Celebrating 75 years of supporting rural communities

Northamptonshire ACRE (NACRE) is a countywide, independent charitable organisation working with rural communities to improve their quality of life, especially for the disadvantaged. NACRE offers advice, resources, and support on a range of topics relevant to rural communities and wants to shine a light on the good work being done across the county.

To highlight the work of the charity, over the last 75 years and today, and to look at what the future holds for our rural communities, Northamptonshire ACRE held a series of free online talks during its anniversary week at the end of July 2021. These online sessions are open to anyone who has an interest in rural affairs, irrespective of whether you live in a village or a more urbanised area.

All recordings are available via the website. All staff, trustees and local parish councillors were invited to join the celebrations at the Hunsbury Hill Centre on Monday 26th July.

NACRE was originally designated a Rural Community Council (RCC) by the Government on 26th July 1946 with the aim of supporting the rural communities of Northamptonshire. In March 2000, the charity changed its name to Northamptonshire ACRE but remained designated as a Rural Community Council. Like the other RCCs set up across England (one in each county), the charity is a community development organisation, supporting Parish Councils, Village Halls and community groups to help them thrive, be inclusive and economically active.

The work covers a range of topics from affordable rural housing to assisting groups to set up a community shop or pub, but over the last 18 months much of the focus and work has been on three areas: setting up and supporting Good Neighbour schemes; support for the many village hall and community centre members; the issue of rural food insecurity in the county.

To fi nd out more or to listen to some of the anniversary talks, please go the website below.

www.northantsacre.org.uk

Northamptonshire ACRE