Trustees' Annual Report
Wiltshire Malayalee Association (WMA) For the Financial Year Ending 31/3/2024
1. Introduction
Welcome to the Wiltshire Malayalee Association (WMA) , a registered charitable organization in England and Wales. Our mission is to enrich and preserve Kerala's cultural values while fostering inclusivity and unity in Wiltshire. Established in 2003 in Swindon, WMA has grown from a small group of Malayalee families celebrating traditional festivals like Onam into a vibrant community organization dedicated to cultural preservation, education, and charitable endeavors.
We are proud to organize events, seminars, and workshops that connect our members with their roots, bridge cultural gaps, and contribute positively to society. Our commitment to secularism, cultural preservation, and social cohesion drives us to create a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity.
2. Objectives and Activities
Charitable Objectives
The objectives of the Wiltshire Malayalee Association are:
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To preserve and promote the cultural and traditional values of Kerala.
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To foster social connections and unity among the Malayalee community in Wiltshire.
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To contribute to charitable causes and engage in community development.
Main Activities
In line with our objectives, the following activities were undertaken during the financial year:
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Cultural Events : Organized vibrant celebrations such as Onam and Christmas, attended by over 500 participants.
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Educational Initiatives : Conducted Malayalam language classes and cultural workshops for younger generations to stay connected to their heritage.
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Community Engagement : Collaborated with local organizations in Wiltshire to host cultural exchange events, promoting harmony and understanding.
Charitable Work : Supported
1. Free Medical Seminars
Organized free health seminars for the Kerala, Tamil, and Goan communities , covering preventive care and mental health, fostering health awareness across diverse groups.
2. Free Chess and Language Classes
Provided free chess training to enhance cognitive skills and Malayalam language classes to preserve cultural heritage and promote intergenerational connections.
3. Food Bank Donations
Conducted a food collection drive for a local food bank, supporting individuals and families in need.
4. Sports Day
Hosted a community Sports Day , promoting physical fitness, unity, and charitable contributions, while strengthening bonds across communities.
3. Achievements and Performance
Key Highlights
This year, WMA successfully:
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Conducted 3 cultural programs, including, during the Christmas and Traditional cultural festival day - Onam.
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Enrolled 75 children in language and cultural classes, ensuring the preservation of Kerala’s rich heritage among younger generations.
4. Financial Review
Overview of Finances
The charity’s total income during the financial year was £29469, with expenditures of £23987. This resulted in a net of £5482. Major sources of income included membership fees, donations, and event revenues.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain free reserves of £1500 to support the charity's operations. As of 31/3/2024, WMA holds reserves totaling £1500.
5. Structure, Governance, and Management
Governing Document
The Wiltshire Malayalee Association operates under its Constitution and is registered as a charitable organization in England and Wales (Charity Registration Number: 1153639).
Trustees
The trustees serving during the financial year were:
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Princemon Mathew
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Francis Sony Kachappilly
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Pradeesh Philip
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Jaimon Chacko
Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the governing document, with the aim of ensuring effective governance and diverse representation.
6. Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, WMA plans to:
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Expand our educational initiatives by introducing new workshops and increasing the reach of our language classes.
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Strengthen our charitable efforts by partnering with local organizations and increasing fundraising activities.
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Continue fostering cultural exchange programs to promote harmony and mutual understanding in Wiltshire.
7. Reference and Administrative Information
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Charity Name : Wiltshire Malayalee Association (WMA)
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Charity Registration Number : 1153639
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Principal Address : 9, Sedgebrook, Swindon, SN3 6EY
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Independent Examiner/Auditor : Jamey Nair, 07875957782
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Bankers : Barclays Bank, 28, Regent St, Swindon, SN1 1QB
8. Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity prepares financial statements that comply with the Charities Act 2011 and give a true and fair view of the financial activities. They confirm that the accounts meet the requirements of the Charity Commission and the governing document.
9. Approval
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 7[th] January 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Princemon Mathew
Princemon Mathew, Chair
7[th] January 2025