1st North Cray Scout Group
Welcome to 1st North Cray Scout Group
Building character, developing skills, and making memories since 1911
Founded in 1911, 1st North Cray Scout Group has a rich history of providing amazing opportunities for young individuals aged 4 to 18. Our dedicated Leaders are committed to preserving the legacy of scouting and creating a nurturing environment for our vibrant community of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers.
Rich History
With a legacy dating back to 1911, we have a fascinating history that inspires us to continue serving the community.
Dedicated Leaders
Our committed Leaders go above and beyond to provide a safe and enriching environment for every young individual.
Age-Appropriate Programs
We offer tailored programs for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Young Leaders to ensure they receive age-appropriate experiences and challenges.
About Us
Preserving a Legacy, Inspiring Future Leaders
At 1st North Cray Scout Group, we take pride in our long-standing tradition of fostering personal growth, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community. We believe in providing a positive and inclusive environment where young individuals can learn, explore, and make lifelong memories.
Geoffrey Vesey Holt was born in Bexley in 1898, he was the fourth son of a very successful Army Agent and grew up in a very wealthy family. Geoffrey at a young age took a great interest in the Boy Scout Movement. His Father was President of the Sidcup Local Association of Baden Powell Boy Scouts.
Even before the Scout Association was formed, he had organised the first Patrol, here in the District of North Cray. Geoffrey rose through successive stages to become the Assistant Scout Master at what is now 1st North Cray Scout Group,
At the outbreak of war, Geoffrey was still at school. Three years on he was an enthusiastic Army officer within the Royal Horse Artillery In the Summer of 1917, 2nd Lieutenant Geoffrey Vesey Holt and his Battalion took part in the Passschendael offensive This battle’s official name was the Third Battle of Ypres and ran between 31 July – 10 November 1917 The offensive began with encouraging gains but terrible summer weather soon bogged it down. By August the offensive was clearly failing in its objectives and had descended into exhausting fighting at enormous cost in casualties to both sides On September 2nd 1917 a solitary shell fell and burst very close to Geoffrey and he was killed It was reported that this happened some 20 yards from the battery of which he was on his way to superintend.
The news of his death was devastating to boys of his North Cray Scout Troop who went into mourning for a month in memory of their late Assistant Scout Master That memory is still alive today which is why our Scout Headquarters is known as “Geoffrey Hall”
The Scout Master at the time of his death told the Kentish Times“He set by his example and keenness the highest ideals of Scout Craft, and by none is his death more sincerely mourned than by the boys of his troop, Who will ever cherish his memory with admiration and esteem for what he did for them and what he is to them”
Today we still cherish that memory with admiration and esteem for what he did for us and what he is to us. As Leaders and helpers we still lead by example in the highest ideals of modern day Scout Craft, and we still encourage our young people to be the best that they can be
Meet The Management Team & Section Leaders
Come and Meet the Team
Ask if you want to Join Them we are always looking for new volunteers
Nikki Peck
Nikki is our Group Treasurer, and has grown up in Scouting. She comes to us as an one of Steve's ex Venture Scouts. She brings with her a wealth of scouting experience and is a great asset to our tem
Natalie Burns
Natalie is our Group Secretary, and like Nikki has grown up in Scouting. She also comes to us as one of Steve ex Venture Scouts. Natalie has vast experience of PA work and is a total asset to all of us who sit on the trustee board.
Jayne Stedman
Jayne joined our team as Group Chair in April 2025. As a parent with a young person in the group she wanted to support us.
Jayne has a strong volunteering background being a Guide Leader, but we are assisting her in coming away from the dark side.
Steve Allard
Steve is our Group Lead Volunteer, he has been involved in Scouting for over 30 years and has vast experience in many rolls. He started his Scouting Journey here at 1st Northcray as a Cub Scout, before moving to 2nd Sidcup and then 6th Sidcup.
Management Team Continued
Can You Spare Us a Few Hours each Month We Want To Hear From You
Star Roberts
Star recently joined our management team after completing 5 years as a Leader with the Group. Star is our go to person where SEND & First Aid Training is required
Vacancy
Join Our Scout Group Management Team!
We're looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Scout Group’s Management Team. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in your community, support young people, and help shape the future of Scouting. Whether you have experience in administration, finance, communications, or just a passion for supporting youth activities, we’d love to hear from you. No prior Scouting experience needed—just a willingness to get involved!
Brian Adams
Brian has been a long serving member of our Management Team. With two young people in the group he is a active supporter who used to attend here as a young Scout.
Vacancy
Join Our Scout Group Management Team!
We're looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Scout Group’s Management Team. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in your community, support young people, and help shape the future of Scouting. Whether you have experience in administration, finance, communications, or just a passion for supporting youth activities, we’d love to hear from you. No prior Scouting experience needed—just a willingness to get involved!
Meet The Section Leaders For Squirrels, Beavers & Cubs
Our Section Leader whilst all volunteers work tirelessly to make sure every young person in the group enjoys and learns skills for life
Magda Lisney
Magda Looks after our Squirrels Section that meet on a Wednesday evening at 16,15hrs to 17.00hrs
Mark Lisney
Mark looks after our Beaver section that meet on a Wednesday evening 17.15hrs to 18.30hrs
Kat Allard
Kat looks after our Cub Section that meets on a Thursday evening 17.15hrs to 18.45hrs
Scouts & Explorer Sections
Group Development Officer
Our Older sections all have dedicated leaders but as with all sections the more leaders we have the more we can do. If you fancy giving it a go just speack to any of the team.
Aaron Keeble
Aaron looks after our Scout Section that meets on Thursday evenings 18.45hrs to 20.15hrs
Tommy Hicks
Tommy will be looking after our newest section. Our Explorer Unit (Marauders). The Unit will be starting in January 2025 meeting we think on a Wednesday Evening Times to be confirmed
Ian Dunn
Ian returned to Scouting after a few years break and brings with him a wealth of experience. Ian work tirelessly promoting and developing the group. He puts the groups name out into the community at every opportunity and we are the only group with the district to have its own development officer.
Each Section have their Own Dedicated Leaders
Our leadership team at 1st Northcray Scout Group consists of passionate individuals who are committed to serving the community and nurturing the growth of our scouts. Each member brings unique skills and expertise to the table, ensuring the smooth operation of our Scout home and hall located in Northcray Road, Sidcup, Kent.
Our Sections
Squirrels
Come and Join
Every week, Squirrels will gather to grow and learn their way through lots of different games and activities. Squirrels can achieve anything they set their minds to – and they have lots of fun along the way.
The one hour sessions will be a brilliant opportunity for young people to take their first step into being part of Scouts, and they’ll help everyone get ready for the adventure of school too.
Sessions will be packed with outdoors activities, fun, games, badges, laughter, and so much more to help our youngest members learn the skills they need for life. Of course, none of it would be possible without the support of the amazing leaders who plan and deliver such an inspiring programme.
We operate a parent led group where by parents stay and take part in all the fun activities that you don’t get an opportunity to do at home.
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Group Name; 1st North Cray Squirrels
When We Meet; Wednesday 4:15pm till 5:00pm
Meeting Place: Leafield Lane, Sidcup, DA14 5EB
Leaders Name: Magda, Mark, & Ricky
Contact email: 1stnorthcrayscoutsgsl@gmail.com
Beavers (6 to 8yrs)
Come and Join
Being a Beaver
When you join Beavers, you’ll be introduced to lots of new activities, people and things. Here's everything you need to know.
Awards
Completing awards challenges you to do more, learn more and be more. See what’s on offer and start your journey to the top.
Activity & Staged Badges
Become an expert in something you love, or try something shiny and new. There’s a badge to suit each and every Beaver.
Moving up to Cubs
Eventually, it’ll be time to say farewell to Beavers and embrace your next big adventure.
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Group Name; 1st North Cray Beavers
When We Meet; Wednesday 5:15pm till 6:30pm
Meeting Place: Leafield Lane, Sidcup, DA14 5EB
Leaders Name: Mark, Magda, Ian, Rikki & Lorraine
Contact email: 1stnorthcrayscoutsgsl@gmail.com
Come and Join
Develop new skills. Soar to great heights. Being a Cub opens up a whole other world.
When you join Cubs, you’ll be introduced to lots of new activities, people and things. Here's everything you need to know.
Cubs are young people aged 8 to 10½ who:
Master new skills and try new things. Have fun and go on adventures. Make friends for life
Are curious about the world around them Help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond
Every week, they gather in groups called Cub Packs to take part in lots of interesting and challenging activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way.
Being a Cub is all about growing and learning in small but mighty ways. Here are some of the things you’ll get up to with your new friends.
Going on adventures
Race down a river. Tell stories by torchlight. Fall asleep beneath the stars. Alongside your Pack, you’ll spend plenty of time in the great outdoors. Together, you might build a den in your local park, or create an edible raft out of sweets, or go on a moonlit hike through your hometown. And even though you might not be ready to climb Mount Everest just yet, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of adventures on your own doorstop, because being a Cub is all about making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are.
Take on Action and adventure, we include activities for everyone, you will learn new skills
Cubs learn by doing, and so will you. Some of the skills you develop will be practical, like knowing how to cook a delicious meal or give someone first aid. Others will allow you to become a master at your chosen hobby, or help you to succeed in whichever job you decide to do when you grow up. But the most important skills you’ll learn at Cubs are the ones that will make you feel confident and happy in your own skin. We call these character skills, and they include things like integrity – which means being honest and doing what you think is right – and initiative – which means knowing how to take the lead on something without being asked. Whatever skills you’d like to learn, it’s all about having the courage to try new things and learn from them.
You will gain skills for life help in building better futures for all
Helping others
Cubs work as a team to help other people. Together, you’ll learn about global issues and what we can all do to help solve them. You’ll also make an impact in your own community, through activities such as campaigning to save your local library, collecting donations for a foodbank, or planting trees in a neighbouring park. youngest members learn the skills they need for life. Of course, none of it would be possible without the support of the amazing leaders who plan and deliver such an inspiring programme.
We operate a parent led group where by parents stay and take part in all the fun activities that you don’t get an opportunity to do at home.
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Group Name; 1st North Cray Cubs
When We Meet; Thursday 5:15pm till 6:45pm
Meeting Place: Leafield Lane, Sidcup, DA14 5EB
Leaders Name: Kat, Becky, Julie, Kavitha,
Contact email: 1stnorthcrayscoutsgsl@gmail.com
Cubs (8 to 10½yrs)
Scouts (10½ to 14yrs)
Come and Join
Scouts are a go-getting group of young people aged 10 ½ to 14 who:
Master new skills and try new things
Make new friends
Have fun and go on adventures, at home and abroad
Explore the world around them
Help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond
Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Scout Troops to conquer the small task of changing the world.
Discovering the world
Being a Scout is all about discovering the world on your own terms and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are.
Alongside your new friends, you’ll master the skills that'll help you weather the storms of life, and try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school - working with trained volunteers to achieve whatever you set your mind to.
Starting small, thinking big
Scouts start small but think big. They stand up for what they believe in and make a difference on their doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.
In a society that can often feel increasingly isolated and inward facing, Scouts build bridges and break barriers.
Throughout history, they’ve played all sorts of useful roles in society, and this legacy continues today.
Listening in, lending a hand
Scouts seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should. Most importantly, they say yes more often than they say no - whether they’re taking part in their first ever camp away from home, writing their first line of code, or accepting the last of the toasted marshmallows.
Sound like fun? That’s because it is. All that’s missing is you.
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Group Name; 1st North Cray Scouts
When We Meet; Mondays 6.45pm till 8.15pm
Meeting Place: Leafield Lane, Sidcup, DA14 5EB
Leaders Name: Aaron, Cath, & Julie
Contact email: 1stnorthcrayscoutsgsl@gmail.com
Explorers (14yrs to 18yrs)
Come and Join
At Explorers you'll get the chance to dream big, find your place in the world and make memories to last a lifetime.
Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18. Together, they make up the fifth section of the Scouts.
Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Units to try new things, make new friends and conquer the small task of changing the world.
Discover the world
Being an Explorer is all about discovering the world on your own terms and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are.
Alongside your new friends, you’ll master the skills that will make you feel stronger and happier in the long run, and try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school.
Whether you’re hiking to faraway lands or building a robot in your local town hall, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you’d like to do, and work together with adults to make it happen.
Start small, but think big
Explorers stand up for what they believe and make a difference on their own doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.
Seek out the answers to big questions
Explorers seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should.
Most importantly, they say yes more often than they say no - whether they’re signing up for their first major hike across Europe, or writing their first line of code, or accepting the last of the toasted marshmallows.
Sound like fun? That’s because it is. All that’s missing is you.
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Group Name; 1st North Cray Scouts
When We Meet; Thursdays 19.00hrs to 20.30hrs
Meeting Place: Leafield Lane, Sidcup, DA14 5EB
Leaders Name: Tommy, Steve
Contact email: 1stnorthcrayscoutsgsl@gmail.com
Photo Gallery
Just some of our adventures over the past 18 months
Days & Times of Section Meetings
Wednesday Squirrels 4:15pm till 5:15pm
Wednesday Beavers 5:30pm till 6:30pm
Thursday Cubs 5:15pm till 6:45pm
Monday Scouts 6:45pm till 8:15pm
Thursday Marauders Explorers 7.00pm till 8.30pm
First Full Weekend of every month on a Saturday Work Party at the HQ
- Monday
- 18:45 – 20:15
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 16:00 – 18:45
- Thursday
- 17:15 – 20:30
- Fri – Sun
- Closed
Our Supporters
1st North Cray Scouts work with many different partners who support our Group and Scouting. Find out about our current supporters, without there help and assistance our Group would be in a very different position. If you or your company can assist us in any way either with funding, equipment or just coporate help from volunteers please get in touch.
Aim Hire
Tool Hire Kent
Plant Hire Kent
Tool Repair Kent
Being the number one choice for Plant and Tool Hire in the area,
Aim Hire UK provide an extensive range of Plant and Tools to suit all of your needs.
Alongside this, we offer a large selection of consumable items as well as running a dedicated specialist repair workshop.
Should you require any further information for your project, please feel free to email or call us.n consulting firm.
Countdown Services (Kent) Ltd
Countdown Services Kent are a Transport Management and Training company based in Bexley Kent.
Transport consultancy services
Driver CPC training
Transport Manager CPC exam training
Transport Manager periodic training
Tachograph download and analysis services
Audit services,
Operator Licence Awareness Training Course
S&J Transport Consultants
Expert Advice and Training for Transport Operators
S J Transport Consultants is a family run transport consultancy specialising in advising commercial vehicle operators on their operator licencing requirements.
Founded in 2022, we have been working with a range of transport enterprises, from small to large multi-vehicle organisations, in regards to enforcement FORs and compliance issues.
Our aim is to provide transport operators in London and the South East with expert operator licence advice and compliance along with effective, reasonably-priced training solutions delivered consistently by friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff.
Howdens Joinery
Howdens was established in 1995 to provide trade customers with kitchens, joinery, and hardware products, which are available from local stock at depots across the UK, France, and Belgium. Starting with just 14 depots, there are now more than 800 locations supporting the trade achieve exceptional results for their customers. As a British manufacturer, they were founded on the principle that the business should be worthwhile for all concerned. That includes their customers, the homeowners they serve, the local communities they operate in, local and national charities, our large network of suppliers, our investors, and of course our people. We also hold a Royal Warrant by Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen to supply goods and services to Royal Households since 2015.
Beck Evans Farm & Penelope's
Farm Shop, Restaurant, Childrens Soft Play Area, & Campsite
Beck Evans Farm, is an activity farm and fully-serviced campsite featuring
Penelope’s farm restaurant, farmshop and hut.
We value sustainability practices. Our seasonal activities and Crazy Club kids soft play centre will keep your kids active and engaged. So, connect with nature, family and friends while indulging in fresh food and drinks at our one-stop activity centre for your next fun family day out in Kent!
OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9AM – 5PM
All Type Roofing Orpington
Huge Product Range & Competitive Pricing
We work with some of the leading roofing manufacturers to make sure we stock the correct products for all kinds of roofs, including Tiles, Slates, Pitched Roofing Products, Pitched Roof Windows, Flat Roofing Products, Guttering and Facias, Flat Roof Windows, Insulation, Roof Tiles, Liquid Roof Systems, Roofing Tools, Roofing Accessories and many more.
This goes hand in hand with our product training so we can offer the best advice. These brands include Redland, Marley, Sandtoft, Welsh slate, Cromar
Other Supporters
We work with many different companies who provide discounts, prizes, and assistance to the group. We are always happy to hear from new companies or organisation that may want to help provide Scouting within the community.
Sole Street
Soul Street Bar & Kitchen isn’t just a place to eat — it’s an electrifying dining experience where stunning global cuisine meets masterfully crafted cocktails and unique entertainment . Get ready to indulge your senses in a one-of-a-kind experience that’s as vibrant as it is delicious
It’s all in the element of surprise
Selco Builders Warehouse
Selco's 76 branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our core values
Our values are hugely important in helping us to create a positive work environment. We encourage health and happiness at work. In turn, staying healthy and happy at work helps us to stay engaged in the work we’re doing which is key to providing our customers with an excellent service truly delivering an environment “where the Trade go”.
Better Gym Sidcup
We are the largest UK-based charitable social enterprise delivering leisure, health and community services. Under the consumer facing brand Better, we operate 240 public Sports and Leisure facilities, 120 libraries, 10 children’s centres and 5 adventure playgrounds in partnership with 50 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. Better leisure facilities enjoy over 57 million visitors a year and have more than 700,000 members.
Our position as sport and leisure’s leading, charitable social enterprise is built upon a solid foundation of services we provide to partners, key stakeholders and customers.
We help build active and sustainable communities through our partnerships. We work to a social agenda and are committed to providing accessible community facilities for all. We believe in offering value for money.
MORRISONS
Supporting charities to make a difference
The Morrisons Foundation supports charities making a positive difference in local communities. Since launching in 2015 we’ve donated over £42m to help good causes across England, Scotland and Wales.
TESCO
At Tesco, community is key to our purpose. We recognise that young people are the future of our communities, which is why our grants are focused on supporting children and young people, ranging from improving school facilities to providing vital services in the local community.
By helping children thrive in their early years, we can ensure they build a solid foundation for life. We believe this will help make communities stronger too.
WAITROSE
Each month every Waitrose branch donates £1,000 between three local good causes. The proportion of funding depends on the number of tokens placed by shoppers in a box in store. Any UK registered national charity can put themselves forward to be considered for the scheme.
Other Supporters
We work with many different companies who provide discounts, prizes, and assistance to the group. We are always happy to hear from new companies or organisation that may want to help provide Scouting within the community.
The Star
Located in the serene park of Sidcup Place, our classic pub is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy quality drinks and food. Join us in our pub garden for a relaxing experience in the heart of nature.
We Love Yoga is run by Mandy Abbott, an experienced British Wheel of Yoga Teacher covering the areas of Sidcup and Bexley. I run a variety of in-person Yoga classes, Yoga Days and you can even find me on Zoom on Thursday mornings! All classes are £12, drop-in and welcome to all. For the latest info and updates follow me on Instagram @weloveyoga2 or check out my classes page
Catch 22
We're a small indie coffee roaster and we're all about quality over quantity. We only choose the best beans from around the world and roast 'em in small batches to bring out their unique flavors. We're super careful with our process to make sure every cup of coffee we serve is top-notch and full of flavor. At our roastery, we're all about excellence in every cup.
ID DEVELOPMENT TRAINING (UK) LTD
IDDT provides a range of short, nationally accredited qualifications. Quality Assurance: All our accredited courses are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) and meet the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) (nee QCF) and, where applicable, the European Qualification Framework (EQF). These courses also tick the legislation boxes for businesses. Depending on the qualification requirements, they range from level 1 to 4 awards, theses varying from Food Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid. All first aid qualifications are at level 3, and level 2 awards are idea for staff as 'good practice'. Course maybe delivered 'on site' and bespoke to group needs. M: 07854 508720 - please text
Glitterball Dance Company - South East
If you’re looking to join classes by yourself or with friends, learn steps for social events, or to keep fit and healthy, we have just the class for you! Whether you prefer technical information, practising with others, or dancing to the songs of your club days, our teachers make your experience interesting, fun, and relaxed at all times. Both our teachers are trained dancers, having worked for 27 and 19 years each to reach their potential both socially and competitively. In fact, our teacher Jonny is a Sidcup local - he has been teaching in Sidcup and New Eltham for nearly 13 years! We are safeguard-certificated, first aid-trained, and DBS-checked so that the staff promotes a safe and encouraging environment for everyone to learn in. Mainly operating out of Hurstmere Secondary School in Sidcup (where our teacher Jonny went in his youth!), our classes offer a quiet location, with easy access and parking at the front and behind the school.
Achievements
Our Young People and Adults have the opporturnity to gain not only Scout Proficiency Badges during their progression through the group but also #SKILLS4LIFE and nationally recognised awards
Blue Peter Badges
The original and most famous Blue Peter badge is the iconic Blue one. Find our how to apply for a Blue badge here.
Chief Scout's Awards
The Chief Scout’s Awards are the highest award you can earn in each section, from Acorn for Squirrels to Platinum and Diamond for Explorers. They show that you’ve given new things a go, played your part, and stuck it out, even when the going got tough. It’s a really big achievement, and you should be proud.
Kings Scout Award
The King’s Scout Award is the top achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members and comprises a variety of activities to complete. It’s closely linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, so it’s worth considering working on the two awards together. To gain the award, you must complete all of the following requirements before your 25th birthday.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Every year, DofE inspires hundreds of thousands of young people, from all walks of life, to explore who they are, grow in confidence and develop the skills they need to successfully navigate life. We help them build lifelong belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had.
Scout Wood Badge
In 1919, a standardised system for Scout volunteer training at was introduced at Gilwell Park, near London. The course was developed and delivered by Francis Gidney, Camp Chief of Gilwell Park. Robert Baden-Powell visited the course for one day and presented the participants with a ‘Wood Badge’. This wasn’t a cloth badge, but a pair of wooden beads threaded on a leather lace.
Good Service Awards
At Scouts we want to thank all our volunteers for their contribution to the Scouts - it's an important way to make sure people stay with us and to recognise their achievements and Good Service awards are one way of doing this.
Minutes of Group AGM 2024
December 2024
1st NORTH CRAY SCOUT GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
On 14th December 2024 AGM
GLV Health & Safety and domestic announcements.
Fire Exits, Toilets Etc
- Introduction & welcome
Opening remarks.
Thanks, and Welcome to all Members of the Group Scout, Parents and Guests
- Apologies for absence
Secretary: Natalie Burns
Apologies have been received from 7 persons including our Chair Councillor James Hunt who unfortunately is to unwell to attend but send his best wishes and thanks to both the membership and in particular the leadership of the Group, he wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and happy and prosperous new year.
All names will be included in the minutes of this meeting. Which will be sent out via the section WhatsApp groups in the new year.
- To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 17th Nov 2023
GLV The minutes from our last AGM in November 2023 have been previously been reviewed by the Group Trustee Board at their first meeting and were agreed as correct. So I propose that the minutes are taken as read and ask the floor to agree that they were a true record of that meeting.
Seconder please BRIAN ADAMS Show of hands to approve.
- Governance
4a. GLV informed all present that this part of the meeting is a necessary part to make sure that the charity’s foundations are in good order.
Remind those present that the group chose last year to adopt the model constitution from The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules
In line with the recommendation from Scout Headquarters. We adopted the model constitution from Chapter 5 of Policy, Organisation and Rules. A copy of this was available for review and inspection last year and a copy will be published on the group’s website following this AGM.
4b. Note the Group’s financial year
GLV Members of the Group are asked to note that our charity’s financial year is 1st April to 31st March.
4c. Agree the number of members that may serve on the Trustee Board
GLV At Last Years AGM it was agreed that the number of people that can be asked to serve on Trustee Board, in any one year would be 9. As we have no outgoing Trustees this year. the board request that the total number of up to 9 board members continue. I propose that the floor approves this recommendation.
Seconder please STAR ROBERTS Show of hands to approve.
4d. Agree the quorum for each of the Group Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the Group Trustee Board, meetings of any sub-committees
GLV The members present must agree at its AGM the quorum – the minimum number of Group members that must be present at a meeting of the Group. The recommendation from the Trustee Board is that the quorum should be set at 5 persons.
The Charity Commission statement of good practice is that the Trustee Board quorum should be set at one third of Trustee Board members plus one and that the that the sub-committee quorum should be set at one third of Trustee Board members plus one. The recommendation from the Trustee Board is that the quorum should be set the Charity Commission good practice statement. The Group is asked to approve that recommendation.
Seconder please BRIAN ADAMS Show of hands to approve.
- GLV those present that this part of the meeting is the opportunity to reflect on the Group activities of the past year.
5a. Group Lead Volunteer Review of Scouting in the Group
GLV gives their review.
5b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board including the annual Statement of Accounts
GLV The Group Trustee Board has approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts Unfortunately the full report on the accounts currently still away with the Independent Examiner. This will be published on the WhatsApp groups in the new years
GLV asks the Group Treasurer, to give their details of Accounts.
Treasurer to explain the Statement of Accounts.
GLV invites questions from the floor regarding the treasurer’s statement.
Thanks to Treasurer Nikki
(NOTE – no vote is required, the Group Scout Council only ‘receives and considers’)
- Making appointments
GLV informs those present that this part of the meeting sets the charity up to be well-led during the period until the next AGM. Please remember that Group last year appointed a Trustee Board to ensure good governance for the charity over a 3 year period.
GLV notes that appointments of President and/or Vice President were made by the Group Chair last year.
6a. GLV advises that Louie French remains President and Daniel Evans Vice-President.
6b. Appointment to the Board
To re-affirm our Trustee Board was formed in November 2023, with each volunteer agreeing a 3-year term of service. With the option to renew after that period but on no more than 3 occasion.
It is noted that the Trustee Board can currently admit up to 6 persons to our membership. Anyone who wishes to be nominated as member of the Trustee Board please raise your hand now and you will be admitted as a member of the Trustee Board in addition to the current Board Members.
6c. GLV reminds the Group who is on Trustee Board.
GLV James Hunt as Group Chair for a period of 3 years in November 2023
GLV Natalie Burns as Group Secretary for a period of 3 years in November 2023
GLV Nikki Peck as Group Treasurer for a period of 3 years in November 2023
GLV Brian Adams as Board Member for a period of 3 years in November 2023
- Closing Remarks
Group Subscriptions
Whilst we are very successful with corporate sponsorship deals and packages our group subscriptions will unfortunately be rising this year due to increased costs from Headquarters and general increase in domestic bills. We have over the past few years tried to limit any increases passed to parents but as we continue to run at a small loss each year the inevitable must happen.
It is regrettable that with effect from January 2025 monthly subscriptions will rise to £12.50 per month for12 months payable by direct debit.
This increase will effectively
Cover each child’s annual insurance with headquarters of £60.00
Each section has a term budget of £10 per child this equates to £30.00
Leaving the group an annual fund per child of £60.00
GDPR Incident
We had a minor GDPR incident involving the forwarding of a photograph of parents and children from one of our WhatsApp groups without permission The board acted at once and shut down the WhatsApp group. The alleged incident was officially reported by us along with the knowledge of those concerned and details of the culprit within a few hours and the whole incident was reported to the authorities and no damage or danger was caused. Can I please ask parents/carers to ensure that they have ticked the box in the Parent Portal of Scout OSM to allow your young person to have photographs published.
Allergies
We recently had a near miss incident involving and allergic reaction. Following this incident we have sent out and updated form requesting Parents/Carers to update information about their young people. Please download and complete the form returning it to your child’s section leader. Again, please check and confirm any changes or adding any additional information within the parent portal of Scout OSM. I cannot stress enough how important that information is to us so please login and check.
Now for the new and exciting future news
Explorers
It is with great pleasure that I can inform effective of January we will have our very own Explorer Section starting for 14- to 18-year-olds.
This will run on a Thursday evenings by Tommy one of our newest leaders, unfortunately he is working today so is unable to introduce himself.
We will be publishing more detailed information on our website over the next few days with regards to this section, but it will mean that we can off scouting from aged 4 to 104 if you stay on as a leader once you reach 18 years.
Land Acquired
Ever since I joined 1st North Cray in 2018 and my predecessor Nicola Coppen as a group, we have been chasing the owners of the piece of land attached to our land. In other words, the rest of this little Island here in Leafield Lane for the sale or lease of that land.
It is with great happiness that I can now after several months of negotiation announce that we have secured the lease of the attached land for the next 5 years for camping, exploring and general scouting activities for a peppercorn rent of £10 per year. I have today signed the lease agreement giving us use of the land officially from January 1st, 2025.
There is a tremendous amount of work required to secure and maintain the site but the opportunities it will afford us will certainly out way the hard work ahead.
I would very much like to thank the landowner Christine Beryl Dabner and her son Kris Dabner for arranging this opportunity.
GLV to close the AGM, thank all for attending and outline any arrangements for the rest of the event.
Presentation of Certificates
Raffle
Tea/Coffee/Food