Group Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025

It has been another full and active year for the Scout Group. In September we opened our Squirrel section and this has flourished. We started with 8 Squirrels and in November took in another 4, to reach capacity of 12. Until we find another Leader this will be our maximum. We have continued to take new Beavers from the waiting list but unfortunately, for new members into the Cub section, the waiting list continues to grow as the Cub Pack remains full due to the regular intake from the Beaver Section. All sections offered residential experiences for their members during the year.

The sectional breakdown at the census was as follows -:

Squirrels 12 (+12), Beavers 15 (+5), Cubs 24 (+5), Scouts 11 (-6), Young Leaders 8 (-2), Leaders and Helpers 20 (+2). The overall numbers in the Group was an increase of 16, which is predominantly due to the introduction of Squirrels. All sections have female members. The Scout numbers reduced as a result of Scouts moving on to Young Leaders. The number of Young leaders reduced as a result of young persons leaving and two becoming Leaders.

GROUP FINANCES

The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position. The overall balance has again shown a reduction due to planned headquarters maintenance and the setting up of the new Squirrel section. We also purchased 500 Group badges as we were down to our last few. This stock will last us for many more years. The number of hires has increased with children’s birthday parties still being very popular. Greenways continue to occupy their offices and use our facilities, which, provides a regular income. The headquarters continues to be used by several Community Groups on a regular and ad hoc basis.

The Textile Bank continues to generate a regular income, being emptied monthly. We reclaimed £1,472 from HM Revenue and Customs under the Gift Aid Scheme.

With better interest rates available, the 35 day and 95 day notice accounts have provided much better rates of interest. Unfortunately, these rates will reduce through the year as interest rates are reduced.  We continue to offer the facility for parents to make payments by bank transfers and for those families experiencing financial hardship we have a hardship fund to assist.

We received a Donation of £500 from Share Gift. This is being held in the accounts to spend on a suitable project to benefit the Young People.

Our Treasurer, Julian Gant, has once again done an excellent job in managing the Groups finances and ensuring that our accounts comply with the regulations of the Scout Association and Charity Commissioners. Thank you Julian for all your excellent work.

SQUIRRELS

Our Squirrel section started in September following four taster sessions prior to the summer break. We started with 8 Squirrels who settled in exceptionally well. This allowed us to take a further 4 Squirrels in November making a total of 12. Until we can recruit a further Leader this will be our maximum. We have a large waiting list of youngsters who would like to join.

We had in our accounts, a ring fenced donation from ASDA to set the Squirrels up and this was supplemented by a further £500 start up grant from the Scout Association.

The Squirrels participate in a programme of games, craft and stories to gain their badges and awards.

The Squirrels are run by 3 Leaders and supported by 3 Young Leaders. Additional parent help is used on occasions. A big thank you must go to Sally, Sarah and Sam for all their work which has made the Squirrels such a success.

BEAVERS

The Beaver Colony has continued to take new members from the waiting list throughout the year, which has meant that it runs at capacity. The Beaver waiting list continues to grow. Future Beavers will come from the Squirrel Section first and from the waiting list second.

The Beavers held a sleepover in the headquarters in May 2024.

Weekly meetings have been based on activities that go towards the Challenge Awards and Activity Badges and include fun and skills development games. 1 Chief Scouts Bronze Award was completed during the year.

Daniel Oldacre, a Sectional Assistants, left in September. This means that there is an urgent need to find an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader to support the team and assist Laura with running the Colony. Thanks to Laura and Vicky for all the hard work that you put in to provide exciting activities for the Beavers in the Colony. Ashley and Stevie, Sectional Assistants in the Scouts, have been helping out with the Colony since the New Year and their help is very much appreciated.

CUBS

Again this year, the Cub section has run at full capacity of 24. It has regularly taken in Beavers from the Colony when they reach 8 years of age. Occasionally it has taken in new Cubs from the waiting list. On reaching 11 years of age, most Cubs move up to Scouts. Unfortunately, the Pack continues to have a long waiting list.

Our Cub Camp was held at Hallowtree in July. The theme was Nature with those attending completing the Naturalist Activity Badge. As usual, on the Saturday, the Cubs were joined by the Beavers for joint activities.

Weekly programmes have enabled the Cubs to complete their Activity Badges and Challenge Awards as well as develop their skills by taking part in fun games and activities. 6 Chief Scouts Silver Awards were gained during the year.

We entered teams in the District Quiz, Construction Challenge and 10 Pin Bowling. Our teams came 1st in the Quiz. Congratulations to the team.

The Cubs Annual Birthday Donation went to the Ipswich Opportunity Group which is a local children’s charity. The donation was made to support their work.

The Cubs went to the Fun Day at Gilwell Park. We arranged a visit to the Flixton Aviation Museum in order that they could complete their Air Activities Badge.

We currently have 3 Young Leaders working regularly with the Pack. Their help is invaluable for the Leaders and much appreciated by the Cubs.

Thanks to Gary, Simon, John, Matt, Rachel, Hannah, Ashley, Kiera, Jamie and Sean for all the work that they put in to ensure that an interesting and fun programme is provided for the Cubs.

SCOUTS

The Scout numbers have reduced as a result of Scouts moving up to Young Leaders at 14 years of age. Cubs continue to move up to Scouts at 11 years of age but we are suffering from the reduced numbers following Covid. Further Cubs will be moving up which will increase the Troop numbers and we are able to take any new members who approach us.

The Scouts Summer camp was held at Thriftwood Activity Centre, Brentwood, Essex. A full programme of on site activities was provided together with an off site hike. The camp was enjoyed by all those who attended.

The Scouts had several evening sessions at Hallowtree. They entered a team in the District Cooking Competition and came second.

Weekly programmes have been based on a range of activities that have allowed the Scouts to develop their skills for life and gain the various Activity Badges and Challenge Awards.

4 Chief Scouts Awards were gained during the year.

Anna Block took on the role of Assistant Scout Leader. Ashleigh Scrafield and Stevie Wain have both taken on the roles of Sectional Assistants in the Scout Section on becoming 18 years of age.

Thanks to John, Anna, Natasha, Ashleigh, Stevie, Lindsay and Kieran for all the work that they put in to make Scouts fun.

YOUNG LEADERS

The number of Young Leaders in the Group has reduced as a result of members becoming Leaders at 18 years of age or leaving due to work commitments. . Two have moved up from Scouts. The Young Leaders provide assistance with the Squirrel, Cub and Scout Sections as well as following the Explorer Scout activities where appropriate. They join the Scouts for Summer Camp, participating in their own activities as well as joining in with the Scouts.

One of our Young Leaders joined the UK Contingent on the Expedition to Norway, last summer.

During the year, 4 Young Leader completed the Chief Scouts Platinum Award, and 1 completed the Chief Scouts Diamond Award. 3 have been working on their DofE Bronze Award and 2 on the DofE Gold Award and Kings Scout Award. Well done. Quite an achievement.

GROUP ACTIVITIES

The Remembrance Sunday Parade once again had a very good attendance with all sections represented. The Group laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Bourne Park. Our new Squirrel section was represented for the first time. The Group took part in the St Georges Day Parade in Ipswich Town Centre. We also attended the Harvest Festival and Mothers Day services at St Peters. 20 Shoe Boxes were filled for the Annual Shoe Box Appeal.

We held a Christingle service with the Brownies & Rainbows at St Peters which makes a great start to the Christmas activities.

LEADERS

As previously stated, we urgently need Assistant Leaders for the Squirrel and Beaver Scout sections. The Group Scout Leader position has been vacant for the last 20 years. During this period I have filled the role on an acting basis in addition to my Cub Scout Leader role. It is essential that we find some one to take on this role in order that they can work in tandem with me prior to taking on the role permantly.

HEADQUARTERS AND EQUIPMENT

The Headquarters continues to be in a good condition. A full Safety Audit was carried out in September.

The condition of the camping equipment is continually monitored and at present is all in good condition. Some items will need replacing in coming years.

GROUP TRUSTEE BOARD

The Board of Trustees met on 3 occasions during the year. The Annual Meeting was held in June. A full Board was elected. At each meeting, Finance, Safety and Section issues were reviewed. The Trustees reviewed the Groups Policy for Data Protection and Privacy Notice Policy as required by legislation. A Risk Register was completed and approved by the Trustees.

We still require a volunteer to become the Secretary for the Trustee Board.

The Trustee Board manage the Group. I would like to express my thanks to all the Trustees for their hard work and commitment to the Group. Specific thanks must go to the principal Trustees - Norman Noble and David Alcock, Joint Chairman and Julian Gant, Treasurer, for undertaking these essential roles.

During the year, the following service awards were presented -:

5 years – David Backler, 10 years - Vicky Winter, 15 years - Darryl Jackaman,

25 years -  Laura Jackaman, 40 years – Simon Cheeseman.

THE FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR THE GROUP

As we approach the start of our fiftieth year, what can I say? The Group is in a strong position both financially and in terms of its membership. The introduction of the Squirrels section has been a great success. Most sections are full and have waiting lists. We have a good movement between the sections and we retain our older Scouts into the Young Leader section. On becoming 18 years of age the Young Leaders progress on and become Leaders. We continue to gain Top Awards in all sections with Young leaders gaining the Young Leaders Award and DofE Awards. Two of our Leaders are working towards their King Scout Award.

Young people join us to experience outdoor activities. All sections offer residential experiences and the Scouts and Young Leaders get a variety of water activities at summer camp.

At the 32nd Ipswich, we have a dedicated Leadership Team who are backed up by the Group Trustees and who ensure that good quality Scouting is offered to our Young people. If this is to continue, and the Group is to grow further, we must find new Leaders to take on leadership roles that will sustain the Group into the future. If you feel you could fill any of these roles or help in any way, please have a word with me.

Thank you to all the Leaders and Trustees who continue to support me in running the Group and ensuring that the Group functions correctly and provides quality Scouting for our young people.

In September, it will be 50 years since the Groups formation and we are planning several activities to celebrate including a special uniform badge that can be worn for the year. We have gone a long way from where we started with 12 Cubs and 12 Scouts meeting in St Peter’s Church. Keep a look out for further information relating to our celebrations.

The Scout Association has revised its training requirements for all members which has meant that we have all had do some updated safety training to ensure that we keep the Young People safe.

I will finish by re-stating my thanks to all the Leaders and Trustees for all their hard work in ensuring the success of the 32nd and wish the Group every success as it approaches its second fifty years.

Peter Mower

Group Lead Volunteer

32nd Ipswich Scout Group