Launch of the East Riding Association of Rural Community Buildings

A NEW NETWORK for Rural Community Buildings is to be formally established by the Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council (HWRCC).

On Saturday, 24 September 2011, an event will be held at Tickton Village Hall to celebrate the launch of the newly established East Riding Association of Rural Community Buildings. The Chairman of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Kay West, will formally welcome the Association and wish it well. This will be followed by its inaugural Annual General Meeting.

Almost 160 rural community buildings exist across the East Riding of Yorkshire and the majority of these facilities are charitable trusts managed by local volunteers. In many villages the community building/village hall is the only place where local people can meet and, in many cases, is providing access to a number of services and activities that otherwise could not be provided within these localities.

Over two years ago HWRCC established two Community Building Networks in the East Riding to provide management committees with a peer support mechanism. These networking opportunities have allowed committees to share ideas, concerns and receive training on relative subjects. As a consequence of their success they will come together under the newly formed Association.

The new Association will provide the legal structure and a ‘bigger voice’ for individual management committees. This will allow them to negotiate cost-savings and income generating initiatives, as well as influencing rural policy at a local, regional and national level.

New members are welcome. If anyone wants to know more about the Association or become a member please contact Margaret Kirk or log on to www.hwrcc.org.uk. T: 01430 430904 E: margaret.kirk@hwrcc.org.uk