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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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Romaldkirk Reading Rooms
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The Village
Romaldkirk is a beautiful village with extensive greens on which the village stocks and parish pumps still remain and where maypole dancing used to take place in the 18th and 19th century. The village has been designated a Conservation Area to protect its character.
The Hall
Romaldkirk Reading Rooms were built in 1887 for the purpose of people to go in and read the morning papers. The Snooker room was built on in the1940's. The size and layout of Romaldkirk 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 • Sports Classes Regular activities ongoing in the hall include yoga and art classes.
Features
Heating: Available throughout hall Maximum Capacity: 100 in main hall Facilities: This attractive hall has modern kitchen facilities including fridge, microwave and cooker. Small portable staging makes the hall a suitable venue for some stage productions and concerts. Equipment: The hall has adequate chairs and tables and there is ample crockery and cutlery available. There is also a variety of sports equipment and a piano available. Parking: No designated car park but parking is available around the green. Access: Hall on two floors, no wheelchair access to billiard room. Hire Charges: Contact the hall directly Registered Charity Number: 523403
Contact
Sue Simpson - 01833 650369
Facilities
WC
Level Entrance
On Street Parking
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