A vision of modern, inclusive village halls that provide a range of activities and services for the benefit of local communities, was explored by Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight, at today's National Village Halls Forum Conference and Annual General Meeting.
Addressing today's meeting - 'The Voice of Village Halls', Mr Knight encouraged delegates to foster a network of information and support for solving the issues village halls are facing today.
"Now is the time to explore our vision for the future role of the village hall in the 21st century.
"Many village halls are exploring some new and exciting ways in which to capture the imagination of their communities and are working hard to develop their potential for the future. Their foresight and examples of best practice are something that many more can learn from and I hope that you, in your work as the Village Halls Forum, will be encouraged to take this forward so other village halls around the country can follow suit.
"Village halls have played an important part in the life of the community for a very long time. However, the really successful village halls have not rested on their laurels. They have moved forward from their initial inception in the inter-war years and have evolved to meet the needs of their local communities, addressing their health, social and sport needs."
Mr Knight cited a number of successful village halls around the country, which are providing a range of activities such as local health facilities, farmers' markets, OAP lunch clubs, scouts and guides, and internet access.
These included a consortium of village halls in Teesdale and Branxton Village hall, in North Northumberland.
In an impressive move, Teesdale Village Halls, all 29 of them, have formed a consortium to promote themselves as conference and meeting venues under a Leader+ project. This has led to increased use of the halls for new activities, as well as traditional ones, all of which are helping them to achieve their goal of sustainability.
Branxton in Northumberland has just 130 residents, and although they had no post office nor shop, Branxton set out their priorities in a Parish Plan. The main things villagers wanted to improve were the village hall, the children's play park and access to the site of the Battle of Flodden Field. The Parish Plan enabled them to achieve this with a package of Defra, charitable, lottery and local authority funding. The parish is now advising others how to replicate their achievements.
He continued: "These modern and successful village halls would not have achieved
such results if local people and village hall management committees had not had the vision, the commitment and the enthusiasm to make it a success.
"Funding also plays an important role in the ability of village halls to move with the times. Significant funding has come from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme, various Lottery funds, local authorities, and charitable sources. Local fundraising is also fundamental to the successful completion of projects, stimulating commitment and
levering in funds from elsewhere.
"Defra's Rural Strategy sets out the government's programme of change to help regenerate communities and make them more sustainable. Generating income for village halls that is both sufficient and sustainable is part of this. It has the benefit of not only creating opportunities for new services for local people, but for the village hall managers it reduces dependency on continually looking for grants to do the things that need to be done."
Setting out how this support and activity can provide a sound basis on which to work for the future of village halls, Mr Knight said:
"Today's progressive village halls broadened their range of activities according to demand, and that is what is needed rural areas today to enable communities to get the services they need, as well as the traditional social pursuits.
"I know that it is a big challenge and will require imagination and commitment to make it happen. I know that by involving the community we can tap into talents and skills that are needed, and people can surprise themselves with what they are able to achieve.
"In an effort to help local communities address these new challenges, Defra is currently developing a one-stop information hub for village halls. Being created in consultation with ACRE, it will list willing funders, together with other useful contact points and links for advice, including the village hall advisers in local Rural Community
Councils.
"Access to information is crucial, so a web-based version is being created along with an option for people who do not have website access. We are aiming for the information hub to go live before Christmas."
Mr Knight concluded:
"Village halls have come a long way in the past few years but there is still work to be done and challenges to be faced. I would encourage people to look upon today's forward looking village halls as best practice models, learn from their successes and their mistakes, and foster a network of information and support for solving the issues our village halls are facing."
