Northumberland Celebrates Village Halls Week 2025 by Honouring Volunteers
20th Mar 2025
CAN hosted a successful event on Wednesday 19th March at Stannington Village Hall as part of the national Village Halls Week 2025 celebrations. The event, attended by over 60 volunteers and trustees from across the county, focused on the theme of "celebrating, encouraging, and supporting volunteers" who are the backbone of Northumberland's 160+ village halls.
The programme began with a welcome from Jean Humphrys, Chair of the Board at CAN, who introduced the significance of Village Halls Week. Robin Fry, Inclusive Economy Advisor for the North East Combined Authority, followed with insights into the personal and regional benefits of volunteering.
Alan Gerono, CAN's Volunteering Development Officer, presented a summary of the Volunteering Development Project, highlighting initiatives to bolster volunteer engagement. Marc Johnson, Digital Inclusion Lead at CAN, discussed the Digital Inclusion Project, emphasising the role of digital champions in enhancing community connectivity.
A guest panel featured representatives from Crookham Village Hall, Hindmarsh Hall in Alnmouth, and the West Northumberland Community Buildings Consortium, who shared their experiences and strategies in recruiting and keeping volunteers engaged at their halls. The event also included the recital of a special poem by ACRE, celebrating the spirit of volunteerism with contributions from trustees across the country.
Attendees had opportunities for networking, exploring information stalls staffed by CAN's Energy Team and Volunteer Lead, and viewing exhibits from the Village Hall Heritage project. The event concluded with a buffet lunch and networking.
Village Halls Week, running from 17th to 23rd March 2025, is a national campaign led by ACRE to spotlight the contributions of England's over 10,000 village halls. This year's focus is on the volunteers who ensure these vital community spaces remain operational and welcoming.
CAN's celebration event not only acknowledged the dedication of current volunteers but also aimed to inspire and support future generations to continue this invaluable work, ensuring the sustainability and vibrancy of Northumberland's rural communities.
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