Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From Period start date To Period end date
Charity name:
Charity registration number:
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To facilitate the teaching of Theravada Buddhism and provide opportunities for the study of Buddhism and Meditation. To establish a Centre for the practice of Buddhism and Meditation To provide residential facilities for Buddhist Monks to conduct retreats and classes for those who wish to learn Buddhism and 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 |
The Dharma Centre's primary activities this year have furthered its charitable purposes for public benefit, aligned with its mission to promote Theravada Buddhism, community engagement, and mental well-being: 1. Teaching and Meditation Programs: Weekly Vipassana meditation, Abhidhamma, and sutta classes were provided both in-person and online, making teachings accessible locally and globally. 2. Community Engagement: Volunteer opportunities, especially for elderly individuals, reduced social isolation and promoted belonging. 3. Mental Health Support: Activities supported mental health, cognitive function, and social well-being, particularly among elderly participants. 4. Collaborative Outreach: Partnerships with community |
organizations promoted social cohesion, harmony, and mutual understanding. 5. Inclusivity through Donations: All services were offered on a dāna (donation) basis, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial means. 6. Religious and Pastoral Services: The Centre provided religious services for Buddhists in Colchester and allowed individuals to book home visits with monks for spiritual support. Statement confirming Para 1.18 The trustees confirm that they have had whether the trustees have regard to the guidance issued by the had regard to the guidance charity commission on public benefit in issued by the Charity planning and delivering on the centre’s Commission on public charitable objects. benefit
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
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SORP reference
Para 1.38
Policy on grant making
Para 1.38
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment
Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers
Other
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Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
-
*The Dharma Centre has made significant contributions this year, benefiting individuals and society in many ways:*
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Summary of the main Para 1.20 achievements of the charity, 1. Accessible Teachings: Weekly identifying the difference the meditation and sutta classes charity’s work has made to were held both online and in- the circumstances of its person, making Buddhist beneficiaries and any wider teachings accessible to a diverse benefits to society as a audience. whole. 2. Meditation Retreats: Organized two fully-booked two-week retreats, allowing participants to deepen their meditation practice and experience a dedicated practice environment.
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3. Digital Resources: Published nearly 80 YouTube videos on Buddhist meditation, expanding resource availability and providing valuable guidance on meditation techniques and mindfulness.
4. Community Engagement: Supported a Sri Lankan folk dance session, promoting cultural expression, physical activity, and social interaction, strengthening community bonds.
5. Colchester City Carnival: Organized participation in the Colchester City Carnival, bringing together 25 diverse communities and fostering inclusion and cultural unity.
6. Mental Health Support: Meditation sessions improved participants' mental health, helped manage anxiety, and fostered a sense of inner peace.
7. Spiritual Care: Home visits by monks offered personalized spiritual support, providing comfort and guidance.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against | Para 1.41 |
|---|---|
| objectives set |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 financial position at the end of the period Statement explaining the Para 1.22 policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22 reserves Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 deficit Explanation of any Para 1.23 uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
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 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | CIO- Association |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Registered Charity |
| 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 | Election of Trustees done through vote of existing trustees. |
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 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Dhamma Centre (Colchester) |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Dhamma Centre |
| Registered charity number | 1190052 |
| Charity’s principal address | 30, Chapel Road, Colchester, CO3 0PX |
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rev Hokandara Pannavamsa Thero |
Chair | 29thJune 2024 | ||
| Babli Sharma | Secretary | 2023/2024 | ||
| Katherine Mahal Ratnasiri |
Treasurer | 2023/2024 | ||
| Kaji Sherpa | Trustee | 2023/2024 | ||
– 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
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
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) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
||
|---|---|---|
| Rev Hokandara Pannavamsa Thero |
Mrs Babli Sharma | |
Trustee |
Trustee | |
| 6 Nov 2024 | ||
| 6 Nov 2024 |
Dhamma Center Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 January 2024 2024 2023 Notes TURNOVER Cost of sales 52,548 17,1601 26.460 19701 GROSS PROFIT 45,388 25,490 Adminlstratlve expenses 132,0401 126,5041 OPERATING PROFITI(LOSS) AND PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 13,348 11,0141 The notes on pages 6 to 7 form p8rt of these flnancial statements. Page 4
Dhamma Center Balance Sheet As At 31 January 2024 2024 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible A55et5 2,559 905 2,559 905 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 3,855 5,920 Cash at bank and in hand 1,953 9,775 1,953 Credltors: Amounts Falllng Due Wlthln One Year 13.8721 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 9,775 11,9191 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 12,334 11,0141 NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) 12,334 11,0141 Profit and Loss Account 12,334 11.0141 SHAREHOLDERS. FUNDS 12,334 11,0141 For the year ending 31 January 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under sectlon 477 of the Companles Act 2006 relating to small companies. The member has not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The director acknowledges hls responslbillties for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accountlng records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been PrePad in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the srnall companies, fftgime. On behalf of the t>oard Date The notes on pages 6 to 7 form part of these financial statements. Page 5
Dhamma Center Trading Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 January 2024 2024 2023 TURNOVER Monthly DCR One Off Donations Events & Projects UK sales Grants and subsidies received 11,350 33,550 3,553 1,377 2.718 10,855 5,395 1.210 9.000 52,548 26,460 COST OF SALES Purchases Type A 7,160 970 17,1601 19701 GROSS PROFIT 45,388 25,490 Administrative Expenses Staff welfa Travel and subsistence expenses Rent 3,160 4,624 13,830 13131 1,546 1,969 30 503 655 555 13,890 866 Rates Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Computer software, consumables and malntenance Insurance P05tage Stationery Advertising and rnarketin9 costs Telecommunications and data costs Website costs Accountancy fees Leg31 fees Pmfesslonal fees Subscrlptlons Bank charges Charitable donatitsns Depreciation Depreciation of computer equiprnent Sundry expenses 3,644 20 530 60 513 132 151 471 1,634 989 200 1,211 40 2.510 147 25 61 3,100 1,130 68 18 343 173 132,0401 126,5041 OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) AND PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 13,348 11,0141 Page 8
(HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to Iho trustees OHAfThmA C&KFff2C 31 201 On accounts for the year ended Charity no {If any) 11 qooS1 Set out on pages I r8POrt to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above d)arity {Ihe Trusf) for the year ended Responsibilitios and basis of report As the charivs trustees. you are reskM)nsible for the preparation of the acCntS in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 llhe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried oul under section 145 ofthe 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 examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in (x)nnectM)n wrth the examination (other than that disclosed below "I which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordan with seclion 130 of the charib.es Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounling records: or the accounts did not u)mply wth the applicable requirements conceming the fom and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is nol a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems 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. ase lete th wo in th8 brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: 22 Name: S CAKrrooLL Relevant profes$lonal qualification($} or body I IER Oct 2018
(if any): Address: OFKICES 5 &6 LotsS6- L ¢ltrJÉ <ctsjO2i)G Coi6 06 Section B Disclosure Only complete Il the examinei neads lo highlight malerial niallers ol concern {see CC32. Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examinèrs). Glve horo brlef d•talls of any items that the oxamlner wlshes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018