A COMMUNITY building which has withstood two world wars is celebrating its role at the heart of its community.

From the outside, The Hut, in Union Lane, Brampton, looks like any old building, nestled among the others which make up the town’s community centre.

The building was built in 1916 at Eastriggs as a gym and changing room for workers in the munitions factories. When World War One ended, the building was bought by White House School which used it as technology and art classrooms.

Now, The Hut is a regular meeting point for rural communities, creative handymen and women, and those who simply looking to get out and have a chat.

Kate Allan, publicity volunteer for the Community Centre Trust, explained: “It’s a community asset and it’s a mental health thing as well, because you’re bringing people together to be creative.

“I think it’s amazing.”

The building is used by local arts and woodworking groups throughout the week, which make good use of the high standard of equipment kept in the two rooms.

It is believed that as many as 70 people each week pass through the doors of The Hut.

Once a week, a group of beginners and experts meet to knit items and have a chat over tea and biscuits.

The knitted items are then donated to various charitable groups such as Women’s Refuge, Homeless Hostel, Seaman’s Mission, Premature Baby Unit, and a village in Malawi.

There is an arts and crafts group every Monday which can see up to 20 people tap into their creative side.

Kathy Arthur, who runs the art class, said: “I really don’t know where we would go without The Hut – it is such a great studio space to work in.

“We are a supportive community and at a time when mental health is at the forefront of people’s minds, it is a good resource providing opportunities for creativity, belonging, learning and challenge.”

One of the most unique groups to call The Hut their home is a violin-making class – one of the only such classes in England. People travel from Newcastle and Scotland to learn the art of creating a violin and are passionate about ensuring that the class, and The Hut, continues.

Sophy Ball, from Newcastle, said: “The Hut really is a community hub for us, a chance to get support from the other members of the group.

“It is a social space to feel positive and to create things of beauty we would never in everyday life have the opportunity to create.

“This is a truly unique class in the whole of the country, and should be celebrated and protected.”

Rory Ogilvy emphasises how special the violin-making class is: “This class is of major importance to a widely dispersed group of people coming from as far afield as Dumfries and Newcastle, as well as locally.

“We are enormously privileged to have a world-class instrument maker in Brampton who is willing to share her knowledge and experience with us.”

During the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, European Union funding led to the creation of a woodworking class that would help farmers diversify and build new skills. Now, each week more than 50 members attend the class.

The people who use the building, whether it is for a chat while they knit or to create intricate musical instruments, are incredibly passionate about The Hut and all that it brings to communities near and far.

There are hopes to continue to expand The Hut’s use – and ensure its vital role within the community.