Harlech Library and Institute Annual Report 2024
Name: Harlech Library and Institute
Address: Stryd Fawr/High Street Harlech Gwynedd LL46 2YB
Charity number: 702412
(Other names: Harlech Old Library/Hen Lyfrgell Harlech/Hwb Harlech)
Introduction
The unincorporated charity, Harlech Library and Institute, known locally as the Old Library/Hwb Harlech, owns and manages a 117 year old building in the centre of Harlech (population 1,300) in a Conservation Area near the Harlech Castle World Heritage site.
The Harlech Library and Institute was opened in 1908 by the Crown Receiver, Mr. W H More, following a two year fund raising effort with public subscriptions and also philanthropic support from the Earl of Winchelsea and Lord Harlech. It has been set up as an unincorporated charitable trust (charity number 702412) with the aim of improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants of the community of Harlech. The intended use covers meetings, lectures, classes and other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation.
Management
The day to day running of the building is carried out by the Old Library Management Committee made up of local volunteers representative of the users of the facility. The Custodian Trustee is the Harlech Community Council.
The Management Committee meets monthly on, normally, the second Thursday evening of each month. In 2024 there were 10 members. New members are recruited from the Harlech community by advertisement at the time of the AGM or, where this is not successful, by invitation. Applications from suitable community representatives can be considered at any time. Community representatives can also be co-opted, as volunteers, for specific tasks.
The Management Committee members for 2024:
Reg Chapman - Chairperson James Maxwell - Secretary Sheila Maxwell - Treasurer, Bookings Secretary Martin Hughes - Vice-Chairperson/Harlech Community Council appointee Edwina- Evans - Harlech Community Council appointee Susan Eagle - Librarian Jane Chapman Cecily Carter - Volunteer Co-ordinator Lucy Freeman - Publicity Officer Dr Neil Evans
There are no paid members of staff and no member of the Management Committee receives any payment other than reimbursement for necessary purchases (all such purchases must be supported by an invoice).
Activities for 2024.
In 2024 some regular activities had resumed following the Covid closures but others had not. Only one Welsh class returned face to face. Others remained online. One IT class returned but a second only operated for part of the year. Efforts to attract other users were partly successful.
The sale of second-hand donated books in the Old Library Bookshop and in a nearby community gallery was very successful. In addition, there was a revival of interest in snooker with the formation of a local team, greater use of the facility and an increase in income. One valuable addition was the letting of office space to a regular user.
The creation of a Harlech Archive continued with a grant from the Heritage Lottery to cover training and purchase of relevant equipment. Work on the history of Harlech, which had begun before covid, cumulated in the production of a new bilingual book 'Harlech, When two worlds met, Rhwng dau fyd" paid for by a grant from the Eryri National Park Authority. Grant funds 2024: Heritage Lottery Fund £6,800 Eryri National Park Authority £8,560 Harlech Community Council £2,000 Total £17,360
Financial review
The financial year runs from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The Harlech Old Library operates receipts and payments accounts which are independently examined each year. In 2025 the 2024 accounts were examined and signed off by an independent examiner who gave his opinion that they were a true record of income and expenditure for the year and raised no matters of concern.
The income for 2024 was £30,060 and expenditure £20,750. At year end there was a total of £4,458 of grant funds received but not spent. The surplus on the working account was £4,852. The budget was discussed and agreed at all the Management Committee meetings.
In addition to the working account the Old Library at year end held reserves of £16, 794. A relatively high reserves account is kept in view of the age and condition of the building. The total cost of all the repairs and refurbishment required has been estimated as being in the region of £90,000. Grant applications are made, where possible, to assist with this refurbishment and the reserves used as an applicant contribution which is often required to secure a grant.
The Management Committee regularly addresses concerns of any future deficits. Further promotion of the now improved building and diversification, where possible, of use and users is under constant review. There are no material risks to the charity at the present time.
There were no serious incidents during the year which should be reported to the Charity Commission.
Declaration
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature Full name James Maxwell Position Secretary Date 17 September 2025 ~~———~~
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