Community Buildings Conference 2025
Community Buildings Conference 2025: Strengthening Shropshire’s Community Spaces
Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Time: 10:30am to 3:30pm
Location: Bayston Hill Memorial Hall, Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, SY3 0DR
Community Resource is delighted to host the Community Buildings Conference 2025 for our Community Buildings members and those who are interested in joining as a member. This one-day event is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the vital role of community buildings across Shropshire.
This year’s conference brings together a diverse group of speakers and experts who will share insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories to help community spaces thrive.
What to Expect
The day will feature a mix of presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on safeguarding, funding, and the history and future of village halls.
Meet the Speakers
- Duncan Spilsbury – Volunteer & VCSE Team Lead, Community Resource
Duncan will open the event and lead a safeguarding session, offering practical guidance on creating safe and inclusive environments. His interactive safeguarding quiz will challenge attendees to reflect on their current practices.
- Allan Caswell – Chairman, Bayston Hill Memorial Hall
Allan will share the story of Bayston Hill Memorial Hall. His experience in managing the hall offers valuable lessons for other community building leaders.
- Louise Beaton OBE & David Clark – Authors of Halls for All
Louise and David will present a talk on the history of village halls, drawing from their extensive research and experience. They will tell the story of how rural communities garnered the confidence and skill to build and run their own halls and of the many challenges halls have faced and overcome.
- Graham Betts – Village Halls Advisor, Community Resource
Graham will host a Q&A session, providing expert advice on governance, funding, and volunteer management for community buildings.
- Lynne Cawley – Chief Officer, Healthwatch Shropshire
Lynne will introduce Healthwatch Shropshire and discuss how community buildings can support public health and social care initiatives.
- Howard Betts – Director, Shropshire & Telford Community Energy
Howard will present the STCE and Twemlows Grant Programme, explaining how community buildings can access funding for energy efficiency and sustainability projects.
Book your space
If you are a Community Buildings member with us or are interested in joining as a member then the Community Buildings Conference 2025 is for you. Whether you manage a community building or village hall, serve as a trustee, or volunteer in a community space that bring people together, the Community Buildings Conference is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate with others who share your passion.
Register your attendance by completing this form.
About the author
Kelly Walker leads our Rural Services team at Community Resource, supporting rural communities through initiatives like our community buildings membership, the annual Community Buildings conference, and oil buying scheme.
