The Village Hall is located within the former village school (donated to the Village in 1714), at the northern end of York Road, on the left when leaving in the direction of Escrick (YO8 5SF). It is Grade 2 Listed. It’s clearly identified by a hanging sign, which must have been highly thought of by the Charity Commission as it featured in some of their public documents. It comprises two former classrooms (the larger of which can seat a maximum of 40 at small tables), and a quite well-equipped kitchen. It has WCs, and a car park to the rear.
It’s governed by a typical Village Hall Constitution, created when the building and most of its car park were acquired in 1959 following the closure of the school. Management is by a Committee of local individuals who are mandated to hold it as a Village Hall “for the use of the inhabitants of Skipwith and the neighbourhood…in particular for use for meetings, lectures and classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the…inhabitants”, and this is precisely what the Committee strives to do.
In that spirit it is used by various village groups, and it is also used as a coffee shop, run by volunteers, on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.00 till noon. It is available for hire for non-business use @ £6.00 per hour (with a minimum of 2 hours), or a daily rate of £60.00. Business use is charged at £20 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours.
There is a Village Hall Facebook page with details of upcoming events organised by the Committee, typically Quiz and Chilli nights and social events etc., and the Committee is always on the look-out for new members.
For further information contact Andrew Faulkes on 01757 288144 or email faulkes_1@yahoo.co.uk