Main Street, Shap, Cumbria, CA10 3NL
Welcome to The Old Courthouse, Shap.
This well loved building at the heart of the community is beginning a new era in its long and varied history.
As a community building it offers a warm welcome to everyone.
Please visit us to see what we have on offer!
We are home to a Cumbria County Council Library Link, Shap Pre-School Playgroup and provide a Visitor Information Point for Eden District Tourism. We are working hard to bring other services to the community. We have a variety of rooms available for hire.
We host art exhibitions in The Exhibit 'A' Gallery and have space available for other displays and events. The building has WiFi access, computers and also printing/photocopying facilities. A growing number of groups meet here regularly – check out the information on this website, we hope you will find it interesting and helpful.
The building is owned and managed by a community charity: Shap Community CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Charity No. 1160966
We ask you to maintain social distance and to consider wearing a Face Covering when in the building.
The Old Courthouse
and Exhibit 'A' Gallery
are OPEN!
books may be returned but not taken out on Market Days, fourth Saturday of the month
Saturday 30th July - Sunday 21st August
Sat/Mon 10am - 5pm
Sun/Tue/Thu/Fri 2pm - 5pm
Wednesday CLOSED
Mon 22nd August - Mon 29th August reverts to opening times shown at the top of the page
At The Old Courthouse we are holding some special events this summer to mark the Centenary of the Fell Pony Society.
The first of these took place when Janet and her Fell pony Ralfland Petal visited Shap School. Julia Mitchell, pointing out the characteristics of Fell Ponies, encouraged them to observe and draw a pony, ably assisted by Shap student Lucy Gee - the results were amazing!
Julia is one of the artists who will be exhibiting at our 'Celebrating Fell Ponies' event 30th July - 29th August and some of the children's artwork will be on show too.
Here is a little taster of the day
This event is being supported by a 'Love Your Landscape' grant from The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Opening hours
Mon 10am - 1pm, Tues 2 - 5pm, Thu 2 - 5pm, Fri 2 - 5pm, Sat 10am - 12pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm.
The Trustees are encouraging 'Hands, Face, Space, Test & Trace'. Please help us to keep yourself and others safe
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 is back! - 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.
Shap Gardening Group meets on the last Thursday of each month
A friendly welcoming group who meet to talk and share ideas about all aspects of gardening.
For more information about the group contact vturnbull@talk21.com
Writing Group meets monthly
If you would like to join us email s.allen@wordsworth.org.uk or janet@theoldcourthouse.org for information.
Volunteering @ The Old Courthouse
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.
Latest news from the Library.
