The History of Matthews Hall
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 .
• The foundation stone was laid on 26 January 1927, and the hall officially opened on 15 February 1928, with Matthews using a commemorative silver key to open it. That evening, a grand concert and dinner was held for the Parish Council .
• 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, drama, art, film viewings, 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.
