## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE CHARITY NO:1075351 


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Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31 October 2024 



Charity No 1075351 

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## f REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

## 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 ford, Essex IG6 2DN 

Charity Commission registration number: 1075351 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

Charity No 1075351 

9, Balfour Road, Ilford, Essex |G1 4HP_ Tel: 020 8478 8286 

Registered Charity No: 1075351 

a Trustees’ Annual Report of the RBCC for the year 2023/2024 

The Annual General Meeting was held on 23 December 2023 to appoint the executive committee members and the trustees of the RBCC for the year 2023/2024. The following members served as the trustees of the charity: 

- e Venerable P. Hemaratana e Mrs. Mallika Nanayakkara e Mrs. Hema Wimalasundara e Mrs Renuka Perera e Dr. Siri Abeysekara e Dr. Palitha Serasinghe e Mr. Aruna Perera e Dr. W D Gunewardhana 

## Activities & Achievements of the Charity 

The following activities were carried out to achieve the objectives of the charity during the year 2023/2024. 

## Blessings for the new year 

On January 6th, 2024 from 7.00 to 12.00 pm the customary Pirith chanting was held at the Vihara. This event aimed to bestow blessings upon devotees and their families through a restricted inperson 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. 

## Food Fair 

In order to find necessary funds for the cost of New Year Festival, a food fair was held at the temple premises on 147* March 2024 from 3.00pm onwards. This was a very successful event attended by many devotees and well-wishers. 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

Charity No 1075351 

New Year Ceremony 

The annual ih Lankan New Year Ceremony holds significant importance within the Sri Lankan community in the UK. The event was held on 20" April 2024 at Woodbridge High School from 10.00am onwards 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 a 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, and wider community affiliated to the Vihara in their daily lives. 

## Wesak Day & Dansela (free food to the devotees) 

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 26th, 2024 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 premise. 

Poson Day & Bakthi gee singing of religious songs) Poson day religious activities were also held on 23" June, 2024 with a large gathering of devotees at the Vihara followed by songs by children from the Sunday school and their pa rents and Dansela where free food was given to the large gathering of devotees at the temple premise. 

## 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 21%, 2024. This event held at the Vihara premises with the participation of sponsors of this year Katina ceremony, while other devotees joined the occasion online. The ceremony to present the Katina Robe took place on October 27", 2024 at Loxford School hall with a huge gathering of devotees. 

## 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. 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. 

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REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

Charity No 1075351 

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 2024, the daily and weekend pujas (religious ceremonies) got back to 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 operated throughout the terms of the academic year and all the students were very eager to attend the temple in person which started from new academic year beginning in September 2023, lessons transitioned to being conducted within the Vihara premises, with students participating in person. The commitment displayed by the Dhamma school coordinator 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, 2024 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. 

Special note We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the unwavering commitment shown by the venerable monks and all devotees. Additionally, we are deeply thankful for the constant support extended by devotees from all quarters, even in the face of financial and other adversities. 

Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre 20 December 2024 

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Charity No 1075351 

independent Examiner's Reports to The Trustees of REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 

REDBRIDGEAnnualnnual reportreport & accounts BUDDHIST for the CULTURAL year ended 31 CENTREOctober 2024 

| report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 October 2024 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 also 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 2024 

## Sarath Jayaratne BA(Hon) FCCA 

Accountants Excel Accounting Solutions 

119 Belgrave Avenue 

Gidea Park Romford Essex RM2 6PS 27 August 2025 T:01708704775 

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Charity No 1075351 

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## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE-CHARITY NO:1076351 

|Statementof FinancialActivities<br>fortheyearended31October 2024||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|£|£|
|Income from charitable activities|1|30,709|22,285|
|Donations<br>Otherincomefromfundraising|2|6**,**297<br>37 006|3**,**915<br>26 200|
|Total income||||
|Expenditureon charitable activities<br>Fundraising, culturaleventsandotherexpenses<br>Travel and subsistence<br>Utilities, servicesandinsuranceexpenses<br>Repairsandmaintenance<br>Telephone andotherofficeexpenditure<br>Legalandother professionalfees<br>Officeequipment andotherequipment|3<br>6<br>4<br>5<br>7<br>9|**(**4**,**692**)**<br>1 850<br>(10**,**344**)**<br>(4 493<br>(1,642)<br>(6,034)<br>(**3**27**)**<br>(29, 82|(13,320)<br>(4,958)<br>(8,893**)**<br>(131<br>(1,194)<br>(300)<br>(1**,**8**6**4**)**<br>(30 6 0|
|Total expenditure<br>Totalexpenditureoverincome||7,624|(4,460)|
|Finance costand othercharges|10|(1,379)|(1,388)|
|Interest charges||0|(210)|
|Depreciation||||
|Netmovementoffunds -Surplus(deficit) forthe||6,245|(6,058)|
|year||||



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REDBRIDG E BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE nnual report & accounts for the year ndedended 31 October 2024 

Charity No 1075351 


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|---|---|---|---|---|
|Balance|Sheet|
|As|at|31|October|2024|

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|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2024|2023|
|Notes|£|£|
|Fixed|Assets|
|0|o|
|Equipment|
|Freehold|Land &|Building.|10|297,673|297,673|
|a297,673|297,673|
|Total|non-current|assets|
|CurrentReceivablesAssets|11|252|9|
|Bank/building society|balances|92,124|95,217|
|2,127|1,500|
|Cash|in|hand|a|_|
|Net current assets|94,503|96,717|
|392,176|394,390|
|Total|assets|
|Loans due after more than one year|(9,225)|(17,683)|
|Total Net Assets|_eee382,950|376,707|
|Represented|by:|
|Unrestricted|Fund|at|the|beginning|of the|376,705|382,980|
|period|
|Net|Movement|For the year|6,245|(6,273)|
|Total|Funds|382,950|376,707|

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Notes on pages 8 to 11 are form part of this financial statements. The financial statements have been approved by Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf. 

Trustee 

Trustee 

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## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual report & accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

## Charity No 1075351 

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 

|Note 1|Incomefromdonations<br>MonthlyStandingOrdersfromdevotees<br>Donation - Katinaceremony<br>Otherdonations fromdevotees& visitors<br>Donation - Felicitationceremony|2024<br>£<br>20,872<br>8,636<br>1,201<br>x<br>20,7<br>,|a"<br>nae<br>po<br>yr<br>52 a4<br>___—22,284|
|---|---|---|---|
|Note2|Incomefrom otherfundraising<br>Fundraisingatculturalevents<br>Fund raising -foodsstall<br>Raffledraw atnewvearfestival<br>Otherincome -refunds,interestandother|~<br>oe<br>754<br>413<br>—4207<br>—_——|2023<br>£<br>1A25<br>1500<br>240<br>61<br>—3915<br>———|
|Note 3|Fund raising, culturaleventsandotherexpenses<br>P<br>Hall &MarqueeHire<br>Felicitationceremony<br>Cultural&religiouseventexpenses<br>Sundry-otherexpenses|soz<br>£<br>1,240<br>5<br>3,204<br>348<br>— jer<br>—_—_————|£<br>2200<br>opss<br>1985<br>sso<br>___<br>73,320<br>——_———|
|Note4|_Utilities, servicesandinsuranceexpenses|ozs<br>£|023<br>£|
||Cleaningservices<br>Gasand Electricity<br>Insurance-property|1,494<br>473s<br>1281<br>‘00|517<br>deo<br>4208<br>as|
||Licensing Cost, security&alarm<br>water rates/charges<br>Security&alarm|a<br>871<br>— mas <br>—_——_—|a<br>00<br> — es<br>—_————_—|
|Note§|Repairsandmaintenance<br>5<br>SundryRepairs<br>Boilerandheatingsystem|2024<br>93<br>,.<br>4,100<br>4,493|2028<br>163<br>6s<br>232|
|Note6|Travelandsubsistenceexpenses|2024<br>£|2023<br>£|
||Airtickets,travellingandaccommodation|1,850<br>1,850|4958<br>4,958|



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## REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST Annual report & accounts for NeULTURAL CENTRE year ended 31 October 2024 

## Charity No 1075351 

|Note7|fT,elephoneandotherofficeexpenditure|2024<br>f|2023<br>F|
|---|---|---|---|
||Pi<br>ostage<br>Stationery and printing<br>Telephone, fax andbroadband services|318<br>163<br>139<br>69<br>1,185<br>962<br>1,642<br>1,194<br>eo||
|Note8|Financecost|2024|2023|
|||£|£|
||Interestpaidonmortgage<br>Bankcharges|1,257<br>122<br>1,379|1257<br>131<br>1,388|
|Note9|Legalandotherprofessionalfees|2024<br>£|2023<br>£|
||Preparation of guestsMonk'svisaand healthsurcharges<br>PreparationandregistrationofTrustDeed|4,534<br>1,500<br>6,034|on!<br>300|



Note 10. Property, plant and equipment 

|Note 10. Property, plant|plant and equipment|||IT||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||F||||
||9|quip|Books|||
||£|£|£|£|£|
|Cost or revaluation<br>At 1 November2023|297,673|14,573|1084|539|313,869|
||297,673<br>14,573<br>1084<br>539<br>313,869<br>aae|||||
|Depreciation||||||
|At 1 November2023<br>Chargefortheyear<br>At31 October2024|0<br>0<br>0|14,573<br>0<br>14,573|1,084<br>0<br>1084|539<br>0<br>539|16,196<br>0<br>16,196|
|Net book value||||||
|At 31 October2023<br>At 31 October2024|297,673<br>297,673|0<br>0|0<br>0|0<br>0|297,673<br>297,673|
|Note11 Receivables||||2024<br>£|2023<br>£|
|ClaimduefromHSBC||||252<br>22|0<br>°°Oo|



## Note 12. Trustees and committee members benefits 

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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