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2023-03-31-accounts

OPERAIION SABRE 0742-1 ontaci w.laei ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23

Table of Contents

Subject: Page:
Welcome 2
Charity Particulars 3
Overview 4
Our Vision and Mission 5
Where we operate 6
Summary of our activities 7
What some of our partners say 8
What society says about our
activities…		 13
Our Accounts for 2022/23 14
Acknowledgements 15
Appendix A: Business Plan
2022/23		 16
Appendix B: Code of Conduct 17
References 18

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

1

Welcome

Welcome to the 2022/23 Annual Report of Operation Sabre, a report that records the activities of our small charity, doing its best, to support the most vulnerable of Romania.

As a small and yet agile charity, Operation Sabre, working with existing trusted partners continues to operate in a flexible and pragmatic manner to support the most vulnerable in Romania. Unfortunately, and due to circumstances beyond our control, those we support has expanded to include some of the many millions of Ukrainian refugees who now seek sanctuary in Romania. Our efforts are now two-fold, by providing the means for our Romanian partners to support the refugees in the short-term, but at the same time, creating a legacy that benefits Romania in the long-term.

We are in indebted to the generosity of our benefactors and partners for their much-appreciated support.

Steve Worrall BEM PhD MBA President Operation Sabre

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Operation Sabre takes its name from the predominant type of fire engine the charity has delivered to Romania, the DENNIS SABRE . The charity’s emblem depicts two crossed sabres denoting ‘readiness to protect’ surmounted by a Victorian fire helmet, representing the ‘traditions and values’ of the fire and rescue service. The crossed sabres and helmet are encircled by an eight pointed star that signifies the cross of Saint John. The eight points or 'tenets' represent the knightly virtues of - Tact, Gallantry, Dexterity, Observation, Perseverance, Loyalty, Explicitness and Sympathy.

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

2

Charity Particulars

CHARITY DETAILS

TRUSTEES

(This report was submitted to the Charity Commission on 30 January 2024)

Operation Sabre is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with voting rights for members and Trustees. Trustees are required to stand down after twelve months, with new elections taken at the Annual General Meeting. Trustees are required to sign the Charity Commission’s Trustee Eligibility Declaration and abide by the Commission’s prescribed responsibilities for Trustees.

Copyright © 2024 Operation Sabre

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the Board of Trustees.

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

3

Operation Sabre’s vision is to assist in shaping the future of Transylvania, by preserving and protecting its communities and heritage from the effects of fire and other emergencies. In doing so, public benefit is achieved through the sharing of knowledge, expertise, equipment and resources to advance the understanding of fire protection, prevention and emergency response arrangements.

Whilst only one visit to Romania was conducted during 2022/23, many projects were funded across the range of partners supported by Operation Sabre. The primary focus of the single visit was to install fire and smoke alarms within the many residential care homes now supported the charity. In addition, humanitarian aid was delivered and distributed to Romanian partner agencies supporting Ukrainian refugees.

This has led to the purchase and donation of five minibuses, which have been provided to the Romanian Orthodox Church operating in Argeş and Mures Counties. The short-term purpose for these vehicles is to assist in the transportation of humanitarian aid and refugees. Long-term, the minibuses will be retained and used by Romanian orphanages and the Targu Mures Red Cross.

Overview…

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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Our Vision and Mission...

OUR VISION: Helping to shape the future of Transylvania, Romania by preserving and protecting its communities and heritage from the effects of fire and other emergencies.

OUR MISSION: To share knowledge, expertise, equipment and resources to advance the understanding of protection, prevention and response to fire and other emergencies.

OUR OBJECTIVES:

MAKING IT HAPPEN:

The strategy for turning our vision into reality is set out in our Business Plan 2022/23 (see attached Appendix A), a Plan underpinned by Good Governance arrangements and a genuine passion to help others. A summary of our income and expenditure is provided at page 13.

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

5

Where we operate…

Since 2012, Operation Sabre has operated in Transylvania, supporting both professional (Inspectoratul pentru Situaţii de Urgenţă (ISU) – Emergency Situations Inspectorate) and community volunteer fire services in the counties of Alba, Bihor, Brasov, Harghita and Mures. The total number of vehicles delivered by the charity since 2012 now stands at 58.

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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Summary of our activities…

Our Strategy for 2022/23

Summary of our activities during 2022/23

To operate with professionalism, Operation Sabre continually strives to deliver humanitarian assistance as
integrity and honesty, a professional proactive initiative to enhance the fire protection,
demonstrating at all times respect prevention and response arrangements provided by Transylvania’s fire
and dignity towards each other and rescue services. In delivering such assistance, we are proud to
and the communities we strive to declare that we continue to be formally recognised as signatories to the
support Code of Conduct1 of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies. Operation Sabre has reviewed and enhanced its arrangements
for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons and also Data Protection.
The charity is compliant to the Data Protection Regulations 2018 and
registered with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office.
To create and promote Operation Sabre has created partnerships with a number of UK fire and
partnerships that support the rescue services and CAFFRA2 that assist in the provision of uniform,
advancement of Operation equipment and vehicles. In addition, Operation Sabre is a formal member
Sabre’s objectives in Romania. of the UK’s overarching fire related charity - FireAid.3
Specifically, this will include
awareness raising, fundraising, Within Romania, Operation Sabre is grateful for the continuing
grant applications and assistance, support and friendship received from key partners
vehicle/equipment/uniform responsible for professional fire service provision.
acquisitions
During 2022/23 Operation Sabre has endeavoured to deliver information
events to community groups in the UK with the objective of raising
awareness and fundraising. The events have generated significant
donations in support of Romanian partners who are caring for the
refugees, with Operation Sabre viewed as a ‘can-do’ charity that
responds quickly, turning donations into outcomes with minimal delay.
To establish, in collaboration with Operation Sabre continues to have constructive and productive
professional Romanian Fire & professional partnerships, particularly with ISU Bihor and ISU Mures,
Rescue Services a medium and partnerships that enable the protection of communities and prevention of
long-term partnership strategy for fire. Operation Sabre’s focus is now onprevention andprotection
the protection, prevention and activities (through the provision of smoke/fire alarms and training/advice)
response to fire and other as opposed toresponse (donation of firefighting vehicles).We are
emergencies in Transylvania grateful to the Romanian fire services for hosting and providing internal
transportation during our visits. UK best practice fire and rescue
documentation is shared regularly with Romanian partners, including
home fire safety literature printed in Ukrainian.4
To promote and foster the spirit of Community wellbeing and goodwill was further enhanced during 2022/23
‘volunteering’ for the benefit of through the donation of humanitarian aid and minibuses to partners
public goodwill, community dealing with the Ukrainian refugee crisis in Romania.
wellbeing and health in
Transylvania

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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What some of our partners say…

My name is Father Nicolae Robert, I am the coordinating priest at the Settlement of the Holy Emperors, Pitesti, Romania.

As part of my role, I support orphaned children from Pitesti in addition to Ukrainian refugee children who have settled in our area. I also carry out numerous social projects for children admitted to the Oncology Department, Bucharest.

The assistance of Operation Sabre during 2022/23 has been wonderful and very helpful. We were able to continue our work through the charity’s donation of a Mercedes Vito minibus that enables the transportation of refugees and aid workers. The financial donations from Operation Sabre have allowed us to buy food, hygiene products, clothes, beds and supplies, supporting the vulnerable in the counties of Arges, Mures, Alba and Maramureș.

Thanks to Operation Sabre for all the help! Father Robert Nicholas The settlement of the Holy Emperor Pitesti Romania

With passion and enthusiasm members of Operation Sabre were by our side in 2022/23 and they made a considerable contribution to the well-being of the residents of Special Needs Home from Capusu de Campie. We are deeply grateful to our distinguished UK partners for their help in improving the living conditions for our residents. We benefited from the installation over 30 smoke alarms, emergency lighting and evacuation alarms so necessary in our institution.

A fenced football pitch, initially funded in 2022 and finished in 2023, was sponsored by Operation Sabre. The joy was so great that it cannot be expressed in words.

Thank you to all of our supporters for making this happen.

The residents, with the staff, thank you for the ray of joy and hope that you have brought into our souls through all this aid and most of all for your unconditional friendship.

Best wishes Viorica Sand, Director Capusu de Campie Special Needs Home

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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Operation Sabre has helped us to improve Saint Stephen’s Orphanage with modern fire protection devices such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers so that we meet the new standards of fire safety regulations and have safety throughout the premises. Whenever Operation Sabre had the opportunity, they always made a surprise for the children, such as sending packages with clothes, shoes, toys, sweets or Easter greetings from school children from England.

But the biggest surprise was the support for the purchase of a minibus for the foundation. Thanks to the generous donation from Operation Sabre, the foundation could buy a Mercedes Vito (9 seater), a car with which to transport all the children and go on nice trips. The children were really looking forward to this gift and they enjoy taking rides in the car.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Operation Sabre for its great achievements and support, which has been part of the life of the Caritas Centru Social Foundation for several years.

Soos Attila, Director

Caritas Centru Social Foundation. Saint Stephen’s Orphanage, Saniob

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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The benefits of the help received from Operation Sabre to the children of Saulia Kindergarten are significant. Operation Sabre brought smiles on the faces of many needy children, whom Santa Claus never reached previously. Without Operation Sabre we would not have been able to help the children in the kindergarten at Christmas for the past few years.

Violeta Oltean, Teaching Assistant Saulia Kindergarten

Operation Sabe was active again in 2022/23, like in every other year, with their collaboration activities in support of the Targu Mures Maternal Centre ( Child Protection Unit ).

In 2022/23 our Maternal Centre cared for 42 young mothers and children who benefited from their support and services. The Maternal Centre offers mothers and their children a home, that is a place of safety where to stay, grow, learn and give hope and a plan for a better future.

Operation Sabre has been present at Maternal Centre carried out riskassessments, and installed fire alarms, smoke detectors and emergency lighting units to improve the fire prevention and escape arrangements. And as with previous years, they were also very generous with offering gifts to the residents at Christmas.

Their support is hugely appreciated and we are very happy to have them as a member of our Maternal Centre Family.

Georgeta Podar, Director Maternal Centre

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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Partnership for eternity!

We live in a world where we no longer find respect and love for our neighbours. The constant struggle for survival makes us stop looking, stop empathizing with those around us. But in this context of selfishness, through a strong and stable partnership over time, between the Sighisoara Elderly Persons Care Home and Operation Sabre, proved that our "neighbour" is the meaning of our earthly and heavenly life. The partnership with Operation Sabre makes us believe that no one and nothing prevents us from being with vulnerable people, not even the distance between Romania and the UK. Thanks to the distinguished members of Operation Sabre, and we bow our heads to the ground for all the help given since 2012.

With great respect and appreciation,

Father Avram Florin (Director), staff and residents

The collaboration between the Şinca Foundation and Operation Sabre was one of the best choices we could have made. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Operation Sabre has shown empathy and dedication to the 4,300 Ukrainian refugees we assisted in Bihor County, Romania. We praise the initiative of the Operation Sabre team to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Holod commune where we have a number of 400 beneficiaries. The Operation Sabre always responds to our needs of those in need, be it medical, logistical or financial support.

We are honoured to have the Operation Sabre team with us in our humanitarian and social mission, here in Romania!

George Marius Şinca, Director Şinca Foundation

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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To assist our Red Cross humanitarian activities in supporting the Ukrainian refugees, we purchased a Ford Transit Van with the money you sent to us. It is more useful than you can ever imagine. In 2023 we helped the refugees and also the poor people of Mures county (which are more and more). We also purchased a lot of food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, hygiene products and other items through your generous donations. Now we are more efficient, we make one journey with the Transit Van instead of 4-5 with my personal car. Also, we succeeded in transporting furniture and domestic appliances. So, please send our thoughts of gratitude to all the donors who made this possible.

Madga Bercea (Director) Red Cross, Targu Mures

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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What society says about our activities…

It is great pleasure and pride that Operation Sabre is able to announce that during 2023, the charity was nominated, and duly won, the AI Non-Profit Organisation Award for best:

Romanian Fire and Rescue Support Charity of the Year Award 2023

Further details regarding the awarding body and the award can viewed at:

https://www.acquisition-international.com/winners/operationsabre/?fbclid=IwAR0jx4mFHVsOu128fQpyRoL_KtAP8Tnvt1o6gF_gnnOAABGmxdhHh6xKmKM

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

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Our Accounts for 2022/23…

----- Start of picture text -----
OPERATION SABRE
Registered Charity Number 1163222
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2023
2022/23 2021/22
RECEIPTS £ p £ p
Specialist Fire training 3,440.00 0.00
Donations Romania 13,630.27 11,976.47
Donations Ukrainian Refugees 17,670.12 10,994.44
Fundraising - talks (See note 1) 0.00 1,450.70
Members subscriptions 250.00 170.00
Gift Aid - Romania 1,246.40 2,280.79
Gift Aid - Ukrainian Refugees 1,879.83 817.13
38,116.62 27,689.53
PAYMENTS £ p £ p £ p £ p
Aborted training costs October 2021 0.00 834.97
Specialist Fire training March 2022 3,186.63 1,745.57
Specialist Fire training May 2023 988.04 0.00
Humanitarian trip expenses November 2022 2,076.23 1,412.38
- health & welfare, admin 83.12 0.00
Insurance 1,020.34 712.73
Handover ceremonies 100.00 0.00
Humanitarian aid Romania 3,876.01 868.01
Humanitarian capital spend 9,200.37 21,120.21
Humanitarian Aid Ukrainian Refugees 22,805.82 3,793.01
Fundraising – donation gift sacks & pens 432.39 65.00
Gift for hosts 126.95 170.40
Storage 315.00 420.00
Miscellaneous 213.14 105.00
Capital spend (Projector) 122.99 0.00
44,547.03 31,247.28
BANK BALANCE £ p £ p £ p £ p
Lloyds Opening balance as at 1 April 17,699.99 21,632.74
Paypal pending donations at 1 April 375.00 0.00
Plus receipts 38,116.62 27,689.53
-
Less payments -44,547.03
31,247.28
Deficit -6,430.41 -3,557.75
Bank balance as at 31 March 11,644.58 18,074.99
REPRESENTED BY
Lloyds account balance at 31 March 11,439.58 17,699.99
Paypal donations pending at 31 March 205.00 375.00
11,644.58 18,074.99
Note 1: During the year, a large proportion of the talks raised funds for the Ukraine. Rather than account for
these separately, the income generated was allocated to "Donations - Ukraine". As talks later in the year
switched back to fundraising for Romania the income was likewise allocated to "Donations - Romania" for
consistency.
----- End of picture text -----

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

14

Acknowledgements…

The trustees and members of Operation Sabre wish to record their appreciation to their families and friends, for their continued support, tolerance and perseverance.

To our many friends and hosts in Romania and in particular, to the numerous benefactors, be these individuals, clubs, associations or corporate organisations, for their financial support and donated aid (from knitwear to defibrillators…) we thank you.

Multumesc, Diolch, Danke & Thank you

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

15

Appendix A- Business Plan 2022/23 5AIRF li Il r5 rj r¥ OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022123 16

Appendix B – Code of Conduct

Operation Sabre, as a charity, is rooted in the traditions and values of the fire service and founded on mutual respect and trust between its membership and the communities it serves. To ensure the continuing integrity of Operation Sabre, the highest standards of ethical conduct must be maintained at all times. Incorporated within the code of conduct are the ‘Standards of Conduct’ issued by the United Nations.[5]

All participants involved in the activities of Operation Sabre ( be these at the planning, preparation or execution stages ) are bound by the following rules:

  1. Always conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on yourself, Operation Sabre, your employing Service/Organisation, your hosts, the United Kingdom and the fire service in general.

  2. Dress, think, talk, act and behave in a manner befitting the dignity of a disciplined, caring, considerate, mature, respected and trusted member of Operation Sabre, displaying the highest integrity and impartiality.

  3. Have pride in your position as a member of Operation Sabre and do not abuse or misuse your authority.

  4. Respect the law of the land of the host country, their local culture, traditions, customs and practices.

  5. Treat the inhabitants of the host country with respect, courtesy and consideration. You are there as a guest to help them and in so doing will be welcomed with admiration.

  6. Do not indulge in immoral acts of sexual, physical or psychological abuse or exploitation of the local population or fellow members of Operation Sabre.

  7. Respect and regard the human rights of all. Support and aid the infirm, sick and weak.

  8. Show respect for and promote the environment, including the flora and fauna, of the host country.

  9. Exercise the utmost discretion in handling confidential information and matters of official business which can compromise security or individual confidentiality.

  10. Accept responsibility for your actions and for the consequences of your actions.

  11. Support the concept of fairness and the value of diverse thoughts and opinions.

  12. Avoid situations that would adversely affect the credibility or public perception of the fire service profession and that of Operation Sabre.

  13. Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts that compromise the integrity of the fire service and that of Operation Sabre.

  14. Conduct your personal affairs in a manner that does not improperly influence the performance of your duties, or bring discredit to the fire service profession and that of Operation Sabre.

  15. Be respectful and conscious of your hosts and each member’s safety and welfare.

  16. Recognise that you serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest and efficient use of resources, which are funded through donations (including uniforms, vehicles and equipment), and that these are protected from misuse and theft.

  17. Exercise professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of your duties and use information, confidential or otherwise, gained by virtue of your position, only to benefit those you are entrusted to serve.

  18. Avoid financial investments, business interests or activities that conflict with or are enhanced by your position in Operation Sabre or have the potential to create the perception of impropriety.

  19. Never propose or accept personal rewards, special privileges, benefits, advancement, honours or gifts that may create a conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof.

  20. Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair your mental state or the performance of your duties and compromise safety.

  21. Never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.

  22. Never harass, intimidate or threaten fellow members of Operation Sabre, your hosts or the public and stop or report the actions of other team members or hosts who engage in such behaviours.

  23. Never take photographs and/or video of children, young adults, vulnerable persons, military personnel and military installations without the express permission of both the relevant host and a Trustee from Operation Sabre.

  24. Responsibly use social networking/media, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonour or embarrass Operation Sabre, your hosts, the fire service and the public.

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

17

References

2 http://www.caffra.org/

3 - http://www.fire aid.org/

4 https://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ukrainian-FireSafety-in-the-Home-Web.pdf

5 https:peacekeeping.un.org/en/standards-of-conduct

OPERATION SABRE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 ©

18

OPEKAnON ￿BKE Rrftstered Ch•rlry Number 1163221 RECEIPIS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 2022123 2021122 RfCElm spec￿lIst Flre trllnlng Dorsath)ns Romanla Donatkjns Ukralnlin Relu8ee5 Fundralsln8- tslk3 Isee note 11 MembEr5 subsulptlons GIftWd- Aomanla Gfft Ald- Ukralnlan Rel 3,440.001 I3￿30.27[ 17,670.12, o.ooi 250.￿J, 1,246.40, 1,879.8> 38,116.62A 11,976.471 10,994.441 IA50.7 170.C#)I 2,280.79 817.13 27,689.S3 PAYME A￿rted tralnlfig costs Ortober 2021 Speckltst FI￿t￿l￿1￿ March 2022 Spetial￿t Are tralninB Moy2023 HumarshrtaTh irfp expenses November 2022 - health &welfare. admln 0.00, 3,186.6¥ 988.04, 2,076.2> 83.12, 1,020.34, IoD.00, 3,876.01, 9,200.37, 22,805.82, 432.39, 126.951 315.00, 213.14, 122.9 44,547.03 834.97, 1,745.571 0.￿)1 1,412.38, Insurance Handw ceremonle5 Humanltsflan aid Romanla Humanltsthn capltal speftd Hurnanitarian Ald Ukrainian Refugees FuThJraiwrf-donatbn grftsatb & pens Gittforlxists StoTrge Mistellbneous ca￿trI SFend IProlettor) 712.7Y 868.01, 21,120.21, 3,793.01, 65.C4)" 170. 420.00, 105.00, 0.00. 31.247.28 LW Openin8 baiaw asat l April Paypal ￿ndIng th)natiOr￿at i Aprll Plu5 teclpts ie55 ptyments 17.699.99 / 375.￿¥ 21,K42.74. 38,116.62. 44.547.03' 27.689.53 . -31,247.28, -6,430.41. 11,644.58.1 -3,5S7.75 18.074.99 Bank bal•Keasat31 M?rth Lwsaccount batsKe at 31 March Paypal dc•7•thrfpendlrrf at31 Marth 11,439.581 205.(K)/ IL644.58 17.699.99 375.(X) 18,074.99 EUMW If￿r￿nd corr•¢t Inaccord•￿wth 1)00ks and voucheis presented to me. ILI4113 Ilrt• I: tkwh¥t￿ year. 4 larye prwlkn ofthfrtslks ralsed fundsforthe Ukralne. Ilaiherthan accountfortheseseparntety, trlrK¢)npxrntthlwasaHoattdto'I)onatk•rty- Ukrnlne.. Astslks literlntheyearswitched backtofundralsSn8for RomanLa the w•$ Ike*heallocathdto'Donath)￿. Romanja. furcon51sterKY.

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Exaininer's Report Report to the trusteesl members of oPCts-fiQhJ sA8R On a¢counts for the year ended Charlty no Ilf any> 11 fp3zzz I ZOL3 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {'the Trust") for the year ended Responsibllities and As the charity Iruslees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in ac¢ordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examinion of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 AGt and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention '} in connection with the examinatign which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with Ihe accounting records I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connedion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Ple8se d&l8le the words in th61 brackets if they do not appty- Date: Independent examinerfs statement Slgned: L3 Name: C.A. Relovant proftsslonal qualfficgtlon(81 or body lif any): c I P<• (zcriKLZ Address: October 2018