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2023-04-01-accounts

Charity registration number: 1167297

WAT ARUN TEMPLE NORWICH NORFOLK

Trustees Annual Report 2023

WAT ARUN TEMPLE, NORWICH, NORFOLK LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, IT TRUSTEES AND INDEPENDENT ADVISERS YEAR END APRIL 2023

Trustees:

PHRASAKAYA PUTTIYAWONG - Chairperson Mr. Bhuminund Siripattananund - Vice Chairperson Mrs. Angkanung Charlton - Vice Chairperson Ms. Buppha Khamphachat - Secretary Mr. Nicholas james kidd - Treasurer Mrs. Phaowana Allen - Committee member Mrs. Jongrak McGregor - Committee member Mrs. Bunruam Jonas - Committee member

Independent Auditor/Examiner: Peter Ellington, FAIA, TBL Accounting Ltd

Charity registration number: 1167297

WAT ARUN TEMPLE NORWICH NORFOLK

Trustees' Report

2022/23 was a year of consolidation and stabilisation for Wat Arun. The charity has seen a successful growth in numbers and in revenue. Citizens and worshipers come to visit our temple and take part in activities throughout the year.

We have seen the return of five monks from Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand, a key contributor in bringing a sense of community and family to our charitable organization and helping to add to the details of our objectives and trends in the years ahead.

The temple is set in peaceful countryside which has brought benefits to the temple, but also some issues with travel and building concerns which have been mostly dealt with by the landlord.

During the past year, Wat Arun has received the support of the Royal Thai Embassy helping the Thai community with the temple. With the efforts and generosity of all our members and devotees Wat Arun Norfolk can be proud of its achievements, including many successful festivals. The charity continues to rely on the generosity of our supporters in the UK and Thailand and we will continue to introduce additional activities to expand our reach to the local community and beyond. This includes meditation classes, cooking class, teaching Buddhism to both Thai and British students and other community and social help and support.

Community Engagement

The Temple is working towards increasing activity within the community. Excellent relations have been established with the local Police, and we consult with our local Police liaison officer prior to all events.

WAT ARUN has seen an increase in the number of different cultures coming together and wishing either to learn about Buddhism or have a history of following Buddhism, this is an area where, as an organization, we will challenge ourselves to continue to bring different cultures together.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in the success of WAT ARUN NORFOLK, and to all our visitors over the past year both near and far, I would also like to thank all the support we have received both from financial donations and volunteers working on behalf of WAT ARUN NORFOLK

Trustees WAT ARUN NORFOLK UK

Charity registration number: 1167297

WAT ARUN TEMPLE NORWICH NORFOLK

Trustees Annual Report 2023 Structure, Governance and management

Annual Report updates

WAT ARUN NORFOLK temple in Norfolk became a registered charity with the charity commission in June of 2016. Under the Charities Act 1960, as a charity our purpose is to advance the religion of Buddhism and to create a safe and welcoming place for all cultures who wish to follow the Buddhist ways. WAT ARUN is governed by its constitution and is organisationally and financially independent from other groups with similar objectives.

The temple is pleased to know that many people have been practicing at their own time and have continued to make a very good progress on their meditation practice.

Our existing trustees are deemed to be competent in their roles, however, new ways of engaging and training existing and new trustees are being sought. Our aim as a charity is to provide support and confidence to anyone wishing to become a part of the board of trustees. We understand this is a rewarding and sometimes overwhelming role and that providing full support where we can will be of benefit to all with our future aims and objectives. Management and running of the day to day principles of the charity are provided by the generosity of unpaid volunteers and resident monks. The vision to expand and grow in the future with the needs of the charity may require a small team of paid employees.

As new roles for a small team of paid employees are created, it is hoped, that new volunteers will be inspired to take on other duties, this will give continuity and strength of depth and position the charity for the challenges ahead.

Objectives of the charity

The objectives of the charity are to advance the Buddhist religion and to advance the education of the public in the beliefs and traditions of the Buddhist religion and Thai culture.

As set out in our constitution, the primary objective is to advance the teachings and religion of Buddhism. We can achieve this in many ways, only having been formed for a short time, the way our charity carries this out is through the guidance of our resident monks at prayer times and through monthly seminars based at the temple. Prayer books are provided in Thai and English language.

A more formal approach and strategy is to create a small group of volunteers who will take forward the ideas and link them with the values of the temple and its teachings, all ideas relating to activities will be discussed at a special meeting of the board of trustees and priorities given to those that link with the teaching and culture of Buddhism to attract a

diverse range of people. Some activities that have been suggested are, Buddhism culture and values, meditation classes, language and cookery classes, provide a venue for people with social issues or those that wish to seek assistance with life issues. Suggestions have also

Charity registration number: 1167297

been put forward to work with local organisations and schools to provide a realistic view of the culture and teachings of Buddhism.

Mission and achievements during the year

As a Thai Buddhist monastery in the UK we fully support monks from Thailand to support the community locally, nationally and internationally.

In educational areas both for the Thai community and English society, monks have been taking care for two crossing cultures, the West and the East.

The charity also visits lots of children in local schools in and around Norfolk. Over 100 - 300 students have visited the Temple throughout the year.

We also provide buddhism classes free of charge throughout the year.

Other activities undertaken during the year included:

Achievements and Performance

Going in to our current year, discussions will commence on how WAT ARUN NORFOLK can offer more to the wider community and seek ways to engage with the Norfolk people, currently we are looking as successful models already being implemented by other Temples around the country, especially those temples that WAT ARUN NORFOLK have a close affiliation with.

Since operating as an established Temple, we have successfully entertained many local, national and international people at our celebrations that are held throughout the year.

Financial Review

Funding sources – WAT ARUN NORFOLK is a self-funding charity with a voluntary donation structure where all events and celebrations offered by the charity are free to attend, this allows people to purchase items, raffle tickets and donate willingly to the charity, all voluntary time is given at present free of charge with costs met for out of pocket expenses, mainly the supply and preparation of food for all events. WAT ARUN NORFOLK also offer the additional facility to donate via direct debit/standing orders monthly, donation envelopes are readily available at the temple and at our outside events. It is the intention of the committee to look at budgets in the coming year and focus on allocation for capital projects. Investment – At present, WAT ARUN NORFOLK have

Charity registration number: 1167297

limited tangible assets and no investment assets. This will be high on the agenda for discussion in the future, and the purchase of a suitable property is high on the charities priority list. This is proving more difficult than previously expected, as good quality suitable places are not currently appearing on the market.

Future planning and proofing

Making the charity fit for the future is a priority which all stakeholders are willing to work Towards. This will give WAT ARUN NORFOLK a substantial acceptance within Norfolk and the local community and assist us in embedding our values and principles to those that wish to seek out and involve themselves in the Buddhist faith. The charity has made a commitment to continue with its objectives and our sponsors and spiritual home WAT ARUN BANGKOK, are assisting WAT ARUN NORFOLK 100%. The head Monk from WAT ARUN BANGKOK has made clear his aspirations for the future and the continued existence of WAT ARUN NORFOLK. His beliefs are to offer the people of Norfolk and the UK, a safe and welcoming place for people to learn and practice the faith of Buddhism.

The application for immigration sponsorship has been awarded and this enabled 2 monks to come to the temple on longer term (2 year) visas with rights to work. This is an important step forward in enabling the long-term establishment of the temple.

Moving forward, as our community becomes more diverse, we see the need to enhance the quality of English Language for our Volunteer Charity Workers to reduce the language barrier to enhance more of culture exchange. Therefore, we are planning to organise English Language course for our charity workers to attend. Also continue to improve communication channels, such as more interactive on social media for quick and effective communication.

Risk Management +

The recommendations from the charity commission are that all affiliated charities carry out a risk assessment to ensure and satisfy themselves that all manageable risks have been identified where reasonably practicable, and sufficient management plans are structured and put in place to negate any risk to the charity. The following need further reviewing and strengthening for the years ahead.

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees of WAT ARUN NORFOLK are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice)

The law that applies to charities in (England & Wales/Northern Ireland) requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which provide a true account of the charities financial affairs, the incoming resources and application of resources for the financial

Charity registration number: 1167297

year.

In the preparation of financial statements, the trustees are required to:

material departures disclosed and explained in the financial report/statement

It is the responsibility of the trustees as a collective group to keep proper records of the accounts that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial state of the charity,

and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the charities Act 2011, the charity regulations 2008 (accounts and reports) and provision of the trust deed. The trustees have the responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity, and must take reasonable steps to detect and prevent the business of fraud or any other irregularities.

Date 05/11/2023

Approved by the board of Trustees

WAT ARUN NORFOLK ACCOUNTS 1 APRIL 2023

Wat Arun Norfolk

Approval Statement

I approve the accounts which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. I acknowledge my responsibility for the accounts, and for providing with all the information necessary for their compilation.

Authorised signatory

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK) Profit And Loss Account For the year ended 1 April 2023

Income
Donations
Services
Interest Received
Expenses
Accountancy, legal and other
professional fees
Bank charges
Car, van and travel expenses
Depreciation and loss/(profit) on sale
Donations Made
Other temple expenses
Rent, rates, power and insurance costs
Repairs and renewals
Other expenses
Telephone, stationery and other office
Net (loss)/profit		 2023
£
81,838

1,505
244
83,587
(1,991)
(467)
(11,851)
(97)
(3,800)
795)
(26,070)
(3,213)
(1,295)
(1,792)
(50,575)
(33,012)		 2022
£
44,648
2,102
3
46,753
(1,890)
(75)
(10,908)
(97)
(2,800)
(2,222)
(25,832)
(2,794)
(26,600)
(1,992)
(75,211)
(28,458)		 2022
£
44,648
2,102
3
46,753
(1,890)
(75)
(10,908)
(97)
(2,800)
(2,222)
(25,832)
(2,794)
(26,600)
(1,992)
(75,211)
(28,458)
(28,458)

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK) Balance Sheet As at 1 April 2023

Fixed assets
Computer Equipment
Current a/c
Deposit account
Current assets
Lease deposit
Current liabilities
Other liabilities and accruals
Net assets
Shareholders' funds
Profit and loss account
Net (loss)/profit
Total funds		 96 2023
£
96
61,594
3,790
(360)
65,120
£
65,120
65,120		 192 2022
£
28,486
3,790
(360)
96 192
626
60,968		 1,782
26,704
61,594 28,486
3,790 3,790
(360) (360)
32,108
33,012		 60,565
(28,458)
32,108
£
32,108
32,108

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK)

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees

For the year ended 1 April 2023

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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, with the seeking of 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Peter Ellington FAIA Triple Bottom Line Accounting Limited The Enterprise Centre University of East Anglia Norwich Norfolk NR4 7TJ

21 November 2023

WAT ARUN NORFOLK ACCOUNTS 1 APRIL 2023

Wat Arun Norfolk

Approval Statement

I approve the accounts which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. I acknowledge my responsibility for the accounts, and for providing with all the information necessary for their compilation.

Authorised signatory

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK) Profit And Loss Account For the year ended 1 April 2023

Income
Donations
Services
Interest Received
Expenses
Accountancy, legal and other
professional fees
Bank charges
Car, van and travel expenses
Depreciation and loss/(profit) on sale
Donations Made
Other temple expenses
Rent, rates, power and insurance costs
Repairs and renewals
Other expenses
Telephone, stationery and other office
Net (loss)/profit		 2023
£
81,838

1,505
244
83,587
(1,991)
(467)
(11,851)
(97)
(3,800)
795)
(26,070)
(3,213)
(1,295)
(1,792)
(50,575)
(33,012)		 2022
£
44,648
2,102
3
46,753
(1,890)
(75)
(10,908)
(97)
(2,800)
(2,222)
(25,832)
(2,794)
(26,600)
(1,992)
(75,211)
(28,458)		 2022
£
44,648
2,102
3
46,753
(1,890)
(75)
(10,908)
(97)
(2,800)
(2,222)
(25,832)
(2,794)
(26,600)
(1,992)
(75,211)
(28,458)
(28,458)

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK) Balance Sheet As at 1 April 2023

Fixed assets
Computer Equipment
Current a/c
Deposit account
Current assets
Lease deposit
Current liabilities
Other liabilities and accruals
Net assets
Shareholders' funds
Profit and loss account
Net (loss)/profit
Total funds		 96 2023
£
96
61,594
3,790
(360)
65,120
£
65,120
65,120		 192 2022
£
28,486
3,790
(360)
96 192
626
60,968		 1,782
26,704
61,594 28,486
3,790 3,790
(360) (360)
32,108
33,012		 60,565
(28,458)
32,108
£
32,108
32,108

WAT ARUN (NORFOLK)

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees

For the year ended 1 April 2023

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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, with the seeking of 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Peter Ellington FAIA Triple Bottom Line Accounting Limited The Enterprise Centre University of East Anglia Norwich Norfolk NR4 7TJ

21 November 2023