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The Town
Barnard Castle has been recognised nationally as one of the 50 most historically and architecturally important towns in Great Britain and listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain. The Grade II listed Witham Hall is an important, central feature of the townscape, located where Horsemarket meets the Market Place.
The Hall
The Witham Testimonial was built by public subscription as a memorial to Henry T.M. Witham of Lartington, a palaeobotanist and philanthropist who had strived to make provision for the medical and educational needs of Barnard Castle before his death in 1844. Hence the building, which opened in 1846, housed the Mechanics’ Institute and a Dispensary for the Relief of the Sick Poor. By 1860, a large music hall had been built to the rear of the Testimonial Building, whilst the premises later incorporated several small cottages in Hall Street. Together these buildings became known as The Witham and have continued to be used by the people of Barnard Castle as a backdrop for celebration, for participation and for people to gain new experiences.
2013 marks the culmination of over 10 years work to raise money and carry out work to restore its historic fabric and make The Witham fit-for-purpose as a fully accessible modern arts venue for the 21st century. The redevelopment project has seen the original Grade II listed Witham buildings restored, and a new link building constructed between the Witham Testimonial and the Event Hall, incorporating a foyer area, café bar and toilets. In addition, Durham County Council has extended and refurbished its Library building to the rear of The Witham buildings, to include new council offices and a customer access point as well as the continued Library service.
Funding of the project principally came from Durham County Council investing over £2 million with match funding of £336,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £773,879 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF funding is part of a wider programme which has brought more than £300 million to the North East. The Witham and Library development project was led by Barnard Castle Vision, Durham County Council and The Witham Directors.
Features
Hire Charges: Contact the hall directly Registered Charity Number: 1146726
Contact
01833 631107 Email: info@thewitham.org.uk
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY Registered Charity Number: 1146726
Facilities
WC
On Street Parking
Ramp (down)
Ramp (up)
Wheelchair Access to Side (by prior arr.)
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Event Information:
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Evenwood - Randolph Community Centre
Evenwood Evenwood - Randolph Community Centre
The Village
The Village
Evenwood is an old mining village situated between Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland. Evenwood is situated in the Gaunless Valley which is renowned for its industrial heritage and its interesting landscape features and walks.
The Hall
History
The building was formerly the National School. It was opened in 1865 on a site given by John Bowes. The building was totally refurbished through the Sure Start funding scheme and was reopened as the Evenwood Randolph Centre incorporating a Sure Start Children’s Centre in 2005. In 2014 the building, as a place for the community, was under threat due to the County Council needing to make cuts. Evenwood and Barony Council took the courageous step to form a separate Trust to take on the future responsibility of the building.
On the 4 April 2016, the building was taken over by the Randolph Community Centre Foundation Trust with the aim to develop a community hub available to all. The building was rebranded as The Randolph Community Centre
Features
The Hall
Rooms: Main hall, Educational suite and large meeting room, interview and small meeting room, kitchen facilities – A Café and coffee shop is currently open Monday and Tuesday offering Barista style drinks and hot and cold snacks. This can be made available to those hiring the centre on other days. Heating: Available throughout hall. Facilities: The modern kitchen facilities include fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher and cooker. There is a stage and conferencing facilities. There are also toilet facilities accessible to all. Free wifi available to all using the centre. Equipment: There are adequate chairs and tables. Parking: There is a designated car park with ample spaces plus two marked accessible parking spaces. Access: There is access for all into the hall. Coffee Shop/Cafe - On Monday and Tuesday's a Barista Coffee Shop and cafe operates in partnership with the YMCA, from 9 until 2pm. At other times it is made available to those hiring the building on Wednesday and Thursday.
Website: http://www.randolphcommunitycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.randolphcommunitycentre.co.uk<span< a="" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> class="TextRun SCX83920460" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB">
Hire Charges: Contact the hall directly 01388 835588
Contact
Martin 01388 835588 E: evenwoodparish@aol.com
Facilities
Accessible WC
2 Disabled Spaces
Induction Loop
Level Entrance
Parking
no event