Village Halls Week

#VillageHallsWeek is a national annual campaign, shining a spotlight on the contribution England’s 10,000+ village halls make to rural communities.

The annual week-long celebration, organised since 2018 by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) and the ACRE Network (England’s largest network of rural community support organisations), is a big collective “thank you” to all volunteers who work tirelessly to keep community buildings and village halls open for the benefit of local residents, groups and rural businesses.

Village Halls Week 2025: 17 - 23 March 2025

The theme for this year's Village Halls Week is celebrating, encouraging & supporting village hall volunteers. Read ACT's News Release here and follow us on Facebook @ACTCumbria for updates throughout the week.

Sunday 16th March Cumbria's Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall features in BBC Radio 4 programme Broadcasting House (13m 6s).
Monday 17th March The week kicks off with the launch of 'Halls for All' a book written by Louise Beaton and David Clark. Hear from Louise in an interview for Durham Community Action's Podcast and read her blog.
Tuesday 18th March - celebrate volunteers 'A life in the day of a volunteer' Join us in celebrating Village Hall volunteers across the country as they bring a specially commissioned poem to life. Co-ordinated by Community First Yorkshire, this joyful video shines a spotlight on the dedication of hall volunteers and the diverse roles they fill.
Wednesday 19th March - encourage volunteers Discover the importance of succession planning for village halls with a new blog from long term sponsor and support of ACRE, Hallmaster.
Thursday 20th March - support volunteers Learn how you can access advice and support that’s available to village hall committees such as publications, training and resources from the ACRE network.
Friday 21st March - celebrate volunteers The week will wrap up with highlights from ACRE partners and communities.

How to get involved

Share your photos, stories, and messages showcasing what makes your hall and its volunteers special. Use #VillageHallsWeek and tag us on social media @ACTCumbria - we’d love to celebrate and share your contributions.

Upload a photo of an inspirational hall volunteer to the ACRE volunteer gallery to celebrate the contribution they make to their local hall and community.

ACRE has a wealth of resources to help you join in the celebrations.

Village Hall Volunteers Share Their Experience:

A BIG thank you to all who participated!

Alan Roberts Brough Alan Roberts – Brough Memorial Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2020
Why did you get involved? I got involved as a favour to the then Chairperson following a number of changes on the hall committee, it was only supposed to be a short term measure and I am still here.
What do you enjoy about it? I am now the treasurer of the hall, I enjoy figures so looking after payments and accounts is right up my street.
What are the challenges for your hall? There are many, firstly we are trying to modernise our facilities and are currently mid-way through a new kitchen, our next objective is to look at the toilet facilities. We feel a more modern hall will make the venue more attractive to potential users. We need to make the hall more visible and accessible and our new website is helping us in that objective.
Highlights: We held our centenary event last November, it was hard work putting the evening together but the committee and helpers pulled together for an enjoyable evening. This has given us the kick start to hold more events for the benefit of the hall, especially as the new facilities come online.

Andrea Edwards Thursby Andrea Edwards – Thursby Parish Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2023
Why did you get involved? I got involved as I have used the hall a lot in the past, attended events and have always thought it was a great local facility. I wanted to help ensure it has a future for others to use.
What do you enjoy about it? I enjoy assisting the committee as the booking secretary, using my skills in organisation and administration.
What are the challenges for your hall? The challenges for the hall committee are the managing of increasing maintenance cost. It is not always reasonable to pass all of these onto hirers.
Highlights: The hall is a well-used space. Many clubs use it on a regular basis for their activities e.g. Craft clubs, badminton, Pickleball, Garden club, Rainbows and Brownies, baby and toddlers etc. In addition we hold many music evenings and food evenings and lunch clubs. It continues to be a great social gathering resource for the village and surrounding area.

Anne Myers Brigham Anne Myers – Brigham Memorial Hall, nr Cockermouth

Age: 74
When did you join the hall committee? 2012
Why did you get involved? I had lived in the village for many years but, when working, didn't have time to get too involved in village life. I promised a friend I would join the committee when I retired so I was never going to get out of it!
What do you enjoy about it? The social aspect! Our committee is so friendly and supportive. Even though we all have our different roles and responsibilities, you never feel alone. It's rewarding when residents say how much they value the hall and its activities. If we ever ask for donations at an event we're always astounded at the generosity of the villagers.
What are the challenges for your hall? Raising funds to maintain the hall. The hall is used a lot but income from hirers isn't sufficient. We have an annual shortfall so fundraising is always on the agenda at our meetings.
Highlights: In November 2024 we celebrated the hall's 100^thbirthday. Coincidentally, and wonderfully, the ceremonial key used to open the door for the very first time was sent to the parish council clerk. A resident made a beautiful case to display the key. Another resident, a skilled bookbinder, made a Memory Book for residents to record their past and recent memories of the hall. He also made a book which recorded the names and short biographies of the men and women who had been killed in the First World War; the hall was built in their memory. Another resident has a large train set of the old Brigham railway station. This was very popular at our celebratory afternoon when the hall was packed with residents enjoying the displays and memories. They all took home a commemorative mug after having their cuppa!
All the preparation was worth it - the village is still talking about it and it has generated an interest in the history of Brigham. A talk by a local historian last week packed out the hall.

Bob Provoncha Skelton Bob Provoncha – Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall

Age: 73
When did you join the hall committee? 2019
Why did you get involved? I was asked to join as treasurer or secretary. I wanted to give back to the village as I’d recently retired.
What do you enjoy about it? Getting things done, making a positive contribution.
What are the challenges for your hall? Getting new trustees onto the committee, finding grant funding to continue refurbishment, energy bills, getting help with events.
Highlights: In past 3 years: a large solar PV array & storage batteries have been installed; the main hall completely refurbished (gutted, ecologically insulated, rewired, complete and insulated new sports floor); and a newly completed bi-directional, V2X dual EV charger installed by Charge My Street for community use.

Brian Bailey Mawbray Brian Bailey – Culterham Hall, Mawbray

Age: 77
When did you join the hall committee? 2017
Why did you get involved? We were new to the area and wanted to meet people.
What do you enjoy about it? Meeting lots of different people and organising events for the community.
What are the challenges for your hall? We find it difficult to get the community to support social events. Our energy costs are making things difficult but ACT is helping us to have an energy audit done and we’re investigating solar panels and applying for grant funding to support this.
Highlights: We have well supported and enjoyable Monthly Quiz and Film Nights. Over recent years we have upgraded our hall throughout and we are very proud of what we can offer.

Carol Cutting Lazonby Carol Cutting – Lazonby Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2009
Why did you get involved? The village hall had hit a bit of a crisis. I realised it was something I'd taken for granted and if it wasn't there, what a loss it would be – the activities I enjoyed and the benefits for the wider community. It is a fabulous building with a great history and clearly past generations of village hall committees had done a fantastic job. I just wanted to be part of that, to help the village hall to grow and thrive.
What do you enjoy about it? Working with colleagues (now friends) on the committee to keep the hall functioning well, to support community activities. Meeting others and helping to make things happen is a big part of the reward. Tackling challenges to improve the facilities and seeing those come to fruition. Being part of facilitating projects that bring people together. Village halls have such an important part to play in our communities and I feel lucky to be able to have a role in that. We also have plenty of laughs!
What are the challenges for your hall? Finding the balance between keeping hire costs affordable, and charging enough so the hall is financially viable in the face of rising costs. Accessing grants. Getting the message across that we need to plan for the future, so that we can pass on our knowledge of running the hall to those who, hopefully, will step into our shoes – this means people coming forward to find out more and consider how they might like to get involved. We're a small committee and if just one of us were to step down, it would be very challenging.
Highlights: There have been many highlights! Having the heating replaced was a big achievement; we had great fun at the 150 years' anniversary celebration of the Village Hall; it was great to complete work on new toilets and installation of a family room; the Snooker Club team has hosted several big events where famous snooker players have entertained including Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor; it was good to complete the extension and refurbishment of the kitchen to catering standard and establish a community cafe which is supported by a fantastic group of volunteers. We're proud to host a young couple on the Homes for Ukraine scheme, made possible by the coming together of many people and local businesses who volunteered and donated to refurbish a flat within the village hall.

Claire Hale St Bees Claire Hale – St Bees Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2021
Why did you get involved? I was already a member of the Parish Council which met in the hall and is the Custodian Trustee. It was felt that the hall was getting a bit shabby, lacked ambition, and needed some people who were prepared to get involved with looking for funds for renovations. I had experience of writing funding bids so I volunteered to join the hall management committee.
What do you enjoy about it? I joined at a time when there was a little bit of Covid grant money available, so we had some fun deciding how to use it to make the hall more comfortable and appealing for our users. We got a new more efficient boiler, renovated the toilets and kitchen, helped by Howdens who have a charity arm. We then set out to put on more events and attract more users to the hall and bring back some of our old customers post Covid
What are the challenges for your hall? The challenges are to raise our income and find funds to upgrade other areas of the hall which had been neglected over the years. So far we have been reasonably successful, but it is an ongoing task and a big one. It may be like the painting of the Forth Rail Bridge – once you finish, you have to start again!
Highlights: Highlights have been getting grants to make improvements. Smaller grants have helped to improve the general décor, instal a hearing loop and buy cabaret style tables for when we have shows. With ACT’s help we also managed to get National Lottery funding to start our larger improvement programme. We’ve upgraded the back of the building to improve insulation, ensuring the new boiler works efficiently, and bring the room back into use. The spiders had to find a new home. It is so nice to hear people say how much nicer the Hall is now and how much they enjoy the events we put on.

David Bardsley Melmerby David Bardsley – Melmerby Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2015
Why did you get involved? A sense of wanting to be helpful in the community.
What do you enjoy about it? Making a difference and preserving the building for future generations.
What are the challenges for your hall? Maintenance, generating income, utilities costs.
Highlights: Grant award for additional insulation; installation of gigabit broadband throughout the building; and installation of smart thermostats to allow us to manage the heating more closely.

Dorothy Steele Waberthwaite Dorothy Steele – Waberthwaite, Corney and District Village Hall

Age: 50 ish
When did you join the hall committee? Approx 2018
Why did you get involved? I wanted to help in the community.
What do you enjoy about it? Organising events.
What are the challenges for your hall? The hall is over 100 years old and given its age it is needing a lot of major work.
Highlights: We as a committee have received funding to have a state of the art AV system fitted.

Emma Rose and Emma Lewis Ravenstonedale Emma Rose & Emma Lewis – Ravenstonedale Community & Heritage Centre

When did you join the hall committee? 2024
Why did you get involved? We are part of a trio organising social events for our local community and using our Centre. We were asked to join the Management Committee, not just to continue with our events but to contribute our passion for our community, knowledge and skills to the management of RCHC.
What do you enjoy about it? Working with friends to be able to provide our community with a social hub.
What are the challenges for your hall? Our Centre is a much loved, Grade II listed former chapel built in 1735. The facility is used regularly and is well supported but is in need of significant repair: a new roof, new internal render and the renewal of the internal plaster.
Highlights: Ravenstonedale Parish is extremely rural and one of the most sparsely populated parishes in England, but our Centre supports a very active community: weekly circuits, Pilates and yoga classes; Soundbaths; a History Group; craft fairs; sewing group; coffee mornings, lectures; meetings; discos and an annual 10K run!

Eric Taylor – St Bees Village Hall

Age: 72
When did you join the hall committee? 2025
Why did you get involved? The committee was facing some challenges, and I was asked if I could help. I have a long history of managing complex projects and am also vice chairman of the Parish Council.
What do you enjoy about it? Learning. I’m involved in an environment that is new to me and I have had to understand the importance of the legal aspects and the work involved in bringing the hall back to a positive state.
What are the challenges for your hall? Tenancy issues which need to be addressed and maintaining an old building.
Highlights: The VHMC are really working hard to inject a sense of purpose into the hall which is being recognised by the community by their support to the activities that are being organised

Gill Sykes Casterton Gill Sykes – Casterton Village Hall

Age: 70
When did you join the hall committee? 2008
Why did you get involved? My daytime job involved managing people and organisation, so a trustee / committee role suited me and I wanted to help make the hall function well for the benefit of the community.
What do you enjoy about it? I enjoy working with a group of people and helping to put on a range of events (quizzes, meals, talks, Highlights Rural Touring Scheme) that different members of the village appreciate.
What are the challenges for your hall? It is only a small hall with one main room and a kitchen and it has no parking. We do not get as many bookings as we used to before Covid so finances are tight. We need more private bookings and more groups to use the Hall.
Highlights: The Highlights Rural Touring Scheme has been an excellent addition and we have had fantastic music and theatre provided by them.

Helen Dodd Great Corby Helen Dodd - Great Corby Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2015
Why did you get involved? I joined the committee because I wanted to get more involved in the community that I was living in and thought that I would have more time as I’d retired from teaching at a local school.
What do you enjoy about it? Over the last decade I have been fortunate to work with some amazing people. Through a lot of hard work, fundraising and applying for grants we have improved the carbon footprint of the hall by re-roofing, insulating, and installing solar panels and double glazing. Our latest project has been to refurbish our toilets and install the internet.
What are the challenges for your hall? We never rest on our laurels. We are working with the Parish Council to look at the safety and accessibility of the hall. Access is up a step straight from the road without a footpath. We have fitted a gate to prevent toddlers running out onto the road and are planning to install a ramp for wheelchairs and push chairs. Our next big challenge is going to be relocating the kitchen to provide better catering facilities.
Highlights: The hall is used regularly for yoga, dance classes, coffee mornings, parties and village socials. We recently held a fantastic Burns Supper which looks set to become an annual event!

Helen Johnston Gilcrux Helen Johnston – Gilcrux Village Hall & Educational Trust, Wigton

Age: Over 60
When did you join the hall committee? More years ago than I care to remember!
Why did you get involved? To be part of the community, at the time we were working towards our Lottery bid for the renovation of the hall which was eventually successful resulting in the fabulous community facility we now have.
What do you enjoy about it? I really enjoy the community events we host such as our regular lunch club which now has 50+ members and village life events from Sports day, Annual village show, Flower & Scarecrow festival and also helping guests plan celebrations and receptions.
What are the challenges for your hall? Our main challenge at the moment is energy costs, negotiating our energy tariff and also attracting new committee members to lighten the work load for everyone.
Highlights: Securing funding for two batteries to store energy from our solar PV panels, which when we hope will contribute to the above challenge.

Jenny Armstead Satterthwaite Jenny Armstead – Satterthwaite Parish Room, nr Hawkshead in Grizedale Forest

Age: 64
When did you join the hall committee? 2022
Why did you get involved? I started teaching yoga in the hall in 2022. The committee were delighted as at the time it was little used and becoming difficult to make ends meet. The 140 year old stone building has a great history of being a valuable community resource, however I could see inside lacked appeal and wanted initially to improve the aesthetics and warmth of the space. I was soon motivated to help tackle the big issue of insulation and heating, and for it to be better equipped. The committee were equally motivated and we added new recruits to the dedicated team, to start to help make it all happen.
What do you enjoy about it? I am enjoying the process of helping restore the function of the hall as a vital community resource. It is so satisfying to see it being used for many activities by a wide age range, from toddler to the very mature; all experiencing the joy of being in the community together.
What are the challenges for your hall? The building’s age and years of limited funding make our project a challenging one. However, we are rising to this unwaveringly, with resilience and determination, and bring with us an energetic and skilled committee. The hall is without insulation or double glazing and the heating system is inadequate so we have set ourselves the huge challenge of going green! Insulation, solar PV and air source heating are on the wish list, along with a myriad other necessary future-proofing measures.
Highlights: The achievements have been huge, from starting with a very old Indenture written in calligraphy, to forming a new registered charity, securing a 125 year lease at peppercorn rent, and funding a myriad surveys - building, energy, structural, asbestos, bat, electrical, plus architect fees etc. Getting to the stage of a fully costed building project is expensive and time consuming and we’re constantly out with the begging bowl, never-the-less we’ve persisted and are now well on the way! The biggest highlight for me has been how much the community gets together in the hall – circuit training twice a week, Pilates weekly, table tennis at least once a week, yoga weekly, plus children’s parties and play days, craft sessions, coffee mornings, lunches, and suppers, have been very much enjoyed throughout the past couple of years. The generosity of the community, supporting fundraising and events has been heartwarming. I really feel that the committee, with the backing of the community, are doing a great job to revitalise this precious, historical community building. It is being restored to the purpose for which it was built and the tragedy of seeing such a vital resource being underused, already feels well behind us. There’s a long journey ahead to fund future proofing the building, but we’re on the way, equipped to surmount any obstacles and happy to receive any support and help that we can!

Jill Humphris Casterton Jill Humphris – Casterton Village Hall

Age: 78
When did you join the hall committee? 2004
Why did you get involved? Having just moved to the village I thought it was a good way to get involved with the community
What do you enjoy about it? Helping to keep our village hall a thriving and welcoming space for all those who come to it and being instrumental in putting on enjoyable events for the community
What are the challenges for your hall? Financial, costs are always rising and to keep the hall well maintained, heated etc is always a challenge.
Highlights: Having world class musical / theatre events via Highlights Rural Theatre Touring Group in our small village is a real bonus. Having high speed broadband provided by B4RN free of charge which otherwise we could not afford.

Jon Race Arnside EI Jon Race – Arnside Educational Institute

Age: 69
When did you join the hall committee? Around 2020 - 2021
Why did you get involved? I was playing badminton at the hall and had been for a number of years. I got involved with organising that group when people left and the move to the hall committee seemed a natural step.
What do you enjoy about it? The committee members are a good social group all who enjoy being part of and contributing to the operation of the hall. So it's often a lot of fun and supports the local community.
What are the challenges for your hall? We've had a number of challenges with the hall, many of which revolve around the ageing building, and it is a constant challenge to maintain the building and retain it's availability for the users.
Highlights: Over the last couple of years we have replaced the roof of the building, added powered main doors to improve energy efficiency and we are currently upgrading the electric supply to facilitate future improvements including EV charging points. All the above have been financially supported by grant funding.

Kathryn Nunn Orton Kathryn Nunn – Orton Market Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2021
Why did you get involved? I wanted to help to renovate the hall to improve the quality of the facilities and decoration.
What do you enjoy about it? Seeing the changes and people enjoying using the facility. The changes we have made include: insulation, sound and draught proofing, new entrance, heating system, kitchen, stage curtains, exterior doors, guttering, and full redecoration. We’re currently seeking permission to install new windows and improve toilet access.
What are the challenges for your hall? Recruiting and retaining trustees, seeking new hirers for the hall and encouraging more of our community to use the hall. Also, raising funds to meet rising running costs.
Highlights: We were successful in receiving a National Lottery grant for a large proportion of the work as a result of ACT’s support and advice. This enabled us to make vast improvements for our community.

Louise Shrapnel Field Broughton Louise Shrapnel – Field Broughton Parish Rooms, nr Cartmel and Grange over Sands

When did you join the hall committee? Involved since 2010, and a committee member since 2017
Why did you get involved? I’m involved because the parish rooms are central to community life and I love putting events on, striving to keep making improvements to the facilities and hoping others will use them. Oh, and I live next door to them!
What do you enjoy about it? There is huge satisfaction making improvements, a bit of a thrill seeking grants and being successful.
What are the challenges for your hall? The challenges are securing grants for the larger projects, as well as managing energy costs with a very old building. Access is also becoming an issue as the main hall is upstairs.
Highlights: The highlight has to be the total re-roofing and insulating of the parish rooms with the help of a National Lottery grant, the local council, smaller, local trusts, fund raising as well as determination and good bargaining skills. ACT’s advice was to start at the top and work down, as in, get your roof sorted and insulated, then go for windows. I never imagined I could raise enough to do the roof - in the region of £50k as we did it in stages; windows next!

Madeleine Warren Santon Bridge Madeleine Warren – Santon Bridge Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? 2005
Why did you get involved? I volunteered at a community meeting to discuss the future of the hall. Joining the committee as treasurer seemed like a worthwhile thing to do
What do you enjoy about it? I participate in a number of activities that happen at the hall, yoga, book club and art group, great to have on the doorstep.
What are the challenges for your hall? Irton with Santon is a small parish and the village hall is relatively large and an old building with associated costs. The hall committee run various fundraising activities to ensure the hall can be available to local groups at an affordable rate.
Highlights: We’re always looking to improve the hall but without losing the charm of its original features and friendly feel. With a meeting room and larger main hall it’s a versatile space for all sorts of activities.

Maeve Moore Kirkby Thore Maeve Moore – Kirkby Thore Memorial Hall

Age: 67
When did you join the hall committee? 2008
Why did you get involved? Because all members of the previous committee resigned and the hall would have had to close if new trustees hadn’t volunteered.
What do you enjoy about it? Working with an enthusiastic team over the past year has been very rewarding, and I enjoy helping to organise events which are supported by the village. We hold fundraisers which help to keep the hall going, but also organise celebrations for occasions like the King’s Coronation and the 80th anniversary of VE Day, plus next year it’s the Centenary of the hall opening. Our Big Breakfasts and new quiz nights are well supported and very popular.
What are the challenges for your hall? The cost of keeping the hall running is an ongoing challenge. Maintaining a building that is nearly 100 years old constantly presents difficulties. The cost of electricity and gas, annual inspections and checks, and never-ending repairs, mean that we rarely have a surplus to implement some of the changes we would like to put in place.
Highlights: We are hoping to celebrate the hall’s 100^th birthday in 2026 with some special events, and would like to open our newly renovated toilet and kitchen facilities to celebrate that special landmark.

Mandy Hitch Scotby Mandy Hitch – Scotby Village Hall

When did you join the hall committee? I and most of the current hall committee, joined following the Queens Jubilee in 2022.
Why did you get involved? We had been on the Jubilee Committee, many of us new to the village, and following that busy weekend, we naturally sidestepped in (arms only slightly twisted), to help the village hall, which was struggling for members. We work well as a team and that has moved the hall forward post Covid.
What do you enjoy about it? I meet lots of new people coming to use the hall and attending events we organise to fundraise.
What are the challenges for your hall? Our main challenges have been: the age of the building and upgrades needed to make it a warm welcoming space that people want to come to; also some confusion over governance & ownership of the building, which has recently been clarified with support from ACT.
Highlights: There hadn’t been any village events since the Millennium and locals have flocked to Ceilidhs, Burns Supper, Race Nights, Film Nights, Christmas Fairs & many other fundraisers we have organised. It is not all about raising lots of money (although we have needed substantial amounts for ongoing improvement works) some events have been low key, just to bring the Community together.

Maria Golden Stainton Maria Golden – Stainton Village Hall, nr Penrith

When did you join the hall committee? 2022
Why did you get involved? I have lived in the village for over thirty years and having retired earlier in the year decided I wanted to become more involved in village life and give something back to the community.
What do you enjoy about it? I enjoy meeting and helping people whether it is volunteering at the community cafe or at village events. I am also the booking coordinator for the hall which gives me a sense of purpose. It’s lovely to see so many people using the hall there is so much going on from exercise classes, art classes, community cafe, sustainable Stainton, Scottish dancing, cubs, messy church etc.
What are the challenges for your hall? The main challenge is in attracting younger people to the committee.
Highlights: I will never forget the party we held to celebrate the opening of the hall in 2019 after many years of fund raising, we raised the roof! I also have so many special memories of the old hall particularly the children’s Christmas parties.

Michael Ryan Dalston Michael Ryan - Dalston Victory Hall, Dalston, Carlisle

Age: 70
When did you join the hall committee? 2017
Why did you get involved? I wanted to give something back to my community and was asked to join the hall committee.
What do you enjoy about it? I enjoy being involved with the community and being part of the hall management committee striving to improve the village facilities.
What are the challenges for your hall? Attracting volunteers with the relevant skills to join the committee. Keeping abreast of the constantly changing legislation surrounding community buildings.
Highlights: The hall is over 100 years old and we have recently completed a phased refurbishment and upgrade project which involved securing grant funding and coordination of various agencies to successfully deliver a much improved village hall for the 21st century.
Strong demand from a wide variety of user groups shows the improvements have been greatly appreciated and the hall is now going from strength to strength.

Ruth Sutton Waberthwaite and Corney Ruth Sutton – Waberthwaite, Corney and District Village Hall

Age: 76
When did you join the hall committee? I got involved just after Covid when the retiring Chair asked me and a friend to consider joining the committee as almost all the previous members had resigned.
Why did you get involved? We both felt that we should step up and see the VH through its next stage.
What do you enjoy about it? We have brought together a new committee with just one long-standing member who is an invaluable source of information. Together we have set about tackling the repair and renovation of the building, inside and out, which is very satisfying.
What are the challenges for your hall? The main challenge is the age of the building which needs constant attention. We also struggle to pull in younger residents of our small farming community where people are always busy with jobs and family commitments.
Highlights: I feel the real highlights are yet to come as we begin to utilise the new AV resources to attract families and children to use the hall more frequently.

Sally Hodge Casterton Sally Hodge – Casterton Village Hall

Age: 64
When did you join the hall committee? 2022
Why did you get involved? I value the hall as a great place for community events and want to help it to thrive.
What do you enjoy about it? Our committee is a friendly group of people who work well together, so committee meetings are never a bind. Everyone participates and comes up with ideas.
What are the challenges for your hall? The lack of a car park is the main issue for our hall, and the hall isn't large, although we have managed to accommodate some quite extensive stage sets for Highlights Rural Touring Scheme productions! Private bookings haven't really picked up since Covid, but I suspect that is the same for many halls.
Highlights: Having an audio visual system installed in 2023 has made it much easier for visiting speakers to show their presentations and for us to play music at community events. We are currently applying for funding to instal acoustic panels to improve the sound quality in the hall.

Sheila Hirst Kentmere Sheila Hirst – Kentmere Institute, near Kendal

When did you join the hall committee? 2018
Why did you get involved? I joined the village hall committee when I moved to the area, to help promote events that get the community together enjoying each other’s company.
The hall was built 99 years ago for the fifty or so ladies of the valley by their partners, providing them with a substantial building in which to meet and make things right in the heart of Kentmere, below the imposing, beautiful surrounding fells.
What do you enjoy about it? I really love being part of the Kentmere community and enjoy thinking of events to put on at the Hall to bring folk together.
What are the challenges for your hall? The challenges are bringing together the farming community with the rest, some of whom, like me, are new to the valley. It definitely helped that maths is my thing so I was on hand to help out with the young farmers GCSEs! We managed to attract over 100 including 95% of the community to our Jubilee and Coronation parties by inventing fun games, like 'human table football'!
Highlights: The hall today is still used regularly by the WI, and also for whole community events such as film club, live theatre, table tennis, occasional events and the valley party. We are lucky to be part of ‘Highlights’, the rural touring theatre scheme, whereby we are able to host some amazing live theatre from professional companies. Among other events, The Kentmere Table Tennis trophy is jovially contested each winter and the summer brings the Valley Party where we all come together and enjoy a sumptuous feast under the sun in front of Kentmere Hall.

Sue Morris Armathwaite Sue Morris – Armathwaite Old School Hall

Age: 70
When did you join the hall committee? 2015
Why did you get involved? I have always been an active member of the Community but when I retired I wanted to give something back to this lovely village we live in. As a promoter for the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme, bringing Arts to the Community, the two roles go well together.
What do you enjoy about it? Socially, I have met and made many friends and like-minded people through organising and attending events at the hall. It's a warm and welcoming place to meet up and have some fun on the doorstep whether it's an exercise class, listening to live music or a social event.
What are the challenges for your hall? There are lots of challenges being a trustee of the hall, the current ones are finding new members to join the Committee and applying for grants towards bringing the kitchen up to modern day standards.
Highlights: There have been many highlights, overseeing the renovations of the historic building and seeing people chatting, laughing and enjoying the fellowship of living in a small community attending the various events that take place.

Vivien Hodgson Stainton Vivien Hodgson – Stainton Village Hall, nr Penrith

When did you join the hall committee? 2019
Why did you get involved? Initially to assist with the new online booking system and contribute to the village that I had moved into the year before.
What do you enjoy about it? Getting to know people in the village. Assisting with the organizing and going to social events we run for the community.
What are the challenges for your hall? Parking is a big challenge. As is ensuring the hall is maintained to the high level of a new build.
Highlights: The thing that I feel is special about our village hall is the amount and variety of activities and events that it hosts. Along with the willingness of village residents and a dedicated and skilled group of volunteers, who all contribute to the running of the Hall.

Walter Head Bolton Walter Head – Bolton Memorial Hall, nr Appleby

Age: 66
When did you join the hall committee? I became a Trustee in 2019 and was elected Chairman in 2020
Why did you get involved? I had been a Parish Councillor in Hawes for 18 years and Hawes Market Hall Trustee for 12 Years so was interested in carrying on when we moved to Bolton in a similar capacity. At Hawes we achieved changes in both the Parish and the improvement in the Market Hall.
What do you enjoy about it? The satisfaction of being a part of the team to provide the sustainability of the building and events for the benefit of the community. The hall provides a vital focal point for the community.
What are the challenges for your hall? It’s an old listed building in need of modernisation and extension to ensure its fit for future generations. Funding this is the main challenge. There is an appetite within the community for this and fundraising events are well supported. There is a lot to do but we are confident that this is achievable.
Highlights: Successful fundraising events, local donations and grant funding, to complete phase one of our extension project – the new car park is necessary for further phases and provides a safe off-road area for children using the play area, community field and newly constructed Pump track, to alight from. We recently secured the mobile Post Office service each Wednesday at the hall, and a grant from Westmorland and Furness Council to refurbish a room for the newly formed Youth Club. The Hall is used every day, for indoor bowls to badminton, cinema nights, a weekly Community Cafe, Pilates, by the local school and much more.