Conference to promote building stronger communities being held next month
On April 5, more than 27 stalls will set up at Newbury College to offer information on a number of community matters, including environmental issues, healthier lifestyles and crime prevention.
Workshops will also be held throughout the day covering topics including social media forums, how to set up elderly befriending schemes, grant funding and emergency planning.
It is aimed at those wanting to get involved in five to ten year community plans, which are often responsible for fundraising for new play equipment or a village hall restoration or combat speeding and road issues in a parish.
The Hampstead Norreys Community Shop (pictured) was created under such a community project.
The chief executive of Oxford-based community organisations The Plunkett Foundation, Peter Couchman, will be a guest speaker at the event.
The event has been organised by West Berkshire Council and the Community Council for Berkshire (CCB).
CCB community plan development worker for West Berkshire, Tessa Hall, said: “It’s important for people to have a say in their communities and to make sure that they remain vibrant places for people to carry on living in this time where we are losing our rural resources.
“It’s a time to take stock and see where individuals can step in and and work together to keep rural communities vibrant places to live.”
Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.
To book a place and download a programme for the day visit www.ccberks.org.uk/building-stronger-communities