SEBASTIAN HUNTER MEMORIAL TRUST
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 25 MARCH 2025
Registered Number: 1119191
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS YEAR ENDED 25 MARCH 2025
Trustees: Ms Anna Hunter James Hunter Adam Walford Mrs Laura Walford Administration Office: Fortune House Knowle Lane Cranleigh Surrey GU6 8JP Business Address Sebastian Hunter Memorial School and Community Development Project Trust No 6 10[th] East Cross Road Gandhi Nagar Vellore 632 006 Tamil Nadu India Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc 39 Threadneedle Street London EC2R 8AU Independent Examiners: Randall & Payne LLP Chargrove House Shurdington Cheltenham GL51 4GA
ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 25 MARCH 2025
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Structure, governance and management
The charity was constituted by a Deed of Trust dated 26[th] July 2006. The trustees, all family members, manage the Trust.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission relating to Public Benefit.
They ensure that all children who use the facilities of The Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or family background have equal access. The libraries, science laboratory and computer facilities are free for all pupils to use.
Objectives and activities
The trustees shall hold the income and capital of the Trust upon trust to apply them for such charitable purposes and such registered charities as the trustees in their absolute discretion think fit from time to time.
The Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust was set up as an informal charity in 2002 following the tragic death of Sebastian in June 2001. It is run by Seb’s family and the initial project was to build a primary school in a poor, remote village called Senji Mottur in Tamil Nadu, South India. Other projects followed and their progress is described below.
India was chosen as it was a place Sebastian visited and loved, and as a family the trustees have friends locally who are able to project manage and advise them on where money is most needed.
A note from Trustees of the Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust UK
As we enter the 24th year since Seb's death and the building of our very first small school in Senji Mottur, we have been reflecting on the extraordinary difference that the human touch makes. In every comer of our work in India, it is the people, their kindness, care, and determination that bring real change to life.
During our visit at the end of 2023, we were moved by the dedication of the teachers, whose daily encouragement, patience, and belief in their students light a spark that lasts a lifetime. Their work is not just about lessons and exams it's about giving each child the confidence to dream.
We also met with a group of higher education students whose journeys are proof of what can happen when someone reaches out a hand to help. Many are first-generation learners, stepping into a world of possibilities their parents could never have imagined. Each one spoke with heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to study, an opportunity made possible only through the generosity and support of the Seb's community.
Every donation, every hour volunteered, every event organized these are all acts of human touch. They connect us, across miles and cultures, in a shared belief that compassion can transfoan lives. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has given their time, energy, and heart this year. Our particular thanks must go to the incredible team in India who make ihis all possible. You are all testament 10 the power of humanity to make a difference to so many lives. We are so grateful for all you do in Seb 's honour.
With thanks and warn, wishes, Anna, Laura, James and Adam
Director’s Note
The world today is moving fast. Technology is advancing, everything is becoming more digital, and often it feels like we're all just trying to keep pace. But in the midst of all this change, one thing remains the same: people still need people.
At Seb's Projects, we've never forgotten that truth. Our work is not only about programs or targets; it's about people and the connections that change lives; A simple conversation that lifts someone's spirit. A look that says, "l believe in you." A hand that reaches out at the right time. For us at Seb's, "Human Touch" isn't a phrase- it's the very heart of what we do.
On the cover of this report, we chose to honor the story of Settaiammal, a tribal woman with a big dream for her community. She wanted children in her remote village and nearby areas to have easy access to education. In an extraordinary act of generosity, she gave up the only piece of land she owned so that a Seb 's School could be
ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 25 MARCH 2025
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built. Today, her gift is a beacon of hope for the children of Pattikollai and neighboring villages. Her story reminds us of the power of one individual, the true power of human touch.
Over the years, 1 have witnessed this power in many places- In tribal girls walking miles each day just to reach school, in the pure joy on the face of a homeless child finally given a chance to learn, in a young health worker, patiently and tenderly caring for expectant mothers in distress, in mothers who turned their small kitchens into thriving businesses, and in tribal women standing tall as confident entrepreneurs. These aren't just stories to make us feel good. They are living proof that compassion, connection, and care can transform lives.
This year has never been just about projects or numbers. It has been about people, about lives touched, hopes restored, and communities strengthened. I am deeply grateful to the State and District Education officials and to our corporate partner, Corporater, along with their teams, who visited our programs and connected with our communities. Their encouragement and presence continue to inspire us.
As you read this report, I hope you catch a glimpse of this spirit, the beauty of what happens when hearts meet purpose, and when people lift each other up. That is where true impact begins. With your continued support, we will keep walking alongside communities, building not just schools or projects, but something lasting, meaningful, and filled with hope.
Emma Koshi Director Seb's Projects India
Financial review
Cash funds of £124,605 (2024 - £97,850) remain after supporting the above projects in the year to 25th March 2025.
Reserves
The trust has reserve accounts in the bank to allow for unforeseen expenses. Having recently visited the projects, we wanted to ensure that we had enough funds to cover any new projects we were asked to undertake and any increases. We have been asked by all the teachers we support for an increase in wages and have now agreed to this so will be using the reserve funds to help over these increased costs.
Reserves are not required to administer the charity.
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational existence.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 25 MARCH 2025
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Independent examiners
The trustees recommend that Randall & Payne LLP remain in office until further notice.
Signed on behalf of the trustees:
Laura Walford Anna Hunter Date: 18 September 2025 Date: 18 September 2025
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees on the accounts of Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust
I report on the accounts of the Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust for the year ended 25 March 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and you consider that the audit requirement of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act and to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the 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 explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
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to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Benjamin Burch ACA For and behalf of Randall & Payne LLP Chartered Accountants
Shurdington Road
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 4GA Date: 7 October 2025
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 25[TH] MARCH 2025
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| 2025 |
2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | |
| funds | FUNDS | funds | |
| £ | £ | ||
| RECEIPTS | |||
| Donations and associated Income Tax | |||
| Recovery | 83,660 | 83,660 | 95,328 |
| _ | ______ | _ | |
| 83,660 | 83,660 | 95,328 | |
| _ | _ | _ | |
| PAYMENTS | |||
| Funding for projects in India | 51,290 | 51,29 | 76,980 |
| Fundraising expenses | 3,495 | 3,495 | - |
| Other donations | 940 | 940 | 100 |
| Bank and other charges | 220 | 220 | 264 |
| Accountancy and Independent Examination | 960 | 960 | 9960 |
| _ | _ | _ | |
| 56,905 | 56,905 | 78,304 | |
| _ | _ | _ | |
| Net receipts | 26,755 | 26,755 | 17,024 |
| Cash funds brought forward | 97,850 | 97,850 | 80,826 |
| _ | _ | _ | |
| Cash funds carried forward | 124,605 | 124,605 | 97,850 |
| ====== | ====== | ====== |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES YEAR ENDED 25[TH] MARCH 2025
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2025 2024
Unrestricted funds
£ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 124,605 97,850
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Debtors
3,726 6,176
Income Tax recovery
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Liabilities
1,008 960
Independent Examiner’s fee
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Laura Walford Anna Hunter
Date: 18 September 2025 Date: 18 September 2025
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NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
- The trustees neither waived nor received any emoluments during the period.