Hellifield Institute - Hellifield's Village Hall
History
The building dates from 1864 and was built to function as both church and school for Hellifield village. The schoolmaster's house was attached to the end of the building. Mrs Frances Stansfield, wife of the Vicar of Coniston Cold, provided this village facility. She was a member of the Hamerton family of the original Hellifield Peel.
From Monday to Friday , the building served as an Elementary School and on a Sunday it became the church and Sunday School. The Institute continued to fulfil these roles until the building of the present St Aiden’s Church and the primary school in the first decade of the 20th century.
ln 1887 the ownership of the land, school and schoolhouse was transferred to the board of trustees for the sum of £500 with the site to be used for educational and charitable purposes, and ”as a school for the education of children and adults or children only of the labouring, manufacturing and other poor classes ”.
The running of the school was the responsibility of a Committee of Management. In 1972 the responsibility changed to a Committee of Trustees to run as a registered charity — the situation it is today.
After closing as a school in 1915, the Institute was used as a reading room and billiard room for men only. Later the village library was located there and in 1926 the Girls Friendly Society met in the Institute. What is now the Yorke Room, was turned into a kitchen to provide school meals for schools in the district. It was later used as a workshop by a local business.
In the 1980's the kitchen and toilets were built along with the conservatory linking all the rooms within the Institute. Major Yorke was invited to open the refurbished back room renamed the Yorke Room. It was at this time that the adjoining house was sold.
In recent years improvements have continued to be made to the building, including a new heating system, new windows, and a new roof, as well as investment in equipment and facilities to bring the Institute's facilities up to 21st century standards. As a result the building has evolved to the multi-purpose centre it is today. Still run by local people for the local community.
Upcoming Events
The Motown Years - 26th July 2025
Doors open at 7.30 pm Tickets £5 each
The next Music Night, headed up by Star DJ, Mik Cardus, will be held on 26th July with the theme 'The Motown Years', selected by public vote! The raw, lively energy of Motown was nothing short of revolutionary, founded by Berry Gordy Jr on 12 January 1959. It's impact has spread the decades since but was at its peak during the 1960's. Groups like The Supremes, The Temptations and The Four Tops each had their own distinctive flair, oozing charisma and confidence. Embodying soul, style and spirit. As well as the above, other groups that Mik will no doubt be playing include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Otis Reading, The Jackson 5, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Isley Brothers and so many more.
Does anyone remember the old dances, 'The Mashed Potato' and 'The Monkey'. Well there is plenty of time to practice them. Once you hear the music, dancing will be unavoidable. Why not get dressed for the occasion? Sequinned dresses, faux fur stoles, dazzling jewellery and monochrome suits with slim ties - anything that embodied sophistication. Start raiding the charity shops now.
This will be a 'bring your own' drinks & nibbles event. Tickets are £5 each and obtainable from Karen Dunwoodie tel: 0775 686 2086 or email kalydun@btinternet.com or via the event booking form below.
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Saturday 27th September 2025
Doors open at 7.00 pm - Tickets £10 each
Performed live by John Watterson whose celebration of the life and work of Jake is full of warmth, humour and sincerity you might expect from a life-long fan. His respect for and appreciation of one of this country's finest wordsmiths is obvious and the show is a fitting tribute to the man and his genious. John is a talented guitarist and vocalist and has toured with Fairport Convention and performed a 20 date show at Edinburgh Fringe as well as numerous radio shows.
This will be a 'bring your own' drinks and nibbles event. Tickets are £10 each and obtainable from Karen Dunwoodie, tel: 0775 686 2086 or email kalydun@btinternet.com or via the event booking form below.
Bookings for events may be made via our
Alternatively, to enquire about booking the hall for your own event please contact us via our Contact Form
For Your Information
Chairman's Report 2025 - may be viewed HERE.
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Coffee mornings
Coffee Mornings are held on most Saturday mornings from 10am to 11.30am, helping to raise funds for local charitable causes. See below, detail of those already booked in the coming weeks. If you would like to book a coffee morning, please contact either Heather Leak on 0779 0042 206 or Ken Leak on 0783 7727 268 or via email stanier@aol.com.
10th May - Institute
17th May - W.I.
24th May - Institute
31st May - Methodist Church
7th June - Institute - including 200 Club draw
14th June - Institute
21st June - Institute
28th June - Institute
28th June - NO COFFEE MORNING DUE TO BEER FESTIVAL
5th July - Institute
17th July - Institute
19th July - Institute
26th July - Institute
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Latest 200 Club results
May 2025
1st Prize £25 - 120 - Peter Crabtree
2nd Prize £15 - 63 - Barbara Thwaite
3rd Prize £10 - 19 - Helen & Mike Garner
