Our national body Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) are seeking applications from exceptional people with an enthusiasm for rural communities who can provide leadership for their organisation as they embark on the next stage of our development.

As their current Chair, David Emerson CBE, comes to the end of his term in November, they are looking for a successor.  The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, with strong diplomacy skills, and have an understanding of, and passion for, rural community issues and membership organisations.

As Chair of their Board of Trustees, you will be their champion and ambassador, helping them to influence government and key stakeholders nationally, whilst engaging and responding to the needs of ACRE members locally.

Speaking about the role, ACRE’s Vice Chair Jan Thornton MBE said, “‘Trustees are looking for an experienced chair who is passionate about the future of rural communities, committed to the work of the ACRE Network and capable of influencing on the national stage. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate who wants to help us provide a strong voice for rural communities so that no one is disadvantaged because of where they live”.

Their board meets quarterly with an annual strategy away day and an AGM. There are opportunities to engage with our membership and government throughout the year, while also being a critical friend for our strong executive team. We expect your time commitment to be circa 3 or 4 days per month.

Peridot Partners are coordinating recruitment for this voluntary role. If you are interested in applying, please read the full advertisement on Peridot’s website.

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 11 July 2022.

Short film recently released, shows how residents in Northumberland are being supported to cope with soaring energy prices

Hear from those involved in The Holy Island Warm Hub, an initiative being pioneered by our sister organistaion and ACRE member Community Action Northumberland

Every week, inhabitants of Holy Island in Northumberland are encouraged to come along to the Warm Hub held at Crossman Village Hall, to socialise, enjoy refreshments and learn about how they can save money on their energy bills.

The initiative is one of many rural projects being piloted by members of the ACRE Network; charities providing practical support to rural community groups and alleviating hidden disadvantage across England.

The small rural community, otherwise known as Lindisfarne, is no stranger to meeting its own needs. Residents must wait until the tide has receded to reach shops and services on the mainland, so creating opportunities for residents on the island is considered very important.

Putting aside the fantastic coastal views and rich heritage that visitors flock to each day, many of the island’s c.180 inhabitants are beginning to feel the pinch as the cost of living – and specifically fuel prices – soar.

Sarah Hills, local vicar, and enthusiastic volunteer at the Warm Hub confirms these fears. Speaking on camera for a short film about the initiative, released today, she said: “I think it’s quite an issue, particularly for older people who live by themselves and are often on low incomes. I’ve noticed people in their living rooms, but their kitchen and bathrooms are freezing. If you’re frail, going from warm to cold can be disorienting and can cause people to fall. We’ve also got some single mums with small babies and it’s tough for them too.”

An estimated 6.3 million households in England are estimated to be in fuel poverty. In the predominantly rural county of Northumberland where many homes are older and harder to heat, it is currently estimated by that there are 41,085 households in this situation: equivalent to 28% of all properties[1]. It is also a country where 360 households are completely off grid, many of whom rely on oil fuelled generators and heaters which are not covered by the Ofgem price cap.

It is hoped that Warm Hubs, a concept pioneered by Community Action Northumberland, can provide welcome relief to people in the countryside struggling to pay their bills

Christine Nicholls, Community Development Worker for the charity explains: “We have people come to us who say they’ve not had a hot meal for over six months. People are desperate and trying to manage by themselves. We have over 20 active Warm Hub groups across the county that are trying to help. They provide warm, safe and friendly spaces where anyone can enjoy refreshments, social activity and get information and advice, all in the company of other people. It’s about reducing isolation and supporting people to cope with the difficulties they are experiencing”.

Here at CCB we are keen to replicate the Warm Hub programme in rural communities in Berkshire and are currently seeking funding streams to do this. If you are part of a community that would be interested in this please register your interest by e-mailing admin@ccberks.org.uk

Low Carbon Community Buildings & Small Businesses Webinar. Booking here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/low-carbon-community-buildings-small-businesses-tickets-225252264587

13th June 2022, 7pm, online

Migrating to renewable power and renewable heating systems? Need to reduce fuel costs? All you need to know from an independent expert Tom Macdonald, Berkshire Project Officer from the Low Carbon Workplaces grant scheme. Every Hall or Small business is different and no single solution fits every hall, Tom will guide us through the many options and answer your questions.

The session will also cover;

• smart energy management
• energy saving options
• renewables & energy generation
• case studies

Tuesday 21st June 2022, online, 7pm. Booking here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/affordable-housing-webinar-tickets-338835775927

Free, online webinar for anyone from a rural or urban community in Berkshire interested in exploring the options for providing AFFORDABLE housing for people with a connection to their neighbourhood.

This session will cover;

• The definitions of Rural affordable housing
• Ways to effectively communicate and engage well with your community
• How to gather valuable data to be confident that there is ‘need’ in your community
• Understanding how to read and use the data effectively
• What outcomes you can expect from a successful survey and how you can use it to progress

Monday 4th July 2022, online, 7pm. Booking and further details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/showcasing-community-led-housing-models-tickets-338847330487

An exciting opportunity to attend an online training workshop examining successful community-led housing models & case studies.