ISLE OF WIGHT VILLAGE HALLS BEING CELEBRATED THIS VILLAGE HALLS WEEK

Rural community buildings across the country will be taking part in Village Halls Week (18th-24th March) as part of a national campaign led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). Run almost entirely by volunteers, village halls are a cornerstone of rural community life on the Isle of Wight, providing what are often the only spaces where people can meet and socialise locally. They also sustain many livelihoods connected with use of the venue. But over the past couple of years, many halls have struggled to meet increasing energy bills – indeed many buildings are old, off the gas grid and difficult to heat. Village Halls Week 2024 is a call to action, with management committees being encouraged to consider how they can ‘go green’ and work towards a more sustainable future. Across England, over 250 village halls are expected to host open days and events to mark their involvement in the campaign. On the Isle of Wight, CHOYD in Yarmouth and Porchfield Village Halls are holding open days, and village halls are joining Community Action IW at a new event celebrating village life, on Saturday 23rd March at Mottistone Manor Gardens. This free community event has been planned, in partnership with the National Trust, to bring together voluntary sector organisations and village hall committees to offer an informative and interactive day out for the whole family.  We will be celebrating what these community spaces provide, showcasing a handful of groups who rehearse in village halls – The Chillerton Players, Porchfield Drummers and The Bay Wailers. There will be talks on sustainability issues, including energy-saving and wildlife-friendly gardening. The Footprint Trust, Wight Community Energy, Future IW and IW Biosphere Festival are among the many organisations taking part. Activities for children include nature-based games and meeting the sheep! There will be guided garden tours and a wildlife walk with the National Trust Rangers and Hampshire & IW Wildlife Trust. Entry and all activities are free. Open from 11:00 to 15:00.