Scottish Borders Community Conference

Tweed Horixons Conference Centre at Newtown St Boswells offered an ideal venue on Saturday 28 March 2009 for the Scottish Borders Community Conference.  An event organised in partnership between Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service and The Bridge.

The conference theme was "Manageing Your Hall", offering Scottish Borders community groups the opportunity to find out more about issues affecting the running of their premises.  It was primarily targeted at village halls, however other voluntary groups were welcomed.  The event was well attended with approximately 50 community group representatives.  Attendee feedback described the day as a "First class conference - very helpful and enjoyable - useful and friendly".  Informative speakers and workshops throughout the day provided advice and information to help support groups.

Organisations involved throughout the day included BAVS, The Bridge, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), North Northumberland Village Hall Insurance Consortium, Lothian & Borders Fire & Rescue Service, Carlops Village Hall and Coldingham Village Hall.

The event was opened by Norman MacAskill, Head of Rural Policy for SCVO giving comprehensive background on "The Role of Scotland's Rural Community Buildings".  The significant importance of halls within communities was highlighted, the challenges faced over the years and subsequent support provided by SCVO through their "2007 Halls for All" campaign.  This has gained Scottish Parliament backing for the future and has led to ongoing support to Hall Federations and Councils for Voluntary Service.

Two inspiring case studies on village halls followed, kindly presented by Coldingham village hall and also Carlops village hall.  These demonstrated the potential of village halls to make changes and develop, to subsequently benefit and meet the needs of the communities they serve.  It offered the chance to share experiences and see changes that are made possible with funding support and community commitment.  Quotes from event attendees "It was good to find out what other village halls are doing", "It let you know how others have dealt with their hall issues".

There were further presentations throughout the day covering subjects ranging from insurance, energy efficiency and the environment, fire safety guidance and funding (to include SRDP Lottery and Local Authority, LEADER and Charitable Trust fund providers).  Three workshops also took place to address "Equalities & Access", "Publicity & Marketing", and Licensing & Responsibilities".

Over lunch there was a chance to informally network, where people were clearly seen comparing experiences and exchanging stories.  This was propted further by a "Village Hall Photograph Display Board" showing a cross section of local Berwickshire halls, with their varied uses and quality facilities.

Norman MacAskill, SCVO summarised the event as "A tremendous conference with a winning mix of inspiration and high quality information.  The quality of the event reflects the very high calibre of support available to hall committees and other voluntary organisations in the Borders from The Bridge and BAVS.  I'm delighted that SCVO and Rural Direct were able to support the conference and the excellent work being done to support and sustain village halls in the Borders".