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2023-03-31-accounts

1[st] Marston Green Scout Group

Registered Charity Number: 524591 helloscouts@hotmail.com

Annual Report 2022 – 2023

Scouting was founded in August 1907 when Robert Baden Powell, a British Army Officer and veteran of the Boer War, held a trial camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset, for 20 boys from diverse backgrounds. 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group started in 1925 (98 years ago).

Contents

Agenda for AGM 2 Cub Pack Report 10
Previous minutes 3 Scout Troop Report 11
Group Chair Report 5 Scout Band Report 12
Treasurers Report 6 Explorer Unit Report 13
GSL Report 7 Reference and Admin Details 14
Squirrel Drey Report 8 Secton Meetng and Leadership 16
Beaver Colony Report 9 Appendices 17

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AGENDA

Annual General Meeting for April 2022 – March 2023

Wednesday 25th October 2023 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 2021/2022 AGM held on 19[th] October 2022

  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. Seek approval of the Annual Report and Accounts

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

  9. Election of the Group Secretary & Treasurer

  10. Election of remaining members of the Group Executive Committee

  11. Appointment of independent scrutineer

  12. Any other business

  13. Close AGM

Awards and Presentations

Short talk from Ben Jones sharing his amazing experiences from the South Korea World Jamboree 2023

Winners of the pumpkin carving will be announced: Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers & Adults

Refreshments will available afterwards free of charge, however any donation will be gratefully received. Hot dogs available for young members plus hot or cold drinks. Hot or cold drinks available for all adults

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2021-2022 AGM Minutes

1[st] Marston Green Scout Group AGM 19[th] October 2022.

Welcome from Group Chair.

Amanda greeted all and welcomed Steve to chair the meeting. Steve then welcomed everyone and introduced himself as well as the proceedings. He informed everyone that the report had been emailed out for all to read. He also introduced and welcomed Mat Spencer the County Commissioner and Liz Rashvand the District Commissioner and Alison Rowe the Deputy District Commissioner, both of whom were acting as judges for the pumpkin competition.

Apologies.

The only apology we had been made aware of was Pete Jones.

Approval of minutes.

The minutes for 2020/2021 were agreed. This was proposed by David Hobbs and seconded by Paul Wood.

Matters arising.

No questions were raised.

Annual reports and accounts.

The reports had been sent for all to read. Steve highlighted the new kitchen, the fact that the hut had been painted, the mural on the back cupboards and the new central heating system. He thanked all those that assisted with the work and helped to achieve it all, stressing what a great place it is for the children to meet up in.

The treasures report was read out giving us an insight into the expenditure, the grants, the balance and how we have and will use the money that we have. A detailed view is included in the report.

An approval of the accounts was requested. This was proposed by Andy Glynn and seconded by Daphne Carter.

Approval of the Group Chair.

Amanda informed everyone that as GSL it was up to her to choose the group chair as the 2 would work closely together. Steve had taken on the role and was happy to continue with it for the next year, supporting Amanda in her role. So, he was elected chair.

Election of Group Secretary and Treasurer.

Andrea is happy to stay on in this position. This was proposed by Daphne Carter and seconded by Paul Wood.

Pat has done a marvelous job as group treasurer but wishes to step down in March. She will stay on as treasurer until this time though, when a new treasurer will be required.

Election of remaining members of the committee.

We currently have Jacqueline Altham, Lisa Ollis, David Hobbs, Rob Swindell, Daphne Carter, Pete Jones and Caroline Hemus who are happy to continue. Helen sale-Wilkes is a leader so is a co-opted member and happy to stay. Unfortunately, Sarah Coleman is stepping down from the committee. A huge thanks goes out to her for all her hard work during her time as a member, with special thanks to all the hard work she has done with gala. She will be missed. On a positive note, 2 new members are to join. These are Wendy Glynn and Samantha Georgiou-Milloshas.

The above elections were proposed by Karen Grice and seconded by Brian Glynn.

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Appointment of independent scrutineer.

This role has been undertaken by Jude Wilde who is happy to continue. This was proposed by Paul Wood and seconded by Karen Grice.

This concluded the main part of the AGM.

Jamboree 2023 – Ben Jones.

Ben introduced himself and gave a presentation about his forthcoming Jamboree to South Korea next year. He explained that a different country hosted the Jamboree every 4 years and there are about 40,000 all over the world attending but only 18 places were awarded throughout Solihull County. It was a rigorous interview that he was put through to show his skills. He explained the special neckerchief he wears incorporating a figure called Chingu, which is also to be found on pieces of equipment. Chingu means friend in Korean. He needs to do fundraising events to help pay for the trip and to support others. The idea is for each member of the Jamboree to raise £4,000 and he promoted a Halloween event on 28[th] October.

Amanda thanked Ben and offered him our full support. Marston Green has not been represented for a very long time so it is a great achievement and a pleasure to have Ben represent us.

Presentations.

Baloo presented Eyrnn with the bronze chief scout award for Beavers. This is the top award for Beavers and as such a fantastic achievement.

AOB.

A tree planting for the green canopy project is to take place on 6[th] November at Millennium Wood. 107 trees have been purchased for the project. Remembrance parade will take place on 13[th] November. The Christmas fayre will take place on 26[th] November. The Christmas carol service will be on 13[th] December.

No one had any further questions to ask but Amanda gave a big thank you to all the parents, children and leaders for their support and adapting to the restrictions over the last couple of years. Scouts has been able to continue at full speed due to the help and support of all involved.

Close of AGM.

The AGM closed at 19.05.

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GROUP CHAIR’S REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

2022/23 has been another successful year for the Scout Group. With all Covid-19 restrictions removed the Group has been able to run a full programme for our members.

At this time last year, our treasurer Pat Glynn said she was stepping down in March. She kindly continued until we found a new Treasurer. Thanks to Amy Rogers for agreeing to take on the role, and our sincere thanks to Pat for her commitment and support since April 2018.

I would particularly like to thank Amanda (Clippy), our Group Scout Leader, for her continuing commitment to the Group. She is the glue that holds all of us together.

I would like to thank everyone involved on the Trustee Board for the time and effort they put in throughout the year. The Scout Group would not be in the position it is without their work and do a sterling job in keeping the Scout Group in order.

Trustee Board functions:

Our kitchen extension has now been fully completed. From a 3m x 2m space to 3m x 6m it’s a great improvement. A serving hatch, 2 ovens, 2 stoves, 2 sinks and instant hot water, all sections have made use of this great space, lots of baking and even the band trumpeters for a practice area! A massive thanks to all the volunteers who helped to get the kitchen completed.

We had our black gates fitted to give us added security and we have been busy getting quotes to level and re-grass the grounds, and to make the area in front of the Scout Hut more accessible.

With 95 young members, and 35 adult volunteers (Leaders and Trustees) 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group is going strong.

Looking ahead I can report that yet again we are committing to more international adventures with the Korean Jamboree for Ben Jones merely a couple of months away. Also planned is a week in Croatia which is a full week of non-stop activities.

I am sure you will find this year’s AGM informative, allowing you an insight into what goes on in the background to make 1st Marston Green Scout group shine.

Thank you all for attending. Your support is crucial and greatly appreciated.

Steven Harris Group Chair

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GROUP TREASURER’S REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

At the year end 31[st] March 2023, the Groups finances remained in a healthy position. Ater a successful year of Scouting which achieved a profit of £2,217.08 we are able to carry forward a balance of £24,688.12 to 2023/2024.

See appendices 1, 2 and 3.

The consolidated Accounts show how the income of £27,976.96 and total expenditure of £25,759.88 is made up.

Income from member subscriptions was £8128.50, £2725.50 of which was paid in membership fees to the Scout Association, a further £13,606.95 was spent on Activities including camps and outings for our young people.

The kitchen extension, HQ maintenance and Repairs and Replacement accounted for a further £4,624.16. This included £2,395.20 for Security gates and £560.52 for an Alarm System. The annual Insurance cost was £1,786.05.

The Groups Trustees in compliance with good accounting practice previously agreed to continue a policy of maintaining a reserve of £10,000, which they consider sufficient to continue the charitable activities of the Scout Group should Income and Fundraising fall short.

Patrica Glynn, Group Treasurer

SCRUTINEER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE 1[ST] MARSTON GREEN SCOUT GROUP

I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31[st] March 2023.

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 3 and the detailed accounts of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, International Camp and Band.

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 12/07/2023

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

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GROUP SCOUT LEADER’S REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

It's a joy to be able to report a full, normal, year of Scouting after the pandemic. Everything is back to a state of normality, and it has been an extremely busy year as a result.

Each year in my report I thank our leaders and supporting adults in all of our 6 sections plus the Group Trustee Board for the tremendous work they all do as volunteers to provide the Scouting experience that we offer in Scouting here in Marston Green. A personal thanks to Steven Harris for continuing in the Chair role and all his support. I would also like to thank our parents for supporting our activities and events. Scouting is an entirely volunteer run thing at a local level, and it doesn't happen without the time, effort and dedication of our volunteers. A special thanks to Steve Curwood who recently stepped down as Scout Leader after 7 years in the role. Finally, another special thanks as we say farewell to our Treasurer Patrica Glynn. She has kept all our finances in order for the last 5 years.

We continue to use Online Scout Manager (OSM) for the collection of membership subscription and camps/activities, plus allowing leaders to give you weekly programme details and to sign up for events. This is a really good way to make effect use of our leader’s voluntary time. To help, please say yes or no to events, make prompt payments, tick gift aid box if you can, and please ensure all the personal details are kept on to date. If there is an emergency, we rely on the information on OSM.

All sections have been active and running a wide and varied programme both at the Scout Hut and away, as you will see from the section reports in the AGM pack.

We have had many great highlights since April 2022. These are my favourites:

Talking of waiting lists, all sections have children wanting to join all sections, so it’s important for our young members to attend each week (unless you are poorly, of course). We really need an extra volunteer to help at Squirrels and another at Explorers. Volunteering is so much fun. For Squirrels we need someone who can commit most weeks and help supervise and help with activities. For Explorers, we need someone who enjoys the outdoors, that can help weekly and with occasional weekend camps. Don’t worry if you don’t think you have the skills, there’s a team of experienced leaders around you. Like more info or want to give it a go, have a chat with myself, Baloo or Tony (please).

Thank you everyone. It’s a team effort that makes 1[st] Marston Green such a great Scout Group! Amanda aka Clippy Group Scout Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SQUIRREL DREY REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

In April and May 2022, we covered parts of the Get Creative Activity, All About Me Challenge, All Together Challenge, Let’s Celebrate Activity by getting creative with some Easter Craft, taking part in our Village St George’s Day Parade. We had a visitor, Pat Raymer from St. Leonard’s Church who came to talk about St George and we made some wonderful Shields. We also decorated bunting for the Jubilee and Gala

In June and July 2022, we took part in a Lego programme with Steam Park, joined in with Gala Day and looking fantastic in Fancy dress and planting seeds for Jack and the Beanstalk. We covered Brilliant Builder Activity, All About Me Challenge and Let it Grow Activity.

In September 2022, we learned what clothes to wear and what items we need to pack in our bag when out for the day, we had a day visit to the Solihull County Discovery Camp, Decorated biscuits, and Celebrated Squirrels 1[st] Birthday. For doing all these activities, we covered the All About Adventure, Explore Outdoors Activity and Super Chef.

In October and November 2022, we made a model campfire and sang songs, we made care packages with some fantastic donations which were then given to a Care home, we made some spooky looking creations for Halloween and looked brilliant in Fancy Dress. We then took part in planting 107 trees at the Millennium Woods as part of our late Queen’s Green Canopy. We got creative again by making firework pictures, took part in the Village Remembrance Day Parade. The Squirrels then enjoyed toasting marshmallows to make smores. All this work covered parts of the All About Adventure Challenge, Get creative Activity, All About Me Challenge, All Around Us Challenge, All Together Challenge.

December 2022, we covered part of the Get Creative Activity, Let’s Celebrate and All Around Us Challenge by learning Christmas songs and then joining up with our Beavers Section for a concert at Birchmere House Care Home.

January 2023, we did parts of the All About Me Challenge, Be Active Activity, Get Creative Activity, All Around Us Challenge and Feel-Good Activity by making pinecone squirrels and Celebrated Chinese New Year.

February 2023, we started the month of by listening to stories for National Story Telling Week, looked at pictures from our local area and got very creative by making some Giant Art pictures. All these covered parts of the Story Time Activity, All Around Us Challenge, All Together Challenge and Get Creative Activity.

March 2023, we covered parts of the Brilliant Builder Activity, Exciting Experiments Activity, Be Active Activity and Creative Activity by working in Nests and seeing who could build the strongest bridge, using Oreo biscuits created different phases of the moon, had a fun morning in the Play Barn at Ash End House Farm and then making Easter Cards.

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Chil for joining us at Squirrels, my young leader Keego and parents Zsolt and Adam 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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1ST MARSTON GREEN WILDWOOD BEAVER COLONY REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

In April 2022 and May 2022, we covered parts of the World Challenge, Skills Challenge, Creative Activity, Outdoors Challenge, by learning the story of St. George, writing good luck letters to the Athletes of the Commonwealth Games, Decorating Bunting, making paper bag Beavers and learnt how to do some basic first aid.

In June 2022, we started the month off by learning about the Countryside code, making and taking part in an obstacle course, taking part in our Annual Gala with some wonderful fancy-dress creations and knowing what to pack in your bag ready for camping. By doing all this, we covered parts of the World Challenge, Adventure Challenge and Teamwork Challenge.

In July 2022, we covered parts of the Adventure Challenge, Camp Craft Activity, Safety Activity and Health and Fitness Activity by going on a camp at Beaudesert Scout Campsite, learning the rules of the Green Cross Code and then finishing the term off on a very hot night at Inflatanation in Stechford.

In September 2022, we did some problem-solving activities, did a one-night camp at the Solihull County Discovery Camp in Dorridge and made some yummy biscuits. In October 2022 we learnt how to tie shoelaces, had a go at lighting candles, we had a special visit from Siobhan Fitzpatrick who is a Paralympian and took part in the Commonwealth Games and finished with creating some spooky Halloween crafts. All this work covered parts of the Outdoors Challenge, Skills Challenge, Teamwork Challenge, World Challenge, Disability Awareness Activity and Creative Activity.

November and December 2022, we took part in planting 107 trees at the Millenium Woods as part of our late Queen’s Green Canopy, had a Martial Arts Taster Session with a visit from Laura Drayton – ATMA Karate, took part in the Village Remembrance Sunday Parade, learnt how to fingerspell our names by using Makaton, created some wonderful Christmas crafts and did a Christmas Concert with the Squirrels at Birchmere House Care Home to sing for the residents. We also finished the year off by taking part in our Annual Christmas Carol Service at St. Leonard’s Church. Doing all this we covered parts of the World Challenge, Skills Challenge, Gardener Activity, Health and Fitness Activity and Disability Awareness Activity.

January 2023, we did part of the Camp Craft Activity by doing mini pioneering using skewers and mini marshmallows, learning how to tie reef knots with lace sweets. The Book Reader Activity by learning how to look after books, and designing a cover, Cook Activity and Safety Activity by learning what a balanced diet is, having a go at washing up and seeing if they could spot the dangers in the kitchen. To cover another part of the Cook Activity we made some delicious Sausage rolls.

February 2023, we started the month off by learning how to use the phonetic alphabet. We then had an exciting night Bowling in Acocks Green and then learning how to send an email and how to make a phone call. All this covered parts of the Adventure Challenge, Skills Challenge, and the Communicator Activity.

March 2023, we continued the Communicator Activity sending more emails and making more phone calls. Had a Space themed sleepover in the Scout Hut where we blasted off to planet Flipgreen and had lots of adventures. We finished parts of the Faith Activity by doing our best, the Creative Activity by using our building skills and then finishing the term off with an Easter Activity.

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank Clippy for all your help over the last 12 months. We have had lots of fun and adventures. I would also like to thank Chil, Jacala and Ko for your commitment with helping 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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1ST MARSTON GREEN CUB PACK REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

After two years plus of disruption we finally we able to be Cub Scouts doing scout things and the cubs made up for that missed time.

In April we started the new term off with our annual St George’s Day Parade and service in Knowle with our group and the whole County showing up to show we were back.

In May we joined the rest of the country and Commonwealth to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne with her Platinum Jubilee, we made our own homemade individually designed bunting. We linked up with The Marston Green District Lions to litter pick in one of our local parks and then had a sleepover at the hut enabling the cubs to tick off more badge work including the new YouShape Award and Community Impact Badge. The Cubs also handmade their own pizzas making use of you brand new kitchen.

June is our busy month preparing for the annual Scout Gala. Taking First place in the judged fancy dress. The Cubs made a nod to the queen by dressing right royally!

July was Camp month with the cubs off to Beaudesert Campsite for a back-to-basics camp crossing off more badges.

Starting back in September saw us getting ready for Camp again. This time it was County Discovery Camp back at Solihull Riding School. A weekend of fun with other scouts from across the County. More badges crossed off!

October, our AGM, and annual Pumpkin Carving Competition. So many of the cubs making a fantastic effort. More badges!

November, started with tree planting for the Queens Green Canopy. 100 plus trees planted by every member of our group at Millennium Wood. Our annual Remembrance Parade in the village joined by our band and Squirrel Scouts showing the local community that we are still growing. Our Christmas fare sees plenty of making and rivalry between the sections. More badges!!

December is about Christmas with our Carole Service at St Leonards Church.

January was a celebration of Robert Burns. The cubs learnt all about Robbie Burns and some of the Scottish traditions celebrated on January 25th, including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. We were surprised at how many cubs ate the Haggis.

For the month of March, the Cubs worked on their Disability Awareness badge, learning who deaf people navigate our world along with blind people and we had special visitors to help demonstrate this.

Over the year 2022 to 2023 the cubs worked on over 23+ different badges and earned a total of 211 badges. We had one super hard-working Cub who earned her Chief Scout Silver award, Bravo Lacey.

I would like to say an absolutely massive thanks to all the leaders who have over the year stepped up to help out at Cubs whilst I was ill, especially our explorer leader Tony for stepping in and supporting Rachel, AKA “Riki” (Riki Tiki Tavi), Karen AKA “Warbeck” and James AKA “Myssa”. Our amazing Scouting Family.

I would also like to say a special Thank You to our two young leaders Ben and Anthony who have such a great rapport with our cubs and entertaining them well and for the badges you enabled the cubs to gain and they in turn gaining you badges towards your young Leaders Modules. We gained a new young leader in the form of Emma whom I’m sure will learn a lot from the boys on her journey. As well as their schoolwork and their own section nights, they continue to give up their personal time to attend 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 all you are “Amazing” and valued members of our Scouting Family.

Zoe - Akela Cub Scout Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SCOUT TROOP REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

As well as the usual troop evenings & badge work, we’ve had a busy year away from the hut! It started with some indoor climbing sessions, then in May we dipped our toes back into camping with a one-night survival skills bivi camp where the scouts created their own shelters from tarps, cooked on open fires & learnt backwoods skills from Bass & Starfish as well as choreographing their exercise routine with the help of Rikki!

We carried on camping (oooo matron!) with a patrol camp in July at Beaudesert where we shared the site & a campfire with the other sections but undertook our own programme. This included an incident hike around Cannock Chase, abseiling & learning the importance of good knots & lashings to build rafts, which gave us the opportunity to carry out some investitures whilst precariously bobbing around in the lake on barrels!

In September we attended Discovery County Camp which was a fun camp packed with all sorts of activities across 3 zones of adventure, discovery & craft which included everything from challenges to inflatables to stilt walking to silent discos!

Of course, September also saw the sad passing of our Patron Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II & during the national period of mourning the Scouts lit candles & made entries in the book of remembrance at the Church & were commended for their polite & respectful behaviour.

Throughout the rest of Autumn, we planted trees in memory of Her Majesty at Millenium Woods, we went on day & night hikes around the local area & took part in Remembrance Parade, Operation Chameleon & the County Cooking competition.

After Christmas we took part in the County Night Hike & entered a team in the scout Chase Walk (13miles) whilst Bass completed the full 40-mile event! Throughout the last year we’ve also done regular shooting sessions which stood us in good stead to win the District Target Shooting Competition for the second time!

To round everything off the Scouts embraced their need for speed when we went go karting! It brought out everyone’s fiercely competitive natures & saw some lap records set as well as some dubious tactics from some...!

At the end of this year, I have taken over as section leader from Steve (Bass!) who has decided to step down. His are big shoes to fill in more ways than one, & I thank him for everything he’s done for the Troop & myself over the years. I would also like to thank Pat, Zoe & Rachel for everything they continue to do, not forgetting Becca who made the transition from young leader to leader in April 2023. Massive thankyou to parents, grandparents & everyone else who continue to support the Troop

Andy (Jambo) Scout Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SCOUT BAND REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

Band has had good year and started to build for the future. A strategy of building membership has been successful with visits to both Scouts and Cubs meeting nights to promote and recruit new members.

We have been able to strengthen the brass section with this recruitment plus add to drummers and re-start the glockenspiel section. Our new members settled in well and have made really good progress.

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

Events Atended

Band funds started the Year at £757.31. Spending: £13.95 on Drumheads, £4.00 On Christmas section boxes, £219.99 On a Parade Drum. No monies were added this year.

The growing membership has increased the need for us to invest in instruments and uniform, maintenance costs have also increased.

A major purchase of a parade drum has been an excellent investment, in line with providing all members to have a good quality instrument to play. Instruments are very expensive, with no increase in our funds this year, we need to come up with a strategy to raise funds.

Plans for the future

  1. Band will be celebrating 50 years of continuous operation next year, one of only 41 registered Scout bands Band’s in the country

  2. Look to network with other Scout Bands to help our development

  3. We would like to put on a small concert for parents and others next year

  4. An inventory of our instruments and condition, for insurance and future needs

  5. We have been asked to play at St George’s day parade in Knowle next year

  6. Gala Day

  7. Christmas Carol concert

  8. Visits to other musical events

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. A shout out to support we have from behind the scenes, members parents who have helped with our music development. Band has been lucky enough to have fantastic parent support in the past and this has continued and grown with our new members, supporting the Band including photo’s, recordings, and posts on our closed Facebook page, plus WhatsApp group. We are lucky enough to have a large number of parents who support our practice night’s week in week out, which has clearly played a large part in the fantastic progress Band has made.

Thank you all.

Keith Ballington Band Leader

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ORION MARSTON GREEN (OMG) EXPLORER UNIT REPORT April 2022 – March 2023

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 be strong with an average of 16 members, with many taking on the Young Leader roles and helping at the younger section nights, building their skills and experience.

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

We are looking for another adult member to join our team. Ideally someone who enjoys the outdoors, that can help weekly and with occasional weekend camps. Don’t worry if you don’t think you have the skills, there’s a team of experienced leaders around you. If you’d like more info or try it for 3 weeks, let’s have a chat.

Tony 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: Trustee Name Office Period (if not a full year)

Trustee Name Ofce Period(if not a fullyear)
Steven Harris Chair
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
Caroline Hemus Member
Samantha Georgiou-Milloshas Member
WendyGlynn Member

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 Trustee Board. 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 Trustee Board 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 Trustee Board.

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

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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 at udes.

We endeavour to give opportunities to enjoy fun and adventure while developing skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Our main priorities are:

Membership To reach out to more YoungPeople
Adults To atract, engage with and retain more adults through delivering excitng volunteering
opportunites
Youth Shaped To involve ouryoungmembers in the waywe shape ourprogramme and actvites
Relatonships &
Partnerships		 To work with others creatng sound partnerships to serve our young people beter
Unity Topursue a commonpurpose at all levels,and work as a team and not individually
Planning To demonstrate sound strategic planning and efcient and efectve fnancial planning and
budgetngacross our operatons
Risk Management To manage our actvites in accordance with The Scout Associaton requirements

Achievements and performance

Individual reports by officers and section leaders within this Group set out achievements and performance during 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

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.

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Section Meetings and Leadership

Secton Meetngs and Leadership Secton Meetngs and Leadership Secton Meetngs and Leadership Secton Meetngs and Leadership
1stMarston Green Scout Groupsectons as of October 2023 Orion Explorer
Unit*
Squirrel Scouts Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Scout Band
Mondays Mondays Wednesdays Thursdays Tuesdays Mondays
Jo Groves Jo Groves Zoe Campbell Andrew Glynn Keith Ballington TonyHead
Lewis Chamberlain Amanda Turnbull James Ward Patrick Lambert TonyWhitehouse Ed Wallace
Helen Sale-Wilkes Lewis Chamberlain Karen Grice Rebecca Hardwick Robert Swindell Daniel Perks
AdamDozsa Abbie Forbes Rachel Pearce Rachel Pearce James Llewellyn-
Charlton
Abbie Cook Zoe Campbell
ZsoltCsizmadia Richard Forbes
Chloe Scot-Taggart

Note: Aligning with the Charity Commission, our Executive Committee is now known as Trustee Boards. This came into effect from April 2023

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Appendix 1: 1st Marston Green Scout Group CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS - Year Ending 31 March 2023

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Apprendix 2: 1st Marston Green Scout Group – CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at 31st March 2023

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Appendix 3: Solihull North International Camp - Bank Account Summary 2022/2023

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 Trustee Board were asked to exercise governance over the accounts. Our Scout Group’s next international trip will take place in July 2024 to Croatia.

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