CVS North

Village Hall Seminar
for the halls in North West Sutherland

HOME                          Saturday 27th September 2008

Conclusions

•Village hall is not just a stand alone but a facility for promoting wider village functions Halls provide a focal point for communities The hall has to be compatible with the requirements of the community with a need to identify new uses for halls

•Uses should be as diverse as possible and facilities have to be designed for this Traditional uses i.e. weekly dances were stopped because of drink driving

•Encouragement should be made for community groups to work together for the benefit of community buildings and not have the hall committee working in isolation

•Upkeep and maintenance including running costs is a major concern

•Compromise in quality and aspects to fit in with funding availability  new halls cannot always be built to the specification required.

•The facilities and use of these facilities in the wider locality must be considered for all major renovations and improvements with consideration of proximity of other village halls. Not all buildings are purpose built and many are having to be redesigned

•Hall committees are having difficulty in attracting young people and this is becoming an increasing problem when funders are looking for security in succession

•Hire costs must be realistic to cover hall overheads i.e. electricity could be metered for use.

•Use local volunteer and good will to include in costing packages but also to show willing from community.

•There are many diverse and interesting building used for village and community purposes.

•The use of the hall must demonstrate the investment proposed. – this can be defeating as poor condition can stop regular use.

•Storage is a problem in most halls

•Many of the halls have recently had to meet standards for entertainments licences.

•There could be advantage in developing a well advertised programme for halls to allow visitors and locals to plan and encourage visitors to come and stay.

Outcomes & Achievements

• Relationship between the statutory and third sector needs to focus on more than just funding

• An initial understanding of the shared principles, values and commitments were explored for capacity building that works both ways

• Hall committees had an opportunity to define and manage their relationships with each other and the statutory bodies and Strengthening the relationship

• Participants had the occasion to contribute their experience and ideas

• discover from the good practice that has proved successful for others by Learning, Sharing, Knowledge and Skills
   

Future Actions from CVS North

•Regular updates on progress will be provided via email with resource links and look into the possibly of a quarterly newsletter

•Develop a training program and seek funding for this program from the results of this event

•Work with the village hall committees in our area, enabling them to be successful and supporting them to deliver the services the aspire to

•Engaging with the statutory sector on behalf of village halls at every opportunity