#ScoutingForAll 2
Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group Annual Report 2015 - 2016 nd
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Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group
CONTENTS Welcome from the Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Purpose and Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Welcome from the Group Scout Leader................................................ 3 1. Strategic aims and performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Section 4 StrategicReports objective: .................................................................................................. Growth Strategic Beavers objective: Inclusivity Cubs Strategic objective: Youth Shaped Scouts Strategic objective: Community Impact Explorers (Phoenix Explorer Unit)
2. Our finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Governance ........................................................................................................ 12 Financial review Trustees’ Trustee’s Report responsibilities
Independent Financial statements Examiner’s Report Statements Notes Financial to the financial statements Independent auditor’s report
Census ................................................................................................................... 18 3. Our members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 4. How we operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Board structure and membership Our advisors
5. Our thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
WELCOME FROM THE GROUP SCOUT LEADER The last year at Kingsmills has seen both success and challenge.
Another initiative rolled out across the Group has been to overhaul our administrative processes with the group wide adoption of Online Scout Manager. This is already providing great benefits in reducing admin time for leaders, with parents also feeding back its ease of use and benefits for event organisation.
We continue to enjoy increasing membership, with all of our youth sections (Beavers 6-8, Cubs 8 – 101/2 and Scouts 101/2 - 14) full, with 77 girls and boys enjoying the everyday adventure of Scouting at Kingsmills. This continued success is down to the energy, dedication and commitment of our wonderful volunteer team of leaders.
We have had a great many successes during this last year, but with all these successes we have also faced several challenges. We were saddened to lose Fiona as our Cub Scout Leader after many years involved in the section, but delighted that she has agreed to stay on as a skills instructor. We were also sorry that after 10 years as an Assistant Scout Leader Stewart Vant decided to leave the Troop. My grateful thanks to both Fiona and Stewart for all of their time and efforts with us over the years. However, despite these challenges, we were delighted to welcome Helen, Oz and Amy to our leadership team this year.
We continue to be well served by an ever improving Group Headquarters which over the last year has seen the installation of acoustic panels in the main hall, new internal doors across the full building and lasts summer’s main building project to refresh and rebuild our equipment store. This invaluable work, led by our Group Executive Committee, ensures that the leaders have the resources available to deliver a challenging, varied and safe programme every week to the young people. This work has been further bolstered with the completion of the purchase of the Group Headquarters from Highland Council. This is an exciting stage of the Group’s development as we continue to meet the needs of Scouting locally.
These are exciting times for Scouting at Kingsmills Scout Group and a great time to get involved with one of our many volunteering opportunities.
It has been most pleasing over the last year that within the Group we have undertaken to improve youth involvement through the #YouShape initiative, giving the young people a meaningful voice in their programme. This was further developed with the Scouts making the decision on their Community Impact project by selecting Water as the focus of their Million Hands work. Over the upcoming year I am keen to identify ways we can expand our youth involvement further within the Group.
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 Leader Emma. We were also lucky to have 2 new Young Leaders join us, Nathan in April and Craig in February.
visiting all the Beavers at home and being taken on many fun activities including trips to the swimming pool, the panto, lots of different schools, bike rides, helping to feed some cows, helping to sell some Scout Post stamps and even got his own bed in one house.
We enjoyed a visit to Tesco Inshes where we took part in their Farm to Fork programme. The Beavers had to find different food around the shop and guess where they thought they were from, learned about making bread, tested how cold the freezers where and sampled lots of different food. A big thank you to Shona for showing us round. Once again we descended on Rollerbowl at the end of the summer term, which was a great success. Some strikes were gained by the Beavers and some real talent for bowling was shown. We also hosted Jamboree participants from the Group, Gemma and Molly, for a fun Japanese themed night. Other nights throughout the year included junk modelling, blind folded fruit tasting, designing a futuristic Beaver, learning some First Aid, a Burns Night and Halloween and Christmas parties. The launch of the new activity badges for Beavers has seen some great additions and there are a few that we have been completing this year. A number of these were run by our Young Leaders including the Communicators, International, Navigator and Space badges. The Beavers also took part in what is now an annual Team Dodgeball Tournament. A fun filled afternoon was had taking part in the tournament and doing a number of crafts. Again, like last year, we didn’t win but everyone enjoyed taking part. Busy Beaver has also had a fun packed year
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CUBS
8 - 10 1/2 Year Olds The past year has been one of significant change for the Cub leadership team. In January, due to increasing personal commitments elsewhere, Fiona Barrett our Cub Leader resigned. Fiona started as a parent helper and then became an Assistant Cub Scout Leader. She did a power of work in her more than five years of dedicated service to the Pack. On behalf of all of the leaders, I thank her most sincerely for everything she did for the Kingsmills Cubs and wish her well for the future. I am pleased that she has agreed to make guest appearances from time to time running the First Aid badge – something which the Cubs always enjoy!
The Cubs have also been well represented at Inverness District events with good numbers attending both the Cub Night Hike along the canal towpath back in February, as well as the Wolf Cub day in April. A great time was had by all and we are very grateful to the District Team for putting on these events for us. They are a great opportunity for Cubs to meet and have fun with other packs from across Inverness. The older Cubs were also invited along to the recent Scout Troop Camp at Brodie Castle campsite. The Cubs had a blast spending time with the Scouts and it was an ideal opportunity to start the “moving-on” process between the sections. The sun was even shining!
I was delighted that Helen Haslam, one of our Cub parents, agreed to join the happy band of leaders and together with our two young leaders, Molly Gill and Scott Greig, we have continued a weekly programme of fun and adventure. We have built things, ate things, made things and of course had the odd game or three of dodgeball!
We currently have 22 Cubs, with several more on the waiting list. Unfortunately, with only two Adult Leaders and two Young Leaders at present we simply cannot afford to get any larger – a great shame indeed! We are always on the lookout for willing volunteers. It’s no exaggeration to say whatever you fancy doing, there’s a role in local Scouting for you if you want it!
We have learnt about the local area, participated in a town walk and heard about life in Inverness over the last 40 years. Many thanks indeed to Wym Simpson, of the Scout Active Support, for coming along and giving such an interesting talk on “Inverness through the years”, as well as answering every single one of the Cubs (many!) questions. The Cubs have also participated in a number of teamwork based challenges including trying to build the tallest free standing paper tower, which was something of a mixed success!
One thing is for sure, we all have a blast at Kingsmills Cubs – week in week out. I’m privileged to lead a team of dedicated and passionate Cub Leaders. Helen, Scott and Molly have my heartfelt thanks for the power of work they have done. They are all stars! And of course, the Cubs themselves are the real stars of the show – they certainly keep their Leaders on their toes......but always in a good way! I’m delighted that despite their being more demands on young people than ever, our Cubs turn up and participate week in week out, topped off with a sense of humour!
During the summer nights we have been out and about including a most enjoyable and successful trip to Ord Hill, just outside of Inverness. Whilst there the Cubs all participated in a blind trail as well as having a shelter building competition. Some of the newer Cubs had never built shelters before, which made the end result even more impressive!
2016 is of course the 100th anniversary of Cub Scouts so we’re looking forward to a number of special events, as well as even more fun and adventure in year ahead! 6
SCOUTS
101/2 - 14 Year Olds It’s been another year crammed full of adventure in the Scout Troop over these last 12 months. Our year kicked off participating in our second Jamboree on the Trail, this year held at Brodie Castle. Twenty six Scouts took part in a weekend of skills training, hiking and geo-caching around Culbin Forest. It was just prior to this event, that after 10 years as a leader, Stewart Vant left the Troop. We were very sorry to lose Stewart from our team but are very grateful to him for his valued contribution during his time at Kingsmills.
along with some bellringing. Our year was then rounded off in our now traditional manner at the Florians’ panto, Babes in the Wood and of course our traditional Christmas party. A new year, brought new challenges. The Troop grew again to 41 which required us to constitute an unprecedented 7th patrol (The Seagulls). We held an evening exploring the Million Hands initiative, with the Troop choosing to focus on water. From the evening we have held several activities as the Scouts have learned more about the use of water in everyday life (including how much we all waste), as well as more recently with the challenges of getting water in Africa. Our Million Hands work will continue through to the summer.
Activities in the run up to summer camp included, orienteering at Ord Hill, lawn bowls at the local bowling club and a paddle-sports activity day at Muirtown Basin. For our summer camp we travelled to England for the first time in 23 years, camping in London. A full week of activities, including water sports at Canary Wharf, visits to Chelsea Football Club, Southwark Cathedral and Downing Street were peppered with climbing and archery on site, as well as the zip wire and 3G swing at Gilwell Park. We also took part in a joint Troop evening with both of the 2nd Harpenden Troops in Harpenden. A truly successful week which we were grateful to receive funding for from the Cashback in Communities scheme.
As always, the success of the Troop comes down to the hard work of the leadership team, taking time to plan a fun, varied and challenging programme, taking on board feedback from the Scouts as well as seeking out new exciting opportunities. I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership team at Scouts, Russell, Heather, Oz and Amy for their commitment to ensuring that we continue to provide everyday adventure for all.
Like most years, August sees a change in the Troop, with numbers growing to 39 and we elected to continue with 6 patrols at this stage. In August our leadership team also grew when Amy and Oz joined us to provide a much needed additional leadership resource which enabled us to take forward our new larger Troop. We held our winter camping event at Tomintoul with 23 Scouts participating in a Hallowe’en themed event, with a balance of craft bases and outdoors activities around the village. Other highlights in our winter term included visits to Inverness Cathedral for an evening on faith with Bishop Mark Strange
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EXPLORERS 14 - 18 Year Olds
We have had Explorers representing the Unit at many local, national and international events over the last year. Our numbers have been stable, however we did lose a few over the summer but gained some new explorers who have never previously been in the movement before. Due to a change in circumstances we have been able to recruit Gemma Campbell to become a leader with us to complement myself and Jamie. We had Explorers at the International Jamboree in Japan, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the Explorers and staff who attended. We finished off the summer with a survival weekend in Aviemore. The Explorers had a busy time having to build their own shelters, collect and purify their drinking water, prepare their own tea (grouse and rabbit), navigate up a mountain to then have to come back down following the river (sliding and swimming) which was enjoyed by all. We had Explorers at Cally Rally in October and also had a few Explorers assisting with the Green Beret camp earlier this year. We also have several Explorers assisting with the younger sections as Young Leaders with excellent feedback. The District Duke of Edinburgh scheme is enabling a number of our Explorers to carry out bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh with a possibility of one of them starting their gold award this summer. We have worked towards the Explorer badges during the winter and were able to present 2 bronze and one silver Duke of Edinburgh award and the equivalent scout awards diamond and platinum. We are looking forward to our selected Explorers attending the Blair Atholl Scout Jamborette this summer. 10
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: Jane Gill Sonja Fisken Carol Robertson John Horne David Morton Graham Eden Adam Scotson Mike Grady Stewart Fraser Tola Laditi Heather Preece Gemma Campbell
Group Chairperson (Stood down 22.06.15) Group Treasurer Minute Secretary Beaver Leader Cub Leader Scout Leader Explorer Scout Leader Committee Member (Co-opted 31.08.15) Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member
Trustees are recruited and appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules (“POR”) of the Scout Association. 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. 12
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. Several years ago, the group was approached by The Highland Council and asked if we would be interested in buying our Scout Hall from them. We said YES, and although it took a longer than we estimated, we are delighted that we now own our meeting place. Many thanks to everyone who has supported the group and in particular R W McClurg for his ongoing legal assistance. Approved by the Group Executive on 30th May 2016 and signed on its behalf by
Graham W J Eden Group Scout Leader
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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 2015 and ended 31st March 2016 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 2016
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2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group Receipts & Payments Account Year Ended 31st March 2016 Notes Receipts Subscriptions Less paid to District Programme Activities/Events Camps Uniform/Badges Fundraising 2 Letting Donations Donations Grants Bank Interest Miscellaneous Gift Aid Total Receipts for Year
2015/16 ÂŁ
2014/15 ÂŁ
6705.41 -2425.60 1595.00 4979.00 17.40 2630.89 15798.90 0.00 0.00 102.79 0.00 0.00 29403.79
5527.50 -2484.00 342.95 4450.09 3.00 2789.80 15067.01 0.00 3190.00 107.85 425.53 2302.29 31722.02
Payments Programme Activities/Events Camps Fundraising 2 Equipment 3 Leader Training Bank Charges (OSM) Accommodation Costs: Electric Phone Rent Insurance Repair and Replace Cleaning Stationery & Postage Legal fees 4 Miscellaneous (PRS) Total Payments for year
8278.07 1841.15 362.39 588.92 0.00 196.50
1433.00 4145.66 355.78 616.98 5.00 59.56
2463.49 426.37 220.00 716.87 14022.56 1392.00 346.45 1394.27 322.56 32571.60
2404.60 355.13 220.00 707.08 12111.55 1125.00 74.69 0.00 312.48 23926.51
Surplus/(Deficit) for Year
-3167.81
7795.51
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2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group Balance Sheet Year Ended 31st March 2016 2015/16 Fixed Assets Land & Buildings Current Assets Beavers - Cash at Bank Cubs - Cash at Bank Scouts - Cash at Bank Group - Cash at Bank Total Assets Represented by: General Fund - start of year Surplus/Deficit in Year
2014/15
12000.00
0.00
2171.51 2433.89 6153.80 356.31 11115.51
2053.25 3566.50 6522.87 14140.70 26283.32
23115.51
26283.32
26283.32 -3167.81 23115.51
18487.81 7795.51 26283.32
Other Assets: The Group utilises the Scout Building owned by Highland Council at Walker Park, Kingsmills Road Inverness. The rent for 2015/16 was ÂŁ220 per annum. Funds to purchase the building were transferred to our solicitor prior to year end, but the full transfer of ownership has not been completed and has been shown as Fixed Asset. As it will be the policy of the Trustees to maintain it adequately it is not intended to charge depreciation in future years. The lease was held in the names of the Regional Commissioner, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of Highlands and Islands Regional Scout Council and their respective successors in office. A copy of the lease is held in safe keeping at R. W. McClurg & Co (Solicitors), 52 Union Road, Inverness. 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 30th May 2016 and signed on their behalf by:
Group Scout Leader
Group Treasurer
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2nd Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts: Year Ended 31st March 2016 1. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses: 2015/16 The Trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year. (2014/15: also nil) 2. Fundraising Income
Expenses 3. Equipment
4. Solicitors Fees
£ 1160.97 953.47 502.45 14.00 0.00 £2,630.89
Scout Post Duck Race Coffee Morning Scrap metal Recycling ink cartridges
£362.39
Duck Race expenses & prizes
74.00 51.96 280.04 62.94 119.98 £588.92
Camera (Beaver section) Hungry Hippos boards (Cub section) GPS unit (Scout section) Lanterns (Scout section) Basketball hoops (Group)
£1,394.27
Legal fees paid to Highland Council during purchase of the Scout Hall
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CENSUS
Our Group Membership
2016 Census
2015 Census
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16
39
36
21
21
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
100
Adults Scouts
80
Cubs
60
Beavers
40
18
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
0
2001
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Inverness (Kingsmills) Scout Group c/o 47 Murray Terrace, Smithton, Inverness, IV2 7WX e. info@kingsmills.org.uk Registered Charity SC016603