By Evie Brenkley
Barnard Castle School student
What is valuable about The Witham?
The Witham is incredibly special as the services it provides are not found anywhere else, especially in Barney. The range of activities and performances offered is wonderful and there really is something for everyone to get involved with. I am confident that The Witham will still be standing in 20 years – and that is no easy feat.
What could The Witham do better in future?
Although most are aware of it, some don’t know exactly what awaits behind the red door. I feel that it should utilise its position in the town and invite more people to come in and discover its many riches. Also, I feel as if people my age are not necessarily attracted as much as we could be.
How often do you go to The Witham and what kinds of events attract you?
Now, I don’t go to The Witham all that often unfortunately, due to school work and other commitments. Mum and I pop in for lunch when we can, and it is always lovely to wander round the craft market. Films being shown, that I didn’t get to see in the cinema are always appealing, as are the classical music acts or live screenings of certain events – I would have loved to have seen Andrè Rieu in concert. Comedy attracts me, however, finding the time is hard.
When have you used The Witham?
My earliest memory of the Witham is right back before the renovation, when I watched The Jungle Book as a small child. Since then, my parents and I have come to see lots more films and have enjoyed all. Last year, a group of musicians and I came to see Julian Clef perform and that was a very memorable evening. Two years ago, I was a part of ‘Matilda’, when a group of young people staged it, following a course of five days – that was incredibly fun. In addition, I have performed with school – Pirates of Penzance and Handel’s Messiah are two examples.
Why do you think The Witham is important for a market town like Barnard Castle?
We get many tourists coming through anyway, often for The Bowes Museum, and having The Witham here is brilliant for them to see some more of our history. For the locals too, something is provided for everyone and it generally contributes to the buzz of the town.
How do you rate The Witham as it is now, compared to before the renovation?
In complete honesty, I don’t remember very much of The Witham before the renovation, but I know that it looks and feels stunning now. My parents tell me that the new look is much better too.
How would you feel if The Witham were to close?
Pretty gutted actually, because as long as I’ve been alive, there has been a Witham, and it gives so much to the town, and the people who live here.
It would be a real shame if there wasn’t such a place to nurture our growing young people.
