(Group Registration No. 35908, Registered Charity No. 285810)

Founded 1961

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2014 - 2015

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GROUP SCOUT LEADER (GSL) : Brian Buggins

BEAVER COLONY CUB PACK

Sarah Pegg (Fox) BSL Don Clark CSL Philip Castle (Wolf) ABSL Jamie Bentley ACSL Nicola Bentley (Fawn) ABSL Chris Hunter ACSL Andrea Hatfield (Chippy) GSA Allison Hyde ACSL Oliver Garland (Hawk) ABSL* Pav Wells ACSL Oliver Brawn (Falcon) ABSL* Olly Kenton ACSL Hannah Phipps (Vixen) ABSL* David Shelley ACSL * Lucy Whitehead (Otter) OH Sam Cole ACSL * Matt Saunby (Stag) OH Jacky Barrett OH Lottie Waterhouse (Mouse) OH * Megan Halling YL Tabitha Castle OH Fern Jefferies YL Nick Thurston (Badger) OH Chloe Skeet YL Helen Catmull (Raven) OH Oliver Kennett YL Sarah Lipscome (Rabbit) OH Liam Flavin YL Sam Watkins YL Emily Clark YL Aaron Halling YL Oscar Stollery YL Lewis Castle YL

SCOUT TROOP EXPLORER UNIT Philip Garland ASL David Bentley DESL Mark Pritchard ASL Darren Gurr OH Craig Buggins ASL Cuthbert Finch OH Peter Brown ASL Victoria Mitchell ABSL* *When available eg at University BSL Beaver Scout Leader ABSL Assistant Beaver Scout Leader CSL Cub Scout Leader ACSL Assistant Cub Scout Leader ASL Assistant Scout Leader DESL District Explorer Scout Leader GSA Group Sectional Assistant GSL Group Scout Leader YL Young Leader (Explorer Unit Member) OH Occassional Helpers

THE GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Group Chairman : Nicholas Thurston Group Secretary : Mary Bentley Group Treasurer : Susan Parsons Group Quartermaster : Howard Shelley Group Scout Leader : Brian Buggins Jill Nichols Gary Nichols Tansy Martin Tabitha Castle Phil Castle Peter Brown Geraldine Flavin

14th CANTERBURY SCOUT GROUP (Founded 1961)

Registered Charity Number 285810

AWARDS Many congratulations to the following on receiving these special awards during the year and to everybody in the Group that has attained awards and badges throughout the year:-

Queen Scout Award - Highest Youth Award achievable in Scouting & The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE):- Alex Hatfield

Long Service Awards – Long Service Awards have been awarded by the Chief Scout to the following :- 40 Years :- Gordon Makinson & Phil Garland 10 Years:- Sarah Pegg And congratulations to all our Young People who have achieved Awards throughout the year; Nights Away, Chief Scout Awards, Young Leader Awards, DofE and Challenge & Activity Badges. And congratulations to Leaders; Jamie Bentley and Craig Buggins on gaining their “Nights Away Permits”.

14th Canterbury Scout Group (Founded 1961)

(Group Registration No. 35908, Registered Charity No. 285810)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tyler Hill Memorial Hall

Sunday 19th July 2015 at 4.00pm

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 13th July 2014

3. To approve the Annual Report and Accounts

4. Group Scout Leader's nomination of Group Chairman

5. Election of Group Secretary

6. Election of Group Treasurer

7. Election of Group Quartermaster

8. Election of Members of the Group Council to the Group Executive Committee

9. Election of Scrutineer for 2015/2016

10. District Representative

11. Presentations

12. Close followed by Refreshments

14th CANTERBURY SCOUT GROUP (Registered Charity No.285810)

Founded 1961

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Tyler Hill Village Hall at 4.00pm,

on the 13th July 2014

1. Welcome and Apologies. Nicholas welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. He mentioned that we hadn’t been blessed by the weather but those present had still had fun. Apologies received from: - Brian and Michele Buggins, Gordon Makinson, Mark Pritchard, Sam Trill and Alan Noake.

2. To Approve the Minutes from 21st July 2013 The minutes of the previous AGM held on 21st July 2013 were approved. Proposed: Tansy Martin Seconded. Sarah Pegg

3. To Approve the Annual Report & Accounts The Annual Report & Accounts were approved:- Proposed: Peter Brown Seconded: Tansy Martin

4. Group Scouts Leader’s Nomination of Group Chairman. In Brian Buggins absence David Bentley acted at GSL. He thanked Nicholas for all his hard work for the Group over the past year and asked him on Brian’s behalf to stand again. Nicholas agreed.

5. Election of Group Secretary

Mary Bentley was re-elected. Proposed: Jackie Bartlett Seconded: Peter Brown

6. Election of Group Treasurer. Susan Parsons was re-elected. Proposed: Don Clark Seconded: Helen Brown

7. Election of Group Quartermaster David Bentley gave a description of the role and asked if anyone was interested in taking on the role would they please speak to him afterwards. Howard Shelley was re-elected Proposed: Mary Bentley Seconded: David Bentley

8. Election of Members of the Group Executive Committee Thanks were given to the members for all their help and support. The following were re-elected: Gary Nichols, Jill Nichols, Tansy Martin, Peter Brown Tabitha Castle, Phil Castle, Geraldine Flavin. Proposed: - Don Clark Seconded: - Jackie Bartlett District Representatives for the Group are: Mary Bentley, David Bentley and Sarah Pegg.

9. Election of Scrutineers 2014/2015 M Wilkes FCA, Wilkins Kennedy FKC. Proposed: David Bentley Seconded: Helen Brown Thanks were given to Wilkins Kennedy FKC for preparing the Scrutineer’s Report for 2013/2014 Accounts.

10. Presentations.

David Bentley awarded Young Leader belts and awards to: George Parsons, Liam Flavin, George Ansley. Sarah Pegg awarded Lewis Castle with his Volunteer Award for 100 hours service to Beavers. She also thanked her team, Andrea Hatfield, Nicola Bentley, Phil Castle, Ollie Brawn, Ollie Garland and Matt Saunby. Also behind the scene helpers Jill Lampard and Tabitha Castle. All were presented with a small gift.

11. Close. David and Nicholas asked us all to take the time to read the AGM report. They mentioned that the Group was completely full and if anyone felt they could help in any way to let them know. Finish with cheese and biscuits, wine and fruit juice.

ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE GROUP CHAIRMAN

What a great year for the 14th Canterbury Scout Group!

We celebrate success in Scouting - the engagement and support of young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society - with awards and representation at the forthcoming World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

What follows in this Annual Report demonstrates the values of Scouting worked out through the excellent activities undertaken in the last year, fuelled by the enthusiasm and commitment from the wonderful leadership in the Group.

At this time of year, for the Annual General Meeting, we take stock of what has come before, and make plans for a new year. We thank those that have given so much time and effort to facilitate the Group activities. We thank the leaders in particular who spend long evenings preparing the programme, planning the weekly meetings, nurturing their team of assistants, monitoring the progression of their young people, and working out how to bring the principles of scouting to life through each event that they run. Thank you to all the other volunteers, both front-line - assistant leaders and helpers - and behind-the-scenes - administration and organisers. You make the Scouting happen.

The Executive Committee, whose work as Charity Trustees is to make decisions and carry out administrative tasks to ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to young people in the Group. I would like to thank those that are standing down - Tansy Martin and Howard Shelley for their input to the Committee & Group for eight and many years respectively. Thanks also to Peter Brown, who, after four years of committee work is focussing his time on his on-going leadership role in the Scout section. I would also like to thank Susan Parsons, whose work as Treasurer is invaluable and widely praised.

So, read on, enjoy the day, give generously to the minibus fundraising campaign, and get ready for another great year of the 14th Canterbury Scout Group!

Nicholas Thurston Group Chairman

ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE

GROUP SCOUT LEADER

This is my 25th Annual Report as GSL and 50 years since I joined the 14th as a young Cub Scout – how time flies ! Back in 1989/90 the Group was planning its 30th Anniversary Celebrations for the following year and the Membership reached 100 for the first time as it had seen the formation of our Beaver Colony. The year also brought in the announcement that girls could join all Sections, until then it was only the Venture Scout Unit (now Explorers) that was mixed sex. Over the coming years the Group introduced girls across all Sections helping taking us to our current steady membership level of 131 making us one the biggest and best Groups in the District !

All Sections are operating at full capacity and we continue to have a healthy waiting list of under six year olds i.e. the future Beavers. It is imperative that if you have family or know of others that are likely to want their young children, aged 5 and under, to join the 14th that they put names on the waiting list asap. Obviously we do our best to accommodate all enquiries for places either, within the 14th or other local Groups. “Growth” is a major aspect of Scouting’s national “Vision for 2018”. Today there are 434,000 youth members supported by 130,000 volunteers. By 2018, the challenge is to have 500,000 young people supported by 150,000 volunteers. With this challenge in mind, our District have been very involved in helping form a new Scout Group in Bodsham, near Ashford . Jamie and Dave Bentley, Victoria Mitchell, Ollie Garland and Dave Shelley, from the 14th, have been very involved in this vital work. Well done to them, and all our adult leaders and helpers, young leaders and parents for all their hard work and time they give voluntarily. This ensures our young people get first class Scouting and many exciting opportunities and activities to challenge them – B.R.A.V.O ! The past twelve months have seen some major awards and achievements across the Group :- • Successful Fund Raising for Scout, Harry Butcher to attend the 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Japan

• Highest Award in Scouting, Queen Scout Award, achieved by Alex Hatfield

• Chief Scout Forty Year Service Awards to Phil Garland and Gordon Makinson and Ten Years to Sarah (Fox)

• 92% of Members doing Gift Aid and thus Subs held at £30 per term for another year

• Launch of the New Mini-Bus Fund – currently standing at just under £7,000 !

• First “Nights Away Permits”, under the Leader Module Training Scheme.

• At least two “Nights Away” opportunities for every member

• Successful fund raising and social events eg Autumn Fayre and Campfire

• Recruitment of seven new adults to the Leadership Team

• Launch of Beavers Facebook Page – which has proved very successful – which Section next ?

• Sections moving across to the new programmes and badges launched this year

• Unprecedented number of Badges achieved by our young people – nearly 50% more !

• Continuation of Leader Training and ongoing learning eg Mini Driver Awareness Course Renewals

• Significant further investment in Group Equipment eg two 8m x 6m Gala Tents

• Helping others eg raising funds for Porchlight.

Please take the time to read the following Section reports which detail the tremendous range of activities and opportunities the Group provides for our young people – well done all.

The 14th and Scouting is always progressing and moving forward so just as we have recruited new adults to the team; Allison, Lucy, Matt, Charlotte, Pav, Olly and Victoria we have to say farewell to :- Terry Heckley, Helen Catmull, Tansy Martin and Howard Shelley. Howard and I joined the 14th at age 8 and he has served on the Group Executive for the past 23 years as Group Quartermaster – many thanks. I’m pleased to say that we have a replacement Group Quartermaster, Mark Pritchard, who is standing down from our Troop (Scouts) leadership team after 23 years (following a chance meeting in the old “Texas” diy store !) and has kindly agreed to take on the role – watch out anybody that removes a mallet from the store without telling Mark !

From a financial point of view, as you will read in the detailed Group Treasurer’s Report and Accounts, the Group continues to be in a sound financial position. I would like to give my thanks to the Groups Scrutineer, Accountants Wikins Kennedy FKC, for all their work and support and to Susan Parsons our Group Treasurer. The change of financial year, to the calendar year, has proved to be very successful in giving more time for all to prepare the accounts in time for the AGM. The 14th continues to go from strength to strength, something that was very well demonstrated at this year’s St. Georges Day Service in the Cathedral with a very impressive and smart turn out as “dragons” ! Well done to all and, as ever, the recent annual Group Camp, at Buckmore, was very popular and successful with 113 in camp for the three nights enjoying traditional Scouting activities. 2016 is the 55th Anniversary of the Group and the 100th Anniversary of Cub Scouting, something I’m sure we will be celebrating in style! The main challenge for the next 12-24 months, is raising funds to replace our mini bus which is becoming more expensive to maintain and due to its weight (over 3.5 tonnes) can’t be driven by suitably qualified younger members of the adult leadership team. Our aim is to raise enough to purchase a new 17 seater “lightweight” minibus ie in the region of £25,000.00. To date just under £7,000 has been raised/pledged, so many thanks to everybody that has helped to date eg filling smartie tubes with 20p’s and to parent Keith Lampard, for the generous donation of £200.00 in recognition of his 25 years for Kent University – many thanks. “Gift Aid” boosts all donations like these two by 25% ! On behalf of the Group I would like to thank District Commissioner (DC), Sam Trill, who in her first year as DC has done a great job and has been a great support to me and the Group. Also my thanks to the Group Executive Committee and chairman, Nicholas Thurston, who is spearheading the new minibus fund raising Also thanks to Dave and Mary Bentley who not only fulfil their specific roles within the Group (Explorer Leader and Group Secretary/Fund Raiser respectively and keeping the GSL in check ! ) but contribute a huge amount across the Group, District & County in all aspects of Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DofE). Finally, a huge thank you to all parents and friends of the 14th whose continued support is invaluable and much appreciated. To keep up to date with all District news and events visit:- www.canterburyscouts.org.uk and read about are friends at Worthgate who featured and grabbed front page of the recent Scouting Magazine and the Canterbury Magpies Network Unit (18-25 year olds), chaired by “our” Cuthbert, who were voted Kent’s best “Network Unit of the Year” ! – well done.

Yours in Scouting

Brian Buggins Group Scout Leader (GSL)

Beaver Scout Colony

YELLOW LODGE GREEN LODGE BLUE LODGE ORANGE LODGE RED LODGE

Jack McBurney(LL) Stella Rogers(LL) Jacob Lipscombe(LL) Clement Thurston(LL) Robert Guss(LL) Monty Lacey(ALL) Dylan Steele(ALL) Ethan Austin(ALL) Harvey Collins(ALL) Abigail Ashcroft(ALL)

Joe Wade Szymon Koperczak Oscar Rawson Adele Comas Kendall Camilla Boarman Powell Stanley Mills Charlotte Vinter Oliver Martin Hugo Fassum Ben French

George Weightman Daniel Nolan Michael Holder Ewart Backhouse-Hall Ellis Flynn

Cublets(!) : Archie Giblin, Joseph Matthews, Filicitas Frank, Lily Herron Jones & Jesse Hunter (Definition of a Cublet: A Beaver Scout in the transition to Cubs – a young Cub Scout.) *LL = Lodge Leader, ALL = Assistant Lodge Leader Leadership Team: The 14th Canterbury Beaver colony is in a privileged situation where by we have a number of adults who are prepared to volunteer their time each week to support the 30 Beaver Scouts on their Scouting journey. The Colony continues to be led by Fox and supported by a number of dedicated adults, without whom, we wouldn’t be the thriving Colony that we are. Our Leadership team requires support in a number of areas, including planning and running activities, administration and financial, as well as providing 1 to 1 support for some of our Beavers. This year we have been lucky enough that our leadership structure allows leaders flexibility, so adults can be more flexibility in their availability to support the Colony, however, on the occasions where we have required additional support we have been very grateful to the parents who have stepped in to lend a hand. I would like to extend a particular thanks to Adam Vinter, who stepped in at short notice to ensure the Beavers could still attend the district sleepover in April. Supporting our adult leadership team we also have our young leader team who provide invaluable ‘Big Brother’ support at sleepovers, day trips and on Monday nights. This year we have said goodbye to Aaron in March, and we will shortly be saying goodbye to Sam (Neil!) who will be heading off to University next term. Both have been with us since 14 and have been an invaluable support to the Beavers and the Leaders. Thank you so much guys! However, as Sam and Aaron depart we welcome Thomas to the fold, to support alongside Lewis (Wolf Cub) and Oscar. We have also welcomed Otter, Mouse, Stag and Rabbit to the team this year and will be welcoming Matt Wade (Swift) to the team in September. Finally, many thanks to the Colonies Treasurer, Gill Lampard. Beavers: Each year on the 31st January we submit a Scouting Census, this shows us that yet again our Beaver Colony remains to be one of the biggest colonies in the District, with us averaging 30 Beavers over the past year. Our “interested in joining” list continues to grow both in the Group but also across the District, which will see the colony sustain a level of 30 Beavers all the way to October 2016. So, if you have young children or know of children who may like to join the Colony, please pass their details to Fox. There are spaces available for children with a birthday after the 1/10/2010. Weekly Meetings: Each week Colony meetings provide the Beavers with the opportunity to work towards a number of activity badges, challenges and ultimately their Chief Scouts Bronze Award. January saw the release of the new programme for Scouting, which brought Beavers new challenge badges and some new activity badges. These are slowly being phased in over the next few terms, some of those attended camp have already gained a couple of the new challenge badges. With the new badges, come new requirements which means the Bronze Award now requires the Beavers to complete two Personal Challenges on top of 5 other challenge badges, so parents start thinking of the challenges you want to set you Beaver Scout! It can be anything from learning to tie shoelaces to keeping their bedroom tidy!!

Nights Away: As a Colony we are asked to “provide an opportunity for a night’s away experience each year”. Since Fox’s night away permit was validated in March 2011 we have completed a massive 33 nights away as a colony! Just a few more than the 5 we should have offered!! This year the Beavers had the opportunity to attend two sleepovers and our annual Spring Bank Holiday Group Camp. Lego Sleepover: In February, Fawn organised a Lego themed sleepover, with 24 Beavers attending a fun packed event with lots of crafty fun including Lego brick painting and making Lego head marshmallow pops! Of course the Beaver Cinema was open for business in the evening and the Beavers enjoyed a sleepy showing of the Lego Movie. Whilst on the Sleepover the Beavers had a visit from Baby Raven, who was a massive fan of the bouncy castle, as were the rest of the Beavers! Medieval Knights Sleepover: In April as part of the St Georges weekend celebrations we attended the District Sleepover. The Saturday afternoon saw some amazing memories being made; with hands on falconry, circus skills, inflatable jousting, cross bows and archery, before experiencing an awesome falconry display. All the Beavers had the opportunity to lay down and have a tawny owl swoop and fly inches above them, and the leaders did too! Then Fox was chased across the arena by a Hawk! The Sunday was a chilled out day with lots of creative activities, including making our parade costumes and flags. For those of you that saw us on parade will surely agree we definitely looked the part!! Flintstones Camp: Each year for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend we go away with the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers for our Group Camp. This year saw 17 Beavers attend the camp along with their parents. We had a Flintstones themed camp (as there were lots of flint stones everywhere - inspirational creativity from the leaders!). The theme took us back to basics with the Beavers building bases and cooking their lunch on the open fire, a feast of dampers, jacket potatoes and gooey banana splits. After battling through the washing up (the Beavers were experts by the end of the weekend!) the Beavers set about on their Parent/Beaver project – to build a bug hotel pod, which would then be attached to all the others to build the bug hotel complex! The complex was installed at Buckmore Park as part of the nature protection plan. We also moved some residents in to the hotel, which we had caught in our bug traps. Saturday evening saw the Group unite for a campfire spectacular with lots of singing and funny actions. Well done to the Beavers who joined Fawn at the front to lead the Group in a song! As with every camp, Sunday saw us venture off on a short ramble around the countryside. After a small delay with a non-existent path, we headed off around the horse fields and through the bluebell woods. On the way round the Beavers followed our position on their maps to complete their Navigator Badge. The Beavers did amazingly well and all completed the 10.5 km hike, one of the Beavers raced his dad all the way to the top of a very long hill - well done Joe!! Sunday evening gave us another tradition, our Group meal, with 100+ campers coming together for a feast of “bedrock boulders”. Thank you to all the parents on camp this year, you were brilliant! Everyone got stuck in, with an extensive wood pile (I’ve never known Beavers get so into wood collecting!), a heated tea towel drying area and we even installed mini campfire circle, alongside helping in the kitchen and especially with the washing up. Thank you to Adam and Rory for leading the projects! We presented a few awards at Camp, the awardees were:- Joe Wade for best effort on camp, Robert Guss for best friend on camp, Charlotte “Tigger” Vinter for Camp Clown (and trying to catch the light from her head torch!) and finally Beaver of Camp was presented to Jacob Lipscombe. I think everyone can agree it was an excellent camp. Thank you to the leadership team who made it happen, especially to Fawn who led the cooking for us.

Events: Founders Day Party: On the 28th of February we attended the District Founders Day Party. We had a fab day, taking part in lots of activities before a massive game of pass the parcel and a disco. This event was planned by the District Beaver Council, so thank you to Fabian, Nicole and Alice who helped make this event a success. CSA DAY: Each year there is a day out in Celebration of the Beavers and Cubs who achieve their Chief Scout Award (CSA). This year we headed to Howletts Zoo on the 11th July 2015 to celebrate their achievement, we had 13 attend to celebrate achieving their Bonze award. We had a brilliant day seeing lots of animals from Honey Badgers to Gorillas. Unfortunately the Elephants were playing hide and seek! When we went to the paddock they were in the field, when we went to the field they went in the paddock! Congratulations: Chief Scout Bronze Award: This is the highest badge for the Beavers to earn in the last year it has been awarded to: Ben Jones, Abigail Ashcroft, Stella Rogers, Monty Lacey, Lily Herron Jones, Jack McBurney, Alice Vinter, Clement Thurston, Jesse Hunter, Robert Guss, Oscar Rawson, Jacob Lipscombe, Ben French and Adele Comas Kendall. Well done to all! Kent County Challenge Badge: In July 2014 the whole Colony were presented the “Kent Conty Challenge Badge”, a set of 12 challenges which we completed across the course of 6 months. We are also well on our way to completing the 2015 challenge badge. Thanks again to all the Beaver, Parents and Leaders for making this yet another awesome year. Sarah Pegg Beaver Scout Leader (Fox)

Cub Scout Pack

Black Six Blue Six Green Six Jessica Howes*

Ben Larbey** Arthur Fassum

Florence Butcher Oliver Bennett

Ben Jones Filictas Frank

Danny Wilton* Rachel Garrett** Harry Ashcroft Andrew Kume

Morgan Rhodes Charley Collins

Alexandra Holder* Beren Breeze**

Luke Elford Angus Boarman-Powell

Samuel Cole Harry King

Lily Heron Jones

Yellow Six

Orange Six

Red Six

Evan Levey* Charlie Williamson**

Luke Lanaway Meaghan Wade Pascal Sleigh

John Comas Kendall Alice Vinter

Jesse Hunter

Edward Lampard* Nelson McKean**

Felix Budden Louis Crowley

Barnaby Milton-Bell Nicole Levey Archie Giblin

Rayfe Castle* Zoe Roger**

An-Son Vu Wurderman Katie Larbey Max Murphy

Fabian Crooks Joseph Matthews

*Sixer, **Seconder

What a difference a year makes! Last year I was really concerned about how the Pack was going to survive with a distinct lack of adult leaders. I am pleased to report a year on we are in significantly better shape. My first priority was to recruit a female leader and a chance conversation at the Gilwell fun day led to Allison Hyde offering her services to the Pack. She has slotted into the leadership team so well and was the mastermind behind our impressive dragon at the St. George’s parade this year. We also welcomed Pav Wells to the team following his move to the area. Pav brings a wide range of practical skills to the Pack from a group that do significantly more nights away than even our Beavers! Jamie Bentley returned from his round the world tour and immediately immersed himself into Group, District and County Scouting. I’m really pleased that he has successfully completed his “Nights Away” permit which will provide both cover for me at camps and residential weekends away and the possibility of additional events and is well on his way to completing his Wood Badge. Chris Hunter brings different skills and has a brilliant perception of interactions between the cubs and identifying issues before they impact the Pack. The team is completed by Olly Kenton, and Dave Shelley, who although studying in Bangor is always there to help at camp and Pack evenings when he returns from college. Behind the scenes Jill and Gary Nichols continue to look after the Pack’s finances, and Jacky Barrett does a great job with the Pack’s administrative functions. However, this time next year I will be looking for someone else to take on this role. Please speak to Jacky or me if you’d like to know more and offer your services. Ever present have been Group stalwarts David and Mary Bentley to support our weekend activities. David provides support as an additional leader, and doubles as minibus driver, camp cook and backwoods trophy maker for which we are very grateful. Brian Buggins, our GSL, is always a source of information, support and encouragement and has dealt with all the issues around Compass, the Scouting Movements administrative system, admirably this year reducing a major headache for me. This year the popularity of our Group has meant we have exceeded the normal maximum number for a Cub Pack as recommended in the Movement’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). We now typically have “Sevenes” rather than the traditional “Sixes”.

Since last year’s report we have had 14 Cubs complete all the requirements for their Chief Scouts Silver Award which I believe is a record for the Pack and we have also had some of the youngest recipients of this award. To deliver this level of Scouting is a testament to the hard work the leadership team provide, but also the band of committed Explorers who are at Pack meetings every week to inspire our Cubs to participate and achieve. So a big vote of thanks to Fern Jefferies, Oliver Kennett, Liam Flavin, Megan Halling, Emily Clark and Corrine Stollery. This year saw a major change in the Challenge badge scheme; the visual effect being the red diamond badges being replaced with blue hexagons with new categories and requirements. There is a significant emphasis being placed on outdoor activities to the extent that we are going to have to spend more time outside of our normal meeting place to deliver the full programme. With both an Outdoor and an Adventure challenge badge in the new scheme it will only be possible for our Cubs to achieve their Chief Scout’s Silver Award by attending Nights Away activities. Other badge requirements around teamwork and leadership will also have elements that are worked on away from the meeting hall. Please let me know if you see this being an issue for your Cub for any reason, and we will seek to find a work around. With the focus and drive for more and more “adventure” throughout the Scouting Movement, I can see potential issues in providing a fresh and new programme for each section without encroaching on the activities of other sections. A plethora of new staged badges has been introduced which the Pack has embraced completing the Stage 2 “On the water” badge at camp (or rather in the water with Jamie’s raft building skills) and the Stage 2 Navigators badge will complete this year. Planning ahead the Pack will be entering into a Community project and actively participating in Scout Community week in October. This will build on the quiz night organised by the Cubs in autumn 2014 which raised money for the Canterbury Food Bank. The Pack finished 2104 on a high completing the Kent Cub Challenge, something we’ve not achieved in the County for a long time. This involved 10 activities that got the pack out and about, taking part in activities with other sections and groups within the District and County. As a result of this we now have an annual games night with Worthgate Cub Pack. Our older Sixers now participate in a District Howl where they plan and deliver District events. The first was a film afternoon; the next will be a camp for Sixers and Seconders in September 2015. With 2015 being the “Year of Adventure” ahead of our Centenary in 2016 we’ve done just that. We had a brilliant time at Downe Scout Activity Centre. We tried new things like the aerial walkway, and the Badger Sett (a prelude to caving), were complimented on the amount of noise we made with our new Pack shout (Everything is Awesome!!) and Chris’ stew will go down as a culinary masterpiece. We also set a Pack record for the fastest time to complete the orienteering course! The Pack loved camping at Buckmore Park with a back to basics approach teaching backwoods skills (fire lighting, building shelters) and an introduction to pioneering skills as we built rafts in Mote Park. We set another Pack record with 9 girls attending camp. The year has been one of change and growth in the Pack and I think we are in a strong position going forward (but don’t let that stop you if you think you have something to offer the Pack or want to get involved). Now is the best time to be a Cub Scout (and a Leader), we have some exciting things planned for the next 18 months as we prepare to, and then celebrate our Section’s 100th birthday. Next year’s report may run to epic proportions! Don Clark - Cub Scout Leader (Akela)

Scout Troop Eagle Patrol Kestrel Patrol Swift Patrol Wood Pigeon Patrol

Augy Allain-Labon * Harry Butcher * Rosie Flavin * Jamie Watson * Thomas Jefferies ** Theo Song-Smith Josh Milton-Bell Alex May Matthew Hopkins

*Patrol Leader

Oscar Stollery ** Thomas Packman Chris Hopkins Edward Levings Charlie Warwick **Assistant Patrol Leader

Tom Lampard ** Thomas Neame Charlie Parsons Callum Chow Jonathon Rutland Frank Curry

Billy Wade ** Luke Mitton Isabelle Borman-Powell Lilly Stollery Balsie Allan Pete Patmore Sam Brown

Leadership Team This year the leadership team has been joined by Victoria. She is a leader in Dudley but currently attending University in Canterbury. Together, the team tries to produce a program that is fun for our Scouts whilst increasing their self-confidence and understanding the merits of team work.

A personal thanks you goes to Craig, Pete, and Victoria who without hesitation agreed to take on the organisation and running of SBH camp when I had to drop out at short notice. Together, they ran a very successful and enjoyable camp.

Sadly, Mark has decided because of work commitments he cannot continue as a Leader but will continue to support the group as Quartermaster. Since joining us in 2000 he has helped on Troop nights and organised approximately 30 camps. He has helped shape and improve the program and will be hard to replace. Scouts certainly eat better since he joined us and we have moved from cornbeef fritters to lamb casseroles, curries, and chilli con carne etc as a norm at camp. I thank him for his enormous support to us during his time with us and typically he has already said he will help out with occasional help if we are short.

Summer Camp 2014 –Yorkshire Dales Summer Camp was held in a greenfield site in the North Yorkshire National Park. An area that previously hosted the Tour de France and the villages remained decked with painted yellow bikes as a reminder. We also had to be careful weaving past the many cyclists who were inspired by the race to have a go themselves!

We were blessed with good weather and were able to enjoy the delightful Dale scenery and then cool down in the crystal clear water of the stream running through the site. At night we could sit around the camp fire and gaze up at the star filled skies, no light pollution here (or mobile phone signal). Activities included hiking in the hills, rock climbing, caving in the Long Churn Caves and a day out at Lightwater Valley Theme Park. Scouts were particularly well behaved and a pleasure to be with. Our thanks to Dave Shelley and Ollie Garland who joined the leadership team for camp and contributed so much to make it a success. All leaders thought it was one of the best camps we have had.

Spring Bank Holiday 2015 – Buckmore Park

Spring Bank Holiday Camp was attended by 19 Scouts of varying experiences. The Scouts took part in a wide variety of activities. After everyone had arrived on the Friday evening and pitched their tents and it was time for the first wide game of the weekend. On Saturday the Scouts went rifle shooting and every Scout hit their targets at least once an improvement on our previous attempt. On the Sunday the Scouts went Caving; this resulted in 19 very muddy Scouts. During the weekend they also squeezed in more wide games and football with the Explorers. Unfortunately, the Scouts did not win any of the matches, however, they were happy that the Explorers lost to the Cubs !

Throughout the Camp the Scouts completed the elements of the new outdoor challenge badge. This included assessing the camp taking into account the risks and how to deal with them. The Scouts were also given a set of ingredients and tasked with cooking their own lunch over open fires.

Sleep Out

As well as the normal activities on Friday night I wish to mention a talk we had from the Homeless charity; Porchlight. Inspired by the work they do particularly with youngsters who find themselves homeless and sleeping rough, the Scouts decided they wished to help and raise money for the charity. They decided to do a “sleep out” and despite the pouring rain their cardboard box homes held up and they raised the sum of £420 for the charity. Well done to all who took part.

Finally, on behalf of all the Troop I wish our own Harry Butcher all the best for his exciting trip to Japan as one of the Districts representatives at the forthcoming World Scout Jamboree and we look forward to hearing all about it.

Phil Garland, Scout Leader (ASL)

EXPLORERS Sam Watkins(YL), Aaron Halling (YL), Michael Bax, Fern Jefferies (YL), George Parsons (YL), Matthew Ratcliff, Stephen Ratcliff, Liam Flavin(YL), Oliver Kennett (YL), Emily Clark (YL), Megan Halling (YL), Corinne Stollery, Lochlane Thomas, Joe Watkins, Elliot Delo, Izzie Reeves, Nathan Chou, Emma Laversuch, Charlotte Letley YL – Young Leader

This year Cuthbert and Jamie have added a much needed boost of young blood to the team helping to give a full programme to the Explorers who have all turned up week in week out, making us if not the largest group around certainly the most active. My thanks to both of them for giving up their valuable time. The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme has again been popular around the district. With my fellow leaders at Herne Bay and Whitstable we have provided a full training and expedition programme throughout the year. Megan, Emily, Corinne and Izzie completed their Bronze and are well on their way to achieving their Silver, whilst Fern Matthew, Stephen and Aaron completed their Silver. They undertook to produce their very own version of The Lord of the rings as their expedition project. The Film has received rave reviews and stands to gain fame in years to come. A very special mention to Alex Hatfield who completed his Gold Dof E and Queen’s Scout Award last year and had the honour of Parading at Windsor on St Georges Day. 9 of the Explorers provide valuable support to the Beavers and Cubs through the Young Leader (YL) programme. They not only act as role models to the young Scouts but learn valuable leadership skills to take on in Scouting and their careers. We join up with the other Units in the District once a month and whilst sometimes we can be the dominant unit because of our size it really helps develop the scouting locally and at least shows the smaller units how much can be achieved. The Explorers take a very active role in running their own programme. Many have developed skills in preparation and planning that will certainly help them through university and beyond. I am always grateful for their input and support. My special thanks to Aaron, Sam, Matthew, Stephen, some of whom will turn 18 this year and have to take an adult role in scouting. I sincerely hope we keep their humour, skills and Scouting friendship within the Group

David Bentley, Cuthbert Finch, Jamie Bentley, Explorer Scout Leadership team

Explorer Scout Unit ‘The Salamanders’

1 December 2014

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

From

Period start date

To

Period end date Day

01 Month

01 Year 2014

Day 31

Month 12

Year 2014

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name 14th Canterbury Scout Group: 35908

Registered charity number 285810

Charity's principal address

22 Queens Avenue CANTERBURY Kent CT2 8BA

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year

1 Mr N Thurston Chairman 2 Mr G Makinson Treasurer Resigned Jan 2014 3 Mrs S Parsons Treasurer Appointed Jan 2014 4 Mrs M Bentley Secretary 5 Mr B Buggins GSL 6 Mr H Shelley Quartermaster 7 Mrs T Martin 8 Mrs J Nichols 9 Mr G Nichols

10 Mr P Brown ASL 11 Mrs T Castle 12 Mr P Castle ABSL 13 Mrs G Flavin 14 15 16

Names and addresses of advisers Type of adviser Name Address

Independent Examiner Michelle Wilkes Wilkins Kennedy FKC (Ashford Office)

2 December 2014

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document

The Group’s governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

How the charity is constituted The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

• policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;

• the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;

• relationship with any related parties;

• trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, nominated section leaders and parents’ representation and meets at least 3 times a year. The Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:

• Maintenance of Group property • Raising of funds and the administration of Group finance • Insurance of persons, property and equipment • Group public occasions • Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support • Appointing any sub committees that may be required • Appointing Group administrators and advisors other that

those who are elected

The major risks the Group is exposed have been reviewed, the main areas of concern are:

• Reduction or loss of leaders/members. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level or a significant reduction in membership then there would be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section.

3 December 2014

• Damage to Group equipment and storage garages. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to compensate against permanent loss.

• Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association national accident insurance policy and has a non-members insurance policy. Where appropriate risk assessments are undertaken before activities.

• Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions, gift aid and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis.

• The group has in place controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. Two signatories are required for all payment and comprehensive insurance policies are in place to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

The objectives of the group are as a unit of the Scout Association. The aim 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. This will be achieved by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit

The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the ‘advancement of education’ and the ‘advancement of citizenship and community development’.

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

All sections of the Group have remained very active running to full capacity with a membership of 110 in January 2015. Section meetings take place weekly during term time, following a structured program to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. A whole Group camp takes place in May with sections organising additional camping activities during the year. Funds are carefully allocated to activities and events that are both enjoyable and add value to the members. On-going operational cost are prudently examined and met to ensure the successful continuation of the group.

4 December 2014

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Executive Committee considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months running costs approximately £5000.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

• Investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer terms investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk adverse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Susan Parsons Brian Buggins

Full name(s) Susan Parsons Brian Buggins

Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)

Treasurer Group Scout Leader

Date 7th May 2015

14th Canterbury Scout Group Council Charity Account Number 285810 HQ Registration No. 35908

Treasurers Report - 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014

These consolidated Group Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities. They represent a combined general Group, Beaver, Cub and Scout Section accounts and relevant aspects of the Explorer Group accounts.

The Group’s overall reserves as of 31st December 2014 increased by £4,739.83, as compared to 31st December 2013. This increase is mostly due to backdated gift aid claims totalling £4,108.88 made during this period.

Membership subscription has remained at £30 per member per term which covers the National Membership Subscription and Group overheads such as the hall hire, scouting equipment, insurance, badges and running a mini bus. This year we purchased fire safety equipment, two tents, five light weight camping tables and a public address sound system.

Looking at the year ahead the group needs to provide additional funds for:-

a) Substantial repairs to the garages used to store our scouting equipment

b) Increase hall hire charges

c) Funding to replace the minibus over the next 2 to 3 years.

Restricted Funds relates to money raised to support a Group Member to attend the World International Jamboree 2015 and money in the Minibus fund.

NOTE: These accounts represent a full 12 month period when compared to the previous year which was only 9 months due to a change of the financial year ending. As a result some additional income (one term subscriptions and gift aid) and payments (mini bus service, equipment insurance, leader training and membership fee to Scout council) are included.

Susan Parsons

Group Treasurer

.