In a final blog for Village Halls Week, our Chief Executive, Hayley, celebrates and thanks the hundreds of volunteers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, who keep the doors of our village halls and community buildings open.

 

As we come to the end of Village Halls Week, I want to pause and shine a light on the people who make everything possible: our volunteers. Across Cambridgeshire, hundreds of trustees and volunteers give their time, skills and energy to keep village halls open, welcoming and well‑run. Their contribution is extraordinary –  and yet so much of it happens quietly, behind the scenes.

Village halls are run almost entirely by volunteers. They form a dedicated “army” of people who work tirelessly to ensure their communities have a place to connect, celebrate and support one another. Having visited so many halls over the years, I can say with absolute confidence: without these volunteers, most rural communities simply wouldn’t have a village hall at all.

 

The gift of time, community and care

What’s most inspiring is the range of roles volunteers take on – often while juggling their own work, family life and caring responsibilities. They are the ones who:

• unlock the hall early for exercise classes or community groups
• keep buildings maintained, accessible and safe
• organise coffee mornings, social events and fundraising activities
• welcome newcomers and bring people together
• support community hubs and wellbeing sessions

These acts might look small from the outside, but each one represents care, commitment and a deep sense of pride in their community.

 

Why volunteers matter so much

Volunteers are the heart of rural life. They make it possible for village halls to host the activities that keep communities healthy, connected and vibrant.

Their work also supports wider wellbeing. Village halls help reduce loneliness, provide safe places to access support and offer opportunities for people to stay active, engaged and connected, easing pressure on overstretched public services in the process.

Village Halls Week gives us a special moment each year to recognise and thank these people. Whether someone has volunteered for decades or just joined a committee with fresh enthusiasm, each person brings something valuable. Some volunteers want to give back to a place they love; others want to meet people, learn new skills or support their own wellbeing. All motivations are valid and all contributions matter.

 

Could you volunteer at your village hall?

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you might volunteer, I encourage you to reach out to your local hall. Even a small amount of time – helping at an event, joining a rota, assisting with bookings or supporting a community activity – can make a huge difference. Many volunteers tell us that giving their time brings purpose, confidence and connection into their own lives too.

 

How Cambridgeshire ACRE supports volunteers

At Cambridgeshire ACRE, supporting volunteers is at the heart of our work. Through our advice service, training programme, mentoring opportunities and annual Community Buildings Conference, we aim to give trustees and volunteers the tools, confidence and reassurance they need to carry out their roles effectively.

This Village Halls Week, one of our goals has been to ensure trustees and volunteers feel truly recognised for their vital contribution. I hope the stories, events and resources we’ve shared across the week help people feel valued, appreciated and connected.

 

A heartfelt thank you

So today, and every day, I want to say an enormous thank you. Thank you to everyone who opens doors, stacks chairs, manages budgets, answers emails, leads committees, organises activities and ensures their village hall remains a warm, thriving part of community life.

Your dedication keeps our village halls alive. Many of the county’s community buildings would not exist, let alone thrive, without volunteers’ efforts. Our rural communities are stronger because of you.