Connecting Communities in Berkshire

Connecting Communities in Berkshire CCB is an independent charity with over 50 years of experience in community development work in Berkshire.

Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is an independent charity with over 50 years’ experience in community development work, originally found in 1973 as a Rural Community Council. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced in finding solutions that best meet the needs of communities. We develop partnerships that foster good communications, which in turn build engagement and deliver strong, sus

tainable communities. We are an active member of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) the national body for 38 charitable local development agencies. CCB’s purpose is to inspire action at a community level that improves people’s quality of life. We work across Berkshire, with a particular focus on rural areas. We run projects that provide advice, support and training that improves rural health & wellbeing, reduces rural poverty & disadvantage and increases inclusion & social connectedness.

It’s Carers Week! 💛 Did you know that nearly half of unpaid carers feel their role goes unrecognised in their community?...
10/06/2026

It’s Carers Week! 💛 Did you know that nearly half of unpaid carers feel their role goes unrecognised in their community? This week (June 8–14) is all about building Carer Friendly Communities. Whether it's a neighbour, a friend, or a colleague, take a moment to check in on the unpaid carers in your life. Let's make sure they get the support, visibility, and wellbeing they deserve.
Find out how you can get involved on the Carers Week website: https://www.carersweek.org/planning-your-carers-week/activities/

🌟 Workshop Helps Trustees Build Stronger Committees for Community Halls 🌟Volunteer trustees from across Berkshire and We...
09/06/2026

🌟 Workshop Helps Trustees Build Stronger Committees for Community Halls 🌟
Volunteer trustees from across Berkshire and West Oxfordshire came together last month at Hermitage Village Hall – braving the hottest day of the year so far – for a practical training session on building effective management committees.
Led by Kate Meads (CCB) and supported by Tessa Hall (Community First Oxfordshire) and Louise Beaton OBE, the session explored everything from governance and roles to running great meetings and keeping halls safe, legal and welcoming.

💬 Attendees described it as a valuable chance to learn, share ideas and connect with others involved in managing local venues.
A key focus was the challenge of recruiting new trustees – vital to ensuring these much-loved community spaces continue to thrive.

👏 As Volunteers’ Week came to a close last week, we’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who give their time and skills to keep our village halls and community buildings running. These spaces are at the heart of our communities, bringing people together and supporting local life.

📅 Our next training session will focus on Martyn’s Law – what it is, why it matters, and what it means for community settings.
👉 Book your place:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985703839638?aff=oddtdtcreator
🙏 Thank you to Community Learning in West Berkshire for supporting these sessions.
Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE Hermitage Village Hall West Berkshire Council

🏡 Is social housing disappearing from our communities?In this insightful article, Penny Post takes a closer look at the...
08/06/2026

🏡 Is social housing disappearing from our communities?
In this insightful article, Penny Post takes a closer look at the growing impact of social housing sell-offs - especially in rural areas like West Berkshire. It explores why the problem is happening, what councils and regulators can’t currently do to stop it, and the ideas that could help turn things around.
It’s a complex issue - but one that affects the future of our communities. Definitely worth a read 👇
https://pennypost.org.uk/2026/06/social-housing-sell-offs-what-cant-be-done-and-what-might-change/

🌿 Funding Opportunity for Community Green Projects! 🌿We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the Bupa ...
04/06/2026

🌿 Funding Opportunity for Community Green Projects! 🌿
We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants, delivered by Groundwork!
If you’ve got an idea that could make your local area greener, healthier, and happier, you could apply for up to £2,000 in funding to bring it to life. 💚
Projects could include:
🌳 Tree planting to improve air quality and biodiversity
🌼 Enhancing green spaces for community wellbeing
🥕 Creating or developing community allotments
…and much more!
This opportunity is open to:
✔️ Non-fee-paying schools
✔️ Registered charities
✔️ Not-for-profit organisations
Across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Channel Islands.
📅 Deadline: Tuesday 30 June 2026
If you’re working on a project that could make a real difference in your community, don’t miss out!
👉 Find out more and apply here: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/bupa-foundation-green-grants/?utm_source=Groundwork+Updates&utm_campaign=4aeb25499e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_25_01_59_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-092282a9e4-122752911

Our Energy Advisors, Helen & Mina, will be out and about in Slough this month -come and say hello! 👋They’ll be running i...
03/06/2026

Our Energy Advisors, Helen & Mina, will be out and about in Slough this month -come and say hello! 👋
They’ll be running informal advice sessions at local children’s centres, offering friendly advice on reducing your energy use, lowering utility bills, and sharing simple tips to save money at home to anyone that would like some support.
📍 Romsey Close Children’s Centre, Slough
🗓 Thursday 4th June
• 9:30am – 11:00am | Walkers to Preschoolers
• 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Bumps to Crawlers
📍 Penn Road Children’s Centre, Slough
🗓 Monday 22nd June
• 10:00am – 11:00am | Bumps to Crawlers
🗓 Wednesday 24th June
• 11:00am – 12:00pm | Walkers to Preschoolers

If you’re attending any of these sessions, feel free to have a chat - Helen and Mina are always happy to help with practical, easy-to-follow advice 😊

Please share Sloughcvs Slough Borough Council

02/06/2026

It’s and we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing people who help keep Berkshire’s village halls at the heart of rural communities.

From fixing and maintaining buildings, to organising events and managing finances, volunteers give their time and skills every week to keep these spaces running and welcoming for everyone.

A lot of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, but it’s absolutely vital - without the dedication of local volunteers, many village halls simply wouldn’t exist.
These halls are so important, bringing people together and creating a place where communities can connect and support one another.

A huge thank you to every volunteer who helps keep these valued spaces thriving 🙌

🎥 Take a look at this short video featuring three volunteer Trustees from Arborfield Village Hall (Wokingham Borough, Berkshire), sharing what they get out of volunteering.

👉 You can also keep up to date with events at the hall here: https://www.facebook.com/arborfieldvillagehall

Berkshire village halls – this one’s for you!The Inspiration Awards 2026 are NOW open for entries 🏆Run by these awards ...
01/06/2026

Berkshire village halls – this one’s for you!
The Inspiration Awards 2026 are NOW open for entries 🏆
Run by these awards celebrate the incredible work happening in village halls - from community impact and innovation to volunteers, fundraising and sustainability 💚
✅ Open to all UK village halls
✅ FREE to enter
📅 Entries: 15 May – 31 Oct 2026

This is your chance to get the recognition you deserve and inspire other halls too
👉 Enter now:
https://thevillagehallspodcast.com/inspiration-awards-2026/
Let’s showcase the amazing work happening across Berkshire!

Compton Village Hall Shaw cm Donnington Village Hall: Expansion Spencers Wood Village Hall Ashampstead Village Hall Padworth Village Hall Pangbourne Village Hall Arborfield Village Hall Grazeley Village Hall plus all the other's which we would tag if we could!

Supporting rural affordable homes starts here. 🌱Help us reach our £5,000 target and make regeneration a reality.
22/05/2026

Supporting rural affordable homes starts here. 🌱
Help us reach our £5,000 target and make regeneration a reality.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: Effective Management Committees Workshop Are you part of a Village Hall committee or thinking about...
20/05/2026

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: Effective Management Committees Workshop
Are you part of a Village Hall committee or thinking about getting involved? Don’t miss this fun, interactive workshop designed to help you build and sustain an effective management committee!

What’s on the menu?
Discover the Recipe for Success with:
✅ Ingredients – The right people & roles
✅ Seasoning – Values & behaviours that make a difference
✅ Method – How to keep your committee running smoothly
✅ Serving Suggestions – Sharing success and celebrating achievements
Special Guest Speaker
We’re delighted to welcome Louise Beaton OBE, who will give an engaging talk on the 2025 book “Halls for All” – a fascinating history of village halls.
🤝 Lunch & Networking
Stick around after the session to enjoy lunch and connect with fellow Trustees and Managers from across the area.
Location: Hermitage Village Hall, Pinewood Cres, Hermitage, Thatcham RG18 9WL
Time: 10.00am – 1.30pm (with registration & coffee from 9.45am)
🗓 Agenda highlights:
• 10.00 – 12.00: Running Effective Village Hall Committees
• 12.00 – 12.30: Guest speaker Louise Beaton
• 12.30 – 1.15: Lunch & networking
Book your place now: Book my place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1982766785831?aff=oddtdtcreator
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! We’d love to see you there:



Community First Oxfordshire Community Learning in West Berkshire

A huge thank you to Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE for organising this month’s fantastic annual networ...
19/05/2026

A huge thank you to Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE for organising this month’s fantastic annual networking and training conference for Village Hall Advisors!

Our Community Buildings Advisor, Kate, had an inspiring couple of days - not only presenting on the nationally recognised Hallmark Quality Standard, but also gaining valuable knowledge and ideas to help continue strengthening Berkshire’s village halls and community spaces.

It’s wonderful to be part of such a strong and supportive network of advisors from across England. Supporting village and community halls is always rewarding work, but it also relies on sharing expertise, experience, and encouragement with one another.

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play… Kate also enjoyed some downtime in the beautiful market town of Stone, Staffordshire - where she apparently discovered a hidden talent and can now add “darts champion” to her growing list of skills! 🎯

She’s already looking forward to the rematch next year 😉

Community First Oxfordshire Surrey Community Action Community Impact Bucks Action Hampshire

Address

Wyvols Court, Swallowfield
Reading
RG71WY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Connecting Communities in Berkshire posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category