Get Involved
Maryport Educational Settlement (known locally as ‘The Settlement’) was created in 1937 as part of a government initiative to help alleviate the poverty in the economically depressed area of West Cumberland around Maryport, through easy access to education.
The Settlement has been an important part of the educational and social fabric of Maryport since then. Until 2007, the building was owned by The Society of Friends and run by various groups. Then, as part of a major renovation scheme it was bought and is now held in trust for the people of Maryport.
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Castle Hill trust CIO has owned the building since January 2018.
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The aim of CHT is to run The Settlement for the benefit the people of Maryport, especially the most disadvantaged, through a programme of arts, crafts, education and social activities, as well as making facilities available for other local groups and organisations.
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We currently run a number of activities, all of which are open to any member of the community who wishes to participate. We have people with various issues; learning difficulties and/or social problems who come to these activities and mix with other members of the group – to the benefit, we think, of all of the group.
Our aim is to develop more activities and events, in response to people’s needs so that The Settlement is once again a community hub.
In addition, we have hosted
• 2 major 4-day Art Festivals
• 3 local artists exhibitions.
We have
• Regular ‘Makers Markets’
• A programme of daytime and evening talks by local authors, business people etc.
• A monthly Film Night
• Live theatre and music events​
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We hire out our facilities to other people and organisations to enable other activities to take place. We currently have weekly Yoga, Pilates and Life Drawing.
Rooms can be hired by the hour/half or Whole day. Room hire is an important revenue earner.
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Volunteers
We are run entirely by volunteers and are always looking for more volunteers, so if you think you can help, please get in touch. We particularly need a Treasurer. This doesn’t need to be a Chartered Accountant and would suit someone who has bookkeeping skills. We have a number of key roles to be filled, as well as a need for people who can make a regular commitment of an hour or so, and people who can help out at specific events.
Trustees
We need a team of committed individuals to help us with the governance of the charity, so, if you would like to know more about becoming a Trustee, we would love to hear from you.
This is a great way to put something back into your community which will also prove rewarding to yourself and looks good on your CV.
For more information: Call Jim on 07754 897009 or email jor@castlehilltrust.org.uk