AYLESBURY HINDU TEMPLE (AHT) TRUST REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1180887 ## TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025 Registered address 17 Lewis Close AYLESBURY HP19 9AW ## **CONTENTS PAGE** ||**Page**| |---|---| |Legal and administrative|1| |Trustees Annual Report|2-6| |Independent examiner's report to the trustees|7| |Statement of financial activities|8| |Statement of Assets and Liabilities|9| |Notes to the financial statements|10| ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** |STATUS:|Registered Charity No. 1180887| |---|---| |ADDRESS:|17 Lewis Close| ||AYLESBURY| ||HP19 9AW| |TRUSTEES:|Muthu Mardwan (Chair)| ||Tapashya Murali (Secretary)| ||Nitin Makharia (Treasurer)| ||Bobby Srivastava| ||Badri Santhanam| ||Nidhi Mehta| ||Keena Kunvarji| ||Sriparna Banerjee| ||Sadanand Biradar| ||Vinod Devkar| ||Nilesh Saija| ||Kishor Katla| |INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:|Nishul Vadia (FCCA)| ||103 Wendover Road| ||Aylesbury| ||Bucks| ||HP21 9LB| |BANKER(S):|Metro Bank PLC| ||45 Market Square| ||Aylesbury| ||HP20 2SP| pg. 1 ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025** The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2025 ## **Reference and administrative 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 organization** The Aylesbury Hindu Temple (AHT) Trust is run entirely by membership of volunteers who pay a life membership subscription. The titled roles constitute of Chair, Secretary & Treasurer, who are duly elected by the members. The number of trustees constituting the Charity Trustees shall not be less than 5 and will be subject to a maximum of 15 persons, who are life members of the Trust and duly elected by the members. The trustees are the trustees for the purpose of charity law, in whom the control, management and administration of the charity is vested. The Charity Trustees 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 Charity Trsutees 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 assessments as required during any public event organized during this period. The trustees have identified the completion of the transition to the CIO, including the settlement of outstanding Gift Aid claims, is the main risk during this. The trustees have managed this risk by: - continuing the trust on a temporary basis until all gifted matters are concluded - maintaining appropriate records for both the trust and the CIO; and - ensuring that all significant decisions, including the transfer of assets, will formally approved by the trustees pg. 2 ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025** The trustees consider the arrangements to be reasonable and proportionate for charity of this size and as satisfied that the charity's funds continue to be applied for its purposes ## **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. pg. 3 ## **Year in Review** ## **Overview** ## Namaste! As of 2025, our charity organization completed 7 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 yearon-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 Benefit 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 2025 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. 1. **Progressing the mandir project:** A special subcommittee was formed to focus the efforts on the Mandir project. The responsibilities of the subcommittees include – - a. Finding appropriate sites / properties to either rent / bid / buy - b. Identifying avenues to fund raise for the Mandir - c. Actively work on fundraising and track the progress 2. **Fundraising for a permanent mandir:** Although the special ‘Mandir’ subcommittee will lead the efforts on the fundraising, the entire team of Trustees are entrusted with the responsibility of driving this as a team and in their individual capacity. **3. Completing the transition from Trust to CIO:** During the year, the trustees progressed the transition of the charity from its former structure as a charitable trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The trustees considered the CIO structure is more appropriate for this charity and supports clearer governance arrangements going forward. The CIO was registered with Charity Commission on 12 July 2024. The charitable trust continued to operate during the transition period to ensure continuity of the charity's activities while practical arrangements for the CIO were completed. From December 2025, the transition moved forward in substance. The trustees approved the transfer of the charity's activities and assets from the trust to the CIO, and this transfer took place in December 2025. The charitable trust will continue to operate for a short period alongside the CIO. This is to allow the completion of outstanding Gift Aid claims with HM Revenue and Customs, which are considered material. Once these claims have been finalised, any remaining net assets will be transferred to the CIO and the charitable trust will be formally closed. pg. 4 4. **Revamping our digital presence:** A good digital footprint is essential to improve accessibility, streamline fundraising, and strengthen engagement. 5. **Wider audience outreach:** Expanding educational, cultural and spiritual initiatives to foster awareness and inclusivity. We continue to make a positive impact in this area and endeavor to engage more. ## **Other Key Updates:** 1. **Outreach** : We continue to engage widely and have maintained a good relationship with the Buckinghamshire council, Aylesbury Town Council, Discover Bucks Museum, Thames Valley Police, Local Member of Parliament, and many others. One of the major events that we hold in partnership with the Discover Bucks Museum is Holi (Festival of Colors) and this year was no different but only better, in terms of community engagement, increased participation with lots of activities for all ages. Apart from this we continue to be invited to 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. 2. **Utsavs:** We continue to deliver our monthly Sutradhar puja, in addition to some of our key ‘utsavs’ (events and festivals) like Rath yatra, Ganesh utsav, Shivaratri etc. We have been successful in including activities for children, helping to engage them more effectively and increase the footfall. We will continue to look at revamping where possible and feasible, to deliver a pleasant and enjoyable experience to the community. 3. **Collaborations:** We continue to explore opportunities to collaborate and support local organisations and charities to bring the various communities together to celebrate utsavs as one wider community. Examples include the Navratri Garba Mahotsav, Vishwa Varkari Samsthan and Diwali Festival of Lights. 4. **Expanded Educational Programme:** More school assemblies and cultural workshops, Youth development activities (dance, heritage language, arts), Continued community art initiatives tied to major festivals. 5. **Governance, Safeguarding and Compliance:** AHT maintains safeguarding guidelines for working with children and vulnerable individuals; Data protection procedures are followed in line with GDPR requirements; Conflicts of interest are recorded and managed appropriately; Annual reviews of governance policies and risk management are conducted. 6. **Grants:** We have been awarded 3-year grant totaling £15,000 by Rothschild Foundation. This funding is to support inclusive events, assemblies and workshops to celebrate diversity, foster cross-cultural understanding, and enhance well-being across Buckinghamshire. 7. **Community Recognition:** Recognised with ‘The People’s Choice Award 2024’ by Heart of Bucks for the work in the community and impact on the local area that has made Buckinghamshire a better place to live. 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. pg. 5 ## **Financial review:** ## **Income** Total income for the period _01 April 2024 – 31 March 2025_ was **£37,941** . Primary sources of income included: - Donations from the public - Sponsorships from businesses - Grants (including multi-year support from the Rothschild Foundation) - Voluntary contributions at festivals - Membership fees - Bank interest - In-kind support from volunteers and partner organisations Income was stable year-on-year, enabling delivery of a full calendar of community events. During the year, the trust entered into a joint collaborative arrangement for the Navratri festival held in November 2024. At the date of submission of these accounts, the financial outcome of the joint event had not yet been finalised by the collaborating organisation. The trust is therefore awaiting confirmation of its share of the net proceeds, which will be recognised once the final accounts for the event have been agreed. ## **Expenditure** Total expenditure for the period _01 April 2024 – 31 March 2025_ was **£15,207** . Major areas of expenditure included: - Festival and event costs (venue hire, materials, Food etc) - Insurance and regulatory compliance - Website and communication systems - Educational workshops and outreach - Administrative expenses The charity maintained prudent financial management, ensuring expenditure remained aligned to the charitable objectives. ## **Reserves Policy** AHT aims to maintain unrestricted reserves sufficient to cover **3–6 months** of operating commitments and to underwrite key annual events. Reserves remained at a satisfactory level at year-end. ## **Honorary Independent Examiner** Mr Nishul Vadia, is the independent examiner for the year. On behalf of the Charity Trustees **Mr. Muthu Mardawan** **Tapashya Murali** Chair Secretary pg. 6 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** ## **YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025** I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2025, 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: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; - 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 - 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 26[nd] January 2026 pg. 7 ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025** |**YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025**||| |---|---|---| ||**2024 - 25**|**2023 - 24**| |**Income**|**£**|**£**| |Membership|4,641|277| |Bank Interest|909|738| |Donation|373|772| |Utsav donation|13,870|10,857| |Utsav Income|-|2,837| |Sponsorship|1,451|2,027| |Fund raising income|936|899| |Gift Aid|-|215| |Grant|9,150|4,050| |Regular monthly donations|959|1,173| |Sutradhaar Income|5,652|8,231| |**Total Income**|**37,941**|**32,076**| |**Expenses**||| |Utsav expenses|8,634|7,683| |Utsav Hall Hire|2,543|2,745| |Sutradhaar expense|1,799|4,225| |Fund raising expense|618|| |Insurance|269|190| |Operational Expenses|1,344|2,550| |**Total Expenses**|**15,207**|**17,393**| |**Net income**|**22,734**|**14,682**| |**Net movement in funds:**||| |Net income for the year|22,734|14,682| |Surplus funds brought forward|90,827|76,144| |**Total funds carried forward**|**113,561**|**90,827**| 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 10 form part of these financial statements. pg. 8 ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31[st] March 2025** |**MONETARY ASSETS**|**£**|**£**| |---|---|---| |Bank|113,561|90,827| |**Total Monetary Asset**|113,561|90,827| |**LIABILITIES**|-|| |**Net Assets**|**113,561**|**90,827**| |**FUNDS**||| |Unrestricted funds|113,561|90,827| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|**113,561**|**90,827**| These financial statements were approved by the Charity Trustees and approved for issue on 19 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:- The notes on page 10 form part of these financial statements. Mr. Muthu Mardawan Mr. Nitin Makharia Chair Treasurer pg. 9 ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025** 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 20242025 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. pg. 10