TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT: THE SIKH MEMORIAL FUND
April 2023 - March 2024
WW1 SIKH MEMORIAL FUND
Charity number 1160515
Chairman: J. Singh-Sohal Trustees: Dr Pavandeep Sandhu, Manjit Sohal Secretary: Sukhmani Vig
Annual Report April 2023 – March 2024
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Whilst continuing our enduring commitment to lead a Sikh Remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), the Sikh Memorial Fund has also spent the year active in engaging in events and talks around the country.
In July 2023 we supported the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation at the NMA during War Graves Week. We also visited the Cadets in Solihull, to screen one of our films and detail the Indian contribution during the war.
We continued to develop our relationship with the RBL Warwickshire, who have been very supportive and inclusive of our efforts. This includes helping organise a prestigious and unique event at Solihull Civic Centre, a langar or Sikh communal kitchen for veterans at which we spoke about the Sikh contribution. We also supported an event at the Armed Forces Garden.
In November 2023, alongside our NMA event, we also attended to support Remembrance at several events in Solihull. The first was a local community event. And on Armistice Day itself we attended the Candle Lighting ceremony at St Alphege Church and paraded in Solihull town centre.
We have seen much enthusiasm for our work and many invitations to come and speak to community groups, which our volunteers have undertaken. In 2024 we will be marking our 10[th] anniversary of the Sikh Memorial, so will be developing our relationships with that in mind, particular on Warwickshires Armed Forces Day which we have been invited to attend, speak and support.
All these events help us drive awareness of the Sikh contribution but also the national site at the NMA which we always encourage people to visit.
At the NMA event in November, our special guest was Elaine Butler, the President of the RBL Warwickshire and Birmingham, who spoke about her relative who’d fought in the war and the importance of our Commonwealth allies. The event was a great success once more, with representatives of diverse communities. New links were made and invitations assured for future engagements and speaking events.
Overall, a busy year but with much achieved as we head towards our 10[th] anniversary.
Capt. J. Singh-Sohal VR Chairman
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES SIKH MEMORIAL FUND: INCOME and EXPENDITURE for 01 April 2023- 31 March 2024 Date Expenditure Income Notes Balance carried 0211112023 Website costs - paid by Director 197.79 144.24 Website costs, month fee 4 hostin& from April '22 to March '23 NMA Wreath for event ceremony 1511112023 NMA Wreath 2023 20 Totals 164.24 197.79 Account Balance 33.55
ANNUAL WW1 SIKH MEMORIAL GATHERING: NOVEMBER 2023 On the first Sunday of November we gathered at the Sikh Memorial, joined by guests.
Ends.