Helmsley Arts Centre

the arts for everyone in Ryedale

• to be receptive to the community’s needs and wishes and to

provide an appropriate framework to meet them

• to provide a friendly and supportive environment that enhances

the work we undertake".

The Arts Centre is registered as a Charity and relies heavily on about 80 volunteers to keep it up and running, including, for example, the director, deputy director, treasurer, front-of-house staff, envelope stuffers and so on.

However, it also has an Administrator and Theatre Manager on its payroll and employs a number of other people on an occasional basis, directly or by contracting out - for example, the lighting and sound technicians, projectionists, youth theatre organisers, cleaners.

The Arts Centre building has an interesting history. What you see from outside is new but within it sits the kernel of the original Old Meeting House - though you'd hardly recognise it - built in 1812. Go upstairs and into the new Dorothy Morley room, however, which extends the  gable end of the original building westwards, and you'll see the original wall with its plaque cut from stone in 1812.

We are right in the centre of Helmsley. Walk down Bridge Street towards the bridge and on the left you will see an ornate sign hanging above an arched entrance to a paved street leading to Meeting House Court. Come on through the arch and there we are.

And you'll discover what a rich range of events and activities we have on offer.