August 28, 2024

Membership of Cumbria CVS passed the 400 mark recently, with Arnside Educational Institute setting us on our way towards 500 members.

Office Manager Diane found out about us when researching funding opportunities, as the Institute have a large number of tasks that are required to keep the building running.

Becoming a member is free of charge and open to all third sector organisations operating in Cumbria, including community groups, registered charities, Faith groups and social enterprises. Membership provides a host of benefits, including our monthly E-bulletin & funding newsletters a week before non-members, a listing in our searchable public ‘Members Directory’, free events and networking opportunities and more. You can find out more about our membership offer here

Arnside Education Institute started as a small day school for local children in 1873. It has continued to grow and change with the times since. Historically it offered reading rooms, a lady’s room and a place to meet and debate, becoming a hub for the cultural life of the village. It moved to its present location on Church Hill in 1925, and the trustees made the decision to apply for charitable status in 2002.

It runs as a membership organisation which anyone can join, and any members can propose a new club or group so long as it fits within the Institution’s broad educational remit. Rooms can also be hired on a regular or occasional basis, and it hosts the village local history group, the Arnside Archive.

Its position in the heart of the village, just above the promenade, and its wide range of rooms and facilities ensure it remains a vibrant and well used venue. A large room with a stage and catering area is used for plays and films, lectures and conferences. This flexible space converts to a sports room for table tennis, badminton, dancing and exercise groups. Other rooms host a wide range of meetings from a community café to a bridge club and a dedicated snooker room. In addition, the Institute hosts the Arnside library Link, giving residents easy access to the Westmorland and Furness library collection.

More information about Arnside Educational Institute can be found on their website

We’re delighted to welcome them as a member!