Origins & Construction (1927–1928)
• James Woodrow Matthews generously donated £5,000 in 1927 to fund the construction of the hall, with the land purchased using a £2,000 loan from the Ministry of Health.
• The architectural design came from Boddy & Dempster, and Henry Gould & Sons were the builders.
• A time capsule—Lionel Gould’s cocoa tin filled with photographs, coins, and newspapers—was secretly placed under the eaves during construction.
Architectural Details & Civic Functions
• The hall is a red-brick, two-storey building featuring a small wooden balcony above the entrance.
• The balcony served as the Council Chamber, where elected officials would announce election results, and where Carnival Queens would deliver public addresses.
• It was—and remains—Topsham’s communal hub, hosting travelling theater troupes, dances, local society meetings, and more.
Cinema Era: Rex & Tivoli (1930s–1960)
• From its inception, Henry Gould envisioned the hall as also serving as a cinema. He installed projection equipment and a projection box, moving gear from his earlier venue, the Cosy Cinema.
• In 1931, a Morrison sound system was installed, and the first “talkie” shown was Palmy Days, starring Eddie Cantor.
• By 1939, it was renamed Rex Cinema, managed by A.G. Curtis
• After WWII, it transformed into the Tivoli Cinema with a British Thompson-Houston (BTH) sound system and even featured a 15.5-foot widescreen under Wing Commander A.R. Buere’s ownership in the early 1950s. The cinema ultimately closed in 1960.
• Though no longer a Cinema as such, Matthews Hall now boasts a state-of-the-art digital Cinematic projection and sound system as a means of bringing nationally acclaimed plays to the local community. The high definition quality projector also enables Audio-visual presentations of the highest standards for the many talks and events held at the Hall.
Wartime & Community Use
• During World War II, Matthews Hall served as a center for ARP (Air Raid Precautions) training, First Aid courses, and gas mask drills. It also hosted dances for Royal Marines and U.S. forces stationed in the area.
Into the Community Era: 1960s–Present
• In the 1960s, the Topsham Community Association (TCA) was formed with dual aims: to serve the community of Topsham and to establish a community centre—these aims still guide the Association today.
• TCA currently holds the lease on Matthews Hall and funds its operations through hall hire, a vibrant Saturday Market, and café rentals.
• Today, Matthews Hall supports a wide variety of local clubs and activities—badminton, pickleball, drama, art, film viewings, literary talks, dancing, mindfulness workshops—and hosts a café that’s open most days.
• The Saturday Market (8:30 am–1 pm) remains a lively fixture, offering local produce, arts, crafts, plants, and more.
• Additional services include the café offering light meals, vegan-friendly options, and free Wi-Fi.
Legacy & Significance
• Matthews Hall stands as nearly a century-old emblem of civic generosity, architectural charm, and community spirit. From its ceremonial opening in 1928 through its cinema heyday, wartime service, and modern incarnation as a multipurpose cultural hub—its story is deeply woven into the fabric of Topsham life.