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2025-03-31-accounts

1[st] Marston Green Scout Group

Annual Report 2024-2025

Registered Charity Number: 524591 hellomgscouts@hotmail.com

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Contents

Agenda for AGM 2 Squirrel Drey Report 10
Minutes of previous AGM 3 Beaver Colony Report 11
Reference and Admin Details 5 Cub Pack Report 12
Secton Meetng and Leadership 7 Scout Troop Report 13
Group Chair/Treasurer/Scrutneer Reports 8 Scout Band Report 14
Group Lead Volunteer Report 9 Explorer Unit Report 15

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1[ST] MARSTON GREEN SCOUT COUNCIL

Annual General Meeting for April 2024 – March 2025

Wednesday 22[nd] October 2025 ~ 6.30pm til 7.30pm

1[st] Marston Green Scout Hut

Before the AGM starts, there will be a fancy dress parade. Whilst the AGM takes place, the judging of the pumpkins will take place.

AGENDA

1. Introduction and welcome

2. Apologies for absence

3. Governance topics

4.

Review of the previous year

5.

Making appointments

6.

Closing remarks

Following the AGM

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Minutes of previous AGM 2023 / 2024

1[st] Marston Green Scout Group AGM 23[rd] October 2024

Introduction and welcome

Amanda welcomed all that were attending, gave thanks to the guest judges, Liz Rashvand and Alison Lowe and thanked all those that worked hard on decorating the hut. Richard also thanked everyone for coming, informing all that the AGM is an important meeting that we must legally have each year. He informed everyone that we will require a seconder for votes and a show of hands to say that the majority agree with any decisions.

Apologies for absence

Apologies received were from the trustees Steven Harris, Angela Jones and leader Andrew Glynn.

Governance topics

The minutes for the AGM on 25th October 2023 were reviewed and agreed upon. This was seconded by Zoe Campbell with a majority show of hands.

The model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) has been emailed out. This looks at how the group continues over the next 12 months and their objectives. This was seconded by Rob Swindell with a majority show of hands.

The groups financial year was available to be seen.

There were no nominated members of the Group Scout Council to be approved.

It was explained that the trustees board should have a minimum of 5 members and a maximum of 12. We currently have the maximum number of 12 which we will continue with over the next year. This was seconded by Sam Morgan with a majority show of hands.

The quorum for future meetings of the Group Scout Council should be a minimum of 15 meetings. This was seconded by Ben Jones with a majority show of hands.

Review of the previous year

Amanda talked about all the wonderful things that have been done over the last 18 months and had photos to show to all, including the Croatia trip and the fundraising to help that came to a staggering £12,500. She also explained about the OSM to all. This is a platform that enables the leaders to do their planning. Amanda asked that all parents looked at this regularly and replied with a yes or no to events asap. It is also a way that parents can see the badge work being achieved as well as the events taking place. There was also a plea to ensure that all data on this platform is completely up to date with all personal data.

Congratulations were given to all members achieving the top awards within their group. 13 squirrels were awarded the acorn award, 8 beavers achieved their bronze award, 8 cubs achieved their silver award, 3 scouts achieved their gold award, and 2 explorers achieved their platinum award. Also, in September 2023 2 members received their special recognition award by county.

There was a jamboree to South Korea in August 2023 that a member was able to attend. The next one is in Poland in 2027.

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Amanda reiterated that the annual report can be read to inform all that has been completed and accomplished, with a mention about the fantastic band and its growth too. She then thanked all those that attended the weekly sessions.

Amy was unable to attend the AGM, but her treasurer report has been included in the AGM documents for all to see. The accounts have also gone to the scrutineer to ensure that they are all correct. We are in a healthy position at the moment, and this can be seen in the report. Richard asked for any questions regarding the accounts but there were none.

Making appointments

Huge thanks were given to Steve Harris who has been the chair for the last 3 years. Unfortunately, he has had to step down from the role as chair, but we are lucky enough to keep him as a trustee. The trustee board recommended Richard Forbes to take on the role which he has agreed to. A show of hands gave approval to this appointment.

The current treasurer is Amy Rogers. She has agreed to continue in this position and a show of hands approved of this.

The current trustee members are Andrea Wynn, Angela Jones, Caroline Hemus, Daphne Carter, David Hobbs, Jacqueline Altham, Rob Swindell, Samantha Georgio-Milloshas and now Steven Harris. A show of hands approved their position as all happy to continue in the role. Lisa Ollis has stepped down as a trustee and thanks were given to her for all the work she has done over her time.

Our current scrutineer is Jude Wilde. She is happy to continue and is qualified to do so. A show of hands approved her position.

Closing remarks

Richard closed the meeting after giving a brief introduction to everyone about himself and explaining how the group was in a very strong place currently. He praised the amazing work that the leaders do as they are just as important as the children within the group. He highlighted that next year we have been going for 100 years and he looks forward to leading these celebrations. He thanked all for their attendance tonight and the AGM closed at 19.04.

The meeting was followed by various presentations and the judging of the pumpkins by the District Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner.

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity Name: 1st Marston Green Scout Group Registered Number: 524591 Charity’s principal address: Village Mews (off Elmdon Road), Marston Green, Birmingham B37 7WP Advisor: The Scout Association Accounting period: 1[st] April – 31[st] March Scrutineer: Mrs J Wilde, 4 Bickenhill Road, Marston Green, B37 7EL

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity 2024/2025

(Published in the charity commission register as reporting for a Registered Charity)

Trustee Name Ofce Role **Start of Term *** Period(if
not fullyear)
Amanda Turnbull Ex ofcio Trustee GroupLead Volunteer Not applicable
Richard Forbes Appointed Trustee GroupChair October 2024
AmyRogers Appointed Trustee GroupTreasurer October 2024
Andrea Wynn Appointed Trustee October 2024
Jacqueline Altham Appointed Trustee October 2024
David Hobbs Appointed Trustee October 2024
Angela Jones Appointed Trustee October 2024
Robert Swindell Appointed Trustee October 2024
Daphne Carter Appointed Trustee October 2024
Caroline Hemus Appointed Trustee October 2024
Samantha Georgiou-Milloshas Appointed Trustee October 2024
Steven Harris Appointed Trustee October 2024

Trustee term limits *

Trustee Board membership refreshed as of the 2024 AGMs. New term limits don’t include any previous service as a Trustee: current trustees, regardless of how long they have been a member of an Executive Committee already, started a new term (of up to 9 years) at their AGM in 2024.

Appointed Trustees are appointed for up to three years and can be re-appointed (by the Scout Council at the AGM).

Co-opted Trustees are appointed for an initial period of one year (by the Trustee Board). They can stay on longer if agreed by the Trustee Board, but it’s a good idea for co-opted Trustees to move onto being appointed Trustees at the next AGM. Co-opted Trustees may be chosen to do a particular task, or to bring new skills to the mix.

Trustees may only be on the same Trustee Board for a maximum of nine years, before taking a break of at least three years. This applies to any role, but not ex officio Trustees (Lead Volunteers or Youth Leads).

Structure, Governance and Management

Type of governing document

The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association

How the charity is constituted

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

Trustee selection methods

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

Additional governance issues

The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation

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applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 6 Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio Trustees, and 2 co-opted Trustees) and meets every # months. Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board. This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

Risk and Internal Control

The Group has internal controls in place designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, including two signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance to ensure insurable risks are covered.

Objectives and Activities

The Purpose of Scouting

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The Values of Scouting

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.

Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and at udes. Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

The Scout Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

Public benefit statement

The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

Reserves Policy and Investment

The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum £10k held in reserve.

The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

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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 2025 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 Lewis Chamberlain James Ward Patrick Lambert TonyWhitehouse Ed Wallace
Adam Dozsa Abbie Forbes Karen Grice Rachel Pearce Robert Swindell Daniel Perks
Zsolt Csizmadia Abbie Cook Rachel Pearce Jasmine Waite James Llewellyn-
Charlton		 Helen Wright
Adam Dozsa AntonyHarris AnthonyHarris Rob Wallace
Emma Bodenham Richard Forbes
Steve Curwood

Group Volunteer Lead

Each Scout Group is led by a Group Lead Volunteer whose role it is to provide direction and support to develop the Scout Group.

The Section teams: Team Leader and Team Members

The Section Team is a team of volunteers who plans, delivers, and runs quality programmes safely. They make sure all young people can take part in the programme and gain skills for life. They also help young people work towards their Top Awards.

The Trustee Board:

The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity trustees, to make sure Scouts is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance. Effective Trustee Board governance helps our volunteers deliver fantastic programmes that give young people skills for life.

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GROUP CHAIR’S Annual Report 2024/2025

As I write my report, I must remind myself that I have only been Group Chair for 6 months! There has been so much going already, the Group was well represented at the village Remembrance Parade which was once again led by our band. It is such a poignant event reflecting on those that gave all for what they believed in, I’m very proud that the Group not only supports these commemorations but takes a significant role in them. Planning for the Xmas fayre was already well underway, so by the time we got to the day it went ahead like a well-oiled machine (well more or less!). It was a fantastic day which I have always enjoyed as all our volunteers are together under one roof which makes for a fabulous atmosphere. Our annual Carol concert is always a wonderful way to close out the year.

2025 is our 100[th] year of Scouting in Marston Green and there are some amazing events planned to mark this significant anniversary. I will leave Amanda to talk about the Little and Large for she has done all the planning and prep that made this a great day. I’m particularly looking forward to our 100[th] Fest (aka Group Camp) and inviting those that have supported and influenced out group to our birthday party.

Our trustee board does an amazing job supporting the uniformed sections, through fundraising to help maintain our fantastic HQ, fundraising for equipment to directly support our young people, to helping to manage our risks, ensuring compliance through POR and other legislation and ensure the group is properly financed. This work is critical and we, as a group could not function with out them, so firstly thank you all for the time and effort you invest in the group and secondly, we are always looking for extra support for events and fundraising and looking after our building so if you can spare some time please get in touch

Richard

Group Chair

GROUP TREASURER’S Annual Report 2024/2025

The compilation of the accounts has unfortunately been delayed. The accounts will be bought forward once they have been reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

We are pleased to confirm that the group remains under sound financial stewardship and is currently in a positive financial position.

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

The Scrutineer’s report will follow in due course

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GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEER Annual Report 2024/2025

2024 was a year for international experiences. In the July, 37 Scouts, Explorers & leaders had a week’s adventure in Pula, Croatia. Activities included Stand-Up Paddle boarding and kayaking around the shoreline, high ropes, cycling, water slide park, rowing gondolas in Venice, hand feeding fish and swimming in the sea every evening. In August, 9 cubs and 2 leaders experience d 4 days in Disneyland Paris. Then on 27[th] December, 9 members of MG joined 23 others from across Solihull County attended the Australian Jamboree – what an amazing experience!

These international trips have contributed significantly to the personal growth of our Scouts. Participants have developed leadership, resilience, and intercultural skills. They have made friends and unforgettable memories. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the leaders, volunteers, parents, and sponsors who made these trips possible.

Our Scout Group, unlike others, holds many events throughout the year. It’s always a delight at our Gala Day seeing all our members in fancy dress and seeing families enjoy the games and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Then at Christmas our scout hut transforms into a winter wonderland with our Christmas Fayre. Swifty followed by our entertaining Carol Service at St Leonards. I don’t think Tony, the new vicar, really know what to expect. Plus, the leaders and Trustees surprised everyone this year, with our highly polished dance routine! Why should the children have all the fun!

Remembrance Parade has always been a significate event for our Scout Group. We are always very proud of our scout band that leads our parade and to all our members who turn out in smart uniform. Together with the Parish Council, churches and the community we remember those who have fought for us through the many wars. In May, I had the distinct honour of being invited to light the beacon at the Parish Council’s D-Day 80th anniversary event. It was a moment that filled me with immense pride and deep reflection.

2025 saw the start of our 100[th] birthday celebrations. Members helped design our 100[th] badge and in March we help our Little and Large Harry Potter Day. A huge thank you to Grace Academy for allowing us to use their facilities. It was so lovely to bring everyone together, engaging parents and seeing what scouting all is about. A massive applause to the parents taking part in the activities, especially the broomstick training! The children love adults getting involved, been silly and all having fun together! The birthday planning continued for our Fest 100 Group Camp in June and a reunion of the all the past and present leaders and trustees in August.

Reading through the Section reports, it always amazes me the great weekly programmes our leaders plan throughout the year. Many activities require time and planning in the background that we don’t see. So, parents, please help our volunteers may replying yes or no as soon as events are published on OSM – this really does help!

Our Trustees meet once a month to make sure our leaders can sustainably deliver a fantastic programme – safely, legally and in line with our charitable purpose. They also plan our fundraising events ensuring we can keep termly subscriptions as low as possible and provide adequate equipment for the activities.

Between the 4 sections: Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, from April 2024 to March 2025 we awarded a total of 786 badges! This included 10 x Chief Scouts Acorn Awards, 5 x Chief Scouts Bronze Awards and 8 x Chief Scouts Silver Awards. An amazing achievement. Well done everyone!

A huge thank you to our amazing team of volunteers, our parents and to our young members. In our 100[th] year we are going strong with over 100 young members. Together we are 1[st] Marston Green Scout Group.

Amanda aka Clippy Group Lead Volunteer (GLV)

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SQUIRREL DREY Annual Report 2024/2025

In April 2024, we did a visit to St Leonards Church where we were shown areas of the church and what it was used for. They particularly enjoyed having a go at ringing the church bell. The next week they practised marching for St. George’s parade and coloured in their pictures ready for the following week where they planted seeds to take home to grow. They completed the Let it Grow activity badge by going on a fruit hunt around the scout hut!

In May 2024, part of the All About Adventure Challenge was done by learning what to pack in a day sack for a trip out. The week after they completed another section of this badge by singing campfire songs and making campfire biscuits which looked amazing and very yummy!

In June and July 2024, the All About Adventure was completed by cloud spotting and doing a scavenger hunt outside in the garden. We then started on the All About Me Challenge by bringing in something special to them and telling and showing everyone. The next week they thought about how they would like to help someone at home and then at the end of June they completed their own journal to take home. We introduced the flag for flag break and flag down to which they did very well. For the Gala parade, the Squirrels dressed up as Amazon parcels to which they looked fantastic. A big BRAVO for taking part. For our last meeting of this term, we met at the Play barn with a joint visit with the Beavers where everyone had a brilliant time.

In September 2024, we started the term off with a story about friendship and drawing things that made them happy as part of the Feel-Good Activity. During this month the Scout Group took part in the Community Fun Day. We then started on the Space Explorer Activity badge by learning about space. Squirrels had a fun day at the Go Wild Camp taking part in lots of activities. To finish off this month, the Squirrels got Creative and made their very own music shakers.

October 2024, we got Creative again by making leafy hedgehogs, learning about the moon with oreos and then eating them!! We continued the Exciting Experiments by using our senses by putting your hand in the box and trying to guess what was in the box. This included baked beans, a banana, flour and dried rice. We held the Pumpkin Carving Contest where there were some fantastic designs which ended this term.

In November 2024 we made firework pictures and chocolate sparklers, took part in the Remembrance Day Service and Parade and then made some amazing poppies. They then came up with some exciting stories to cover part of the Story time activity. We then started to get into the Christmas spirit by practicing our song for Carol service and started our Christmas tree activity. We finished the month with our very own Group Christmas Fayre.

December 2024, we continued making our Christmas tree activity and practicing our Christmas Carol service song. We had a visit from Vicar Tony from St. Leonards Church, decorated some wooden Rudolph ornaments, took part in our annual festive evening at the Christmas Carol Service at St Leonards Church. To end the term, we then joined up with our Beavers Section for a concert at Birchmere House Care Home in Knowle where we also had a surprise visit from Santa!!

In January and February 2025, we learnt about doing your best and being kind and helpful. It’s year of the Snake so to celebrate Chinese New Year, we made our very own snakes. We covered part of the Go Wild activity by making a bird feeder using some apples, bird seed and peanut butter. I hope the birds had a good feast!!

Finally in March 2025, we decorated some delicious pancakes with lots of yummy toppings, made some rainbow fruit kebabs in celebration of St. Patricks day, held our Little & Large Harry Potter Day at Grace Academy, made Mother’s Day cards and then finished the month of by making some amazing space helmets for their teddies.

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Chil, Zsolt, Adam and the Young Leaders for your continued support and help. Finally, I would like to thank the Squirrels and Parents for your commitment and support.

Joanne (Baloo) Squirrel Team Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN WILDWOOD BEAVER COLONY Annual Report 2024/2025

In April and May 2024, we started the term off by having a tour around St. Leonards Church and finding out what all the areas are used for. We especially enjoyed trying out the Church bell. We then learnt about the four seasons, took part in the St. Georges Day Parade in Knowle, did a Gardner activity by planting seeds and then finding out if the seeds can grow in certain conditions. We finished off by learning about the different types of tools used in a garden, sowing cress and lettuce seeds and we learnt about Fairtrade and made banana cupcakes and made animal masks.

In June and July 2024, we started the Money Skills activity badge by learning to identify different coins, learning about saving money, learning about making decisions and then learning about the history of money. We took part in the Gala Day Parade and looked amazing dressed up in ABBA fancy dress. BRAVO for taking part. We were then invited to St. Leonards Church to help fill the planters outside the front with some very colourful flowers, for the Outdoors Challenge, they learnt how to put up a tent and then pack it away, we ended the summer term joining up with the Squirrels and had a fun night at the Play Barn.

In September 2024, we looked at the map of Marston Green ready for the next week where we went for a walk around and explored the village and learned about the Green Cross Code along the way and the safety about using the crossings. There was the Parish Council Community Fun Day, and we took part in the County Go Wild camp. To finish off this month we covered parts of the Safety Activities by learning about Fire safety, Water safety and stranger danger.

In October 2024, we did a visit to Birchmere House Care Home to celebrate Harvest Festival where the residents were entertained, we made Harvest biscuits which were delicious, we made ghost leaves for Halloween finally finishing with the Pumpkin Carving contest to which there were some excellent entries.

November and December 2024, we did some firework pictures and made chocolate sparklers, took part in the Remembrance Parade, made poppies, thought about a personal challenge that needed to include being kind and helpful. We then got into the Christmas spirit by practicing the song for the Carol service and started the Christmas activity. We held our Christmas Fayre, took part in the Annual Christmas Carol Service at St. Leonards Church and the finished the term off with a Carol Service with the Squirrels to the residents at Birchmere House Care Home in Knowle.

In January and February 2025, we did part of the Communicator Activity and learnt about Braille, played with Lego for National Lego Day, made paper chain link snakes for Chinese New Year, we did more of the Communicator Activity by learning the phonetic alphabet, learning a phone number and making a telephone call.

Finally in March 2025, Beavers made and cooked their own pancakes, finished off the Communicator Activity by learning how to send a text message, celebrated St. Patricks Day by wearing something green, doing a scavenger hunt around the garden and making pretzel shamrocks. We held our Little & Large Harry Potter day which was great fun, and we finished the term off with part of the Faith Activity by writing and reading a prayer.

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Chil, Jacala, Ko, Grey Brother and Young Leaders 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 Team Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN CUB PACK Annual Report 2024/2025

April & May - sees the cubs cooking up a feast in the new kitchen. From picking their menus, doing their shopping lists and learn Hygiene and safety each six cooked up some great dishes. We had our annual Promise renewal at our St Georges day parade in Knowle.

June - June sees all sections trying to be the best and win the coveted title of Gala winners. This was the third year in a row for Cubs with their homage the 1940. We had Soldiers, Land Girls and young ladies of the time. So much effort was put into ALL the costumes by the young and old making an amazing parade through the village.

July - continuing skills learnt at school with Bike-ability.

August - Something different this year as Wawbeck and I took nine of the cubs and a young leader to Disneyland Paris alone with twenty-one others from Chelmsley Wood. The four days and three nights adventure saw us having two days of fun in the two parks that make up Disneyland Paris.

Starting back in September meant I was able to register seven of the Cubs for their invitation to collect their Chief Scout Silver award. This is the highest award a Cub can gain in recognition in completing the seven Challenge Badges, at least six activity and staged badges. Congratulations to you all. We helped out at what will hopefully become an Annual event of The Community Fun Day. We also as cubs did what scouts do well and helped the community answer a call to make thousands of bracelets for The Help Harry Help Other Charity.

October - Cubs learnt about the planets and stars with Rikki, tied themselves in lots with Wawbeck and communicated with Akela

November - Getting ready for Christmas the cubs still helped Anthony who was still our young leader make a start on his Kings Scout Award.

December - all about Christmas with our Christmas Fair and Carols in the church

January and February - With nine members of MG joining twenty-three others from across the County attending the Australian Jamboree, the cubs worked on personal safety and made a start on our centenary celebrations with our badge design competition. Finishing off badges and working in the community again the Cubs really do keep themselves busy.

Over the year 2024 to 2025 the cubs worked on over 37 different badges and earned a total of 279 including 8 Chief Scout Silver awards. I would like to thank my Cubs team but also the wider family and Committee because without them we cannot run these sections. I would also like to thank Parents and young people because without you we definitely don’t have a section or a group.

Zoe - Akela

Cub Team Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SCOUT TROOP REPORT

During the Easter break we ran our first Easter Trail at Millenium Woods with lots of fun Easter challenges & egg hunting. We also had a great camp at Rhydd Covert in Kidderminster. The site is next door to the West Midlands Safari Park & has its own access gate to the park. We couldn’t camp here without visiting the theme park & going on a mini bus safari, getting to places that the normal car can’t access to see the animals close up. Returning after Easter we had fun learning knots & lashings & building useful camp gadgets. We also took part in the annual St Georges Day parade in Knowle with the rest of Solihull County Scouts.

In May we hosted a Bank Holiday Family Fun Day at Marston Green Members Club to raise funds, which was very successful & enjoyed by everyone. Later in May we did some fire lighting & the fire safety activity badge. We also took part in the D-Day 80[th] anniversary event at the recreation ground where we set up & ran traditional games from the era like coconut shy, hook a duck etc, enjoyed the live entertainment & participated in the lighting of the nationally co-ordinated commemoration beacon later in the evening.

In June we went to Myton Fields in Warwick where we had a great time paddling up & down the Avon in kayaks & canoes to earn the paddle sport level 1 badge. Later in June we took part in the annual Marston Green gala day where our fancy dress theme this year was celebrating the 30[th] anniversary of Ghostbusters!

In July we built up our teamwork through various challenges & exercises, before attending a joint camp with the Explorer section at Beaudesert for a weekend of cheesy game show themed activities based on everyone’s favourites like Bullseye, The Chase, Deal or No Deal to name just a few! We also took time out for some meditation & became one with nature whilst out on our hike. As usual we finished the term off with a water fights & games at the hut.

During the summer holiday we embarked on our international adventure to Croatia which I’m sure we will all remember for a long time to come! We Joined with OMG Explorers for 8 days of fabulous activities & glorious weather based in & around Pula, with a full on day trip to Venice to learn Gondoliering amongst other things!

In September we returned to Scouts taking part in the Annual Village Community Day at the Rec where we enjoyed live music, fun & games, cricket & BBQ.

Throughout the rest of autumn we learnt the arts of morse code & the phonetic alphabet to earn the communicator badge, learning how to solder whilst constructing our own morse code beepers. We continued our adventures away from the hut leaning bushcraft activities at Wilderness camp, map reading & navigating, cooking an excellent meal or two over open fires at the annual County Cooking Competition. We went to 1[st] Solihull to take part in the JOTI/JOTA event communicating live with other Scouts around the world over the internet & over radio. We took part in the annual Operation Chameleon, had an interesting night ran by the Patrol Leaders, took part in the village Christmas carol concert & enjoyed a night of party games before breaking up for Christmas.

After Christmas we had a night hike & sleepover at the hut ahead of the County Night Hike, commenced the Artist & Meteorologist activity badges. In March we welcomed Craig & Charlie back to lead some more fun modelmaking & tabletop game sessions. We commenced our expedition training with a day out by train to the Malverns, hiking from Ledbury over the hills back to to Great Malvern station. We also successfully reclaimed the District Rifle Shooting Trophy by coming first in the annual competition at Dorridge!

I would like to congratulate Mackenzie on achieving his Chief Scouts Gold award this year & thank Pat, Rachel, Zoe, Ben, Jasmine & Sammy for everything they’ve done, not forgetting our young leader Izzy.

As always, a massive thankyou to parents, grandparents & everyone else who continue to support the Troop

Andy - Jambo

Scout Team Leader

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1ST MARSTON GREEN SCOUT BAND REPORT

Band has had another good year, growing skills of our members. We are one of only 41 registered Scout Bands in this country. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 19:30 – 20:30. We are always looking to build our membership by recruiting new members from the Scouting movement.

Band welcomed back Sarah Forbes, who had been supporting Band in the background, and now a full participant role, bringing major strength to the leadership and musical development.

Events Attended:

“Hi Amanda

Please could you pass on our thanks, and more thanks, and actually MORE thanks to the phenomenal MARSTON GREEN BAND!

Honestly you missed such a treat today, they really were BRILLIANT. Super smart, terrific marching and great, great music.

The showstopper session for the Mayor, her Consort and the MP while the parade formed up was genius, everyone was super impressed.”

Band Funds

Started the year at £960.35. Spending £844.85 on uniform / accessories plus a big purchase of a snare drum (£300) and smaller bass drum (£140). This was our aim last year to make investments in instruments and uniform.

Funds added £950:

£250 donation from Cole District for St George’s Day

£100 for Community Day

£600 donation from The Grimmitt Trust. Thank you to Karen for her work in securing funds for the Band.

2024 was our 50[th] anniversary of the Band in continuous operation. Members had a pin badge to recognise this anniversary. Band had previously formed in the 1960s, but disbanded at the time of losing the old Scout Hut.

We are lucky enough to have a number of parents who support our practice nights week in week out, which has clearly played a part in the fantastic progress Band has made – thank you all.

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

Keith Ballington Bandmaster

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ORION MARSTON GREEN (OMG) EXPLORER UNIT REPORT April 2024 – March 2025

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 many taking on the Young Leader roles and helping at the younger section nights, building their skills and experience.

Here’s some of our events: Easter Camp at Rhydd Convert, London Monopoly Run, Physical Recreation, Hike tent testing, Fire lighting, Flapjacks, Croatia, D&D games, DoE, Meet the new Vicar, Winter Fest Camp, team Building, Little & Large Harry Potter prefects, Night hike at Earlswood Lakes, County Night Hike and Operational Chameleon, Come Dine with me, Flash Climbing.

My thanks go to the Explorers for their commitment each week, and to leadership team Ed, Dan, Rob, Helen and Matt in the background.

Tony Head, Explorer Team Leader

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Accounts approved by Board of Trustees on 7th January 2026 and Accounts Scrutinised on 23rd January 2026 and added to Annual Report

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1st Marnton Grien Sc¢Mrt Group. CONSOUDATED ACCOUNTS. Year EndlNJ 31st Ilarch 2025 INCOME Scouts ub• B••v•rn Squlrrnls Band Group Subgcnplkn 2.284 49 2.701.67 2.720.CQ 1.970 00 p￿d t¢ ScrAJt HQ -1207 50 -1036.W -1.265.C -98150 RefU￿j DonalK)ns Acti¥ibe510ulings Orion re Elerlri¢ ChD$bmas Fa￿$ 24 Other F￿d Ra151ng NeGkerlBadgeslUnrfum ConthbJtwJn Orio ConthbJtwJn Brownies Amazon FundirvJ Ea$y Funding 8enovty UK on Ilne Sumup Census Refund FutKlrasYvJ 202¥2024 Tol•l g.$n. 4889.00 4.no.00 1.19). 2.847.SO 7.77629 1.629.46 33SI.30 2,463.92 885.27 894.(￿ 334.IK) 3.393.10 1.Ce3.X8 48594 19> 1,399.25 485. 72.(K> 273.3S 440 47.98 177.82 $57.98 341.59 448 J7 341 44IJ7 327.74 310.00 103.$0 1•70.17 G￿8 24 CommuThty Day 2024 Intemaknal Camp Oz Intetnational GiftaKI 3.363 491.10 1.2802 S.103.ty) oJ#) 19.OTL16 £30.006￿1 491 10 276.92 5.103.IX 3.S4&91 161S.94 1227.so 1,3XSO 1.IS￿O0 EXPENDrruRE Se¢tsw$ c￿tribUtiO Ground rent Insuran Chri51mas Fa￿e 24 Actsvibe510utings NeL*erJBadgBslUnrfum Equipment 8tBtiwylCr8ftJPostWP•Jm Fixxl & Dnnk 800.TrJ 620.fpj 8701￿ 4￿.[￿¥ 1.974.X 1.974JO 1923.92 201.98 144B.02 7S7.S8 •71.78 3.171.94 272.50 59.73 1110.01 1.13128 445.20 277.93 2.7(PJ.19 739 74 2.742.36 8.80722 2,07S.S1 3.491.90 7329 187 208.10 132.04 689.81 187.63 Page | 17

utlit￿S- Waler Ut1rt5- Gas 1.102.53 1.13746 855.64 1,102.S3 1.137.48 8SS.64 1,026.00 623.61 1,3B7.83 I,sos.so Repairs & Re￿acernents HQ MainlenarKelRefutb5. PresentolionslWreAth5 Gala 24 Training Sumup Other Fundr3i5r 1.621.56 2750 1.236.86 1,621.S6 27.50 1,236.86 27.50 1.216.02 100.00 100.00 Wonderful PayTnenl& Transfer lo lniern81l￿ Account Oz International F￿5 Go CardessIOSM t￿natiOnS An¢illar188 310.19 2,874.41 2.443.18 5.985 00 2,443.18 5,gBS.00 313.07 100.00 130.00 82.93 82.93 22,861.7S £34,126.S7 24.00 30.00 116.67 151. 18.00 227.11 695.00 Tcéal 4158.17 2.362.B4 2.264Jl 1.639.68 £21.079AI SurplulD•fidl 412.26 253.10 .24&1S 310.IS 4,789.59 4,120.S6 741.V2 1st Marston Green Scout Group- CONSOUDATED BALANCE SHEET.As at 31st March 202S Scout¥ Cub• Bg•vgr4 Squlrrvl• Group Tot•1 Brought Fonvard Cash at Bank I.(￿7.61 Ca6h In Hand Totsl 768.56 68623 79428 .35 22.371.38 £26,648.41 117.05 £117.05 22.4BeAJ V$.765.46 1.067.61 768. 623 79428 060.35 Yearf5 su￿u51DefiG1l 412.26 2S3.10 46Jl -24&1S 310.15 4.789.$9 4,120.S6 Cathod Forward Cash at Bank Cash In Hand Total 455 35 1.02166 0.00 456.3J 1,021.66 642.32 7.10 649A2 55123 1.170.50 000 05123 1,170.00 20.966 79 117.50 21,084.29 24,807.8S 124. 24.932.40 Page | 18

TE Bank SLments èNerySe(kn Cash aiBank bthce5 a¥at 31S1Marth 202S￿ as slKNm In abtsve BALinc? Sheet 1st Green Scout G￿PU￿nuèsto mori￿the￿￿￿a(1￿nl. Sdhull IntemètlOr￿C￿Mpe￿nk&s in2015 updal•Y sumw loi Z02412025 b &tlKhe4 tothese￿¢￿jnts. 8￿er5 and SquwrBls share LTh Bank Acc(yrt IrKome ￿ expenditure SIV￿ sekxrale Cwue 1￿653 British Liver Ttust- £115 frorn rarol seTvice2024 has not been (xshed bylhe d￿rty R￿ept MG38 Ned(ers & L&L Day. CArtstanding pawnent al￿re[￿l from Cub5 & Sa)ub. Pa￿nent made 202512026 aC￿)￿ts Rer￿ipt MG57 Ned(er& OutstaThling payrnentat yearend fvom Cth5 & s￿ts. ReinvoKX for paynentto be made in ￿25￿2026 Éxplorer CMtrtAJbons OVerp￿d Spriry Torrn. TherefcK• 9 £200 refund lo be made n 202S2026 l)JlSt8ndryJ r8imbur8ement lo Mr R Swknddl of £1 frth8 paym8ni of Gr￿d Rert Re￿￿r8￿M•nl 10 be m•Je In 202512026 GrDUP &Jtplus at 31102r2025 General Resetve Reserve for Kitchen Extem81 ￿88 20.966.79 10,000 (K) 1.683.n 1,500C 300.(M) 2.000. 200.(K) 130 (KJ 300 (X) 2.000.(KJ 205 (M) 2.648 UrKxKnmitt&l surp Group Camp be51os Report Centenary Feather Flag Rrflèg {Ser￿c￿l Tents x10 First Ald Equlpm8nl 20241202S INCOMÉ Participant Fees FUndra￿l￿g Expenses Cash depr￿11- fUr￿raIsIng Tot•1 5.605.(￿• 3.84e.53 143.00 3.14054 12.135.07 Participant Fees Fundraising General Expenses Travel Costs Other costs 16511. 3.801.36 23.155. 5.588 85 51.559.17 Tot•1 Excess of I1￿0m? over Expenditur• -38824.10 Balar￿ 8r¢xghl FoMwd frcffl L881 Year 40.072.95 1,248.85 Cash ￿ Bank C88h in Hand 1.248.85 48.85 Page | 19