2023-04-30-accounts

Section A

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

	Period start date	Period start date			Period end date
	01	May	2022	To	30 April	2023

From

Reference and administration details

Charity name Bulgarian British Foundation “St George” Other names charity is known by BBF “St George” Registered charity number (if any) 1164441

Charity's principal address 16 King William Drive Cheltenham Gloucestershire

Postcode GL53 7RP

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any)
	Dr Malinka Vrabctheva
	Mr Ivan Kovachev
	Mr Alexander Pykov
	Mr Stanimir Adanev
	Mrs Maryia Stavreva
	Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
	Name		Dates acted if not for wholeyear

February 2024

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

ype of adviser Name Address

~~ame of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)~~

Section B

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Constitution Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) Foundation How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods Appointed by the board of trustees

• (eg. appointed by, elected by)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

The charity’s organizational structure consists of main office with governing You may choose to include body the board of trustees and local branches governed by managing additional information, where committee. relevant, about: The structure of the main charity is as follows: policies and procedures Board of trustees (by constitution up to 12), currently 5: adopted for the induction and training of trustees; 1. Chair 2. Secretary the charity’s organisational 3. Treasurer structure and any wider 4. Members network with which the charity works; All trustees were nominated and formally appointed by the existing trustees. relationship with any related parties; The Structure of the Managing committee is as follows: trustees’ consideration of 1. Chair of the managing committee – always one of the trustees major risks and the system 2. Members – associate members to which the board of trustees delegate the and procedures to manage role of member of the managing committee and delegate rights to act them. on behalf of the charity in on specifically specified matters. To govern the local branch, we have developed and accepted the following policies:

1. Associate membership Terms and conditions

2. Proposed Agreement for opening a local branch of the Bulgarian British Foundation “St George”

Section C Objectives and activities

February 2024

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

The objects of the CIO are: □ For the public benefit to advance the education of children in the subjects of the Bulgarian language and the history, geography and culture of Bulgaria. □ To promote social inclusion for the public benefit of people in the Bulgarian community who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnic origin. □ To promote Bulgarian culture and heritage by providing opportunities for people to participate in traditional Bulgarian folk dance classes □ Such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine. □ For the public benefit to advance the education of children in the subjects of the Bulgarian language and the history, geography and culture of Bulgaria 1. Bulgarian schools The children in the community are a top priority for our Foundation. It is our responsibility as parents to keep the Bulgarian language and traditions alive and to hand them over to future generations. Currently the BBF”St George” maintains three Sunday schools (Cheltenham, Bristol and Newcastle) where more than 120 children learn about Bulgarian language, history and tradition. For the past year we have seen an increase in the number of children enrolling at the schools, particularly the Cheltenham based Bulgarian school. This school alone has now enrolled 105 children. The Bulgarian schools were founded with lots of love and dedication more than 7 years ago. Under the guidance of the BBF”St George” the schools achieved excellent results and were recognised as a members of the Association of the Bulgarian schools abroad. Under the guidance of BBF”St George”, the teaching teams in Bristol, Cheltenham, and Newcastle successfully, established contact and exchanged information with similar schools in Great Britain, Europe and around the world. The schools work with children divided in the following groups: 1. Preparatory group (children under the age of 5 and such whose first language is not Bulgarian) 2. Children from Year 1 to Year 4 3. Children from Year 5 to Year 8 (new group, which required provision of teachers specialists in history and geography of Bulgaria) The children are grouped according to their knowledge and abilities, not according to age. The children study Bulgarian language and Literature, as well as History and Geography of Bulgaria; Bulgarian folklore traditions). Specialised books for children living abroad are used in the education process from the approved curriculum of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. The annual fee is minimal, and the collected funds cover the rent of the premises, as well as the teachers’ payments. At the end of the first academic year, thanks to the activity of the Foundation, trough fundraising activities funds were raised to support the development of the school, which allowed us to reduce the annual tuition by £60 per child and to offer a discount for a second child at the same school. A third child from the same family receives free education. The textbooks, as well as all other materials and equipment are free for the children. 2. Bulgarian School Mobile library The mobile library was founded and is maintained by Mrs Ivelina SpasovaDimitrova, a parent at Bulgarian school ‘Hristo Botev’. The library boasts a collection of Bulgarian books for children and adults, donated by Bulgarians living in Great Britain and Bulgaria. At present the library is open only during the school working hours but we hope to have our own building in the future.

February 2024

□ To promote social inclusion for the public benefit of people in the Bulgarian community who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnic origin.

Building life in a new culture brings about a variety of challenges for immigrants. Like many other recent immigrants, Bulgarians face language and cultural adjustment challenges and struggle with the dilemma of total assimilation and preservation of their own cultural heritage which is too often the root cause of tensions between family and or other community members. Bulgarian children and particularly those who are second generation Immigrants face additional challenges due to the absence of or presence of fragmented memories about Bulgarian culture. Identity confusion and a disconnection from Bulgarian cultural heritage present risks for the development of these children. We address these challenges by creating opportunities for generations of Bulgarian immigrants and their families to socialize and reconnect with their cultural heritage. The gatherings also help younger members of the Bulgarian community to fill the gaps that may already exist in their memories of Bulgarian language, culture and tradition. The encouragement of stable identity facilitates the integration in the UK society and culture. We organise and govern a Sunday school where young children learn Bulgarian language and history. We have a mobile library with collection of books in Bulgarian language to help them learn about Bulgarian literature. We run Bulgarian Folk dance classes for children and adults in several different places throughout South West of England.

□ To promote Bulgarian culture and heritage by providing opportunities for people to participate in traditional Bulgarian folk dance classes

Bulgarian school for folklore dance

1. Bulgarian group for folklore dances ‘Bulgarka’ in Gloucester and Evesham

The group is founded and led by a volunteer , Mrs. Gergana Ivanova – an experienced dancer. This group was formed as a result of the interest of lots of people to learn Bulgarian folklore dances in their free time. The aim of the group is to preserve and popularise Bulgarian folklore dance and songs amongst people of all ages. It is Mrs. Ivanova’s love for the Bulgarian national dance and folklore treasure that drives her in her desire to hand over her knowledge to those ones who enter the hall and succumb to the magic of dancing. Depending on their abilities the dancers can attend classes in different levels (beginners and advanced). The first performance of Folklore group ‘Bulgarka’ was at the concert for the first anniversary of the founding of the Foundation.

2. Children’s Dance School at Bulgarian school ‘Hristo Botev’, Gloucester

The future dancers of Folklore group ‘Bulgarka’ are being taught at the Children’s Dance School. The dancing curriculum covers a set of dances, songs, games, as well as familiarising the children with different national customs and traditions. The methodology of teaching in the different groups is adapted to the age and abilities of the children.

February 2024

□ Such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.

TAR

5

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

Contribution made by volunteers

A major driving force of the BBF” St George” are our volunteers who give up their free time for popularising Bulgarian heritage culture and keeping the Bulgarian spirit alive.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;

They organise theme events around every holiday – Christmas, Easter, Baba Marta, Bulgarian Liberation Day.

All members give the best they can. We have 25 regular volunteers.

policy programme related investment; contribution made by volunteers.

FEBRUARY 2024

Achievements and performance

Section D

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

We have created opportunities for generations of Bulgarian immigrants and their families:

1. We have organised in June 2023 – 7[t h] BG Picnic - a social gathering for generations of Bulgarian immigrants and their families to socialize and reconnect with their cultural heritage. This also helped younger members of the Bulgarian community to fill the gaps that may already exist in their memories of Bulgarian language, culture and tradition. The encouragement of stable identity facilitates the integration in the UK society and culture.

2. We continue to organise and govern Sunday language and tradition schools where young children learn Bulgarian language and history.

3. We continue to have a mobile library with collection of books in Bulgarian language to help them learn about Bulgarian literature.

4. We continue to run Bulgarian Folk dance classes for children and adults in many different places throughout South West of England.

Most of all we have achieved the respect and support from our Bulgarian community which can be seen from some of the comments about our work from our supporters:

“The Bulgarian-British Foundation is a wonderful charity that works very hard to keep the Bulgarian spirit alive in the young community as well as bringing together and supporting the Bulgarian community as a whole” Iva Vrabtcheva

“BBF creates wonderful opportunities for the community to socialise and learn with special care for children and their parents and strives to deliver high standards to all activities that it organises.” Raia Androvska

“They are very kind, nice and reliable foundation.” Daniela Petkova

• “So proud of St George foundation! Well done!” Zornica Miladinova

FEBRUARY 2024

Section E

Fi ancial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about: the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Section F

Other optional information

Section G D claration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Vrabtcheva Full name(s) Dr Malinka Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair etc) Date 30/01/2024

FEBRUARY 2024

Charity Name No (if any) Bulgarian-British Foundation "St George" 1164441

Receipts and payments accounts

For the period Period start date from 5/1/2022

Period end date 4/30/2023

To

CC16a

Section A Receipts and payments

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Last year funds funds funds

to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £

A1 Receipts

A1 Receipts
Event Receipts		8,876		-		-		8,876		-
Donations		2,054		-		-		2,054		3,882
School Fees		34,533		-		-		34,533		17,475
Project Income		-		-		-		-		-
Gift Aid		-		-		-		-		-
Other Income		47,751		-		-		47,751		39,070
Prioryear income adjustment		-		-		-		-
		-		-		-		-		-
Sub total		93,214		-		-		93,214		60,427
A2 Asset and investment sales,
etc.		-		-		-		-		-
**Total receipts **		93,214.00		-		-		93,214		60,427

A3 Payments

A3 Payments
Event Expenses	5,684		-		-		5,684		-
Donations
	-		-		-		-		-
School Expenses
	63,328		-		-		63,328		61,077
Premises Costs
	13,953		-		-		13,953		8,221
Equipment Expenses	569		-		-		569		2,002
Travel Expenses	281		-		-		281		-
Governance Expenses
	-		-		-		-		-
Other Expenses
	1,864		-		-		1,864		1,250
	-		-		-		-		-
**Sub total **	85,679		-		-		85,679		72,550
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, etc.	-		-		-		-		-
**Total payments **	85,679		-		-		85,679		72,550
**Net of receipts/(payments) **	7,535		-		-		7,535		- 12,123
A5 Transfers between funds
	-		-		-		-		-
A6 Cash funds last year end	41,365		-		-		41,365		-
**Cash funds this year end **	48,900		-		-		48,900		- 12,123

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Details Barclays Bank Details Details Details Details Signature Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	to nearest £ to nearest £ 48,900 - - - - - 48,900 - OK OK to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - - - - Print Name Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional)	to nearest £ Endowment funds
			-
			-
			-
			-
			OK
			to nearest £ Endowment funds
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			When due (optional)
			Date of approval

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees/ members of Bulgarian-British Foundation "St George" On accounts for the year Charity no (if any) 1164441 ended[30][th][ April 2023 ] Set out on pages 1 to 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) Respective The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year responsibilities of (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act)) and that an trustees and examiner independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to • examine the accounts (under section 43 of the Act), • to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the Act), and • to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given examiner’s statement 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 the 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 accounts. Independent In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention (other examiner's statement than that disclosed below ) 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: • proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 41 of the Act); and • accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Date: 29/02/2024 Signed: Name: Anthony Smith Relevant professional AFA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:* 2 Tylea Close, The Reddings Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6RB

IER

December 2005

1

Disclosure section

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

IER

December 2005

2