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2023-12-31-accounts

SCARBOROUGH & CIISTRICTSCOiITCOUNCIL Charltycommlsslon Number.. 524690 Recelpts and PaymentsAccount forthÈ yearended 31 December2023 2023 2022 Recelpts Unrestrlcted Funds £26,702 EO £6,126 £10,416 £3.222 £1,976 £0 £1,197 £0 £5,600 £500 495 £300 £472 Re5trlcted Funds Total Funds TDt4 Funds 81rch Hall Camp 8irch Hall Camp CQVID-19 Grant5 £26,702 EO £6,126 EIO,416 £3,222 El,976 £0 £1.197 EO £5,600 £500 £495 £300 £472 £22.132 £5,334 £3,949 £1.443 £2,749 £2,096 £366 £2,709 £1,183 E3,465 £0 £128 EIOO £876 Explorers EKplorersand youngleaderssu115triptlons Mwnbership fees received Inetl County Camp FxploreT Camp Fundra151ng Donationsand Gift Nid Squirre15Grants B8nk Interèst Trainlng Income Uniform and 8ad8e5 Robin Hood's82V rii El,000 £1,000 1,000 Total Gr05s Income £58,006 f O £58,006 £47,530

SCARBOROUGH & DISTR1CTSCOLifc￿N(lL Charity Commi￿On Number.. 524690 Receiptsand PaymentsAcrount forthe year ended 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Payments Unrestrlcted Funds E17,814 £6,535 £13.587 EI,107 £152 £25 £255 £557 £140 £1.592 Restrlrted Funds Total Funds Total Funds Birch Hall Camp Activitles ExplDrws Explorw Carnp st George's Day Fundraising Admin15tratlon Uniform and B8dg Training Robin Hood'$ say £17.814 £6,535 £13.587 £1,107 £152 £25 £255 E557 £140 El,592 £10,085 £3,690 £3,665 £3.918 £40 EO £192 El,470 £544 £746 Total Gross Expenditure f41,764 £0 E41,764 E24,354 Asset and Investment Purchases Scouting Equipment 8irch Hall DLwelupment Total Payments £0 £18,168 £59,932 £0 £18,168 £59,932 f.0 £56,744 £81,098 £0 Net olre¢elptsllpaymentsl -£1,926 £0 41,926 -£33,568 CB5h Funds Last year End Transfersbetween Funds Cash Fundsthis Year End £80,016 £0 £78,090 £0 £0 Éo £80,016 £0 £78,090 113,584 £0 £80,016

SCARBOROUGH & DISTRICYSCOUTCOUNCIL Charltvcomml￿l0n Number.. 524690 Re£eiptS￿d PaymentsAc¢ount for the year ended 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Unrestrltied Funds Rèstrltted Funds Tota Funds Total Funds Cash Funds Cash at Bank Cash on Hand £77,573 É517 £77.573 £517 £79,639 £377 Total C8sh Funds E78,090 EO £78,090 £80,016 Non-monetaryAssets Scouting Equipment Blrch Hall Developmait Total Payment$ £1,320 £248,988 £250,308 £1.320 £248,988 £250,202 £1,320 £230,820 £212,140 £0 ijabllltles Liabilities due now Payahle In thofuture £0 £0 £0 EO £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 Theabove recelpts and payments account and statement ofzssestsand liabilitieswereapproved bythÈTrusreÉson 9th Aprll 2024 and ￿gned on their behalf by Signature David Ruston Chair Graemejeffrey Treasurer

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report		 Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/
members of
On accounts for the year
ended
Set out on pages
Responsibilities and
basis of report		 Charity Name
Charity no
(if any)
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year endedDD / MM / YYYY.
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
(“the Act”).
SCARBOROUGH & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
31st December 2023
524690
1-3
31/12/2023

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent [The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body		 08/04/2024
Lee Jones
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) (2004)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) (2009)

Oct 2018

1

IER

(if any):
Address:
17 Sea View Close
Scarborough
North Yorkshire, YO11 3JB

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Oct 2018

2

IER

SCARBOROUGH & DISTRICT

SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14[th] May 2024

7.30pm Scarborough Cricket Club ANNUAL REPORT

SCARBOROUGH & DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

14[TH] May 2024

Scarborough Cricket Club, 7.30PM

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and opening devotion

  2. Apologies for absence

  3. Approval of minutes of the last AGM

4. Governance Oversight

5. Review of 2023/24

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Hello Scouting friends! This is certainly a report I had not expected to be writing this year. I indicated to the County Commissioner my desire to step down last year, having completed 10 years of service in this role. I effectively handed my notice in September with a view to having a new DC in place by Christmas.

However Scouting invariably navigates a wobbly time-path and things have taken a bit longer than expected. At District/Group level we are all unpaid but it's worth remembering that the vast majority of the County team are volunteers too. Inevitably things move slower in the world of Scouting than in the world of work.

So here I am writing the report I thought I'd never have to write. I will leave the Sectional ADC's to rightly highlight all the amazing Scouting activities and events which have happened in Scarborough District over the past 12 months.

Needless to say, for the very vast majority of our Groups things really are going from strength to strength and we have rebuilt numbers wonderfully since the lows of the pandemic. Eskmouth (Whitby) Group still struggles slightly but Janine, Steve and the tiny number of volunteers there continue to hold it together. Help is now at hand by way of a paid County Development Officer. Hopefully the future will now be brighter for Scouting in Whitby.

I'm delighted to report that all but two Groups now have Squirrel Dreys, meaning that Scouting starts at 4 years old now and continues to 94 and further!

Again this year many leaders have been rewarded by the Chief Scout for either long service or good service. It’s pleasing that after a decade, we have just about caught up with awards being where they should be in the District – there are still a few outstanding ones I’m working on!

We all attended a full District briefing about the changes ahead in Scouting and everyone agreed that Scouting works well in Scarborough and going forward we can take the good bits that have been proposed, and ensure that anything else fits in with how we happily operate in our District stuck out on the East Coast, a long way from metropolitan London. So there may be a very small number of name changes and the organisational structure on a database may change but there is nothing else to be fearful of.

As I mentioned in each of my reports in recent years, I'd like to highlight again the amazing work undertaken by a hardy team of volunteers since 2018 at our District campsite Birch Hall. It really is unbelievable there now. The site is kept in tiptop condition by a dedicated and hardworking maintenance crew each Tuesday.

As this is my last report, I don't want to end up listing dozens of names thanking people, so I'm going to keep it intentionally generic. During my near 11 year term as DC I'd like to sincerely thank everybody who has contributed to the continued

growth and development of Scouting in Scarborough District. All the Executive members in District and Groups (now Trustees), all the District Leadership Team in whatever Section (including SAS, Appointments etc.), all the GSLs, every Section Leader, helpers and everybody else who has played any part in Scarborough Scouting. I think the easiest way to finish this short report before I head off into the sunshine is to re-post below extracts of the message I sent you informing you I was standing down:

I wholeheartedly hope that you will join me in supporting the succession plan that was set in motion over a year ago with the appointment of Steven Broadbent as a second Deputy District Commissioner in June 2022. It has always been my wish for him to be my successor, and I will be nominating him for the role of DC.

Reflecting on the past decade, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

These ten years have been an incredible journey filled with joy, fun and memories. I have cherished every moment of being part of this extraordinary team that supports you all, witnessing our Scout Groups (largely) flourish and the Beavers of a decade ago evolve into the capable Explorers of today.

It's incredibly rewarding to see that many of our current leaders emerge from the Explorers of yesteryear. The consistency of our District Team, still largely intact from when I first started, has been the bedrock of Scarborough District's enduring traditions and strengths.

In the world of Scouting, change is inevitable, and there are various transformations on the horizon. I encourage each of you to embrace these changes with resilience and remember that it is you—the dedicated volunteers—who make Scouting happen on a daily basis. You are the heroes in the eyes of countless children and young people each week. Please don't allow any superficial changes to deter you from the exceptional work you do.

As I look ahead, I plan to continue enjoying my weekly involvement in Scouting at 46th Westborough while continuing to chair the property committee on the Board of Trustees, as long as I am elected to do so. This will enable me to further contribute to the development of Birch Hall.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, the entire District Team, the District Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, the Trustees, the various subcommittees, as well as Trev, Steven, and Andy Jennings.

Each and every one of you is the reason why Scarborough District stands as the outstanding Scouting family that it is today.

Keep the Scouting flame alive my friends, and let it light the way for generations of Scouts to come.

Best wishes to you all.

P.S. Yedjam 25/26/27 anyone? 😊

Graeme Young District Commissioner

FINANCE REPORT 2023

The annual accounts have been published and approved. They have been inspected by Lee Jones in accordance with the requirements of P.O.R. and the Charity Commission.

The District Trustee Board continues to manage the organisation’s finances very well and the accounts submitted reflect a real return to normal Scouting activity across all the Sections from Beavers right up to Explorers.

The Birch Hall Campsite continues to thrive and the works over the continued investment to improve the site and its facilities is certainly paying dividends.

Graeme Jeffrey

District Treasurer

SQUIRREL SCOUT SECTION REPORT

During the past year, 3 more Squirrel Dreys have opened bringing the total to 5 in the Scarborough District: 42[nd] , 46[th] , 2[nd] ELO, First and Derwent Valley.

All the Dreys have dedicated Leadership teams, but as always some could do with more adult Leaders. All the Dreys are happy with their current numbers, with the newest Dreys starting with smaller, more manageable numbers and being mindful of the Squirrels to adults ratio. Programmes are well planned and have a great variety of indoor, outdoor, adventurous and exciting activities suitable for the Squirrels’ age range of 4 and 5 year olds.

The first District Leaders meeting was held in January with another planned for July. It was great to be able to share programme ideas and discuss issues with others. The new Leaders and those yet to start also found it useful. The overwhelming message from all the Leaders was what a joy the Squirrels are to work with and how much their enthusiasm and excitement has impacted Scouting.

Both 46[th] and 2[nd] ELO have done a Squirrel sleepover with great success – the Squirrels were absolute stars!

A good number of Squirrels attended the Carol Service at Westborough and joined in with great enthusiasm.

32 Squirrels attended the St. George’s Day Service with 5 Squirrel flags being paraded. A special mention to Alice (First) and Abigail (2[nd] ELO) for making their Squirrel Promise which could be heard by everyone in the church.

A number of Chief Scout’s Acorn Awards have been presented and there are more in the pipeline.

I look forward to being able to visit the Dreys after the summer holidays. A big thank you to all who have taken on Squirrel leadership - it’s so exciting to watch this Section growing and to be a part of introducing a new generation to Scouting.

Lesley Usher A.D.C. (Squirrels)

BEAVER SCOUT SECTION REPORT

(written by Queen Beaver)

I have just looked up on Compass and this is the 24th District report I have given on behalf of the Beaver Section, where has the time gone?

I am proud and happy to say that I was part of last year’s 40th Birthday celebrations of Beavers here in Scarborough. As a Section we had a wonderful year making memories for young people and thanks must go out to everyone who has helped in any way, from the District staff, the SAS, parents and helpers and not forgetting the wonderful team of leaders across the District. All of whom played their part and made my life so much easier.

I think we all enjoyed leading the procession at St. George’s Day Parade as well as taking a large part in the service. We again made our presence felt in Whitby when two full coaches and two cars arrived for an action packed day. We visited Pannet Park, the Beach where we held a sand castle building competition with a 40th birthday cake theme, and a hike around the town finishing by walking up the 199 steps to the Abbey. Everyone made it to the top except myself and Dawn who had to accept a lift to escort a Beaver to the top due to walking issues (well that was our excuse!) At the end of the day it earned many Beavers a stage in their “hike it” badge.

In September we continued our celebrations with a 40 themed weekend at Birch Hall. 150 people were part of this activity from Beavers and their leaders, help from the SAS and invited guests. 40 “unmanned” activities were on offer, from stacking 40 tent pegs to dry (the Scout way!), making something with 40 pieces of Lego, planting 40 bulbs (which has given Birch Hall a colourful display this spring), to making an assault course with 40 pieces of equipment provided. Each Beaver was given a photographed passport to carry around with them, to have stamped at each base. I think it is fair to say that unmanned bases do work as it was a resounding success and kept the Beavers busy all day. A wonderful 40th Birthday cake was cut by our District President, joined by a Beaver whose birthday it was on the day. At night Birch Hall was full to capacity with those Beavers gaining their sleepover badge. The following morning we had a fairground themed activity when some poor leaders went home soaked through as they “volunteered” to go into the stocks. A great time was had by all.

At Christmas we held an end of year party. The Beavers were attired in Christmas jumpers. They made crowns, played Christmas bingo and pass the parcel before they sat down to a full Christmas lunch. Again the SAS out-performed themselves by cooking for over 100. Many thanks to them for always being on hand when needed. The 37[th] Colony entertained the rest of the Beavers with a puppet show while the leaders sat and had a well-deserved rest and ate their lunch. The “man in red” arrived and gave every Beaver a Bear Grylls adventure book, printed on the inside

cover as a reminder of our 40 years locally. It was a year that will remain in my mind forever.

This year started with Cub Link Day, as ever, well-run by Colin and Ian with some great bases to go around. I noticed this year that the Beavers were more worldly wise to Scouting and particularly in the singing around the camp fire. This is undoubtedly down to the fact that we now have a younger Squirrel Section in Scarborough and it shows that they are getting a good grounding to Scouting.

Beryl M. Lewis A.D.C. (Beavers)

CUB SCOUT SECTION REPORT

We are pleased to present the report for the Cub Scout Section of the District to the Annual General Meeting.

There are nine active Packs in the District. Unfortunately, the two Packs at Derwent Valley had to merge into one in the Autumn. Thanks are expressed to those leaders who have moved on and best wishes to the current leadership team. We are sorry that the Whitby Pack has still not been able to re-open following being closed during the pandemic, mainly owing to the lack of a leadership team. All the other Packs are doing well, although there is a great range in the numbers in the Packs. There continues to be leadership changes in some Packs, and during the year this has been particularly at 46[th] Cobras and 49[th] Eastfield, but we continue to be thankful for the valued work done by all the Leaders in all the Packs.

The Hilda Smith Trophy for 2022/23 was jointly won by 42[nd] Scarborough (St. Mark’s) and 46[th] Westborough (Panthers).

This last year has again seen a full programme of District Competitions and Events.

The Sand Sculpting competition was held in June on the North Bay beach, with the theme of “Fit for a King”. There were fourteen teams from seven Packs, with the winners being First Scarborough and the runners-up 42[nd] St. Mark’s. Grateful thanks to District President, Mrs. Bonnie Purchon, M.B.E. for judging the competition.

In July, the Sports were held at Northstead playing fields. Traditional sports events took place. Seven packs entered, with the winners being 46[th] Westborough (Panthers) and the runners-up 42[nd] St. Mark’s.

The Cooking Competition was held at Derwent Valley Headquarters in October. Six Packs entered and cooked a meal of fish fingers, boiled potatoes (mashed) and spaghetti hoops; swiss roll and custard (made with milk) and a drink of tea or coffee. The winners were 42[nd] St. Mark’s and the runners-up were 49[th] Eastfield. The Irton Garden Centre Trophy, awarded to the Cub Scout who made the best individual effort was jointly won by Cara, a Cub Scout from 49[th] Eastfield and by Stanley, a Cub

Scout from Derwent Valley (Jaguars). The competition was judged by Mr. Paul Deighton and Mrs. Ann Green.

The next event was the Quiz held at First Scarborough in November, when six Packs entered. The joint winners were 42[nd] St. Mark’s and 46[th] Westborough (Panthers). There were questions on Scouting, General Knowledge, Science & Nature, Sport and History & Geography.

This was closely followed by the Swimming Gala, held on a Saturday evening in November at the Sports Village Pool. Six Packs participated. The overall winners for the individual events was 42[nd] St. Mark’s with Derwent Valley as runners-up, the 4 x 25 metres freestyle relay by 42[nd] St. Mark’s with 2[nd] E.L.O. as runners-up, the 3 x 25 metres medley relay for the Jim Ironside Trophy by Derwent Valley with 42[nd] St. Mark’s as runners-up and the 4 x 25 metres freestyle relay for the Combined Trophy by 42[nd] St. Mark’s with 2[nd] E.L.O. as runners-up.

The Sixer and Seconder Christmas event at the end of November was a variety of games, followed by a three-course traditional Christmas Dinner served to forty-six older Cub Scouts and eleven leaders from seven Packs.

The Carol Service was held at Westborough Methodist Church, and a separate report is given by the A.D.C. (Faiths & Beliefs).

Each uniformed member was invited to contribute a toiletry gift in advance of the Carol Service and then the following day a very small, dedicated group of Cubs and Leaders took the gifts to nursing and care homes in the South Cliff area plus a few individuals. There were fewer gifts than last year, which was disappointing and meant that not all the intended homes could be visited. Grateful thanks to the District President, Mrs. Bonnie Purchon, M.B.E. for again organising this good turn event which was the thirty-ninth year visiting homes on South Cliff. There was also a Christmas card competition across the Sections with a good number of entries and a card going with each gift. Everyone is reminded that this is a District event not just a Cub Scout Section one.

The New Year saw the Five-A-Side Football competition at the Hawkes Fitness Centre. Six Packs participated with Derwent Valley as winners and 46[th] Westborough (Panthers) as runners-up. Grateful thanks to Mr. Jamie Broadbent who was the referee.

The Sixer and Seconder Activity Day saw thirty-three Cub Scouts and thirteen leaders from six Packs travel by coach to the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield. The day was interesting and enjoyable.

The Beaver Link Day organised by the Cub Scout Section for the older Beaver Scouts was held in March. Forty Beaver Scouts from seven Colonies participated in catapults, cooking, crafts, knotting, a physical challenge and tent pitching.

Immediately following the above event there was a Cub Link event, organised by the Scout Section in which forty Cub Scouts participated, supported by fifteen leaders. There was a hike, a campfire and bases incorporating Scout Section skills. Grateful thanks to A.D.C. Scouts John Tindall and his team of Leaders and Scouts for the event.

The Cross-Country competition due to be held in March at Scarborough Rugby Union Football Club had to be postponed owing to the continued adverse weather conditions resulting in unsafe conditions. It is hoped to rearrange the event.

All active Packs have good programmes with a wide range of activities both indoor and outdoor, about which reports are received at the bi-monthly meetings.

Grateful thanks are expressed to the District Commissioner Mr. Graeme Young, members of the District Team, Scout Active Support for all their interest and support, to the Cub Scout Leaders, the Assistant Cub Scout Leaders, Young Leaders, Pack Helpers and all Cub Scouts for their involvement and participation during the year.

Ian C. Marshall

A.D.C. (Cub Scouts)

Colin T. Adamson

District Cub Scout Leader

SCOUT SECTION REPORT

The Scout Section currently has seven Troops within the District; unfortunately Whitby had to close due to leader issues but there is always the hope that in the near future they will be able to re-open.

Numbers within the Troops seem to be good at the moment with several having around 30 Scouts. The others are holding steady or slightly improving.

All competitions were held this last year with good attendance overall.

The Swimming Gala had four teams entering, an improvement on last year. The result was close with only eight points separating all the teams. Let’s hope for another increase in attendance this coming year.

Five-a-side seems to be one of the more popular events and all teams got into the spirit of the competition. Not so many goals this year, but that was down to everyone being so closely matched. Thanks again to Jamie and Maisy for helping to referee and keep scores respectively.

Inchipist was again held at Birch Hall; this year we had four teams and a good range of Scout ages taking part. They cooked, camped, hiked and had challenges over the weekend, with the final result changing overnight, much to the frustration of one Scout Leader!

Kontiki seems to be blessed with good weather (jinxed it now for this year!) We only had one Group missing. All teams were really keen to get their rafts constructed, with the twist this year of having to incorporate a mast and sail instead of cooking. A few variations were produced and most survived the paddle around Peasholm. Again, all those attending gave a great display of Scouting to their family, friends and the general public.

A District night hike was held in early February. We set off from Reasty Top car park and did a circular route heading towards the Harwood Dale side. Due to the very wet conditions we have been having, some parts were really muddy, but everyone made it round, with some taking a slightly varied route.

Both the shooting and archery competitions went ahead this year. Thanks to Jamie (42[nd] ) for running the shooting now that all the logistics and equipment have been sorted. Thanks also goes to the District archery team forgiving up their time.

This year’s Cub/Scout Link Event seemed to be the most popular so far with all the beds in Langdale, Heaps and Rosedale full. Thanks to the Cub Section for the catering and to all the leaders, Cubs and Scouts that attended.

Finally, to the cooking competition. This year we were at Derwent Valley. We had the same chef judge as last year and once again he was very impressed with the food presented by all the teams. As well as the honour of winning, the winners will be representing Scouting at the annual Sea Fest event held each year on the sea front. The judge has a cookery demonstration and has asked the winning team to join him on stage to assist, will let you know next year how it went.

Once again thanks to all leaders and helpers without whom the Troops would not be able to run, well done.

John Tindall

A.D.C. (Scouts)

EXPLORER SCOUT SECTION REPORT

At last year’s AGM the Thailand Jamboree trophy was presented to the Pegasus Unit who had a successful year. The Unit significantly increased its numbers and won the Swimming Gala.

An all-Unit games evening was held on Friday 9th June.

From Friday 29[th] September to Sunday 1[st] October, 41 Explorers and 12 Leaders travelled by coach to Gilwell Park for the London Explorer experience. We were joined by 5 members of the SAS on Saturday, to partake in the hotly contested Monopoly Game. The SAS also joined us for dinner at our accommodation, the 50 bed ensuite Peter Harrison Lodge at Gilwell Park. First place went to the “Going Underground” team from the Extreme Unit, runners up were the “Eastfield Enders” from Eagulls and third were “The Terrorhawks” from Hawks. The teams were presented with fantastic prizes. The evening entertainment organised by Iain Clarke was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone wondering what was inside the wrapped up prizes that were being passed around. Sunday was free time in London when Units did as they pleased before returning home to Scarborough. I must express my thanks to Mash and Molly for the catering, and Chris, Dave, Iain and the other leaders for their help with the organising.

Explorers took part in the Swimming Gala on Saturday 18[th] November with Pegasus wining the Explorer event.

Explorers and Leaders joined in the festive celebrations at the Carol Service in December.

We had three teams enter the Five-a-side Football competition held on Saturday 20[th] January. The winning team came from the Extreme Unit. Thanks to Matthew Harper who refereed the event.

On February 2[nd] DONUT was held. This was a successful and well-attended event with ten teams competing. The winners of the event were from the Extreme Unit. Thanks go to Tony Barlow for organising the event and to all the leaders and Scout Active Support for running the checkpoints and catering.

The following Friday there was an excellent turnout again for the DONUT presentation and Explorer Quiz held in the foyer of Westborough Church. We had 14 teams competing. Trophies were presented to Extreme who won DONUT and Phoenix who won the Quiz. Thanks to our hosts Westborough Scout Group and Andy, Gail and Dave for organising the quiz.

Units attended last month’s St. George’s Day Parade.

All Units are running quality programmes with lots of outdoor activities

There are currently 81 Explorers within the District.

I would like to thank the leaders for their continued hard work in supporting their Units.

Chris Blogg District Explorer Scout Commissioner

SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT UNIT REPORT

It sometimes feels like we don’t do much until it comes to looking back over the twelve months!

We have helped at the usual District events including the Cub Scout Cooking Competition, Cub Scout Quiz, District Beavers 40[th] Birthday party, District Swimming Gala, District Carol Service, and Explorers DONUT providing the soup stop.

In September 2023 it was particularly special to be involved in the Beavers 40[th] Birthday weekend at Birch Hall. My Scouting ‘journey’ started in October 1983 with the second Colony to open in Scarborough at 38[th] Scarborough. Over 40 years later I am still here!

Requests for help have continued to come from several Sections within various Groups in the District. This is what we are here for and we enjoy being asked to help. 2[nd] ELO Talent Show and 42[nd ] fundraising night at The Rugby Club are a couple of the highlights of the year.

We have continued to help at Birch Hall as and when needed for cleaning etc.

We still hold a variety of social events so that we all have a chance to meet up. Last summer we played Scarborough Monopoly followed by a meal out. We had a Beetle Drive. In October 2023 we had our annual weekend at Birch Hall; we had a day in Pickering on the Saturday and did a quiz round Ayton on the Sunday morning, followed by Sunday lunch at The Forge Valley. Most recently we had another meal out at The Forge Valley in February 2024 and a Quiz/games night in March 2024.

Five of us travelled to London in September 2023 to play London Monopoly with the Explorers. We stayed in Central London but travelled out to Gilwell for tea. Thanks to Chris and the Explorers for continuing to invite us.

Please remember if you have any Leaders who are leaving your Group but who may still want to be involved in ‘active’ Scouting, please point them in my direction.

Although we enjoy our social activities our main priority is to support Groups and the District.

I would like to thank all the members of the SAS Unit for their continued support over the last year.

Gill MacCallaugh Scout Active Support Unit Manager

A.D.C. (FAITHS AND BELIEFS) REPORT

The two main areas to oversee and deliver continue to be the District Carol Service and the District St. George’s Day Parade and Service.

Conversations took place during the year regarding the venue for the 2023 Carol Service. There were divided opinions and the final decision was that the venue would alternate between indoors and outside with 2023 being indoors and a return to Westborough Methodist Church. There had been many positives regarding the outdoor services of 2021 and 2022 and therefore the aim was to replicate that indoors. In the opinion of many this was achieved and this may become the format moving forward.

There was no uniform, other than neckers, and no flags, simply a celebration of Christmas both sacred and secular. A service of readings and carols with a medley of songs to conclude.

All Sections were represented, together with members of the District Team, the District Trustees and the Scout Active Support. The service was led by the A.D.C. (Faiths and Beliefs) and the talk given by Mr. Tom Clayton, the Methodist Lay Community Worker. An offering was taken and £292.07 given to Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa. The District Good Turn of toiletry gifts and the Christmas Card competition were part of the event.

Conversations similarly took place regarding the venue for the St. George’s Day Service and it was agreed that after several years at Albemarle Baptist Church, there would be a move, to Queen Street Methodist Central Hall and arrangements were put in place. It was recognised that this would necessitate a slight change of route for the Parade. Unfortunately, there were unforeseen obstacles and a significant cost being involved and therefore, regrettably, decided not to have a Parade in 2024 but to simply assemble at Queen Street and to proceed into Church

from the rear car park. Plans will be put in place to try and restore the Parade in 2025, when additionally, a band, which was in place for this year, will be available. This year the theme was Build a Better World and reflected the seven core values of the Olympics – Courage, Determination, Equality, Excellence, Friendship, Inspiration and Respect - which take place later in the year.

Each Group in the District gave a ‘presentation’ on one of those core values through song, poem, drama or video. There was a good congregation present. An offering was taken and £301.96 given to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

In addition to these two services, there are elements of the My Faith Activity Badges and the place of the Promise within the movement and I will be pleased to meet with Sections and/or Groups if they wish to pursue these elements further.

Colin T. Adamson

A.D.C. (Faiths and Beliefs)