Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 Nov 2022 To 31 Oct 2023
Charity name: MILTON KEYNES VIHARA: COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Charity registration number: 1183908
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | For the public benefit, to advance Buddhism in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, in particular but not exclusively by: (a) facilitating the teaching of Theravada Buddhism and to provide opportunities for the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy, meditation and mindfulness (b) conducting regular lessons in Buddhism for devotees. (c) establishing centres for the practice of Buddhism and meditation (d) providing residential facilities for Buddhist monks to teach and practice Buddhism. |
| 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 |
• Conducting regular classes teaching Theravada Buddhism to children • Conducting a regular programme of meditation courses • Organising regular talks and discussions on Buddhism and meditation practice that are open to anyone to attend • Maintaining accommodation for the resident monks on the vihara premises |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Yes, all trustees have read this guidance. |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Not applicable |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not applicable |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | • Volunteers contribute their time and expertise to support the activities of the Milton Keynes Vihara summarised above. This includes: oFacilitating children’s Buddhism programme oFacilitating regular Buddhism talks and discussions that are open to the public oWorking to maintain the Vihara premises |
| Other | Not applicable |
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 | • • • • • |
Milton Keynes Vihara has continued to conduct regular events that enable the community to learn Buddhist teachings and develop their practice of meditation. The children’s Dhamma School programme continued through the year, moving to a schedule of online sessions every two weeks. Organisation of a programme of devotional songs to mark the Poson full moon day in June 2023 (https://mkvihara.org/events/2023- 06-10/) Organisation of special blessings ceremonies and formal invitation of monks to spend the rains retreat at the vihara (Vas Aradhana), followed by the Katina Ceremony at the end of the rains retreat (Oct 2023, https://mkvihara.org/milton-keynes-vihara- annual-kathina-ceremony-2023/). Supporting the wider Milton Keynes community, for example by organising a community celebration to mark the King’s Coronation (May 2023). See: https://mkvihara.org/events/list/page/2/?tribe- **bar-date=2022-02-23 ** |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | No additional information to add to that provided above. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising to support the activities of the vihara have been through one-off donations from individuals visiting the Vihara or regular contributions from well-wishers and members of the community. The funds raised have been sufficient to meet the essential expenses of maintaining the Vihara premises (rent, utilities, telephone / broadband and council tax). |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Not applicable |
| Other | Not applicable |
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Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 |
Following a difficult financial situation in 2021/22, the finances of the Milton Keynes Vihara have improved to some extent. This is mainly due to the ability to organise a more regular programme of activities and increased engagement from the community following the removal of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful fund raising activities relating to the Rains Retreat (Vas) programme and Poson celebrations have enabled Milton Keynes Vihara to close the year with a small operating surplus of £1,978/- , which means our current account has a balance of £7,584/- on 31 Oct 2023. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 |
We received £10,200/- in donations towards our Building Fund which was established to enable the Trustees to explore a permanent physical location for Milton Keynes Vihara. |
| Amount of reserves held |
Para 1.22 |
£10,200/- |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 |
The Milton Keynes Vihara is now in its 5th year of operation and the establishment of the ‘Building Fund’ account is a first step in the long term planning for the development of the vihara. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 |
None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
None |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
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 | Not applicable |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Not applicable |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | Loss of physical premises Cost of living pressures leading to reduction in donations. |
| Other | Not applicable |
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Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | CIO Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| 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 | The founding trustees were volunteers from the community who wanted to support the establishment of the Milton Keynes Vihara. This includes i. Head of the Centre; ii. President; iii. Secretary; and iv. Treasurer of the Milton Keynes Vihara who are ex-officio trustees as defined in the CIO’s constitution. We still have a vacancy for a new trustee and treasurer. |
| 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 | Induction: Trustees will make available to each new charity trustee, on or before his or her first appointment: 1. a copy of the CIO constitution and any amendments made to it; and 2. a copy of the CIO’s latest trustees’ annual report and statement of accounts. 3. Induction meetings with the Head of Centre and President of the Vihara |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | Not applicable |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | Not applicable |
| Other | Not applicable |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | MILTON KEYNES VIHARA: COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | MILTON KEYNES VIHARA |
| Registered charity number | 1183908 |
| Charity’s principal address | 3 Aldrich Drive Willen Milton Keynes MK15 9HP |
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for **whole year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Arosha K. Bandara | President | |||
| Dr. Ajit De Silva | Secretary | |||
| Ven. Akurala Samithasiri | Head of Centre | |||
| Dr. Dinuka De Silva | Trustee | |||
| Dr. Mahesh Dias | Trustee | |||
– 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
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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets Not applicable held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not applicable
Other optional information
The preparation of this report and associated accounts was delayed due to the death of one of the trustees, Dr. Ajit de Silva in February 2024. As one of the required signatories for the Vihara bank account, Dr. de Silva had taken a leading role in this activity. It took over 5 months for the bank to action the change of mandate, which meant other trustees were not able to deal with this activity until now. We will endeavour to avoid such delays in reporting in the future.
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Professor Arosha K. Bandara Ven. Akurala Samithasiri Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Trustee Chair, etc) Date 03 March 2025 03 March 2025
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Milton Keynfrs Vihara.. Community Centre for Mindfulness Meditation On accounts for the year ended 31 OCT 2023 Charity no (if any) 1183908 Sot out on pages OlrD2 0 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended 3111012023. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of Ihe Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followeij the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(51(bl of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention (other than thal disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. ac¢ounting records were not kept in ac¢ordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no olher matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Date: Independent examiner's statsment Slgned: 202 Name: QAr4 Relevant professional qualification{sl or body lif any): CIMA Addres$: É-L A-@J SfrJ£ £-KJ eLL- JQ O£1 IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan for examiners). Give h8re brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018
| Milton Keynes Vihara | Milton Keynes Vihara | Milton Keynes Vihara | Milton Keynes Vihara | 1183908 | CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts and payments accounts | ||||||
| For the period from |
01-Nov-22 | To | 31-Oct-23 | |||
| Section A Receipts and payments | ||||||
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
||
Income - StandingOrder |
8,515 | - - - - - - - 10,200 |
- | 8,515 | 8,984 | |
| Income - KATINA Ceremony (2022) | 450 | - | 450 | 7,620 | ||
| Income - KATINA Ceremony (2023) | 5,440 | - | 5,440 | - | ||
| Income - ATAVISI BUDDHA PUJA(2023) | 4,145 | - | 4,145 | - | ||
| Income - Coronation Celebration | 3,800 | - | 3,800 | - | ||
| Income - Poson Celebration | 900 | - | 900 | - | ||
| Income - New Year Event | 936 | - | 936 | - | ||
| Income - Daham Sisila Donation | - | - | 400 | |||
| Income - Other Donations | 5,615 | - | 5,615 | 6,637 | ||
| Income - BuildingFund Donations | - | - | 10,200 | |||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 29,801 | 10,200 - - - 10,200 |
- | 40,001 | 23,641 | |
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | - | - | ||||
| - | - | - | - | |||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||
| - | 40,001 | 23,641 | ||||
Expenditure - Rent |
15,000 | - - - - - - - - - |
- | 15,000 | 15,000 | |
| Expenditure - Council Tax | 2,280 | - | 2,280 | 2,177 | ||
| Expenditure - Energy | 2,462 | - | 2,462 | 1,506 | ||
| Expenditure - Water | 329 | - | 329 | 418 | ||
| Expenditure - Telecomms | 370 | - | 370 | 327 | ||
| Expenditure - Coronation Celebration | 3,851 | - | 3,851 | - | ||
| Expenditure - New Year Event | 212 | - | 212 | - | ||
| Expenditure - Kathina Ceremony (2023) | 3,028 | 3,028 | ||||
| Expenditure - Kathina Ceremony (2022) | 292 | 292 | 7,915 | |||
| Other expenses | - | - | - | 20 | ||
| Donation to other orgainsations | - | - | 150 | |||
| Returned Donations | - | - | - | |||
| **Sub total ** | 27,823 | - - - - - 10,200 - 10,200 |
- | 27,823 | 27,513 | |
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | - | - | ||||
| - | - | - | ||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| - | 27,823 | 27,513 | ||||
| 1,978 | - | 12,178 |
- 3,872 | |||
| - | - | - | - | |||
| 5,606 | - | 5,606 | 9,478 | |||
| 7,584 | - | 17,784 | 5,606 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B2 Other monetary assets B1 Cash funds |
Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Closing bank balance on 31 Oct 2023 |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,584 | 10,200 | - | ||
| - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | ||
| 7,584 | 10,200 | - | ||
| OK | OK | OK | ||
| Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | - | - |
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
Details Details Details Signature |
Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Arosha K. Bandara (Trustee) Ven. Akurala Samithasiri (Trustee) |
Current value (optional) |
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| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval | |||
| Arosha K. Bandara (Trustee) | 04-03-2025 | ||
| Ven. Akurala Samithasiri (Trustee) | 04-03-2025 |