Until recently Muker Public Hall and Muker Literary Institute were, for historic reasons, separate bodies. Each body had its own governance though there were similar aims and close connections between them. In 2019 it was decided by both governing bodies, and in consultation with the community they served, to merge in order to benefit from a combined group of trustees. The legal merger was undertaken recently and in addition to this, the Institute was merged with the Public Hall under the Charity Commission to collectively become the Muker Public Hall and Literary Institute (MPHLI).
Next steps for the governance
The merger then allowed the combined charity to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), giving a number of benefits, including additional protection to the trustees.
In March 2024 Muker Public Hall & Literary Institute was registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission and given the new registration number 1207554.
The object of the CIO is; The provision and maintenance of the charity for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Muker, Upper Swaledale, without distinction of political, religious or other opinions.
Uses include; meetings, lectures, classes and exhibitions, recreation and leisure activities with the object of improving the conditions of life.
Development plans for Muker Public Hall and Literary Institute
The last major refurbishment of the Muker Public Hall took place in 1997 and, though maintenance of the building has been undertaken on a regular basis, the Trustees have recognised that there is a need for a further upgrading of the facilities. As a result the Hall recently had:
- a fully equipped kitchen has recently been installed
- a modern multi-media system installed with a ceiling mounted projector, drop down screen and high quality audio system
- the stage area replastered and painted
- the hall curtains (including the stage curtains) were recently replaced with the help of a grant
- re-pointing of sections of the external walls
- installation of wall lights appropriate for social events
In 2024, the final area requiring refurbishment, resulted with the toilets undergoing a much needed overhaul. The whole of the Public Hall now provides a much more user friendly, clean, dry and warm environment.
The Muker Literary Institute has benefited in recent years from a number of projects including a major refurbishment of the structure including the roof and windows. Accessibility to the downstairs exhibition/meeting room has been improved by the installation of a ramp. A generous grant from various donors allowed the installation of a display cabinet to house the growing collection of local artefacts reflecting the history of the village.
In 2023, with the assistance of Community First Yorkshire, wi-fi was installed. This provides much appreciated network access for visitors to the village and also enables the opportunity to accept payment card donations.
Muker Public Hall and Literary Institute 