Barnard Castle Witham Hall
![]() |
The Town |
The HallThe 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 Regular activities ongoing at the hall include concerts, talks, art exhibitions, sales and fayres. FeaturesRooms: 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 and some stage lighting. 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 and will have a drop down projection screen. 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 ContactThe Administrator - 01833 631107 Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
Facilities
|
What's On at Barnard Castle Witham Hall
| Coming Up | Contact | Notes | |
| On Thursday the 25th of June 2009 until 25 July 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Stitch in 9 An exciting exhibition of textile art from a group of skilful artists and friends. |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 02nd of July 2009 until 08 July 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Rachael Bates and Kim Seymour |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 09th of July 2009 until 15 July 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Jeanette Pook |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 16th of July 2009 until 22 July 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Mary Gilbertson |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 23rd of July 2009 until 29 July 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Janet Orme |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 30th of July 2009 until 05 August 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Andrew Jenkin |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 06th of August 2009 until 12 August 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Trevor Woods |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 13th of August 2009 until 19 August 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Vervey |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 20th of August 2009 until 26 August 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Copley's Painting for Pleasure |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 27th of August 2009 until 02 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Four Dimensions |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 03rd of September 2009 until 09 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Christine Mason |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 10th of September 2009 until 16 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Barry Lawson |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 17th of September 2009 until 23 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Lee Hutchinson |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 24th of September 2009 until 30 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Mary Fishburn |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 01st of October 2009 until 07 October 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Jill Hirst |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 08th of October 2009 until 14 October 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Geoff Hewitt and Ray Landon |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 15th of October 2009 until 21 September 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Gina Morton |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 22nd of October 2009 until 28 October 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Suzanne Herbert |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Monday the 26th of October 2009 until 04 November 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Arts Society |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 05th of November 2009 until 18 November 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Glass Engraving Exhibition |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Tuesday the 10th of November 2009 until 16 November 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Jeanette Pook |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 19th of November 2009 until 02 December 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: John Pickering |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 03rd of December 2009 until 09 December 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Geoff Hewitt and Ray Landon |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| On Thursday the 17th of December 2009 until 23 December 2009 | |||
| 10:00 to 16:00 |
Castle Gallery Exhibition: Teesdale Artists' Network |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
Email: thewitham3@tiscali.co.uk |
| Weekly | Contact | Notes | |
| Mondays | |||
| 13:30 to 15:30 |
Carpet Bowls |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Mondays | |||
| 15:45 to 19:15 |
Ballet Classes |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Mondays | |||
| 19:00 to 22:00 |
Castle Players |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
From September 2008 |
| 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 |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Tuesdays | |||
| 19:30 to 21:00 |
Yoga |
Helen Tait 01325 466478 |
|
| Wednesdays | |||
| 15:45 to 18:45 |
Ballet Classes |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Wednesdays | |||
| 16:00 to 21:00 |
Turrets - Junior Drama Group 9 - 16 year olds |
Jill Cole 01833 631838 |
From September 2008 |
| Wednesdays | |||
| 20:00 to 22:00 |
Black Sheep Morris Dancers |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Thursdays | |||
| 10:00 to 12:00 |
Art Forum |
Geoff Hewitt 01833 650174 |
|
| Thursdays | |||
| 10:00 to 11:00 |
Keep Fit to Music |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| Thursdays | |||
| 16:00 to 21:00 |
Turrets - Junior Drama Group 9 - 16 year olds |
Jill Cole 01833 631838 |
From September 2008 |
| 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 |
From September 2008 |
| Fortnightly | Contact | Notes | |
| Every other Thursday | |||
| 14:00 to 16:00 |
Afternoon Club |
Chris Best 01833 631107 |
|
| 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






