History

Cold Kirby Institute was set up as a charity in 1949 to promote education, recreation and community activities locally, and to manage the Village Hall.  The Hall, which had been a wartime hospital building in Thirsk, was purchased through a government loan and erected in 1949 on land gifted to the Institute, where of course it still stands.  The Hall sits on a vantage point offering very fine views across Ryedale and the surrounding North York Moors.

Since 2008, with the aid of various grants and much village volunteer determination, the Hall has undergone continued refurbishment.  Improvements include upgrading of the power supply, and the addition of double glazing to improve insulation and blackout blinds to enable films to be screened throughout the year.  The roof has been replaced, all the heating and lighting modernised, and a brand new kitchen installed.

The library area has been refurbished making it a great room for smaller meetings.  Wheelchair access has been installed.

The Hall’s fortunes have fluctuated over the years. It has hosted many clubs, classes and social events, with some periods of great activity and some years with very little.  It continues to provide a focus for the community and is available to those in both Cold Kirby and the neighbouring villages.

Given its fantastic location, the Hall is a special place to hold events, especially in the Spring and Summer when the weather is kinder. Installation of new heaters and double glazing, however, do mean that we are open for business all the year round!