Our Community Buildings Advisor, Kate Meads, has recently been out visiting village halls across Berkshire to celebrate their achievements and ongoing contributions to rural life.

At Arborfield Village Hall, Kate joined a 1931-themed celebration marking the hall’s 94th birthday. The event honoured the hall’s long-standing role in the community and its recent improvements, including solar panels, upgraded toilet facilities, and enhanced audio-visual equipment. Kate was pleased to present the Trustees with a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Funding Plaque, recognising their efforts to preserve and modernise the space.

Kate also attended the grand re-opening of Bradfield Village Hall following a major refurbishment. The project was completed with the help of local tradespeople, volunteers, and charity trustees. Chris Tarrant, a well-known local figure, officially opened the hall, and the community celebrated with a well-earned toast. Bradfield Village Hall also received a Jubilee plaque, with funding supporting kitchen and toilet upgrades and insulation improvements.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund, launched in 2022 and managed by our national body ACRE, supports the modernisation of village halls across England. A small amount of funding is still available for charities in communities of fewer than 10,000 residents. Eligible projects must have 80% of funding in place and be ready to complete by 31 March 2026.

If your hall meets the criteria, you can apply for funding between £2,000 and £5,000 (up to 20% of the total project cost).

To apply, email Kate by Friday 7 November:
📧 kate.meads@ccberks.org.uk