## **Lighthouse 2023 – Annual Report**
Lighthouse was once again held in the grounds of Holy Trinity School.
The theme this year was ‘My God is the King of Me’ with each day focusing on a different Biblical story; David and Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, Jonah and the whale, Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus and the Great Commission. These were linked by the Rend Collective song ‘King of Me’ which was used in Mainstage worship sessions during the week. The children also learned a memory verse from Joshua 1 verse 9 ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’.
Lighthouse was once again oversubscribed, with 439 children seeking places. Of these we were able to offer places to 353 children. Priority was given to children whose parent/carer was a volunteer, those who live in Marlow and those who attend a Marlow school. At the time places were allocated all children who had applied and who live in Marlow were able to be given a place. Subsequently a further 13 children living in Marlow applied and were not able to be included. In the end 38 children were not able to attend, the remainder had their places cancelled by their parents. Sadly, some parents do not advise us that their children are not able to attend, or that they would only be there for a couple of days. If we had been aware of this, then other children could have been given places.
Lighthouse was staffed by 239 volunteers, 91 of whom were aged 12-17. Due to a shortage of adult volunteers a number of older teenagers helped in areas which are normally covered by adults. We were pleased that they rose to the challenge and made great contributions to the Trinity House, 4s, creche, special needs, Tech, drama and sports teams. Four 17-year-olds took on the role of Lighthouse Keeper where they took responsibility for a group of up to 13 children, aided by at least two younger teenagers.
We are collecting feedback from parents and volunteers. To date all feedback is extremely positive, with some parents specifically commenting about the Christian messages as well as the fun the children had throughout the week.
Some useful feedback has been received regarding ideas for improving interaction with parents of children attending which may also increase their donations. Sadly, there seems to be a common belief that, because we don’t want to exclude any child on the basis of cost, parents who could afford to pay also do not need to make a donation. We currently believe that there will be a small shortfall in income compared to our costs, however this deficit would have been much worse had a number of fundraising events and activities not been run during the year and some substantial donations received. One unbudgeted for item was portable toilets which had to be hired as the school was unwilling to allow Lighthouse children to use the school toilets that they have previously used.
During the year Cat Sweet and Emily Clark have run monthly ‘get together’ sessions at Chives Cafe for teenage helpers, and those interested in becoming a young Lighthouse volunteer. It is hoped that these will continue and grow in popularity. During the week teenage volunteers enjoyed an evening where they could meet together, relax and eat pizza, this was hosted by the Methodist Church. Feedback indicates that some adult volunteers would also appreciate the opportunity to meet outside of the Lighthouse week.
Thanks are due to our many volunteers and to the parents, churches, church members and organisations who have supported us financially, through volunteering and/or in kind this year.
Sarah Jones, Chair of Trustees
## **MARLOW LIGHTHOUSE ACCOUNTS**
|**MARLOW LIGHTHOUSE ACCOUNTS**|**MARLOW LIGHTHOUSE ACCOUNTS**|
|---|---|
|**Income & Expenditure Account**
Gift Aid donations
Gift Aid tax rebate
donations from churches
corporate donations
other donations from individuals
T shirt sales
other fundraising
tea tent plus cafe
**total income**
marquee hire
insurance
Lighthouse Central and DBS
Contribution to HT or LHC
stationery & printing for teaching/TH
T Shirts
mainstage expenses
site expenses
craft
misc expenses
tea tent
teen event
Creche/Little LH/4s
Expenses from prior years not claimed
**total expenditure**
Reversal of prior year storage costs
**SURPLUS FOR YEAR**|**LHM**
**2023**
7,164.18
1,676.27
1,100.00
3,475.00
1,269.28
1,004.50
2,933.67
46.90|
||**18,669.80**|
||11,479.86
457.74
3,008.50
500.00
0.00
1,324.01
0.00
1,755.53
62.03
79.68
0.00
45.89
0.00|
||**18,713.24**|
||1,500.00
**1,456.56**|
|||
|**Balance Sheet**
**Statement of reserves**
reserves b/fwd
Capital transfer
surplus for year
reserves c/fwd|**2023**
£
25,307.73
1,456.56|
||26,764.29|
|**Represented by**
balance per bank statement
add uncleared bankings
less unpresented cheques
less prior year unpresented cheques
less accrual
cash book balance|31,530.43
138.32
-4,904.46|
|---|---|
||26,764.29|