Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones (Anglesey Assembly Member) at re-opening of the Prichard Jones Institute

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"Report of the meeting by the Prichard Jones Institute Group of Directors held on Thursday August 6th 2009 (From Holyhead & Anglesey Mail.)

Several people had shown an interest in joining the board but only Harry Lloyd was present on this occasion and was warmly welcomed by the established members. The success of the re-opening day in July had encouraged other local people to come forward and offer their support. For those who do not wish to be too involved with responsibility, there is the volunteer group- now to be known as "Friends of the Prichard Jones Institiute" Both this group and the board members work closely together to raise the profile of this heritage building. Dr David Owens was appointed chairman, with John Pierce Jones as Vice-chairman, Miss Enid Mummery will continue to be the financial director and Maureen Parry-Williams will take on the role of secretary. At the next meeting, one of the priorities will be to finalise the Winter programme of events"
 
Prichard Jones Institute opens after £600,000 facelift

The institute was built by one of the village's most famous sons, Sir John Prichard-Jones, to serve the local community as a library, reading room and public hall.

There were also six alms houses for the area's poor.

 

A building which lost out on the BBC Two programme Restoration has been restored to its former glory in a £650,000 development.

Prichard Jones Institute in Newborough on Anglesey was built in 1905 by a wealthy businessman who wanted to give something back to the community.

"It was a poor village, where there was no running water, no sewage system, with poor quality homes with earth floors. It must have made such an impact," said trustee David Owens. "Although there was also a bit of awe and respect, and some people felt uncomfortable going into somewhere so luxurious."Children were not allowed here and it was considered a bit elitist and exclusive," he added,
There has been something of a split in the village about the restoration too after it was decided that it was not the place to hold activities for children.

However, the Church in Wales granted a lease to Criw Niwbwrch Cyf on the old St Thomas' Church Hall (now known as "Eglwys Bach") where most of the activities for children are now based. It does mean there are two groups competing for funding," said Dr Owens.

"But what I hope will happen is that the two committees can get together to run both venues in the future," he added.

Over the years the building became increasingly run down however although it was still open to the public - and was even used as a 'secondary modern' school for a couple of years in the early 1950s.

The reading room is also a pub in a scene from the film "Half Light" staring Demi Moore.

Grants of £650,000 were obtained from a variety of sources including Anglesey Council, Welsh assembly, National Lottery and Europe to complete the work.

The refurbishment provided the opportunity to update facilities such as the kitchens and toilets, as well turning the former caretaker's flat into office space.

Builders R L Davies from Colwyn Bay, used traditional skills to restore the fabric of the building, with £20,000 going on re-instating the detailed covings in all the main rooms.

People will not see how much work has been done here, because something might look old, but it is in fact new," said site manager Wil Jones.

The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the library, however. Hundreds of books - many in the Welsh language - covered subjects including science and religion.

Daily papers were delivered, and the local residents could go in to browse the Illustrated London News.

There are also artefacts from the time Newborough was a town, and as a 'New Borough' had its own member of parliament.

"It really is a special building," said Elfyn Roberts, from enterprise agency Menter Mon.

"It has taken 13 years for this day to arrive, and the dream to be realised with the institute restored to its former glory," he added.

A day of events was organised on Saturday 4th July 2009 to mark the official opening by Sir David John Walter Prichard-Jones, grandson of benefactor Sir John Prichard-Jones.