THERE were smiles all around at Meavy Village Hall recently as the hall’s committee received a nationally recognised award for good management.

The Hallmark 2 award, which is a prestigious accreditation award for excellent management, was formally presented to the hall at a special event held on Friday, September 2.

Local residents were invited to attend, as were regular hall users. A powerpoint presentation was shown welcoming everyone and giving details of the hall facilities.

After the presentation guests were entertained with some live jazz music by band Desperate Measures and enjoyed refreshments, including cheese and wine.

The award was presented by trustee of Devon Communities Together Mike Wharton and was accepted by hall chairman Stephen Earp on behalf of the hall management committee.

Stephen Earp expressed thanks to Kate Luffingham, the secretary of the hall management committee for her work in coordinating the tasks required for the Hallmark 2 award.

The award acknowledges the good work undertaken by community building management committees across Devon and aims to encourage improvement across all their work and activities.

Committees which receive a Hallmark award are praised for their achievement in managing their hall to a nationally recognised and high standard.

Hall chairman Stephen Earp said: ‘I was very pleased to accept the Hallmark award on behalf of the Meavy Parish Hall Committee, in recognition of the way the hall is managed by a small but willing group of volunteers.

‘We have a great hall which is the hub of the community. It was a great night and I would like to thank the regular hall users for their support.’

Picture by James Bird