SOUTH ESSEX AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION
Charity Number: 1190932
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
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Shauna Creary – Co-Chair (appointed 19 August 2019)
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Tanesha Baxter – Co-Chair (appointed 19 August 2019)
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Annika Phillips – resigned 31 December 2023
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Patrick Graham – resigned 31 December 2023
Registered Office
Federation Office, Chiltern Flats, Coleman Street, SS2 5AE
Independent Examiner / Accountants
SMG Business Accountants Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants Spaceworks, 25 Cabot Square, London, E14 4QZ
Bankers
Lloyds Bank Plc, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT
Objectives and Activities
a. Policies and Objectives
The objectives of the Charity are:
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To advance the education of the public in the arts, crafts, culture, history and heritage of the African Caribbean community in Britain.
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To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of South Essex and surrounding areas the provision of facilities for recreation or leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare, with the aim of improving conditions of life.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
b. Activities Undertaken to Achieve Objectives
To achieve its objectives, the Charity:
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Delivers educational and cultural projects to increase awareness of African Caribbean heritage in Essex.
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Organises events such as International Women’s Day celebrations, cultural festivals, and community heritage projects.
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Provides information on health issues affecting people of colour, such as sickle cell and thalassaemia.
Achievements and Performance
East Beach Festival 2023
The festival took place on 12–13 August 2023 at East Beach, Shoeburyness, offering a free, family-friendly multicultural experience with live bands, DJs, Caribbean food, wellbeing spaces, a funfair, and cultural vendors.
The “Reggae by the Beach” finale featured UK reggae and soul legends including Junior Giscombe, Kofi, Mike Anthony, and Christine McNabb, alongside rising UK talent. The event celebrated Caribbean culture while fostering community unity.
Steel Here Project
Led by professional tutor Shirley Potter, Steel Here continued to develop participants from beginners to confident steel pan performers. Performances in 2023 included:
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Windrush Celebration
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One Love in Canewdon
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Southend Pride Festival
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East Beach Festival
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Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival
Windrush – Walkway of Memories
With support from Metals, transport was organised for SEACA community members to visit the Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories, an outdoor art and sound installation dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Windrush Generation.
Financial Review
Income and Expenditure (1 Sept 2023 – 31 Aug 2024)
| Type | Description | Amount (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | General Income | 800.00 |
| Expenditure | Accountant Costs | 1,586.00 |
| Hired Community | 500.00 | |
| Soft Play | 58.00 | |
| Festival | 60.00 | |
| QESI Santa Sleigh | 126.67 | |
| Hired | 50.00 | |
| Total Expenditure | 2,380.67 | |
| Net Surplus / (Deficit) | (1,580.67) |
a. Reserves Policy
The Trustees aim to maintain reserves equal to three months’ running costs plus a contingency for outstanding commitments. This ensures continuity of activities and the ability to respond to unforeseen financial challenges.
b. Going Concern
The Trustees confirm the charity remains a going concern, with adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future.
Structure, Governance and Management
Constitution
South Essex African Caribbean Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered on 19 August 2020, governed by a Foundation model constitution.
Trustee Appointment
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution, either through election or co-option.
Approved by the Trustees on 31 August 2024 Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Shauna Creary – Co-Chair