We are open. Click here to see our opening hours
We are open. 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

Monday10:00 AM — 1:00 PM
Tuesday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM
WednesdayClosed
Thursday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM
Friday1:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Sunday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM

Open  Friday 22nd December  1-4pm

Closed  Sat 23rd December until  Wed 3rd January  inclusive

reopen  Thu 4th January 1-4pm

Opening times 4th January – March (date tbc)

Mon    10am-1pm
Tues    1-4 pm

Wed    CLOSED

Thurs  1-4pm

Fri      1-4pm

Sat     10am-12pm

 

NB:  No Sunday opening during January, February ,   March (tbc)

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 AM — 1:00 PM
Tuesday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM
WednesdayClosed
Thursday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM
Friday1:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Sunday1:00 PM — 4:00 PM

Open  Friday 22nd December  1-4pm

Closed  Sat 23rd December until  Wed 3rd January  inclusive

reopen  Thu 4th January 1-4pm

Opening times 4th January – March (date tbc)

Mon    10am-1pm
Tues    1-4 pm

Wed    CLOSED

Thurs  1-4pm

Fri      1-4pm

Sat     10am-12pm

NB:  No Sunday opening during January, February ,   March (tbc)

The Old Courthouse 2024 Calendar is now available!

Pop in and pick a few up – great for Xmas presents!

£7 each or 3 for £18 (including envelope)

Christmas @ The Old Courthouse

Crafts, cards, Xmas presents, photography, artwork – so much to see at The Old Courthouse

Music @ The Old Courthouse

15th December – 7.15pm

Kenneth Wilson plays wide variety of music on the cello with a moving and sonorous passion.  His poetry is funny and incisive and memorable.

Jilly Jarman is a composer and artist and creative director of BlueJam Arts. Usually in front of a choir or band or behind the scenes, for this tour she is presenting a solo set of jazz standards, old favourite originals and new material from her upcoming solo album. Expect some bluesy piano and vocals with atmospheric looped instruments and effects.

Shap Farmers’ & Makers’ Market

CHRISTMAS MARKET |

CHRISTMAS MARKET |

Live Music from
 Appleby Town Band

The Exhibit 'A' Gallery

logo-final

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 s.allen@wordsworth.org.uk or janet@theoldcourthouse.org 

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.