Celebrating village Halls and their vital role at the centre of communities
21 Mar 2024
The pivotal role of village halls in rural communities was celebrated at a special event for volunteers and trustees at Northumberland County Hall, Morpeth.
Community Action Northumberland (CAN) organised the celebration during National Village Halls Week, which runs until March 24.
There are more than 160 village halls in Northumberland – often acting as the beating heart of isolated communities. They provide a meeting place, a venue for sports and leisure activities and a ‘centre of operations’ during tough times.
The event showcased all that is great about Village Halls with this year’s focus on how to ‘go green’.
The Northumberland Archives Team has partnered with CAN and worked with 30 village halls on a major heritage project, researching the value of Village Halls to rural communities - how they are used, and what can be done to protect them as an essential resource.
Councillor Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries, said: “The network of Village Halls across Northumberland is the glue that keeps isolated rural communities together.
“They are invaluable to keep people in touch with each other and to provide a safe, warm, place communities can gather.
“There are no better examples of this than during Storm Arwen and the Covid Pandemic when they really came into their own.
“I was also keen to hear about the findings of the Northumberland Village Halls Heritage project which has delved deeply into their role in keeping communities together.
“The event also gave us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to the volunteers and trustees, without whom we would be lost.”
Councillor Watson welcomed guests and other speakers include John Grundy, historian and broadcaster; Sue Wood, head of Northumberland Archives who gave an overview of the Village Halls Project, and Andy Dean, Alan Gerono and Louise Currie of CAN.
Topics included top tips for running a heritage project, energy equality, green project ideas, volunteering and much more. There was also an exhibition in the foyer showcasing the heritage project.