Cambridgeshire ACRE was proud to welcome Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State for Defra, for Afternoon Tea at Duxford Community Centre as part of National Village Halls Week 2025. The event celebrated the vital role that community buildings play in rural life and recognised the efforts of volunteers who keep them running.

The Minister joined local trustees, councillors, residents and volunteers to present Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund plaques to two recently funded halls: Bythorn Village Hall and Duxford Community Centre. Both venues received grants of over £16,000 to support improvements that enhance accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.

At Bythorn Village Hall, the funding supported a major upgrade to the toilet facilities to improve accessibility, along with kitchen refurbishment and energy efficiency measures. At Duxford Community Centre, the grant contributed to a new solar electricity generation system expected to reduce running costs significantly and help the centre operate more sustainably.

Little Thetford Village Hall, which received its plaque in 2024, was also acknowledged during the event. All three venues represent how strategic investment can make a meaningful difference to rural infrastructure and community life.

Hayley Neal, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire ACRE, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister and shine a light on the community spaces that sit at the heart of our rural villages. Village halls are more than just buildings — they are places where people come together, access support and build connections. These projects show what’s possible when local vision is matched by national support.”

Cambridgeshire ACRE continues to work with rural communities to develop, improve and sustain village halls and community spaces. To learn more, visit our Community Building Advice and Support page or contact us directly for a further conversation.