Building Futures: Spotlight on Rural Housing at National Conference

Connecting Communities in Berkshire joins national call to action for affordable rural homes

We were proud to take part in the recent Rural Housing Conference, held on 30 April 2025 at the historic Coram campus in London. Organised by English Rural and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the event gathered policymakers, housing professionals, and community advocates to confront the urgent and growing crisis in rural housing.

Attending on behalf of CCB was Rural Housing Enabler Maria Kelly, who joined others in championing the importance of truly affordable homes for rural communities.

The conference, titled Affordable Rural Housing: Opportunity in Changing Times, was marked by a keynote address from HRH The Princess Royal. She offered a powerful reminder that rural housing is about more than buildings:

“We aren’t just talking about houses — we’re talking about the people and communities that make our countryside live and breathe.”

The day laid bare the depth of the challenge facing rural areas:

  • The average rural house price has reached £418,400, compared to average rural earnings of just £25,600.
  • Only 10% of new affordable homes are built in rural areas, though these areas are home to 18% of the population.
  • Investing in rural housing could unlock as much as £87 billion a year in productivity, while strengthening local economies and jobs.

Speakers from across sectors—including planning, faith groups, and economic development—urged a coordinated national effort. Solutions discussed included planning reform, incentives for landowners, and sustained funding for Rural Housing Enabler programmes.

Photo by Matt Pereira Photography / English Rural

Maria said: “What really struck me was how deeply rural housing is tied to community life. Affordable homes mean local families can stay close, young people can build their futures, and essential services can survive. There’s a real opportunity now to make lasting change, and I left the conference energised and hopeful about what we can achieve together.”

Dame Fiona Reynolds captured the overarching theme of the day:

“This is about building more than homes. It’s about building futures.”


Funding Opportunities in May

Energy Saving Trust – Roots and Routes Fund

The Roots & Routes Fund is now open for applications from youth-led organisations in England seeking grant funding for their climate justice projects.

The Fund is dedicated to supporting youth-led climate projects and encourages applications from young people in underrepresented groups.

Potential applicants can register for a webinar on Monday 28 April, 5.00PM to 6.00PM. This will provide additional guidance on the fund and application process. 

Applications for this first round of funding, with grants of up to £20,000 available, will close at 11.59PM on Monday 2 June.

The Roots & Routes Fund webpage includes information about:

How young people and youth-led organisations can apply to access the fund.
The eligibility requirements for the fund.
The criteria that applications are assessed against and when applications will be reviewed.
Expected timeframes for decision-making.
Updates on the webinar on Monday 28 April that will support applicants through their application.
FAQs and contact details for enquiries.
Roots & Routes Fund opens for applications – Energy Saving Trust

Deadline: Monday 2nd June

Turning Point – Community Innovation Fund

Our Community Innovation Fund is open to Turning Point services and the organisations, enterprises and groups that we are connected to in areas where we are located. If you have an idea for a project that would improve wellbeing for people in your local area, you can apply for up to £2500 to bring your idea to life.

For general queries or to learn more please contact us at: innovations@turning-point.co.uk

Barclays New Community Sport Fund

About Us: This new fund, delivered in partnership with Sported, aims to reduce inequalities in sport – with a focus on football, tennis, and cricket. The three-year funding programme, running from April 2025 to December 2027, will provide £1.4 million each year.
Criteria: The funding supports community groups and grassroots sports organisations who are working within the most deprived areas of the UK and are making sport more accessible to women and girls, as well as engaging people from other under-represented groups including people with disabilities, from racially diverse communities and from the LGBTQ+ community.
Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations including community groups, youth groups and traditional sports clubs.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Deliver football, cricket, or tennis activities for women and girls – or are applying for funding to start.
Operate in an area of high deprivation. Only organisations located in or supporting people from IMD areas 1-3 are eligible to apply.
Disability applications from groups that sit outside of IMD areas 1-3 will be considered as long as they groups offer activities for women and girls.
Grant Size: £1,000
Deadline for applications: 22nd June 2025

Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation

About Us: Crowdfunder and Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation have teamed up to make £100,000 available for sustainable community projects based across England, Scotland and Wales. Eligible projects will be supported by Mortgage Advice Bureau staff or their customers.
Criteria: To access the match funding, you must:
Be located in England, Scotland or Wales
Have a Sponsor who is a Mortgage Advice Bureau member of Staff, customer or approved business partner.
Be an existing registered Charity or Community Interest Company
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for applications: Rolling programme

Tesco Stronger Starts – Cooking For All Fund

Tesco Stronger Starts Cooking for All Fund offers grants for organisations and schools educating children and young people on the importance of healthy food and how to cook. 150 grants of £1000 are available nationally.

Application deadline: 30th May (noon)

Pets Foundation – Pets Assisting People Grants

Provides funding to charities who help children and adults through the provision of specially trained assistance animals, or through the provision of structured animal assisted learning and therapy.

Application deadline: 31st May 2025

The Hugo Burge Foundation – Creative Grants

The Foundation’s first round of grant funding this year will support projects, people, and organisations that align with three key areas: Creative Education, Creative Communities, and Creative Individuals.

Application deadline: 31st May 2025

The Eloise and Katie Memorial Trust

Awards grants to: Make a real difference to young people including education, disability, recreation, music and sport. Support causes important to Eloise and Katie’s family – particularly cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

The Albert Hunt Trust

Core funding for areas such as family support eg Home Start, children and young people counselling services, suicide prevention, specific carers support, cancer support, prisoner support and rehabilitation,community centres, food banks and debt advice.Typical grant sizes range from £1,000-£5,000.

Deadline for Applications: 30th May

Grants for Good

The Mathews Good Foundation – Grants for Good is designed to direct funding only to small and growing local charities, voluntary groups or social enterprises that are making a big impact on communities, people or the environment.

Deadline for applications: 15th June

Asda Foundation – Local Community Spaces Fund

Grants from £10,000 – £20,000**

We know accessible community spaces can be a lifeline for local people, and many of these spaces require funding to repair, renovate and develop them so that they can continue delivering vital activities and services. In addition, loneliness and isolation continue to be highlighted through our Community Insight Survey as top areas of concern for local communities throughout the UK.

To be eligible to apply for this fund, your community space must be an accessible place where members of the community can interact, seek support and access a variety of services and activities.

Through our Local Community Spaces Fund, we will continue playing our part in helping to fund safe and welcoming community spaces that bring people together, connect communities and address loneliness and isolation. We have invested £2.5million in community hubs since 2022, and for 2025, will commit a further £1.25million.

Thank you to West Berkshire Volunteer Centre, Wokingham & Bracknell InVOLve, Small Charities Co-alition and Slough CVS for the information contained in this article.


What Exactly Are ‘Managing Trustees’?

Committee Members. Trustees. Committee of Management.
They may go by different names, but they all refer to the same role. Regardless of the title, your charity’s governing document will define them as the individuals responsible for running and managing the organisation.


The Essential Trustee: Six Main Duties

Trustees are the people legally responsible for making sure a charity is well-run and delivers on its purposes. The Charity Commission outlines six key duties for Trustees—vital reading for anyone in the role.


Elected, Co-opted, and Representative Trustees

Charities appoint Trustees in different ways, but this must always follow the procedures outlined in the governing document. Common types of appointment include:

  • Elected – Voted in (usually annually) as individuals who are committed to the charity. They may have links to other organisations, but they serve as independent individuals.
  • Co-opted – Some governing documents permit the co-option of Trustees, either to fill a vacancy or to bring in needed expertise. It’s important to follow the rules—does the document allow co-option? What is the process? Do they need to stand for re-election at the next AGM?
  • Representative – Many charities have provisions for appointing a Trustee on behalf of a stakeholder organisation, such as a parish council or a service-user group.

Regardless of how they are appointed, all Trustees:

  • Share equal responsibility and liability
  • Have equal say in decision-making
  • Must act in the charity’s best interests and to further its purposes
  • Should make decisions independently, free from outside influence

This is especially crucial for representative Trustees or those with external affiliations—they are not there to speak for another organisation but to act solely for the good of the charity.


So, What Do Managing Trustees Actually Do?

They carry out the charity’s aims and ensure its purposes are fulfilled. While that sounds simple, it’s easy to stray from the path.

Managing Trustees must:

  • Follow the governing document, which defines the charity’s purpose and what Trustees are authorised to do. If the document is outdated, CCB can provide guidance on updating it.
  • Make and record clear decisions by minuting Trustee meetings and ensuring decisions align with the charity’s objectives.
  • Stay informed about the legal responsibilities of Trusteeship. The Charity Commission’s “The Essential Trustee – What You Need to Know, What You Need to Do” is an important resource. Refresher training is recommended—and CCB offers training and advice.
  • Maintain a quorum—Trustee meetings cannot make decisions unless quorate. Plan ahead to ensure replacements are identified before Trustees step down.

Chairs, Treasurers, and Secretaries

Even if someone holds an officer role like Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary, all Trustees bear collective responsibility. For example, the Treasurer is not solely responsible for financial matters—all Trustees share accountability and should maintain oversight.


Common Issues and FAQs

“I’m on the committee but I’m not a Trustee.”

You might actually be a Trustee without realising it. This is a common misunderstanding. Or, the committee may be allowing non-Trustees to influence decisions—which is incorrect and should be addressed immediately. Trustees can seek expert input (e.g. a surveyor’s report) but must retain decision-making responsibility.

“I volunteer for the charity as well as sit on the committee.”

That’s absolutely fine and very common. Just make sure your roles are clearly defined, and that you’re always aware of when you’re acting as a Trustee versus a volunteer. Your experience as a volunteer can inform your decisions—but shouldn’t bias them.

“I’m paid to clean the building and I’m also a Trustee.”

This is more problematic.

  • Your governing document may prohibit Trustees from receiving payment or financial benefit.
  • Even if not explicitly forbidden, it is not good practice. Permission from the Charity Commission should be sought.
  • The Trustees must consider: is there a compelling reason to appoint a Trustee over an external person with no conflict of interest?
  • If you operate a cleaning business and are offering a service (not direct employment), the Trustees must follow a robust procurement process—assessing quotes, declaring conflicts, and ensuring you and your relatives do not participate in the decision.

In all cases, a clear conflict of interest policy is essential.


Final Thought

Trustees must act collectively and in the charity’s best interest at all times. Decisions are made by majority vote, and once made, must be upheld by all—even if you originally disagreed.


Save on Water Bills: Join Our Free Zoom Session

Free Online Training: Help Clients Cut Their Water Bills

Wednesday 4th June, 12:30–1:00pm | On Zoom

Book your free place now:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UJnXkh7DQ7GbHFu5V9_STw

Water bills have just jumped by up to 40% in parts of Berkshire supplied by Thames Water – and many of the people you support could be paying more than they need to.

Join Helen Dean, expert lead on CCB’s Family Fuel and Water Poverty Project, for a fast-paced, 30-minute lunchtime session packed with practical tips and tools you can use straight away in your work with low-income and vulnerable clients.

In just half an hour, you’ll learn about:

Thames Water discounts for those on low incomes

Support for customers in debt

The Priority Services Register – essential for clients with health needs or vulnerabilities

Simple ways to reduce water use – and cut bills at home

Whether you’re a support worker, adviser, volunteer or frontline practitioner, this bitesize training will boost your confidence to help others (and yourself!) save money – at no cost to you.

Book your free place now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UJnXkh7DQ7GbHFu5V9_STw


Ways to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day in Berkshire

VE Day 80: Celebrating Peace and Remembering Sacrifice Across Berkshire

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – a significant moment in our nation’s history. This anniversary offers us the opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served and endured during the Second World War, and to reflect on the peace that followed.

Communities across Berkshire are holding commemorative events throughout early May to mark the occasion. From military flypasts and family-friendly picnics to beacon lighting ceremonies and historical performances, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Key Events Across Berkshire

Military Flypast – Monday 5 May
A major military flypast will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, with aircraft flying over parts of Berkshire including Reading, Bracknell, Windsor, Slough, and Maidenhead, as part of a national route towards Buckingham Palace.

Family Picnic and Trail at Shaw House – Sunday 11 May
Time: 11am–3pm | Free entry, no booking required
Families can enjoy a special VE Day-themed trail, where children collect a ration card and search for clues to earn free sweet rations. There will also be craft activities, access to the historic house and exhibitions, and a display highlighting Shaw House’s role during WWII. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, and the café will be open for light refreshments.
Location: Shaw House, Newbury

Finchampstead VE Day Celebration – Thursday 8 May
Time: 7pm–9pm | Free, no booking required
St James Church will host an evening of celebration, featuring live music, the lighting of a beacon, celebration cake and bubbly. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic.
Location: St James Church, Church Lane, Finchampstead, RG40 4LU

Wokingham Town Hall – Thursday 8 May
Time: 10.30am–2pm
Join the Wokingham Poppy Appeal, Barkham Hookers, and Elusive Brewing at Market Place for a community celebration, including military vehicles, crafts, and poppy displays. At 11am, the Town Mayor will lay a commemorative wreath inside the Town Hall.

VE Day at Riseley – Saturday 10 May
Time: 12 noon–6pm | Free entry
A vibrant day of celebration including live music, face painting, a tug-of-war, craft stalls, a barbecue, tombola, and a cake competition. Bring your own picnic, gazebo and seating.
Location: Riseley Recreation Ground

Foxley Fields, Binfield – Thursday 8 May
A full day of commemorative activities will include:

  • 9am: Flag raising
  • 6.30pm: Military parade
  • Evening: Garden games, food and drink, live music
  • 9.30pm: Lighting of the beacon

Bracknell Library Events

  • Saturday 10 May, 10am–11.30am: Free eco-craft event for children
  • Monday 12 May, 10.30am–11.30am: Historian Ray Smith presents “Glenn Miller and the Role of Music in WWII”

West Berkshire Museum & New Era Players Performances
Performances at West Berkshire Museum on 7 and 8 May will include wartime songs, stories, and anecdotes. The shows will also be staged at New Era Theatre on 9 and 10 May.

Newbury VE Day Celebrations – Thursday 8 May

  • 11am: Service at the War Memorial
  • Midday: Celebratory lunch (booking required)
  • Evening: Beacon lighting at Victoria Park

We encourage residents to attend these events and take part in remembering a pivotal moment in history, while celebrating the strength and resilience of our communities.