Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 ## **Trustees’ Annual Report** Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) For the period 28 August 2024 to 31 March 2025 This Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR) is prepared to accompany the financial statements for the period 28 August 2024 to 31 March 2025, and provides a fair, balanced and understandable review of the Charity’s purposes, activities, achievements, financial performance and financial position, together with the Trustees’ strategy to develop a Shiva Temple and Community Centre in Rugby with a target project budget of £1.1 million. Page 1 Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 ## **1. Reference and administrative details** **Charity name:** Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre **Registered charity number:** 1209790 **Legal form:** Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) **Governing document:** CIO Association Constitution (with Statement of Faith) **Area of operation:** Rugby and surrounding areas, Warwickshire (England) **Principal address:** 111 Norton Leys, Rugby, CV22 5RS **Website:** rugbyshivatemple.org.uk (launched 26 February 2025) ## **Trustees during the period:** - Kulasekar Godavathi Krishnama - Pavan Narasimha Kumar Ayyalasomayajula - Prasanna Velayutham - Dr Suresh Gandhi Gurijala - Mahadev Sharma Ganti **Independent Examiner:** Sanjeev Garg (Accounts and Tax Management Limited / AT M Accountants, 159 Railway Terrace, Rugby, CV21 3HQ) ## **2. Structure, governance and management** The Charity is governed by its CIO constitution and is managed by the Trustees, who meet regularly to oversee strategy, compliance, safeguarding, delivery planning and financial stewardship. The Charity delivered worship and community activities through hired venues while progressing planning and fundraising for a permanent Shiva Temple and Community Centre. ## **Volunteer teams established (community-led delivery model)** - 1 **Pooja Services Team** – enables regular pooja activities; supports observance of rituals as per Vedic Agamas; empowers local families to participate in dharmic activities; supports interim mandir arrangements; and plans/procures items required for worship (including vigrahams, peethams and pooja samagri) for short and longer-term needs. - 2 **PR & Communications Team** – supports communications with community groups, stakeholders and local outreach/media to increase awareness and participation. - 3 **Site Selection & Land Acquisition Team** – identifies premises/land options; progresses feasibility and suitability checks; explores purchase/lease options; and engages with planning considerations. - 4 **IT & Technology Team** – develops and maintains the Charity’s website and online presence; supports digital updates and donation readiness; and produces communications materials (logos, flyers, slides/presentations and concept visuals). - 5 **Fundraising Team** – coordinates community fundraising activities and explores appropriate funding routes including grants, crowdfunding, corporate outreach and network engagement. ## **3. Objectives and public benefit** Page 2 Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 ## **3.1 The Charity’s Objects (Aims and Objectives)** ## **THE OBJECTS OF THE RUGBY SHIVA TEMPLE AND COMMUNITY CENTRE ARE:** 1/ **ADVANCING THE HINDU RELIGION FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT** in accordance with the Statement of Faith in Rugby and surrounding areas through the holding of religious services and spiritual guidance, religious education, promoting religious harmony, celebrating religious festivals, outreach and pastoral care in the community. 2/ **PROMOTING HINDU CULTURE AND HERITAGE** , in particular but not exclusively through the provision of cultural events and classes (including yoga and meditation) to increase public knowledge, awareness and understanding of Hindu history, culture, values and traditions. ## **3.2 Public benefit** The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and delivering the Charity’s activities. Activities delivered during the period were designed to be open and inclusive, providing opportunities for worship, spiritual guidance, religious education and festivals, alongside community engagement and cultural learning (including yoga and meditation). ## **4. Achievements and performance during the period** During the period the Charity delivered worship and community activities through hired/temporary venues while progressing planning and fundraising towards a permanent Shiva Temple and Community Centre. ## **4.1 Regular religious services, spiritual guidance and community worship** **Weekly Satsang (Dunchurch Village Hall):** A regular weekly satsang was delivered every Monday (6:30pm–8:00pm). The programme included pooja (abhishekam / rudrabhishekam for Bhagavan Shiva), archana, parayana (including Vishnu Sahasranama), chanting (Om Namah Shivaya), devotional singing (divya nama keertana) and aarati. **Average attendance was approximately 25 people per session** . **Karthika Masam – Home-based Rudra Abhishekam (November 2024):** A home-based Rudra Abhishekam programme was facilitated during Karthika Masam, delivered by a Vedic purohit accompanied by a volunteer. The programme included Ganapathi Pooja, Laghu Nyasam, Pancha Amruta Snanam, Rudra Abhishekam, Ashtottaram, Aarti/Mantra Pushpam and bhajans. All available slots were fully booked. Registration records captured via an online form are incomplete; however, at least **17 registrations** were recorded in the form responses, with additional bookings arranged outside the form. Donations were paid directly to the Charity’s bank account. **Samoohika Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam (24 November 2024):** A community-wide Vratam was organised at Indian Samaj Hall, followed by Mahaprasadam. Approximately **250 people attended** , supporting communal worship and fundraising. **Maha Shivaratri (26 February 2025, Indian Samaj Hall):** A major festival worship programme was organised including Rudrabhishekam and associated rituals. Approximately **350 people attended** . ## **4.2 Awareness, outreach and fundraising mobilisation** **Weekly awareness and fundraising sessions:** Regular community awareness sessions were held weekly on weekends (7:00pm–8:00pm) to explain the project vision, provide updates, mobilise volunteers, answer questions and encourage fundraising support. Page 3 Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 **Digital engagement – website launch:** The Charity launched its website **rugbyshivatemple.org.uk on 26 February 2025** , providing a central information hub for updates, volunteering and fundraising information. ## **4.3 Engagement with local stakeholders (councillor and council planning pathway)** The Trustees and volunteers engaged with local Councillors during February and March 2025 to improve awareness of the project, understand process requirements and explore potential premises options. Discussions covered the planning pathway, business case development and next steps. A meeting request with the Planning Department was made and awaited confirmation at period end. The group also noted an upcoming five-year town planning consultation with an eight-week consultation window and planned to review it and consider community engagement accordingly. ## **4.4 Premises search, feasibility and offers** The Trustees considered multiple property options in and around Rugby including built and partially built premises, barn conversion opportunities and brownfield land options. **Three potential sites** with indicative valuations were reviewed and feasibility considerations were undertaken regarding planning and development for a Shiva Temple and Community Centre. A number of discussions and offers were progressed; however, these did not materialise into a completed acquisition or lease by the period end, and the Trustees continue to pursue a suitable site. ## **5. Financial review** The financial statements for the period 28 August 2024 to 31 March 2025 are presented separately and have been examined by an Independent Examiner. **Incoming resources:** Total income for the period was **£25,562** , primarily from donations and gifts (including donations from organisations). **Resources expended:** Total expenditure for the period was **£713** , mainly relating to venue costs and operating expenses. **Net income and funds:** Net income for the period was **£24,849** . At 31 March 2025, total funds carried forward were **£24,849** (all unrestricted). Cash at bank and in hand was **£35,015** , with creditors falling due within one year of **£10,166** . ## **Reserves policy** The Trustees maintain a reserves policy to ensure the Charity can meet short-term commitments (venue hire and delivery costs for worship and community activities) and progress the long-term objective of securing premises. At 31 March 2025, unrestricted funds held were **£24,849** . The Trustees consider these funds to be available as general reserves and intend to apply them towards (i) continuing programme delivery from hired venues, and (ii) early-stage costs associated with premises search, feasibility, professional advice and governance. In the context of the £1.1 million target for a permanent Shiva Temple and Community Centre, the Trustees will continue to build reserves through fundraising and will review the reserves policy annually as the project moves from feasibility to acquisition and delivery. ## **Principal funding sources** The Charity is funded primarily through public donations and community support, including fundraising linked to events and ongoing awareness/outreach activity. Page 4 Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 ## **6. Risk management** The Trustees keep risks under regular review. Key risks include: securing suitable premises and planning permission; affordability and fundraising pace versus timelines; safeguarding, insurance and venue compliance when operating from hired venues; and reputational risk and donor confidence. Mitigations include active stakeholder engagement, phased planning, transparent communications, and strengthening financial controls and policies. ## **7. Strategy and plans for the future period** ## **7.1 Strategy to build a Shiva Temple and Community Centre (target budget £1.1 million)** The Trustees’ strategic priority is to establish a permanent **Shiva Temple and Community Centre** in Rugby, with a **target overall project budget of £1.1 million** , enabling the Charity to deliver its objects at scale (religious services and spiritual guidance; education and festivals; outreach and pastoral care; and promotion of Hindu culture and heritage including yoga and meditation). - **Phase 1 — Sustain services and strengthen readiness (0–6 months):** Maintain weekly satsang and regular worship using hired venues; continue major festivals and community worship; strengthen policies, processes and compliance (including safeguarding and donation handling). - **Phase 2 — Select a preferred premises option (3–9 months):** Maintain a shortlist of viable site options and assess consistently (location/access, size, parking, planning constraints, building condition, total cost of ownership, delivery timeline); seek early planning guidance where feasible; progress to a Trustee-approved preferred option supported by a clear business case. - **Phase 3 — Fundraising scale-up aligned to the £1.1m plan (ongoing):** Pursue a blended funding approach including community fundraising and major events; structured donor tiers and Gift Aid optimisation where eligible; appropriate grants where available; corporate and local business outreach; and digital fundraising through the website and online channels. - **Phase 4 — Acquire/lease and develop premises (once ready/funded):** Complete acquisition/lease and progress design, permissions, and refurbishment/build as required; apply strong cost controls with staged procurement, Trustee approvals, and milestone-based reporting. ## **7.2 Service and community plan while premises are secured** Until permanent premises are secured, the Trustees intend to continue delivering weekly satsang and regular worship services; major festivals and community worship programmes; religious education, outreach and community engagement activities; and cultural activities supporting public understanding of Hindu culture and heritage (including yoga and meditation), consistent with the Charity’s objects. ## **8. Safeguarding** The Charity recognises its responsibilities where activities may involve children or vulnerable people. Trustees confirm they have read, understood and follow relevant safeguarding guidance and will continue to strengthen safeguarding arrangements as activities expand. ## **9. Approval** This report was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf. Page 5 Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre (CIO) – Trustees’ Annual Report Period ended 31 March 2025 **Signed:** ________________________________ **Name:** _________________________________Pavan Narasimha Kumar Ayyalasomayajula **Position:** Trustee / Chair 23 Jan 2026 **Date:** _________________________________ Page 6 Charity registration number= 1209790 RUGBY SHIVA TEMPLE AND COMMUNITY CENTRE TRUSTEES. REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 28 AUGUST 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025 (IOOD WITH FI(iURF.S Accounts and Tax Managernent limited Chartered Certified Accountants A T M Accountants 159 Railway Terrace Rugby Warwickshire CV21 3HQ Rugby Shiva Temple And Community Centre Contents Page Trustees. Report Independent E%amlner's Report Staternent of Financial Activities Statement of Flnanclèl Position Notes to the Flnanclal Statements The following pages do not form part of the statutory occounts= Detalled stsiernent of Flnanclal Actlvlties Rugby Shiva Temple And Community Centre Trustee5' Report For the Period 28 August 2024 to 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2025. Objectlves and Artlvltles Alms and Objertbves The aims and objectives of the Rugby Shiva Temple and Community Centre The tnain al￿ of the charity is advancing the Hindu ￿ligIon for the public benefit in accordance with the Statement of Faith In Rugby and surrounding areas through rhe holding of religious seNLces and spiritual guidance, rellgious education, promoting religious harmony, ￿lebrating religious festivals. outreach and pastoral care in the community. Prornoting Hindu culture and heritage. in particular but not exclusively through the provision of cultural events and classes Ilncludlng yoga and meditation} io in¢￿3$e public knowledge, awa￿ne$S and understandlng of Hlndu historyi culture, values and trnditions. Publlc Beneflt The trustees confirm that they have cornplied with the reqUi￿rnents of Section 17 of the Charities Art 2011 to have due regard to the Charlty Commigsion's guidance on public benefit. Refernnce and AdmInIstra￿ve DetaOIs Trujtees Mr Pavan Naraslmha Kumar Ayyalasomayalula Trustee lappolnted 28108120241 Or Suresh Gandhi Gurljala - Chair (appointed 28108120241 Mr Kulasekar Godavathi Krishnama - Trustee lappointed 28108120241 Mr Prasanna Velayutham - Trustee (appointed 28108120241 Mr Nahadev Sharma Ganti - Trustee lappointed 28108120241 Charlty Numb•r 1209790 Prln¢lpJl Addre 111 Norton Leys Rugby CV22 5RS Independent Ex•mlner Sanjeev Garg Accounts and Trx Management knmlted Chartered Certified Accountants A T M Accountanrs 159 Railway Terrace Rugby Warwickshlre CV21 3HQ Page I Rugby Shiva Temple And Community Centre Trustees. Report (continued) For the Period 28 August 2024 to 31 March 2025 The tru5tees' report wa5 approved by the board of trustees and Signed on its behalf by.. ,i]ci/ci.fO/IICII Mr Pavan Narasimha Kumar Ayyalasomayajula Dr Suresh Gandhi Gurijala Mr Kulasekar Godavathi Krishnama Trustee Trustee Trustee yIA'