Community development
In 1861, the Keld community opened its Literary Institute, to provide for the growing population associated with the local lead mining boom. In 2016, we lovingly restored this Grade II listed building from near dereliction to form a beautiful new events and exhibition space - The Upper Room. Organise a memorable event with us, while supporting the local economy.
From miners' reading room, via a base for the early days of the Co-operative Holiday Association and United Reformed Church bunk room to a modern state of the art activity and events space - the Upper Room has witnessed the evolution of Keld and its community over the past 150 years. But all these uses have one thing in common - welcoming visitors to Keld and the beautiful Upper Swaledale landscape.
““Easy to book. The accommodation and catering is coordinated by the Resource Centre, with a single itemised invoice payable online – all very slick.”
After 15 years lying out of use, the Upper Room is now available once again to welcome a new generation of visitors. We have fully modernised this amazing space to make it ideal for retreats, study or training days, reading groups, yoga or pilates weekends, Bridge holidays, mindfulness, music rehearsal and much more. Accommodation, catering and transport can be arranged, using our local partners - meaning your event will be helping to support local businesses and our fragile rural economy.
(Above) One of the first groups to use the Upper Room were from the Prince's charity Business in the Community. They used it as the base for a team building event in September 2016.
“The lack of mobile phone coverage is an asset: immediate pressures and cares do not impinge; yet the wifi means one is not entirely out-of-touch.”
We can accommodate up to 25 people in lecture-style format or 6 -10 for an activity-based event. It has one main space and one breakout/meal area. Additional breakout areas can be arranged on request. The space is fully step-free accessible and has accessible toilet facilities.
We offer a tailor-made package designed to meet your exact requirements for a day, weekend, mid-week or week-long event. We work with local transport, accommodation and catering providers to ensure every aspect of your stay is as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
“I thought the Keld facilities were great. They are of a high standard and worked well for our planning meeting.”
We are grateful to the following organisations which have supported the Literary Institute refurbishment and the creation of the Upper Room:
Richmondshire District Council, The Bernard Sunley Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The George Martin Trust, The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, The Kirkby Foundation, The Pilgrim Foundation, The Rank Foundation, The URC (Northern Province) Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.