9 May 2023 The Annual General Meeting was held bin the Mcmordie Scout Hall on the above date at 7:30pm. PRESENT: William Mawhinney Stanley Mawhinney Paul Entwistle Colin Mcshane Michael Bennett Stephen Boyle Robert McKissick Jen Higgins Paula McKissick Alix Matthews Apologies Lexie Kennedy, Elizabeth Matthews Grou ort for 2022-2023 Paul presented the report for the previous year, with the following being the key points. It was a great pleasure to be reporting on a 'norn]al' unintemipted year, following the previous COVID years. All sections are currently strong with over 63 youths and 13 adults regularly attending the meetings. 8 Squirrels I l Beavers 26 Cubs I I Scouts 7 Explorers 13 leaders with 3 occasional helpers In addition to the nonnal weekly meetings and activities it is great to report that both the Cub and Scout sections had a number of camps at Mourneshore and Slievenaman School House - at Easter, Summer and the traditional winter weekend. The beavers also came a respectable 3 in the District Uni-hoc competition. Unit 78 from Devon who are attending the World Scout Jamboree in Korea spent a weekend in Belfast as part of their preparations and used the Mcmordie Hall as a base. The tradition of various members and ex-members meeting for a game of football on Christmas morning continued. Following on from the 'walks' during COVID this year saw a game take place and was well attended - as usual there was a lot of debate about the final score. On the social side, the group held an enjoyable evening in the Crown Plaza hotel to celebrate the life of Mike Loder and reminisce about old times with Mike. Mike had left money to fund the evening and specifically wanted no fomalities to the night. Just his old friends meeting for some food and drinks and to talk about old times. Robert successfully delivered on this request and a good time was had by everyone who attended. Fundraising use to be a key role of the committee each year to ensure the group could survive and afford to upkeep the hall and run the minibus.
Fortunately, due the generous gift from Mike Loder and the regular income from Venture Kids and renting the hall out for birthday parties and to other scout groups we are in a strong financial position and did not need to focus on fundraising activities. This year we have reinstalled the benches in the hall after replacing the floor last year. The next plan being to refurbish the toilets and upgrade the electrics in the main hall. So, all in all its great to be able to report that the group is in good health both in the sections and in the finances. As always, the success of the group rests with the section leaders and their assistants and helpers, without these people we would not have a scout group. It was also fantastic to report that Colin Mcshane was awarded the Bar to the Medal of Merit. Each section appears to have enough leaders at the minute, however they are always happy to get new people involved and also to plan for succession into the future. One main change in leadership during the year was that unfortunately our recently appointed GSL Andrew Totten had to resign due to personal commitments with new roles in had been offered outside of scouting. On behalf of the group, Paul thanked Andrew for everything he did during his tenure and wished him well into the future. He will of course remain a friend of the group and will continue to be involved in the museum and the upkeep of the rordS and history of the group. Paul then reported that Robert McKissick has agreed to take on the GSL role in addition to his current role of scout leader. Everyone at the meeting wished Robert well in his new role and Paul commented that the committee and section leaders will give him their full support. Paul concluded by thanking the members of the committee for the work during the and hoped that the coming year will be successful for all sections as we continue to grow and welcome new members across all sections. Paul then invited our treasurer William Mawhinney to report to the meeting.
Finance Re ort William presented the 202212023 accounts to the meeting. See attached The overall financial position of the group is strong with the current account balance at 31-3-23 of £95,304, in addition the group has building society bonds totalling £26,678 giving total funds of £121,982. Our totsl income for the 2022-2023 year was £22,326 Our expenses for the year were £14,951 Resulting in an operating profit of £7,374 Without the money from Venture kids the group would be running at a loss of £4,625 William also confmed that the Education Grant will be cut in the coming year. He also proposed that given the money in the current accounL the group should invest a significant amount into long tenn bonds. William concluded by thanking all section leaders who volunteered their service to the group and for their help in co-ordinating all the subscriptions. Paul reinforced to the meeting that although we have money in the bank, as a committee we are fully aware of the responsibilities we have to carefully mange this money and to future proof the group. Although on paper it may look like we have suificient money , upkeep of the hall and the minibus would quickly use IL if we have any major jobs to do such as repairs to the roof, heating. toilets, electrics etc. Election of members of the Executive Committee for the 2022-2 All existing members of the committee confirmed they were prepared to stand for re-election. As per POR Robert proposed all members to continue in their roles and it was therefore to re- elect all 8 current members the ex¢culive committee for the coming year. There being no fither business the meeting closed at 8:30 p.m.