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2024-03-31-annual-report

The Scout Association

(Incorporated by Royal Charter)

74TH BELFAST (R.B.A.I.) SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT for the year 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024

CONTENTS

Page No.

74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Scout Group ................................................... 3 Chairman’s Introduction ..................................................................... 5 Group Activities ................................................................................. 7 Group Scout Leader .......................................................................... 13 Chairman’s Conclusion ..................................................................... 14 Financial Statements Independent Examiner’s report to the members of 74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Scout Group ................................................. 15 Income and Expenditure Account ..................................................... 16 Balance Sheet ................................................................................... 17 Notes to the Financial Statements ..................................................... 18

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74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Scout Group

President:

Miss J. Williamson

Chairperson: Secretary: Treasurer: Other Trustees:

Mr. D. Madill Mrs. K. Parks Mr. M. Titterington Mr. A. Gardner Mr. A. Parks Mr. D. Robinson Mr. D. Roy Mr. D. Scott Mr. D. Stelfox MBE

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit requirement statutory guidance.

Group Scout Leader: Mr. D. Scott

RBAI

Scout Network Leader: Mr. D. Scott, Explorer Scout Leader: Mr. D. Roy, Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders: Mr. B. McKeown, Mrs. K. Parks, Unit Sectional Assistants: Mr A. Parks, Acting Scout Leader: Mr. D. Scott,

Assistant Scout Leaders: Mr. D. Lyttle, Mr. M. Titterington, Troop Sectional Assistants: Mrs. K. Rogers, Mrs. K. Scott, Mr. E. Tang, Group Occasional Helper: Mr. R. Fox.

Inchmarlo

Cub Scout Leader: Mrs. L. Agnew, Assistant Cub Scout Leader: Mrs. R. Pollock, Pack Sectional Assistant: Mrs. S. McClean, Beaver Scout Leader: Vacant, Assistant Beaver Scout Leader: Vacant,

Group Occasional Helpers: Mr. A. Fullerton, Miss E. Gray, Mrs. K. Lunn.

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Bankers:

Danske Bank, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JS.

74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Registration Number with The Scout Association: 10010783

Northern Ireland Charity Number: NIC103856

Contact Address:

The Secretary, 74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Scout Group, R.B.A.I., College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DL.

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Chairman’s Introduction

I would like to thank the Group Scout Leader David and his team of leaders for running such a comprehensive and interesting programme which enables so many pupils to join Scouting at Inst. and take advantage of the opportunities that arise from it. It is particularly pleasing to see the very high numbers of pupils involved in Scouting on both school sites as well as the impressive level of achievement of top awards for the boys. My deep appreciation goes to the leaders who enthusiastically give up so much of their time to provide such an active and enjoyable programme in the Group. I also appreciate the efforts of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leaders David Scott, David Roy, Katie, and Kyra in running the Award Scheme which so well supplements the Scout programme and its award system. Thank you to my fellow Trustee Board members who work hard to ensure that 74th remains as one of the best Scout Groups around.

As of 31 January 2024 (2023 figures in brackets), the membership in the Group was as follows:

151 (165) Total membership

9 pupils are members of other Scout Groups but as pupils of the school attend our Group for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and other activities.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme:

77 (56) Total enrolment

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (2024 figures only):

Scout Top Awards:

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Group Activities

Officers

Group Chairman: Oliver Mercer, Group Secretary: Matthew Neilly,

Troop Leaders: Daniel Lyttle, James Garrett, Matthew Jamison, Samuel Jordan, Quartermaster: Cameron Colgan,

Badge Secretary: Reuben Burnham, Deputy Badge Secretary: Ashton Simms, Activities Co-ordinator: Ronan Devlin, ICT Co-ordinator: Jay Jayaprakash.

Young Leaders: James Garrett, Matthew Jamison, Jay Jayaprakash, Oliver Mercer.

Inchmarlo

In May, both Sections celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III by playing themed games; preparing and cooking a healthy Banana Boat backwoods style; and by renewing their Scout promises. The boys undertook their Emergency Aid Staged Activity Badges with instruction from Mrs Holmes and Mrs McClean which was appreciated. June saw the American Football Club Belfast Trojans visit our Cub Pack to run an excellent session. The school year finished with the annual barbecue, games, and a visit from Headteacher Mrs Morwood.

The new school year began with a camp at Ardnavally Scout Centre where despite the wet weather, the boys took part in canoeing and backwoods cooking while enjoying singing songs around a campfire. For many, it was their first overnight stay away from their families and they managed very well. Mrs Agnew, Mrs Pollock, Mr Roy, and Mr Scott supervised the boys over the weekend. At the Annual Scout Parents’ Night, the Beaver Report was given by John Maitland and Nicky Rendo while Cole Larmour-Wheeler and Oscar McClean reviewed the Cub year. All the boys spoke excellently! Both Sections visited Ardnavally again to take part in the District’s Christmas event called Elfnavally. They enjoyed crafts, hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows at a campfire and of course meeting Mrs Claus.

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In the spring, the Beavers undertook the Community Impact Staged Activity Badge by learning about homelessness and how local charity Habitat for Humanity Ireland helps people at home and abroad to gain a safe place to call home. The boys visited the Habitat Restore in Lisburn and donated £100 to the charity’s valuable work. The Cub team of Rocco Axon, Harry Forrester, Henry Fullerton, Oscar McClean, and Arthur Pollock were runners-up in the Northern Ireland Quiz held in Magherafelt in February, winning the Belfast Shield as the best placed team from Belfast County. The Cub Pack visited Colin Glen to take the exciting zip line down the 250 metre course over the forest from a height of 50 feet! March saw the Cub team of Patrick Agnew, Henry Brown, Declan McMaster, Tom Oliphant, and Sebastian Simpson win the Northern Ireland Unihoc Competition held at the Antrim Forum. The boys competed against 15 teams from across the province. Our Beavers celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day by making tasty sweet potato b read over stoves.

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RBAI

Adam Byrne and Eddy Tang received their Gold Award from HRH Prince Edward in July. 27 Scouts successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Chief Scout’s Platinum Award Qualifying Expeditions in the Mournes; 19 Explorers successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Chief Scout’s Diamond Award Qualifying Expeditions in the Mournes; and 10 Explorers successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/King’s Scout Award Qualifying Expeditions in The Lake District in the summer term.

Ten Explorers headed off to The Lake District at the end of June to undertake the most gruelling challenge of all – hiking for at least eight hours per day for four days in unfamiliar mountainous terrain and being entirely selfsufficient in the process! Apart from finishing, the highlight was hiking up from Lake Buttermere to the peak of Wainwright’s favourite Haystacks Mountain with its beautiful views. Congratulations to Thomas Agnew, Freddie Clark, Max Whiteley, Robbie Wilson, and Patrick Woods as well as Cameron Blundell, Daniel Camlin, Henry Keys, Toby McKnight, and Matthew Williams who successfully completed their Gold Award Qualifying Expeditions. Both groups

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walked and navigated very well in wet but warm conditions to successfully complete their tough challenge.

Three Explorers and fifteen Scouts travelled to the World Scout Centre at Kandersteg in Switzerland for the Group’s first summer camp since 2019. The group camped for 9 days, meeting fellow Scouts from all over the world. The centre focuses on sustainable living and bringing peace to an increasingly unstable world. Some recent Group traditions continued when the group got to take a gondola up to the stunning Oeschinensee at 1,578m and swim in the glacial lake. Some of the group felt it was warmer than the north coast! The toboggan run gave a welcome rest after the cool swim which was fun. The sun shone brightly on us as the boys hiked to the Golitchen Alpine Cheesery at 1,833m. The 14km and 700m climb ended with well received fresh cow’s milk and cheese at the top. The guides, Anna from Ukraine and Gui from Brazil, led excellently and helped the groups to enjoy the challenge. One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to the beautiful town of Thun to take part in a river rafting session. In sweltering heat, the boys had a thoroughly enjoyable time on the river Aare. It was fun jumping into the clean, warm water and then giving the slide a go too! The next challenge was an overnight hike to Gfellalp Hut at 1,854m from the small village of Selden in the Gasterntal Valley. Although it rained at times, the scenery was superb especially at the hut. That evening ended with song and

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stories around a campfire which was very enjoyable. The hike back down to Selden and then along the river Kander gave some more great views of the area including the chance to feed some alpacas! The International Campfire saw most of the Scouts on site being entertained by some talented Scouts including our own Cameron Colgan. Before camp ended, the group took the steepest cable car in Switzerland to see the terrific views from Allmenalp before arriving in Kandersteg village to shop and of course go swimming in the outdoor pool for one final time!

Leaders Mr Ben McKeown and Mr Ashley Parks received their 5 Year Service and 10 Year Service Awards respectively at the beginning of the year. Scout Rocco Steen won the Troop Archery Competition from Bradley Houghton and Joe Clerkin in September. In October, the three boys represented the Troop and District at the Northern Ireland Finals at Lisburn Woods where they won the archery title and finished third in the tomahawk competition. The Explorer Unit began the year with an enjoyable afternoon’s karting with Cameron Colgan winning from Matthew Jamison and Jay Jayaprakash. Group Chair Oliver Mercer was awarded the JK Haire Fighter Pilot Memorial Cup on Prize Day. On October 20th, about 150 people enjoyed the annual Parents’ Night in the Dining Hall at RBAI. Two Cubs and eight Scouts were invested into the Group, receiving their scarves from Belfast County Commissioner Stephen Mallett. The Group trophies were awarded as follows: The Beaver Shield to Charlie Meenan; The Promise

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Shield to Nicky Rendo; The Inspection Shield to Arthur Pollock; The Six Shield to Isaac McClean; The Patrol Shield to Adam Price; The Bloomfield Perpetual Cup to Rowan Brown; The Crawford Perpetual Cup for Leadership to James Patterson; The Ronnie Hiscocks Memorial Cup for Outdoor Exploration (Junior) to Robbie Ingram and Oscar Topping; The Centenary Perpetual Cup for Outdoor Exploration to Ronan Devlin and Finnian Mantell; The William Greer Memorial Cup for Outdoor Exploration (Senior) to Freddie Clark and Henry Keys; The Bloomfield Perpetual Cup for Contribution to Charity to Michael Ingram and Oliver Mercer; The Founder’s Trophy to Cameron Colgan, James Garrett and Matthew Jamison; The Andrew Fitzsimmons Memorial Cup for Commitment and Endeavour to Oliver Mercer; and the Greer Medal for Leadership to Mr Ben McKeown. In December, many Scouts and Explorers took part in the annual 5 A- Side Football Competitions. Group Chair Oliver Mercer presented a donation of £100 to Bishop Harold Millar of The Black Santa Appeal at Saint Anne’s Cathedral fundraised from charity car-parking held at school earlier in the month.

The New Year began with a successful school Open Day which saw our Scouts and Explorers welcome prospective pupils with tasty pancakes and plenty of conversations about their Scouting exploits. In February, 20 Scouts achieved their Teamwork Challenge Award, and 18 boys achieved their Physical Recreation Activity Badge. In March, our Scouts and Explorers visited Belfast City Hall for a guided tour, and they enjoyed the impressive exhibition area as part of the World Challenge Award and International, Community, and Values section of their top awards, respectively. About 40 members of the Group visited local charity Storehouse Belfast at their North Street venue. The charity’s purpose is provision, community, and growth for the clients they serve with the values of dignity, significance, and hope. They provide their clients with food, clothing, community, advice, learning, creative opportunities like pottery and photography, and much more. The boys provided donations of £100 along with numerous items of food and clothing.

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Group Scout Leader

The Scout Group maintained its strong level of participation and achievement in 2023/2024. The highlights of the year were the success of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme along with trip to Kandersteg International Scout Centre for the summer camp. It was notable to see the Cubs win the Northern Ireland Unihoc Competition while the Scouts won the Northern Ireland Archery Competition.

My thanks go to the Principal, the Inchmarlo Headteacher, the Governors and all the staff at RBAI for their continued support of the Scout Group which enables it to operate as one of the best Scout Groups in the country.

After another very busy year, I owe particular thanks to the hardworking and committed leaders of the Group for their continued conscientious, skillful, and enthusiastic leadership in enabling the Group to continue to provide Scouting to boys at Inst.

David Scott Group Scout Leader and Trustee 17 November 2024

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Chairman’s Conclusion

It simply remains for me to extend a sincere “thank you” to all involved in Scouting at Inst. – at whatever level of involvement; Scouts could not exist without such vision and commitment. On your behalf, I extend that “thank you” to our Group Scout Leader for the drive and determination he displays, and to our Trustee Board and office bearers in dealing routinely with administrative matters; to Miss Williamson, Mrs. Morwood, Mrs. Moore and their staff at R.B.A.I. for their continuing support and dedication; and to our parents who provide such admirable support to the boys and to the Scout Group.

In closing, to those who have lost loved-ones during the past year – our sincere condolences; I am always touched by the loyalty and perseverance of Scouts at whatever age of passing.

Douglas Madill Chairman and Trustee 17 November 2024

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Scouts 74th Bd14 Independent Examiners report to the charlty trustees of 74th Belfast (RBAI) Scout Group I report on the accxyjnts of ts tharity for th8 year ended 31 March 2024 Respectlve rn8pon8lbllllles of tharlty trustaas and oxamln As the carity trustees ytyJ are responsi￿8 for ts preparation of the aco)unts in acccKdance with the Charities kt (North￿ IrelaThJ) 2008, it is my respTh• to: examine the accounts under sectioi 65 of the Charitles Act follow the wocedLres laid down in the general Directions iwen ty the Charity Cornmission for Northem Ireland under section 65(9Xb) of the Chariiies Act state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Indopendenl examlMrf8 report I have examined your charity accounts as requyed under secli(m 65 of the Charities Act and my examination carrRd cAJt in accordance wth the general Dir8Ctions gTven by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireknd under section 65(9)(b) of lh8 Charities My examirkltion irKguded a review of the accounting records kept by the chwtty and a comparison of the a(xounts presented with those ords. It also included w￿￿eration of any unusual itsffts or disdosures in the actounts, and seeking eXp￿natiorfj frDrn you as charity truste8S c(xKeming any s￿h rrratters. My is to stste whether any materHI matters have CO￿ to my attenlion givnw me cause to believe: 1. That accountlrvJ records wwe rKrt keFrt n a￿(dance I￿th secli(m 63 of the Charfiies Act 2. That the accounts do not acwd wilh those accwrflng re￿rdS 3. That the accounts do not compty wilh the a(munting requirements of the Charities A 4. That there is fwther inf￿nI￿(m needed for a pyoper UThIerst￿1ng of the accounts to be reached. Independent axamlnerfs statement I have completed my examination and have rn concems in respect ofts ntters (1) to (4) Itsled above and. h connection follcwing the Dwections of the Charity CoMmi￿10n for Nort1￿ Ireland, I have found rK) rnatt8rs that requir8 dra*irHJ to y￿r attenticm. fa ? Chris Flemlng FCA Allen Fleming Chartered Accwntants Okl Bank House 161-163 Uppw Lisbum Roal Belfast BT10 OLJ Date: 11 /ii /A L( 15

74th Belfast (RBAI) Scout Group

Income and Expenditure account for the year ended 31st March 2024

Income
Scout Subscriptions
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Subscriptions
Scout Programme Activities
Annual Summer Camp
Fundraising
BOIA
Contribution from RBAI
Contribution from the Principal RBAI
Expenditure
Scout Subscriptions
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Subscriptions
Scout Programme Activities
Annual Summer Camp
Essex Jamboree
Equipment
Stationery, inks, maps
Parents Night
Charity donation
Opening Balance reserves
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Closing Balance reserves		 £
£
2024
2024
Restricted
Unrestricted
8,045
11,483
1,182
21,649
884
900
1,971		 £
2024
Total
8,045
11,483
1,182
21,649
884
2,871
46,113
5,000
11,627
4,017
21,773
5,282
1,088
204
166
49,158
7,312
(3,045)
4,267		 £
2023
Total
5,250
15,326
1,718
9,485
732
3,060
4,246
398
34,031
12,081
5,000
11,627
4,017
21,773
5,282
734
354
204
166		 40,215
4,563
12,957
3,419
1,634
11,838
81
207
100
16
34,300
14,858
-
7,312
(269)
(2,776)		 34,799
1,896
5,416
- 269
4,536		 7,312
74th Belfast (RBAI) Scout Group
Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2024
Net Assets
Cash at Bank
Reserves
Reserves as at 1st April 2023
Deficit for the Year
Reserves as at 31st March 2024		 £
2024
4,267
4,267
7,312
-
3,045
4,267		 £
2023
7,312
7,312
1,896
5,416
7,312

These accounts were approved at the Annual General Meeting held on Monday, November 18th, 2024.

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Scouts 74th Bd14 Notes to Financial Statements l. Thes¢ accounts havc been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. 2. All pavments made to trustees or their families are for Ix)na fide transactions incurred on behalf of the Scout Group. 18

Group Mission Statement

The Purpose of Scouting

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

The Values of Scouting

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

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

Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief – We explore our faiths, beliefs, and attitudes.

Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.

The Scout Method

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

Inchmarlo Beaver Colony (P2 to P4) meet from 4 to 4.45 pm and Inchmarlo Cub Pack (P5 to 7) meet from 5 to 6 pm on Thursdays from September to June while the Scout Troop (Years 8 to 10), the Explorer Unit (Years 11 to 14) and the Scout Network (18 to 25 year olds) meet from 3.30 to 5 p.m. on Fridays during the autumn and spring terms, and when required in the summer term. There are numerous other events taking place throughout the year at Group, District, County, Northern Ireland, and United Kingdom levels as well as partnerships with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and charities like Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland and Storehouse Belfast.

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The Beaver Scout Promise

I promise to do my best.

And to be to kind and helpful

And to love God

The Cub Scout Promise

I promise that I will do my best.

To do my duty to God

and to the King,

To help other people

And to keep the Cub Scout Law.

The Cub Scout Law

Cub Scouts always do their best. Think of others before themselves And do a good turn every day.

The Scout Promise

On my honour,

I promise that I will do my best.

To do my duty to God

and to the King,

To help other people

And to keep the Scout Law.

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The Scout Law

  1. A Scout is to be trusted.

  2. A Scout is loyal.

  3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.

  4. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.

  5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.

  6. A Scout makes good use of his time and is careful of possessions and

property.

  1. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

Scouting is open to people of all faiths and of none therefore alternative wording can be used to best reflects members’ own beliefs, reflecting the diversity of our UK Scout community, e.g., country can be used for God or King.

74th Belfast (R.B.A.I.) Scout Group

The Royal Belfast Academical Institution,

College Square East,

Belfast,

BT1 6DL.

Telephone: 028 90240461 Email: dscott617@c2kni.net

: 74th Belfast Scouts

Charity Number – NIC103856

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The Scout Association

(Incorporated by Royal Charter)

Patron: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Founder: The Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, LLD.

Chief Scout: Bear Grylls

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