Agenda item

7.1       Guildhall Library Centenary Fund

Members received a report of the Chamberlain and Assistant Town Clerk (Culture Mile Director) which provided the Guildhall Library Centenary Fund Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Members noted that the Centenary Fund was being grown from an endowment, which could take some time to mature, and were reminded of the decision taken last year, by the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee, to keep the fund operational for the time being.  The Chairman asked if plans for the future could be more explicit in future reports by including target dates and, if there was no tangible progress, Members should again consider closing the fund.  Members noted that a ‘Friends’ scheme and collection boxes had recently been introduced and were proving successful.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.

7.2       Keats House

Members received a report of the Chamberlain and Director of Open Spaces in respect of Keats’ House Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Members noted that the £226,000 reserve fund included a £100,000 valuation for the Keats’ Love letter.  The new Director of Open Spaces advised that the next report would demonstrate more expenditure on maintenance.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.