The Civic, Holmfirth is an iconic part-Grade II listed building in the centre of Holmfirth. It is an impressive building, with heritage dating back to 1842 and is now used for a wide variety of activities including concerts, comedy performances and theatre productions, fitness and sports, family celebrations, exhibitions, conferences, and meetings.
The Civic is run as a charity by Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust. The Trust’s vision is to make The Civic, Holmfirth an inclusive, cohesive and sustainable community asset – run in our community, by our community and for our community. The Trust will be responsible for growing the profile and the usage of the venue and investing any surpluses back into the building, its maintenance and upkeep, ensuring its viability as a community facility for the long term and employing a small team to undertake those tasks on a day-to-day basis.
Both the Trustees and staff are committed to making The Civic the premier community venue in the Holme Valley.
Our History
The Civic, Holmfirth, is an impressive venue lying in the heart of the Last of the Summer Wine countryside and is an amalgamation of two buildings – Holmfirth Town Hall was built in 1842 at a cost of £2,200 and had various uses, including a Magistrates Court and welfare clinics.
Meanwhile, the Drill Hall was built in 1891/92 at a cost of £1,700. Both buildings were purchased by the borough council in 1946 and were reopened as Holmfirth Civic Hall on 7th November 1947.
The venue is now used for a variety of activities including concerts and theatre performances, badminton and other fitness classes, family celebrations, exhibitions, conferences and meetings.
Holme Valley Parish Council acquired The Civic via community asset transfer in April 2017 and handed operation to a new charity, Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust, formed to run and manage the venue on a day-to-day basis.
The Trust’s vision is to make The Civic, Holmfirth an inclusive, cohesive and sustainable community asset – run in our community, by our community and for our community. The Trust will be responsible for growing the profile and the usage of the venue and investing any surpluses back into the building, its maintenance and upkeep, ensuring its viability as a community facility for the long term and making it the premier community venue in the Holme Valley.
The venue consists of two main halls, the Large Hall and the Lesser Hall, plus various other rooms to hire by community groups, individuals or businesses. The venue is licensed and suitable for a wide range of activities, special events or celebrations.
The Civic, Holmfirth has excellent disabled access and is located on the main Huddersfield Road approaching Holmfirth town centre, with good parking facilities nearby.
Our Purpose
The Civic is run as a charity by Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust. Set up in April 2017 to run and manage The Civic, the Trust’s vision is to make it an inclusive, cohesive and sustainable community asset, so that it continues to be of benefit to the local community for the long term.
The aim of the Trust is to deliver on this vision through the values of quality, integrity and professionalism. The Trust is developing The Civic into the premier community venue in the Holme Valley, offering high-quality spaces with events and activities that meet the needs of its diverse community both locally and further afield.
The success of The Civic, Holmfirth, is measured through the growing use of the venue, more people visiting and taking part in events and activities, working with more groups to put on events and activities and increasing the number of fundraising events organised by the Trust itself; as well as through achieving financial sustainability.
Meet the Team
Dawn Whiteley MBE
Business Development Manager
Dawn joined the Trust in April 2018 originally as Centre Manager following a 25-year career in enterprise support – helping people set up and run their own businesses. Her previous role was as Chief Executive of National Enterprise Network, the national membership and trade body for enterprise support organisations. Since April 2020, Dawn has taken on the new role as Business Development Manager and is responsible for fundraising and developing commercial and other relationships to support the sustainability of the Hall for the long term. She is the primary contact for all fundraising activity at the Hall.
Michelle McQueen
Events and Administration Support Assistant
Michelle joined the team in October 2025, having previously worked at Huddersfield Town Football Club as both a Ticket Office Administrator and, more recently, the Disability Liaison Officer. Michelle is the primary contact for hirers and, in addition, provides support with a range of administrative duties, from booking enquiries to invoicing, and managing the staff and volunteer rotas. Her usual working days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Meet our Trustees
Alex Bray
Chair of Trustees
Alex is currently a Stakeholder Liaison Manager in the Rail Industry. He became a Trustee, as he felt Holmfirth Civic Hall is a stunning heritage building that acts as a key economic driver for Holmfirth and surrounding areas. He is proud to be able to be part of protecting the Civic and using his vast experience to ensure it’s a treasured building within the valley for many years to come. He is hoping his contribution will support the ongoing conservation, protection, and improvement of the building and all it has to offer to the community.
Jim Hilton-Jones
Treasurer
Jim is a Chartered Certified Accountant and is the Managing Partner of a local firm of accountants. With a strong financial background, he plays a pivotal role as the Treasurer of our charity. Jim brings a wealth of expertise in managing our financial resources effectively. He was also part of the original team that took on the operation of The Civic when Kirklees Council passed ownership of the building back to the Parish Council. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim is an active and engaged member of the local community. He dedicates his time and energy as a committee member of the Meltham Athletic Football Club, and as a resident, Jim is deeply invested in the well-being of the community. He is passionate about making a positive impact, both through his professional financial acumen and his dedication to local initiatives. Jim’s commitment to our charity reflects his dedication to improving the lives of those we serve.
Cllr Andy Wilson
Trustee
Andy joined the board as a Holme Valley Parish Council-nominated trustee. He has lived in the Holme Valley for over 45 years, working locally and nationally in manufacturing as an engineering manager. He has valuable experience of dealing with both people and budgets in a team environment and is committed to supporting both the local community and economy. He is an enthusiastic walker and cyclist and believes in responsible and sustainable access to the countryside. The maintenance of the heritage of the Holme Valley is also important to Andy, whilst ensuring any developments are sympathetic to the area. Through the Rotary Club of Holmfirth, Andy has been heavily involved in charitable events in the local community; latterly, the voluntary organisation and roll-out of the COVID vaccinations at the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital. He has a deep concern for the environment, with his personal commitment including reducing his carbon footprint through initiatives such as solar panels and biomass heating.
Andrew Bray
Trustee
Andrew is a respected resident and dedicated businessman in Holmfirth and a longstanding trustee of the Civic Hall Community Trust. With a rich background in community service as a trustee for the League of Friends of the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital and the Hinchliffe Mill Brass Band Music Charity, Andrew brings invaluable experience to his role. Passionate about promoting community spirit, Andrew’s leadership is characterised by his commitment to enhancing the town’s cultural vibrancy. Andrew’s genuine warmth and approachability make him a beloved figure in Holmfirth. His dedication to the welfare of others and his eagerness to lend a helping hand exemplify his true commitment to community stewardship.
Kathy Westgate
Trustee
Kathy has been a resident of Holmfirth for over 40 years and has had the privilege of using The Civic for herself, her family and now her grandchildren. As such, she is committed to supporting the maintenance and development of The Civic to ensure it becomes a venue used by the community of Holmfirth for years to come. With a background in leadership and management, including HR and quality management in various organisations, Kathy has the knowledge and skills to support the ongoing use and development of The Civic. Kathy is proud to be part of a team who believe this building has the potential to become a venue of choice for the community of Holmfirth and surrounding areas.
Vacancies
There are currently no paid vacancies here at The Civic, Holmfirth.
We are looking for a trustee, though; further information can be found below.
Trustee Vacancy
Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust (HCHCT) is a registered charity, established in 2017 to run and manage The Civic, Holmfirth, in our community, by our community and for our community.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person with drive and energy to support the consolidation, growth and improvement of The Civic, making it the thriving community hub it has the potential to be.
We are looking for a committed individual who is eager to share their knowledge, time and expertise. Being a trustee of HCHCT would mean making decisions that would impact our users, visitors, our community, staff and other volunteers. Trustees are required to use their expertise to support the strategic development of The Civic and would be expected to:
Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust (HCHCT) is a registered charity, established in 2017 to run and manage The Civic, Holmfirth, in our community, by our community and for our community.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person with drive and energy to support the consolidation, growth and improvement of The Civic, making it the thriving community hub it has the potential to be.
We are looking for a committed individual who is eager to share their knowledge, time and expertise. Being a trustee of HCHCT would mean making decisions that would impact our users, visitors, our community, staff and other volunteers. Trustees are required to use their expertise to support the strategic development of The Civic and would be expected to:
- Attend meetings and appointments fully prepared and ready to engage in the decision-making process
- Act with unity to achieve HCHCT’s strategic goals
- Respect the organisation’s confidentiality
- Have a good and up-to-date knowledge of how the Trust and the building operates and the environment it operates in
- Engage in project work and working parties, when the need arises
- Volunteer at Trust fundraising events and at other times, as required, to support the staff and other volunteers
The board of trustees meets approximately eight times a year, with the meetings lasting between two and three hours. Taking into account other elements of the role, we are looking for a commitment of approximately two to three hours per month (although more is always welcome).
What specific skills and experience are we looking for?
Our current trustees have a wide range of skills and experiences, but we are particularly keen to add sales and marketing expertise; if this is you – we’d be delighted to hear from you.
What impact could you have?
The Civic has entered an exciting period from being council-owned to a community-owned asset, and trustees are vital in helping with the process. With your skills, expertise and enthusiasm, you will aid our development and create a bright future for The Civic, our users, visitors, our community, staff and other volunteers. A more resilient board of trustees will open up new opportunities, engage new audiences and improve our services.
What’s in it for you?
As a Trustee, you would be an integral and valued part of HCHCT and The Civic family. You would have the opportunity to play a part in the building’s future as well as engage with exciting projects and developments.
Is this you?
If you are interested, please get in touch for an informal chat with our Chair via chair@thecivicholmfirth.org
