[bg_faq_start]
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.)
[bg_faq_end]
Event Information:
-
Whorlton Village Hall
Whorlton Village Hall
The Village
Whorlton is located four miles from Barnard Castle and above the River Tees. The village is very picturesque and has an attractive green. There is also a wooden suspension bridge that was built in 1831 which leads to Wycliffe and provides access to the A66.
The Hall
Whorlton Village Hall was originally built in 1840 by a Mr Ferdinand Raine as an Independent Chapel. It continued to be held by the Raine family until eventually falling into disuse until about thirty years ago when it was bought by the Anglican Church on the recommendation of the then incumbent vicar of Whorlton Parish for use as a meeting place. In 1991 Whorlton Village Community Association was established and subsequently became tenants for the hall. The association set about raising funds to improve the rather run down building and have successfully renovated it to its present working condition. The size and layout of Whorlton Village Hall makes it an ideal choice for private and business functions. The hall is available for hire for: • Meetings/Seminars • Social Events • Fairs and Sales • Rehearsals • Training • Functions • Parties • Stage Productions/Concerts • Sports Classes Regular activities ongoing in the hall include committee meetings, WI and stage productions and concerts.
Features
Rooms: Kitchen 11’ x 10’ Dressing Room 8’ x 10’6” Main Hall 28’ x 22’6” Stage 11’ x 19’ Heating: Oil fired central heating throughout hall Maximum Capacity: Main Hall 80. Kitchen 6 Dressing Room 8 Facilities: The hall boasts a stage with lighting and a PA system suitable for productions and concerts. The kitchen facilities include an electric cooker and there are toilet facilities accessible to all. Equipment: The hall has adequate chairs and tables and there is ample crockery and cutlery available. There is a photocopier available. Parking: No designated car park but roadside parking is available. Access: Ramp to main entrance Hire Charges: £9.00 per hour or part hour, £6.00 for regular users. Registered Charity Number: 1003340
Contact
Kath Tallentire 01833 627283 or Linda Alderson 01833 627002
Facilities
Accessible WC
On Street Parking
Ramp (up)no event