2025-08-31-accounts

THAMES MEDITATION SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Registered Charity (England & Wales)

: 289655

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
	Pages
Trustees’ Annual Report	03 - 07
Independent Examiner’s Report	08
Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income & Expenditure Account)	09
Balance Sheet	10
Notes to the Financial Statements	11 - 17

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees are pleased to present their report and financial statements together with the independent examiner’s report for the year ended 31 August 2025.

OBJECTS & ACTIVITIES

Objects

1. Promote, foster and propagate and provide facilities for the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism including meditation and all such matters incidental, conducive, and/or related thereto. Such facilities to benefit all members of the Society and all those interested in the teachings of the Buddha;

2. Establish and maintain appropriate libraries, reading rooms, scholarships and other similar institutions;

3. Publish and arrange for the publication of newspapers, books, periodicals, websites and other literature dealing with the activities of the Society;

4. Affiliate and cooperate with and/or take over other societies and/or trusts, having similar objects.

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

We are proud to announce the completion of our 44th successful year. The Thames Meditation Society continues to strengthen and sustain the Thames Buddhist Vihara as a peaceful sanctuary for worship and spiritual growth, serving the Buddhist community across the UK.

Key Events Since the Last AGM (24 November 2024)

• 15 December 2024 – Sanghamitta Day

Commemorated the arrival of Arahat Nun Sanghamitta and the founding of the Buddhist Nuns’ Order in Sri Lanka.

• 1 January 2025 – New Year Pirith Chanting

Three special chanting sessions were conducted by resident Venerables to usher in blessings for the New Year.

• 4 February 2025 – Independence Day Pooja

A special evening pooja was held to mark the 77th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

• 27 April 2025 – Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival

A vibrant celebration led by Most Venerable Siridhamma Thero and resident monks, bringing the spirit of Sri Lanka to life.

• 18 May 2025 – Vesak Day

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Observed the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of the Buddha. Many devotees observed Atasil and offered Dana.

• 25 May 2025 – Children’s Sil Programme

A special programme designed for young devotees.

• 26 May 2025 – Ashirvada Pooja

Blessings offered for a long life to Most Venerable Pahalagama Somarathana Nayaka Thero, founder of the Thames Buddhist Vihara.

• 31 May 2025 – Dhamma Talk

Delivered by Most Venerable Thalalle Chandakitthi Thero.

• 15 June 2025 – Poson Poya Day

Marked the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka. Included Sil observance, Dana offerings, and devotional songs by Dhamma School children.

• 17 June 2025 – Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Brahm Thero

A special session by the internationally renowned monk.

• 29 June 2025 – Dhamma Talk

By well-known Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Most Venerable Alawwuwe Anomadassi Thero.

• 7–9 July 2025 – Meditation Retreat

Led by Ven. Udairiyagama Dhammajeeva and Ven. Panadure Chandarathana Thero from Meethirigala Nissarana Monastery.

• 10 July 2025 – Vas Aradhana Pooja

Invitation ceremony for monks to observe the Vas season.

• 12 July 2025 – 44th Anniversary of the Vihara

Celebrated with Atavisi Buddha Pooja and Pirith Chanting, attended by many Venerables from across the UK.

• 12 October 2025 – Katina Ceremony

Annual robe offering to a Venerable who observed the Vas retreat, with participation from temples nationwide.

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Ongoing Programs and Outreach

• Monthly Sil and Meditation Programs

• Dhamma Suthra Discussions (Special thanks to Most Ven. Eheliyagoda Dhammapala Thero for conducting sessions from Sri Lanka)

• Sadaham Aruna Sermons (Last Saturday of each month)

• Children’s Dhamma Talk in English (During Vas, led by Ven. Akurala Samithe Thero)

• Community outreach by resident Venerables, including home and hospital visits

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• All resident and visiting Venerables

• Volunteer teachers and supportive parents of the Dhamma School

• Committee members and devoted supporters

• Our Hon. Treasurer for his unwavering dedication

Together, we have had a truly successful and spiritually enriching year.

May the blessings of the Triple Gem be upon you all.

Thank you

Nihal Jayatilaka

Hon Secretary

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary

The society’s main income source remains donations from the devotes to the Thames Buddhist Vihara. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s commitment for this purpose and also the non-financial contributions made by everyone throughout the year. Current year was a challenging year with no additional fundraising events being held. However, with the support of resident monks, Temple functions were performed largely virtually and expenses were maintained at manageable levels.

Risk Management

The trustees regularly review the risks to which the Association is exposed. They do not consider that there are any substantial risks beyond the liabilities disclosed in the financial statements. The charity had no employees and no leased premises.

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Reserves Policy

The Society maintains a healthy reserve from accumulated net income and there were no changes made to these during the year.

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The society was originally established in 1984 as an unincorporated charity by a constitution dated 3[rd] June 1984 as amended on 27[th] Nov 2021. There were 10 trustees during the year ended 31 Aug 2025.

Appointment of Trustees

Elected trustees must be subscribing members of the society. To be appointed and elected as a trustee, a subscriber to the society must be a member for at least 6 months. All trustees are appointed at the annual general meeting of the society.

Retiring trustees are eligible for re-election.

Organizational Structure

The following committees were in operation during the year ended 31 Aug 2025.

• General Committee

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Name THAMES MEDITATION SOCIETY

Charity No (England & Wales) 289655

Registered Address 49

Dulverton Road Selsdon Surrey CR2 8PJ

Website Address www.thamesbuddhistvihara.org

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Current Trustees (Elected) All those who served as a trustee in the reporting period and as at date the report was approved. The custodian trustees stated below held the title to the property at No 49, Dulverton Road, Selsdon, Surrey, CR2 8PJ during the period. Members of the Committee Dr. Chandra Mendis (Chair of Trustees) Mr. Roshan Asanga Perera (Hon. Treasurer) Mr. Ravindra Nihal Jayathilake (Hon. Secretary) Dr. Mahipala Dissanayake Dr. Sunil Ranjit Jayawardhana Mr. Sanjaya C Kodituwakku Mr. Welikalage Nihal Ananda Mr. Ishara B Kapilarathna Dr. H. M. Kularatne (Custodian Trustee) Mr. Madawala Hemananda (Custodian Trustee) Bankers Barclays Bank Leicester LE87 2BB Independent Examiner MGT SILVER THRONE Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers Cloud Business Hub 23, Sangley Road London SE25 6QT

APPROVAL

This report was approved by the trustees on 4 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

…………Signed………………… Ravindra Nihal Jayathilake Hon. Secretary

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of THAMES MEDITATION SOCIETY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Thames Meditation Society for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of Thames Meditation Society, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity 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.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters except that referred to in the following paragraph under “emphasis of matter” have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

• a) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

• b) the accounts do not accord with those records; or

• c) the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

Emphasis of matter

As disclosed and included under other donations in note 3 to the financial statements, the charity has received various amounts of donations (£18,017.78) in the form of cash and cheques. In the absence of a receipt book, we were unable to identify and verify the accuracy and completeness of these deposits.

………..Signed………………………. Terrance Gunaratne BSc, ACA, CPFA

MGT SILVER THRONE Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers Cloud Business Hub 23 Sangley Road London SE25 6QT

5 November 2025

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

	Note	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	Total 2025 £	Total 2024 £
Income from:
Donations	3	64,368 -	64,368 -	64,368 - 64,368	64,36868,011
Investment Income	4	998 300	998 300	998 300 998	9981,350
Total		65,366 300	65,366 300	65,366 300 65,366	65,36669,361
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities	5	( 49,923) -	-	- ( 49,923)	( 39,026)
Unrealized (loss)/gain on Investment		399 -	399 -	399 - 399	399 39.00
Total		( 49,524) -	-	- ( 49,524)	( 38,987)
Net income/(expenditure)		15,842	300	300 15,842	15,842 30,374.00
Transfers between funds		- - -	- - -	- - -	0.00
Net movement in funds		15,842	300	300 15,842	15,842 30,374.00
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds as at 01 Sep		462,534 20,584 483,118	462,534 20,584 483,118	462,534 20,584 483,118	462,534 20,584 483,118 454,197
Total funds as at 31 Aug		478,376 20,884	478,376 20,884	478,376 20,884 499,260	483,118

All income and expenditure and the resulting net movement in funds arise from continuing operations.

The Notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these accounts.

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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total		Total
	Note	Funds	Funds	2025		2024
		£	£	£		£
Fixed Assets:
Tangible Fixed Assets	7	386,540 -	386,540 -	386,540 -386,540	386,540	364,593
Investments	8	766 -	766 -	766 -766	766	367
Current Assets:
Debtors	9	8,870 -	8,870 -	8,870 - 8,870		11,897
Cash at bank and in hand	10	83,532 20,884	83,532 20,884	83,532 20,884 104,416		106,700
		92,402 20,884	92,402 20,884	92,402 20,884 113,286		118,597
Liabilities:
Creditors (Due within one year)	11	1,332 -	1,332 -	1,332 - 1,332		439
Net Current Assets		91,070 20,884	91,070 20,884	91,070 20,884111,954	111,954	118,158
Net Assets		478,376	20,884	499,260		483,118
Funds of the charity:
Restricted funds	12	- 20,884	- 20,884	- 20,88420,884	20,884	20,584
Unrestricted funds	12	478,376 -	478,376 -	478,376 -478,376	478,376	462,534
		478,376 20,884	478,376 20,884	478,376 20,884499,260	499,260	483,118

These accounts on pages 09 to 17 were approved by the trustees of the Thames Meditation Society at the General Meeting held on 5 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

………Signed...……………… Name: Chandra Mendis Chair of Trustees

………Signed………….…….. Name: Roshan Asanga Perera Treasurer

The notes on pages 11 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1. Basis of Preparation

• 1.1. These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historic cost convention, with items recognised at cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s), in accordance with:

• a. The Charities Act 2011

• b. Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008

• c. Accounting & Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS102) (effective January 2015)

• 1.2. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Fund accounting

• a) Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity and have not been designated for other purposes.

• b) Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by trustees for particular purposes.

• c) Restricted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor, funding authority or when funds are raised for specific purposes.

• d) The purposes of the funds are shown in Note 13.

2.2 . Incoming Resources

• (a) Income is recognised and included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income; receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.

• (b) Where income has related expenditure (e.g. conferences and training courses), the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

• (c) Member subscriptions, other donations and Bank interest is recognised when received and credited to the account.

• (d) Gift Aid is recognised in the same accounting period as the donation to which it relates.

2.3. Resources Expended and Liabilities

• (a) Expenditure is recognised on the accrual basis.

• (b) The charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT charged.

• (c) Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay

• out resources.

• (d) Governance costs include the costs of preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the cost of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2.5. Tangible assets and Depreciation

• a) Tangible assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at their value on receipt.

• b) Depreciation is provided as follows

• i. Buildings - 2% on Straight Line Method

• ii. Computer Equipment – 25% on Straight Line Method

• iii. Land – Not Depreciated

2.6. Foreign Currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recognized and recorded at the rate prevailing at the time of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities are retranslated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Any differences are taken to the statement of financial activities.

2.7. Investment

Investment is recognized at the net realizable value (NRV). Any diminution in value is charged to income and expenditure in the year in which such diminution is recognized.

2.8. Cash

• a) Cash comprises bank deposits repayable on demand without penalty.

• b) Cash balances also include any short-term highly liquid assets with a maturity date of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.9. Taxation

The charity is not liable to income tax or capital gains tax on its charitable activities.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

3. Income from Donations

	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Total Funds 2025 £ £	Total 2024 £
Membership Subscriptions	11,550	-11,55014,040	14,040
Other Donations	45,073	-45,07343,220	43,220
Gift Aid	7,745	-7,74510,751	10,751
	64,368	-64,36868	68,011

4. Investment Income

	Unrestricted	Restricted Total	Total
	Funds	Funds 2025	2024
	£	£ £	£
Interest Income	998	998	1,350
	998	-998	1,350

5. Expenditure on Chartable Activities

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total		Total
	Funds	Funds	2025		2024
Direct Costs	£	£	£		£
Dhamma School Expenses	664 -	-	-664	664	40
Annual Pirith Ceremony	1,900 -	1,900 -	1,900 -1,900	1,900	3,777
New Year Event	14,228	-	-14,228	14,228	10,437
	16,792	-	-16,792	792	14,254

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Support Costs
Office Rent and Rates	1,481 -	-	-1,481	1,406
Business Insurance	1,050 -	-	-1,050	1,022
Gas, Water & Electricity	11,723 -	-	-11,723	7,952
Repairs and Maintenance	694 -	-	-694	1,354
Telephone & Internet	450 -	-	-450	1,441
Travel	4,063 -	-	-4,063	3,381
Depreciation	9,548 -	-	-9,548	7,683
Paypal Charges	99 -	-	-99	59
Governance Costs (Note 6)	941 -	-	-941	474
General Expenses	3,082 -	-	-3,082	1,453
	33,131 -	-	-33,131	26,225
Total	49,923 -	-	-49,923 40	923 40,479

6. Governance Costs

6. Governance Costs
				2025 £	2024 £
Independent Examiner's Fee				894 439	439
ICO Registration			47	4735	35
			941	941474	474
7. Fixed Assets
	Land and	Capital Work	Computer	Total	Total
	Buildings	in Progress	E'ments	2025	2024
	£	£	£	£	£
Cost
As at 1 Sep	355,434	15,859	12,025	383,318	353,209
Addition during the year	47,354	31,495	-	78,849	46,859
Disposal/Transfers	-	( 47,354)	-		( 16,750)
As at 31 Aug	402,788	-	12,025	414,813	383,318
Depreciation
As at 1 Sep	8,192	-	10,533	18,725	11,042
Charge for the year	8,056	-	1,492	9,548	7,683
As at 31 Aug	16,248	-	12,025	28,273	18,725
Net Book Value
As at 31 Aug	386,540	-	-	386,540	364,593

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

8. Investments

	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	Total 2025 £		Total 2024 £
Net Realizable Value as at 31 Aug Less: Appreciation in value	367 399	- -	367 399	367 399	328 39
9. Debtors Net Realizable Value as at 31 Aug	766	-	766	766	367
	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	Total 2025 £		Total 2024 £
Gift Aid receivable	7,554 -	7,554 -	7,554 -7,554	7,554	10,593
Other debtors	534 -	534 -	534 -534	534	568
Prepayments 782 -	Prepayments 782 -	Prepayments 782 -	Prepayments 782 -782	782	736
	8,870 -	870 -	870 -8,870	870	11,897

9. Debtors

10. Cash at bank and in Hand

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total		Total
	Funds	Funds	2025		2024
	£	£	£		£
Bank Current account	10,719 -	-	-10,719	10,719	14,336	14,336
Bank Savings account	72,813 20,884	72,813 20,884	93,697	93,697	92,364	92,364
Paypal Account	- -	-	- -	-	- -	-
	83,532	20,884	104,416	416	106,700	700

11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	2025		2024
	£		£
Sundry Creditors	1,332	1,332	439
	1,332	332	439

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12. Movement in Funds (Current year)

	As at	Incoming	Outgoing	As at
	01/09/24	Resources	Resources	Transfers 31/08/25
	£	£	£	£ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund	462,534 65,366	462,534 65,366	( 49,524) -	- 478,376
Restricted funds
Mansell Davis Fund	20,584 300 -	20,584 300 -	20,584 300 -	020,884
Building Fund	- -	- -	0 -	--
	20,584 300	20,584 300	0	020,884
Total funds	483,118	65,666	( 49,524) -	- 499,260

Movement in Funds (Prior year)

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

13. Purpose of Funds

Unrestricted Funds

General fund – The funds that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity.

Restricted Funds

Mansell Davis fund – The fund that is to be used for the construction of a building.

Building fund - The fund that is to be used for the extension of the existing building.

14. Transactions with Trustees and Related Parties

• a) The charity has no employees.

• b) The charity's insurance policy includes officer bearers’ liability.

End of Report

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