CAMPAIGNERS in Dorset are backing behind a scheme to celebrate village halls – and they want to hear from communities.

As reported in the Echo, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and its member organisations are using #VillageHallsWeek (January 22-26) to mark the network of community buildings and the volunteers who work to keep them open.

Dorset Community Action (DCA) is supporting the effort, and is encouraging people who run such facilities in the county to get involved. Community advisor for DCA Anita Hansen said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the important work village halls play in bringing communities together.”

To help promote and celebrate this email anita.

hansen@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk a short paragraph about your village hall, a picture that shows its vibrancy and a link to its website and Facebook page if it has one. DCA will post this on social media during the week. It also wants communities to share information about what their hall provides, a unique

service or activity, or from a user’s perspective what having a hall means to them.

Anita said: “We will use the #VillageHallWeek hashtag, tag your organisation and include links in our posts to share your news, telling as many people as possible about your amazing hall. This is a great marketing opportunity.”

DCA will have a display up at the Community Learning and Resource Centre (CLaRC), 41-44 King Street, Wimborne, of the work is has undertaken over the years with village halls and community buildings.

Sessions will also be run for groups to discuss any future plans or concerns they may have. Contact Anita if you are planning any events during Village Hall Week.