## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE CHARITY NO:1075351 

Annual Report and Accounts 

For the year ended 31 October 2023 



Charity No 1075351 

Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

## Charity Information 

## President 

Ven. Pethigamuwe Hemaratana - Chief Incumbent 

## Hon. Joint Secretaries 

Mr Bennet Samarakoon Mr Manoj Fernando 

## Hon. Joint Treasurers 

Mr Mangala Kannangara Mr Thilak Mudalige 

## Board of Trustees 

Ven Pethigamuwe Hemaratana Mrs Sumana Hemalatha Wimalasundera Mrs Mallika Pearl Nanayakkara 

Dr Siri Abeysekera Mrs Renuka Perera Dr Palitha Serasinghe Mr Aruna Perera Dr W Gunawardana 

## Independent Examiner 

Mr Sarath Jayaratne 119 Belgrave Avenue Romford Essex RM2 6PS 

## Bankers 

HSBC 74 High Street Barkingside Ilford, Essex 1G6 2DN 

Charity Commission registration number: 1075351 

Charity Address Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre 9 Balfour Road 

Ilford Essex IG1 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

Charity No 1075351 

## 9, Balfour Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 4HP Tel: 020 8478 8286 

Registered Charity No: 1075351 

## Trustees' Annual Report of the RBCC for the year 2022/2023 

The Annual General Meeting was held on 11th December 2022 to appoint executive committee members and the trustees of the RBCC for the year 2022/2023. The 'RESOLUTION 2022' proposed by Trustee board was passed during this AGM. The following members served as the trustees of the charity: 

- Rev P. Hemaratana 

- Mrs. Mallika Nanayakkara 

- Mrs. Hema Wimalasundera 

- Mr. Bandusiri. Perera 

- Mrs Renuka 

- Dr Siriwardana Abeysekara 

- Dr Palitha Serasinghe 

- Mr Aruna Perera 

- Dr W D Gunawardhana 

## Activities & Achievements of the Charity 

The following activities were carried out to achieve the objectives of the charity during the year 2022/2023. 

This, ear bro able to relations of gatherines and fo she fires time in sees. As the year progressed, we completely moved the activities and events to be similar to before the COVID pandemic. 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

Charity No 1075351 

## Blessings for the new year 

On January 7th, 2023 from 7.00 to 11.00 pm the customary Pirith chanting was held at the Vihara. This event aimed to bestow blessings upon devotees and their families through a restricted in-person gathering. Moreover, a multitude of individuals joined virtually to invoke the genuine and exceptional virtues of the Triple Gem. The Ratana Sutra, renowned as a protective chant, was regularly recited by the Maha Sanga at the temple. This recitation served to bestow blessings upon all those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and those confronted with any manifestation of adversity, negativity, illness, or the fear of death. The event was also broadcasted via online platform forums. 

## Obituary of Trustee - Mr. Bandula Perera 

It is with great sadness we learned the death of Mr. Bandusiri Perera who passed away in February. He was one of the founding members of the Vihara and his funeral took place on 24th Feb, 2023 at Forrest Park Crematorium. 

## Food Fair 

In order to find necessary funds for the cost of the forthcoming New Year Festival, a food fair was held at the temple premises on 26th March 2023 from 3.00 pm onwards. This was a very successful event attended by many devotees and wellwishers. 

## New Year Ceremony 

The annual Sri Lankan New Year Ceremony holds significant importance within the Sri Lankan community in the UK. This year we were lucky to have this event outdoor/external larger venue for the first time after the COVID pandemic. The event was held on 29th April 2023 at Woodbridge High School from 11.00 am onwards and attended by a very large gathering and devotee families and their children were able to partake in this year's celebration. The organising committee, alongside the children, parents, and teachers worked very hard to make this event success. The collaborative effort of the children, parents, and organizers deserves high praise. Moreover, this initiative played a substantial role in restoring the emotional well-being of both children and adults, especially in the aftermath of disruptions caused by the pandemic to their daily lives. 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

Charity No 1075351 

## Wesak Day & Dansela (free food to the 

Wesak full moon day stands as the primary occasion on the Buddhist calendar, dedicated to commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Buddha. On May 14th, religious activities unfolded throughout the course of Wesak day. Typically, the observance of Sil (eight precepts) takes precedence and traditionally occurs at the temple. This programme was followed by a dansela where free food was given to the large gathering of devotees at the temple premises. 

## Posson Day & Bakthi Gee (singing of Buddhist Devotional songs) 

The Posson day religious activities were also held on the 6th of June with a large gathering of devotees at the Vihara followed by the religious songs presented by children from the Sunday school and their parents. In the end, there was a dansela where free food was given to the large gathering of devotees at the temple premises. 

## Awarding of Credentials/ Felicitation Ceremony to Ven. P Hemaratana Thero 

On July 1st, 2023 at 3.00 pm, a ceremony was held at the Woodbridge High School to facilitate Ven. P. Hemaratana Thero following the official event (present of Akta Patra) held at Kotte Raja Maha Vihara in Sri Lanka marking this significant occasion. Venerable Pethigamuwe Hemaratana thero, who serves as the Head of the Vihara and the President of the Executive Committee of Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre, was granted the prestigious title of Chief Prelate (Sanganayake) of England by the Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagree Dharma Maha Sanga Sabha. Following this recognition, a welcome ceremony took place at the Molligoda Prawachanodaya Piriven Vihara, attended by devotees and well-wishers, with a substantial gathering of participants. 

## Vas Aradhana (Invitation for Rain Retreat) and Offering Katina Robe to Maha Sanga (Katina Ceremony) 

The invitation for venerable monks to partake in the Rain Retreat was held on July 30th. Subsequently, the ceremony to present the Katina Robe took place November 19th 2023, at Loxford School Hall. The event saw the participation of a huge gathering of devotees as this was the first time this event was organised outside of the temple after the COVID-19 disruptions. 

## Special sermons and chanting by the venerable monks 

This year saw the venerable monks fully attending and engaging in services for the religious requirements and emotional well-being of the devotees. 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

Charity No 1075351 

In this regard, the resident monks of the Vihara undertook various religious ceremonies, including conducting religious activities in funerals for devotee families, engaging in chanting and bestowing blessings upon those affected by ill health and sometimes visiting them personally. The Vihara played a crucial role in assisting bereaved families and victims, employing diverse strategies to help them navigate their challenging circumstances throughout the year. 

## Redbridge Faith Forum 

The Head of the Vihara, Venerable P. Hemaratana Thero, remained engaged in the proceedings of the Redbridge Faith Forum. RBCC, in turn, played an active role in promoting harmony among the diverse faith communities by means of the forum's initiatives. 

## Regular Religious activities 

Throughout the early months of 2023, the daily and weekend pujas (religious ceremonies) got back to the pre-pandemic level as devotees started to come into the temple in person. As the year progressed, the Vihara totally resumed in-person gatherings for the public. 

To ensure the protection and well-being of both devotees and the global community, the venerable monks undertook special Pujas and Pirith chanting. These devotional practices were aimed at safeguarding devotees and extending blessings to the wider world. 

## Dhamma School 

The Dhamma school also started operating at pre-pandemic levels and all the students were very eager to attend the temple in person which started from the new academic year beginning in September 2022, lessons transitioned to being conducted within the Vihara premises, with students participating in person. 

The commitment displayed by the Dhamma school coordinators and teachers is deeply acknowledged and valued. Their dedication played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful continuation of Dhamma School classes during this period. 

## Fundraising 

Apart from the food fair in March, 2023 and sponsorships for the New Year Festival in April, we were unable to have any other fundraising events this year but were able to maintain the requirements with regular donations and the reserves of funds. 

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Charity No 1075351 

REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## Special note 

We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the unwavering commitment shown by the venerable monks and all devotees. Their understanding and patience during the challenging times of post-pandemic restrictions were truly commendable. Additionally, we are deeply thankful for the constant support extended by devotees from all quarters, even in the face of financial and other adversities experienced by them throughout this unparalleled post-pandemic period. 

Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre 

16 December 2023 



Charity No 1075351 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## Independent Examiner's Reports to 

## The Trustees of REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 October 2023 which are set out on the page 7-10. My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from you as Trustees concerning and such matters. In my examination, no such matters of concern has come to my attention. 

In my opinion of the financial statements give true and fair view of the Charity's income and expenditure for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## Sarath Jayaratne BA(Hon) FCCA 

Accountants 

Excel Accounting Solutions 

119 Belgrave Avenue 

Gidea Park 

Romfor 

Essex 

RM2 6PS 

31 August 2024 T:01708704775 



REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

Charity No 1075351 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE-CHARITY NO: 1075351 

## Statement of Financial Activities 

for the year ended 31 October 2023 

|Statement of Financial Activities<br>for the year ended 31 October 2023||||
|---|---|---|---|
|||2023|2022|
||Notes|||
|Income from charitable activities||||
|Donations|1|21,728|33,475|
|Other income from fund raising|2|4,472|882|
|Total income||26,200|34,357|
|Expenditure on charitable activities||||
|Fund raising, cultural events and other expenses|35|(13,320)<br>(4,958)|(4,384)<br>(2,760)|
|Utilities, services and insurance<br>Repairs and maintenance|4|(8,893)<br>(346)|(6,509)<br>(1,517)|
|Telephone and other offce expenditure<br>Legal and other professional fees|6|(1,194)<br>(300)|(1,368)<br>(100)|
|Offce equipment and other equipment<br>Total expenditure||(1,864)<br>(30,875)|(16,638)|
|Total expenditure over income||(4,675)|17,719|
|Finance cost and other charges<br>Interest charges<br>Depreciation|7|(1,388)<br>(210)|(1,350)<br>(323)|
|Net movement of funds - Surplus(defcit) for the||(6,273)|16,046|
|year||||





Charity No 1075351 

Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE-CHARITY NO:1075351 

## Balance Sheet 

As at 31 October 2023 

|Balance Sheet<br>As at 31 October 2023||||
|---|---|---|---|
|||2023|2022|
||Notes|||
|Fixed Assets||||
|Equipmen|10||210|
|Freehold Land & Building.|10|297,673|297,673|
|Total non-current assets||297,673|297,883|
|Current Assets||||
|Receivables|9||5,46|
|Bank/building society balances||95,21|104,949|
|Cash in hand||1,50|260|
|Net current assets||96,716|110,672|
|Total assets||394,389|408,555|
|Loans due after more than one year||(17,683)|(25,575)|
|Total Net Assets||376,707|382,980|
|Represented by:||||
|Unrestricted Fund at the beginning of the<br>period||382,980|366,933|
|Net Movement For the year||(6,273)|16,046|
|Total Funds||376,707|382,980|



Notes on pages 8 to 10 are form part of this financial statements. The financial statements have been approved by Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf. 

## P. Hemanкика Rev. P. Hemaratana Thero 


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BPPerara<br>BENTOTAGE P.R. PERCRA<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Trustee 

Trustee 

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Charity No 1075351 

REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## Notes to the Accounts 

for the year ended 31 October 2023 

|Note|1|Income from donations|2023|2022|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Monthly Standing Orders from devotees|20,283|21,665|
|||Donation - Katina ceremony<br>Other donations from devotees & visitors|0|11,184<br>625|
|||Donation - Felicitation ceremony|1,445<br>21,728|0<br>33,475|
|Note|2|Income from other fund raising|2023|2022|
|||Fund raising at cultural events|2,265|880|
|||Food fair|1,589||
|||Other income - refunds, interest and other|618||
||||4,472|882|
|Note|3||||
|||Fund raising, cultural events and other expenses|2023|2022|
|||Hall & Marquee Hire|2,200|€<br>300|
|||Felicitation ceremony|9,055|3490|
|||Subscriptions<br>Cultural event|0<br>1,985|228|
|||Sundry - other expenses|80<br>13,320|367<br>4,384|
|Note|4|Utilities, services and insurance expenses|||
||||2023|2022|
||||€||
|||Cleaning<br>Gas and Electricity|51<br>4,993|231<br>3644|
|||Insurance - property|1,209|1135|
|||Licensing Cost, security & alarm|179|374|
|||Water rates/charges<br>Security & alarm|693<br>1,302<br>8,893|648<br>477<br>6,50|



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## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

|Annual|report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023|Charity No 1075351|Charity No 1075351|
|---|---|---|---|
|Note 5|Travel and subsistence expenses|2023|2022|
||Air tickets, travelling and accommodation|4,958<br>4,958|2760<br>2,760|
|Note 6|Telephone and other offce expenditure|2023|2022|
||Postage<br>Stationery and printing|163<br>69|95<br>52|
||Telephone, fax and broadband services|962<br>1,194|1221<br>1,368|
|Note 7|Finance cost|2023|2022|
||Interest paid on mortgage|1,257|1257|
||Bank charges|131<br>1,388|93<br>1,350|
|Note 8Equipment purchases||2023|2022<br>€|
||Re usable marquee|1,395||
||Laptop and other equipment|469<br>1,864|0|
|Note 9|Receivables|2023|2022|
||Claim due from EE limited||5463|
|||0|5,463|



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Charity No 1075351 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023 

## Note 10. Property, plant and equipment 

||Land &<br>Building|Furniture &<br>Equipment|Library<br>Books|IT<br>EquipmentTotal|IT<br>EquipmentTotal|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Cost or revaluation||||||
|At 1 November|297,673|14,573|1084|539|313,869|
||297,673|14,573|1084|539|313,869|
|Depreciation||||||
|At 1 November 2022||14,573|1,084|329|15,986|
|Charge for the year||||210|210|
|At 31 October 2023||14,573|1084|539|16,196|
|Net book value||||||
|At 31 October 2022|297,673|143||210|298,026|
|At 31 October 2023|297,673||||297,673|



## 

The trustees and committee members of RBCC render their service on voluntary basis 

and there were no payment made to the trustees or committee members during the year 

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