Key rural community volunteers and dignitaries welcomed Royalty to Ely this week, as they joined Cambridgeshire ACRE in a celebratory event designed to mark the centenary of one of Cambridgeshire’s most well-known charities.

Champions of rural action and support, the Cambridgeshire Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is this year celebrating 100 years of making a grassroots difference for the 280 villages across Cambridgeshire. Since its inception in 1924, the registered charity has helped inject an estimated £100 million worth of investment into rural Cambridgeshire communities.

The event was joined by HRH The Duke of Gloucester as part of his day-long visit to Cambridgeshire, attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence OBE QPM, who is also President of Cambridgeshire ACRE and brought together staff, trustees, volunteers, voluntary organisations, statutory organisations and others who make a difference to people’s lives in rural Cambridgeshire.

After meeting Village Hall trustees, Rural Affordable Housing partners, Community Hub volunteers & Village Agents as well as Cambridgeshire ACRE Staff and Trustees, His Royal Highness was invited to cut a 100-year birthday cake as guests wished Cambridgeshire ACRE the happiest of 100th birthdays.

Speaking at the event and commenting on the 100 years of Cambridgeshire ACRE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence OBE QPM said:

“It was my esteemed predecessor, Lord Lieutenant Charles Adeane CB JP, who led the initial discussions that took place in the 1920s regarding the plight of the local countryside and where the idea to establish the Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council was first proposed.

This centenary year gives us all a chance to reflect on what is a remarkable achievement whilst at the same time, raising awareness of the significant challenges faced by those living and working in rural Cambridgeshire today.

Cambridgeshire ACRE’s role, as an advocate for rural communities, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first founded. If we look back over our 100 years, we see many of the same challenges recurring now for our rural residents – such as cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages and rural isolation – but we now we have an established voluntary sector on our side, supported by a deeply committed team within Cambridgeshire ACRE who work closely with the rural communities we serve.”

Offering further insights on Cambridgeshire ACRE’s key role in the local community, its Chairperson, Annie Blair, said:

“Today has given us a powerful opportunity to reflect on 100 years of rural Cambridgeshire history and impact. The Cambridgeshire ACRE team and I are deeply proud to recognise the exceptional commitment of individual volunteers and community groups across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as we work together to improve the lives of those living and working across our rural communities. It is the passion and commitment of these people – both past and present – that have made a difference in our rural communities and in the work of Cambridgeshire ACRE over the years.”

Guests at the event were also able to view an exhibition telling the story of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s 100 year history, decade by decade. The exhibition has been on display throughout the county as part of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s centenary campaign. Refreshments were baked and served by The Prospects Trust, a social enterprise that offers meaningful work, skills and training for people with additional needs, learning disabilities or autism.

Earlier in the day, HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited the Isle of Ely Rowing Club where he met members of widely differing ages and levels of experience. He also saw how the club is able to cater for the diverse interests of over 180 members as well as stage two large annual open events in spite of having only basic facilities. He was also briefed on the club’s important aim of offering state school pupils the opportunity to row.