HISTORY OF THE READING ROOM

The existing reading room was built by the island residents in 1933 an extract taken from the original minute's book reads:
“to provide social intercourse, rational recreation and other advantages of a club'.

Its dimensions were just a mere 13 metres long by 4.5 wide, this allowed for a hall 11 metres long with 2 small cloak rooms. It wasn't until the mid-1980's that the islanders got together again and added a kitchen and toilets with water, drainage and mains electricity. Those of you that have been coming to the islands over the many years will remember how the call of nature was catered for when you attended a dance or concert at the hall.

The existing building is shuttered concrete walls, without foundations or a damp proof course. This is causing the bottom half of the walls which are lined with tongue and groove boarding to rot from the bottom up. The floor is softwood planking, which is now badly worn and very fragile - some planking and supporting cross members have had to be replaced due to rot. (This was especially brought to light a few years ago when an exuberant member of the circuit training team went through the floor).

Over the years the reading room has been used for many joyous activities, Weddings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, nativity plays, pantomimes and the occasional dances (just for the fun of it) to name just a few.

In 1997 the island committee felt the reading room was not fulfilling the needs of the developing community. It was considered whether we could upgrade the existing reading room but sadly the cost would have been too high with little hope of any funding being available.