GURU RL&VllDLkSg DpJAw• COMMUNITY CENTRE CEhiv? Annual Report 2022
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
CONTENTS
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
||President’s Foreword|Page 3|
||Secretary’s Report|Page 4 - 5|
||Executive Committee|Page 6|
||Mission Statement & Aims of SGRS|Page 7|
||Trustees|Page 8|
||Highlights & Re-opening 2022|Page 9-11|
||ESOL, Classes & Website|Page 12|
||Auditor’s Report|Page 13|
||Accounts|Page 14-15|
||Acknowledgements|Page 16|
||Contact details|Page 17|
----- End of picture text -----
2
PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
MR. JASWINDER KUMAR
Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha & Community Centre Bedford is a multicultural organisation, serving everyone regardless of race, colour, creed, gender, or ability.
The Centre is named after ‘Sat Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji , a great teacher and a visionary of the 15[th ] century who was born in India and spent all his life promoting justice, fairness and equality and the universal fact that there is only one God and we are all His creation. His teachings lead us towards being decent human beings and law-abiding inhabitants of this earth.
The Organisation was established in the early 1970’s has served the community extensively with funds raised from the Ravidassia Community of Bedford.
New Management Committee was elected and reinstalled by the Election Commission to continue as there was no opposition to any of the posts. The Executive Committee’s immediate priority was to continue with the safety procedures were kept in place post lockdown and follow government guidelines.
On behalf of SGRScc Bedford Das would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all Seva Dars, trustees, donors and contributors for the selfless service and commitment during the second pandemic lockdown at Sri Guru Ravidass Bhawan & Community Centre, Bedford.
Das is happy to announce that the Seva to deliver meals to the front line key workers in the public services and the needy in vulnerable circumstances during the unprecedented pandemic (Covid-19) has brought recognition to our organisation and its work.
To celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations was organised by SGRScc. The occasion to celebrate her HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was well received and attended by the VIP’s, Sangat and the Public.
All work for the new build which was postponed for post lockdowns will hopefully begin in the third quarter, start of the next financial year. The Guru Ghar Seva Dars will continue to serve the Communities needs and move forward with the progress made.
With full support of the Trustees and Ravidassia Community the Management Committee will aspire to take this organisation to more modern levels in it’s future outlook & conduct, keeping within the teachings and guidance of Sat Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.
Jai Gurdev Ji
Jaswinder Kumar (President SGRScc Bedford)
3
GENERAL SECRETARY’S OVERVIEW
MR. PRATHVI RAJ RANDHAWA
GENERAL SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT 1/8/2021 – 31/8/2022 PRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC MEETING: 16/4/2023
JAI GURDEV JI
Das would like to thank everyone for attending today’s meeting and would like to take this opportunity at this Public Meeting to present to you our annual report of the progress made since the last annual meeting held on the 14/11/2021.
You have all received a comprehensive end of term financial report from our Guru Ghar Treasurer and Auditors for the period, 1/8/2021– 31/7/2022.
Today’s report covers the financial accounting period 1/8/2021 – 31/7/2022.
As you will recall from our last report ending 31/7/2021 the government Covid-19 restrictions were lifted on the 19[th] July, 2021 and Sri Guru Ravidass Bhawan & Community Centre re-opened with an 8 point plan guideline and thanks giving, starting with Sukhmani Sahib Path Ji on the 25[th] July, 2021.
Since then Sangat has normalised and life at the Gurughar is fully functional in its activities.
On October 19[th] Gurughar, Gianni Balvir Singh Ji arrived from India for the well needed support required as we came out of lockdown.
Employment Surgery was launched on 11[th] November for Sangat seeking help in employment.
As the year was approaching to a close and the management elections had been post phoned due to health & safety during lockdown, Sunday 30[th] January 2022 was announced for the elections to go ahead before the Gurpurb in March 2022 (645[th] Birth Anniversary celebrations of Sat Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji).
New Management Committee was elected and reinstalled by the Election Commission to continue as there was no opposition to any of the posts.
The prime duty for the Management committee was to press on with the priority task of start work on the new build project. A special meeting of the executive committee was held on the 12[th] February 2022 with the main contractor who was favoured for the contract of the construction.
During February we learnt that Gianni Amrik Singh Ji was refused Tier 5 religious worker. We were again left with one Gianni Ji for the foreseeable future again with the annual Gurpurb (645[th] Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Sat Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji) under way to be broad cast on Kanshi TV.
SGRScc took the initiative and went to the Scott Community Centre Bedford to aid the victims of the Redwood fire incident tragedy.
At the special request of the RAF (Royal Air Force) SGRscc organised and presented a very successful exhibition for the Community to celebrate the SAHM (South Asian Heritage Month) on the 14[th] August 2022. The event also celebrated the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ for Her Majesty’s armed forces.
4
GENERAL SECRETARY’S OVERVIEW
MR. PRATHVI RAJ RANDHAWA
It was unfortunate that the Ravidassia and Valmiki Community in Bedford and indeed around the country were forced to take action against an individual (Mr Amrik Bajwa) from Southall who released a racist, derogatory video that went viral on social media (Tik Tok) degrading and threatening the girls and women from the communities. The seriousness of behaviour with the threat and language he used was reported to the police authorities for prompt action against this person.
With God’s grace guiding us through these challenging times, sevadars have continued to serve the Communities of Bedfordshire even when we had one Gianni (priest) at Gurughar, in whatever support and for as long as required in the ongoing challenges.
You will be pleased to know that we have applied for the second Gianni Ji (Religious worker- Rakesh Kumar Ji) and we are hopeful for his successful application in the next few months whilst we still wait for
Das would like to take this opportunity and on behalf of Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bedford Sewa Dars (Executive Management Committee) to pay our respect and condolences to all families who have been affected during these past 2 years and thank the trustees, all sangat, every sewadar and public officials who have supported us immensely.
Thank You.
JAI GURDEV JI
Prathvi Raj Randhawa (Gen.Sec.SGRScc Bedford)
5
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha, Bedford Sri Guru Ravidass Bhawan & Community Centre Guru Ravidass Lane, (Off Ashburnham Rd), Bedford, MK40 1ED Tel : 01234 359681
Jai Gurdev Ji, 30/01/2022
Dear Sadh Sangat Ji Dear President & General Secretary,
I have great pleasure in announcing and forwarding the list of the New, unanimously elected Gurughar Seva Dars (Management Committee) of Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha & Community Centre, Bedford.
Newly Elected Management Committee
President: Vice President: General Secretary: Asst. Secretary: Treasurer: Asst Treasurer: Auditor: Asst Auditor: Cultural Secretary: Educational Secretary: Sports Secretary: Store Supervisor: Building/Maintenance Supervisor:
Jaswinder Kumar (07715347643) Hans Raj Nagah (0738896746) Prathvi Raj Randhawa (07980814301) Surjit KumarHeera Dilbagh Banghard Sucha Ram Paul Charanjit Chumber Jaswant Sunda Balwinder Ram Bharoli Mrs Saroj Sondhi Ram Murti Bhatoa Nanjoo Ram Paul Tilak Raj
Executive Members:
Mrs Abnash Nagah Mrs Bimla Devi Mrs Giano Kaur Mrs Gurdev Kaur Bains Mrs Rani Kaur
Mr Parshotam Sampla Mr Pawan Deep Mr Ram Dass Mehmi Mr Roop Lal Kaul Mr Mohan Lal Toora
Yours Sincerely
Jaswinder Kumar (President SGRScc) Bedford
6
MISSION STATEMENT
Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha and Community Centre Bedford is a multicultural Centre and aims to meet the social and cultural needs of the diverse local communities of Bedfordshire, improving quality of life of the users of the centre, and encouraging tolerance, understanding and harmony without discrimination of race, colour, caste, creed, religion, gender, ability or sexual orientation.
Aims
-
To meet the social and cultural needs of the community.
-
To improve the quality of life of the users of the centre.
-
To actively support groups from different cultures, and provide a base for their activities.
-
To support the relief of poverty. To work for the advancement of learning and education. To encourage integration. To support Ravidassia principles of:
-
EQUALITY, JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, CHARITY, TOLERANCE and UNDERSTANDING.
7
SRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA TRUSTEE’S
Mr Rajender Kumar Badhan
Mr Satveer Badhan Mr Om Parkash Bagha
Mr Hazara Ram Bains Mr Mohan Singh Bains Mr Harmesh Bangerh Mr Ram Parkash Bangerh Mr Tarsem Bangher Mr Prem Chand Basra
Mr Tarsem Paul Mr Nasib Chand Rahl Mr Michael Ram Mr Malkiat Singh Randhawa Mr Mohinder Ram Sandhu Mr Chain Ram
Mr Charan Singh Mr Ram Saran Suman Mr Gurchain Singh Sunyara
Mr Sada Ram Bhatti
Mr Gurmel Singh Chamber Mr Mehar Chand Ghera Mr Sohan Singh Jhalli Mr Sodhi Ram Mahi Mr Baldev Raj Nighah Mr Chaman Lal Paul
Mr Roop Lal Paul Mr Sat Paul Mr Satpal Paul Mr Surinder Paul
8
RE-OPENING & CELEBRATIONS
COVID-19 COMPILANCE & RE-OPENING
NISHAN SAHIB JI GURPURB & PROCESSION
PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION
1 June – 30 June 2022
SRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA & COMMUNITY CENTRE BEDFORD
Free event with general admission
Throughout her 70-year reign and in the decades before, Her Majesty The Queen has lived through times of conflict, maintaining an enduring relationship with the armed forces and honoring those affected by war at home and across the world.
Marking the Platinum Jubilee this spring, SGRScc (Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha & Community Centre) Bedford will explore the role of The Royal Family in conflict, tracing The Queen’s personal experience of war through projections of film and photography. As Princess Elizabeth, The Queen’s first public duties were during the Second World War, which broke out when she was 13 years old. Upon joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, she became the first woman in The Royal Family to enlist as a full-time member of the armed services. Since then, The Queen has supported those who serve and veterans of conflict in her role as Head of the Armed Forces, a post that continues a long royal military tradition.
New research into IWM’s (Imperial War Museum’s) photography archive demonstrates just how keenly The Queen’s role as monarch has been shaped by her wartime experiences. This relationship between crown and conflict will be explored through IWM’s collections, bringing human stories to the foreground and providing a unique lens through which to join the national moment.
9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
QUEEN’S CANOPY AWARDED ORCHARD TO PLANT 70 TREES
NEW AWARDS
HIGH SHERIFF’S AWARD
REMEMBERANCE CHATTRI MEMORIAL BRIGHTON
SRI GURU RAVIDASS BHAWAN & COMMUNITY CENTRE BEDFORD
BEDFORD MEMORIAL
10
PASSPORT & VISA SURGERY
IN THE COMMUNITY
WEDDINGS
11
The Community Development Centre, (formerly known as the Learning Centre) was funded by the Big Lottery Fund and has been running ESOL and IT classes successfully where learners from all communities of Bedford are welcome to learn and socialise in a safe and friendly environment. Learners of basic computers and ESOL are taught by tutors from Bedford College and WEA.
Funding from Bedford Borough Council (Third Sector Funding) allowed us to purchase 10 more laptop computers. Extra furniture was made available to update the classrooms.
Punjabi classes held every Sunday.
Employment Surgery was launched on 11[th] November 2022 for Sangat seeking help in employment.
Passport surgery held every Monday evening for Sangat seeking help in passport, visa or OCI applications.
This year we have continued to redevelop our website for improved accessibility to news, events and services including archive material and provision for You Tube with a link to the organisations website. The website is available on www.gururavidasssabhabedford.com.
This site will allow us to offer our services to a wider audience of the Bedfordshire community. It will allow direct access to donors to make donations to SGRScc Bedford.
We will update all on our forthcoming programmes and also list facilities our organisation can provide at the New Community Building & Development Centre.
We are hoping that with todays changing technology we can utilise this medium to further our organisation and increase visibility.
12
AUDITOR’S REPORT 2021 - 2022
13
ACCOUNTS 2021 - 2022
SUMMARY
14
ACCOUNTS 2021 - 2022
SUMMARY
15
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THANKS TO:
Bedfordshire Police (Deputy Chief Constable Mr Gary Forsyth & Community Cohesion Team Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Services. Office of the Indian High Commission ( Counsellor Anil Nautiyal - OCI & passport) Vfs Global (London) Office of MP Bedford & Kempston (Mohammed Yasin ) Royal British Legion, (Robin Thomas) Chattri Memorial Group (Davinder Dhillon) Mayor’s Office Bedford (Cllr. Dave Hodgson) Bedford Borough Council—Registrar's Office (Miriam Burgess & Yvonne Prudham) Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant (Helen Nellis) Her Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenants (Vinod Tailor, Debbie Inskip) High Sheriff of Bedfordshire (Lady Jane Clifford) Gurdwara Aid Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat, Luton Bedford Council of Faiths (Revd. Cassandra Howes) Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) Premier Solicitors NHS Healthwatch (Emma Freda) The Harpur Trust Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation Sainsburys (Clapham, Bedford) Morrisons (Bedford) Premier Store (Harmesh Bangerh) Accurate Acc Ltd Mato Design PHT Printers Bedford Taxi Drivers Samaj Weekly
GURU RAVIDASS LANE BEDFORD MK40 1ED TEL: 01234 359681
EMAIL: GURURAVIDASS@BTINTERNET.COM
17