In the Autumn of 2022 we launched an exciting new project thanks to funding from The National Lottery’s Community Fund Reaching Communities Programme (5 years) and The Prince’s Countryside Fund (year 1).

This project is an ambitious 5-year project that we are undertaking to research community halls in Berkshire to better understand the condition of these important community facilities and the needs and priorities of the volunteers or management committees who run them.

We are already working alongside committees to help improve and develop the facilities so that they are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, financially sustainable and better connected with the communities they serve.

Our vision for a 21st-century community hall is outlined below;

In the first 6 months of this project (Oct 22 – March 23) we were pleased to welcome and recruit a new member to our team. Maria Kelly joined us from a strong community-focused background as our Project Development Officer. Maria is working alongside our Community Buildings Advisor Kate Meads to complete audits of the current state of the halls and uses outcomes to develop further needs and and projects.

So far (March 23) 27 halls have completed audits in Berkshire and have already identified huge variations in the level of energy and thermal efficiency in rural halls.

Maria explains; “Most of the committees we have spoken to are desperate to make improvements to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. Common themes that are already emerging and that Kate and I will be working on over the next year includes supporting them to get good access to broadband, roof insultation, improvements to draughty fire exit doors and improve disability access.”

This project will ensure that local Halls in Berkshire will become more attractive, comfortable, and sustainable venues for the community to use and enjoy for the next 100 years.

Together we will ensure halls are able to offer more activities; reach more people in the community; reduce loneliness and isolation and become the vibrant heart of their community.

“I thought you might be interested to know that after your visit and 21^st Century audit, we have made significant progress and after preparing a project plan of options and priorities, we currently have a bid in with West Berkshire Council to support improvements. We are waiting to hear if we are successful and if so, we should be able to install a new boiler, LED lights and insulate the hall roof and replace the old patio doors.  A big ‘Thank You’ for your help!” 

Mary, Shaw Cum Donnington Village Hall Trustee