Scouts 2024 AGM
| StroudValleyScoutsAGM2024MeetingMinutes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Page 2 | Page 2 | Stroud Valley ScoutsAGM 2024 Meeting Minutes |
| Page 3 | Page 3 | Report from Beavers |
| Page 4 | Page 4 | Report from Cubs |
| Page 5 | Page 5 | Report from Scouts |
| Page 6 | Page 6 | Group Scout Leaders Report |
| Page 9 | Page 9 | Treasurer’s Report |
| Page 10 | Page 10 | Stroud Valley Scouts Accounts 31st March 2024 |
| Page 13 | Page 13 | Chair’s Report |
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Stroud Valley Scout Group
AGM – July 17[th] 2024 at 7.30pm
In Person – Stroud Valley Scout Hut
MINUTES
ATTENDEES:
Phil Cowpland (Chair), Kim Strudwick (Treasurer), John Jones (Group Scout Leader), Aaron Young (Scout Leader), Sammy Peters (Beaver Leader), Kerry Smith (Committee Member), Hannah Bermingham (Volunteer), Karl Durr-Sorensen (Secretary),
1. Apologies
Gareth Thackeray (Bookings), Tom Clarke (Leader), George Hocking (Leader), AnneMarie Delrosa (Committee Member), Luke Inder (Committee Member),
2. Updates from Sections
Beavers are at 11 members with 4 moving on to cubs and more joining in September. Kat (Leader) is leaving the group. A new Leader to assist in the group is essential. Beaver Report 2024 AGM attached.
Cubs are at 28 members with 4 moving to Scouts in September. George Hocking is taking over as Cub Scout Leader from 01.08.24. Cub Scout Report 2024 AGM attached.
Scouts care at 21 members with some moving up to Explorers. Currently have a good number of leaders but additional leaders will be required. Scouts Report 2024 AGM attached.
Group Scout Leaders Report 2024 AGM attached
Chair's Report 2024 AGM attached
Treasurer's Report 2024 AGM attached
Stroud Valley Scout Group Accounts (Year Ending March 2024) attached
3. Committee Members; Committee Members to remain in post.
Phil Cowpland to remain as Chair (proposed KJDS/Seconded KS) Kim Strudwick to remain as Group Treasurer (proposed PC/Seconded KJDS) Gareth Thackeray to remain as Group Administrator (proposed PC/Seconded KJDS) Anne-Marie Delrosa to remain as Committee Member (proposed KJDS/Seconded PC) Luke Inder to remain as Committee Member (proposed PC/Seconded KS) Karl-Johan Dürr-Sørensen to remain as Secretary (proposed PC/Seconded KS)
4. Date of next meeting
16[th] September 2024 - ZOOM
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Beaver report 2024 AGM
11 Beavers, 4 moving to cubs and more joining after September.
Beavers have been busy earning badges, one due to get their bronze award in September. Kat my other leader is leaving us for new pastures.
We have also had a busy programme of visiting various places such as Rodborough scouts reserve, walk to the fish and chip shop, walk to the local parks, hike to Baden-Powell woods, going to Penwood with the other sections and we also a paramedic visit (George from cubs) to work towards the Emergency aid badge. Other activities we have done includes cooking tin can pancakes, fire building and lighting, den building and games.
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Stroud Valley Cub Scout Report 2023/24
We have had a strong year with numbers holding around 24 and a good number of Badges being earned over the year. The Cubs have been well behaved overall with no accidents or issues to report. We have found though that there is a reluctance to go Camping not sure if this is an effect of Covid or not.
George gained his Nights Away accreditation last year running 1 Camp and 1 Sleepover. He aalso agreed to take over as Cub Scout Leader from 1[st] August 2024.. Chloe joined us in 2023 and Jon in 2024 and they have started doing there necessary Training but are bedded in with assisting me and then George although another 1 or 2 Leaders would take the workload off all. We have been lucky that we have had a good crop of Young Leaders helping us and Nicola has agreed to be a Leader in September when she is 18.
We are now running at 28 although this should come down as 4 are off to Scouts in September we have 4 coming from Beavers in September/ October so we now have a waiting list of Children wanting to join so more help would be great.
Thanks to the Cubs for their enthusiasm in what we do.
Thanks to Parents for your support.
But Leaders and Young Leaders for your dedication in training the Cubs I am sure they appreciate it.
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Scouts Report 2023-24
We currently have 24 Scouts in the Troop. 6 are Senior Scouts and will be moving up to Explorers
shortly before then.
Other than myself, the leadership team is made up of Kai, Tom, Eve, and Maisie. We also have Barney and Abby as occasional helpers, mainly for events and help at camp.
Unfortunately, we will lose Maisie and Eve later in the year as they finish their A levels. Therefore, we will be looking to recruit some addi"onal leaders to support the weekly troop night mee"ngs. We would like some of our Explorers to return as Young Leaders now they have been away from the Troop for some "me.
Since the last AGM the Troop have been working hard towards a variety of badges. More recently the Smallholders / Farming badge – we are hoping to see some flowers around the grounds shortly, if nothing else we have emp"ed the compost heap.
We really want to give all members of the Troop an opportunity to earn their Chief Scout’s Gold
youth members and is only awarded once all nine of the Challenge awards have been completed.
Since September 2023 just two of the badges the Scouts have earned include :-
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First Aid Staged Badge . The Scouts did this over a three week period in prepara"on for our camp we had at Woodhouse Park and included CPR on some respira"on dolls we had from District.
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They’ve earned their Personal Challenge Award which as the name implies required the Scouts to complete two personal challenges, they set themselves – some of the best examples include Suppor"ng a new Scout to complete their Membership Award, Bring the right equipment to Scouts every week for a term and parents favourite Do all the washing up at home for two weeks.
Sadly, for the first "me in ten years we didn’t a?end Strategy but plan to return next year. This was simply due to a number of our Senior Scouts moving to Explorers, and an influx in new members that we s"ll ge@ng se?led. We did however, like we do every year, a?ended the Stomp which is a 12–14mile night Hike that happens in the winter months and earns the Scouts their Navigator Stage badge.
We did however hold a camp at Woodhouse Park in September, which was very successfully and many of the Scouts have asked us to go again this year which we are planning over the summer.
Finally, the Troop would like to take this opportunity to pass their con"nued thanks to all the Commi?ee members for ensuring the upkeep of the Grounds and Scout Group. The Scouts
quality Scou"ng to young people in our local community.
In par"cular, and with the best respect hopefully for the last "me, the Leadership Team and Young People would like to pay par"cular thanks to John Jones, our Group Scout Leader who has dedicated more than anyone else to the Group. We hope that he enjoys his re"rement, though we hope to s"ll see him at the Campfire occasionally.
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STROUD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP
Group Scout Leaders report 2023/24
Well another year over and we have survived. Details will be in Section Reports
Squirrels 4-6 years
We have not looked for Leaders for this section as we have concentrated on existing sections
Beavers 6-8 years
We have a waiting list for Beavers although some are not of age yet. Sammy and Kat have done a great job with the Colony. Unfortunately we may lose Kat as she may be leaving the area. One parent has gained a DBS to start helping and another is filling forms in at the moment. In the year Sammy obtained her Nights away Permit
Cubs 8-10.1/2 years
George is taking over Cubs from 1[st] August and at the same time as Sammy he got his Nights Away Permit. Cubs numbers have held well through the year and also have a short Waiting List for now. We are pleased that Chloe and Jon have taken out warrants to help with Cubs and support George and hopefully Nicola will when she is 18 in September.
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Scouts 10.1/2 -14 years
Kai,Aaron,Tom and Eve along side Young Leader Maisie have run a successful troop and although numbers are down this is down to 8 going to start up Trinity Explorers. We will have 4 Cubs going up in September and another 6 in January to boost numbers. Maisie is going to take out a warrant this month . Again Aaron has got his Nights Away Permit this year.
Explorers 14-18 years
Although at our HQ they are District run and not responsibility of the Group although our Leaders are running it
Committee young at Heart
We are lucky in having all positions filled and everyone going to stay on for another year. Scouting is realigning itself with the Charity Commission and therefore Secretary now becomes Administrator and other changes mean that not everybody who wishes to help needs to be on the Committee. We can explain at the AGM.
This is my last AGM as acting Group Scout Leader as Sammy and Aaron are going to divide the role between them from the 1[st] August and I wish them all the best.
I would like to thank all the youth members who have been in Stroud Valley in the nearly 25 years I have been here. The parents for trusting and supporting me in what we have done.All the leaders who have put up with me and learnt a bit of Yorkshire over the time so they knew what I was talking about.
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Also to the Committee members we have had in that time which doesn’t seem as too many but thanks and keep the good work going Please.
There are 2 Massive Thank you’s
1] Anne-Marie who seems to be have been with us for years and when Treasurer had to put up with the Leaders collecting Cash having receipts and were unable to get things balanced I am sure you hated us then. But also for all the Grants and Donations you have got the Group especially for the Coach House which is nearing completion. From ME and the Group a massive Thank
you
2] Luke I think has been involved longer than Anne-Marie firstly as Chairman and taking so much work off me to allow me to be with the Kids. But also on the Coach house for all the work on design getting planning permissions and agreements on what we could use and your supervising of the Builders .So THANK YOU.
Without you two it THE Coach House would not have happened
I looked back on my service and I became Acting Group Scout Leader on the 17[th] July 2013 a fitting day for the AGM.
I wish you all the best for the future and Parents this Group is for the Kids please support the Leaders and Committee. Any help is greatly appreciated either with the kids to helping keep the Garden down
John M Jones
Acting Group Scout Leader
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Treasurers Report 2023-2024
During this financial year, the role of Treasurer was undertaken by Kim Strudwick. The accounts for year ending 31 March 2024 have been independently examined by our accountant David Richardson. He has signed off the accounts.
Section Income and Expenditure
Income for all sections has been stable and an increase in subs to £27.50 per term introduced in April to cover costs.
| Inc | Exp | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beavers | £1410.47 | £889.43 | £521.04 |
| Cubs | £2369.69 | £2497.33 | -£127.64 |
| Scouts | £6270.99 | £5949.50 | £321.49 |
Hall Hire
Hall hire income has remained stable this year, with the same regular hires and slightly fewer ad hoc bookings. An increase in charges for regular bookings was introduced from April 2024. Total income from Hall Hire was £9676.59.
Utilities, Insurance and Premises Expenditure
This includes water, electricity, gas, buildings insurance, cleaning, and waste collection. Total costs were £12,137.52 – the above items accounted for £9522.79; the rest of the expenditure was from repairs to the kitchen and cooker. Electric and Gas contracts are fixed but will need to be re-negotiated in autumn.
Other Income and Expenditure
Other expenditure this year included web hosting and lottery licence. Events included fireworks, BBQ and Christmas raffle.
New Build Account
Thanks to Anne-Marie for her fundraising work, we received a grant for the Coach House Refurbishment of £5k from Severn Trent which has been paid into the New Build account. Work on the Coach House started and a total of £12,000 spent before year end. As a result the new build / renovation account ended with £44,453.20.
Conclusion
The Group’s total funds for all sections at the end of the year was just over £4000. We are operating at break even. Our aim this year is to finish work on the Coach House, continue with grant applications for the refurbishment of the Explorer Den and do fundraising activities to increase maintenance funds.
Kim Strudwick, Group Treasurer, Report presented at AGM 17 July 2024
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Charity Name STROUD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP On accounts for the year ended 31 MARCH 2024 Charity no lif any) 800449 Set out on pages Respective responsibilities The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The of trustees and examiner charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission {under section 145(5)(bl of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the examiner's statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the chanty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerfs In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention Statement 1. which gives me reasonable Cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements-. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met., or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 15 July 2024 Name: DAVID RICHARDSON Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT address: David Richardson & Co 4a London Road Stroud, Glos GL5 2AG 10113
STROUD VALLEY SCOUTS Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 8urplus Surplus Ideficit) (Deficit) 2023 Income Expenditure Pack Income & Expenditure Beavers Cubs Scouts 1,410.47 2,369.69 6,270.99 889.43 2,497.33 5.949.50 521.04 -127.64 321.49 773.87 1,811.78 496.32 Scout Hut l Group Rainbows l Brownies l Guides Marah Trust Hall Income Other Regular Hall Hire I Wayleave l Refunds Other Expendrture Utitlities Buildings Insurance Premises Expenditure Cleaning SeNices Waste Collection Broadband and Website Hosting Lottery licence Card reader Gift Aid on Subs 371.92 7,020.00 1.462.75 821.92 371.92 7,020.00 1,462.75 821.92 -240.35 4,6CK.40 -1,398.99 -2,614.73 -2,808.30 -709.10 -346.91 -21.00 240.OD 6,694.OQ 1,974.50 1,080.00 240.35 4,606.40 1.398.99 2,635.73 2,808.30 709.10 346.91 21.00 -2,694.84 -1,493.14 ,540.94. .1,644.34 -570.01 -831.60 41.00 46.80 21.00 0.00 Interest on Accounts Interest - New Build Account 535.14 535.14 37.08 Hall New Build Income l Expenditure Severn Trent -coach House grant Bat survey Misc Donations BBQ Charities Trust reslricted funds Fireworks Christmas Raffle Lucky Sevem Lottery Paypal l Amazon Smile Grant income Building Works Grants Online Subscription 300.00 300.00 43,296.00 -700.00 50.00 396.78 50.00 -1.02 397.80 4.7Q 1,000.00 418.66 352.50 146.00 13.41 5.000.00 157.89 42.00 20.00 260.77 310.50 126.00 13.41 5,000.00 12,000.00 -12.000.00 150.00 -150.00 218.50 5.00 -150.00 26,961.23 34.870.73 -7,909.50 43 408.49. 11113
stroud Valley Scouts Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 2023 Cash at bank and in hand Current Account Scouts Cash in Hand New Build Account Beavers Cash in Hand 4,004.26 44.29 44.453.20 5,437.44 44.29 50.918.06 11.46 48,501.75 56,411.25 Represented by:" Income & Expenditure Acct Balance brought forward Surplusl{Deficit) for Year 56,411.25 -7.909.50 13,002.76 43,408.49 48,501.75 56 411.25 12113
Stroud Valley Scouts 2024 AGM
Chair's Report
Another tremendous year with considerable efforts and achievements for the group.
Luke and Anne-Marie's massive and sustained efforts with fundraising and complete refurbishment of the Coach House have been hugely inspiring and have revitalised a building that was dilapidated beyond use. As the project nears completion the committee wishes to extend their very sincere thanks for the enormous amount of work that has gone in to achieving these goals. It is hoped that a suitable date will be found to invite members past and present to attend and to celebrate the completion of this ambitious project.
Particular thanks go to John Jones; Group Scout Leader and Scout Leader. It is impossible to express sufficiently the depth of gratitude that the geoup owes to John and to summarise the achievements and contribution he has made over so many years. Through John's work the importance of the scouting movemnt and the work they do has been clearly evident to all of those lucky enough to have had children pass through the group. The benefits to the children of learing new pratical and social skills in a safe and welcoming environment, away form their parents, is enormous and the group is beyond priviledged to have had such a dedicated and gifted leader who is admired and respected by all. A particularly rare achivement. The Committee wish to express their deep gratitude for the enormous amount of work and dedication John has given over so many years and our greatest hope is that we will continue to follow the example John has given and to maintain the vibrant, successful and healthy group that he has guided and nurtured. The committee wish to express their sincere and enormous gratitude and hope that as the position of GSL is now taken by Sammy and Aaron they might be lucky enough to still benfit from his guidance.
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