Celebrating Community: Highlights from the Community Buildings Conference 2025
By Kelly Walker – Rural Services and Oil Buying Team Lead
On 17 September, more than 60 trustees, volunteers, and community champions came together at Bayston Hill Memorial Hall for the annual Community Buildings Conference, hosted by Community Resource. The day was filled with connection, inspiration, and practical learning. The event is designed to support the people who keep our local halls and community spaces running. The conference is one of the key benefits of Community Resource’s Community Buildings Membership. Membership offers valuable opportunities to network, gain insights, and strengthen their impact.
The programme offered something for everyone. Attendees explored the rich history of village halls with expert Louise Beaton, gained essential safeguarding insights from Duncan Spilsbury. They took part in an engaging question and answer session with Graham Betts, who shared practical advice and answered questions from the floor. Delegates also discovered new opportunities through Healthwatch Shropshire and the Shropshire Telford Community Energy and Twemlows Grant Programme, helping them plan for the future of their buildings and the communities they serve.
What the Delegates Said
The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared purpose. As one delegate put it,
“The organisation is a lifeline to halls in providing information and promoting training and support.”
Another added,
“Excellent support from Graham and Kelly whenever requested.”
These comments reflect the value of Community Resource’s ongoing support for community buildings and village halls across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
Why Community Buildings Membership Matters
Community buildings and village halls are the heart of local life. If you help run a community building or village hall and aren’t yet a member of Community Resource’s Community Buildings membership, now is the perfect time to join. For just £1 per week, members gain access to tailored advice, training, and resources that make managing a community space easier and more effective.
Membership includes:
- specialist support with hiring your hall, health and safety compliance, legal obligations, and organisational planning
- discounted or free training for trustees and committee members
- invitations to networking events and workshops across the county
- help with funding applications and partnership opportunities
- access to expert guidance from Community Resource’s in-house team
Whether you are new to managing a community building or village hall or have been involved for years, Community Resource is here to help you navigate challenges, build confidence, and plan for the future.
Join Us
Our Community Buildings Membership connects you with a network of like-minded people, trusted guidance, and practical tools to help you thrive in your role.
Find out more and sign up
Email: enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
Call: 01743 360641
We look forward to supporting you and your community building or village hall.
