Providing invaluable training and advice to Berkshire’s Community Buildings

Aldworth Village Hall Opening

CCB’s Community Buildings Advice Service (CBAS) has had another successful year (April 2015 - March 2016). The membership increased to 61 halls, 105 enquiries were answered on a variety of topics and 19 visits were made. 

Eight training sessions were held on topics including funding, building maintenance, health and safety and using a hall as emergency accommodation.

The emergency accommodation meetings attracted more than 50 people from 33 halls and was funded with a grant from Southern Electric Power Distribution Resilient Communities Fund.  Most of these training sessions were held in both east and west Berkshire. CCB is grateful to Landmark Trust, Greenham Common Trust, Insure Your Village hall and local authority emergency accommodation officers from Wokingham and West Berkshire and who provided speakers for these meetings, thus supporting volunteers in running their halls. 

Halls continue to provide a focal point for community activities for people of all ages. Many other hall committees are embarking on fund raising to improve their buildings. The dedicated volunteers that run them use their spare time to ensure that these public buildings are fit for use in 21st century as well as complying with the legislation that affects them. The CBAS service CCB provides helps ensure that they are not alone in their endeavours. Being a member of CBAS ensures they get answers to queries, regular training opportunities and guidance on legislative issues. 

Several communities have been working to raise funds to improve or replace their halls. New halls were opened in Hermitage and in Aldworth which was officially opened by Lord Illyffe, in March 2016. 

Two CBAS newsletters were compiled and distributed during the year and further updates on legislation were also circulated. In addition, Government consultations affecting halls were circulated. Information sheets on equipment and services requested by hall trustees were collated with help and suggestions from other hall trustees, saving committees time and effort in researching topics themselves. 

If you have any questions relating to our Community Buildings Advice Service please get in touch with Wendy - wendy.dacey@ccberks.org.uk