Charity Ref: 1199088 ## **BHC ANNUAL TRUSTEE REPORT - 2022/23 FINANCIAL YEAR** We have come a long way from when we set up six years ago, we never imagined then we would be united as a group with more than 20 member organisations ranging from groups from the different regions of India, i.e. Hindu-Punjab region to the Tamil regions, and from Gujarat to Hindu-Bengal, etc. We have become a model for other cities of UK emulate for their Hindu community. Now established as a registered charity organisation (CIO – Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and formally launching the Bradford Hindu Council (BHC) end of last year in November 2022, BHC continues to progress in the community and forging key links with prominent leaders and organisations of the Bradford Community including those of other faith groups. The trustees are ‘actively working’ trustees with portfolio responsibilities and actively working as part of the management team of BHC. We have at least 20 Bradford Hindu organisations forming the BHC and encouraged more organisations are approaching us to join. We thank all the organisations for their involvement even if it’s been minor and would encourage more active involvement from each organisation within the BHC activities and group meetings, etc. it is only by doing so we can really be united, and have the ONE Hindu voice in the Bradford district of many faith groups. We will continue to work with organisations who have not yet join us to form a truly united Hindu Council for the benefit of all Hindus in Bradford – the door will always remain open to them. The Hindu organisations of Bradford are the pillars of the BHC and form the umbrella of Hindu Faith of Bradford, and we would like each organisation to be actively functional and thrive it makes the Hindu Community of Bradford stronger as a united body. As new groups and organisations join the BHC we become more visible in the community. Going forward we would like BHC to do more work with the our membership organisations now that we have established ourselves in the wider community of Bradford, and bring the true riches of our community to the forefront in readiness for the City of Culture year 2025. 1 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 Charity Ref: 1199088 ## **HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR** Official Launch of BHC at City Hall **Bradford Hindu Council** (BHC) celebrated its **official launch** event at Bradford Town Hall on Friday 18th November 2022. There were over 20 Hindu organisations who have come together to work as one united group and with one voice in Bradford. The official launch was held at the Bradford Town Hall and over 100 people attended, which included the Lord Mayor - Cllr Martin Love, the Leader of the Council - Susan Hinchliffe and Bishop of Bradford - Dr Toby Howard. Various dignitaries from Bradford’s inter-faith community, including representatives from the emergency services (Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc.) were present in support of this initiative. Engagement with other Communities A lot of emphasis was placed on engaging with other faith communities of Bradford and this successfully achieved by various Trustees of BHC making time to attend events across Bradford. Award Attained Bradford Hindu Council has been recognised for its active contribution to the community by **Race Equality Network** (REN). We were awarded in the Showcase Event, which was attended by Leader of Bradford Council Susan Hinchcliffe, Heather Nelson of Black Health Initiative, John Page from Runnymede Trust and many more dignitaries from Bradford. We wish to thank all our volunteers who have helped us to deliver the various programs as part of this initiative by Race Equality Network Dharmesh Mistry (Trustee) was one of the Super 6 Community Champions of Bradford, recognised by the readers of **The Asian Standard Newspaper** for the work within the community, especially during the unprecedented challenge of COVID; taking the lead and working with the community to support his colleagues from West Yorkshire Police, the Paramedics & Care home Staff. His commitment & dedication to help the homeless and support the Foodbank’s has been overwhelming and got the whole Hindu community involved in Sewa. We are proud of his achievements and proud that Dharmesh and the Hindu Community had been recognised. ## Achievement Hindu representatives from Bradford Hindu Council and Hindu Education Yorkshire advised the Joint **SACRE** (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) contributed hugely to the new RE syllabus " **Believing and Belonging** " in West Yorkshire 2 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 Charity Ref: 1199088 schools in 2024. The six main religions, which includes Hinduism are planned to be taught from Key stage 1. ## Goodwill Messages We are very proud to say that BHC, through its social media platforms ensured that every major religious festival of different faiths was remembered, and a good will message was shared via our different social media outlets. Some Keys Events from 1-7-2022 to 30-6-2023 July 2022 Bradford Hindu Council worked together with **National Blood Donation** team, we had an amazing response, where 84% of allocated appointment on the day at the local blood donation were filled up by the Hindu Community. **West Yorkshire Police, Bradford District Open Day** – Assisted WYP to recruit police frontline, detective roles, traffic, dogs, horses, firearms, and police staff roles i.e. contact centre, forensics, help desk, custody, IT, facilities, etc. Aug 2022 The Bradford Hindu Council together with Indian Women Community UK we’re proud to support & take part in the **Hope Event** in Horsfall Stadium, Bradford. We served food & drinks to some of our struggling families, just to put a smile on everyone’s faces. Sept 2022 BHC were part of Bradford’s multi faith gathering following the **Proclamation of our new King Charles III** invited by the Bishop Toby Howarth and Bradford Metropolitan District Council as the voice of Bradford Hindus. We were given the opportunity to pay a wonderful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II extend our sympathies to the Royal Family, whilst extending our congratulations to the new King. Bradford Hindu Council also attended the **Global Peace Event** in Bradford. Where the IAG (Independent Advisory Group) team (which we are active members) attained an award. Oct 2022 BHC members joined the **Bradford Faith Trail** along with the members of Independent advisory group who work closely with our local police colleagues. The faith trail is held 3 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 Charity Ref: 1199088 on the 1st sat of every month from March to Oct. The trail includes St Peters Church, Abu Bakar Mosque, Hindu Temple, Sikh Temple, and The Bradford Cathedral. ## Nov 2022 BHC supported the **Sikh Soldier Organisation** at the Huddersfield Community Reflection Day following the huge sacrifices made by the Sikh Soldiers in the two world wars and other conflicts around the world. We pay respect to the Armed Forces, both past and present during this national period of Remembrance. Bradford Hindu Council’s Ravinder Dharni was honoured to have been invited for the recent visit of **King Charles III to Bradford** . It was an amazing event and a great privilege that Ravinder was able to represent the Bradford Hindu community. It was an honour for Bradford Hindu Council, on behalf of Bradford Hindu Community, to be invited to the 76th Bradford Festival of Remembrance. It was a beautiful and wonderful service in front of a packed Bradford Cathedral and many dignitaries from the district. **The Remembrance Day** service was led by Bradford Council, Bishop Toby and The Bradford Lord Mayor. BHC organised the **Women's Self-defence** event at the Shree Prajapati Association Bradford community hall. The feedback from those who participated was positive and they found this event very valuable. ## Dec 2022 BHC Sports Advisor organised cricket coaching sessions for the kids in conjunction with **Yorkshire County Cricket Club** and funding support obtained from **Sporting Equals** . Jan 2023 BHC were extremely pleased to be invited to join the **Holocaust Memorial Day** and joined by so many friends from across the Bradford Community. Mar 2022 BHC Team sat down for their annual off-site planning session. We spent hours together Brainstorming, SWOT Analysis, Roles and Responsibilities, action plan to help deliver a better service to our community. Our trustees will be reaching out to various members of the community to collaborate and serve everyone better. It was a very productive day, and we are happy to have such a great team. 4 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 Charity Ref: 1199088 ## April 2022 Bradford Hindu Council's Chair and Vice Chair were honoured to represent the Hindu Communities of Bradford at the Iftar event held by **The Dialogue Society** . A lot of Bradford's key dignitaries were invited for the event, and they are now aware of the valuable work we do for Bradford. The Jewish festival of **The Seder** ; A celebration of Freedom & Family. Bradford Hindu Council plus other faith groups, the police and the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire were some of the guests invited at the above important Jewish festival, which takes place during Easter. This event has been celebrated for the past 1800 years. “Seder” means “order of service”. The Event was a success in terms of promoting community cohesion. May 2022 A very blessed time was had by over 350 people attending the **BHC 108-Hanuman Chalisa Event** . A well organised event from 7am to 7pm, with 10 different groups singing and lovely food cooked by ladies from the IWCUK. The LPS team did a great job to host the event, and lots of new devotees saw the Mandir for the first time. Leeds Bhajan Mandali supported us throughout the day. The **Lord Mayor of Bradford** Cllr Martin Love is delighted to have Bradford Hindu Council as a key member of his Faith Advisory Team during his tenure. As a token of his gratitude, BHC was invited to a small reception before handing over the mayorship to his successor. The Lord Mayor very much appreciated the support that BHC have provided during his year in office. June 2022 **International Day of Yoga** was celebrated today, 21st June 2023, at Leuva Patidar Samaj Hall in Lidget Green, bringing Hindu organisations from across the Bradford District and surrounding areas together to organise this fantastic event that had over 140 attendees. After the yoga session, everyone enjoyed the Vegetarian Gujarati Food cooked by ladies from the Anand Milan Elderly Centre and many volunteer ladies from Hindu Community. Our Chief Guest was John McMahon – Head of Engagement: Skills & Volunteering from the Bradford of Culture 2025, BHC would like to Thank Adiba from Stronger Communities, Bradford Council for also attending. October 2022 **Memory Walk** – Temple Newsom Park. Over 40 took part in supporting the Alzheimer’s Dementia Charity, raising a great amount of donations. Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 5 Charity Ref: 1199088 **Navratri** – This year there were 5 premises to support, every year the event has been getting popular, raising the community’s profile throughout Bradford. Dec 22 Bradford Synagogue invited BHC to the annual **Hanuka event** , along with other distinguished guests and faith leaders Jan 23 BHC were instrumental with food bank collections from various BHC organisations in Bradford. Arranged by Dharmesh ## **SOCIAL MEDIA** We have managed to successfully keep all our social media and Communications nonpolitical through out the year. Our engagements with various other faiths of Bradford were well received amongst the community. We have the following number of followers on each social media as on 16th Dec 2023 Facebook - 1,193 ( 1,010); Instagram – 292 (239); Twitter (X) - 371 (283 ) In this period, our highest reach was as expected our official launch post with a reach of 4914 Instagram: Our Instagram reach had a 91.5% rise to reach 561 Audience Gender is almost equal in Facebook, but more men in Instagram. Twitter (X): The top tweets Bradford South Fun Day ( 1645); Diwali (1653); BHC at the Civic Service of the Lord Mayor of the City of Bradford ( 884 ); Eid ul Fitr ( 1456 ) BHC Website: Our website remains our weak spot we have addressed this by having a core dedicated team setup who will provide a structured approach to keep it up to date. 6 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 Charity Ref: 1199088 ## **EDUCATION** Hinduism and work closely with Bradford Interfaith Advisory Unit and their expert advisor Hindu religion. BHC have produced a booklet on basic Hinduism, with input from BHC trustees, faith team, & the youth co-ordinator. A future goal remains of training individuals to teach Hinduism who will then go out into the community representing BHC. ## **FAITH** Bradford Hindu Council Faith Team - has made sure that there is a coverage of all major Hindu festivals and celebrations with intentions to provide full knowledge on those festivals via our social media platforms with description and importance of the festival. Not only Hindu festivals but key celebrations from other faiths like - Sikh, Islam, Jain, Christianity are covered too. BHC made sure, there is a Hindu faith representation at the Remembrance Day ceremony as well as any events planned and organised by Bradford Council and Bishop of Bradford – Toby Howard. We represented the Hindu community at the Ramadan Iftar celebrations by Bradford Dawoodi Bohra community at their Adam Mosque along with Bradford Council Leaders. We are also engage with BBC and ITV and on all our major celebrations /religious celebrations like Diwali, Navratri we presented a small talk covering how the festivals are celebrated in Bradford and District and giving the meaningful message for audience. We worked closely with Bradford Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh and WY Police to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and to extend our gratitude and thanks to the police force at large. END OF REPORT 7 Bradford Hindu Council - Annual Report 2022/23 ## **Bradford Hindu Council** ## **Income & expenditure Accounts** |**For the year ended 30 June**|**2023**|**2022**|**2021**| |---|---|---|---| |**Income**|||| |**Grants**|**4765.00**|**14629.00**|**7256.71**| |**Donations**|**1311.25**|**1332.50**|**361.25**| |**Sponsorships**|**1100.00**|**200.00**|**20.00**| ||**----------------------------------------------------------------------------**||| |**Total Income**|**7176.25**|**16161.50**|**7637.96**| |**Expenditure**|||| |**Community Events**|||| |**Cultural, educational & sports**|||| |**Training and coaching fees**|**1530.00**|**1870.00**|**200.00**| |**Hall hire**|**2058.75**|**4313.25**|**195.80**| |**Events - food and trophies**|**1008.09**|**1159.62**|**203.41**| |**Events - work shops**|**770.00**|**6115.70**|**0.00**| |**Project management**|**200.00**|**1550.00**|| |**Insurance**|**462.30**|**0.00**|**0.00**| |**I T and Web**|**143.88**|**384.00**|**0.00**| |**Printing and promotion**|**499.00**|**475.00**|**182.00**| |**Bradford 2025 Cultural bid**|**0.00**|**250.00**|**0.00**| |**Sundries - reef**|**0.00**|**0.00**|**55.00**| |**Foodbank**|**0.00**||**20.00**| |**Charity Commission registration**|**0.00**|**300.00**|**0.00**| |**Bank charges**|**6.50**||| |**Donations**|**51.00**|**150.00**|| ||**----------------------------------------------------------------------------**||| |**Total Expenses**|**6729.52**|**16567.57**|**856.21**| |**Net surplus**|**446.73**|**-406.07**|**6781.75**| |Surplus income brought forward|6375.68|6781.75|0.00| ||**----------------------------------------------------------------------------**||| |Surplus income carried forward|6822.41|6375.68|6781.75| ||,===========================================||| |**Bradford Hindu Council**|||| |**Balance sheet**|||| |As at 30 June|2023|2022|2021| |Bank balance|6822.41|£6,375.68|£6,781.75| ||,===========================================||| |Representing|||| |Surplus income carried forward|6822.41|£6,375.68|£6,781.75| ||,===========================================||| |**Accountants Report**|||| |I have prepared accounts from the records of BHC and from explanations received to my queries.|||| |I have not carried out an audit. The accounts agree with the records.|||| |Satish Shah FCA|||15-Oct-23| |Chartered Accountant|||| |Bradford||||