Rural community volunteers and dignitaries welcomed the Duke of Gloucester to Ely as the charity Cambridgeshire ACRE marked its centenary.
Since its inception in 1924, the Cambridgeshire Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has helped inject an estimated £100million of investment into the county’s rural communities.
The Duke of Gloucester, who spent the day in the county, cut a 100-year birthday cake during the celebratory visit to St Mary’s Church, where he met village hall trustees, rural affordable housing partners, community hub volunteers and village agents, as well as Cambridgeshire ACRE staff and trustees
He was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, who is also president of Cambridgeshire ACRE and told those gathered: “It was my esteemed predecessor, Lord Lieutenant Charles Adeane CB JP, who led the initial discussions that took place in the 1920s regarding the plight of the local countryside and where the idea to establish the Cambridgeshire Rural Community Council was first proposed.
“This centenary year gives us all a chance to reflect on what is a remarkable achievement whilst at the same time, raising awareness of the significant challenges faced by those living and working in rural Cambridgeshire today.
“Cambridgeshire ACRE’s role, as an advocate for rural communities, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first founded. If we look back over our 100 years, we see many of the same challenges recurring now for our rural residents - such as cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages and rural isolation - but we now we have an established voluntary sector on our side, supported by a deeply committed team within Cambridgeshire ACRE who work closely with the rural communities we serve.”
The charity’s chair, Annie Blair, said: “Today has given us a powerful opportunity to reflect on 100 years of rural Cambridgeshire history and impact. The Cambridgeshire ACRE team and I are deeply proud to recognise the exceptional commitment of individual volunteers and community groups across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as we work together to improve the lives of those living and working across our rural communities.
“It is the passion and commitment of these people - both past and present - that have made a difference in our rural communities and in the work of Cambridgeshire ACRE over the years.”
Cambridgeshire ACRE is part of the national ACRE Network of 38 organisations in England and helps rural communities gain better access to services, information and funding.
Since its beginnings, the charity has been involved in supporting and funding village halls.
There are more than 280 community-owned halls across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough villages.
A Village Halls Advice Service, launched in the 1930s, continues to give ongoing support to volunteer trustees today. A small group of village hall trustees met the duke, introduced by village halls advisor Lisa Chambers.
Cambridgeshire ACRE also leads the Cambridgeshire Rural Affordable Housing Partnership, bringing together local authorities and social providers to support the delivery of affordable housing across the county. Over the last 25 years, this partnership has developed 440 rural affordable homes across 40 rural exception sites. The duke met Jenna Brame and Gary Roffey, two rural housing enablers and members of the rural housing partnership.
The charity has also worked with more than 150 volunteers to establish 40 community hubs, offering free, warm, friendly environments for people to socialise weekly.
A team of village agents were introduced in early 2024 who use the community hubs as a base, and provide support and advice, signposting those who feel isolated or who are struggling financially to people, services or agencies that can support them.
Community wellbeing manager Rachel Mason introduced His Royal Highness to a group of hub volunteers and village agents.
Current and former staff - chosen for their long service and outstanding work - were introduced by Rachael Brown, Cambridgeshire ACRE’s senior community development officer.
An exhibition telling the story of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s 100-year history, decade by decade, was on show at the celebration, and has been on display throughout the county during its centenary campaign.
Refreshments were baked and served by The Prospects Trust, a social enterprise offering meaningful work, skills and training for people with additional needs, learning disabilities or autism.
Earlier in the day, His Royal Highness visited the Isle of Ely Rowing Club, meeting members of widely differing ages and experience. He witnessed how the club is able to cater for the diverse interests of more than 180 members, and stage two large annual open events, despite having only basic facilities. He learned about the club’s important aim of offering state school pupils the opportunity to row.
