Cambridgeshire ACRE • About • Our history

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Our history

Cambridgeshire ACRE started as Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council in 1924 as part of a national movement to support the rural life of Britain at a critical time after the First World War.

Our beginnings

22 November 2023

Cambridgeshire ACRE started as Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council in 1924 as part of a national movement to support the rural life of Britain.

1920s – a decade of exploring concerns for the countryside

21 November 2023

Some of the Council’s earliest pioneering work included supporting communities to build village halls, providing lectures for a comprehensive programme of adult education and music.

1930s – a decade of expansion, co-operation and preparation for war

20 November 2023

The Council expanded to co-ordinate for the Isle of Ely and Huntingdonshire and moved to Cambridgeshire House, leased from Gonville and Caius Colleges.

1940s – a decade of supporting wartime efforts and post-war recovery

19 November 2023

Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council played an important role organising Cambridgeshire’s community wartime efforts, particularly co-ordinating voluntary services from Cambridgeshire House.

1950s – a decade of the new welfare state

18 November 2023

The Council expanded its administrative area to cover the counties of Huntingdonshire and the Isle of Ely, as well as Cambridgeshire.

1960s – a decade of rapid social, cultural and economic change

17 November 2023

The 1960s was a decade of many significant events and changes that impacted significantly on rural life more than ever before.

1970s – a decade of local government reorganisation and locally focused action

16 November 2023

The Local Government Act 1972 reformed the structure of local government and impacted significantly on the Council’s work.

1980s – a decade of increased recognition for rural areas and growth in community support

15 November 2023

In 1984, the organisation celebrated its 60th year.

1990s – a decade of enhanced rural policy and EU investment

14 November 2023

In 1998, Cambridgeshire Community Council became Cambridgeshire ACRE reflecting the Council’s membership of the wider ACRE network of rural community councils.

2000s – a new millennium and a decade of increased partnership working and local decision making

13 November 2023

New funding enabled Cambridgeshire ACRE to steer local communities to become more actively involved in local decision-making.

2010s – a decade of new rights, powers and the EU referendum

12 November 2023

‘Big Society’ aimed to "break down the barriers that stop councils, local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups getting things done for themselves".