In the Lune Valley there is a hidden gem – Hornby Institute. Behind the rather austere, yet quietly grand, facade is a building that gives so much. Parties, lunches, community affairs, and a drop-in where local people meet each day are just a few of the events that take place here each week.
Hornby Institute is a listed building designed by the famous firm of Lancaster architects, Austin and Paley, and completed in 1916. The then Lord of the Manor, Colonel Foster, had a son approaching his 21st birthday. As a gift to him, and to the village men, the stone-built structure was provided. It was essentially a men’s institute since it boasted a reading room for Hornby and district men, and a billiard room for the men of the village to enjoy.
At its official opening, Colonel Foster played the vicar, Rev. Williamson, at billiards – and lost, though he made the highest break. However, the ladies were not entirely forgotten. The ‘upstairs room,’ as it was always called, was intended for dancing and whist-drives. And ladies always had a role in the kitchens provided.
It was now 1956 and a bigger dance-hall, a stage for plays and concerts, changing rooms, a coffee-bar area were thought necessary. The cost was about £12.000 and, led by the then Hornby Castle incumbent, Sir Harold Parkinson, the village raised the money in a relatively short time. The extension was built, the older part was given a face-lift and the premises re-opened for business. Sir Harold then matched the money raised by investing a similar sum with the Charity Commissioners. Hornby Institute became a listed charity and Hornby Village Trust was formed to administer the premises. The 1956 area is now the Parkinson Suite.
From 1956 little was done to the building until almost 50 years later, when the building had become somewhat tired and inefficient to run. But above all it lacked even the basic resources needed in a modern community centre.
So, an application was made to the National Lottery, and in particular – because of the building’s heritage status – to the Heritage Lottery. The application proposed extensions and refurbishment, including modern essentials such as disabled access.
When all of these factors were taken into account, the project was awarded nearly £1.3million. Work then started on transforming the building into what you see today. Upstairs, we now have the Wenning room overlooking the river and the Boarshead room looking towards the hill behind. There is also a bar and an IT suite along with all the original rooms. The renewal superbly unites the old and the new parts of the building, so continuing the long tradition of Hornby and district inhabitants having a suitable venue in which to socialise.
If you would like to visit our Institute with an event of your own in mind – or just to have a coffee and to see what we are so justly proud of – just call in any morning or ring for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
Here are a few useful links to websites providing more information about Hornby the history of the village and the Lune Valley area.
Please note that Hornby Institute is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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