25
ANNUAL REPORT
WHERE IMAGINATION
THRIVES
2 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Contents**
## **1. Objectives & Aims**
## **2. Achievements & Performance**
**a. Chair’s Report**
**b. Toy Library Manager’s Report**
## **3. Financial Review**
**a. Treasurer’s Report**
## **4. Structure, Governance & Management**
## **5. Declarations**
3 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Objectives and Activities**
## _Our aims_
Our aim, is to support and provide for the play and education of children within the London Borough of Lewisham by providing stimulating toys and play equipment. We cater for children from 0 up to around the age of 8. Our range of toys is vast and our toys represent the diverse community we operate in. We have toys for visually impaired children, children on the autistic spectrum and other special needs.
## _Our objectives_
Our objectives are set to reflect the aims of the toy library and to build on and develop the work we have done in previous years. In setting our objectives and planning our activities, our trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance. Our objectives for this period were:
- To create a sustainable plan for the future of the toy library, given news of the upcoming redevelopment of Lewisham, which includes the demolition of the section of the shopping centre that houses the toy library
- To focus on fundraising to ensure that we can continue to provide an affordable offer so that all families in the local area can have access to play
- To support our toy librarians as demand continues to increase so that they can continue to provide a high quality service for members
4 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Achievements and**
## **Performance**
## _Chair’s Report_
## **Trustees & Volunteers**
The Board of Trustees continue to collaborate closely with our dedicated librarians to focus on improvement and innovation, ensuring the Toy Library’s offerings meet the evolving needs of the Lewisham community.
The day-to-day operation of the Toy Library relies entirely not only on our librarians, but also our trusted team of volunteers who welcome members into the library and make sure that they have access to the right toys that will bring a little joy into your child’s lives. We are so grateful for the countless hours of their time and selfless dedication—we simply could not operate without them.
We are always seeking to grow our team! If you have time and skills to offer and are interested in becoming a trustee or volunteer, please get in touch. We are really flexible so you can choose to help out in the library itself, or take on a special project from home to help us grow. We also wanted to say thank you to the anonymous members who nominated us for the Mayor of Lewisham’s Community Award for Faith or Community Group for recognising the hard work of the team.
## **Librarians**
Magdalena, our Toy Library Manager, continues to provide outstanding service to our members. Her unwavering passion ensures that not only does the library runs like clockwork, she is always ready to make our members feel welcome and guide them through our extensive range of toys and resources.
We are delighted that Olivia's role as a member-facing toy librarian has continued to be such a success. Her positive, supportive presence and commitment to our members make her a truly valuable and fantastic addition to the team.
## 5 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
We extend our heartfelt thanks to both Magdalena and Olivia for their commitment to making
the Lewisham Toy Library such a welcoming and invaluable resource for the community this year.
## **Website**
Our website, lewishamtoylibrary.org.uk, performed strongly:
- Visitor Numbers: In 2024-25, the site received 43,427 page views from 17,904 active sessions.
- Top Pages: The homepage remains the most visited page, followed by the party hire and membership joining pages.
## **Premises**
While we were unclear on when the next phase of Lewisham’s redevelopment will happen, we have been reassured by Landsec, the landlord is keen to support us as we provide an invaluable service for families. .
## **Future Projects**
Building on the foundation laid this past year, we are committed to key strategic initiatives that will ensure the long-term strength, stability, and relevance of Lewisham Toy Library.
## **Infrastructure and Sustainability**
- **Premises Search:** The relocation to a new, suitable premise remains a high priority. We will continue the diligent search for a space that is not only practical for the library and accessible for our members but is also financially sustainable for our long-term future.
- **Income Generation and Diversification:** To ensure financial stability and reduce our deficit, we will actively diversify our income streams and seek new strategic partnerships. This will enable us to widen our essential offering to the community.
## **User and Team Experience**
- **Streamlined Member Experience:** A core goal is to significantly improve the user experience for all members. This includes reviewing and enhancing the process for borrowing, renewing, and returning toys to create a smoother, more efficient system for members, volunteers, and librarians alike.
- **Volunteer Growth and Support:** We will focus on building our invaluable pool of volunteers. This includes strengthening recruitment efforts and investing in improved systems and training to better support their dedication and commitment.
6 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Enhanced Digital Presence and Outreach**
Our strategic marketing efforts will be central to expanding our reach and engagement:
- **Digital Team Expansion:** We aim to recruit new volunteers with skills in social media and content creation to improve the frequency and quality of our posts, leveraging our existing tools like Canva.
- **Content Development:** We will strategically develop content to promote our services to community partners, and expand and optimise our pages dedicated to party hire and donations.
We approach this Annual General Meeting with renewed hope and commitment to operating the best possible service for our members, our community, and our dedicated team. The Board of Trustees, working alongside our librarians, will continue to drive focus on improving and innovating the Lewisham Toy Library's essential community offering throughout the coming year.
7 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## _Toy Library Manager’s Report_
## **Toy Librarian’s Report**
## **Overview**
Lewisham Toy Library has not only survived another year but it is thriving. The large amounts of donations and new members are keeping us busy and well stocked. So much so, we have been struggling with the space and appointments to accommodate everybody.
The 2024/2025 year started off strong and slowed down with an average of approximately 30 new members every month. We currently have 700 active subscribers and nearly 3000 contacts.
We decided to keep the appointment system in place due to the space still being very limited and stock and demand rising rapidly.
## **Volunteers**
We have a steady number of volunteers, with Martin being our longest standing volunteer and Gina and Mounira being our newest but oh so valued additions.
Mark has stepped up during our time of need and filled Olivia's and Magdalena's shoes when both were recovering from medical emergencies - thank you Mark!
We also welcomed Mark’s and Laura’s youngest sibling - Mattie, who is following in his siblings footsteps and doing his DofE.
We are also continuing our work with Allison Norris, who is a work experience officer for supported learning at Lewisham College.
Big thank you to Ellie M. for taking stock home and numbering endless puzzle pieces etc.
## **Stock**
We are currently nearing the 7000 toys mark and keeping a close eye on our stock so we are always able to offer safe and attractive items for our members to borrow.
Our party hire is as popular as ever.
8 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Overview**
This has been yet another busy year for the library, which we are always grateful for as it feels nice to be needed:)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and members for the respect, love and support (and sweet treats!!!!) - it’s what keeps us going.
## **Financial Review**
## _Treasurer’s Report_
During the financial year to 31 March 2025, I am pleased to report that Lewisham Toy Library has continued to maintain a solid financial position, successfully managing operational costs whilst preserving a healthy reserves position. The organisation has demonstrated resilience in a challenging economic environment, with operational income increasing compared to the prior financial year, supported by supplementary grant funding.
## **Income**
In the financial year to 31 March 2025, total receipts reached £41,456, an increase of 6% compared to prior year receipts of £39,106. This improvement reflects continued strong membership engagement..
Membership and Service Income: £35,977
Grant and donations Income: £5,479
Other key funding sources included:
- Benevity community giving platform: £5,479
## **Costs**
Total payments for the year were £44,106, representing a 6% increase from prior year expenditure of £41,469.
Staff costs remain the largest operational expense (79%) and reflect the continuation of the second toy librarian position on a fixed-term contract basis. This investment has enabled the organisation to expand operating hours and service capacity, enhancing member experience and community reach. Salaries, PAYE, and pension contributions relating to the period totalled
## 9 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
£33,258, broadly consistent with the prior year full-year operation of this enhanced staffing model.
## Financial Position and Reserves
At 31 March 2025, the organisation maintains a healthy reserves position of £78,127 (including amounts due not yet received and accrued costs), reflecting disciplined financial management and prudent cash flow control.
## Reserve assessment:
Current reserves represent approximately 22 months of running costs based on average monthly expenditure of £3,571. This significantly exceeds the organisation's stated reserves policy of maintaining 3 months of running costs (equivalent to approximately £10,700).
Whilst the enhanced reserves position provides excellent financial security and flexibility for investment in service improvement and strategic initiatives, trustees should remain cognisant that the current staffing model (particularly the second librarian position) was initially justified as a fixed-term investment. The organisational sustainability of this model is dependent upon either:
1. Increasing operational income through membership growth and new revenue streams, or
2. Securing sustainable external funding to cover the incremental salary costs
The healthy reserves position should be viewed as a strategic asset to fund innovation and growth rather than as a long-term subsidy for fixed costs.
## Looking Forward
The Lewisham Toy Library enters the new financial year in a strong position. Key considerations include:
1. Sustainability Planning: Development of medium-term funding and income growth strategies to ensure the second librarian position becomes sustainably funded through operations or grants rather than reserves
2. Revenue Diversification: Exploration of new income streams and service offerings to complement core membership income
3. Grant Funding: Continued pursuit of restricted and unrestricted grant funding to support strategic priorities
4. Reserve Deployment: Consideration of appropriate deployment of reserves to fund capital improvements, service enhancements, or strategic initiatives that improve long-term sustainability
5. Financial Monitoring: Continuation of detailed monthly financial tracking to maintain visibility of operational performance and early identification of variances
Conclusion
## 10 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
The 2024-25 financial year has been a successful one for Lewisham Toy Library. Income growth has been achieved, operational costs have been well-managed, and the organization maintains a strong financial foundation. The organisation's commitment to accessible services for families and children in Lewisham continues to be supported by a dedicated team of librarians and volunteers.
The organisation is well-positioned for the year ahead and I am confident in its continued success in delivering excellent community services.
11 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
The Trustees of the Toy Library are responsible for the overall management and control of the charity and meet monthly to guide, plan and review the work of the charity.
The Toy Library is an unincorporated association and all trustees and staff adhere to the governing documents (Constitution and Code of Governance) to ensure that the charity is delivering its objectives and is managed effectively.
The Chair of the board of trustees is responsible for the personnel management of employed library staff and the employed librarians are responsible for the management and guidance for the Toy Library’s volunteers.
The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial management of the LIbrary and to assist with this, the charity employees a bookkeeper to prepare accounts and reports for monthly review by the Treasurer and Trustee committee
## **Trustee selection**
The board of Trustees seek to ensure that there is a good breadth and depth of skills and experience on the board to effectively carry out its duties. When recruiting new trustees we look for individuals who:
- Align to the aims of the Toy Library and have an interest in the work we do.
- Represent our local community and member base
- Bring skills or experience which will enhance the board of trustees and ultimately benefit the library and its members.
We advertise for trustees locally in the Toy Library, in local forums (e.g. Lewisham Local) and via our social media channels. Potential Trustees are invited to meet with the current board at a monthly Trustee meeting and from there are officially voted to the board by our library members at the next AGM.
All trustees give of their time freely and no remuneration or expenses were paid in the year. No Trustee or person connected with a Trustee received any benefit in relation to the Toy LIbrary and their work as a member of the board.
12 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
## _Charity Details_
Lewisham Toy Library Registered Charity Number: 271496 Address: Unit 46 Molesworth Street, London SE13 7EP
## _Trustee Details_
The following Trustees acted for the charity within the financial year covered by this
report.
|report.|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Trustee Name|Position held on
board|Date appointed|Date of
resignation|Appointed by|
|Jennifer Luk|Co-Chair|October 2019|n/a|AGM member
vote 2019|
|Elizabeth
Stevenson|Co-Chair|September
2022|n/a|AGM member
vote 2022|
|Elisabeth Poirel|Secretary|January 2014|n/a|AGM member
vote 2014|
|Justine Vella|Trustee|July 2019|10/01/26|AGM member
vote 2019|
|Sara Hill|Trustee|November
2020|01/09/2025|Board of
trustees 2020|
|Jill Hamilton|Trustee|February 2022|n/a|Board of
Trustees 2021|
|Harry
Nandakumar|Trustee|August 2025|n/a|Board of trustees
2025|
|Alice Alfert|Trustee|May 2025|On mat leave|Board of trustees
2025|
|Tanuj
Modasia-Shah|Treasurer|Feb 2025|n/a|Board of trustees
2025|
13 Lewisham Toy Library Annual Report 2025
## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Jennifer Luk
**Position:**Co-Chair of the board of
trustees
**Date:**09/01/2026|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Elizabeth Stevenson
**Position:**Co-Chair of the board of
trustees
**Date:**09/01/2026|
|---|---|
|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Elisabeth Poirel
**Position:**Secretary
**Date:**09/01/2026|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Tanuj Modasia-Shah
**Position:**Treasurer
**Date:**09/01/2026|
|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Alice Alfert
**Position:**Trustee
**Date:**09/01/2026|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Harry Nandakumar
**Position:**Trustee
**Date:**09/01/2026|
|**Signature:**
**Full name:**Jill Hamilton
**Position:**Trustee
**Date:**09/01/2026||
## **Independent examiner's report To the trustees of**
## **Lewisham To Librar y y**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Lewisham Toy Library for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of the report**
As the charity trustees of Lewisham Toy Library you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination that give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Caroline Sharp** FCA, DChA
Date: **26 January 2026**
55 Canberra Road LONDON SE7 8PF
for the year ending 31 March 2025
Lewisham Toy Library
14
**No 271496**
**Lewisham Toy Library**
**CC16a**
## **Receipts and payments accounts**
**For the period 01-Apr-24 To 31-Mar-25 from**
## **A. Receipts and payments**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
nearest £
A1 Receipts
Rothesay Life PLC - - - - 2,500
Bright Funds - - - - 1,381
Grant from Groundwork UK - - - - 500
Other donations and gifts 7,147 - - 7,147 4,322
Toy Library membership subs and fines 27,909 - - 27,909 25,540
Toy sales 5,803 - - 5,803 3,351
Party hire 117 - - 117 1,063
Lewisham Lottery 178 - - 178 274
Shopmobility 23 - - 23 20
Bank interest 279 - - 279 155
Sub total (Gross income for AR) 41,456 - - 41,456 39,106
Total receipts 41,456 - - 41,456 39,106
A3 Payments
Staff costs 35,199 - - 35,199 32,158
Volunteer expenses 254 - - 254 -
Insurance 1,328 - - 1,328 1,270
Electricity 1,577 - - 1,577 1,615
Cleaning 227 - - 227 156
Library expenses 1,363 - - 1,363 2,452
Toys 547 - 547 1,136
Telecom Expense 317 - - 317 295
Independent examiner 750 - - 750 750
Bookkeeping and accountancy 650 - - 650 600
Subscriptions 114 - - 114 251
Bank fees 570 - - 570 631
- - - - -
Sub total [ 44,106 ] - - 44,106 41,469
Total payments 44,106 - - 44,106 41,469
Net of (payments)/receipts (2,651) - - (2,651) (2,363)
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end
(see note 1 below) 76,795 - - 76,795 79,158
Cash funds this year end 74,144 - - 74,144 76,795
**----- End of picture text -----**
15
31 March 2025
Lewisham Toy Library
**No 271496**
**Lewisham Toy Library**
**CC16a**
|**Receipts**|**and payments**|**accounts**|
|---|---|---|
|**For the period**
**from**|**To**
**01-Apr-24**|**31-Mar-25**|
## **B. Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
## **Categories**
## **B1 Cash funds**
## **B2 Other monetary assets**
## **B5 Liabilities**
Signed on behalf of all the trustees
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
CAF Bank 71,934 - -
PayPal 1,084 - -
Zettle
200 - -
Barclays - - -
Petty Cash 926 - -
Total cash funds 74,144 - -
(agree balances with receipts and
payments account(s)) OK OK OK
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
HMRC - refund of employers 5,645 - -
allowance from prior years
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
Accruals for costs incurred paid Unrestricted
after year end
-
-
Date of
Signature Print Name
approval
TANUJ MODASIA-SHAH 09/01/2026
**----- End of picture text -----**
16
31 March 2025
Lewisham Toy Library
14 Lewishom Toy Librory Annuol Report 2025
WHERE
IMAGINATION
THRIVES
Lewisham Shopping Centre
lewishamtoylibrary.org.uk
Tues, Wed, Friday, Saturday
librorian@lewishamtoylibrary.org.uk
10am to 3pm
vw.facebook.comliewishamtoylibraryl
0208 297 2735
@LewToyLibrary