AYLESBURY HINDU TEMPLE (AHT) TRUST REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1180887
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024
Registered address
17 Lewis Close AYLESBURY HP19 9AW
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administratve | 3 |
| Trustees Annual Report | 4-7 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 8 |
| Statement of fnancial actvites | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the fnancial statements | 11 |
| STATUS: | Registered Charity No. 1180887 |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS: | 17 Lewis Close |
| AYLESBURY | |
| HP19 9AW | |
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES: |
Muthu Mardwan (President) |
| Samir Sehgal (Vice-President) | |
| Bobby Srivastava (General Secretary) | |
| Tapashya Murali (Joint Secretary) | |
| Vivek Pandey (Treasurer) | |
| Tarun Salhotra (Joint-Treasurer) | |
| OTHER TRUSTEES: | Abhijit Roy |
| Badri Santhanam | |
| Rajat Mahesh (Chair) | |
| Dr. Prakash Dey | |
| Nidhi Mehta | |
| Keena Kunvarji | |
| Sriparna Banerjee | |
| Ranjula Takodra | |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: | Nishul Vadia (FCCA) |
| 103 Wendover Road | |
| Aylesbury | |
| Bucks | |
| HP21 9LB | |
| BANKER(S): | Metro Bank PLC |
| 45 Market Square | |
| Aylesbury | |
| HP20 2SP |
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The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
Reference and administratve details
Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 1.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document
The Aylesbury Hindu Temple (AHT) Trust was created by the Hindu residents of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire of Great Britain on 13[th] May 2018. This trust is an unincorporated organization and was registered as a charity on 28[th] November 2018. The Charity is guided by its governing document.
Trustees and organizaton
The Aylesbury Hindu Temple (AHT) Trust is run entirely by membership of volunteers who pay an annual or life membership subscription. The executive committee (EC) constitutes of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Joint- Secretary, Treasurer & Joint-Treasurer, who are duly elected by the members. The number of trustees constituting the Trust Board shall not be less than 7 and will be subject to a maximum of 15 persons, who are life members of the Trust and duly elected by the members. The members of the executive committee and trustees are the trustees for the purpose of charity law, in whom the control, management and administration of the charity is vested.
The Trust Board members meet once a month and are responsible for all decisions taken in relation to running the charity, and the activities provided by the charity. To assist in the smooth running of the charity the Trust Board have set up several sub- committees that help them oversee certain aspects of the charity's work. Each sub-committee reports back with their recommendations to the full meeting of the trustees. The trustees who served during the year are set out on page 1. All those who attend our functions and fall within our membership criteria are encouraged to become members to enable them to be elected as trustees in the future if they so wish.
Risk Management
The executive committee and trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and these have been minimized by the implementation of procedures for authorization of all transactions, monitoring of events and appropriate insurance indemnities. The trustees have not identified any other major risks to which the charity is exposed. The trustees have taken appropriate risk assessment as required during any public event organized during this period.
Purpose and Vision
Aylesbury Hindu Temple Trust (AHTT) is a Charitable Organization dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and well-being across Buckinghamshire. Established in 2018, AHTT is a vibrant cultural hub that provides accessible opportunities for all, particularly children, the elderly, or isolated, to engage in cultural, mental health, and community initiatives. The charity’s primary objective is to establish a Mandir (Hindu temple) in Aylesbury that not only serves as a center for spirituality, but also as a hub of cultural exchange, and holistic well-being. This space will bring together individuals from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting a harmonious community.
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Year in Review
Overview
Namaste!
As of 2023, our charity organization completed 5 years. We are ever grateful to the community for the unwavering support and all the contributions made. We continue to grow and strive to improve year-on-year, and with every passing year we are getting closer to our goal. The community’s trust on us is invaluable and we are committed to serve to the best of our ability.
Public Beneft Statement
In setting out the objectives and planning the activities, the trustees have given careful consideration to complying with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Update on 2023 Focus Areas & Status:
Some of the key focus areas we set for our charity and their statuses at the end of the year as listed below.
- Elections to onboard more trustee s: One of the significant achievements for the year has been the elections to fill the vacant Trustee’s positions and strengthen the team to deliver more and cater to the wider community. We conducted the elections successfully and were able to onboard 6 new Trustees in the team and appointed few key roles from the new team. To execute the tasks more efficiently we have formed subcommittees across various subject areas. We are confident that the current team will bring in innovative ideas and carry forward our vision.
2 . Initiate CIO constitution draft : As a step towards owning a place it was understood that we need to move to a CIO model. With this being clear, a team was formed to start draft the constitution with an aim to being a CIO by mid-2024. Significant work was carried out in this area with multiple meetings, and the drafting kicked at the end of the year.
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Consultation on the Mandir Plan : As we progress with our regular activities, it is imperative to keep the focus on our vision and continue to work towards the goal. We had set ourselves a target of consulting with current / previous trustees on the plans for the Mandir and the work that was already carried out so the new team could take the initiative forward. As we end the year, we had drafted a plan with options for short-term and long-term, with clear actions for the short-term, i.e. to look for properties to rent / lease, while we work on the long-term, i.e. having a permanent / own place, in the background.
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Improve the internal and external outreach : One of the areas identified were in terms of the outreach, both internal and external, with an underlying theme of connecting better with the wider community and different organizations, while continuing to build trust and confidence within the Hindu community in specific and the wider community in general. A survey was conducted within the internal community to gain feedback on various aspects of the functioning of the charity and we are pleased to say we got some good feedback with specific inputs – Property acquisition (Mandir plan); Community outreach; revamping monthly Utsavs; and collaborating with other local organizations. This helped in putting specific actions in place and we hope to have achieved our aspirations in these areas the following year.
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Other Key Updates:
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Outreach : We have established a good relationship with the council and have been successfully delivering our Holi (Festival of Colors) for the past few years. Apart from this we have been invited to the participate in the council events like Christmas on Cobbles, Remembrance service and the Mayoral service. We are pleased to have this opportunity to participate and contribute to the diverse community locally.
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Utsavs: We continue to delivery our monthly Sutradhar puja, in addition to some of our key ‘Utsavs’ (events and festivals) like Rath yatra, Ganesh Utsav, Shivaratri etc. Efforts have been made to include activities for kids to engage them better and improve the footfall. We started with Janmashtami this year for the first time and were pleased to see the engagement and enthusiasm. We will continue to look at revamping where possible and feasible, to deliver a pleasant and enjoyable experience to the community.
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Collaborations: We have initiated discussions with various organizations to hopefully do our common Utsavs together. We will continue this conversation and would try and collaborate where possible to bring one big Utsav for the community. At the very least, we would create a common calendar so the key Utsavs being celebrated do not fall on the same day.
Focus areas for 2024:
As we move into 2024, we remain focused on:
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CIO transition – Complete the transition to CIO
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Mandir plan – Concrete plan with various options and an action plan
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Diversifying membership and standing orders – Increase Life Members and monthly standing orders to 100.
Once again, our heartfelt gratitude to our community for their continued support. Together, we look forward to another year of growth, unity, and spiritual fulfilment. And hope this year marks a significant milestone in getting closer to achieving our vision.
Statement on the Transfer to Aylesbury Hindu Temple CIO
The trustees of AHTT confirm the following in relation to the transition to the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered as Aylesbury Hindu Temple CIO with Charity Commission registration number 1209109:
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Rationale for the Transfer The decision to transition to CIO status was made to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of the charity. This legal structure provides limited liability protection for trustees and members and is better suited to the future activities and growth of the charity.
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Approval of the Transfer The approval was received from the trustees and life members over email in the first quarter of 2024, along with trust board meetings to transfer charity’s assets, liabilities, and operations to AHT CIO . The transfer is consistent with charity law, the charity's governing document, and the requirements of the Charity Commission.
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Date of Transfer The transfer was completed on 12 July 2024 , at which point the original charity ceased its operational activities. From this date, all activities and responsibilities have been assumed by the CIO.
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4. Assets and Liabilities
As part of the transfer, all the assets of the original charity will be transferred to AHT CIO in due course in 2025.
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Assets to be Transferred : £90,827 (From Bank account)
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Liabilities Assumed : £0
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Net Assets to be Transferred : £90,827 (From Bank account)
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Restricted Funds
All restricted funds held by AHTT will be transferred to the CIO and will continue to be used in accordance with the original restrictions.
6. Operational Continuity
The CIO will continue the objectives and activities of the original charity, ensuring no disruption to services provided to beneficiaries. Stakeholders, including donors and beneficiaries, have been informed of this transition.
7. Final Accounts and Reporting
Accounts for AHTT have been prepared for the period ending 2023-2024 , in compliance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and the requirements of the Charity Commission. Final accounts for the period of transition are to be submitted.
8. Dissolution of the Original Charity
Following the submission of the final Trustees' Annual Report (TAR) and accounts to the Charity Commission, AHTT will be formally removed from the register of charities.
- Acknowledgment
The trustees would like to thank all stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and partners, for their support during this transition. The trustees are confident that the CIO structure will enable the charity to continue its vital work with improved governance and operational capacity.
Financial review:
The attached financial statements show the current state of the finances, which the trust considers to be satisfactory. Our total income for the year was £32,076, while the expenses were £17,393, and hence we effectively raised £14,683. We hope to continue the momentum and move forward quickly towards our goal in the coming years.
Honorary Independent Examiner
Mr Nishul Vadia FCCA, is the independent examiner for the year.
On behalf of the trust board
Mr. Muthu Mardwan President
Tapashya Murali Joint Secretary
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I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2024, which comprise the statement of financial activities balance sheet and the related notes.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 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 2011 Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An independent 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:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met: or
(2) to which, in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
Nishul Vadia FCCA
103 Wendover Road Aylesbury HP21 9LB
31[st] January 2025
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| Receipts & Payments Accounts Income Membership Bank Interest Donation Utsav donation Utsav Income Sponsorship Fund raising Gift Aid Grant Regular monthly donations Sutradhaar Income Total income Expenses Utsav expenses Utsav Hall Hire Sutradhaar expense Insurance Operational Expenses Total Expenses Net income Net movement in funds: Net income for the year Surplus funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
23-24 £ 277 738 772 10,857 2,837 2,027 899 215 4,050 1,173 8,231 32,076 7,683 2,745 4,225 190 2,550 17,393 14,682 14,682 76,144 90,827 |
22-23 £ 1,562 161 2,654 5,236 - 2,123 614 3,998 1,600 361 6,557 24,866 5,689 1,714 1,294 190 476 9,363 15,502 15,502 60,641 |
22-23 £ 1,562 161 2,654 5,236 - 2,123 614 3,998 1,600 361 6,557 24,866 5,689 1,714 1,294 190 476 9,363 15,502 15,502 60,641 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76,144 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. AII of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on page 11 form part of these financial statements.
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MONETARY ASSETS £ £
Bank 90,827 76,144
Total Monetary Asset 90,827 76,144
LIABILITIES - -
Net Assets 90,827 76,144
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds 90,827 76,144
TOTAL FUNDS 90,827 76,144
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These financial statements were approved by the members of the Trust Board and approved for issue on 31[st] January 2025 and signed on its behalf by :-
The notes on page 11 form part of these financial statements.
Mr. Muthu Mardwan Mr. Nitin Makharia President Treasurer
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 Section 133, using the Receipts and Payments basis.
Income
Life and annual memberships are included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are received. Voluntary income received by way of donations is included in full in the year in which they are received.
The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Grants received are included in full in the year in which they are received. Other incoming resources are included when receivable.
Expenditure
Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
Resources expended are allocated to a particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. Where the costs do not relate directly to a particular activity, they are included in the statement of financial activities under expense heading appropriate to the expense.
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and available as general funds. This is made up of grants and event sponsorships.
Designated funds
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for the specific purpose to acquire its own community space in furtherance of its activities. Life and annual membership, donations and fund-raising events income have been earmarked for this purpose.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donors. At the end of 20232024 financial year there were no such funds.
Remuneration of Trustees
All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity.
Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by Trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost.
In the current financial year the charity employed no staff or external contractors.
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