Village Halls: Warm, welcoming, and inclusive spaces

Village halls are more than just a building, they are the beating heart of rural life in England. They provide a vital community space where people can come together, connect, and form lifelong friendships. These halls are a lifeline for many villages, particularly as traditional community spaces like pubs and post offices have closed.

The loneliness that can come with living in a rural community can be devastating, but village halls provide a place for people to find social connections and combat isolation. These halls often serve as the only meeting place within a rural community, especially for those who may not be able to travel to other areas.

But village halls are not just a practical solution, they are inclusive spaces that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to everyone. They serve as a melting pot of diversity, open to all regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. They are accessible to all local residents, with few barriers preventing their use.

Village halls are not just a building, they are a way of life. They host local markets and festivals, provide a space for community meetings and voting, and serve as a location for local groups and organisations to meet. They offer facilities such as kitchens and toilets, making them ideal for hosting events and meetings.

These community spaces are more than just bricks and mortar, they are the backbone of rural life. They are the places where memories are made, where friendships are formed, and where communities come together. Without them, rural communities would be left with a gaping hole in their hearts. That is why we must support and maintain these vital community spaces, and that is why we are backing ACRE’s #VillageHallsWeek 2023. Together, we can ensure that these precious community spaces will continue to serve and strengthen rural communities for years to come.