Annual Report 2017

Kingsmills Scout Group

kingsmills.org.uk

Annual Review 2017 APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Even better Scouting for even more young people

INTRODUCTION It gives me great pleasure at the end of my first year as Chair to introduce this year’s annual report of the 2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Group.

The first thing I must do is to pay tribute to our band of leaders across all sections of the Kingsmills Group. I believe I speak on behalf of all parents, carers, children and young people when I express my admiration and thanks to them all for their enthusiasm, commitment and dedication. Our young people enjoy a fantastic and rewarding Scouting experience thanks to their selfless contribution. Thank you one and all.

I also want to express my thanks to my fellow members of the Executive Committee - thank you for your patience and support over the last year. There must have been times when you felt the last place you wanted to be was sitting in a small and at times cold hall listening to a discussion on the perils of paper hand towels….but you stuck with us and I am extremely grateful for your ideas, contributions and willingness to get involved to support the Group. Every group, and GSL, needs a committee behind it and you have been great. If you have the time and the motivation please join us…the coffee may not be great but it is rewarding to be involved. As always at Kingsmills there is no time to rest on our laurels and following the purchase of the building last year we now move forward with plans to improve the hall with works to replace the shower and most significantly refurbish the kitchen…and hopefully purchase a Nespresso machine!

Given the Group’s reputation it is no surprise that the sections continue to be oversubscribed and unfortunately despite our best efforts many

remain on our waiting lists. We will continue to try to accommodate as many as possible.

The sections have been very active both individually and on a few occasions collectively. The Group held a successful Christmas party and we had 100 people taking part in February’s Jambowlree. More recently we had Jamboree on the Trail which was very well supported by our parents although unfortunately we were not blessed with good weather.

The Scouts had a successful week in Orkney followed by weekends in Tomintoul and participation in the Green Neckie in Drumnadrochit. Looking forward they have a weekend in Brora before 16 members of the Troop supported by 4 leaders take off this summer to join 10,000 other Scouts from across the world at the Swedish Jamboree. The Scouts and their families have held a number of fundraising events and have also been supported by financial assistance from the Group and the Discretionary Ward Budget of Highland Council.

Our Cubs have spent the year celebrating the centenary year of Cub Scouting. From Wolf Cub for a Day to a Promise Party to renew their promise, a true year of adventure and celebration.

The Beavers continue to flourish taking to adventure through the recent Bear Hunt, as well as celebrating their 30th birthday.

I would wish to finish by expressing our thanks to Sonja who is standing down this year. Sonja is described as our Group Treasurer but this is wholly misleading and inaccurate. In my time with Kingsmills Sonja has been an ever present and has acted variously as Treasurer, Chair, Secretary, Leader, adviser, District representative, source of kit, chief cook, bottle washer and all round go to person. She has organised and supported the various fund raising activities such as the coffee morning, the duck race and Scout Post. She has been fantastic and we have been extremely fortunate to have benefitted from her unstinting support. She will be hugely missed and she leaves us with our gratitude and very best wishes.

I think that is all from me save to say I wish you all the very best for the next twelve months Yours in scouting Stewart Fraser, Group Chair

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104 AND COUNTING! Wow, hasn’t the year flown in!

these events and even more pleasing to see so many parents volunteering to help at these activities.

This past year has been significant in terms of progress within the group and once again for an increase in members. Our youth membership across the sections, Beavers 6-8, Cubs 8-101/2 and Scouts 10-14, is now standing at 78 girls and boys who are enjoying the everyday adventure of Scouting at Kingsmills.

This continued success is once again down to our growing team of adult volunteers. Over the last 12 months we have been delighted to welcome Abby and Catherine to our Beaver Scout team, Iain and Scott to our Cub Scout team and Douglas to our Scout section team. This takes our membership over 100 for the first time to 104.

I wrote last year of the #YouShape initiative which gives the young people a meaningful voice in their programme. We once again participated in this initiative, expanding it further to take in more than just the programme, by looking at leadership. I’m delighted that in addition to this the Group Executive are also getting involved with a desire to seek the young people’s views for larger projects in the group going forward as well. We truly are moving towards being a genuinely youth involved and youth led group.

This year sees the Scout Troop head to Sweden for their summer camp. A foreign trip is a regular feature at Another success over the year has been the election of Kingsmills as the Group aims to offer the experience every 4 years. To ensure that the expedition is more a full executive committee. After a year with small than just a trip away, the Scouts will be delivering a numbers on our committee and no Chair, I was most “Join in Sweden” programme at Beavers, Cubs and grateful to Stewart Fraser for agreeing to take on the Scouts before going to Sweden and will be sharing chairmanship. With all positions filled we are seeing their experiences after the expedition too. Today’s strong progress in the management of the group headquarters, including ambitious plans to build a fit Cubs and Beavers are tomorrow’s youngsters for for purpose kitchen and also in our fundraising efforts. overseas opportunities.

My sincerest thanks go to Stewart and our Group Finally… a heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicated Executive. leaders and supporters who give so much of their valuable time in making Scouting a reality for our On the programme side, we have worked to bring all Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. You make a real difference of the sections together in the group, to improve the to the lives of young people. Thank you. moving on process for youngsters as they progress through the sections and also to introduce joint section activities. Our Jambowlree event saw 93 of our 104 group members take part in February, a superb if somewhat chaotic event. We also held a joint Jamboree on the Trail hike last month in and around Craig Phadraig, which was somewhat “damp”. It has been great to see so many youngsters taking part in

Clearly, exciting times continue to lie ahead for Scouting at Kingsmills and it is definitely a great time to get involved with one of our many volunteering opportunities.

Graham Eden, Group Scout Leader

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BEAVERS 6-8 YEAR OLDS The Beavers have enjoyed another fun year of activities resulting in a number of badges for the young people. Throughout the year we have had on average 17 Beavers each term and continue as a leadership team of myself and John assisted by our Young Leaders, Emma, Nathan and Craig. We were also lucky to have 2 leaders join us this year, Catherine and Abby

This year also saw the Beavers celebrate their 30th Birthday. We had a small party at the end of term where the Beavers made octopus and frog cupcakes and Beaver biscuits.

At the beginning of the year the Beavers, along with the rest of the group, went to Rollerbowl and took part in Jambowlree. This is a global event where Scouts from all over the world go bowling and submit their scores to see which Scout Group can gain the highest score. The night was a great success with some fantastic scores from the Beavers.

The Beavers started the year by celebrating both the Queen’s and Beaver’s Birthdays. For the Queen’s Birthday we had a knight themed night where they made swords and helmets. We ended the night with a jousting tournament where we saw a side to some Beavers that we had not seen before.

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The Beavers have been working towards a number of the challenge badges this year including Outdoor, Adventure and My Skills and also the Scottish Beaver Scout Award. This is a challenge badge based on learning more about Scotland, sampling Scottish food and Scottish activities.

They’ve also worked towards the Gardeners, Disability Awareness, Creative and Faith activity badges. After the success of doing #YouShape last we did this again at the beginning of the year.

The Beavers got to tell us what they do and don’t like about Beavers, what they would like to do or change & what badges they’d like to work towards.

Towards the end of the year we took part in the first Beaver Bear Hunt. The event took place at Borlum, Drumnadrochit and was based on a film about a beaver hunt. The Beavers crossed many rivers with rope bridges and logs, hunted for bears, walked through big muddy puddles under cargo nets, went on a small canoe ride across Loch Ness and ended the hunt by being chased by a bear.

Busy Beaver has also had a fun packed year visiting all the Beavers at home and being taken on many fun activities including: trips to the swimming pool, visits to lots of different schools, bike rides, cake baking, sitting on a motorbike and walking some dogs.

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CUBS 8 - 10

1/2

YEAR OLDS

The past year has been another successful and enjoyable one for the Kingsmills Cub Pack – for both leaders and Cubs alike. During the year, the usual transition has continued as we said goodbye to our elder Cubs as they headed up to Scouts and welcomed new Cubs into the pack. Our numbers have remained strong; reaching 30 Cubs during the year.

During the year we have continued our programme based on the principles of fun, teamwork and adventure. We have celebrated Scottish heritage and culture with a special look at Saint Andrew’s Day. Any opportunity for Irn-Bru and haggis! We have learnt about - and done activities around International Women’s Day for the first time.

On the Leadership front, I was delighted that one of our new Cub parents – Iain MacKay – agreed to join us as an Assistant Leader. We were also joined

by Mhairi Ross, following the closure of the Inshes Cub Pack. Our Young Leaders Scott Greig and Molly Gill continue to do an excellent job each week.

Scott turned 18 during the course of the year and I was particularly pleased that he agreed to stay with us as an Assistant Leader.

2016 was a special one for the Cub pack; it being the 100th anniversary of Cub Scouts with several special events held throughout the year. The year culminated with our fantastic “Cubs 100” party held on 16th December – the actual 100th anniversary. We all renewed our Cub Scout Promise and then enjoyed far too much food and of course a slice of birthday cake.

We have also participated in events organised by Inverness District Scouts as well as taking part in events with the rest of the sections here at Kingsmills. A highlight from earlier this year was, “Jambowlree” when almost the entire Cub Pack joined Kingsmills Beavers, Scouts and Phoenix Explorers for an evening of ten-pin bowling. We had an absolute blast participating in the only World Scout Ten-Pin bowling event and now all have the badge to prove it!

These events are an ideal opportunity to meet and have fun with members from across Inverness.

From a Group perspective, it is an ideal opportunity to start the “moving-on” process between the sections and to hear more about what the Scouts get up to.

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The lighter, summer nights have given us the opportunity to leave the hall. Whether it simply be for an outdoor game or two on a Wednesday evening or to run a whole programme outside; nothing beats it. In recent weeks, we have started to introduce our younger Cubs to tent pitching; a skill which every Scout has to master! It has been great fun, although something of a mixed success!

I know I have said it before, but I am genuinely privileged to lead a team of dedicated and passionate Cub Leaders. We all have a blast at Cubs and with everything else that goes on, our Cubs turn up and participate week in week out, topped off with a sense of humour! You’re all stars!

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SCOUTS 10

- 14 YEAR OLDS

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Another year packed with adventure!

first camp in the Northern Isles. A week full of activities and skills, where we were very fortunate to have great weather. Highlights included visits to Skara Brae, Maes Howe and activities ranged from hiking on a convenient hill behind the site to backwoods cooking and of course developing the skills needed to enjoy camp. We had a twist to the programme and after 6 nights, we left Orkney to spend the last evening in Thurso. A thoroughly entertaining photo quiz around the town was the best way for the Scouts to explore Thurso on their own, before travelling home the next morning. A very successful week which we were grateful to receive grant funding for from Comic Relief.

This year once again kicked off with our now annual Jamboree on the Trail camp, held once again at Brodie Castle. Twenty five Scouts and six Cubs took part in a weekend of skills training, hiking and other fun activities in and around Culbin Forest.

Activities in the run up to summer camp focused on the conclusion of our #MillionHands project, with a second litter sweep along the canal as well as the Volunteers Week Garden Party, where the Scouts made pancakes on a near industrial scale!

We also went to Lockdown, a Crystal Maze based activity, to enjoy an evening of watching the Scouts work together to solve clues to escape from a locked room. I think it is best to say that there was a mixed result. We also focused on core Scouting skills such as camping and navigation prior to our summer camp.

Twelve months on from camping in London, it felt appropriate to offer something quite different which was another first for the Troop. Twenty years after the last summer camp on a Scottish Island, we set course for Orkney for the Troop’s

As always, we have had a large number leave the Troop at the top end of the age range, so we go through the annual appointment of new Patrol Leaders and welcoming in new members. We did elect to reduce the Troop numbers from a high of 43 to a more manageable 35, allowing the leadership team to focus more on the quality of activities.

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We held our annual indoor camp at Tomintoul and after the success of 2015, we once again ran a Halloween theme with eighteen Scouts. A strange weekend of unseasonable weather saw an

enjoyable afternoon hike in glorious sunshine at the end of October. Other highlights of the winter programme included our traditional trip to the Florians Panto, a visit from Nick Martin and his animals from the Scottish Exotic Animal Rescue Centre at Cantraybridge College and the joint Cub 100/Scout Christmas party at Lochardil Scout Hall.

to plan a fun, varied and challenging programme.

I would like once again to express my thanks to our team at Scouts: Russell, Heather, Oz and Amy who has now moved on to Scouting in Fort William along with our young leader Kirsty, for their commitment to ensuring that we continue to provide everyday adventure for all.

We kicked off the new year with our #YouShape programme which brought Dragon’s Den to Kingsmills as a new way to reinforce the core skills. Rather than the leaders teach, we tasked the Scouts to promote the benefits of the Recovery Position and extol the virtues of resources like a stove or OS map. It proved to be a very successful and light hearted way to approach skills training.

Further high points included Jambowlree with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, pancakes and our trip to the Trampoline Park - all of which the Scouts themselves had requested. The year concluded with the Green Neckie camp at Drumnadrochit, a weekend of activities, adventure and occasionally some mud.

As always, the success of the Troop comes down to the hard work of the leadership team, taking time

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EXPLORERS 14 - 18 YEAR OLDS Another busy year of adventure for Phoenix Explorers!

forming a compact unit and lasting friendships.

Highlights included climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, bushcraft and of course the infamous Atholl Experience. The Cubs and Scouts joined the Explorers for the visitors’ day on the middle Saturday, helping to widen the international experience across the Group.

A key theme through the year has been participation and community involvement. Last summer several Explorers took part in the biennial Blair Atholl Jamborette, with 800 other Scouts and Explorers from across the globe. This two week international camp is unique amongst other international camps as whilst typically Scouts will camp as part of a troop or unit in a sub camp, Blair Atholl pairs a patrol of 6 Scouts and Explorers with a patrol of international Scouts and Explorers.

This unique approach allows the youngsters to live and work together with the aim of

More local activity camps have included the Cally Rally in October at Dochgarroch and Woolly Jumper in Aberdeen. These activity camps are national camps bringing Explorers together from across Scotland. A milder than normal Cally Rally further enhanced the enjoyment of the usual array of water and land based activities. Members of the unit also enjoyed the Highland Extreme camp, an Explorer Scout activity camp organised by Explorer Scouts! A great weekend was had, with off road driving, abseiling and many other activities in late November.

Explorers continue to play an active part in the community as they once again supported Highland Cross by manning water stations, as well as various other running events in the local area. Scouting’s

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involvement in supporting Highland Cross is well established, with Phoenix having been involved for many years along with the various Venture Scout Units that formerly existed.

A work party day with Forres Scouts and Explorers has been a great project over the last few months.

The Explorers have worked with Forres to support them with the renovation of their bothy in order to improve the facilities and ensure that there are adequate wood supplies in place for future visits.

Here’s to another year of adventure and More to Explore!

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GOVERNANCE

2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st March 2016.

Scottish Charity Number SC016603 Name & Address: The 2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group may be contacted c/o 30 Abbey Court, Inverness, IV3 8SN Constitution & Purpose: The Scout Group is constituted in terms of the Rules of the Scout Association, which is a charitable body incorporated by Royal Charter.

The purpose of the Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The method of achieving the aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law guided by adult leadership.

Trustees: Graham Eden Stewart Fraser Sonja Fisken Carole Robertson Fiona Barrett John Horne Helen Haslam Heather Preece Adam Scotson Mags Aburn Gemma Campbell Stewart Fraser Mike Grady Tola Laditi Stephen Leslie Scott MacLean Elaine Macrae Nicola Madej Gail Robertson Gerry Sutton

Group Scout Leader Group Chairperson (nominated 25 June 2016) Group Treasurer Minute Secretary (resigned 26 June 2016) Group Secretary (elected 25 June 2016) Beaver Leader Assistant Cub Leader (nominated 25 June 2016) Assistant Scout Leader Explorer Scout Leader Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (resigned 25 June 2016) Committee Member (nominated as Chairperson 25 June 2016) Committee Member Committee Member (resigned 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016) Committee Member (elected 25 June 2016)

Trustees are recruited and appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules (“POR�) of the Scout Association.

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Reserves Policy: The Trustees believe that around three months of annual expenditure is an appropriate level of reserves in order to cover timing differences between receipts and payments and to allow for any unexpected items of expenditure on the Scout Building.

Activities & Achievements: During the year the group has continued to deliver the Scout Programme for the benefit of young people in Inverness. The Group has retained healthy numbers in each of the sections – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The Group has three main fundraising activities each year: A duck race, Scout Post and a Coffee Morning.

We have been carefully managing our relationship with our 2 key hall users – Les Enfants and Kempo who continue to use the hall on a regular basis.

Approved by the Group Executive on 22nd May 2017 and signed on its behalf by

Stewart Fraser Group Chairman

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FINANCE

Independent Examiners Report I report on the financial statements of the 2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group (“The Group”) for the year started 1st April 2016 and ended 31st March 2017 which are set out on pages 15 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner: The Group’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The Group’s Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement: My examination is carried out in accordance with the Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement: In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements; • to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44 (1) (a) of the 2005 Act and

Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with

Regulation 9 of the Accounts Regulations 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.

Munro Ross 11 Stratton Road, Inverness IV2 3XA 30th May 2017

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2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group

Charity Number SC016603

Receipts & Payments Account Year Ended 31st March 2017 Notes

2016/17

2015/16

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

4886.23

6705.41

-2574.00

-2425.60

1386.25

1595.00

15477.19

4979.00

15.00

17.40

3262.92

2630.89

17050.50

15798.90

62.30

0

0

0

46.28

102.79

396.19

0

Gift Aid

2566.47

0

Total Receipts for Year

42575.33

29403.79

4012.00

8278.07

16649.03

1841.15

Receipts Subscriptions Less paid to District Programme Activities/Events Camps Uniform/Badges Fundraising

2

Letting Donations Donations

4

Grants Bank Interest Reimbursement from District

Payments Programme Activities/Events Camps Fundraising

2

245.60

362.39

Equipment

3

1006.80

588.92

0

0

210.08

196.50

2669.09

2463.49

369.55

426.37

0

220.00

722.61

716.87

1834.78

14022.56

2200.00

1392.00

797.32

346.45

0

1394.27

345.48

322.56

Total Payments for year

31062.34

32571.60

Surplus/(Deficit) for Year

11512.99

-3167.81

Leader Training Bank Charges (OSM) Accommodation Costs: Electric Phone Rent Insurance Repair and Replace Cleaning Stationery & Postage Legal fees Miscellaneous (PRS)

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2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group

Charity Number SC016603

Balance Sheet Year ended 31st March 2017 2016/17

2015/16

12000.00

12000.00

Beavers - Cash at Bank

1928.69

2171.51

Cubs - Cash at Bank

2491.20

2433.89

Scouts - Cash at Bank

4038.92

6153.80

Group - Cash at Bank

14169.69

356.31

22628.50

11115.51

34628.50

23115.51

General Fund - start of year

23115.51

26283.32

Surplus/Deficit in Year

11512.99

-3167.81

34628.50

23115.51

Fixed Assets Land & Buildings Current Assets

Total Assets Represented by:

Other Assets: The Group owns the Scout Building at Walker Park, Kingsmills Road, Inverness.

It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain it adequately it is not intended to charge depreciation in future years.

The Group owns a quantity of camping and other equipment which has been acquired over a number of years.

Liabilities: The Group has no material liabilities or obligations.

The notes on Page 17 form an integral part of these accounts.

Approved by the Group Executive Committee on 22nd May 2017 and signed on their behalf by:

Group Chairman

Group Scout Leader

Group Treasurer 16

Group Treasurer

2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group

Charity Number SC016603

Notes to the Accounts: Year Ended 31st March 2017

1. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses: 2016/17 The Trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year.

(2015/16: also nil)

2. Fundraising £ Income

1150.64

Scout Post

991.56

Duck Race

709.22

Coffee Morning

400.00

Foundation Scotland

11.50

Sale of old badges

£3,262.92 Expenses

£245.60

Duck Race expenses & prizes

3. Equipment 77.86

Gas regulators & hoses

446.18

Stoves

400.00

Trangias

46.86

Cookbox items

35.90

Globes for lanterns

£1,006.80 4. Donations £50.00

To Scout section

12.30

To Cub section

£62.30

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CENSUS

Our Group Membership 120

100

2017

104

2015

80

75

75

71

82

2011

2009

2007

60

92

2013

40

20

0 2007

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

100 80

80

60

60

40

40

20

18

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

0

100

20

120

2008

Adults Scouts Cubs Beavers

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nd

Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group c/o 47 Murray Terrace, Smithton, Inverness, IV2 7WX e. info@kingsmills.org.uk Registered Charity SC016603