Whitsome Ark is our purpose-built Village Hall which opened in September 2009. It is a community resource providing a wide range of facilities, set in a large well-maintained site, overlooking stunning views of the Lammermuir Hills. The hall consists of a Large Main Hall, Café and Kitchen area and a smaller Meeting Room. There is parking available for 18 vehicles (including 4 disabled spaces).
The Ark is used for a variety of events, meetings and for sports such as table tennis, badminton, bowling (including boules/pétanque) and pickleball. It is home to the SWRI, Guides, Crafters, Life Drawing, Mother & Toddler, Pilates, U3A and book club etc. The hall also has its own Post Office and Shop that serves the local population. As a charitable organisation, it is managed by a board of voluntary Trustees.
Being a modern building with ground-source heating, it is warm and all on one level making it easily accessible. The Ark is suitable for Wedding Receptions, christenings, birthday parties and other celebrations as well as business meetings and fund-raising events.
If you would like to enquire about booking the hall, please contact the Booking Secretary, Bill Wilson. To find out more, download the Whitsome Ark brochure (pdf format).
Facilities and Equipment available
Main Hall – 7.5m x 15m. This is a large light and airy space that can accommodate up to 100 people seated in rows, more standing, or up to 80 seated at tables. It is separated by folding doors into the café and kitchen area, which if opened extends the available area. The area outside the hall is suitable for the erection of a marquee if required. The large windows look out onto stunning views over farmland to the Lammermuir Hills. The hall has good overhead lighting with more subtle uplighters. There are also extractor fans and opening windows to provide good ventilation. Wi-Fi and a hearing loop are available. Adjacent to the hall is a large store area with tables, chairs, and sports equipment for hirers to access and put away after use. Please see full list of Equipment below.
Main Hall – facing West
Main Hall – facing east
Main Hall – facing east – ready for a party
Main Hall – facing west – ready for a party
Café and Kitchen – 4m x 4.5m. Connected to the hall by folding doors with table and chairs to seat 20 people. It has an electric water heater as well as kettle, 2 electric ovens, fridge, sinks x 2, dishwasher, microwave. Plates and cutlery for 80. (Some of which are stored in the Meeting Room)
Café and Kitchen – facing west
Café and Kitchen – facing west – ready for a party
Meeting Room – 3.5m x 4m. This is a useful smaller room for meetings, it also has a sink and kettle with seating for 12 around a large table.
Meeting Room – facing south
Toilets and Shower – There are Ladies and Gents toilets and a separate accessible toilet with a shower and baby changing facilities.
Pétanque / Boules Court – In 2023 the Community Lottery Fund awarded a grant towards the cost of building a beautiful full-sized Pétanque / Boules Court. Anyone can use it at any time provided it is not already booked (see how to book). The balls and rules are kept in the paper shed, along with a rake. There is no charge for playing on the court, which is big enough to fit two groups playing at the same time, the more the merrier!
Pétanque Court
Equipment – Indoor. For table tennis, badminton, pickleball and indoor bowling. A stage. Electronic keyboard. Loudspeaker and projector. 2 extra-long tables; 20 long folding tables; 10x medium folding tables; 10 x folding card tables; 8 x small folding card tables; 100 padded chairs; 12 padded chairs with arms; overhead projector & PowerPoint projector; DVD player; stage lighting; Stage; Display boards; Fairy lights; Bunting; PA system.
Outdoor Equipment for loan. Marquee 10m x 4m (download assembly instructions here); 2 smaller Marquees 9m x 3m; 5 x Gazebos 3m x 3m; 30x folding wooden chairs; 51x outdoor plastic chairs; BBQ.
Borrowing of Equipment – If you have an enquiry about borrowing tables, chairs or marquee, please contact the Booking Secretary. Normally a donation is made to the hall for this service. As a guide the normal donation is £1.00 per chair; £5.00 per table and £150 – £200 for the large 10m x 4m marquee. Also available is a smaller marquee and gazebos. You will be asked to complete an Equipment Borrowing Form.
