Gillian Allnutt Poet – Her visit to the Old Courthouse Shap This year the Writer’s group at The Old Courthouse…
The Old Courthouse
Community Centre & Art Gallery
CLOSED
Due to adverse weather conditions, The Old Courthouse will be closed today – Sunday 3rd December
Sorry, we're closed. Click here to see our opening hours
Sorry, we're closed. Click here to see our opening hours
Local Art & Culture | Science & Nature
The Old Courthouse
Shap
Community Centre & Art Gallery
Welcome to The Old Courthouse, a vibrant hub of engagement and activity within our local community.
This is a place where people from all walks of life come together to engage, learn, and grow. Our community centre serves as a catalyst for fostering a sense of belonging, promoting social interaction, highlighting local art & culture, inspiring through education, science and nature and providing valuable resources for individuals of all ages.
At its core, The Old Courthouse is dedicated to building a strong and inclusive community. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, our doors are open to you.
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM — 1:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM — 1:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
What's On
The Exhibit ‘A’ Gallery
ALAN
GUNSTON
RAILWAY ARTIST
Saturday March 22nd – Monday April 21st
EMOTIVE ART
An Exhibition of Railway Paintings
Having lived and worked in Cumbria for the past 40 years, it was almost inevitable that on his retirement, Alan would renew his long-standing interest and hobby in railways – made all the stronger by Cumbria’s long railway heritage.
Alan’s passion for railways started in early childhood and would later be reflected through his drawings and paintings, starting in earnest in the late 1970’s when Alan became an Associate Member of the Guild of Railway Artists. Examples of his work were subsequently exhibited at several Rail-Art shows, culminating in four paintings being included in the Guild’s first book; The Great Western Collection.
Library Events
The Eden Valley Touring Network
presents
presents
28th March 2025
Mark Stephenson
The Rhubarb Thieves
Performances start at 7.30pm. Admission £8. Short interval. Tea/Coffee or BYOB
Latest News
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August 2024 Claude Glasses at the Wordsworth Trust August 2024 Shap writers had a lovely engaging day in Grasmere learning…
Nearly 10 years ago, we heard that it was possible that the village was going to lose an important building…
The Exhibit 'A' Gallery
The Exhibit ‘A’ Gallery lies at the heart of The Old Courthouse – a space designed to showcase various forms of visual art, serving as a platform for artists to display their creations to the public.
Events
The Old Courthouse is able to host a wide range of events and activities designed to serve and engage the local community.
Room Hire
Looking for the perfect space to host your upcoming event or activity? Look no further! The Old Courthouse is able to offer our versatile rooms for hire, tailored to meet your needs and create memorable experiences for you and your guests.
Regular Events at The Old Courthouse
Library Link
Continue to use your local library. Self-service return/select facility available during opening hours (return only available on monthly market day).
Knit and Natter
Thursdays 2.15 – 4.30pm in the Library. Bring your own knitting or craft. Do your own thing or learn from each other. All welcome.
Zero Carbon Shap
Environmental Reading Group meets monthly on a Tuesday evening Contact Dave on 07484 632210 or Peter on 07837 816795 for details
Writing Group
Meets monthly. If you would like to join us email: victoria@theoldcourthouse.org
Cuppa and a Chat
Fridays 1.00 – 4.00 in the library. Come along and meet up with friends, make new ones and put the world to rights. There is always tea and coffee and biscuits and sometimes there is even cake! Everyone is welcome
Volunteer
Roles for Volunteers with Shap Community CIO at
The Old Courthouse, Shap
With your help we could achieve so much more
- Reception Desk – Do you have a few hours to spare each week or month? We are looking for volunteers to provide a warm welcome for users of the Library Link and visitors to the Exhibit ‘A’ Gallery (art and craft exhibitions).
- Social Activities – Do you enjoy conversation? Are you a good listener? Are you good at making cups of tea? We would like to develop our social activities to contribute to the health and wellbeing of members of the community. Let us know if this is something you are interested in.
- Visitor Information Coordinator – Do you have an interest in our local area, its history and landscape? We would like someone to help us develop our resources for residents and visitors and our links to tourism. (Computer skills including web design essential)
- Promotions Assistant – Do you have good marketing skills? We are looking for someone to help us promote the facilities and activities at the Old Courthouse.
- Project Development Officer – Are you rewarded by making things happen? We are looking for someone who is willing to investigate ideas for future improvements to our facilities and work with us to help source the funding needed to realise our plans.