Trustees report and Annual accounts 1April 2024 – 31[st] March 2025
Charity name and address – The Lighthouse Darwen, Lower Chapel, Chapels, BB3 0EE
Charity number - 1197732
Trustees – Margaret Huggill, Peter Huggill, Rebecca Huggill, Rachel Wilding, Megan Binns, Kath Hodkinson, Danny Wilson, Claire Waring
Trustee report
The Trustees are pleased to report again that steady progress of the Lighthouse project has been maintained. The toll of the previous winter as been addressed and work in the graveyard by volunteers has been good. This spring as seen increased evidence of a range of small birds nesting and we hope that butterflies and moths will be more evident during the summer. Further work in the graveyard has been completed and the new houses in the immediate area are now well advanced. New industrial units on Chapels park will soon be taking shape as the infrastructure for these is now well advanced. Research into the early history of the chapel continues and there has a slow but steady flow of interest in the building.
The mention of the Reverend Henry Townsend who came to Darwen in 1796 to minister to a small congregation of ex members of Lower Chapel has seen the preparation of a new book to be published in late summer this year, along with a celebration heritage service at the Pole lane site which was attended by over 40 people. Our appreciation to Andrea Townsend, Rev Townend’s 4 time great grand-daughter.
The community use is maintained, and the chapel remains an important contributor to the social wellbeing of the local community. Due to the road infrastructure changes for the new housing, the footpath access to Lower Chapel is improved and now has drop curb crossing which will assist the less mobile folks.
The Trustees are pleased to report a further small increase in their financial position despite the ever increasing costs.
Annual Accounts
This year the charity has continued to grow financially with an increase of £2,633.05
| In | Out | |
|---|---|---|
| User 1 | 3,040.00 | |
| User 2 | 840.00 | |
| User 3 | 360.00 | |
| User 4 | 1,580.00 | |
| Energy Charges | 2,923.97 | |
| Water charges | 262.98 | |
| 5,820.00 | 3,186.95 |