Celebrating village halls across county

Village halls across Staffordshire and beyond have been recognised during an annual initiative for “providing warm, welcoming, and inclusive spaces.”

Village Halls Week 2023 recently celebrated the many ways these volunteer-run rural community buildings support local residents, groups and businesses, particularly during difficult times.

The annual initiative was promoted by Support Staffordshire across the 180 village halls in the county.

A spokesman said: “As the country endures a cost-of-living crisis, rural communities have come to rely on the humble village hall as a place to keep warm, access basic services and socialise without the expense of travelling elsewhere.

“Halls across Staffordshire took part in the national campaign week, showcasing what they are doing for their community, and the opportunities they provide to people locally that would not otherwise exist.

“Activities included open days at local halls and an engaging social media campaign that included touching stories from users of community buildings. Examples of village hall events which happened across Staffordshire include coffee mornings, warm spaces/warm welcome cafes, social group meetings and activities and fitness classes.”

Yarnfield Village Hall near Stone was one of the many venues which took part in the celebration.