We dive into the practical world of internet connectivity for village halls, exploring everything from 4G to Starlink, fiber to copper, sharing real-world experiences to help you make the best choice for your community space.

• Internet is now classified as a human right, yet many rural communities still struggle with speeds below 0.5 Mbps
• Community-led solutions like Hebnet CIC have successfully provided internet coverage across 600 square miles of Scotland's Highlands and Islands
• Starlink offers viable speeds but at a significant cost (approximately £75/month), making it suitable only where no alternatives exist
• 4G can provide excellent performance in low-population areas but may struggle during peak usage periods
• Village halls should aim for minimum 50 Mbps connections when planning to stream live events
• Hardwired access points are superior to mesh networks for reliable coverage throughout larger buildings
• Multiple WiFi networks from a single access point can separate secure payment systems from general public use
• Outdated routers can significantly limit connection speed regardless of your internet package

The hidden dangers lurking in your village hall's water system could be putting your community at risk. Water safety expert Dee Thornton joins us to shed light on Legionnaire's disease - a potentially fatal lung infection caused by bacteria that thrive in stagnant water systems.

Dee expertly breaks down the perfect storm conditions that make village halls particularly vulnerable: infrequent usage leading to water stagnation, aging infrastructure, and the presence of nutrients like rust and limescale that feed bacteria growth. She explains why this matters so critically for community spaces that often serve vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

What makes this episode essential listening for every trustee is the clear explanation of your legal responsibilities. As Dee reveals, the Health and Safety Executive has recently recruited 250 new inspectors specifically targeting compliance in areas including water safety. She demystifies the process of becoming compliant, walking through practical steps from risk assessments to temperature monitoring and system maintenance, all while emphasizing cost-effective solutions that won't break the bank for charitable organizations.

The conversation covers everything from understanding basic legal requirements to specific maintenance procedures for water tanks, calorifiers, and pipework. You'll learn about the crucial temperature parameters (hot water above 50°C, cold water below 20°C), proper cleaning protocols, and the importance of regular flushing and record-keeping. Dee even offers village halls access to free introductory presentations and affordable training options to help trustees get started on the path to compliance.

Don't miss this vital episode that could literally save lives in your community. Subscribe to The Village Halls Podcast for more essential guidance on managing and maintaining your community space.

The 2025 Village Halls Inspiration Awards are announced with a £5,000 prize fund to celebrate the beating hearts of rural communities across the UK. Marc Smith and Allied Westminster MD Gavin Mitchell discuss how these awards evolved from a photography competition to an initiative showcasing inspirational stories from village halls nationwide.

• Awards open from May 1st to September 30th, 2025
• Total prize fund of £5,000 (£2,500 first prize, £1,500 second prize, £1,000 third prize)
• Open to all village, community and memorial halls in rural parts of the UK
• Entries should be 600-800 words telling an inspiring story
• Judges looking for impactful, authentic stories that could inspire others
• Entries must have permission from the hall's governing body

Submit your entry through the Village Halls podcast website. If you have questions, leave a comment on the podcast page.

Louise Beaton returns to discuss her new book "Halls for All," co-authored with David Clark, chronicling the 500-year evolution of village halls from exclusive reading rooms to vital community hubs.

• Village halls evolved from reading rooms and mechanics institutes that often excluded women until after WWI
• Women's Institutes became a driving force for more inclusive community spaces after the First World War
• Sir Henry Roo played a pivotal role in the 1920s, working with government to repurpose army huts as memorial halls
• COVID created challenges for some halls as organizations disbanded, but opportunities for others through community cafes and pop-up pubs
• Three key lessons for the future: continued need for ACRE advisory services, importance of long-term capital funding, and better regulatory frameworks
• Village halls collectively contribute approximately £178 million annually to the rural economy
• The book features remarkable stories of determination, including halls that fought government for rebuilding during WWII
• HRH Princess Royal contributed the foreword, recognising volunteers who often go unacknowledged

The book "Halls for All" is published on March 15th, available from all good bookshops (£16.99) or directly from Amberley Publishers (£15.29 plus postage). Some ACRE Network members will be selling copies at county events during National Village Halls Week.

Securing sustainable funding remains one of the greatest challenges for village halls across the UK. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore a straightforward path to financial support through the Movement for Good initiative by the Benefact Group.

Chris Pitt, Impact Group Director for the Benefact Group, reveals how their charitable program works through a refreshingly simple nomination process that anyone in your community can complete. What makes this opportunity especially valuable for village halls? The £1,000 grants come with no strings attached, allowing halls to address their most pressing needs—whether that's covering rising utility costs, funding repairs, or launching new community programs.

The partnership between Allied Westminster and Ecclesiastical (part of the Benefact Group) creates a natural avenue of support for village halls, as explained by Gavin Mitchell, Managing Director of Allied Westminster. Together, they're working to ensure these vital community hubs can thrive despite increasing financial pressures.

With nominations staying in the selection pool for multiple draws throughout the year, and the process taking just minutes to complete, this represents an accessible funding opportunity that every village hall should pursue. We discuss success stories from halls that have already benefited from the initiative, practical advice for increasing your chances of being selected, and additional resources available beyond the monetary grants.

Whether you're a committee member seeking to secure your hall's future or a community member wanting to support your local hub, this episode provides the knowledge and tools you need to take immediate action. Visit our website to access promotional templates you can use to rally your community behind your hall's nomination.

This episode uncovers the role of village hall trustees, delving into their responsibilities, the importance of governance, and how they can engage younger members of the community. Through dialogue with community expert Caro Hart, listeners learn about the journey of becoming a trustee, the collaborative nature of the role, and the joys and challenges associated with it.
• Exploring who can and cannot become a trustee
• Understanding the legal responsibilities of trustees
• The significance of governance in village halls
• Strategies for resolving disputes among trustees
• Encouraging younger community members to become involved
• Resources available for prospective trustees

In this episode of The Village Halls Podcast, host Marc Smith interviews Bernard Hammick, Managing Director of Hallmaster, a digital booking system tailored for village halls and community venues. Bernard shares his journey into the digital realm, which began in the late 1990s when he developed a website for his campsite to provide detailed information and facilitate email communications with customers. This experience led him to create websites for local businesses and, eventually, to develop a bespoke booking system for a village hall seeking an online solution for availability and reservations.

Recognising a broader need, Bernard expanded Hallmaster to serve various venues across the UK, emphasizing the importance of an online presence for village halls to secure regular income through direct bookings. He discusses the evolution of Hallmaster, highlighting its role in streamlining operations and enhancing accessibility for both administrators and patrons. The conversation underscores the necessity for community venues to embrace digital tools to remain relevant and efficient in today's technology-driven landscape.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in managing village halls or community spaces, illustrating how digital solutions like Hallmaster can transform venue management and community engagement.

For more information, you can visit the episode page: