1930s – a decade of expansion, co-operation and preparation for war
The Council expanded to co-ordinate for the Isle of Ely and Huntingdonshire and moved to Cambridgeshire House, leased from Gonville and Caius Colleges, along with local branches of the British Red Cross, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and Federation of Women’s Institutes. This provided the opportunity for closer co-operation and provided the public when a clear point of access for information on voluntary social services.
“The housing of so many societies under one roof provides an opportunity for closer co-operation, and in this way, achieves one of the main aims of the Rural Community Council.”
Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council Annual Report, 1930
Expansion of community facilities
Following the Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937 and King George V Memorial Appeal which emphasised the importance of facilities for recreation for the public, the Council helped many parishes develop playing fields. A playing field sub-committee was established to encourage the development of “proper playing fields” with grants from National Playing Field Association. The first ones were in Coton, Girton, Comberton and Linton.
Expansion of rural education and drama
Enhancements to the Council’s rural education programmed continued through promotion of drama. A conference was convened by the Rural Community Council at the Art School, Cambridge in March 1930. The Lord Lieutenant presided and assured the conference on behalf of the Rural Community Council that “if it was a desire that dramatic work should be taken up the Council would do all it could to help forward it.” Mrs Grandville Streatfield from Kent Rural Community Council addressed the meeting advising that drama should be approached “as an educational matter than as an amusement”.
As a result, the Council employed a drama advisor, convened competitions and provided props and costumes for loan to village drama groups.
Expansion of support for rural industries
A partnership was formed with Robert Sayles department store in Cambridge to provide a free window display to craftsmen and trades to showcase their products for a month.
The Council employed an expert to advise rural craftsmen on modern techniques including acetylene welding and use of concrete.
A very special event
The first County Fair was held at Madingley Hall, June 1934 opened by HRH Prince George, attended by 7,000 people. Its aim was to showcase the Council’s work over its first 10 years and featured demonstrations of rural industries, sport, drama and music.
Towards the end of the decade, as the threat of war grew, the Council turned its attention to preparing rural communities, including lectures on what to eat, grow and cook “for health and strength in wartime”.
