Rural Futures Conference 2019: At the Heart of the Community

Published on 17th July 2019

On the 28th June, over 85 people from communities throughout Devon came together at our Rural Futures Conference: At the Heart of the Community where they enjoyed a range of talks and presentations designed to help support their community initiatives.

Delegates at the event at the Boniface Centre, Crediton, included village hall committee members, parish councillors and representatives from other community organisations who had the opportunity to engage and network with fellow participants and organisations in what was a jam packed day.

Kindly sponsored by Allied Westminster, the day featured a wide range of presentations from organisations and companies who were on hand to deliver advice and information that would increase communities’ knowledge in important areas including community buildings, resilience, sport and play, and lots more. The topics ranged from; ‘preparing for major works’ to ‘designing for play’, ‘fire safety in buildings’ and many more.

In addition to the presentations, the day featured a marketplace with a number of specially chosen exhibitors. This area provided the fantastic opportunity for participants to talk to companies on a one to one basis and receive personal advice from Allied Westminster Insurance, David Wilson Partnership, TK Play, Tozers Solicitors, Hallmaster, Utility Aid and Firewatch on how their services and products can support communities.

Director of Operations for Devon Communities Together, Greg Davies, said;

‘‘We were so pleased to see so many attendees at this event, all of whom engaged with the stalls and presentations. We hope that they left the day armed with lots of new information and ideas that will have a positive impact on their communities.’’

We would like to thank everyone who attended the Conference and we hope you join us at the next event!

Attendee Feedback

‘One of the most valuable things I learnt from this conference is that people are here to help – all you need to do is ask!’

‘I enjoyed networking with DCT staff and village hall delegates’

‘All of the presentations were of interest and were very good!’

‘The most valuable thing I learned from the event was how useful a resource Devon Communities Together is’

‘I learnt that there are many avenues to explore for funding & advice’