ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Our Trust's work and finance
What we have done
Lighthouse Charity Trust uses Lighthouse Community Church's building and its facilities for the services we provide.
In accordance with our Charitable Object, we seek to reach into the wider community by providing a meeting place and facilities for the community's benefit, so that people can engage in positive activities and leisure pursuits to build social contacts, relationships and support.
In this, our eleventh year, our Charity’s service to the community continues to build on last year’s recovery from the pandemic restrictions. The returning and new groups listed below illustrate the scope of need in the area for a place for people and groups to meet for their benefit and enjoyment:
Sally King Pilates NNU3A (North Norfolk University of the Third Age) Local History Groups Sheringham Singers
Sing Your Heart Out Sinfonia (orchestra) occasional concerts and choir workshops Away Days for various church leaders' meetings Sheringham Little Theatre Rehearsals Sheringham Little Theatre Youth Drama Who Let the Dads Out Sheringham Helps Day *
* Various organisations and charities serving the local community met in the Lighthouse building. In the morning they shared experiences and information together; and in the afternoon they invited the public to look around, talk to representatives, and consider volunteering. The day was considered to have been very encouraging.
Some of our youth members took part in a sponsored car park sleepover to highlight homelessness in Norwich, raising £580 for the work of YMCA.
Lighthouse Football has two teams participating in the Norfolk Christian League; a youth team in the under-16s, and an adult side. In total we had over 50 players in fixtures across the two teams, and many more who attended training.
The under-16s were a small, but competitive league of just three teams playing each other twice, home and away, culminating in a cup competition at the Norwich City training facility, the Nest.
We had three coaches and around 12-15 players attending training regularly, with a balance of church and community youngsters. Numbers have grown as young people invite friends, enjoying the inclusive club ethos, where everyone has the opportunity to play. Many parents have commented how positive it is for their child to engage in sport, exercise and to socialise as part of the club, when otherwise they would largely be indoors on computers and phones. In a great season for the under-16s, Lighthouse finished as both league and cup double winners.
For the first time in over five years we entered an adult team, as we have 25-30 regularly in attendance at Thursday training sessions. The majority of the squad is aged under 22 and comprised of many who have previously played in the youth team, so had connections with us for a number of years.
Playing in the adults’ league is a significant step up, particularly in terms of pitch size and youngsters’ physicality, many of whom had not played full 11 aside before, due to youth league fielding small-sided games. As such, avoiding finishing bottom on the last day of the season, reaching the Plate Cup semi finals were significant encouragements.
Two players, one under-16 and one adult joined Lighthouse Community Church, giving them the opportunity to engage in a wider community of people, groups and events, along with other players also.
Next season, with the majority of players in the under-16s moving up to adults, we will need to recruit more youngsters if that team is to continue. We will re-enter the adults team again, building on the platform of their first campaign.
ThreadBear: Clothing Children, Strengthening Community. At the heart of Lighthouse Community Church TheadBear, more than just a charity shop - is a vital hub of care, connection and compassion, serving children from birth through their teenage years. ThreadBear provides pre-loved clothing, shoes, toys, bedding and books to families experiencing financial hardships across our region.
Now in it’s third year, the shop’s reputation has grown significantly, Through word of mouth and social media, ThreadBear has expanded from a local lifeline into a valued resource for families from surrounding towns and villages. It’s Integration with the Lighthouse Café, Soft Play area and Family Food Fridays creates a warm, welcoming environment - encouraging families not only to shop, but also to build relationships and access wider support.
All of ThreadBear’s proceeds are reinvested directly into the Lighthouse community. While Soft Play and Family Food Fridays remain free for all, shop sales now contribute approximately £600 per month toward broader outreach initiatives. Due to increased sales and use, we hope to increase contributions to £700 per month. In addition, 10% of our annual income is allocated to charitable causes. 2025 funds supported the Lighthouse Community Church Soft Play extension, which I’m very pleased to report is now completed, up and running with renewed interest. Due to its increased footfall, TheadBear has also benefitted. We plan to allocate 10% in 2026 to an outside project yet to be decided.
ThreadBear is also committed to sustainability and ethical practice. Unsold items are directed to dedicated recycling streams, reducing waste while generating extra income - small actions that contribute to meaningful impact.
At its core, ThreadBear is powered by its people. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the shop,offering dignity to those in need, purpose to those who serve, and friendships that extend far beyond each shift. In 2026 we aim to build on this strong foundation by appointing a Co-Volunteer Manager to support team growth, expand outreach, and strengthen our long-term impact.
Looking ahead, our strategy is both simple and ambitious: - Strengthen and grow our volunteer base - Provide compassionate, informed support to families - Expand our reach while keeping prices accessible to those who need them most.
We invite our trustees, supporters and the wider public to stand with us in this next chapter. Your encouragement, donations and time make this work not only possible - but powerful.
Together, we are not just rehousing clothes: we are restoring dignity, renewing hope and rebuilding community.
Lighthouse Table Tennis Club in 2024-2025
The club remains stable numbering 18 regulars, 16 of whom play in the North Norfolk League. The League encompasses Aylsham, Holt, Mundesley, Cromer, Sheringham and all the smaller settlements within that area.
The League comprises 2 divisions, the Premier and 2 (no division 1). We have 3 teams, 1 playing in the Premier and 2 in the 2nd division.
Currently, we have 4 Church partners playing. It is also fully male, with the bulk of the age range at 50+. Longer term, we would like to recruit both female players and younger ages.
Sheringham Shed and Priory Patch Community Garden. At the Shed we have continued to run our popular Tuesday sessions, which remain well attended. Attendance at our Wednesday sessions has grown, with both men and women now taking part together.
We have received an increasing number of commissions to repair garden and household furniture, and we have occasionally taken on clock repairs as well. In recent weeks, we have launched a series of six-session courses in basic woodwork skills for women and children, which have been very well received. Our recent Jewellery Making course has also just concluded successfully, and we look forward to offering more courses in 2026.
Interest in the Patch has continued to grow. North Norfolk District Council has expressed strong support for the site’s use as a facility to promote wellbeing in the community. We are also exploring the possibility of running sessions for children, particularly those who are home educated.
The money that the Trust has received
Lighthouse Community Church provides activities and clubs open to both church and nonchurch people alike. These include a parent and toddler group, a fortnightly Youth Life Group for high school aged students, football teams for various age groups, and a table tennis club. These made donations to the Trust for their use of facilities or the Charity’s administrative services.
Outside groups and organisations also made donations for the use of the Trust's hired building and its facilities. The North Norfolk Community Foundation helped to establish “Who Let the Dads Out” in supporting fathers, carers and children.
Grants, donations and voluntary help for the “Family Friday Meals” have provided free fortnightly communal two-course meals, food items and domestic products to help families in need.
How the Trust has spent the money received
Lighthouse Community Church organisations and all outside groups made donations for their use of the building’s utilities, maintenance, service and technical costs; and for donations to the salaries of church staff involved in clubs and activities run under the Trust's hirings.
From funds received, the Trust has been able to pay for its own insurance and music licence.
The Charity continues to seek funding and grants for operating the building. Sheringham Shed, Lighthouse Church’s project, provides an environment, facilities and support for users with varying needs. Priory Patch extends Sheringham Shed’s provision for community support through outdoor activities.
In our next year, apart from holding a reasonable contingency, maintaining good stewardship of our assets and responsibilities, and seeking awareness of how the Trust should develop, our focus - rather than accumulating a large account balance - will continue our commitment to be of positive service, support and encouragement within our community and the wider area.
Lighthouse Charity Trust Statement Of Accounts Year Ended 31st August 2025
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Year Ended 31st August 2025
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Accountants' Report | 1 |
| General Fund Income and Expenditure Account | 2 |
| Sheringham Shed Income and Expenditure Account | 3 |
| Balance Sheet | 4 |
| Fixed Asset Schedule | 5 |
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Accountants' Report
Year Ended 31st August 2025
We hereby certify that the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2025 set out on pages 2 to 5 have been prepared with an independent examination, from the Charity's accounting records and information supplied by the Treasurer.
Our accounting procedures include examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the accounts and an assessment of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Charity's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We have obtained all information and explanations which we considered necessary to enable us to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material errors.
In our opinion the accounts reasonably reflect the state of the charity's financial affairs as at 31st August 2025 and of its surpluses for the year then ended.
Timothy Hignett and Partners Limited
7 High Street Cromer Norfolk NR27 9HG
16th June 2026
Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 16th June 2026
S R Charsley, Treasurer
1
Lighthouse Charity Trust
General Fund Income and Expenditure Account
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| £ £ Income: Threadbear shop 7,577.53 Subs 1,769.15 Lettings 11,676.10 New Day 6,942.35 Transfers from Sheringham Shed 1,495.20 Transfers from LCC 15.00 Gift Aid 1,016.66 Other Income - Football B/fwd 100.00 Receipts 2,431.49 C/fwd (80.00) 2,451.49 Grants 375.00 Expenditure: LCC 15.00 LCC Threadbear 6,680.00 Threadbear shop 701.45 Rent 12,000.00 Insurance 1,094.33 New Day 6,415.39 Football 1,980.36 Printing, postage and stationery 26.25 Music licence 301.81 Youth subs expenses 349.85 Accountancy fees 1,308.00 Grants 5,564.13 Transfers to Sheringham Shed 995.41 Depreciation charge 755.42 Miscellaneous 110.00 Excess of income over expenditure 2025 |
£ 33,318.48 38,297.40 (4,978.92) |
£ £ 6,898.34 1,263.20 10,549.95 6,984.13 1,203.06 138.00 - 1,526.50 360.00 1,504.20 (100.00) 1,764.20 7,282.25 138.00 6,400.00 658.27 9,000.00 1,084.76 5,873.12 1,214.08 32.68 25.12 347.66 1,244.00 1,692.50 1,102.85 1,007.22 603.50 2024 |
£ 37,609.63 30,423.76 7,185.87 |
|---|---|---|---|
2
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Sheringham Shed Income and Expenditure Account
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| Income: Lettings Donations Gift aid Grants Utilities refunded Sundry income Expenditure: Priory Patch Wages and salaries Insurance Repairs and renewals Printing, postage and stationery Music licence & subscriptions Utilities Rates Training courses Miscellaneous Transfers to LCT Depreciation charge Excess of income over expenditure |
£ £ 1,010.00 4,034.29 - 1,558.00 - 728.82 7,331.11 - 9,900.00 1,185.82 1,235.18 - - 2,102.37 239.52 - 241.20 1,558.00 755.60 17,217.69 (9,886.58) 2025 |
£ £ 1,500.00 2,345.00 - 7,800.00 572.04 2,090.93 14,307.97 - 9,816.00 1,090.56 1,361.68 112.50 55.03 3,281.15 92.21 680.00 - 1,237.50 957.05 18,683.68 (4,375.71) 2024 |
|---|---|---|
3
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| Fixed Assets Per schedule Current Assets Premium account Barclays current account - LCT Barclays current account - SS Cash Debtors and prepayments Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals Net Current Assets Net Assets General Fund Balance b/fwd SS Excess of income over expenditure Excess of income over expenditure |
£ £ 243,256.10 0.23 19,687.26 13,606.10 50.00 510.74 33,854.33 (1,390.00) 32,464.33 275,720.43 290,585.93 (9,886.58) (4,978.92) 275,720.43 275,720.43 2025 |
£ £ 244,615.85 0.23 23,897.93 22,888.35 50.00 483.57 47,320.08 (1,350.00) 45,970.08 290,585.93 287,775.77 (4,375.71) 7,185.87 290,585.93 290,585.93 2024 |
|---|---|---|
4
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Fixed Asset Schedule
Year Ended 31st August 2025
Cost
Depreciation
Net Book Value
| At 1st September 2024 Additions Disposal At 31st August 2025 At 1st September 2024 Charge for the year At 31st August 2025 At 1st September 2024 At 31st August 2025 |
Total Freehold Property Fixtures and Equipment £ £ £ 261,513.16 238,723.05 22,790.11 151.27 - 151.27 - - - 261,664.43 238,723.05 22,941.38 16,897.31 - 16,897.31 - - 1,511.02 18,408.33 - 18,408.33 244,615.85 238,723.05 5,892.80 243,256.10 238,723.05 4,533.05 |
|---|---|
5
Lighthouse Charity Trust Statement Of Accounts Year Ended 31st August 2025
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Year Ended 31st August 2025
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Accountants' Report | 1 |
| General Fund Income and Expenditure Account | 2 |
| Sheringham Shed Income and Expenditure Account | 3 |
| Balance Sheet | 4 |
| Fixed Asset Schedule | 5 |
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Accountants' Report
Year Ended 31st August 2025
We hereby certify that the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2025 set out on pages 2 to 5 have been prepared with an independent examination, from the Charity's accounting records and information supplied by the Treasurer.
Our accounting procedures include examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the accounts and an assessment of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Charity's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We have obtained all information and explanations which we considered necessary to enable us to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material errors.
In our opinion the accounts reasonably reflect the state of the charity's financial affairs as at 31st August 2025 and of its surpluses for the year then ended.
Timothy Hignett and Partners Limited
7 High Street Cromer Norfolk NR27 9HG
16th June 2026
Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 16th June 2026
S R Charsley, Treasurer
1
Lighthouse Charity Trust
General Fund Income and Expenditure Account
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| £ £ Income: Threadbear shop 7,577.53 Subs 1,769.15 Lettings 11,676.10 New Day 6,942.35 Transfers from Sheringham Shed 1,495.20 Transfers from LCC 15.00 Gift Aid 1,016.66 Other Income - Football B/fwd 100.00 Receipts 2,431.49 C/fwd (80.00) 2,451.49 Grants 375.00 Expenditure: LCC 15.00 LCC Threadbear 6,680.00 Threadbear shop 701.45 Rent 12,000.00 Insurance 1,094.33 New Day 6,415.39 Football 1,980.36 Printing, postage and stationery 26.25 Music licence 301.81 Youth subs expenses 349.85 Accountancy fees 1,308.00 Grants 5,564.13 Transfers to Sheringham Shed 995.41 Depreciation charge 755.42 Miscellaneous 110.00 Excess of income over expenditure 2025 |
£ 33,318.48 38,297.40 (4,978.92) |
£ £ 6,898.34 1,263.20 10,549.95 6,984.13 1,203.06 138.00 - 1,526.50 360.00 1,504.20 (100.00) 1,764.20 7,282.25 138.00 6,400.00 658.27 9,000.00 1,084.76 5,873.12 1,214.08 32.68 25.12 347.66 1,244.00 1,692.50 1,102.85 1,007.22 603.50 2024 |
£ 37,609.63 30,423.76 7,185.87 |
|---|---|---|---|
2
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Sheringham Shed Income and Expenditure Account
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| Income: Lettings Donations Gift aid Grants Utilities refunded Sundry income Expenditure: Priory Patch Wages and salaries Insurance Repairs and renewals Printing, postage and stationery Music licence & subscriptions Utilities Rates Training courses Miscellaneous Transfers to LCT Depreciation charge Excess of income over expenditure |
£ £ 1,010.00 4,034.29 - 1,558.00 - 728.82 7,331.11 - 9,900.00 1,185.82 1,235.18 - - 2,102.37 239.52 - 241.20 1,558.00 755.60 17,217.69 (9,886.58) 2025 |
£ £ 1,500.00 2,345.00 - 7,800.00 572.04 2,090.93 14,307.97 - 9,816.00 1,090.56 1,361.68 112.50 55.03 3,281.15 92.21 680.00 - 1,237.50 957.05 18,683.68 (4,375.71) 2024 |
|---|---|---|
3
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Year Ended 31st August 2025
| Fixed Assets Per schedule Current Assets Premium account Barclays current account - LCT Barclays current account - SS Cash Debtors and prepayments Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals Net Current Assets Net Assets General Fund Balance b/fwd SS Excess of income over expenditure Excess of income over expenditure |
£ £ 243,256.10 0.23 19,687.26 13,606.10 50.00 510.74 33,854.33 (1,390.00) 32,464.33 275,720.43 290,585.93 (9,886.58) (4,978.92) 275,720.43 275,720.43 2025 |
£ £ 244,615.85 0.23 23,897.93 22,888.35 50.00 483.57 47,320.08 (1,350.00) 45,970.08 290,585.93 287,775.77 (4,375.71) 7,185.87 290,585.93 290,585.93 2024 |
|---|---|---|
4
Lighthouse Charity Trust
Fixed Asset Schedule
Year Ended 31st August 2025
Cost
Depreciation
Net Book Value
| At 1st September 2024 Additions Disposal At 31st August 2025 At 1st September 2024 Charge for the year At 31st August 2025 At 1st September 2024 At 31st August 2025 |
Total Freehold Property Fixtures and Equipment £ £ £ 261,513.16 238,723.05 22,790.11 151.27 - 151.27 - - - 261,664.43 238,723.05 22,941.38 16,897.31 - 16,897.31 - - 1,511.02 18,408.33 - 18,408.33 244,615.85 238,723.05 5,892.80 243,256.10 238,723.05 4,533.05 |
|---|---|
5