracking Signs and following a trail and having a games night.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Clippy for all her help over the last 12 months. I would not have been able to do it all without your help. I would also like to Thank Wawbeck, Bagheera, Chil and my young leaders Jacala and Ko for helping out each week

Finally, I would like to thank the Beavers and parents for your commitment and support.

Joanne (Baloo), Beaver Scout Leader

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1[ST] MARSTON GREEN CUB PACK REPORT 2021/22

A year on the one of the most challenging times in scouting history we continued to see some ups and downs but thankfully mostly up.

In April we started back to face to face meetings making use of the outside grounds at St Leonards Church. We did fire safety, the theory of fire and managed to safely start fires within the church grounds and even managed to toast marshmallows before safely extinguishing the fires.

May saw the cubs learning about hike equipment and navigation in preparation for some walking activities. We also had an activity packed evening at Rough close where they managed to work towards and complete a range of outdoor based badges.

June was another action packed month with many of the cubs joining us for walk around the village to find their little minions which they had already made with the help of our young leaders. Plenty of fun outdoor games including the cubs very own version of Operation Chameleon at Millennium Wood. We ended the month with a Canoeing session at Ackers where the Cubs gained there very first Time on The Water badge, hopefully the first of many times for water activities.

In July the cubs had fun learning knots and lashing tied into games and challenges. We had another evening at Rough Close where their new found knowledge was put to use making bridges for the moving on ceremony for cubs ageing out to Scouts.

Starting back in September the whole group had the opportunity to challenge themselves at an adventure filled day at our “Thrillseekers Day” at Ackers. Every one of the young people in all sections showed great resilience and “did their best” on water, and at heights and everything inbetween.

October we managed to get back into our HQ and completed our pioneering badge and started to look at the usefulness of the tiny mighty creatures around us, Mini Beasts. November saw us back to our annual Remembrance Parade in the village joined by our brand new Squirrel Scouts showing the local community that we thrived and survived through the pandemic.

December is about Christmas with a virtual Carol Service.

With the launch of a new activity badge January and February saw the cubs embraced the challenge of complete it and gaining their new Money Wise Activity badge, we also celebrated Chinese New Year.

For March the Cubs within their Pack Forum identified a community project for them to work on. They talked about and formulated a path to completing their Community Impact badge. Teaming up with our Local Lions group they completed a litter pick collecting all the rubbish they could find in the local Marston Green park. It was teamed up with a sleepover back at HQ and a movie night, making pizzas with homemade fresh dough prepared by our Chairman, cooking in our brand new kitchen.

Over the year 2021 to 2022 the cubs worked on over 17 different badges and earned a total of 177, 4 Chief Scout Silver awards and 8 Cubs moved on to the Scout section and are still there.

We gained two new cub leaders, Rachel who is for ever now known as “Riki” (Riki Tiki Tavi) and Karen AKA “Warbeck”. Thank You both for stepping up and joining our amazing Scouting Family. I would also like to say a Thank You to James AKA “Mysa” for all of your help too. And a special Thank You to our two young leaders Ben and Anthony who have such a great rapport with our cubs and entertain them well. As well as their school work and their own section nights, they continue to give up their personal time to attend

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Young Leaders sessions gaining skills to help lead and deliver safe programmes for our young people and then to come to Cubs each week. Thank You both you are

“Amazing” and valued members of our Scouting Family.

Lastly the end of the spring term meant that I was handed the reins of Akela for the Cub Pack as Paul decided that it was time to pursue new adventures in his personal life away from scouting. Thank you for your guidance over the last 5 years and we ALL wish you well in the next stage of your life.

Zoe (Akela), Cub Scout Leader

1[ST] MARSTON GREEN SCOUT TROOP REPORT 2021/22

We’re starting to get back to some… “normality”?

With some restrictions we were able to have face to face meetings outside of the hut and limited numbers inside. Starting off with basing our programme around the Six Summits Challenge. We made one pot meals, practiced our route planning and climbing the stairs to the heights of the Shropshire hills.

Still not able to camp, we did a day camp at Rough Close where the scouts walked to the site avoiding HS2, cooked meals on hike stoves and had some downtime playing in the woods.

We tried out hike tents and also the art of tarpology (different shelters using tarps). Other activities we did on our Thursday nights outside the hut:- Kayaking at Ackers Trust, Indoor climbing, bike ride to Babbs Mill and back and a train journey to the Malvern Hills.

Thrill Seekers day at Ackers trust: Scouts took the leap of faith, Rock climbed, Archery and Canoeing.

We’ve also been pretty crafty. Creating silouhette soldiers, Crosses and poppies for Remembrance Day.

Took part in Operation Chameleon and County Camp Cooking Competition.

If anyone reading this report would like to be part of the activities or have ideas for new experiences for our scouts please drop us a line ☺

Huge thankyou to everyone who has supported the Troop over the year!!

Steve (BASS!) Curwood, Scout Leader

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1[ST] MARSTON GREEN SCOUT BAND REPORT 2021/22

Due to COVID restrictions no Band activity was able to take place for six months of this reporting year.

Band met back in September 2021, having not being able to meet for about eighteen months.

Having just four members return, a determination to continue and prepare for potentially playing for Remembrance was set.

A plea to two former members to help us out enabled us to put out a small Band, which was very welcome by the village, to get back to leading the parade to the garden of memory.

From that outing we had four new members wishing to join us, plus the very welcome return of Richard Forbes who adds a great strength to our team.

The new members settled in well and have made fantastic progress.

With indoor restrictions in place Band prepared for their slot at the Christmas Carol concert. Thanks to Steve for filming this, we had great fun doing what was something new for the Band.

In March Band had a visit from Jill Bowman who is Manager National Performing Arts looking after all Scout Bands in England, Scotland and Wales. Marston Green is one of only thirty registered Scout Bands in the country. She was very impressed with the progress of our new recruits, and although we are a small band make a good sound.

Meeting on Tuesday Evenings from19:15 -20:30. We are always looking to build our membership by recruiting new members from the Scouting movement

Events Attended:

Band attended Parade for Remembrance Sunday from St Leonard’s Church to Garden of Memory,

Playing Last Post, Reveille and the National Anthem as part of a tradition for the village

Produced a film clip for the Christmas Carol Concert

Band funds started the Year at £790.11, spending £13.95 on an end of year celebration, £18.85 on Bow ties and hats for Gala. Balance of £757.31. No monies were added this year

I would like to express my thanks to the dedicated volunteers that support band in a fantastic way with their time and commitment, to which they have done for many years.

Band has been lucky enough to have fantastic parent support in the past and this has continued with our new members supporting the Band including photo’s, recordings and posts on our closed Facebook page, plus whatsapp group.

Band looks forward to building on this success and growing our membership, with visits to Cubs and Scouts meeting nights

Monies on maintenance for instruments, plus a new parade drum are projected spends for the next year

Keith Ballington, Band Leader

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ORION MARSTON GREEN (OMG) EXPLORER UNIT REPORT 2021/22

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.

The Explorer Unit continues to strong with an average of 16 members, with many taking on the Young Leader role and helping at the young section nights, building their skills and experience.

Several of our members applied to attend the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree 2023, whom all deserved a place. However, with only 18 places from within Solihull County, their was a selection process which they each had to attend. We were delighted that one of members, Ben Jones, was accepted to go to Korea. Ben aka Keego, is also one of our Young Leaders at Squirrels and Cubs. The World Jamboree is an amazing experience for any young person. The Jamboree Team will join 50,000 other Scouts from every corner of the globe to develop leadership skills, share their skills and learn from others.

We can’t wait to hear all about Ben’s trip next year. He and the Jamboree team have been busy fundraising, as the cost between them is £72,000. If you can, and would like to show your support to Ben, there is a justgiving page where donations can be made: https://justgiving.com/campaign/soljam23

My thanks go to the Explorers for taking part each week, and to leadership team Ed and Dan, and Matt in the background.

Tony Head, Orion Explorer Leader

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity Name: 1st Marston Green Scout Group

Registered Number: 524591

Location: Village Mews (off Elmdon Road), Marston Green, Birmingham B37 7WP 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:

ees:
Trustee Name	Office	Period(if not a fullyear)
Stephen Harris	Chair	From: August 2021
Amanda Turnbull	GroupScout Leader
Patricia Glynn	Treasurer
Andrea Wynn	Secretary
Jacqueline Altham	Member
Lisa Ollis	Member
David Hobbs	Member
Peter Jones	Member
Robert Swindell	Member
Daphne Carter	Member
Helen Sale-Wilkes	Member
Sarah Coleman	Member
Caroline Hemus	Member	From: February2022

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. Its 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.

To confirm the outcome of the following votes carried out in advance: (i) the number of persons to be elected at the Group is usually between four and six (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

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.

The number of persons nominated must not exceed that of the elected members of the Group Executive Committee.

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The number of persons co-opted by the Group Executive Committee must not exceed the number of members who may be elected.

Risk and Internal Control

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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Achievements and performance

Individual reports by officers and section leaders within this Group set out achievements and performance during 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.

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.

Section Meetings and Leadership

Section Meetings and Leadership	Section Meetings and Leadership	Section Meetings and Leadership
1st Marston Green Scout Group sections					Orion Explorer Unit*
Squirrel Scouts	Beaver Scouts	Cub Scouts	Scouts	Scout Band
Mondays	Mondays	Wednesdays	Thursdays	Tuesdays	Mondays
Jo Groves	Jo Groves	Zoe Campbell	Steve Curwood	Keith Ballington	TonyHead
Helen Sale-Wilkes	Amanda Turnbull	James Ward	AndyGlynn	TonyWhitehouse	Ed Wallace
Lewis Chamberlain	Lewis Chamberlain	Karen Grice	Pat Lambert	Steve Curwood	Daniel Perks
	Abbie Forbes	Rachel Pearce	Rachel Pearce	Robert Swindell
	Chloe Scott-Taggart	Nick Carter	Zoe Campbell
	Zoe Campbell

*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 it has use of 1st MG Group’s headquarters and facilities in line with a partnership agreement between both parties.

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3 ways to help raise money for our Scout Group and not cost you a penny!

#1 Scrap Metal

2 Amazon Smile

#3 Easyfundraising.org.uk

#1 Scrap Metal

st Simply take along any scrap metal to Court Auto Mantlers and asking for it to go onto 1 Marston Green Scout account. Please get in contact with us if you are not able to get to them.

Items include: Household wire including kettle and computer leads, Copper and Lead, Microwaves, Washing machines, Batteries, Aluminium, Drinks cans, Old metal tools/Garden tools, Lawn mowers, Cookers, Old car parts, Old bikes, Radiators, Metal window frames, Tumble dryers, Dishwashers, Pots, Pans, Knifes and forks……..

Court Auto Mantlers on Mackadown Lane B33 OJD, just next to the railway bridge (Lovely friendly people) Normally open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-3pm Saturdays. Tel: [phone]

#2 Amazon Smile

Do you buy from Amazon? If so, please consider using AmazonSmile.

Amazon donates 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping fees) of eligible purchases to the charitable organisation of your choice

Here’s our unique charity link: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/524591-0 or search 1St Marston Green Scout Group

#3 Easyfundraising.org.uk

Raise donations for our Scout Group when shopping online. From entertainment offers to fitness equipment, to grocery and clothes shopping and more…….

st Here’s our unique link: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/1stmarstongreenscouts or search 1 Marston

Green Scout Group or download the easyfundraising app

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Appendix 1

Minutes of AGM held on 6[th] July 2021, held on-line via Zoom

Present.

Amanda Turnbull, Andrea Wynn, Rob Swindell, Zoe, Ben and Angela Jones, Stephen Curwood, James Ward, Lisa Ollis, Andy Glynn, Jacqueline Altham, Pat Glynn, Pat Lambert, Daphne Carter.

Apologies.

Anna Hawthorn (parent), Paul Wood, David Hobbs, Pete Jones.

Welcome.

Amanda welcomed all for attending and read out the apology and message that the parent Anna Hawthorn sent, stating how well everyone had done and thanking the leaders for their hard work over the last year. Amanda emphasized how all the leaders have kept going over the trying times this past year and gave a massive well done to all.

AGM.

The minutes of the last meeting was proposed as correct by Rob and seconded by James. There were no questions and matters arising from these.

The reports and accounts had already been distributed for everyone to look through. In summary, a lo has taken place within the sections and badges have been gained, including a chief scouts award, despite the circumstances endured with the pandemic.

The executive committee have met every month and ensured that the finance is in order, aided by the very capable Pat Glynn. They have looked at the building maintenance and applied for grants. We await the refurbishment and new build of the kitchen and look forward to the day that we can return to the scout hut.

The accounts were presented and a big thanks go to Pat for her hard work. The report was included in the AGM pack already distributed. Thanks were also given to Rob for making the report so concise. Currently the financial state is healthy. We were grateful for the £10,000 given to us by Solihull council. We were also given some extra money that was used to help the young people and the hut. We have a healthy surplus at the end of March 2021 of £29,00 in the bank but this has been set aside for £14,000for the kitchen, £10,000 in general reserves, £4,500 for the storage shed and the security gates as well as £3000 for equipment. There were no questions raised. The annual report was proposed as correct by Zoe and seconded by Stephen Curwood.

The governance information is also included in the packs.

We need to approve the new offices. Rob has unfortunately stepped down as group chair and a big thanks was extended to him for taking on the role over the last few years and for all the help he has provided. However, it does mean that this role is now vacant and help would be appreciated to find someone that would like to take this on so please ask around.

Andrea is the current secretary and is happy to continue this role. Pat proposed this and it was seconded by James.

Pat is the current treasurer and is happy to continue this role. This was proposed by Zoe and seconded Stephen.

The executive committee is Jacqueline, Daphne, Lisa, Helen, Rob and Pete. This was proposed by Zoe and seconded by Andy.

The co-opted members of the committee are Sarah and David. This was proposed by Rob and seconded by Andy.

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The independent scrutineer is Jude Wilde who has kindly agreed to continue the role. This was proposed by Andy and seconded by Pat.

Closing remarks.

Although it has been a challenging year everyone has done an amazing job in continuing with scouting. We are lucky to have amazing leaders, committee, parents and children. New skills and ways of working have been learnt. Presentations are due but this will take place when face to face meetings can recommence. This will include bronze, silver and gold chief scout awards. There is also a chief scout commendation to be awarded to Keith, Baloo and Tony and an award for merit to Amanda which is amazing.

Update on Village Hall.

The 5 names for the road that were most popular have been submitted to the developer and we await to see what has been chosen. The groundwork is going ahead, and we have been told it can take 3-4 months so August/September time. We hope to have access to the hut by the beginning of September. However, Amanda has spoken to Olly and there are huge delays with concrete and bricks that the majority of the building trade are currently being affected with, so this could affect out access too. We need to wait for further information but the developers are very supportive of us, which is thankful.

The kitchen extension will hopefully be underway by the end of the year.

This year also marks 50 years of the scout hut which we hope to be able to celebrate.

Questions.

Angela asked about children going back before the school holidays end as restrictions should be lifted. However, we are governed by the scouting regulations so will depend upon them. Explorers are planning some activities over the summer holidays but other sections usually break up for the summer anyway.

Angela also enquired about plans for further big trips. Haarlem are due to meet in August or September to discuss international trips but the next one is likely to be 2023. Plans will probably be made to a certain extent so as soon as restrictions allow then international trips can take place. The original plan was to go to Switzerland but everything has been pushed back 2 years now unfortunately.

End of meeting.

The AGM concluded at 20.05 held on 6[th] July 2021, held on-line via Zoom

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Appendix 2a

1st Marston Green Scout Group 1st Marston Green Scout Group

CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS - Year Ending 31 March 2022

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1[st] Marston Green Scout Group – CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 31[st] March 2022

Signed: P E Glynn, Group Treasurer Date: 5 August 2022

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Appendix 2b

Solihull North International Camp - Bank Account Summary 2021/2022

Haarlem 2019 International scout camp was attended by a joint party from 1st Water Orton Scout Group (Warwickshire), 1st 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. 1st Marston Green Scout Group’s Executive Committee were asked to exercise governance over the accounts. The Scout Group is hoping that the next International Camp will take place in 2024.

Notes: No income nor spend this financial year

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