Today (03/10/2022), we launch an exciting new project thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund (5 years) and The Princes Countryside Fund (1 year.)

This project will support Village Halls across Berkshire through a process of transformation, so they can meet the needs of their communities for the next 100 years.

Village halls come in all shapes and sizes. They represent a living history of community ambition to create spaces where people can meet. They are snapshots in time, reflecting the materials, technology and needs of the community at the time of their creation.

Rural communities rely on their village halls for many things: social events, fitness classes, pre-schools, clubs, polling booths and much more. They are the heart of the community and are run by unpaid, dedicated local people. It can be really hard work, complying with legislation and red tape while running and maintaining often aging buildings that don’t meet the needs of the 21st Century.

This project will enable us to help village hall trustees to identify where they need to make changes to improve their venues, e.g. offering free Wi-Fi, improving insulation, upgrading heating systems, improving accessibility etc. Our role is to support hall volunteers to prioritise the changes they want to make, implement their plans and help them access funding for their upgrades.

As a result of this project, people in rural communities will have access to improved community halls that are warmer, more welcoming, inclusive and vibrant. Rural isolation and loneliness will be reduced and a sense of community enhanced.

Supporting village halls has been at the heart of CCB’s work since the charity was formed nearly 50 years ago. We work closely with the other 38 charities in the ACRE Network to ensure that every village hall in England can access appropriate advice and guidance. 

To find out more about our work and this significant new project, please visit the webpage: https://ccberks.org.uk/our-projects/rural-hubs-village-halls-fit-for-the-21st-century/