Princes Risborough Lighthouse 2021 Chair’s Report
Lighthouse aims to provide an opportunity for children, young people and adults to learn more about God’s amazing love for us and understand the difference Jesus can make in our lives. Year on year we aim to grow, to reach out to more children, young people and adults and to invite them to join us in a lifelong journey with Jesus.
Key roles for this year:
| Chair | Vicky Bant |
|---|---|
| Vice-Chair | Eleyna Kibble |
| Secretary | Elaine Hassall |
| Treasurer | Linda Belsham |
| Safeguarding Ofcer | N/A |
Overview
Princes Risborough Lighthouse has been on a journey over the past few years. Over previous years, Little Lighthouse and the 4-5s age group have been growing by the largest margin each year. In 2019 we had 492 children register and 167 volunteers. The following year we could not run Princes Risborough Lighthouse due to the COVID19 pandemic.
After being unable to run a Lighthouse in 2020, an endeavour was made to run for 2021. All meetings were run virtually via Zoom to start preparation. However, after challenges with the pandemic, venue leasing and volunteer registration, we decided not to run in June 2021. Fundraising ceased and the normal donations which we would have received from the Churches also ceased. Instead, a singular day event was put on in July 2021 in a similar format to our Lighthouse week sessions. Attendees had a great response to the event.
Working with Lighthouse Central, we supported their filming for short holiday sessions at key points in the year. We also assisted them in working towards a ‘virtual Lighthouse’ during the week 26 – 30th July as we did in 2020. Short sessions were posted online each day on the theme and teaching of HOPE, full of songs, actions, messy games, drama, crafts, stories, and prayer! There were also uploaded resources and activities available for the children to complete at home. Positive feedback was received for both the holiday celebrations and the Lighthouse week.
Finance
As a result of cancelling Lighthouse, our financial level of support was dramatically reduced but not to the point that it would bring about insolvency. The day event in the park was financed by donations from a couple of churches and donations from volunteers. We were also able to support Lighthouse Central
with their administration costs. Our Reserves have been maintained and I will be ensuring that going into 2022, Princes Risborough Lighthouse will proceed in the best interests of our charity and in line with COVID restrictions.
Overall
Although the pandemic has created challenges for Lighthouse Princes Risborough, there is an immense positivity among the committee and supporters for Lighthouse to go ahead in 2022. It was a delight to give back to the community with our singular event, reminding those involved of why we love Lighthouse. I passionately believe in the positive impact Lighthouse has on the helpers, the children, and their parents. The continuation of a Virtual Lighthouse has reached families that do not have a local Lighthouse and the children that could not join Lighthouse Princes Risborough. I would like to thank every volunteer and supporter for their faithful dedication. A special thank you to those who volunteered at Lighthouse Central to make Virtual Lighthouse a success. I look forward to the coming year.
Eleyna
Vice-chair 2021 (Financial review by Linda Belsham, Treasurer)
Lighthouse Princes Risborough Final Account 30.09.2021 2020 2021 Balance from Previous Year ,Support from churches Parent Donations Other Donations Gift Aid Quiz Sheets Quiz Night Xmas Fayre Church Collections Grants Sales (net) Other Income Café Income Basket Collection Total Income 962.16 W 1,202.32 0.00 j'1,750.00 310.00 0.00 2,720.00 /861.50 (includes donated fees) 3,298.11 '/193.86 544.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 575.55 0.00 337.90 0.00 600.00 1,000.00 Tesco 132.50 0.00 90.00 124.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9,570.22 5,031.68 Expenditure: Tents & Toilets Electrics, PA, Music Other Site Costs Insurance Newsletters and promotion First Aid Admin Activities: Craft Mainstage Sport Drumming Little Lighthouse MaterialslPrinting Evenings Cont. Fund Total Expenditure 450.00 0.00 0.00 60.40 0.00 0.00 2.857.50 180.00, 2,255.98 265.20,, 254.98, 0.00 0.00 675.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 76.52, 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,000.00 0.00 8,367.90 3,708.67 h 1,202.32 1,323.01 Final Balance at Annual Income less Expenditure 240.16 120.69 Contingency IReserve Account Balance at Interest 32,357.04 123.94 0.00 32,480.98 From current account Balance at Assets @ 30.9.2021 1.323.01 32,480.98 33,803.99 Total Assets @ 30.9.2021 I have tested the accounts with the records kept, with the bank statements and the vouchers for the year and find them, and the balances, to be in accordance with these accounts.