Matthews Hall, dating from 1927 and named after its builder and donor James Woodrow Matthews (see below), has been a community focus for over 70 years. Originally a cinema, it has two public rooms seating up to 60 and 280 persons, and it is used by Societies, Associations and businesses for commercial, educational and leisure activities, for which it has a Public Entertainment Licence. As of November 24 2005, Matthews Hall has permission by Exeter City Council for Licensable Activities under the Licensing Act 2003.
The main hall has a full-size stage with lighting equipment and dressing rooms. The maple floor is suitable for badminton and dancing. The Hall also has toilet and cloakroom facilities, and a kitchen. A public car park adjoins the building with adjacent disabled access. The Saturday Market is a popular venue with locally produced foods and fresh produce, antiques, curios, bric a brac, metalwork and plants on offer.
Badminton at Matthews Hall
Booking Matthews Hall
The facilities are extensive and charges competitive. Operating times are: Monday to Saturday 0800-2330; Sunday by special arrangement. See the page for contact details, and the general booking and Saturday market booking conditions.
James Woodrow MatthewsMatthews Hall is named after its found and benefactor James Woodrow Matthews, J.P. He started his career in Topsham as a clerk in the office of one of the old
sailing ship insuring clubs in the building [
Grove House, then residence and business premises of John Holman] in which, having bought the property, he spent the last few years of his life. He was for many years with Messrs. W Lamplough & Co., Insurance Brokers, and was manager for them until, in 1901, he founded Matthews, Wrightson & Co. in conjunction with Mr
Harry Wrightson and his brother Mr R.G. Wrightson. The firm became a private limited company in 1911, when Mr Matthews was appointed as chairman, and he held that position until his retirement in 1924. He was an annual subscriber to
Lloyd's from 1901 to 1916, when he became an underwriting member. He underwrote marine in the syndicate of Mr Eustace R. Pulbrook [
Sir Eustace Pulbrook, 1881-1953, Chairman of Lloyds] and non, marine, motor and employers' liability under the agency of Messrs. Matthews, Wrightson & Co. Ltd. He was one of the founders of the Corporation of Insurance Brokers, and was later its treasurer and a member of the council, finally being elected a vice-president. He was a prominent Freemason, a member of its Grand Lodge. He died at Grove House on July 30 1934 aged 83.
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from Times obituary, July 31, 1934 (thanks to Michael G Matthews for the enquiry that led to filling in the details).
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