- Scouts
1st Sedgley
AGM 2025
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TO
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Istsedgleyscouts.org.uk l Registered Charity 524621
# **1st Sedgley Scout Group AGM Pack**
## **including Trustees Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **Contents**
||**Contents**|
|---|---|
|**Page 1**|**Agenda**|
|**Pages 2, 3, 4 & 5**|**Minutes of AGM 2024**|
|**Pages 6, 7, 8 & 9**|**Trustees Annual Report for year 2024-2025**|
|**Page 10**|**Receipts and Payments Summary for year**|
|**Page 11**|**Detailed Receipts for year**|
|**Page 12**|**Detailed Payments for year**|
|**Page 13**|**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**|
|**Page 14**|**Independent Examiners Report**|
|**Page 15 & 16**|**Lead Volunteer Report**|
## Minutes of Annual General Meeting
## **1[ST] SEDGLEY SCOUT COUNCIL**
5pm Saturday 22 June 2024 at Jubilee Hall Sedgley
## **Attendees:**
Mandy Todd (GSL), David Baugh (Group Chair) Saul Burton Dep. Group Chair (DGC), Leaders, Trustees, Group Council Members (approx. 60 adults), Invited Guests.
The Chair made Health & Safety and domestic announcements **.**
## **1. Introduction and welcome**
The Chair welcomed members of the Group Scout Council and guests and asked every one to refer to the ‘AGM Report Pack’ which was printed for today’s attendees and electronically circulated to all Group Council Members well in advance.
## **2. Apologies for absence**
Apologies from persons for their absence today, and their names will be included in the minutes of this meeting. Nigel Stone, Ian Foster, Debra Baugh, Annette Mitchel, Clare Ford, Jayne Bickford, Alison Checketts, Ted Batham (District Lead Volunteer)
## **3. Presentations**
Mandy Todd (Group Lead Volunteer) handed out the following awards:
Beavers: Bronze Chief Scout Awards: Xavier Lowe, Freya Hayes, Jacob Leddy, Samual Johnson (not in attendance), Tilda Banks, George Cooper
Cubs: Silver Chief Scout Awards: Phoebe Leddy, Chloe Mitchell
## **4. Governance topics**
## **4a. Approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 7/7/2023.**
On behalf of the Trustee Board the Chair confirmed that the minutes of the previous AGM at their meeting held on 7 July 2023 have been reviewed and put forward these minutes in the AGM report Pack circulated to all Group Council Members, are taken as read and asked the Group Scout Council to agree they are a true record of that meeting.
Seconder: Richard Powell
## **4b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR)**
In line with the recommendation from Scout Headquarters, on behalf of the Trustee Board the Chair proposed we adopt the model constitution from Chapter 5 of Policy, Organisation and Rules. Available for review and inspection online on the Scout Association website. Seconder: Rob Barlow
## **4c. Note the quorum for a meeting of a Group Trustee Board,**
In accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules is one third of the Trustees (ex officio plus appointed plus co-opted) plus one.
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## **4d. Note the Group’s financial year**
The Chair invited the Group Scout Council to note our charity’s financial year is 1 April to 31 March.
## **4e. Approve appointed and community members of the Group Scout Council**
The Chair advised the Group Scout Council can admit other people to its membership. The Chair advised that: Alison Checketts, Jayne Bickford, Satwat Khan are nominated as Group Scout Council members.
These are to be admitted as members of the Group Scout Council as well as the ex officio list in Seconder: Richard Powell.
## **4f. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board**
The Chair advised that following the good practice recommendations from the Charity Governance Code, POR states Trustee Boards should have a minimum of 5, and no more than 12, Trustees in total and that the outgoing Trustee Board recommends that 12 people are appointed.
The Chair propose the Group Scout Council approves that recommendation. Seconder: Paul Todd.
## **4g. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the Group Scout Council (excluding this AGM)**
The Chair advised that the Group Scout Council must agree its quorum – the minimum number of Group Scout Council members that must be present at Group Scout Council meetings. The outgoing Trustee Board recommends the quorum should be set at 19 people.
The Chair propose the Group Scout Council approves that recommendation Seconder: Kaliegh Lowe
## **5. Review of the previous year**
## **5a Chairs review**
The Chair used this part of the meeting to reflect on the activities of the past year. His full report is contained on page 3 of the Trustee Report in the AGM Repot Pack 2024. Summary remarks:
**Stark Reality -** The Chair reported that 1st Sedgley continues to thrive amid a growing Scout movement but highlighted the urgent need for more regular volunteers due to increasing demand and shortages. Volunteering, even in small ways, has a lasting impact and is now easier than ever with accessible online training. Help secure the future of the group by stepping forward today.
**Members' and Section Accomplishments -** The Board is proud of our members' achievements, reflecting our volunteers' dedication. Thanks especially to Rebecca and Kayley, our new Squirrel section for 4–6-year-olds is thriving.
**Strong Governance & Finances -** The trustees ensured compliance, inclusivity, and risk management, improved facilities, and maintained financial stability. Although no grants were secured, efforts are underway to strengthen the Funding Team.
**Fundraising Highlights** - Hall hire, the Charity Beer Festival, and the Bedding Plant Sale collectively raised a fantastic £19,000! Huge thanks to the Porter family for managing hall hire, generating £6,000 this year alone, and to the Beer Festival Team for repeating their record-breaking £10,000 profit.
**Group Structure Transition-** The Group is shifting to separate governance from operations. The Trustee Board will handle governance, ensuring compliance, finances, and property management, while the
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Leadership Team manages operations. Volunteer roles are available in sub-teams: Maintenance, Funding, Finance, Hall Hire, Projects, and Beer Festival. Details are in the AGM Report Pack.
**Looking Ahead -** Progress on the hall extension has been slower than expected, but we remain dedicated to meeting future needs, increasing rental income, and integrating solar energy to reduce costs and emissions. With Nigel Stone's expertise, we aim to strengthen the Project Team soon. We also plan an international camp for Cubs, Scouts, and Young Leaders in 2025.
## **5b. The Group Lead Volunteer’s review of Uniformed Sections**
**Chair** asks the Group Lead Volunteer to present their Annual Review.
**Group Lead Volunteer** referred to her report which is published within the AGM Report Pac. **Chair** thanks Group Lead Volunteer for their review.
## **5c. Receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board including the annual Statement of Accounts**
The Chair said the Group Trustee Board has approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts and has received the report on the accounts from the Independent Examiner.
The Chair asks the Paul Todd to give their explanation of the Statement of Accounts. The accounts were summarised as per the report within the AGM Report Pack.
The Chair invited questions from the floor regarding the Trustee Annual Report, and the Annual Accounts. No questions asked.
The Chair thanks Bev Wakeman and Paul Todd for their work on the finances of the Scout Group
## **6. Making appointments**
The Chair used this part of the meeting to organise the setup of the charity until the next AGM. We'll appoint a Trustee Board to oversee good governance for the charity over the 3 years.
The chair explained the open selection process had been undertaken by the Trustee Board into the Scout Group as a whole and local community.
**6a. Appoint the Group Chair, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the**
## **Group Trustee Board**
The Chair handed the chairmanship of this meeting over to the Group Lead Volunteer.
The Group Lead Volunteer recommended to the Group Scout Council is that David Baugh should be appointed as Group Chair. Please show your hands as approval.
A show of hands approved the recommendation.
Group Lead Volunteer hands the chairmanship of this meeting back to Group Chair.
**6b. Appoint the Group Treasurer, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board**
**The Chair** recommended to the Group Scout Council is that Paul Todd should be acting Treasurer Group Treasurer until a suitable replacement can be found. Please show your hands as approval. A show of hands approved the recommendation.
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**6c. Appoint members of the Group Trustee Board, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Group Trustee Board**
The recommendation to the Group Scout Council is that:
1. David Baugh (Chair)
2. Jayne Bickford
3. Saul Burton
4. Alison Checketts
5. Rachel Clarke
6. Phil Hardisty
7. Satwat Khan
8. Kaliegh Lowe
9. Paul Todd (Treasurer)
10. Mandy Todd (Ex-officio)
11. Helen Whitehouse
12. Vacant: Young Trustee
should be appointed as members of the Group Trustee Board. The Chair invited a show of hands for approval. A show of hands approved the recommendation.
The Chair thanked the Trustees for their work during the year, and particularly those members who are standing down – Clare Ford, Bev Wakelam, Phil Bate, Neil Porter, Louise Porter Bev Wakelam, Neil Porter, Louise Porter will join our Leadership Sub teams.
## **6d. Appoint the Independent Examiner**
The Treasurer proposed Neal & Co Business Services Limited, Cradley Heath
The Chair confirmed that Neal & Co Business Services Limited, Cradley Heath has been proposed, seconded, and is qualified for the role, and asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination. A show of hand approved the nomination.
## **7. Any Other Business**
- John Moss has photographs available of the Group Scout Camp from 2023.
- The Chair advised that plans for the proposed extension are on the tables, for everyone to review and ask questions.
## **8. Closing Remarks**
The Chair closed the AGM, thanking everyone for attending and outlines any arrangements for the rest of the event.
- The BBQ (thanks to Scout Section)
- Music
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## **Trustees' Annual Report**
From: 01/04/2024
To: 31/03/2025
For the period From: 01/04/2024 To: 31/03/2025 **Section A - Reference and Administration details Charity name** 1st Sedgley Scout Group **Registered charity number** 524621 **HQ registration number** 14268 **Charity’s principal address** Jubilee Hall, Ladies Walk, Sedgley, DUDLEY, West Midlands DY3 3UA
## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity.**
_(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)_
||**Trustee Name**|**Offce (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for full year**|**Dates acted if not for full year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|1|David Baugh|Chair|||
|2|Paul Todd|Treasurer|||
|3|Alison Checketts|Trustee|22/06/2024||
|4|Saul Burton|Trustee|||
|5|Jayne Bickford|Trustee|22/06/2024|31/03/2025|
|6|Kaliegh Lowe|Trustee|||
|7|Rachel Clarke|Trustee|||
|8|Phil Hardisty|Trustee|22/06/2024||
|9|Satwat Khan|Trustee|22/06/2024|31/03/2025|
|10|Mandy Todd|Ex Offcio / Group Scout Leader|||
|11|Helen Whitehouse|Ex Offcio / Cub Scout Leader|||
|12|||||
## **Section B - Structure, governance, and management**
## **Trusts:**
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.
## **Constitution:**
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 applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
Trustee Board members complete trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, the charity’s resources are responsibly, 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.
The Group Custodian Trustees for the leasehold of the building and grounds are the Scout Association Trust Corporation (SATC)
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## **Section B - Structure, governance, and management (continued)**
## **Risk and Internal Control**
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed, and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main risks are:
Damage to the building, property, and equipment. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters, and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities and for the buildings and grounds.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and hall hire and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions and/or hall hire rates to increase the income to the Group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of adult volunteers or members. The Group is totally reliant upon adult volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there was a reduction in the number of adult volunteers or members to an unacceptable level in a particular Section or the Group then there would be a recruitment campaign, if unsuccessful there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a Section. In the worst-case scenario the closure of the Group.
## **Section C - Objectives and activities**
## **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.
## **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 attitudes. **Co-operation -** We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
## **Scout Method**
Young people, in partnership with adults, working together based on the values of Scouting.
## **Summary of the main activities in relation to these objectives:**
Indoor and outdoor activities: Skill learning, first aid, cooking, pioneering, orienteering, survival, health, personal welfare, community, and educational tasks etc.. Integrated into meeting nights, adventure activities, games sleepovers, camps, and expeditions.
## **Grant making:**
The Trustee Board make donations on behalf of the Group to other charitable causes where funds allow, from time to time, where it is in the interests of the Group to do so.
## **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.
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**Section D - Achievements and performance**
## **Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year**
We developed further the Squirrel Dray Section for 4–6-year-olds and subsidised successful camps and activities for all sections. Fundraising events and hall hire hit new record highs. Gift Aid claims are now almost fully automated for quick processing. We redesigned our building extension plans to ease our planning application., We started to give our grounds a wonderful makeover for everyone to enjoy and kept our premises safe and well presented for use by the Group, Explorers, and the community.
## **Section E - Financial Review**
## **Reserves Policy**
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 Trustee Board considers that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 18 months running costs, circa £22,000.
The Group held reserves of approximately £25,000 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. However this can be explained by our intention to extend the building, to meet current and future needs and to subsidise activities to increase the affordability of scouting.
## **The charity’s principal sources of funds:**
The Trustee Board does not consider the Group have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy. All funds are held in cash using mainstream banks.
## **Section F - Chair of Trustees Report**
## **The Importance of Volunteers in Scouting**
The 1st Sedgley Scouts has proudly thrived since its founding in 1910, offering young people opportunities to grow, lead, and shine. However, like many other groups, we now face a critical challenge: a shortage of regular volunteers. Despite high demand to join, this shortage threatens our ability to sustain the lifechanging experiences Scouting offers.
We urgently need your help. By committing even a small amount of your time, you can make a profound difference in the lives of our young Scouts and help preserve this invaluable movement. But volunteering is about gaining too - joy, satisfaction, and the knowledge that you are shaping futures.
We understand life is busy, which is why we’ve made it easier than ever to get involved. You don’t need to be an expert outdoorsperson to contribute—it’s your time and enthusiasm that matter most.
## **Members' and Section Accomplishments**
We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our members, achieving chief scout awards in all sections.. Their progress highlights the dedication and excellence of our remarkable volunteer and young leader teams. We kindly ask you to extend your personal thanks to them for their time and commitment.
We're thrilled to be running an international scout camp for the Scout section members to Switzerland in February 2026.
## **Strong Governance & Finances**
We have focused on compliance and risk management; facilities and resources have been maintained and improved. Financial stability is strong. Although no grants have been secured yet, efforts are underway to strengthen the Funding Team and tools for the job. Your ‘parental’ help is needed in this team.
## **Fundraising Highlights**
Hall hire and the Charity Beer Festival collectively raised a fantastic £22,400! Huge
thanks to the Porter family for managing hall hire, generating nearly £10,800 this year alone, and to the Beer Festival Team for generating a record-breaking £11,600 profit.
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Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees. Full name(s) Position (Trustee) Date
David Baugh Chair 25/06/2025
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## **1st SEDGLEY SCOUT GROUP**
## **RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS SUMMARY for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **General Funds**
|Total Receipts
Total Payments
Cash/Bank balances b/fwd
Transfers between Funds
Cash/Bank balances c/fwd|**Executive**
**Building**
**International**
**Committee**
**Fund**
**Camp**
**Total**
£
£
49,956
5,736
55,692
48,436
1,219
49,655
1,520
4,517
6,037
37,444
5,000
1,521
43,965
38,964
5,000
6,038
50,002|**Previous**
**Year**
£
42,455
32,440|
|---|---|---|
|||10,015
33,950|
|||43,965|
The above account and accompanying statements of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 30th June 2025 and signed on their behalf by :
David Baugh (Chairman)
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## **1st SEDGLEY SCOUT GROUP**
## **DETAILED RECEIPTS**
## **for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **General Funds**
|Membership Subscriptions
Less Paid
DONATIONS/GRANTS
Donations
ACTIVITIES
Camps
International Camp
FUND RAISING
Beer Festival Profit
Bedding Plant Profit
District Raffle share
Gift Aid
Other
SUNDRY RECEIPTS
Hire of Hall
Insurance Claim
Website clothing
TOTAL RECEIPTS|**Executive**
**Building**
**International**
**Committee**
**Fund**
**Camp**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
11,670
3,866
15,536
(5,544)
(5,544)
6,126
3,866
9,992
1,020
1,020
10,242
10,242
1,870
1,870
14,859
14,859
-
-
179
179
6,407
6,407
344
344
10,779
10,779
-
-
-
-
49,956
5,736
55,692|**Previous**
**Year**
**£**
10,935
(5,520)|
|---|---|---|
|||5,415|
|||550
9,936
1,521
9,767
3,125
163
336
5,949
5,413
280|
|||42,455|
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## **1st SEDGLEY SCOUT GROUP**
## **DETAILED PAYMENTS**
## **for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **General Funds**
|PREMISES
Rent
Water Rates
Light and Heat
Insurance
Broadband
Repairs and Renewals
Grass Cutting
Cleaning
Fire Extinguishers
DONATIONS/GIFTS
ACTIVITIES
Camps & activities
Section Nights
Training Courses
FUND RAISING
Other
ADMIN/ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES
Insurance Claim
Books, Stationery etc.
AGM Expenses
Bank Charges
Other
OTHER EXPENSES
Uniform Grants
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Equipment
Headquarters
PURCHASE OF BADGES
TOTAL PAYMENTS|**Executive**
**Building**
**International**
**Committee**
**Fund**
**Camp**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
20
20
-
-
4,647
4,647
1,963
1,963
522
522
3,201
3,201
365
365
2,335
2,335
-
13,053
13,053
-
17,683
1,219
18,902
6,189
6,189
96
96
437
437
6,304
6,304
1,358
1,358
-
-
827
827
23
-
23
-
-
-
1,349
1,349
-
1,163
1,163
48,436
-
1,219
49,655|**Previous**
**Year**
**£**
21
170
2,970
1,888
3,923
350
2,630
-|
|---|---|---|
|||11,952|
|||-
10,532
4,082
236
-
1,687
460
531
68
126
1,980
-
786|
|||32,440|
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## **1st SEDGLEY SCOUT GROUP**
## **STATEMENTS OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES at 31 March 2025**
|MONETARY ASSETS
Bank Current Accounts
Expense Cards
Cash in Hand|**Executive**
**Building**
**International**
**Committee**
**Fund**
**Camp**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
35,662
5,000
6,038
46,700
3,302
3,302
-
0
38,964
5,000
6,038
50,002
**General Funds**|**Previous**
**Year**
**£**
40,794
3,170
1|
|---|---|---|
|||43,965|
NON-MONETARY ASSETS Land and Buildings Group Headquarters Insured Value £364470 Scouting Equipment ,Furniture Insured Value £26514
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES There are no contingent liabilities.
Page 13
I rqx)rt the ¢(Ats of the Group for year ended 31 March 2025 wbi¢b are s¢t out on pges 10
to 13.
The charity's trustees are restwible for the wewation of the The charity's InL%tee5
coll3ideT thai an audit is not rquirnl for this ycar utth Wion 144(2) of the ChaTitics Act 2011 (the
It is my riblty to:
l. Cxamir the wx¥)unts 8e£tion 145 of 2011 A.
under 3¢¢tion 145{5Xb) of the 2011 A¢" and
3. to state wlth PArticuknr matt¢r5 bavc to my atleJ)tiotL
B18 of eLqmim¢r'g report
Commiwoners. An cxatnination iticluths a VieW of the actLxW Tcwrds kcpt by th¢ clwiiy and a
comparison of the att(Mts prwted wilh tlK)se re¢(Kds. It al*) IlUdeS c(M)SAderntion of any unusual
audit. ond ConwuljY wc do nol express audit {110n OD the view given by the aco)uJts.
Imdep¢ndenl EnAmer.¥ Jt4letye*t
Jn o)nnethott with my ¢xaminatio4 matter bas come to my ali¢nli
• to kry Unting in aCc¥x with ¥tIOn 130 of the 2011 Acl a1
• to comply with th¢ xc(rfmtiti8 requirts of the 2011 A
have o(rt been or
2. to Whic in my Opinio aitentiOD should be drawn in ordcr to coabk a Pro undcr#* of the
. which gives me reasonable caus¢ to believe that in any material re4 the nde5 of thc
Gn)up's wnstitution have been meL
Kerry F¢llows
FCCA
Shaktspeate Buiidiw Cr• RLwI
Cradley Heath
B64 6AG
30th June 2025
## **Group Lead Volunteer Annual Report 2025**
It has been a busy and exciting year. I would like to give Rob Barlow a special mention. While I am now living between UK and Fuerteventura, Rob has been a massive support as Assistant GLV to myself and the Group as a whole. We still have a waiting list and try our best to offer as many places to children as possible. It is all electronic, so this has made it much easier.
I do believe we work well as a team – well not sure if Rob would agree - LOL
My thanks also to the Section Leaders, Assistants & Helpers and Trustee Board for providing the children with a safe and exciting program that keeps them coming back every week. We are currently at full capacity in all sections.
## **Squirrels:**
Here are some of the activities squirrels have done this year - they have been remarkably busy! Well done, Squirrels.
Chef Badge and Chinese New Year - Tasting food from different countries, Chinese Lanterns and Dragon Dance.
Feel-good badge including free session with yoga teacher. Celebrated bird week and made bird feeders.
Invested 5 new squirrels.
Spring crafts, sunflower seed planting, egg and spoon racing, Easter crafts and activities.
Pirate night made our own boats and tested them on some water. Pirate games, fancy dress and lots of fun!
Outdoor Water play with the sunny and warm weather! Mini Olympics with gold medals
Local Superhero badge - visit from Police Man Joe - the squirrels tried some helmets and hats on. Biggest surprise - Joe brought a real Police van to HQ, the squirrels LOVED this They sat in all parts of the van, including the mini cell in the back!
Mini sports day races and ice cream
A big thank you to Rebecca, Kayley and the Occasional Helpers for creating a fantastic programme.
## **Beavers:**
Deb and the leaders continue to provide a fun, educational and varied program. Christmas sleepover and working towards their challenge and activity badges.
I would also like to thank Deb for her continued support she gives to the Squirrel leaders.
In the last 12 months Deb has awarded 8 Bronze Chief Scout Awards.
Easter sleepover April 24 at the HQ with a visit from The Animal Man. Everyone really enjoyed it.
Dec. 24 Christmas Sleepover with a trip to see a Panto, again a massive success.
April 25, sleepover at HQ, with a trip to Ingenuity at Telford.
5 Bronze Chief Scout Awards will be presented at the AGM this year, there will also be a few investitures for the new Beavers.
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**Group Lead Volunteer Annual Report 2025 Continued...**
## **Cubs:**
At present we have no dedicated Akela, however the section has been running successfully as usual. All leaders, occasional helpers & YL’s have all been contributing to the program. Great team work.
I am very pleased to say Helen’s health has improved, and she is getting more involved with the Cubs. We missed you, welcome back.
Since last AGM Cubs have done a camp at Patshull, another highly successful Christmas camp and a camp at Rhydd with a trip to the Safari Park.
They have covered lots of badges such as Disability Awareness, Communication, Astronomy, Money Skills, Pioneering and Science as well as parts of the Challenge badges.
Other activities include Bowling, Halloween party, Remembrance Day with trip to Memorial Arboretum, a District event St George's Day at the Zoo and a Wizard evening.
Just some of our activities, so we've had a very full and varied year which the Cubs have enjoyed.
5 Silver Chief Scout awards will be presented at the AGM this year.
## **Scouts:**
The Scout section is thriving. Alex and Phil have taken on the dual role of Scout leader, due to Alex’s work commitments. As always, they offer an exciting program, with input from all Scout Leaders and YL’s.
During the past year, there have been 4 scouts presented with their Gold Chief Scout Awards, George, Olly, Harry and Eliza.
In February 2026 there are 28 going to the Internal Scout Camp in Kandersteg in Switzerland 6 leaders, 3 YL and 19 scouts.
This is the first International Camp that we have attended outside the UK. Throughout the year, they will be organising fund raising events to help with the cost.
I would also like to thank, The Trustees who ensure we have the infrastructure that enable the sections to function and provide the means for them to do what they do best.
## **Awards:**
I would also like to congratulate Rob Barlow for achieving his 30 years’ service award, and Dave Baugh for achieving his 50 years award. Fantastic well deserved.
Once again, thank you for your support in whatever form it comes. It has shown that we have an excellent Scout Group which can get us through anything.
Yours in Scouting,
Mandy Todd,
Group Lead Volunteer.
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