14th May 2024 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 Johnny Shearer Alix Matthews Apologies Elizabeth Matthews The Chainnan opened the meeting by paying tribute to our President Mr Lexie Kennedy who sadly passed away on 28 April. Lexie was a stalwart of the group having been a member of all sections and then going on to kcome cub leader and then committee chairn]an for rnany years and finally took the role of Group President. Throughout his life he was a staunch supporter of the 10 and was responsible for introducing many young people to scouting in the group. During his time on the committee, he was also instrumental in securing funding for the extension to the hall. rou ortfor2 -2024 Robert presented the report for the previous year, with the following being the key points. All sections are currently active and continue to meeL we have a slight reduction in membership this year with 78 Members. 59 Youth and 19 Leaders as per breakdown below, 14 Squirrels 9 Beavers 20 Cubs 14 Scouts 2 Explorers 15 Leaders and 4 occasional helpers. TH 8 Worcester Scouts travelled to Crawfordsburn and borrowed the Group Minibus at the end of May 23. No Summer Camps took place this year. Again, the Leaders are finding it hard to agree dates which suit the majority of Families which in turn reduces the numbers which makes it not viable to run a camp. Leaders, refresher training continued throughout the year with updates to Safeguarding and Access Nl renewals. A congratulations goes to Steve Shortt AESL for completing his Wood badge Training which is great to see. The tradition of various members and ex-members meeting for a game of football on Christmas morning continued. ScoutsXplorers held their Winter Camp in February at Mourneshore which was wet and windy but enjoyed by all who took part. Winter night walks in Shaws Bridge and a day hiking Cavehill learning map and compass where just some of the activities undertaken this year.
Donnybrook Explorers used Mcmordie hall for a weekend in March while they explored Belfast. The Explorers took part in the few District activities that where arrdnged. The Cubs also used Mourneshore for their Easter Camp and again it was a windy weekend, but sprits remained high. The transforniation of Belfast County continues, and this will start from September 2024 but should have no real impact on the Group. Robert concluded by expressing thanks and appreciation to all the Section Leaders and helpers and to the Executive Committee for all the support and Continued commitment to keeping the Group going. The Chainnan thanked Robert for his hard work during the year and congratulated him on the award of 'Bar to the Medal of Merit, which he received during the year. Paul then invited our treasurer William Mawhinncy to report to the meeting. Finance Re William presented the 2023r2024 accounts to the meeting. See attached The overall financial position of the group is strong with the current account balance at 31-3-24 of £25,999, in addition the group has building society bonds totalling £103,500 giving total funds of £129,499. Our total income for the 2023-2024 year was £24.662 Our expenses for the year were £13,967 Resulting in an operating profit of £10.694 Once again, without the income from Venture kids the group would be running at a loss of around £4.000. William stated that fundamentally the group needs to get onto a strong foundation of fimding that is not solely relaying on venture Kids. William proposed reviewing the subscriptions for each section with a view to increasing them. as they hav¢ not been incr¢ascd for many years. 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 thanked William for his report and to Mervyn Bannister for scrutinising the accounts. he again reinforced to the meeting that although we have money in the banL as a committee we are fully aware of the responsibilities we must carefully mange this money and to tUre proof the group. Although on paper it may look like we have sufficient money , upkeep of the hall and the minibus would quickly use it, if we have any major jobs to do such as repairs to the roof, heating. toilets. electrics ete.
Election of members of the Executive Committee f e 2023-2024 ear All existing members of the committee confirn]ed they were prepared to stand for re<lection. As per POR Robert proposed all members to continue in their roles and it was therefore agreed to re- elect all 8 Current members the executive committee for the coming year. There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:30 p.m.