Entertainment in Village Halls

Cuts in red tape will make it easier for village halls to be the social heart of their communities

A raft of cuts in red tape will make it easier for village halls to be the social heart of their communities, says leading rural network ACRE.

Major changes to Government regulations on entertainment licensing, which come fully into force from April 6, have reduced the burden on community buildings.

It says village halls now face less paperwork when it comes to putting on the events, plays, performances and social evenings which pull communities together.

ACRE, the national voice for England’s rural community councils, runs an information and advice service for the country’s 10,000 village halls through its network of dedicated advisers. Its research shows that alongside traditional activities such as youth clubs, WI, gardening clubs and whist drives, village halls are hosting newer crazes such as Pilates and Zumba and have seen a rise in exercise and keep fit classes.

The charity has produced a new guide ‘Entertainment in Village Halls’ which steers management committees through the rules and regulations on licensing, music copyright, cinema, events and more. It is available through your local Village Hall Advisor http://www.acre.org.uk/in-your-area/village-hall-advisers nationwide.

Community Shops demonstrate that buying local really does exist

Wren Shop East Knoyle

There were 309 community shops trading at the end of 2013 an increase of 6% over the year. Like for like sales growth was 1.9%. Most shops are in the south and southwest. 95% of shops which were open in 1992 are still in business. The majority of community shops have chosen to register as an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) for the Benefit of the Community. Turnover ranged from £6,500 to £1,103, 653. Sales increased by 1.9% in 2013 - better than the supermarkets! 65% of shops were run both by paid staff and volunteers. 70% of shops had postal services.
The Plunkett Foundation

Helping others to make a positive change in their community - Resource

Big Lunch Extras is a three-year programme to help individuals across the UK create positive change within their communities. Funded through the Big Lottery it is all about bringing communities together, reducing loneliness and isolation and helping to make a difference locally which is at the heart of the Big Lottery Fund’s mission.

The Fund is therefore delighted to invest Lottery funding into Big Lunch Extras, which  builds on the success of The Big Lunch, to support individuals who want  to make a positive change in their communities. Big Lunch Extras will inspire and support people to tackle issues that are important to them. This will strengthen neighbourhood networks, create a greater sense of community cohesion improve the lives of communities across the UK.

The website is a very useful resource with lots of case studies demonstrating other projects. So if you're looking for ideas or advice on what to do next in your community, you’ll like our resources. We’ve created a growing collection, which includes:

• activities and project to try yourselves, with clear instructions
• inspirational stories from neighbourhoods around the UK
• simple guides that help you get to grips with big ideas

There is an online community forum which is also a brilliant place to start discussions and gain important insights from others who may be experiencing the same challenges.
Worth a look.  http://www.biglunchextras.com/content/join

 

Suppliers Fayre for Community Building Leaders

Suppliers Fayre: Community Buildings, Village Halls and Schools – 11 April Community First, Wiltshire, is hosting an event for suppliers and service providers to community buildings and their users. 

Free entry – Friday 11 April 2-6pm at Michael Herbert Hall, South Street, Wilton SP2 0JS. If you are responsible for ordering supplies or services for your building, this is an opportunity to meet and talk to a range of suppliers and providers including, audio visual equipment, door entry systems, green energy, sound and lighting equipment and eco-friendly wildflower seeds.

Contact csouthall@communityfirst.org.uk or tel: 01380 732818