Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From Period start date To Period end date
Charity name: Dhamma Centre (Colchester)
Charity registration number: 1190052
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 Buddhism and Meditation based teachings 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. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the charity commission on public benefit in planning and delivering on the centre’s charitable objects. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
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
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
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*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
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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.
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 |
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|---|---|---|
| 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: |
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|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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|---|---|---|
| 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 | 175-181 Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3BL |
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 | 2024/2025 | ||
| Babli Sharma | Secretary | 2024/2025 | ||
| Katherine Mahal Ratnasiri |
Treasurer | 2024/2025 | ||
| Kaji Sherpa | Trustee | 2024/2025 | ||
– 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)
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
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) Mrs Babli Sharma Full name(s) Rev Hokandara Pannavamsa Thero Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Trustee Chair, etc) Date 24 Nov 2025
Dhamma Center Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 January 2025 2025 2024 TURNOVER 567.681 18.5171 52.548 17.1601 Cost of sales GROSS PROFIT 559.164 45,388 Admlnistrative expense5 152.3141 132.0401 OPERATING PROFrr Other Interest recelvable and similar Income 506.850 112 13.348 PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 506.962 13,348 The notes on pages 6 to 7 lomi part of these Nnanclal ststements. Pdge 4
Dhamma Center Balance Sheet As At 31 January 2025 2025 2024 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Sets 479,377 2,559 479.377 2.559 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 3,855 5,920 40.025 40.025 9.775 Credltors: Amounts Falllng Due Wbthln One Yeor {1061 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 39.919 9.775 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UA8IUTIES 519.296 12.334 NET ASSETS 519.296 12.334 Proflt and Loss Account 519.296 12,334 SHAREHOLDERS, FUNDS S19.296 12.334 For the year ending 31 January 2025 the company was entided to exemprK)n hY)m audit under settion 477 of the Companles Act 2006 relatlng to small companies. The rnember has not requlred the company to obtsin an audlt in accordance wf(h sectlon 476 of the Cornpanles Act 2006. The director acknowledges hls responslbdltles for COMy•n9 wSth the requSrements of the Art with respect to accountlng records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have beeTh prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companle5 regime. On behalf of the board Date The notes on page5 6 tg 7 forrn part of these 5totetnents. Pdge 5
Dhamma Center Trading Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 January 2025 2025 2024 TURNOVER Monthly DCR One Off Donations Events & Projects Gift Ald UK sales Grants and subsidies received io.(M)o 536.134 5.947 15.600 11,350 33,550 3.553 1,377 2,718 567,681 52,548 COST OF SALES Events & Programs 8.517 7.160 18.5171 17,1601 GROSS PROFIT 559,164 45,368 AdmInIstrave Expense• Staff welfare Clothing Travel and sub$lsten¢e expenses Rent Rates 3,683 269 1.895 14.200 742 1,671 15,972 3,160 4.624 13,830 13131 1,546 1,969 30 503 Light and heat Repairs and maintenan Cvlnputer software, consum8tAes maintena Insurance 517 248 Printing, postage and statlonery Statlonery Advertlsing and marketing costs Telecommunicati¢ns and data costs Websire cosrs Accountancy fees Legal fees Professional fee5 Subscriptions Bank charges Charitable donations Depreclation Entertaining Sundry expense5 513 132 471 1.211 40 245 810 1.514 440 6,923 25 67 120 1.269 1,721 61 3.100 1.130 152,3141 132,0401 OPERATING PROFrr 506.850 13.348 Other interest receivable and similar income Bank interest receivable 112 112 PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 506.962 13,348 Pdge 8
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages |
Dhamma Centre |
|---|---|
| 31 January 2025 Charity no (if any) 1190052 |
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| I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended31/01/2025. |
Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of AAT.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form 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 not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns 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.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
S Cantrell Date: |
26.11.2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Samantha Cantrell | ||
| AAT | ||
| Offices 5&6, Mauds Court, Long Lane, Tendring, CO16 0BG | ||
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IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
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IER