Lighthouse Christian Books and Café
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1[st] January, 2025 to 31[st] December, 2025
Reference and administration details:
Charity name: Lighthouse Christian Books and Café The charity’s previous name: New Creation Christian Book and Coffee Shop Registered charity number: 1063924 Charity's address: Lighthouse 13 Bampton Street Tiverton Devon Postcode: EX16 6AA Phone Number 01884 255769 Email Address office@lighthousetiverton.org.uk Web-site www.lighthousetiverton.org.uk
Names of the charity Trustees who managed the charity during the period:
Trustee name Office (if any)
1 Mrs Holly Haig 2 Mr Rikky Apps Treasurer 3 Mrs Val Bloxham
- 4 Mr Pete Bangs
Major changes made during the year
There were no major changes during the year.
Structure, governance and management
The Trust’s governing document is a Trust Deed dated 12[th] June, 1997 as amended on 9[th] December, 2019 to allow the Charity to change its name from New Creation Christian Book and Coffee Shop to
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TAR – 2025
Lighthouse Christian Books and Café
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1[st] January, 2025 to 31[st] December, 2025
Lighthouse Christian Books and Café. This constitutes the charity as a Trust. Any new Trustee is selected by existing Trustees.
The charity’s organisational structure and relationship with any related parties.
The overall management of the charity is carried out by the Trustees while the day-to-day running is carried out by the shop’s manager and café manager.
The trustees are responsible for:
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1 managing the assets of the Trust, which include the furnishings and equipment in the shop, café, kitchen, office and storage areas;
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2 the lease and liaising with the landlords about the condition of the building (the landlords are responsible for external repairs to the property);
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3 maintain the internal parts of the property, including repairs and decorations, etc.; 4 financial resources.
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The manager and café manager are together responsible for:
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1 the day-to-day running of the Trust’s business;
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2 stock control;
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3 supervising the team of volunteers.
The shop’s manager deals mainly with the book shop while the café manager deals mainly with the café although they will deputise for each other when necessary.
The trustees usually meet regularly (approximately three times a year) as a management committee and the shop manager and café manager will attend the meeting as necessary (at least for part of the meeting). Following prayer together, they review the immediate past performance, the current situation and decide on any future development.
If any matters turn up between meetings these are normally dealt with by email and ratified at the next meeting. As the premises are rented the trustees keep in contact with the landlords as to the condition of the building.
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TAR – 2025
Lighthouse Christian Books and Café
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1[st] January, 2025 to 31[st] December, 2025
Objectives and activities
Summary of the objectives of the charity as set out in its governing document:
To advance the Christian faith, in particular by the distribution of Bibles and other Christian literature and of other Christian goods; and such other charitable purposes as the Trustees shall determine.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objectives:
The Charity was established to provide Christian resources for members of Tiverton and district churches and fellowships, Sunday Schools and Youth Fellowships; as an outreach to the people of the area and to spread the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ to the general public.
It fulfils these aims by running a book shop and café in Tiverton, which is normally open five and a half days a week.
The book shop stocks Christian books, CDs, DVDs, greetings cards and other gifts, including fair-traded goods. Wherever possible, our stock is obtained from Christian suppliers and most of it carries some form of Christian message. There is also a second-hand book section selling Christian books, CDs and DVDs that have been donated.
The café supplies hot and cold drinks, all day snacks and light lunches. Most of the food is prepared and cooked on the premises. As well as an in-doors seating area, there is the Harbour , a courtyard behind the shop, which can be used by the café’s customers when the weather is suitable.
The Charity also attends external events, such as the Mid-Devon Show, and will visit local churches and other events, when invited, to provide a stand selling books and other goods.
There is a Room Downstairs which is available for individuals or groups to use, free of charge. It is used for various meetings during the year including a lunch-time prayer meeting on Tuesdays and an early morning prayer meeting on Thursdays. It is also the location of the second-hand book section and provides an overflow area for the café.
The charity also provides a place of opportunity for Christian service in the bookshop and café, a sanctuary and place of refreshment for body, mind and spirit, a place of prayer and, wherever possible, monetary support for other Christian Charities and ventures.
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TAR – 2025
Lighthouse Christian Books and Café
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1[st] January, 2025 to 31[st] December, 2025
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year:
The only things of note which happened outside the normal day to day running of the charity was the purchase of a new coffee machine to replace our old one which was becoming unreliable. We also increased the hours that the paid staff worked.
We are beginning to find it difficult to replace volunteers and are now working with just enough. Fortunately, those volunteers we have are flexible enough to cover shifts as needed. We could do with a few more volunteers to help in the shop.
Although the accounts show that our overall losses during the year went up from £3,083.32 to £7,929.84, they include the one-off cost of the coffee machine of £3,429. Excluding this shows a loss of £4,500.32, still an increase over the previous year. Although we were able to increase in trading revenue and donations by approximately 10% over the previous year, our outgoings also increased by approximately 18%. Excluding the cost of the coffee machine, the outgoings only increased by approximately 13%. The full accounts are set out on pages 7 and 8.
We were able to meet the deficit out of the charity’s reserves. The trustees thank God that in previous years He has supplied a surplus of income that has allowed us to continue trading during periods when we do not make a profit. We believe that as long as He wants the shop to continue trading in Tiverton He will provide for our financial needs, but we also realise that we have a responsibility to make sure that the business is run as efficiently as possible.
We, the trustees, give thanks to the employees who not only carry out their duties but go over and beyond what they are employed to do. And we also give thanks to the many volunteers who help in so many ways, serving in the shop, waiting in the café and working in the kitchen.
Next, we give thanks to the many local people who support us by using the book shop and café, giving donations and praying for the work.
Lastly, we would like to give glory to the Lord, who has watched over first New Creation and now Lighthouse for the last 36 years, providing all our needs.
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TAR – 2025
Lighthouse Christian Books and Café
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1[st] January, 2025 to 31[st] December, 2025
Financial review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves:
As part of their area of responsibility, the Trustees have established a Reserve Policy requiring reserves to cover any redundancy payments, approximately six months expenses, and the cost of reinstating the property. This has currently been calculated as £25,000.00.
At present the charity has excess of this in its reserves.
Details of any funds materially in deficit:
This is not applicable as accounts are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees
Signature:
Richard Apps Full Name:
Position: Trustee – Treasurer Date: 1[st] September 2026
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TAR – 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN BOOKS AND CAFÉ
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 7 and 8.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
John Anderson BA CPFA
30th August 2026
Meadowside High Street Halberton Tiverton EX16 7AG
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LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN BOOKS AND CAFÉ Reg Charity No: 1063294 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNTS - 2025
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT – 2025
| 1 January, 2025 to 31 December, 2025 Receipts £ Sales Goods – General 20,020.29 Goods – Bibles 1,530.63 Goods – 3rd World 0.00 Second-hand Books 1,135.20 Vouchers (net) -121.41 Café 32,594.45 Donations Other Income Interest HSBC Payments £ Purchases Bookshop 14,638.10 Café 5,160.89 Merchant Services charges Gifts/Adverts Insurances Print, Stationery and Postage Rent Repairs, Renewals and Capital Outlay Employee costs Utilities Electricity Supply 1,096.68 Gas Supply 661.42 Phone and Internet 559.54 Water Supply 540.86 Business Rates 0.00 Subscriptions and Licences Sundries Administration Bank Charges Surplus/Deficit Total Receipts Total payments TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PAYMENTS TOTAL SURPLUS/DEFICIT |
£ 55,159.16 9,118.00 0.00 64,277.16 522.25 64,799.41 £ 19,798.99 550.89 358.00 1,305.42 195.10 10,749.96 5,136.85 30,795.13 2,858.50 281.88 192.49 331.74 172.30 ## 72,727.25 £ 64,799.41 72,727.25 -7,927.84 |
1 January, 2024 to 31 December, 2024 £ £ 18,845.24 1,820.91 336.92 1,123.00 146.36 24,717.42 46,989.85 10,735.85 30.00 57,755.70 756.09 58,511.79 £ £ 13,517.55 4,135.95 17,653.50 465.63 300.00 1,164.12 139.09 10,749.96 1,352.79 26,315.70 1,016.04 687.37 481.58 613.35 30.00 2,828.34 275.71 168.00 0.00 182.27 61,595.11 £ 58,511.79 61,595.11 -3,083.32 |
1 January, 2024 to 31 December, 2024 £ £ 18,845.24 1,820.91 336.92 1,123.00 146.36 24,717.42 46,989.85 10,735.85 30.00 57,755.70 756.09 58,511.79 £ £ 13,517.55 4,135.95 17,653.50 465.63 300.00 1,164.12 139.09 10,749.96 1,352.79 26,315.70 1,016.04 687.37 481.58 613.35 30.00 2,828.34 275.71 168.00 0.00 182.27 61,595.11 £ 58,511.79 61,595.11 -3,083.32 |
|---|---|---|---|
£ 46,989.85 10,735.85 30.00 57,755.70 756.09 58,511.79 £ 17,653.50 465.63 300.00 1,164.12 139.09 10,749.96 1,352.79 26,315.70 2,828.34 275.71 168.00 0.00 182.27 61,595.11 £ 58,511.79 61,595.11 -3,083.32 |
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LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN BOOKS AND CAFÉ Reg Charity No: 1063294
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNTS - 2025
MEMO: TRADING ACCOUNT
| 1 January, 2025 to 31 December, 2025 Sales Cost of Sales Opening Stock Purchases Closing Stock Gross Profit Margin [profit as a percentage of 'cost of ASSETS & LIABILITIES as at 31 st December 2025 ASSETS HSBC Current Account Less - cheques not presented HSBC Deposit Account Petty cash (Cash retained) (See Note) Total Cash [see reconciliation below] Stock Book Shop Coffee Shop Total Assets LIABILITIES Creditors Net Funds CASH RECONCILIATION Cash brought forward Cash Movement Cash Carried forward |
£ 5,200.00 19,798.99 4,950.00 sales'] £ 7,035.05 0.00 4,950.00 200.00 |
£ 55,159.16 20,048.99 35,110.17 175.12% £ 7,035.05 27,978.31 284.03 35,297.39 5,150.00 40,447.39 0.00 40,447.39 43,225.23 -7,927.84 35,297.39 |
1 January, 2024 to 31 December, 2024 £ £ 46,989.85 5,250.00 17,653.50 5,200.00 17,703.50 29,286.35 165.43% as at 31 st December 2024 £ £ 5,949.73 0.00 5,949.73 35,456.06 1,819.44 43,225.23 5,200.00 200.00 5,400.00 48,625.23 0.00 48,625.23 46,308.55 -3,083.32 43,225.23 |
|---|---|---|---|
Note - £100 added to this figure to account for increase to petty cash held, made in August 2025
Prepared by Rikky Apps Trustee 22 August, 2026
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