Annual Report 2009 Final

Bishop’s Stortford and District Scout Council

Annual Review 2009

…highest membership in our history

Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

Today’s modern Scouting is: fun to be part of and GROWING! a large international mixed children’s and youth Movement, works with children and young people aged 6 to 25 years of age outdoor focussed, more than just an activity club, firmly rooted in a clear Purpose, focussed on international and local community issues,

Our Purpose is to: ‘To help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as Members of their local, national and international communities’. We do this by helping young people to develop and become; self reliant caring responsible show commitment.

We believe the world is a better place when young people: are trustworthy, self-controlled and self-confident have self-respect and respect for others work together to serve other people and to improve society show responsibility towards the natural world have proper respect for possessions and property have an active religious faith

Did you know there are: 1 3 8 28 38 216 300 966 14,000 100,000 500,000 Join the adventure

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Scout Network for 18 – 25 year olds in our District Explorer Scout Units for 14 – 18 year olds in our District Scout Groups our District million Members worldwide Unit meetings of young people each week in our District countries in the world have Scouting. million people in the world have been Scouts since 1907 Members in our District and still growing Members in Hertfordshire and growing adults volunteer as Leaders in the UK today people are in UK Scouting today 2

Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The District Commissioner… The year was somewhat more relaxing than our busy and frantic Centenary year! However, we have not stood still. Remarkably after the staggering growth in 2008 we have yet again increased our membership by another 16% to become the fourth largest District in the County. We now stand at 966 members – more than we have ever had in our 100 year history.

The thanks for this growth must go to the hard working GSL’s, Section Leaders and Committee members who worked hard to recruit new Leaders, train them up and give them the resources they need. The District provided a number of “Start up” grants to new Sections and free adult resources to new adults. The District team members have been active in giving up many hours over the year to help the new Sections, support new adults. We have a Scout Group now with over 200 members of which there are only two in the County Join the adventure

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– this was a Group that only six years ago was struggling to reach 70. Our Awards Night last year was very well attended and the presentations were made by Mark Prisk MP. There was over 130 people in attendance the evening which all helps bind us as a District together. Our ongoing relationship with Outdoor Wear in Bishops Stortford continues, despite the shop being taken over by Nomad Travel. A good 15% discount is still available by using special vouchers that are now available from the District Secretary. We held our 2008 St Georges Day event in Hatfield Forest in April and it was well attended by about 450 members. An array of activities was available. We received a grant of £3000 from Awards for All which assisted with the purchase of key display and communications material for the District.

Greg Stewart This has been used buy various Scout Groups and Sections at parents events which help make the Movement look that much more “upbeat” and “modern” in a world where regretfully, image is becoming all the more important especially to young people. The District has recruited a new Appointments Advisory Committee in line with the new HQ process and we welcomed Mike Thorpe as the new Chairman. The new system is up and running well. Amongst all the success there was some regretful moments. We sadly lost a dear friend and a hard working Leader in Pat Bishop who died in late 2008. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family. The lack of support from Sawbridgeworth Councillors to resolve the rebuilding of the old Scout HQ in the town continues to be a major source of concern to us and indeed many in the local community who support Scouting. We can only be hope that common sense will prevail and the issue can be resolved quickly.

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

In conclusion, it has been another excellent year for Bishop’s Stortford Scouting, at Group and Section level – hundreds of happy children and young people engaging in exciting, values based and meaningful activity and Programmes, led by volunteer adults who give up many hours of their time, free of charge to provide this huge community benefit.

Local Scouting has taken young people to the mountains of Scotland, raised money for charities, helped clear up litter in local areas, run exciting activities from caving, to Scuba diving and the list goes on and on. The Leaders and supporters of the District are a beacon to modern day Scouting – supporting children and young people 6 - 25. It

Group/District 1st Bishops's Stortford

2008 164

2009 200

1st Thorley

183

175

1st Sawbridgeworth

111

139

1st St. Michaels Mead

99

95

Silver Leys

70

90

1st Much Hadham

72

89

Explorer Scouts

77

83

10th Bishop's Stortford

52

62

Scout Network

11

12

2nd Much Hadham

3

5

District (not holding Group appointments.)

16

16

858

966

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remains for me to thank the entire District team, the District Chairman, Geoff for his never ending and outstanding commitment and the District Executive for supporting our eight strong and vibrant Scout Groups.

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The District Chairman… 2009 has proved to be yet another successful year with more sections opening and more members joining up. Our DC is obviously “pressing all the right buttons”. I have again been privileged to attend many events this year, all up to the usual high standards, and made welcome by many friends both old and new. The old Appointments committee (from which I am now redundant!) have been kept busy holding regular monthly interviews with the new leaders. Very pleasing. I will be sorry to leave as I have enjoyed meeting all these newcomers. My thanks go to all the committee members for their help and friendship. My swimming advisors have been kept busy on Tuesday evenings taking swimmers for their badges, scuba diving, and noisy water polo sessions.

My thanks go to Mike, Veronica and Rob. Very dependable helpers and Join the adventure

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Geoff Markwell

good friends who also do sterling work at the swimming galas. There was a successful District Gala Dinner held at Pearse House in November. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all those who were there. We are looking forward to doing it all again in November this year.

I would also like to thank my executive committee who still patiently put up with me, many of them for countless years, who support and steer the District throughout the year.

...yet another successful year...

It just leaves me to thank all the uniformed leaders and helpers who do fantastic work all through the year entertaining our young people and urging them on to do greater and more interesting things than they thought possible. Many thanks and keep up the good work.

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The District Treasurer

Ray Jones

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (not Examined at time of going to press) Bishops Stortford and District Scout Council Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2008 SUMMARY

£

Previous Year £

Total incoming resources for year

51,170

35,888

Total resources expended for year

(50,706)

(31,088)

0

(2,946)

464

1,854

Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward

35,656

33,802

Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward

36,120

35,656

Transfers (1st Much Hadham) Net Incoming/Outgoing(-) Resources

Approved by the District Executive Committee on 5th March 2009.

Commentary on the financial statements The District financial statements include all the Explorer units. The District has been successful in obtaining financial support during the year, including a grant of £4173 from Lottery Funds Rewards for All which fully covered the costs of purchasing new display equipment. Our overall our balances remain similar to 2007, when we had deposits for the Lochearnhead camp which was held during the summer, This year we have incorporated into the accounts the balances of the Conquest and Endeavour Explorer units. We continue to spend to support the increased membership, and have again budgeted in 2009 to break even on revenue expenditure, but will draw on balances where necessary to meet recruiting and leadership objectives. Ray Jones District Treasurer 29 April 2009 bishopsstortfordscouts.btik.com Join the adventure

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2008 Unrestricted Funds Incoming Resources Subscriptions Jamboree Income:Groups/Participants Donations and Grants Fund raising Scout shop Sundry Receipts Scouts Activities District Explorers District Cubs District Beavers Interest Received Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Donations and Grants Jamboree Fund raising Management & Administration Purchase of Equipment Sundry Expenses Scouts Activities District Explorers District Cubs District Beavers Total Resources Expended

2,461 0 4,543 1,460 3,000 36 876 500 162 25 1,083 14,146

751 0 1,391 3,149 5,245 29 1,748 209 146 217

District Restricted Funds

1,032

1,032

1,079

Total Restricted Funds

Total 2008

Total 2007

0 0 0 0 0 0 19,331 16,661 1,032 0 0

2,461 0 4,543 1,460 3,000 36 20,207 17,161 1,194 25 1,083

2,322 3,000 2,072 2,450 2,500 58 8,014 12,796 1,427 44 1,205

37,024

51,170

35,888

0 0 0 0 0 0 22,229 14,513 1,079 0

751 0 1,391 3,149 5,245 29 23,977 14,722 1,225 217

83 1,320 350 2,434 2,484 1,122 9,032 12,134 1,679 450

12,885

1,079

37,821

50,706

31,088

1,261 0

-47

-797

464 0

4,800 -2,946

Balances b/fwd 1 Jan 2008

26,142

1,225

9,514

35,656

33,802

Balances c/fwd 31 Dec 2008

27,403

1,178

8,717

36,120

35,656

Net Incoming/Outgoing(-) Resources Before Transfers Transfers (1st Much Hadham)

Incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

Balance Sheet For the year ended 31 December 2008 note FIXED ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets (see note)

31 December 2008

1

CURRENT ASSETS Scout Association Short Term Investment Bank Deposit Account Cash at Bank Cash at Bank - Camp Lochearnhead 2008 Cash at Bank - Explorers Cash in Hand - Explorers

31 December 2007 0

24,000 9 4,573 327 6,886 325

0

24,000 9 3,358 3,225 4,733 331 36,120

35,656

CURRRENT LIABILITIES

0

0

NET CURRENT ASSETS

36,120

35,656

TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABILITIES

36,120

35,656

27,549 8,571 36,120

26,142 9,514 35,656

represented by: Funds Unrestricted Restricted

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Notes 1 A frame tent purchased in November 1997 at a cost of £1149 is valued at £nil A Canon photocopier purchased in March 2008 at a cost of £899 is valued at £500 The value of other equipment is considered not to be material. Scout Shop and Badge Account are accounted for separately and only amounts received during the year are shown in these accounts. 2

Restricted Funds

District Cub Funds - Good Turn District Cub Funds - Other District Explorer Funds Lochearnhead 2008 Camp

01-Jan 2008 653 572 5,064 3,225 9,514

Incoming 1,032 0 16,661 19,331 37,024

Outgoing 1,079 146 14,513 22,229 37,967

31-Dec 2008 606 426 7,212 327 8,571

The purpose of the Dictrict Cub Fund is to support Cub Scouts at District level. The funds include annual Join the Good Turn charity activities. 8 adventure

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All funds (Restricted and Unrestricted) are included in Net Current Assets.

Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The Beaver Scout Section… Lots of very excited Beavers and adults ran around Pishiobury Park in May and enjoyed an Orienteering event in lovely sunshine. We returned there in November on a superb moonlit evening when our annual Torch and Wellie walk took place, with the added fun of trying to avoid cow pats! The aroma of soup and sausages, expertly cooked by Conquest Explorer Scouts, greeted us when we arrived at Sawbridgeworth Scout Hut. Splash Night was enjoyed by all with 10th Bishops Stortford and Hockerill the winners this year. All colonies are full and with waiting lists. Leaders run varied and interesting

programmes, and there is always a warm welcome when visiting a Colony.

A warm welcome to new Leaders Gary, Liz and Iain with the opening of the third Beaver Colony, Ocean, at 1st Bishops Stortford & Hockerill and to Suzanne, David and Kevin with the first Colony to open at Silver Leys - our 10th in the District. The Sleepover in June at Skreens Park is looked forward to with anticipation, which we know will be full of activity.

The Cub Scout Section… The past year was once again busy - again saw the number of Cubs in the District increase. Much Haddam have expanded again and opened a second pack – well done. St George’s day was a great success with over 100 cubs Summer and camps went off as usual and most packs Join the adventure

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doing their Athletic badge. The weather was great and everyone did well and had fun. Parents have commented on how much their children enjoyed the day and leaders had any easier time than last year.

Hazel Mead

...All colonies are full and with waiting lists... Sociable meetings of Leaders and Helpers are held regularly and we always enjoy an annual meal together at a local hostelry to toast the success and enjoyment of Beavering.

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Ken Gordon March and it was “Splash” time with a fantastic turnout from the Cub section. Again the swimming standards were high and some surprise wins. The overall winner was Saturn for the Cub section.

had good weather this year which always helps! 10

Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The interaction between Cub packs has been good and the Cubs make new friends with children they would not normally meet. Some packs shared programme evenings, went on walks, visited theme parks, camped or even had a fun evening at Priory Wood together. Christmas and it was Carol Service time. Again the URC in Water Lane hosted the event. The Cubs told the nativity story and had fun telling the story of a tired innkeeper who kept sending everyone “Round the Back”. On the serious side Cubs raised almost £900 for Macmillan Cancer Support appeal by doing

...2009 St George’s day was a great success....

and I know 2009 will see us go from strength to strength.

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good turns, sponsored night hikes and silences and many other fund raising ideas. I would like to thank all the Leaders and helpers who as well as supporting and helping run District events have had their own Pack nights to organise and Group events to attend. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and dedication

The Scout Section… 1st Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Much Hadham have all been celebrating over the past year. There have been some great events and a chance to meet up with current and old members. The displays and presentations that were organised were outstanding and a credit to the dedication of all that were involved.

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An excellent district camp held in August at Lochearnhead. with over 100 people from the District taking part. It brought together both the scouts and explorers to enjoy the challenges and fun of the mountains and the loch with many new experiences shared for all. A great team effort for all the leaders and their families who helped put the event together.

Max Streets A wonderful, varied and well planned programme t has been arranged over the past year. 16 young people have achieved the Gold Chief Scouts Award.

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

The troops where the awards have been presented are as follows: 1st B. S. & H Aztecs st 1 Thorley Buccaneer Sawbridgeworth 1st Thorley Adventurer

6 4 3 3

Well done to all!

10th Bishop’s Stortford have restarted their scout section. Under the guidance of Martin Adams and Steve Radford they have welcomed 9 cubs up from the pack to form the nucleus of the troop. They have dealt with relocating to a new venue as their meeting place was being demolished and a

change of meeting night. Despite this they have retained their members and are expanding. Great news! The Scout Section was well represented Remembrance Sunday - Parade. The Explorers Scouts helped with the distribution of the order of service leaflets at the memorial. It is a credit to all who attended that we represent the largest proportion of the youth movements that parade. Many encouraging comments were received from members of the public and veterans alike regarding the turn out. The 25th Green Beret Challenge was held at Lees Wood site with 135 teams, greatest numbers of teams contesting the event this year, 118 teams completed

Last year was another successful year for Explorer Scouting in our District with all 3 Units increasing their membership.

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in

ideal

Our district’s best placed teams out of the six teams that entered from the district were 1st Michael Mead and 1st Thorley Buccaneer being joint 22nd. A good achievement for both teams competing for the first time. Over the past year it has been a pleasure to welcome a number of new leaders and assistants to your Troops. It is an endorsement of this great organisation to which we all belong. My thanks to all section leaders for their continuing support throughout this past year.

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The Explorer Scout Section…

There was a range of adventurous activities under taken including all the old favourites like hiking, sailing, kayaking, climbing and biking. There were also a number of different camps

the challenges conditions.

Nigel Reed county events such as Fire and Ice, Heat 08, the Peak Assault and weekends away at local Scout campsites and schools.

t throughout the year with Units attending national events like Gilwell 24,

Last year for the first time we held a joint Scout and Explorer Activity Day to introduce potential Scouts to Explorer Scouting. This was a great success with many of the Scouts who

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

attended joining Explorer One of the highlights of the year was the districts expedition to Lochearnhead Scout Station. We had 25 Explorers attend from the Conquest and the Voyager Units. Those that went undertook activities such as sailing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. All of the Explorers that attended also went on a 2 night, 3 day hike into the remote Scottish hills, away from mobile phone signal surviving on their own cooking skills. This enabled them all to qualify for the expedition section Chief Scouts Diamond Award. Their 10 days ended with an out day white water rafting and gorge running at a local outward bounds centre. Their reactions to

scouts. this was them saying it was cool and amazing which is indeed praise from Explorer Scouts.

The year ended with the County Explorer Christmas meal in Stevenage in which over 20 Explorers attended helping push the overall total over 400 for the first time. During 2008 we had 25 Young Leaders helping out at various Beaver Colonies, Cub Pack and Scout Troops through out the District. Many of these Young Leaders were Explorers

Adult Support It’s that dreaded time again, and I’m being chased for this report. My apologies if I leave anyone out. What a year it has been! Changes, can we keep up with them? We have a new appointment scheme in place and everyone who welcomes new adults into Scouting has attended a training evening and Join the adventure

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Scouts who were putting something back into Scouting in this District. The majority of these Young Leaders have also completed their mandatory training, Prepare for Takeoff, during the year. Finally I would like to thanks all the Explorer Leaders, the Young Leader co-ordinator and all the helpers who have given up their time and provider these young people with and active program and the adventurous activities that keeps making them come back for more.

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Veronica Dewey

completed their training for it. Well done and thanks to Mike. Sincerely and grateful thanks go to all the Training Advisers who freely give up their time with new leaders and help them gain their Wood Badge.

As a District we are very lucky that we have many new adults and leaders willing to give up their time. Quite often we have the clock ticking against us, but many succeed in gaining their full warrant within the

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

five month time span, sometimes there are minor hitches and we are still trying to overcome these and in time we will be successful. A reminder, when you have a new leader, please make sure that they visit another group within that section, if at all possible two or three others. We all work in different ways and they get the chance to see other leaders running the same section as themselves, also many new ideas have been picked up and put into practice. Great Fun!

A reminder to all leaders, if you change your role it maybe necessary for you to do some more training to fit this new role. There maybe only one new module for you to do, but it will help you do your “job” properly and you may also gain another Wood Badge.

learn something, make friends and you will find that you do enjoy yourself. Learning and fun do go together. Congratulations to all leaders who have gained their Wood Badges this year, many you all enjoy your Scouting. Grateful thanks to all who give their time, in any way helping with the training.

It was good seeing many of you on county courses, please remember to book on line for these courses, they are great fun, you will

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

UK National Scout Association

Good service awards Presented to our Members 2008

The Bar to the Award of Merit for further outstanding service. Veronica DEWEY

Local Training Manager

The Award of Merit for outstanding service. Tim Payne

Scout Leader 1st Sawbridgeworth

Sue Byford

Cub Scout Leader 1st Thorley and DCSL

The Chief Scout’s Commendation For good service. Ian George

Assistant Scout Leader 1st Thorley

Janice Bell

Group Treasurer 1st Thorley

Sue Jacobs

Group Secretary 1st Thorley

Maureen Hargrave

Assistant Cub Scout Leader 1st Thorley

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

District Awards 2009

The winners .... Overall Scout Group Growth:

Silver Leys

New Sections opened:

1st Bishop’s Stortford Ocean Beaver Colony 10th Bishop’s Stortford Scout Troop

Beaver Scout of the year:

William Crocker - 1st Bishop’s Stortford

Cub Scout of the year:

Christopher Brown 1st Thorley (Saxon)

Scout of the year:

George Fiddes – 1st Sawbridgeworth

Explorer Scout of the year:

Clive Moverley - Voyager Unit

Special Event:

1st Thorley Saxon Cub Pack

Interesting Programme item:

1st Thorley Viking Cub Pack

Leader of the Year:

Sue Jones 1st Sawbridgeworth and Endeavour ESU

Special Commendation

Fiona Bishop, Group Manager 1st Much Hadham

DC’s Special Commendation:

Mike Coppins – District Cub Football Manager

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Bishop’s Stortford and District annual review 2009

Our Sections are: The following meet in Scout Groups: Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts

6 – 8 year olds 8 - 10½ year olds 10½ - 14 year olds

The following are provided by the District and meet in Scout Group HQ’s Explorer Scouts 14 - 18 year olds Scout Network 18 - 25 year olds

We have Scout Groups at: 1st Bishop’s Stortford and Hockerill , Heathrow, Bishop’s Stortford. 10th Bishop’s Stortford, St Jospeh’s Hall, Apton Road, Bishop’s Stortford. 1st Much Hadham, near Congregational Church, Much Hadham. 2nd Much Hadham, St Elizabeth’s School, South End, Much Hadham. 1st Sawbridgeworth, Springhall Road, Sawbridgeworth. Silver Leys, Silver Leys Trust, Hadham Road, Bishop’s Stortford. 1st St. Michaels Mead, Community Centre, St Michaels Mead, Bishop’s Stortford. 1st Thorley, Old school, Thorley lane, Thorley, Bishop’s Stortford.

Our 14 – 25 year old members currently meet at: Conquest Explorer Scout Unit – 1st Sawbridgeworth Endeavour Explorer Scout Unit – St Elizabeth’s School, Hadham Cross Voyager Explorer Scout Unit – Silver Leys Scout Network – various locations

Equal Opportunities in Scouting: No young person should receive less favourable treatment on the basis of, nor suffer disadvantage by reason of: Class Marital status or sexual status Ethnic origin, nationality (or statelessness) or race Mental or physical ability Gender Political or religious belief Useful Contacts: Bishop’s Stortford and District telephone: 01279 816883 or 01279 655366 www.bishopsstortfordscouts.btik.com www.scouts.org.uk (the official scout website) www.scoutbase.org.uk (useful programme info) www.hertfordshirescouts.org.uk (the county site)

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