– FCCCL Committee Report January 2026
My name is Maggie Pearce and I joined the library as a volunteer in March 2025. I was welcomed by Alison who was very caring and continued to check in with me for weeks following my first session. Very sadly Alison passed away in June, I subsequently was asked to be the new Volunteer Co-ordinator. Alison was much more than this, she had saved the library from closure by organising an amazing group of volunteers, many who are still caring for the library in varying roles.
As this is a committee report I would like to highlight what has been happening within the library since July 2025. I would like to thank James, our Team leader from Dorset Council library service, he has not only supported me but has started to give training to some of our volunteers, he attends the library on a weekly basis and is always happy to answer any questions we may have. We do experience problems with our computer system and photocopier, James does his best to sort these problems.
The Summer Reading Challenge participant numbers were much improved. The volunteer team has purged, tidied and re-organised the stock, this is on-going with ideas and feedback welcome from our volunteers. New building and operational processes have been put in place. Out Facebook page is updated regularly with increased engagement. Our website is being updated with new pages being added. A new OPEN flag has been purchased and is displayed in the garden to increase our presence. A new flyer is being developed ahead of a concerted marketing drive.
In November we welcomed Fiona Deal, a local author, who gave a talk titled “Egyptian Mystery and Adventure”. We have several talks planned for the coming year, starting today.
We have built a closer relationship with our primary school and pre-school. This term several children will take part in an after-school session which hopefully will encourage more membership and use of our library. On a Tuesday two of our volunteers run a reading club for pre-school children which is well attended and popular.
In December we held a well-attended Christmas get-together for our volunteers, friends and family. Subsequently we have 4 new library members and a new volunteer. I would like to extend my thanks to all the committee members, our dedicated volunteers and the friends of the library. Your help and support are keeping the library going from strength to strength.
FRIENDS OF CORFE CASTLE LIBRARY ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 UNT MOVEMENT SUMMARY 2025 Lloyds Bank ba13n¢e b/f INCOME Donations inc Friends subscriptions Dorset Council Solar Panel Income Fund raising BANKACC 2024 £8,590.69 £11,268.38 £1,311.32 £3.961.48 £50.64 £429.70 £97.00 £48.37 £321.72 £380.00 EXPENDITURE Scottishpower & Water Littlebirds & Window Cleaner InsurancelFire Advertising Sundry expense5 £5.753.14 £847.09 £564.12 £740.00 £673.63 £1,498.39 £524.20 £957.38 £200.00 £344.81 £947.39 1£2,925.141 £11.418.69 1£3,524.781 Lloyds Bank balance clf INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Total banked Tot31 spent Accrual for 2024 grant paid in 2025 Accrual for 2024 grant paid in 2025 £8,590.69 £5.753.14 £847.09 £2,925.14 £1.951.00 £3.524.78 1£1,951.001 £4,876.14 £1,573.78 Net Surplus Ideficitl for the year STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at 310e(ember 2025 £877.00 1£726.691 Bank balance at year end £11.418.69 £8.590.69 Bank balance less unfulfilled liabilities £11,418.69 £8,590.69 This figu includes £1204.32 that was donated in memory of Alison Allwright 'Actual solar power income is £311.28. OctOPU5 energy deduct the income from their bills.