A VILLAGE hall management committee can proudly claim to be the first in Fenland to achieve the prestigious Hallmark accreditation.

Newton Village Hall’s committee have been handed the national award, which recognises how well the hall is managed.

The committee demonstrated that they complied with charity law at Hallmark Level One, which focuses on committee governance, hall maintenance and good financial management.

The assessment was carried out at Newton, near Wisbech, by specially-trained visitors from other village halls in Cambridgeshire.

The committee were presented with their Level One Hallmark certificate by Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Community Facilities Advisor, Julie Weekes.

The hall, which has had a major refurbishment over the past two years, is available for hire. The management committee are seeking to encourage new groups and activities looking for a venue.

Hallmark is recognised by the Charity Commission as a quality standard that all community buildings and village halls should aim to achieve.

Insurance companies also recognise Hallmark status and some offer a discount on premiums or premises where Hallmark accreditation has been achieved.