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Barnard Castle Witham Hall

The Town
Barnard Castle is a market town and has a unique historical character. It has been recognised nationally as one of the 51 most historically and architecturally important towns in Great Britain. The town is named after the 12th century castle that was founded by Bernard Baliol. The castle was protected by the River Tees and the ruins attract many tourists to the town. Other attractions in the town include the Butter Market and the Bowes Museum.

The Hall

The Witham Hall is named after Henry Witham of Lartington. He was a benevolent and generous person and withdrew to Edinburgh where he became a distinguished geologist pioneering the study of fossils under the microscope. In 1832 on the death of his mother Henry and his family returned to Lartington and he founded the Barnard Castle Mechanics Institute and assisted in the provision of a Dispensary Society. He died in 1844 and in 1854 the Witham Hall was built by public subscription as a testimonial to him to house Barnard Castle Mechanics Institute and the Dispensary Society. The architect was ‘Green of Newcastle.’ In the beginning the Hall was managed by Trustees, with two other separate management committees for the Mechanics’ Institute and Dispensary. This was complex and ultimately unworkable. Declining income prevented the Trustees from repairing the building. In the early 1980s, the hall was repaired with help from the local authorities, while use was managed first by the YMCA and then by a Witham Hall Community Association, with financial assistance from Durham County Council. The historic organisations still existed. In the late 1990s, all parties merged into one organisation, called The Witham, while ownership of the Hall building passed to the Charity Commission. The Witham is now a registered charity, with individual and group membership.
The size and layout of the Witham 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
• Dances

Regular activities ongoing at the hall include concerts, talks, art exhibitions, sales and fayres.

Features

Rooms: This large building contains a number of rooms:

Main Hall (ground floor): This room is suitable for dances, theatrical performances, large meetings, exhibitions and sales of work. It is 57’ x 38’ and has windows with blackout. Maximum seating capacity is 150

Castle Gallery (ground floor): This room is available on a weekly basis for exhibitions. The room is 27’ x 13’ with a hanging space of 600 square feet. Seating capacity up to 30.

Snack Bar (ground floor): This room is suitable for small meetings and education classes. Seating capacity up to 30.

Kitchen (ground floor): This is suitable only for the preparation of hot and cold drinks and any other catering has to be externally sourced by arrangement with the Administrator.

The Witham Room (first floor):This room is ideal for business or private meetings/workshops and small scale performances. The room is 34’ x 27’ and has curtains for blackout. Seating capacity up to 50 people theatre style or 24 in conference style.

Hall Street Meeting Room (first floor): This is available as a meeting room or as temporary office space. This room is 28’ x 18’ and has a seating capacity of up to 20.

Heating: Available throughout hall

Facilities: The hall has a large stage suitable for productions and concerts and the sprung wooden floor in the main hall, the best in the North East, make it an ideal venue for dances.

Equipment: The hall has adequate chairs and tables and there is ample crockery and cutlery available. There is also a variety of sports and play equipment. Stage lighting and a PA system are also available.

Parking: No designated car park. Parking is available on the main street or at the town car park. There is access for all to the main hall from Hall Street for drop off but parking is not permitted here.

Hire Charges: Contact the hall directly

Registered Charity Number: 1076111

Contact

The Administrator - 01833 631107 Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Alternate Shot
The Front Entrance

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Alternate Shot
Stained Glass Window

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Alternate Shot
Craft Group

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Alternate Shot
Tea Dance

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Alternate Shot
The Witham Room

Facilities

Parking On Street Parking

Ramp Down Ramp (down)

Ramp Up Ramp (up)

Wheelchair Access to Side (by prior arr.)

What's On at Barnard Castle Witham Hall

Coming Up		Contact	Notes
On Saturday the 04th of September 2010
19:30 to 21:00	Witham Cinema - Cemetery Junction Playing out against the glamorous backdrop of Reading during the 1970s, CEMETERY JUNCTION (a nod to the stretch of road of the same name) focuses on a small group of colourful characters that work for an insurance company. Written, directed and produced by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the film marks the duo's first collaboration for the big screen and features a cast that includes the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson and Gervais himself. Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant Run Time: 95mins Cert: 15 Genre: Comedy/ Drama	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Saturday the 11th of September 2010
19:30 to 21:45	Witham Cinema - Sex and the City 2 While wrestling with the pressures of life, love, and work in Manhattan, Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte join Samantha for a trip to Morocco, where Samantha's ex is filming a new movie. Director: Michael Patrick King Run Time: 146mins Cert: 15 Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Sunday the 12th of September 2010
14:00 to 15:30	Witham Cinema Rewind: The Incredible Journey Three lonesome animals in search of home take on 200 miles of rugged wilderness in this truly incredible journey. Traverse the majestic Canadian countryside with this unlikely trio of devoted travelling companions: Bodger, a bull-terrier; Tao, a Siamese cat; and Luath, a Labrador retriever. Filmed against magnificent, colourful panoramas, this inspiring Disney animal adventure classic will lift your heart and spirit to a joyous new level. Director: Fletcher Markle Run Time: 77mins Cert: U Genre: Family/ Adventure	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Friday the 17th of September 2010
18:30 to 20:45	Witham Cinema - Prince of Persia Set in the mystical lands of Persia, a rogue prince and a mysterious princess race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time -- a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. Director: Mike Newell Run Time: 116mins Cert: 12A Genre: Fantasy/ Adventure	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Saturday the 18th of September 2010
19:30 to 22:00	Witham Cinema - Robin Hood When the rebellious hero falls for the spirited Lady Marion he must first save her village and then confront a growing storm of threats from near and afar if he is to win her heart. As Robin and his men answer a call to ever-greater adventure, these unlikely heroes set off to battle for their country and return England to glory ... and ride into Legend. Director: Ridley Scott Run Time: 140mins Cert: 12A Genre: Action/ Adventure	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Saturday the 25th of September 2010
19:30 to 22:00	Witham Cinema - The Ghost Writer An unremarkable ghost-writer has landed a lucrative contract to redact the memoirs of Adam Lang, the former UK Prime Minister. After dominating British politics for years, Lang has retired with his wife to the USA. He lives on an island, in luxurious, isolated premises complete with a security detail and a secretarial staff. Soon, Adam Lang gets embroiled in a major scandal with international ramifications that reveals how far he was ready to go in order to nurture UK's "special relationship" with the USA. But before this controversy has started, before even he has closed the deal with the publisher, the ghost-writer gets unmistakable signs that the turgid draft he is tasked to put into shape inexplicably constitutes highly sensitive material. Director: Roman Polanski Run Time: 128mins Cert: 15 Genre: Drama/ Mystery	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Sunday the 26th of September 2010
14:00 to 16:00	Witham Cinema - Tooth Fairy A bad deed on the part of a tough minor-league hockey player results in an unusual sentence: He must serve one week as a real-life tooth fairy. Director: Michael Lembeck Run Time: 101mins Cert: PG Genre: Comedy/ Family	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Thursday the 30th of September 2010
14:00 to 16:15	Witham Cinema Rewind: Random Harvest An amnesiac World War I vet falls in love with a music hall star, only to suffer an accident which restores his original memories but erases his post-War life. Director: Mervyn LeRoy Run Time: 125mins Cert: N/A Genre: Drama/ Romance	Amberley Elliott 01833 631107 or email withamredev@tiscali.co.uk	Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £2.50 (non-members + £1)
On Thursday the 07th of October 2010
19:30	Highlights Rural Touring Scheme present Nearly Lear - Susanna Hamnett: Canada A mischievous re-telling of Shakespeare’s great play What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were told by a clown? In this one woman tour de force, actress Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool – and every other character – to tell a very personal and poignant story. Susanna braves the most savage storm in English literature with breathtaking hilarity and heartache. An emotional roller coaster ride that will enchant both lovers of Shakespeare and those who think ‘Shakespeare’s not for them.’ Nearly Lear blends exuberant storytelling, music, song, film and clowning as well as Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story. The company are from Canada and are here on their first UK tour, following which they will be appearing on Broadway.	01833 631107	Part of 'A Night Less Ordinary' free theatre tickets for under 26s scheme.
On Saturday the 16th of October 2010
19:30 to 22:30	Alun Cochrane - Jokes, Life and Jokes About Life Alun Cochrane has several television appearances to his name, most recently Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. He’s also often seen on Eight out of Ten Cats, Mock The Week, and has appeared on Soccer AM and Live At The Comedy Store. An envelope stuffed full of my own hand-chiselled lovingly created jokes, versus a bag of ‘life.’ But which is funniest? Let's decide together. This is a rare chance to see one of the UK's top comedians live in Teesdale.	Chris Best 01833 631107 or email thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk	Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door
On Saturday the 20th of November 2010
19:30 to 22:30	Al Pitcher - The Al Pitcher Tour of the World Fresh from sell-out shows in Australia and New Zealand, don’t miss your chance to catch Al Pitcher return to the UK tour with this multi-award winning show. This brand-new show looks back at the highlights of several world tours of his Picture Show. The Al Pitcher Picture Tour of the World presents the finest, hilarious and most unique pictures Al has taken on his global travels. Every comic will tell you that a 'funny thing happened on the way to the gig', but, digital camera in hand, Al has the pictures to prove it! What will Al Pitcher make of Barnard Castle? There's only one way to find out...	Chris Best 01833 631107 or email thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk	Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door
On Sunday the 05th of December 2010
19:30	Highlights Rural Touring Scheme present Whapweasel Whapweasel are no longer the best kept secret on the English ceilidh dance circuit. The word is out. After seven years of dignified obscurity the Whaps were propelled into the limelight in 2003 when their third CD ‘Relentless’ was released. Their exuberant stage show, wily dance tunes and witty self composed songs are their trademark. They are first and foremost a dance band but are now busy developing pieces designed as much for listening as for dancing (though they have devised a way for audiences to dance while remaining seated; experts are baffled..) Meanwhile, hang on to your hats; the Mighty Wind of Whao is heading your way..	01833 631107

Weekly		Contact	Notes
Mondays
13:30 to 15:30	Carpet Bowls	Chris Best 01833 631107
Mondays
15:45 to 19:15	Ballet Classes	Melanie Edmenson 01748 818319
Mondays
19:00 to 22:00	Castle Players	Chris Best 01833 631107
Mondays
20:00 to 22:00	Badminton	Chris Best 01833 631107
Tuesdays
09:30 to 11:30	Parent and Toddler Group	Chris Best 01833 631107
Tuesdays
12:00 to 13:00	Pilates	Russell Turner 07951 782657
Tuesdays
14:00 to 16:00	Craft and Chat	Chris Best 01833 631107
Tuesdays
16:00 to 21:00	Ballet/Dance Classes Junior to Adult	Melanie Edmenson 01748 818319
Tuesdays
19:30 to 21:30	Meditation Classes 20th April - 29th June (except 1st June) £5.00 per class or 4 classes for £15.00		Visit www.meditationdarlington.org for details
Wednesdays
10:00 to 12:00	Watercolour Painting Commences 8 September - 10 week course	Peter Woolley 01748 822857
Wednesdays
10:30 to 11:30	Fun Time French with Stefan Sock Fun Time French with Stefan Sock is all about creating an awareness of a foreign language and giving children the opportunity to learn some basic French. Sessions are themed so that children can attend every week in order to build up their vocabulary or simply attend on a one-off basis. Children love this mixture of fun, games, songs, movement, let's pretend, art & crafts and magic! Certificates are awarded at the end of each term. Term time only in the Snack Bar at the Witham.	Martina Wray 01388 718078/07759 788231 or email Martina@wray411.fsnet.co.uk	£3 per child for each session (£2.50 for siblings). First session is always a FREE taster seesion. Age group - toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Wednesdays
15:45 to 18:45	Ballet Classes	Melanie Edmenson 01748 818319
Wednesdays
16:00 to 21:00	Turrets - Junior Drama Group 9 - 16 year olds	Jill Cole 01833 631838
Wednesdays
20:00 to 22:00	Black Sheep Morris Dancers	Chris Best 01833 631107
Thursdays
10:00 to 11:00	Keep Fit to Music	Chris Best 01833 631107
Thursdays
10:00 to 12:00	Art Forum	Geoff Hewitt 01833 650174
Thursdays
16:00 to 21:00	Turrets - Junior Drama Group 9 - 16 year olds	Jill Cole 01833 631838
Fridays
09:30 to 10:30	Aerobics Recommences 3 September	Chris Best 01833 631107
Fridays
10:45 to 11:45	Pilates Recommences 3 September	Chris Best 01833 631107
Fridays
14:00 to 16:00	Community Tea Dance	Maurice Forster 01833 638962
Fridays
14:00 to 16:00	Craft Group	Chris Best 01833 631107
Saturdays
10:00 to 11:30	Turrets - Junior Drama Group 10 and 11 year olds	Jill Cole 01833 631838

Fortnightly		Contact	Notes
Every other Thursday
14:00 to 16:00	Afternoon Club	Chris Best 01833 631107

Monthly (second of a month)		Contact	Notes
The second Wednesday of every month
09:30 to 11:30	Age Concern's Mobile Information and Advice Service On offer is general advice and information on local services, form filling and benefits, "Message in a Bottle" Scheme and any other issues which may affect people over 50. If detailed enquiries- on benefits for example- cannot be dealt with there and then, details can be taken and passed on to Age Concern's experts. The service is free and entirely confidential. No appointment is necessary.	Eleanor Lister 01388 720064	Email: southarea@ageconcern-durham.org.uk

Monthly (first and third of a month)		Contact	Notes
The first and third Wednesdays of every month
14:00 to 16:00	Lace Making	Chris Best 01833 631107 or email thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk

Monthly (last of a month)		Contact	Notes
The last Wednesday of every month
11:00 to 14:00	4 C's Refreshments A friendly cafe - proceeds go to charity.	Chris Best 01833 631107

LOCATION

Directions

The Witham Hall is situated in Horsemarket in the centre of Barnard Castle.
Hall Postcode: DL12 8LY

Barnard Castle Witham Hall - Teesdale Village Halls Consortium