Each month we are highlighting an ACRE Network Member, championing the work that they do supporting their own administrators and communities, and us at Hallmaster!
Over our 14-plus year partnership with ACRE, they have been instrumental in Hallmaster’s journey. Their wealth of knowledge about the real needs of village halls and the challenges they face, has been key to how we continue to develop Hallmaster.
🎉 This month we are shining a spotlight on the fantastic work of Lisa Chambers from Cambridgeshire ACRE 🎉
Supporting the Volunteers Who Keep Village Halls Running
“Village halls do not run themselves. Behind every booking, event, repair and community celebration is a group of volunteers giving their time, skills and energy to keep local spaces open, welcoming and well used. In my role at Cambridgeshire ACRE, I see every week how much care and commitment goes into keeping these important community buildings running.
Over the last eleven years as a Village Halls Advisor, I have seen how much volunteers have had to respond to. From navigating the Covid-19 pandemic to responding to rising costs, new legislation and changing patterns of community use, hall committees have shown real resilience. What has struck me most is their willingness to keep learning, adapting and finding new ways to ensure their halls remain welcoming and sustainable for future generations.
The need to help volunteers has never been greater. Many committees are operating with fewer people and increasing demands. By providing training, resources, one-to-one advice and networking opportunities, we aim to help trustees feel confident in their role and remind them that they do not have to tackle challenges alone.
One of the ways we do this is through our Peer Mentor Network. Experienced village hall trustees share their knowledge, experience and practical advice with other committees, offering reassurance from people who understand the realities of running a community building.
This might mean helping a new treasurer understand what to expect in the role, talking through how another hall has approached maintenance planning or sharing ideas for recruiting and retaining volunteers. It is a simple but powerful approach, recognising that some of the best guidance often comes from people who have faced similar challenges themselves.
Good systems also make a real difference. Hallmaster has become an important part of that picture for many of the halls we work with. A reliable booking and management system can reduce day-to-day administration, make handovers between volunteers easier and help committees respond to booking queries with greater confidence.
At its heart, this work is about people. Good systems, trusted advice and shared experience all help reduce pressure on volunteers and give committees more confidence to plan ahead. When village halls are well supported, they are better able to keep serving their communities, today and into the future.”
– Lisa Chambers, Community Development Officer (Cambridgeshire ACRE)
Lisa Chambers is the perfect example of why it’s such a pleasure for us to work with ACRE. With her dedication to community venues she is not only a valuable partner to us at Hallmaster, but also a pleasure to work with.
Lisa has always seen the value in what we do at Hallmaster, and has been a reliable and proactive partner in supporting venues transitioning to our digital system.
With our shared ethos and belief in the vital importance of village halls and all community venues, we look forward to our continued working relationship with Lisa, Cambridgeshire ACRE, and the wider ACRE network.
