January 13, 2026/
‘Our Fell Farming Heritage' Exhibition and Events 2025 ‘Our Fell Farming Heritage’ Exhibition and Events 2025 opened at The Old...
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 | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM — 1:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM |
The Old Courthouse – 10 years and counting – looking to the future!
In July 2015 the building and land behind were transferred from the County Council to Shap Community CIO.
We are indebted to the dedication of all our volunteers who have helped us over those ten years.
The Trustees have been working with Rod Hughes, architect, to explore ways in which we can;
further improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of The Old Courthouse develop the land at the rear in a sustainable way that will be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the community
Members of the community met at The Old Courthouse on 3rd July to celebrate our first 10 years. Rod Hughes, architect, presented some ideas for future developments.
Since then there has been a display in the library showing what we have achieved in those 10 years and outlining future plans for the building and suggestions for the development of the land with an opportunity to leave comments. Following on from this a Survey Monkey online questionnaire will soon be available to seek further feedback to suggestions. *We regret the delay in progressing the Survey Monkey questionnaire. We still intend to do this and will post a message on The Old Courthouse Facebook page when it is available.
Trustees of Shap Community CIO
We want as many members of the community as possible to provide feedback. We will need extra help to make any ideas become a reality – are you willing to be
involved in helping us make improvements that will benefit the community?
Please contact Janet Wood Email: janet@theoldcourthouse.org
Latest News
- All Posts
- Events
- Exhibitions
- News
'Our Fell Farming Heritage'
Events & Exhibition 2025
‘Our Fell Farming Heritage’ Exhibition and Events 2025 opened at The Old Courthouse on Saturday 18th October until Sunday 16th November. The exhibition included a display of photographs, artefacts and crafts relating to fell farming and artwork of farming scenes by local artist Christine Longmire.
Janet Wood, spokesperson for The Old Courthouse said “The farming landscape is fast changing and we wanted to celebrate our fell farming heritage. We hope that our exhibition and events will lead to a broader understanding of some of the challenges that our fell farming communities face as they continue striving to maintain food production whilst caring for the natural environment. We are grateful to all who have provided items for display and for the support we have received from Westmorland and Furness Council Art Fund, The Foundation for Common Land, The Federation for Commoners and Cumbria Farmer Network.”
'A Westmorland Gather'
The month long exhibition at The Old Courthouse, Shap celebrating ‘Our Fell Farming Heritage’ was brought to a close on Sunday 16th November with ‘A Westmorland Gather’ a social afternoon to celebrate the farming culture of the local area.
What's On
The Exhibit ‘A’ Gallery
@
The Old Courthouse
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.