▼▼▼ Events ▼▼▼
We have a busy events calendar covering a wide variety of events, summarised below. See our WHAT'S ON page for current details.
- CINEMA
Friday night is our regular film night, were we present a mix of popular new releases, documentaries, foreign language etc. On other days we also show live satellite broadcasts or recorded live performances of concerts, plays, ballet etc.
- EXHIBITIONS
Regular free entry exhibitions of art and craft work, including paintings, photography, iron work, jewellery etc. On sale at bargain prices. For the professional or semi-professional artist, we provide the space in our fully equipped studio free of charge. Pre launch previews can be arranged and artist are encouraged to be on site to explain their work and provide demonstrations.
- MUSIC & THEATRE
Regular live music and theatre performances which attract audiences from a wide area. The programme is designed to suit all tastes with jazz, classical music, comedy, one man shows and drama.
- SOCIAL EVENTS
A range of social fundraising events: fashion shows, table top sales, quizzes etc.
- SUMMER ACTIVITIES
For young people aged from 11 to 16 during school summer break: art, sports, photography etc
- WORKSHOPS
Catering for a large variety of interests: arts and crafts, creative writing, photography etc.
▼▼▼ Groups & Clubs ▼▼▼
We host a large variety of regular GROUPS, CLUBS & CLASSES, including some from the u3a organisation. See our GROUPS & CLUBS page for current details.
▼▼▼ Other Facilities ▼▼▼
We offer serviced ROOMS FOR HIRE, suitable for a variety of uses. See our ROOM HIRE page for details.
We have a licensed CAFE / BAR that opens to support our events.
We have a LITTLE SHOP within our café area which sells a variety of items: good quality books and jigsaws, greeting cards, small gifts etc.
We have a GARDEN at the rear of the building that can be used for outside activities or simply a space to relax in.
The Centre is a focal point for Leyburn's hugely popular 1940’s weekend, usually held each July. In the summer months, the garden area comes into its own with a range of plants and planters available for sale, all produced by our garden volunteers.
▼▼▼ News ▼▼▼
To get the latest news follow us on our social media Facebook and/or Twitter accounts. For information on how to do that, and to see some photos from previous events, please see our PHOTOS page using this link
▼▼▼ Get Involved ▼▼▼
The Centre is volunteer led, with one paid, part-time Administrator. We value our current volunteers and welcome new ones. Volunteers provide a variety of roles to ensure the smooth running of the Centre, including: supporting our community activities such as the Tuesday Club for the elderly, the Lunch Club, the Community Cinema etc.
We are grateful for the help and support we've received from other organisations and local businesses.
Please see our SUPPORT US page for further information.
For contact details or how to find us please see our CONTACT US page.
▼▼▼ History ▼▼▼
The Centre is also known locally as the The Old School House, or TOSH, because of its former use as the RC school of St. Peter and St. Paul. The school was built in 1835 and the work was carried out by the Leyburn firm of Chapleo & Sons and the building stone used was local limestone from Washfold Quarry near Leyburn.
It was the tradespeople of the town who provided the impetus for the building of the school and John Chapleo had collections made in different places to cover the cost of £2000 for the building of both the school and the church. The school appears to be unusual in that, other than a very small endowment of £4 per year from the local Riddell family its establishment and support seems to have been funded by the people of the area.
Its establishment was not dependent on initiatives from the hierarchy or religious community and until the Dominican nuns came in 1895 all the teachers were members of the laity. The school served the people of Leyburn, both Catholic and non-Catholic, for 176 years.
Following the closure of the school in 2011, because of falling numbers, the opportunity arose for the existing building to be re-developed for the benefit of the local parish and the wider community of Leyburn and the surrounding areas. Many local families will have fond memories and mementoes of their time spent as pupils in the school and will no doubt want to become involved in helping to re-establish it as a much needed community centre, cinema and arts venue for the area.
If you are interested in reading more about the school's history please see this document: St Peter and St Paul Roman Catholic School, Leyburn. The Early Years 1836 - 1872.