RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025
Registered Charity Number : 276335
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mrs Devyani J Patel |
|---|---|
| Mrs Nalini B Patel | |
| Mrs Meenu Sharma | |
| Mr Raj Kumar | |
| Mr Chandulal Tank | |
| Charity Number | 276335 |
| Principal Office | 33 Balham High Road |
| Balham | |
| London | |
| SW12 9AL | |
| Independent Examiner | Mr D I Kirkwood, FCA |
| Alwyns LLP | |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Crown House | |
| 151 High Road | |
| Loughton | |
| Essex | |
| IG10 4LG | |
| Bankers | NatWest Bank Plc |
| 128 Balham High Road | |
| London | |
| SW12 9AE | |
| Barclays Bank Plc | |
| Leicester | |
| LE87 2BB |
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
Page Number
| 1 | - 3 | - | Trustees' Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | - | Independent Examiner's Report | |
| 5 | - | Statement of Financial Activities | |
| 6 | - | Balance Sheet | |
| 7 | - 10 | - | Notes to the Financial Statements |
Page 1
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
1 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT
The primary objective of the charity as set out in the Trust Deed is to advance the Hindu religion, and impart religious education in accordance with the tenets and doctrines of Hinduism. This is done by conducting religious services, organising festivals, and other activities that would further the objectives of the Trust. No private financial gain is gained by those supporting the aims of the Trust. The Trust's Temples are open throughout the year to all worshippers to enable them to practise their faith through prayers. All Hindu festivals are celebrated and young members are especially encourged to take part and learn.
2 PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The Trustees have followed these guidelines when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning future activities. The trust operates an open-door policy and organises regular events where the local community can participate and celebrate. Regular classes on Hindu religion, culture, and behaviour are very popular among the participants, in particular the younger members. These programmes are operated by devoted volunteers offering their valuable time to impart knowledge. Detailed information is provided in the Achievement and Performance section of this report.
3 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity is administered and managed subject to and in conformity with the provisions of a Trust Deed dated 30 July 1978, approved and established by the Charity Commission. The accounts have been prepared to conform with the requirements of the governing documents, current statutory requirements and the requirements of Accounting and Reporting by Charities, together with the Statement of Recommended Practice FRS 102.
Trustees
The following persons have acted as Trustees during the year:
Mrs Devyani J Patel (Managing Trustee) Mrs Nalini B Patel Mrs Meenu Sharma Mr Raj Kumar Mr Chandulal Tank
Each Trustee has taken responsibility for monitoring our activities in specific operational areas, chairing sub groups consisting of volunteers.
Management of the Trust
The trustees are aware of the Charity Commission requirements to manage the Trust and its objectives for the purposes of public benefit. The Trustees normally meet regularly and manage the Charity activities. All Trustees are unpaid and offer volunteer services.
4 RISK POLICY
The Trustees regularly review all policies of the Charity. Appropriate internal controls and procedures are maintained, including those relating to budgetary and financial risks and health and safety regulations. The Trustees are satisfied that systems/arrangements are in place to manage the risks identified. There are no significant risks that are required to be reported for the financial year ended 31 March 2025
Page 2
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Devotee attendance has decreased slightly during the year, resulting in a marked drop in funds received. Attendance levels have sadly not recovered to the pre-lockdown period. In keeping with the Trust's objectives however, charitable activities have been maintained at previous years levels. In spite of funding pressures, the Temple continues to provide assistance to the vulnerable in the form of groceries and cooked vegetarian meals. The Temple's support for the the local communities, especially the elderly, still remains invaluable. Younger volunteers have been playing a major role through improved administrative rersources, especially in IT matters and conducting various classes.
The Temple continues to offer its regular services via the social media applications of YouTube and Zoom. Online Satsangs, Bhajans, Hinduism Classes, 108 Hanuman Chalisa recitations are some of the programmes cherished by the devotees. Some other activities include celebrations of Ramnavmi, Diwali, Janmastmi. The Temple website is regularly updated with additional features such as Darshans, images from past events and announcements for future events. Gujarati and Hindi language classes still remain very popular. All key festivals and religious dates are observed and celebrated widely. Discourses are organised for religious, education, and spiritual advancement with the help of visiting priests and gurus.
The Trust acknowledges the efforts and dedication of its volunteer force in the Temple's day to day management.
6 FINANCIAL REVIEW
The results for the year are not as favourable as the previous year's. Payroll costs, insurance, repairs and utilities have significantly dented the year's results. The Trustees are aware that these costs are essential and unavoidable, and added funds will be required to ensure the smooth running of the Temple. Donations received during the year were £104,560, down from £122,505 in the previous year. There were no Government grants during the year. No donations were made by the temple during the year (2024 - £ NIL). The Trustees are aware that income is under pressure, but hope to improve on this year's deficit of £14,925 (2024- £1,011).The Temple does not charge for entry and relies primarily on donations from the congregation and other well wishers.
7 VOLUNTEERS' CONTRIBUTIONS IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY
The Temple continues to depend upon the continued support of its selfless volunteers. Their invaluable support and dedication is essential for the Trust to survive. The Trustees would like to thank wholeheartedly all of them for their hard work and dedication, particularly those involved in prashad preparation, premises maintenance, educational activities, IT and back office support, cleaning, and decorations during festivals.
8 PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
As always, the Trustees are committed to maintaining the momentum at the Temple. To this end, they will continue to:
-
improve and expand available prayer and communal facilities
-
build relationships with local religious institutions
-
fulfil our statutory obligations of health and safety
-
continue to participate in other charity work related to the Trust's objectives
-
organise more visits to other temples
-
encourage the youth to participate in the planning and organising of regular events
Page 3
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the Charity for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue to operate.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the Trustees on 3 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs Devyani J Patel Trustee
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Radhakrishna Temple Shyama Ashram ('the Charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 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.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fair' view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do 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 financial statements to be reached.
Mr D I Kirkwood, FCA Alwyns LLP Chartered Accountants Crown House 151 High Road Loughton Essex IG10 4LG
3 December 2025
Page 5
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
funds funds funds 2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments 2
Donations and legacy 101,785 2,775 - 104,560 122,505
Other - - - - -
Total income 101,785 2,775 - 104,560 122,505
Expenditure on raising funds
Management and
administration 3 116,568 2,917 - 119,485 123,516
Total expenditure 116,568 2,917 - 119,485 123,516
Net income / (expenditure) (14,783) (142) - (14,925) (1,011)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 14,176 14,097 780,000 808,273 809,284
Total funds carried forward (607) 13,955 780,000 793,348 808,273
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There were no recognised gains or losses for either period other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
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2025
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2025 2024
funds funds funds Total Total
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets 5 149 809 780,000 780,958 781,126
Current Assets
Debtors 1,709 - - 1,709 -
Cash in hand and at bank 11,572 13,146 - 24,718 43,847
13,281 13,146 - 26,427 43,847
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within
one year 6 (14,037) - - (14,037) (16,700)
Net current assets/(liabilities) (756) 13,146 - 12,390 27,147
Net Assets (607) 13,955 780,000 793,348 808,273
The funds of the Charity: 7
Unrestricted funds (607) 14,176
Restricted funds 13,955 14,097
Endowment funds 780,000 780,000
Total charity funds 793,348 808,273
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 3 December 2025 and were signed on their behalf by:
Mrs Devyani J Patel Trustee
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in relevant notes to the accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011, FRS102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
The Trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Trustees have considered the current events and conditions, and have determined that they do not create a material uncertainty that casts significant doubt upon the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Reconciliation with previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
In preparing these accounts, the Trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was needed. No restatement was required.
Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources
Income from donations is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, which is when the Charity becomes entitled to the resource. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the Charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.
Donations received for the general purposes of the Charity are included as unrestricted funds. Donations received for activities restricted by the donor are taken to "restricted funds" where these wishes are binding on the Trustees.
Donated facilities are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
Income is deferred only when the Charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
Resources expended
Resources expended are accounted for on a paid basis. Certain expenditure is apportioned to cost categories based on the estimated amount attributable to that activity in the year. These estimates are based on volunteer time as appropriate. The Charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £350 are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year.
Freehold land is not depreciated. The cost of tangible fixed assets is written off over their estimated economic useful life as follows:
Freehold buildings are maintained to a standard whereby at any time, estimated remaining useful life is not diminished and the Trustees consider the valuation to be much higher. A revaluation will be carried out when appropriate.
- Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment 15% reducing balance basis
Page 8
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Investment income
Interest is included when receivable by the Charity.
Fund structure
Funds held by the Charity are either:
-
Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.
-
Restricted funds - these are funds that can be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
-
Endowment funds - these are funds represented by properties held as endowment for use by the Charity.
Value added tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant cost in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Management and administration expenditure
This includes all expenditure of maintaining and running the premises, provision of utilities and other services.
2. DONATIONS
| Unrestricted funds £ Donations 101,785 3. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Establishment expenses 41,654 Administration expenses 9,935 Others: Wages 59,960 Fruit and vegetables 4,630 Bank charges and interest 363 Depreciation 26 116,568 |
Restricted Endowment funds funds £ £ 2,775 - 2,775 - - - - - - - - - 142 - 2,917 - |
Total 2025 £ 104,560 44,429 9,935 - 59,960 4,630 363 168 119,485 |
Total 2024 £ 122,505 49,961 11,019 49,430 12,436 471 199 123,516 |
|---|---|---|---|
There were two employees during the year (2023 - two).
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There was no Trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025, nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Page 9
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2023 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Freehold land and buildings £ 780,000 - 780,000 - - - 780,000 780,000 |
£ 6,193 - 6,193 5,067 168 5,235 958 1,126 Fixtures, fittings and equipment |
Total £ 786,193 - 786,193 5,067 168 5,235 780,958 781,126 |
|---|---|---|---|
The freehold properties known as 33 Balham High Road, London SW12, 47 Cromford Street in Leicester and 38 Chatsworth Street in Leicester were bequeathed to the Charity in August 1999.
The leasehold property known as groundfloor 35 Balham High Road, London SW12, was bequeathed to the Charity in October 2021.
6. CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other creditors ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS Analysis of fund movement: Unrestricted Restricted fund Endowment fund |
Balance brought forward 14,176 14,097 780,000 808,273 |
Income 101,785 2,775 - 104,560 |
2025 £ 14,037 Expenditure 116,568 2,917 - 119,485 |
2024 £ 16,700 Balance carried forward (607) 13,955 780,000 793,348 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7. ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS
Page 10
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
No donations were made by the Temple in the year (2024 - £Nil)
During the year Abbey Total Care Group Limited, a company in which Mrs D J Patel is a director, and a trustee of the Charity, donated £21,407 (2024 - £15,000) to the Charity.
During the year Mrs D J Patel, a trustee of the Charity, donated £3,338 (2024 - £8,943) to the Charity.
As at the year end, the Charity owed £ 12,654 (2024 - £12,654) to Mrs D J Patel, a trustee. This interest free loan was under no formal terms.
9. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Income Donations 2 Legacies Total income Expenditure on raising funds Management and administration 3 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 122,505 - 122,505 123,348 123,348 (843) 15,019 14,176 |
Restricted funds £ - - - 168 168 (168) 14,265 14,097 |
Endowment funds £ - - - - - - 780,000 780,000 |
Total 2023 £ 122,505 - 122,505 123,516 123,516 (1,011) 809,284 808,273 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 11
RADHAKRISHNA TEMPLE SHYAMA ASHRAM DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments (note 2)
Donations 101,785 2,775 - 104,560 122,505 - - 122,505
Legacy - - - - - - - -
Total incoming resources 101,785 2,775 - 104,560 122,505 - - 122,505
Expenditure
Raising funds
Establishment expenses
Rates and water 3,842 4,026
Insurance 3,152 2,623
Light and heat 24,014 33,510
Cleaning and refuse 9,666 7,677
Repairs and maintenance 980 2,775 2,125
41,654 2,775 - 44,429 49,961 - - 49,961
Administration expenses
Telephone and computer 2,297 2,086
Stationery and advertising - 140
Travel and entertainment 1,888 1,327
General expenses 5,750 7,466
9,935 - - 9,935 11,019 - - 11,019
Others
Wages 59,960 49,430
Fruit and vegetables 4,630 12,436
Bank charges and interest 363 471
Depreciation 26 142 142 31 168 168
64,979 64,979 62,368 62,368
Total expenditure 116,568 2,917 - 119,485 123,348 168 - 123,516
- -
Net income/(expenditure) (14,783) (142) (14,925) (843) (168) (1,011)
Total funds brought forward 14,176 14,097 780,000 808,273 15,019 14,265 780,000 809,284
Total funds carried forward (607) 13,955 780,000 793,348 14,176 14,097 780,000 808,273
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This page does not form part of the statutory accounts