Anderson Jones
Village Halls and Community Buildings
Village Halls and Community Buildings – what a story to be part of, and here at Devon Communities Together we’ve been part of it since 1961, offering training, support and advice to the 400+ halls across the County!
Many of us don’t appreciate the story behind the village hall movement, which began in earnest in the 1920’s, as the wellbeing of people – particularly in rural communities - took on a whole new meaning after WWI. Many initiatives were developing at the same time, including Social Services provision, Citizen’s Advice, the Women’s Institute, the first Rural Community Council…and in 1932, the Young Farmers.
Village halls have always been part of this rural support network, providing a centre for their communities and a place to have fun, learn, and be part of something. They are run by volunteer trustees who are collectively responsible for making sure that they are well used within the law, kept safe and secure and also reflect community aspirations.
On this page, you will find information about advice and services that can assist community buildings. You’ll also find information about our regular Cluster meetings for hall trustees across the County. And whether you are looking for information on model policies, guidance on governance, regular updates on funding opportunities, energy efficiency advice or discounted training, our members halls get dedicated support.
For advice and support, contact our Village Hall Advisers at: info@devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919.
"Can I say a BIG thank you for all your support an advice provided in respect of our bid - it is very much appreciated." Hall trustee
“From my point of view, it’s reassuring to know that there is a resource to call on when I have queries or need answers." Mariansleigh Hall Trustee
“You have given us lots of ideas and also very useful, practical advice. I feel very excited about the way forward now." Teign Valley Hall trustee
Village Hall Clusters
Join a meeting of halls in your area. The aim of these meetings, spread over the year, is for halls to share experience, get vital questions answered and gain ideas moving forward. Through a mixture of peer support, specialist input and training, they are spaces to develop support and knowledge. Currently there are active village hall groups in North Devon (Hallshare), South Hams, West Devon, Torridge, Mid Devon, the Teign Valley and East Devon.
Please drop us an email if you would like to be involved in an established or new group info@devoncommunities.org.uk
For details of all upcoming cluster meetings, please click here
"The meeting today was great. Sometimes we feel we operate in isolation, but with these network meetings we can learn and share." East Devon hall trustee
Devon Communities Together is part of the ACRE Network (Action with Communities in Rural England). Our team at Community Buildings Support are here to help.
Useful Links
Click here for a link to find a village hall or community building near you
COMING SOON: Click here for a link to our information for new trustees
Other services that could be relevant to your village hall or community building:
Catalyst Consultancy – expert help to develop your ideas for your buildings or community
Hallmark
Hallmark is a national ACRE accreditation scheme for village halls. ACRE is currently reviewing the resources for this, and we will share information on progress.
Further Information
As part of Devon Communities Together membership each member hall has its own page listing on our website. This is a great opportunity to showcase your community building, including information on your facilities and how to book.
Click here to view information about all our member halls
RESOURCES, LINKS AND SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION FOR COMMUNITY BUILDINGS AND VILLAGE HALLS
Click here for our dedicated page of useful information for village halls and community buildings
