## 1[st ] Newry (Earl Kilmorey) Scout Group Charity Registration No: 103883 

## - GROUP REPORT 1[ST ] April 2022 31[st ] MARCH 2023 

## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR:** 

## **THE GROUP** 

2022/23 Proved to be a much, much better year than those of the past few years. Everyone was getting over the serious risks of the Covid Pandemic and able to manage better without the statutory requirement of having to wear Face masks. Following the splendid work carried out by Vicky Flanagan, (Strategy and Engagement Manager) together with her colleagues, Michael and Emma over the months leading up to the start of the new Scouting Year the Group has now managed to get back on its feet again and move successfully forward. Our sincere thanks and gratitude is extended to these three young people for their help.  On Friday, 20[th] May 2022 the Group held an Open Night to attract new members and encourage our older members to return. This event proved to be an outstanding occasion as our hall was absolutely full of young people and parents. On that evening we had around 60 boys and girls who expressed an interest in joining Scouting. A number of activities, games etc were provided as well as refreshments for the parents/carers. Whilst we were grateful for the marvellous attendance the Leaders and Committee were aware that not every young person who came along that evening would in fact return as full members but if we got fifty percent we would be extremely happy. In fact we got some thirty new members (boys & girls) who came along on the following Monday evenings up to the end of June.  After the summer holiday break we started back again in September with some new recruits and due to the numbers already on hand we had to implement a waiting list for new members due to the leader/member ratio. Throughout the year the Squirrel, Beaver and Cub sections continued to meet each Monday evening with the Leaders continuing to provide a really good range of programmes of activities and games etc both indoors and outside. Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs were invested as full members of the Group and all sections engaged in a wide range of badge work with many members completing the necessary requirements for each badge. During the year we had our ups and downs as some young people found scouting was not for them and together with location issues left the Group. However this meant that we could now admit those on the waiting list and our numbers are now back to around the thirty mark. At the conclusion of the year (31/03/23} we now have six new leaders along with the three current leaders over three of the sections, (Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs). Throughout the year all the new Leaders have completed the five mandatory training requirements to enable them to provide safe, exciting, interesting and enjoyable programs for all our members. This would not have been possible without the valuable help and guidance form Vicky and her colleagues. Once again 1[st] Newry is well on its way to offering first class Scouting to a wide section of young people in the community. 

We most sincerely thank all those who have supported us in any way over these difficult past number of years and look forward with extra confidence to the future. 

The Parents’ Committee would like to thank all the Leaders, Executive Committee and Trustees for their hard work and time given not only this year but over past years.  Thank you everyone. 

**OUR OFFICE BEARERS:** Our thanks go also to our Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer for their support and help in managing the Group’s finances and other administrative responsibilities for the past year. Thank you also to our Scrutineer, John Kernaghan, for his diligence in reviewing our financial report. We are greatly indebted to you all for your time and support. Thank you, Linda, Alan, Jim and John. 

## **REVIEW OF OUR FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31/03/2023** 

The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. Our funds are in a healthy state, and we do not have any debts or funds in material deficit. Normally we collect subscriptions and fees on a regular basis to satisfy contingencies and anticipated expenses. This year we again took the decision to reduce the annual fee by fifty percent due to the current national financial situation and increased cost for families. 

## Signed by Alan McGaffin (Chairperson, 1[st ] Newry (Earl Kilmorey) Scout Group): 


Date:  03/09/2023