Trustees Annual Report
CIO 1188791 - January 2023 to January 2024
Buddhist Society of Manchester
The Trustees report for 2022/23 outlined the status of the transfer of the existing charity to a CIO, which awaited transfer of the assets (primarily the Society house at 3, Grosvenor Square, Sale M33 6QU) to the new CIO by the Land Registry. This was finally completed late January 2023. As required by the existing charity constitution, an Extraordinary General Meeting was held on 26/03/2023 to formally close the old charity down. This was then effected on-line with the Charity Commission on 28/03/23.
January 2023 to January 2024 has been a continuation of recovery from the pandemic and an establishment of a “new normal”. Numbers attending meetings have continued to be good, and attain those of pre-pandemic times. Two new members have joined, making a total of 51, and there are an additional 39 “Friends” contacts on the database who are circulated with information about meetings, retreats etc.
A retreat was held in April 2023 at Brinscall Hall, Chorley, with over 20 participants, and was a great success. The venue worked very well and is closer to Manchester than other retreat centres used in the past, making it more accessible for members and friends.
In addition to the three open public meetings held each week, there are meditation meetings held on two Fridays each month, and a Dhammapada study group once a month.
In August 2023 the Society was delighted to host a visit of Venerable Ajahn Sudhiro, a senior Thai monk in the Theravada tradition. Whilst staying at the Society’s premises Ajahn Sudhiro was able to host a meeting open to the public, and enable members and friends to participate in traditional food offerings and other ceremonial activities.
The garden at the rear of the property was completed in the summer, and provides a pleasant space for relaxation and socialising.
To conclude, this last year has seen the Society completing various practical and legal projects, enjoying a sustainable income from donations, and maintaining a healthy attendance at meetings, all of which bodes well for the future.
Paul Shambrook
Society Chair
Buddhist Society of Manchester CIO 1188791 Expenditure and Income Account for the Financial Year Ended 20[th] January 2024
| Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Electricity | 324.08 | 395.46 |
| Gas | 422.84 | 629.70 |
| Telephone | 140.76 | 140.76 |
| Water Rates | 195.81 | 125.72 |
| ------------ | ------------ | |
| Utility sub-total | 1,083.49 | 1,291.64 |
| Insurance | 697.15 | 576.52 |
| House | ||
| Maintenance | 395.00 | |
| Retreat costs | 1,150.00 | 1,600.00 |
| Booklets | 431.49 | |
| Books | 228.48 | |
| Bay windows | 1,725.00 | 1,725.00 |
| Stone circle | 276.66 | |
| Decoration | 1,244.58 | |
| Garden | 850.24 | |
| Misc. | 606.84 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | -------------- |
| Total exp: | 6,273.81 | 6,524.79 |
| Income | ||
| 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations | 8,062.45 | 6,063.77 |
| Subscriptions | 850.00 | 720.00 |
| Book royalties | 286.72 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | |
| Total income | 8,912.45 | 7,070.49 |
Society current account balance at 20[th] January 2024 = £11,751.41
Utilities
Energy use is down on the previous year, and it’s possible this can be partly attributed to the installation of double-glazing in the main meeting room. A 28 month contract was secured commencing June 2022, so the abrupt rise in energy costs did not impact on the society in the winters of 2023/24. The contract ends this October, and higher energy charges will commence then, so increases in costs for gas and electricity are inevitable for next year.
Retreat
A retreat was held in April at Brinscall Hall, Clitheroe, and the hire cost was £1,150. This cost was covered by participants’ donations to the society.
Bay Windows Final Payment
Some deterioration in the wooden window frames to the front bay had been noted, and rather than repairing this it was decided to replace the frames with double-glazing to improve heat and sound insulation. The 50% deposit was paid in December 2022, the work carried out in February 2023 and the final payment made.
Decoration
A decorating firm was brought in to restore the top bedroom to good order after the roof work and to freshen up the top stairs and landing.
Garden
The costs for the garden covered trellises, the arbour seat, plants and weed suppression materials.
General note on income:
To get a clearer idea of income from donations and subscriptions, the cost of the retreat (which self-funds through donations from retreat attendees), the legacy from Christina Chapman and the book royalties, which adds up to £2,505, should be subtracted from the total income of £8,912. This results in a figure of £6,407 for donations from standing orders, the donations bowl and subscriptions.
This is well up on the previous year, and possibly reflects an increase in membership, and meetings getting back up to good attendance after the pandemic.
The donations from standing orders alone more than cover basic running costs, and overall income continues to allow a good level of funding for looking after the house and garden.
As a result of changing to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, the bank account also needed changing. This has now been finalised and currently direct debits and later standing orders will be transferred to the new account and the old one closed.
At 5[th] June 2024 the balance of the society’s account was £12,790