Latest: Restored institute takes it bow

The Prichard Jones Institute dates from 1905 and was donated by Sir John Prichard Jones of Dickins & Jones, along with six cottages, as a gift to the people of Newborough for their use.

Sir John was a native of Newborough from a very simple background and began working as an apprentice in the retail trade in Caernarfon and eventually worked his way up through the ranks of the fashion industry until he started to own shops and develop partnerships and eventually became managing director of Dickins and Jones in Regent Street, London.

He also financed the building of Prichard Jones Hall at the Bangor University, for which he received his knighthood.

The Grade II* listed institute building housed a library, reading room, ladies room, public hall, coffee room, smoking room and 'other offices' for the use of the cottage residents, and the inhabitants of Newborough and surrounding district.

The building still houses the public library, as well as meeting rooms used by locals and agencies such as Forestry Commission. The reading room now houses some interpretative panels about Llys Rhosyr - the 14th Century court of the Welsh Princes which lies nearby. Upstairs is a three-table snooker room.

Unfortunately, there is mould and damp and urgent roof repairs are needed. But most of the original features remain intact and the potential is there for the building to shine again.

Plans for future use include council and club meetings, art classes and exhibitions, residential training courses, and perhaps larger events such as receptions or weddings and conferences. There could also be performances, community cinema, dance classes, keep fit classes and creative workshops.

More photos of the Prichard Jones Insitute.
Villagers talk about the institute on Video Nation.
More on Restoration.