charity number: 524827 ## **WHARFEDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL** District Lead Volunteers – Tim Haskins and Paul Jennings Chair - Mike Wild Secretary - Chris Carver . . . secretary@wharfedalescouts.org.uk **ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025** ## **INTRODUCTION** A Year of Growth, Adventure and Achievement This year has been one of the most exciting and successful in recent memory for Wharfedale District Scouts. For the first time ever, our membership has passed 1,000 young people, representing a 7% growth on last year — a fantastic achievement that shows Scouting across the district continues to thrive. Our Explorer sections have also reached their highest numbers to date, with more young people than ever choosing to stay involved in Scouting as they move through their teenage years. This is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our Explorer leaders and programme teams, who continue to offer a rich variety of opportunities and challenges. We were also delighted to celebrate the formal reopening of Pool-in-Wharfedale Scout Group — the first time the group has opened its doors in 36 years. This marks a major milestone for the district and a wonderful new opportunity for local young people to join Scouting close to home. 2025 was also a year of international adventure, with two incredible expeditions taking place. Both 1st Ben Rhydding and Addingham Scout Group led over 100 young people on unforgettable international trips, helping them to broaden their horizons, make new friends, and experience Scouting on a global stage. We're delighted that REVA has had its biggest investment since it opened which has made a great district asset into one of the best equipped Scout Sailing Centres in the region, meaning our young people can experience time on the water in style! A huge thank you goes to our programme team leads and Programme support teams, who have ensured that all sections across the district have enjoyed a packed calendar of fun, safe and skill-building activities. Finally, we would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers across Wharfedale that put our young people first. Whether leading a section team, supporting behind the scenes, or managing logistics and administration, every contribution makes a real difference. Your dedication ensures that our young people are safe, have fun, and gain skills for life! Together, we’ve made Wharfedale District Scouts stronger than ever — and we are proud to continue to lead the District as adventure continues! Tim Haskins & Paul Jennings District Lead Volunteers ## **CHAIR** First of all, I just want to say a huge thank you. Thank you for being here tonight, and more importantly, thank you for everything you do, week in and week out, for the young people of Wharfedale District Scouts. I know you don’t do it for recognition, but you really do deserve it. This year my attention has been caught by several high-profile events that have highlighted how young boys and young men are grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society. Across most metrics of importance within society - education, employment, health, and others - young men are falling behind. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged under 50 in the UK. Sir Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, gave the Richad Dimbleby lecture this year on the challenges facing young people today, and as he was talking I thought about the work you do as volunteers. He said too many are spending hours online, gaming, gambling, or following influencers who don’t have their best interests at heart. He spoke about how they are searching for role models in the wrong places, and how what they really need is something very simple: identity, connection, and culture. And when I heard that, I thought—well, that’s exactly what Scouts gives. And it’s exactly what _you_ as volunteers provide. You give young people a sense of identity. A badge on their uniform, a patrol to belong to, a group where they can say “this is my place, these are my people.” That may not sound dramatic, but for a young person who feels lost or uncertain, it can mean everything. You give them connection. You become mentors, role models, and trusted adults. You show them what it looks like to be kind, fair, patient, and resilient. And let’s be honest, sometimes that’s when they’re cold, muddy, or a bit grumpy! But those are the moments when young people notice how you lead, and they carry that with them. And you create a culture that is so different from what they find online. A culture where it’s okay to fail, because falling off a climbing wall or burning your first attempt at campfire bread isn’t the end of the world. It’s where you learn, laugh, and have another go. That’s resilience. That’s confidence. That’s real success. I think sometimes we underestimate just how important those things are. Southgate spoke about his famous penalty miss in 1996, and how it haunted him but also made him stronger. And I can’t help but think, every time a young person in Scouts tries something new and doesn’t quite get it right, they’re building the same kind of strength. They’re learning that failure isn’t final—it’s just part of the journey. And the fact that they’ve got you alongside them, encouraging them to pick themselves up and try again, makes all the difference. You might not see it straight away. You might not realise, in the middle of a wet weekend camp, or a meeting where the energy is through the roof, that you’re shaping the adults they will become. But you are. You’re giving them stories, skills, and values that will last a lifetime. And in a world where too many young people feel isolated or lost, that’s priceless. So tonight, I want to celebrate you. Whether you run a section every week, help behind the scenes, drive the minibus, or quietly support in the background—you are the heartbeat of Wharfedale District Scouts. Without you, none of this happens And I’ll finish by saying this: Scouts is about adventure, challenge, and fun. But at its heart, it’s about preparing young people for life. And you are the people making that happen. So, thank you—for your time, your patience, your commitment, and your belief in the next generation. You might not wear the England manager’s waistcoat, but trust me, you are the role models our young people need. This year has seen the number of Colonies in the District increase from 12 to 13 with Beavers starting at Pool. All continue to run to capacity with numbers ranging from 16 to 24, numbers on the waiting lists vary from group to group which will determine if they get a place in their chosen group when they are of Beaver age. Due to the length of their waiting list 1[st] Ben Rhydding’s are hoping to open another Colony but need some volunteers before it can happen. Across the District the Beavers are taking part in a wide range of activities including Group camps and sleepovers. Last June 4 Colonies attended Phoenix 24 the District Camp at Bramhope with the Cubs and Scouts- a Fun time was had by all, for many Beavers it was the first time they had experienced a camp of that size. During the summer months most colonies have made the most of the good weather with walks on Ilkley Moor and Otley Chevin, visits to Reva and Sports activities. In April the majority of Beavers joined the rest of the District at the St George’s Day Celebration which once again took place at Otley Rugby Club. A very scaled down District Fun Day was held in June at Curly Hill attended by 3rd Ben Rhydding, Addingham and Ilkley Christchurch- unfortunately the other Colonies weren’t able to attend due to prior Group activities. Beavers enjoyed an afternoon of activities including soft axe throwing and archery, parachute games, cup on a string, craft activity, drainpipe alley and catching frogs and snails. Addingham and Christchurch then stayed on for a sleepover. Curly Hill is already booked on 27[th] /28[th] June 2026 for next year’s when hopefully more Colonies will be able to attend. There have been a number of changes and additions to leadership teams throughout the District which is good to see but there are still some colonies in need of more volunteers. One of these changes has been at 3[rd] Ben Rhydding where, after over 20 years’ service, Sue Fischbach decided to step down as Beaver leader. I have known Sue during this time and would like to thank her for all the contributions and support that she has given not only to Beavers at 3[rd ] Ben Rhydding but to all the District Fun days/Sleepovers over the Years. On behalf of the District, I wish her well. I would also like to take this opportunity in thanking all the Beaver Leaders for giving up their time and their commitment in providing all the Young People the opportunities that Scouting gives them. Next year it will be 40 years since Beavers became part of the Scout Association so I am sure there will be some sort of celebration to look forward to. Judith Dickinson District Beaver Lead The cub packs in the District are thriving. Total numbers of cubs increased from 300 to 331 and adult leader numbers also increased. All the packs in the District are full, and most have waiting lists. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers and the great programmes that they offer. We also held several very successful District events including the sports day and swimming gala, Activity Evening at Curly Hill, Quiz Night and cooking competition. These were all very well attended. Many thanks to the volunteers who made these events happen. The scout troops in the District remain strong. Numbers have remained steady at 288. Some of the troops have suffered from a lack of leaders, so have had to reduce to meeting once every two weeks. We are actively recruiting new leaders to ensure a full programme. The scout troops turned out in force for the annual St George's Day tournament at Otley together with the other sections. We were pleased to host newly appointed County Lead Volunteer, Toby Hammond, who presented the trophy for the winning team to Menston. Many thanks to Burley in Wharfedale Group for organising the day and to Otley Rugby Club for letting us use their ground. ¢14 The scouts also took part in the annual Otley torch race up the Chevin, kindly organised by the Lionhearts. This was won by Otley Parish with Otley Bridge winning the Inspection. The trophy is currently being repaired but will hopefully be formally presented soon. Explorers continues to grow in the District and numbers are now up to 122. The new units at 3rd Ben Rhydding, Otley Bridge and 2nd Otley are attracting new members and running a great programme. We are in the process of reopening the unit at Menston so the growth should continue. District is also organising Duke of Edinburgh Awards across the district with the aim of opening participation in this great programme to many more of our young people. The District also organised training sessions for all the Young Leaders. They are the future of our movement, so it is vital to invest in them. ## **REVA** Once again there has been plenty of activity at the centre since the last AGM. There have been sailing courses, powerboat courses, permit assessments and lots of water activity sessions. We have had 497 young people attend water activity sessions, staffed by centre volunteers and a further 317 young people attend through the group membership option. A big thank you must go to our unpaid, qualified RYA instructors who are able to offer a selection of courses to meet the high demand and all of the volunteer permit holders who help staff the water activity sessions. Reva had its annual RYA inspection in May. We passed with only a couple of minor action points which is a brilliant achievement, and I would like to thank Cameron Wilson for all his hard work in making sure we were prepared as best as we could be for the inspection. Earlier in the summer, Reva took delivery of a new Bellboat. This is one of our main activities on the water activity sessions and the previous one had worn out. We once again, held our version of dragon boat racing in September, where the new boat was put through its paces. The main centre building has been renovated over the last 12 months. The work started around October 2024, and it has seen the inside of the centre building redesigned to offer a clean, spacious building, that everyone can use and that will hopefully serve Wharfedale and the surrounding districts for years to come. I would like to thank Dominic and Lisa for there hard work in making the renovation possible and everyone else who contributed either through donations or labour. The final part of the redevelopment has just got underway. Dominic and Lisa are installing a new kitchen, which will really finish the building off. As always, Reva relies on volunteers. From grass and hedge cutting, to serving tuck shop and staffing the centre building during water activity sessions. If you can assist in anyway, please contact James Adams (Centre Manager) on sasm@revascouts.org.uk ## **CURLY HILL** We are delighted to report another busy year at Curly Hill with bookings from near and far. Over 4000 young people visited the site in the last 12 months and were able to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and the amazing countryside. It is encouraging that whilst most of our visitors were from the Scout & Guide movement, we were also pleased to welcome other guests from the wider community including schools, police cadets, and faith groups. We received lots of positive comments and fantastic feedback from our visitors. Our ‘Wednesday Team’ of regular volunteers have continued to keep busy, working hard to ensure that the Centre & the Grounds were in great shape for our guests. Improvements during the past 12months include: - New ‘Den’ - Essential electrical improvements and upgrades completed including – new hand dryers, LED lighting and frost prevention in the loft. - New path outside campsite toilets completed before start of camping season. - New high speed fibre broadband installed. - Cladding for porch replaced. Next phase of project will involve roof replacement and new guttering/down pipe. ## **Solar PV & Green Energy Improvements** - Installation completed. - System also includes battery storage & hot water heating. - Additional loft insulation installed in roof. - EV car charger installed and fully operational. Free for volunteers. Other visitors charged at £1 per KWH. Grant rec’d towards cost. - Replacement flagpole. New branded signage Wharfedale Scouts Welcome V'*44.'"4-&" ## **75[th] anniversary of site** - Celebration weekend – 12/13/14 September - Used as platform to help with volunteer recruitment. - Anniversary mugs and badges available. ## **Overall Centre continues to perform very well in line with our charitable objectives.** Many thanks to our team of hardworking volunteer wardens that host our many visitors. Thanks also to our booking secretary, Sarah Betts who has continued to do a fantastic job dealing efficiently with high volume of booking enquiries. ## **Jeremy Ince Lead Volunteer - Curly Hill Team.** ## **LIONHEARTS** Once again, we reflect on the fact that the number of team members is getting smaller and we are all getting older!! Recently two of our members Gary & Liz Williams decided to retire and hang up their woggles. But we are still able to assist once again on our calendar of activities such as:- The Cub quiz, The Calderdale Hike, The Fellsman cafe, St Georges Day Parade, The scout & Explorer Torch race, Cubs Sports & Swimming Gala Also, the district AGM which has continued with the always successful cheese and wine format. Our involvement in the BT Three peaks event finally came to an end with the 2025 event. We have been involved with this event for some 45 years but as the new organisers were not well-organised, we all decided it was time for us to retire from this event. We will miss BT, but it was now beyond our capabilities. The Fellsman Hike was looking likely to finish in 2024 with the 60[th] Anniversary of the event. But once again it is enjoying a high number of entrants. They are introducing a second race which starts after main start, but we have declined to be involved in this, and we will continue with the breakfast cafe finishing about 9am Curly Hill is looking very good for its 75[th] anniversary with the completion of many new improvements and the completion of the Leaders den which looks very comfortable. Solar panels are in the planning stages with an EV charging facility. I t is a tribute to the work of our team of dedicated wardens who put in many hours there. We carry on forward with the work of the service team. I would like to thank you our members, for all the time and energy that you all give to the work of the Lionhearts. Thanks once again to the team Yours in scouting Iain Paterson ## **PR, COMMUNICATIONS,** ## **COMMUNITY & AWARDS BOARD** **Our role is to support Groups with PR, Communications, Fundraising, Community Links and Awards support.** We have helped to produce press reports & support for; the AGM, Torch Race, St George’s Day Parade, Reva new buildings project, Curly Hill Projects, plus Menston new HQ & district/group events. Please contact us if you require support/guidance. We continue to post as required on Facebook relevant news from County and locally and ‘what we do in Scouting.’ Together with relevant community news & grants plus business sponsorship opportunities. We have helped and advised on capital fundraising strategies, sponsorship plus business/community links to help develop Groups’ headquarters and projects. **We are very pleased Reva new building project is now complete within a relatively short timescale & we helped to raise substantial amounts from Ilkley Round Table & Ilkley Rotary Club to who we thank most sincerely plus helped to facilitate the fundraising successful strategy. We thank both Lisa & Dominic for their immense work & shows what can be achieved with a clear strategy & focus plus belief that the target could be met.** We also signpost Groups throughout the District to organisations who can help with fundraising & projects, acting as the District Fundraising Consultant. We try and ensure Wood Badges & Long Service Awards are presented appropriately linking with the District Lead Volunteers very effectively. The recent 75[th] Anniversary at Curly Hill was a good example. We organised an extremely successful annual St George’s Day District Awards Dinner at Otley Golf Club again attended by 50 leaders plus socials at Curly Hill Campsite & Vitello Lounge Ilkley. We have linked with new County Lead volunteer Toby Hammond to promote special events plus helped to promote diversity & inclusion within the County & encourage attendance of Scouts & Leaders at Prides plus large Community events for example Rugby League matches at Bradford Bulls & Keighley Cougars. We continue to link with Town & Parish Councils plus Bradford MDC officers & Mayors etc. **A new award application system has been introduced & we need to roll this out fully & explain how this now works to all Groups & leaders asap. This relies much more on Group Lead Volunteers especially but all Leaders to help nominate their fellow Leaders & then ask for support from The Awards committee to help them complete this process fully which does take time. Please contact awardslead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk for advice.** **The Next dinner event is on Saturday 6[th] December at 7pm at La Casa Restaurant Leeds Road Ilkley details will follow.** ## **We are pleased to announce on behalf of The Chief Scout Dwayne Fields that the following Awards have been made in The St George’s honours round April 2025.** On behalf of The District Leads Tim and Paul, The County Lead Toby, The Wharfedale Awards Board Chairs plus Mark Stageman (the County Award Board’s chair) may I offer huge congratulations indeed to all those listed below. These Awards recognise truly exemplary service to young people and volunteers across our Scouting family. On behalf of all our Scouting family here in West Yorkshire, The County Lead Toby wishes to thank all of you at this special time for your exemplary service, your unswerving commitment to Scouting and most importantly for all you have done to create so many special memories for the young members of our Scouting County. ## **Silver Acorn** ## **for specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding service** . Trevor Oates – 2[nd] Otley Alan Pratt – Otley Methodists ## **The Bar to The Award of Merit** ## **this represents further outstanding service of keen, conscientious, imaginative, and dedicated service over a sustained period.** Nicola Carter – 1[st] Ben Rhydding Matthew Carter – 1[st] Ben Rhydding ## **The Award of Merit** Craig Grandison – Menston Robin Guy – 2nd Otley5 Mark Hargrave – 2[nd] Otley Tim Haskins – District Roy Ruddle – 2[nd] Otley Adrian Stacey – District Explorers/Otley Bridge Beryl Thompson – Burley in Wharfedale Howard Thompson – Burley in Wharfedale Corey Woodhouse – 1[st] Ben Rhydding ## **The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service** Conrad Easton – Otley Parish Robert McCandless – 2[nd] Otley Helen Turner – 2[nd] Otley Best Regards to all, David Shaw MBE & Peter Bennett – Joint Awards Board Chairs (Wharfedale) ## **WELCOME TEAM** Since its formation through the transformation process, the Wharfedale Welcome Team has been small but mighty! Our team is growing steadily and currently includes a Team Leader and seven dedicated Welcome Volunteers, with two more preparing to start their training. Flexibility is key to what we do. We've travelled to every corner of the District and held over 40 welcome conversations in the last year, meeting people everywhere—from Scout premises and cafés to people’s homes and pubs. We go wherever it's easiest for those joining our movement. The constant flow of new volunteers is wonderful for our young people, bringing fresh ideas and new opportunities! However, this means our task is continuous. Right now, we still have 34 welcome conversations to complete across the District. I would appreciate it if all Lead Volunteers would engage early in the onboarding process. This proactive step helps us stay on track and ensures we comply with the important 30-day guidance period for these meetings. As we're a small team with a big job, we are always on the lookout for new Welcome Volunteers. If you have experience, you'd like to share and a friendly face ready to welcome new people to Scouting, please get in touch! Finally, I want to publicly thank my team (they know who they are) for their dedication and hard work in covering this vital role for Scouting. Craig Grandison Welcome Team Leader ## **NIGHTS AWAY** The figures below are taken from NAN forms received. They do not include any International trips as they are authorised via County. Explorers appear both as a separate line and within groups, the nights shown within a group equate to nights spent when camping with other sections of that group whilst the separate line is nights spent on Explorer only camps. ||Squirrels|Beavers|Cubs|Scouts|Explorers|Adults|Total| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |1stBR|0|9|383|273|24|209|898| |Addingham|0|16|28|60|0|30|134| |IlkleyCC|0|6|24|30|0|20|80| |3rd BR|0|6|38|47|0|22|113| |Burley|0|40|72|25|0|27|164| |Menston|0|64|108|272|2|101|547| |Parish|0|26|26|90|4|46|192| |Bridge|0|14|32|140|58|110|354| |Methodist|0|50|28|68|0|36|182| |2nd Otley|14|98|164|248|68|213|805| |Pool|0|0|0|0|0|0|0| |Explorers|||||318|67|385| |Wharfedale total|||||||3854| For comparison 2023 figures below ||Squirrels|Beavers|Cubs|Scouts|Explorers|Adults|Total| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |1st BR|0|2|140|82|12|52|817| |Addingham|||17|14|3|8|147| |IlkleyCC|||37|20||15|144| |3rd BR|||40|12|4|19|130| |Burley||45|73|28|1|31|285| |Menston|||42|57||20|349| |Parish||26|14|31||21|164| |Bridge||38|30|63|1|45|369| |Methodist|||||||| |2nd Otley|10|30|51|72|7|47|440| |Pool|||||||| |Explorers|||||142|28|170| |Wharfedale total|||||||3015| ## **LEARNING** 2024 brought huge changes to the national learning provision along with the new systems introduced in December 2024. Gone are many modules which relied heavily on validation with a member of the training team for all adults. Digi system support has been provided by Dom and myself, to many of the leads and section members since then, although the enquiries are reducing – you all must be getting to grips working your way around the new systems. The new Growing Roots is more comprehensive, covering a wider area than before and is completed 100% by e learning. Once completed (within the 6-month timescales), that is all apart for those front facing roles which need the 3-year renewal of First Response. This seems to being well received. From December 2025 the requirement for First Response to be continuously valid comes in line with that of safety and safeguarding. It is important to keep an eye out for all these areas to ensure that you do not let any of them lapse. Please keep an eye out and do not rely on getting a reminder – some system reminders are being sent but I am aware that others do not get reminders. There remains the option for either managers or section leaders to ‘opt’ in to complete their wood beads. There are a number of modules required for this, still running in the same way as before – do the learning/acquire working knowledge and then gather evidence and talk through this with a learning assessor. The criteria for these have been tweaked from the new learning provision. For managers and supporters there was a regional weekend recently. With the change to optional wood badge and reduced need for validation in person, there is not the need for a large group of learning supporters as we once had. We had a meeting early in 2025 to understand the changes to the wood badge and actions needed for learning assessors. A small group are in place to offer support to those in Wharfedale who wish to continue or to start working towards their wood badge – at a much gentler pace as there is no longer a time limit. Please get in touch if you want support here because the button to request support is, at the time of writing this, still not sending a message across locally. We have about 8 or 9 people working towards their wood badges, and I am aware of at least 2 who have completed in the new provision. The learning team are here to provide additional learning to Wharfedale in whatever scout related topics are felt needed. In addition to the Growing Roots, First Response or work towards wood badge. Should anyone or lead identify an area, please drop an email across and we can look to put support in place. I hear that sessions have been provided in other Districts to support running Welcome committees, trustees, being a trustee board chair, navigating the learning or member systems, basic scouting leader skills – fires, knots etc and providing one on one support for those not at ease with using a computer. Please email learninglead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk if you have an area of support we can help with. Thank you to all the former training advisers, and the reduced number of learning assessors who spend many hours supporting learning in Wharfedale. Jan ## **DISTRICT POLICIES** ## **DISTRICT LEAD VOLUNTEER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND** can be used by District Section Leads to help with organising activities ## **TRAINING FUND** can be used to help pay for permits and training, provided certain criteria are met, such as is the District in need of further permit holders, and is the recipient willing to offer their services as a permit holder to the whole of the District, rather than just their Group for example. For more details email Richard Robinson (Activities Lead) actviteslead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk or Paul Jennings/Tim Haskins (District Lead Volunteers) districtlead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk ## **ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY PERMITS** District has a ‘hardship fund’ which can be drawn upon if cost is a genuine barrier stopping a member obtaining a permit. If you or your Group are worried about the cost of any of these courses please speak to or send an email to Richard Robinson (Activities Lead) actviteslead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk or to Paul Jennings/Tim Haskins (District Lead Volunteers) districtlead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk ## **CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COSTS OF INTERNATIONAL TRIPS** District will only offer donations for events organised by West Yorkshire County or Nationally. We will offer 10% of the total cost for World Jamboree and other events where the young person has to achieve something (eg Explorer Belt) . . . and 5% of the total cost for other events. District adult volunteers attending those events can also apply. ## **INTERNATIONAL FUND** This policy is in the process of being re-written by the District Trustee Board. Full details in 2026 but it will probably be similar to that outlined below. The previous policy was: When a District Group organises an International trip a grant of 20% of the total cost of the trip (up to a maximum of £200) will be available to young people who are deemed to be from a family with financial hardship, the sponsoring group must also provide a 5% grant to the individual. An individual can apply for this grant once during their time in each section. Young people applying to the fund must meet at least one of the criteria for financial hardship. Evidence that can help you make the best judgement of ‘financial hardship’ would be if a family is in receipt of/eligible for **one** of the following: - Total household income level below £20,000 - Young carer (recognised by relevant authorities) - Looked after child (in care) - Free school meals* or pupil premium funding - Income Support - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - Income-related employment and support allowance - Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and annual income does not exceed £16,190 as assessed by HMRC - Working tax credit - Universal Credit - Housing Benefit - Disability Living Allowance (related to the young person or parent) - Guarantee element of State Pension Credit *Free school meals are provided to all pupils in the lower years of primary schools in England and Wales, so the other indicators are more valid in these circumstances. The above list is subject to change and is found on the Scouts Association website www.scouts.org.uk ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** ## **SECTION A** ## General Information VICE PRESIDENTS none TRUSTEES: _Ex-Officio_ members of the District Trustee Board Chair Michael Wild Treasurer Richard Robinson District Lead Volunteers Tim Haskins Paul Jennings District Youth Commissioner none TRUSTEES: appointed at the Annual General Meeting Chris Carver Judith Dickinson Dominic Dobson Jeremy Ince Lisa Nutton Iain Paterson ## BANKERS Unity Trust Bank plc, 9 Brindley Place, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2HB ## CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES Scout Association Trust Corporation, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London, E4 7QW DISTRICT REGISTRATION NUMBER WITH THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION: 16623 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 524827 CONTACT NAME AND ADDRESS Mr. Chris Carver, 17 Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN ## **SECTION B** Wharfedale District Scout Council Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 May 2025 Wharfedale District Scout Council is constituted under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. Wharfedale District Scout Council is a registered charity established, and with Trustees appointed, in accordance with these Rules. Wharfedale District Scout Council continued throughout the year to provide leadership, advice and support for the eleven Scout Groups in its District and in the local communities within its boundary. The Trustees have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit in deciding what activities to undertake. The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship and community development headings. Wharfedale District Scout Council manages and administers Curly Hill Campsite and Centre and also Reva Water Activity Centre for the benefit of members and the community. ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The affairs are managed by the District Trustee Board through a number of sub-committees and/or subteams. A member of the Trustee Board should serve on each sub-committee and/or sub-team. These support the District Lead Volunteers. The sub-committees/sub-teams are District Welcome Team Curly Hill Activity Centre and Campsite Reva Water Activity Centre District Welcome Team District Awards Lionhearts District Learning Team ## GOVERNANCE COSTS The management costs of the charity are considered minimal and are not reported separately since the assessment of the costs would be arbitrary. ## RESERVES Reserves are being held to ensure that the level of activity can be maintained for at least one year, without income through a policy to hold between 75% and 100% of one year's gross expenditure. ## FUTURE OPERATION OF THE CHARITY The trustees are of the opinion that the funds are sufficient to continue activities through the ensuing year. ## RISK MANAGEMENT The District Trustee Board and the District Leadership Team operate within the safety regulations of the Scout Association. The risks to the operation and management of the district have been assessed and kept under review and plans are in place to mitigate or eliminate the effect of potential risks. ## STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO ACCOUNTS EXAMINER Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the examination of the accounts, but of which the examiner is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the examiner is aware of such information. Mike Wild - Chair of Wharfedale District Scout Council Wharfedal Di ¢ount Summ for theyear End 3tst Ma Zl)25 2025 14 rnontts 2024 12 months Totsi Incorne Irecelptsl Total ExpendSture Ipaymentsl 138.278 1209,5801 91,673 1113,5241 N¢t Su￿1￿$/(DefIdt? fortheyear Surplus brou8htlorw4rd (71J021 127.488 12WII 149.339 sh funds ￿rIed forward 56.186 127,488 lftduded In the Net SurplvsllDeftdtl forthe ￿￿.- Proflt on badge sales Iln£ Curly Hill and Reval 752 SurplusllDefkttl on Cudy Hill camp siie in 19.3341 IIIM021 SurplusllDefkttl on Reva Sallln8 Centre in year 115.1161 89 The above ac£ountaTrJ accompanWng statementofassets and lfjabilitleswere approved ythe Trustee5 on 13....P.¢r 2025 and on their behaWty:. Mlke Wild Chalrman Fknthard Roblnson Tveayjrer k ff /44*>>- Page l of 4- v12 Wharfedale Oi "ciscaut Council Income for ear endi 31st M 2025 Z024 12 months 14 months Membtrship Subsulptions UKHQ Membership Fee from Group5 Reva Membership Fees 54.617 46.955 600 55317 47.555 Imiestment Income Received Bank Interest 1,642 1.646 Donations and Grants Donatiens- 8eva Donations- Other DonatiOn5- CuTly Hill 29.626 3.733 729 loo 30A93 Actlvltles Curly Hill Income cur￿ Hlll Badge Sa Revè Tuck Shop Reva Badge Sales ncotne from events Reva èctiwtie5 and course 30.740 706 517 46 9.959 8,958 90.926 26,584 634 loo li 300 7,885 3$￿13 Olher Income Bad8e sales Sundry Project account income lincLwe from Jamboree ￿rt￿1pants} Sundry Central Account Income 2.397 2.397 Totsl Income for year 138.278 91,673 Pu9e2 014- ¥1.2 Wharfedale Dlstrict Scout Council enditure and 20 14 rnonths 2024 IZ months Fl Hill Cam Site 10,656 2.671 15,1)65 12.389 130 12,259 7.379 2.254 5.456 23.660 Insurance Repairs. Renewals and Maintenance Project spendin8 constsfing of. Gozebo Seating lor1fr7srollotion Buthroom refurbtshment cookerre￿trCeme￿t ElectricLTI wo Windowsreplocement Curly Hill b#d8e purchases 15.252 4,053 3,845 510 602 41J82 38.748 Reva Sailln Insurance Rent and utilities Equipment expend￿Ure & Repalr Repair5 to Ground and Bulldln85 Tr3inlng Course5 Prolett spending Sundry Tuck Shop Purchases Badges 4.262 1.839 3.945 375 408 42.330 648 614 2,633 3.533 1.273 308 82 3.733 436 241 441 54I63 12.Z39 a￿On$and Grar Events Internat￿nal Fund DIVS Discretionary Fund 9.567 630 1,306 li 2,356 1356 ntral E S¢outAEtive Support Scout Active Suppryt Equlp & Repair Scout Network Badge Purchases AGM Llcense Fees and Journals Insurance Trainin8 Neckers. other Sundry expense5 Major Projects Jamboree payThents Subscrlption5 paidio County 74 324 39 32 40 2.090 129 1,458 281 2,243 436 2,931 8,280 3.OOD 39,150 60.108 217 2.278 52 1.626 101.754 Included Major Iwectsfor the &"t on k3y3k5 1st Ben Rhydding 50th Anniversary Camp8rant Archery & Shooting range ¢onstrurth)n and equipment Rodio Communications Equipment Coding Trainlng Equipfflent Pool Squlrrels set up irant 3.733 500 1,799 1,482 267 500 8.280 72 Totsl E ndlture & ¢ha 209.580 113.5Z4 Poqe 3 oA4- vl.2 Wharfedale DlstrtrtS¢(wt Coundl Statement of Assets & Uabllitlqs at 315t M 2025 14 Tr)nths 2024 12 months Cash fvnd5 Bank Accounts Bank Dew5tt Account 10.872 45,314 56.186 68,763 58,725 127.488 Other monrtary assets Subscrlptions due but notyet recel¥ed at yearend 2,139 Assets retalnedforthe th•rWs ￿ use Land and Bulldlngs oats and EquiprrÉnt Landrover- Reva Powef Boat ActI￿ty Equlprnent Other equipmefit 1.102.0 32.000 2.599 7.541 3.092 1,102,WO 29,261 2.599 7.541 2,859 1,147,Z32 1.144,259 Other non.monelary assets Badge5 Stack Liobililie5 Net Group SubsCri￿on$ in advance Other liabil￿eS 142,0831 142.0831 1.203,418 1,231,804 Accountlng Pollcle5 & 14otestotheAuounts I. Act￿￿11￿8 Pollc¥ From l April 2022 the accounts of wharfeda￿ Distrit kout Countil ha¥È been weparal a ie¢eÉpts aiKI PayTnents ba51s. The 2025 financial year end has moved from 31st March to 31si Mayto prevent the annual UK HQmembership fee ¢ollecUon and Linward payrnent spanning 2 financial yeark The 2025 year is 14 months long and therefo￿ in¢orporate5 2 annual payrnents of the UKHQMembership Fee, £44,221.50 in 2024 ènd £52,478.$0 ifi 2025. The p￿￿Ou5 year compari50n 15 to the 12 Month lon8 2024 financlal year. Future years ￿11 run 15tJune- 315t May. Sorne term5 and cate8ories have teen fefined to better reflert the terminology used in Scouting and to 5urt the financial rnana8ement needsof the wunul. The prwou5 year for cornparison has been Teststed on this new basis. 2. Assets reialned forthe charrtrfs fmm use ssets forthe 2023 ye3r aTe ieeorded in these acco￿rtts attheir net botsk valueas at 31 March 2022. Follo￿ngthe £han8eto recelpts and payments accounts, depreciatron is fK) I0￿er w0vKI￿. From the 2024 year buildings afe recorded attheir insuran relnstatement valuations a5 of September 2023. boats are ￿Orded at their present value. and further asset addit4ons are recorded at thelr acqu￿ltiOn eost. 3. Reserv•s The Council's reserves policy is to hold approximately one year'sworth of fixed eXFendlt￿re. whKh for this financial year 15 £26,660 12024.. £74.3741. Cash reserves (excluding liabilitiesl at 31 May2025 were £56.186 and therefore continue to exceed this tar8et. The Council contlnues to seek projects to ￿r￿ertake thatare in linewith itstharftableoblecknand the Projects subfommittee is actively seeking projectsto fvnd. which wll utili5e the Sur￿u5. The council will congdeT this position Careful￿ as transityon from tl* r*tdde£ttoperationto a balaTh￿d budget. Puge4 of 4- vl.2 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Wharfedale District Scout Council On accounts for the year ended 31 May 2025 Charity no lif any) 524827 Set out on pages 1 to4 I report to the trustees on my examination of the acGounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31 May 2025. Responsibilities and As the charily Irustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1"the Act'l I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in Carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{51(bl of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi thal no material matters hav8 come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have Come aGross no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper undérstanding ofthe accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 30 March 2026 Name: Anthony Elslon Relevant professional qualifi¢ation(s) or body (if any)-. Fellow of th8 Institute of Chartered Accountant5 in England and Wales Address: 95 Bolling Road Ben Rhydding Ilkley LS29 8QH IER October 2018