KAYD SOMALI ARTS AND CULTURE
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
COMPANY NUMBER: 06851116 CHARITY NUMBER: 1170441
2025
R E G I S T E R E D O F F I C E : Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London, England, E2 6HG
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COMPANY NUMBER: 06851116
CHARITY NUMBER: 1170441
KAYD SOMALI ARTS AND CULTURE
DIRECTORS REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
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KAYD SOMALI ARTS AND CULTURE
ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Trustees : Prof Michael Walls Zahra Ahmed Bare Awgab Dagaal Rashid Sheikh Abdullahi Dr Giulia Liberatore Abdul Mohamed (appointed on 27.11.2024) Rhoda Ibrahim (appointed on 27.11.2024) Company Number : 06851116 Charity Number : 1170441 Registered Office : Oxford House Derbyshire Street London, England, E2 6HG Bankers: Barclays Bank 240 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ Independent Examiners: Lead Accounting Ltd 43 Seiriol Road Bangor LL57 1AS
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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period ended 31[st] March 2025
Kayd Somali Arts and Culture is a charity incorporated by Articles of Association.
Objectives and Activities
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document:
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To promote art, culture, and heritage, particularly (but not exclusively), Somali arts, culture and heritage, for the benefit of the public, including (without limitation), musical, literary, dramatic, performance, dance, and visual arts, particularly, but not exclusively, by organising and delivering arts and cultural events and festivals.
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To advance the education of the public (particularly but not exclusively, in Somali heritage, culture and the arts), including (without limitation), musical, literary, dramatic, performance, dance and visual arts, particularly but not exclusively through workshops, debates, discussions and other educational programmes.
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Also, to provide for the recreation of people involved and/or engaged in the activities of the Charity, by providing services and facilities to them in the interest of social welfare, with the objective of improving their conditions of life.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.
Summer Programming
During the summer of 2024, we held three events celebrating books published by Somali authors, including Aamna Mohdin’s Scattered: The Making and Unmaking of a Refugee , Hamda Hussein’s Rejo and Mohamed Suleiman Omar’s Gaaraabidhaan (in an event featuring award-winning journalist Hassan Saleban Harun ‘Gallaydh’).
Over the summer, we also supported the making of a new documentary called Untold Stories, which tells the stories of Somalis in Tower Hamlets, including early seafarers and other migrants who have lived in the UK for many decades. The film was premiered at Somali Week Festival, and we’ve also held several other screenings.
On 5 October, we held a Black History Month celebration (and Creative Café) event in collaboration with Tower Hamlets. The event was called ‘Roots and Rhythms’, and featured a line-up of Somali and East African artists, including the dance group Dankira, comedians Selam Amare, Jodi Wheeler, Mamoun Elagab, Fathiya Saleh and musical performances by Kaltuun Bacado, Qoraan, Nimco Yasin, and Saalax.
Somali Week Festival
From 18-27 October, Kayd hosted the 16[th] Annual Somali Week Festival. This year’s theme was ‘Creative Worlds and the Environment’. We over-delivered against the festival’s targets, hosting 23 events across ten days at venues across London, including the British Library, SOAS, Oxford House, Rich Mix, Southbank Centre, Queen Mary University and Kiln Theatre. A total of 3,240 people attended the London events, which included the following:
- Several panel discussions and conversations focused on climate change and other pressing social issues, including: the launch event at the British Library with Dr. Sada Mire; a ‘Community Champions’ event; ‘Somalis for Sustainability’ panel; a panel showcasing Somalis in Tech; and a panel on ‘Beauty and Wellness’ issues
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Literature-focused events, including: a book fair celebrating Somali-language books and talks by their authors; the launch of Jama Guleid’s memoir Invisible State; the launch of two academic books, Annette Hoffman’s Knowing by Ear and Christina Woolner’s Love Songs in Motion; a talk with debut novelist Salma Ibrahim about her forthcoming novel Salutation Rd; and a conversation at SOAS with writers Ubah Cristina Ali Farah and Aamna Mohdin (author or recently published memoir Scattered ), joined by Sagal Ali (founder of Somali Arts Foundation in Mogadishu) about the transformative power of creativity.
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Poetry events, including a conversation with literary legend Said Salah about his poetry and artistic career; a poetry evening featuring UK-based poets who compose in English and Somali; and an event at the Southbank Centre featuring UK-based Asha Luul Mohamed and visiting poet Yasmin Kahin, joined by their translators, Mohamed ‘Alto’, Clare Pollard and Anna Selby. This event was organized in collaboration with the Poetry Translation Centre as part of the London Literature Festival.
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Screenings of two new films, the feature-length drama Amina (sponsored by Almas Arts Foundation) , and Untold Stories, a documentary about Somalis in Tower Hamlets.
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The premier of the play I REMEMBER: A Journey of Survival, Identity and Resilience, by the new theatre collective Maanta Theatre.
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An afternoon of children’s entertainment, and an evening of stand-up comedy.
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Music featured throughout the week, including performances by DurDur band at the opening ceremony and several local artists at Oxford House throughout the week. On the closing weekend there was a tribute event for Maandeeq, followed by the sold-out Final Beats concert (700+ attendees), featuring invited guests including Axmed Cali Cigaal, Dalmar Yare, Najma Nashad, Bulshawi, and others
Somali Week Express
In late October and early November, we organized Somali Week Express events at various cities across the UK, including:
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An event in Bristol on 26 October at the Bristol Academy headlined by singer Dalmar Yare and playwright and poet Said Salah. In the afternoon there was a storytelling session on with Zeynab Daahir, a children’s storytelling with local artists and entertainers. The event was sponsored by the Somali Forum.
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An event in Leicester on 26[th] October, sponsored by the Somali Forum. The evening programme feature a mix of music and cultural entertainment, including performances by Qoran Dance Group and music by Kaltun Bacado, while the afternoon programme was dedicated to literature.
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For the first time, we organized an event in Liverpool, where we partnered with the local community and the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival. The events featured readings by Yasmin Mohamed Kaahin, and a discussion of the book Invisible State with author Jama Gulaid, followed by live music by Najma Nashad and Bulshawi
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On 3[rd] November, we held an event in Sheffield in partnership with the Poetry Translation Centre, Off the Shelf, and Israac. Afternoon events featured poetry and were headlined by Yasmin Mohamed Kaahin and her English translator Mohamed Hassan ‘Alto’ alongside UK-based poet Ibrahim Hersi. The evening music event was headlined by Najma Nashaad and Bulshawi, together with local up and coming singers.
Play Tour
Alongside Somali Week Express, we also toured the play Desperate Times with Side eYe, a theatre collective that we have been supporting for several years. The tour included five performances at four venues: the Old Vic in Bristol, Unity Theatre in Liverpool, Birmingham Hippodrome and Showroom in Sheffield. The play attracted both Somalis and non-Somali audiences. We are incredibly proud that we were able to tour take Desperate Times and make arts accessible to the Somali community, who don’t often go to the theatre and to mainstream venues. We are extremely happy we were able to partner with such prestigious venues.
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A total of 1,100 people attended the Somali Week Express programs (including the play) in the regions (Liverpool, Bristol, Sheffield, and Leicester).
Climate Change Event
Our final event for the year ending March 2025 was a half day roundtable event at UCL on 15 February, with representatives from Somalis for Sustainability as well as academics and practitioners working on issues related to climate change in the Somali Horn. The event provided space for practitioners, academics and activists to connect and share resources with others working on similar themes who they may not have otherwise had opportunity to meet. We also discussed the possibility for future collaborations, and a small working group was appointed to plan a 2-day conference scheduled for May 2025.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
Trustees have read, understood and have had regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guide when making decisions of Kayd’s activities, management and organisation.
Contribution made by volunteers
We were able to recruit 20 volunteers during Somali Week Festival 2024, who supported us in our events across London. We have also recruited 2 permanent volunteers to support the charity through the year.
Achievements and Performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society.
In 2023, Kayd became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organization. This milestone achievement has enabled Kayd to reach a broader audience, including members of marginalized groups who would not otherwise be able to access Somali arts. In 2024 we again over-delivered against our targets for Somali Week Festival and were also able to organize several events for families and adult audiences throughout the year.
With the NPO status and funding, we have been able to expand Somali Week Festival to cities including Leicester, Sheffield, and Bristol, and in 2024 we also held events in Liverpool and Birmingham. We were also happy to successful tour a play ‘Desperate Times’ to these cities for the second year in a row. The theatre group we have mentored, Side eYe productions, has won several awards and are now working on adapting their play ‘Dugsi Dayz’ into a drama for the BBC. We are proud to have enabled members of Side eYe to reach these successes and are looking forward to mentoring further theatre groups in this way.
In addition to our in-person audience, our Social Media and Marketing Coordinator worked hard this year to develop a strategy to expand our online audience, and to make Kayd a go-to source of Somali arts programming. Our YouTube channel now has 34K subscribers, and the videos we upload regularly receive tens of thousands of views.
Partnerships :
We are pleased to maintain several longstanding partnerships with venues and institutions in London (like the British Library, SOAS and the Southbank Centre), and to have strengthened
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partnerships beyond London, including prestigious arts institutions such as the Old Vic in Bristol. This year we continued working with Showroom in Sheffield and Unity Theatre in Liverpool, while strengthening newly developed partnerships at other venues outside of London, including the Birmingham Hippodrome. We have worked with a combined 15 partners and venues to deliver our ambitious and expanded program.
Fundraising :
Kayd was successful in raising funds in support of our program and activities through Arts Council England; Tower Hamlets; Gecko Foundation; SOAS/UCL; HATS; Vogue; and several community and partner sponsorship.
Advancing Overall Objectives:
Kayd’s objectives are to promote art, culture and heritage; to advance the education of the public; and also, to provide for the recreation of people involved and/or engaged in the activities of the Charity.
We met the achievements set against these objectives through the following:
We have promoted arts, culture and heritage through the delivery of the SWF, Somali Week Express, the touring of ‘Desperate Times’ play, as well as holding several events in the summer of 2024.
To advance the education of the public, we:
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Supported the making and screening of a new documentary film, Untold Stories
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Hosted several roundtable discussions as part of SWF
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Organized a roundtable on climate change, in partnership with UCL
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Further promoted our online presence, and made Somali cultural content accessible to a wider audience
We provided recreation for people via our ‘Roots and Rhythms’ event, through many events that featured during SWF and Somali Week Express (such as music concerts, poetry readings, stand-up comedy), and in several events geared towards children and families.
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Financial Review
The Total income for the year was £329,696 (2024: £273,150) and the total expenditure for the year was £313,236 (2024: £261,481).
The reserves balance is the surplus for the year added to the surplus of previous years. The reserve helps for spending in the future. During this year, the increase in surplus arose because of increase in unrestricted income as an effect of new donors such as Vogue, sponsors, and partners.
The balance of reserves held is £43,232 (2023: £26,772).
There are no uncertainties in relation to the charity continuing as a going concern.
The principal source of funding is from Arts Council of England, and other sponsorship grants and donations.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity
Just like any other charity in the sector, there is always risk of losing income. However, most of the donors and sponsors have shown their commitment in the past. In addition, Kayd confirms sponsor commitment before commencing operation each year.
Structure, Governance and Management
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter): Articles of Associatio How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO): company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity with the UK Charities Commission.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees: Trustees are selected by the Managing Director and Artistic Director in agreement with existing trustees and in accordance with Articles 25-27 (Kayd Articles of Association).
Relationship with any related parties
Kayd works closely with Somali community across the country, and venues to advance our charitable aims.
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees፡
Signature: _________ po = | a Prof Michael Walls Full name: _________ 079BA92CD36F 429... Position: Chair 11-05-2025 | 14:11 BST
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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of KAYD Somali Art & Culture
I report on the accounts of the charity for year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 10 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b)of the Charities Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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, and seeking explanations from you as 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 matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or
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2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Prelreger
……………………………………………
Date. 24 April 2025
Prabagar Pathmanathan FCCA , ACA Lead Accounting Ltd
43 Seiriol Road,
Bangor LL57 1AS
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024
Funds Funds TOTAL TOTAL
£ £ £ £
Income
Grants and Donations 1 289,435 40,248 329,683 273,121
Bank interest income 2 13 - 13 29
Total Income 289,448 40,248 329,696 273,150
Expenditure 3
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Raising funds 10,200 10,200 9,200
Charitable Activities 262,788 40,248 303,036 252,281
Total Expenditure 272,988 40,248 313,236 261,481
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Operating surplus/(deficit) 16,460 16,460 11,669
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Total Funds Brought Forward 26,772 26,772 15,103
Total Funds Carried Forward 43,232 - 43,232 26,772
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All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities and there are no gains and losses other than those passing through the Statement of Financial Activities.
The notes on pages 12 - 13 form part of these financial statements.
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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Prepayments Cash in bank Less: Current Liabilities due in less than one year NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES Funds Balance Brought Forward Surplus/(Deficit) Total Funds |
Notes 4 5 |
2025 | 2024 |
| £ 587 9,830 41,020 51,437 8,205 8,205 43,232 |
£ 1,000 8,600 51,014 60,614 33,842 33,842 26,772 |
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| 43,232 | 26,772 | ||
| 26,772 16,460 |
15,103 11,668 |
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| 43,232 |
26,772 |
For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small company regime.
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 24 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by
The notes on pages 12 - 13 form part of these Financial Statements.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation of financial statements
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities effective April 2008).
Turnover
Income comprises donations and grants received towards the activities of the company.
1. TURNOVER
The company’s entire income arose within the United Kingdom. The sources of income were partnerships, sponsorships and donations from institutions and individuals. The table below shows the breakdown of income for the year by the source:
Schedule of Income
| ule of Income | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Grants, Donations, Sponsorship, partnership and activity |
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| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds |
Total | Total | ||
| £ £ |
£ | £ | ||
| Grants Income Art Council England The Gecko Foundation London Borough of Tower Hamlet Sub-total Donation & Sponsorship Income Dahabshiil Thames Homecare SE The Kilifanan Trust HATS Vogue Oasis Care Megan Taxi Care Solutions The Salisbury Pool Women Inclusive Team Excel Women Others Sub-total Sponsorship & Partnership Income The Oxford House London Borough of Tower Hamlet UCL/SOAS Sub-total Activity income Others Sub-total Total Income |
150,000 15,000 - |
- - 25,920 |
150,000 15,000 25,920 |
150,000 21,700 8,333 |
| **165,000 ** | 25,920 | 190,920 | 180,033 | |
| 11,000 - 10,000 20,000 40,682 5,000 5,000 3,000 2,500 1,000 1,000 2,000 |
- - - - - |
11,000 - 10,000 20,000 40,682 5,000 5,000 3,000 2,500 1,000 1,000 2,000 |
7,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 4,575 7,500 |
|
| **101,182 ** | - | 101,182 | 49,075 | |
| - 800 - |
- 800 13,528 |
- - 1,600 13,528 |
12,100 2,700 2,000 |
|
| 800 | 14,328 | 15,128 | 16,800 | |
| 22,453 | - | 22,453 | 27,213 | |
| 22,453 | - | 22,453 | 27,213 | |
| 289,435 | 40,248 | 329,683 | 273,121 |
2. Investment income
| Investment income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Investment income | 2024 | 2024 |
| Bank interest income Total |
£ £ £ 13 - 13 |
£ 29 |
| 13 - 13 |
29 |
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3. Expenditure
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Unrestricted Restricted 2025 TOTAL 2024 TOTAL
Description Fund Funds
£ £ £ £
Staff salary 72,530 10,528 83,058 80,323
Temporary staff & consultancy 21,358 21,358 18,324
Cost of generating funds 10,200 - 10,200 9,200
General Office Expenses 27,388 27,388 14,673
Marketing, documentation and publicity 10,741 1,286 12,027 14,001
Event Activities and artists 59,647 22,034 81,681 41,699
Visiting artists and accommodation 46,097 3,000 49,097 61,173
Venue Hire 20,104 3,150 23,254 18,464
Volunteers Expenses 950 250 1,200 1,040
Organisation Development 2,555 - 2,555 1,170
Insurance 1,234 - 1,234 1,110
Bank Charges 184 - 184 304
Total Expenditure 272,988 40,248 313,236 261,481
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4. Debtors
| Debtors | |
|---|---|
| Creditors Accrued income Total Falling due within one year PAYE & NI Accruals Deferred Income Total |
2025 2024 £ £ |
| 587 1,000 | |
| 5871,000 | |
| 2025 2024 £ £ |
|
| 5,285 - 1,920 5,842 1,000 28,000 |
|
| 8,205 33,842 | |
5. Creditors
6. Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions for the year.
7. Trustees Expenses
The total trustees’ expenses incurred on the trustees of the charity for the year was NIL.
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