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2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Charity name: The Manchester Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust

Charity registration number: 1176625

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes
of the charity as set out in
its governing document		 Para 1.17 The advancement of the Samatha Meditation
Practice and associated teachings through
running the Manchester Centre for Buddhist
Meditation
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.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Meditation classes for beginners and more
experienced meditators are offered free of charge
on several days a week.
Many meetings are both in person and on line.
Full moon meetings are held regularly and there
is a monthly puja (chanting and making offerings)
open to all.
Study groups, Tai Chi, courses and weekends of
practice take place regularly.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit		 Para 1.18 The Trustees have given careful consideration to
the guidance issued by the Charity Commission
on public benefit. Many of the classes and
activities are of benefit to the mental and physical
wellbeing of those who choose to access them.
There are no charges for classes, donations are
invited.
The garden at the Manchester Centre is open to
the public and they enjoy spending time there.
The extensive private library is open to Samatha
members and visiting Buddhist scholars.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 N/A
Policy on social
investment including
program related
investment		 Para 1.38 N/A
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 The Manchester Centre and all its activities are
entirely run by the members on a voluntary basis.
The time, support and enthusiasm offered is
much appreciated by the Trustees.

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
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
as a whole.		 Para 1.20 During recent unusual years, the Manchester
Centre had continued offering to the wider
community a number of beginners’ classes for
learning the Samatha meditation practice by
adapting to include online participation as well as
the in-person classes. Classes for more
experienced meditators had continued in a
similar way.
At the start of 2023 there remained signs of
reluctance from beginners and more experienced
meditators to attend events at the centre in
person; significant efforts were made
successfully to increase the level of in-person
activity such that by the end of 2023 face-to-face
activity had returned to being the dominant
approach to meditation teaching.
The monthly Pujas are open to all, both in person
and online.
The full moon meetings have returned to being
held in-person.
The Tai Chi group have continued to meet,
normally in person.
A weekly online meditation meeting with an
emphasis on well-being and mindfulness has
become established and is open to anyone who
wishes to join in.
There have been days and weekends of practice
and study mostly offered in person.
A number of time-limited and ongoing groups
have met online to investigate aspects of the
Teachings of the Buddha and other related
topics.
We have continued to expand our library which
now holds approximately 6500 books relating to
Buddhism and other wide-ranging subjects. The
library is open to members and visiting scholars.
The teachings of the Buddha, learning the
meditation practice and other mindful activities
are offered free of charge and are available to all.
To raise awareness of the MCBM, classes and
activities are advertised on our website, Face
Book, Twitter, signs in the garden and posters in
the community.
The support and contact found during these
meetings has been appreciated by many, both
members and non-members.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Achievements against
objectives set
Para 1.41
We continue to offer many opportunities and
activities both at the Manchester Centre and
online. Including zoom participation in most of our
activities has ensured they are more accessible
to a wider community.
This way of working has continued to be
developed and will continue to do so into the
foreseeable future.
Performance of
fundraising activities
against objectives set		 Para 1.41 The Trust relies on donations to maintain the
Manchester Centre as a base for our classes and
associated activities.
The level of donations has been maintained, a
reflection of generosity much appreciated.
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 N/A

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s
financial position at the
end of the period		 Para 1.21 Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £30,499
These receipts have primarily come from
donations by members, £7,657 from standing
orders, £2,757 from cash, £2,464 from card and
£11,464 from Golden Giving. Being a charity has
enabled us to claim Gift Aid totalling £5,666
Our outgoings were £25,970 which included
£7,000 on internal and external repairs to the
Centre, £5,100 on energy, £4,200 on
improvements to the garden and £1,800 on
general equipment.
The net result for the year was an excess of
receipts over payments of £4,529
£100,000 of the banked funds is earmarked for
transforming the End Room into a functional
space for the Centre. An architect has drawn up
the plans which are due to be submitted for
approval by the local council.
Our library fund receives £300 per annum from
the Samatha Trust which is used to enhance our
extensive collection of approximately 6,500
books. The end of year balance was £447.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 As we are reliant on voluntary donations from our
members, we hold a reserve fund of £12,000
which would go towards covering the cost of
running the Manchester Centre for a year.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)
Para 1.47
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the
principal risks facing the
charity		 Para 1.46

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing
document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Trust Deed
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Trust
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		 Para 1.25 Trustees are invited by the President, in
consultation with others, from the membership.
The current Trustees give the final approval.
New Trustees are selected for their interest and
commitment to the future of the MCBM. The
intention is to maintain a good balance amongst
the Trustees including teaching and meditation
experience, gender and age.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees
Para 1.51
When new Trustees are appointed they are
directed to become familiar with all policies
and procedures on the Manchester Trust’s
website.
The charity’s
organisational structure
and any wider network
with which the charity work		 Para 1.51 The charity’s organisation structure
comprises a group of Trustees and a
management committee elected by the
members. MCBM Trust and the Samatha
Trust work closely together.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 The Samatha Trust are owners of the
Manchester building and all permanent
fixtures and fittings.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Manchester Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust
Other name the charity
uses
Registered charity
number		 1176625
Charity’s principal
address		 21, High Lane,
Chorlton,
Manchester,
M21 9DJ

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

The trustees who served from 01/01/23 to 31/12/23:

J.A. Callow – Chairman T.A. Bochenski F.A. Beresford J. Connolly

R. Rose

A. Hudson

J. Dewhurst

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity None Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are N/A held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such N/A assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers

Type of adviser
Name		 Type of adviser
Name
President of the MCBM Keith Munnings
Chairman of the MCBM Hilary Phillips
Treasurer of the MCBM Linda Ely

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) J. Callow Full name(s) Jacqueline Anne Callow Position (eg Secretary, Chair up to 21[st] April 2024 Chair, etc) Date 11/06/2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name The Manchester Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust members of On accounts for the year 31 December 2023 Charity no 1176625 ended Set out on pages 1 – 4 (One to Four ) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023. Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed: Darren Warren Date: 03/03/2024 Name: Darren Warren – Paxton Independent Examiners Relevant professional FMAAT qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 61a High Street South Rushden Northants, NN10 ORA

Page 1 of 4

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

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

Page 2 of 4

Receipts & Payments Report

Charity name: M/c Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust Charity number: 1176625

For the period from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Receipts andpayments Receipts andpayments
Receipts
Dāna collected at Centre
Dāna collected at Bank
Dāna via Samatha Trust
Gift Aid
Library grant from Smatha Trust
Bequests & Legacies
Interest received
Other receipts
Other receipts
Receipt suspense
Asset and Investment sales etc
Total receipts
Payments
Maintenance
Install new systems
Rent
Rates
Electricity
Gas
Water
Telephone/Broadband
Insurance
Cleaning
Publicity
Refreshments
Other meeting costs
Garden
IT running costs
Staff training costs
Accounting software
Independent examination
Banking [charges/interest]
Grants and donations
Library Office costs
Expenses/travel/subsistence
Professional fees and expenses
Other payments
Assets and investment purchased
Equipment, furnishings and fittings
Books and publications		 Unrestricted
funds
£
5,221
7,657
11,464
5,666
0
0
297
100
94
0
30,499
30,499
7,994
0
0
0
1,739
3,416
922
403
896
643
262
1,159
293
4,210
288
0
444
0
60
700
198
250
0
0
23,877
1,863
229		 Restricted funds
£
0
0
0
0
300
0
0
0
0
0
300
300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
372		 Endowment
funds
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Total funds
£
5,221
7,657
11,464
5,666
300
0
297
100
94
0
30,799
30,799
7,994
0
0
0
1,739
3,416
922
403
896
643
262
1,159
293
4,210
288
0
444
0
60
700
198
250
0
0
23,877
1,863
601		 Last year
£
4,574
8,684
4,952
2,118
300
0
162
0
0
0
20,790
20,790
58,790
0
0
0
1,162
1,892
777
376
825
586
199
142
71
262
144
0
210
480
81
500
359
265
0
0
67,121
1,550
315

Page 3 of 4

Receipts & Payments Report

Charity name: M/c Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust

Charity number: 1176625

For the period from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Receipts andpayments Receipts andpayments
Total payments
Excess of receipts over payments
Transfers between Funds
Cash Funds Last Year End
Cash funds this year end		 Unrestricted
funds
£
25,969
4,530
0
135,305
139,835		 Restricted funds
£
372
-72
0
519
447		 Endowment
funds
£
0
0
0
0
0		 Total funds
£
26,341
4,458
0
135,824
140,282		 Last year
£
68,986
-48,196
0
184,019
135,823

Page 4 of 4

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name The Manchester Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust members of On accounts for the year 31 December 2023 Charity no 1176625 ended Set out on pages 1 – 4 (One to Four ) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023. Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed: Darren Warren Date: 03/03/2024 Name: Darren Warren – Paxton Independent Examiners Relevant professional FMAAT qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 61a High Street South Rushden Northants, NN10 ORA

Page 1 of 4

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

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

Page 2 of 4

Receipts & Payments Report

Charity name: M/c Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust Charity number: 1176625

For the period from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Receipts andpayments Receipts andpayments
Receipts
Dāna collected at Centre
Dāna collected at Bank
Dāna via Samatha Trust
Gift Aid
Library grant from Smatha Trust
Bequests & Legacies
Interest received
Other receipts
Other receipts
Receipt suspense
Asset and Investment sales etc
Total receipts
Payments
Maintenance
Install new systems
Rent
Rates
Electricity
Gas
Water
Telephone/Broadband
Insurance
Cleaning
Publicity
Refreshments
Other meeting costs
Garden
IT running costs
Staff training costs
Accounting software
Independent examination
Banking [charges/interest]
Grants and donations
Library Office costs
Expenses/travel/subsistence
Professional fees and expenses
Other payments
Assets and investment purchased
Equipment, furnishings and fittings
Books and publications		 Unrestricted
funds
£
5,221
7,657
11,464
5,666
0
0
297
100
94
0
30,499
30,499
7,994
0
0
0
1,739
3,416
922
403
896
643
262
1,159
293
4,210
288
0
444
0
60
700
198
250
0
0
23,877
1,863
229		 Restricted funds
£
0
0
0
0
300
0
0
0
0
0
300
300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
372		 Endowment
funds
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Total funds
£
5,221
7,657
11,464
5,666
300
0
297
100
94
0
30,799
30,799
7,994
0
0
0
1,739
3,416
922
403
896
643
262
1,159
293
4,210
288
0
444
0
60
700
198
250
0
0
23,877
1,863
601		 Last year
£
4,574
8,684
4,952
2,118
300
0
162
0
0
0
20,790
20,790
58,790
0
0
0
1,162
1,892
777
376
825
586
199
142
71
262
144
0
210
480
81
500
359
265
0
0
67,121
1,550
315

Page 3 of 4

Receipts & Payments Report

Charity name: M/c Centre for Buddhist Meditation Trust

Charity number: 1176625

For the period from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Receipts andpayments Receipts andpayments
Total payments
Excess of receipts over payments
Transfers between Funds
Cash Funds Last Year End
Cash funds this year end		 Unrestricted
funds
£
25,969
4,530
0
135,305
139,835		 Restricted funds
£
372
-72
0
519
447		 Endowment
funds
£
0
0
0
0
0		 Total funds
£
26,341
4,458
0
135,824
140,282		 Last year
£
68,986
-48,196
0
184,019
135,823

Page 4 of 4