Chichester woman handed OBE in New Year's Honours

Louise Beaton, special adviser to Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and trustee, was recognised with an OBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Louise Beaton has more than 40 years’ experience of supporting those running community buildings, at both local and national level and has contributed to changes in policy and legislation which have helped volunteers to maintain financially viable community buildings.

She said: “I owe huge gratitude to the contributions of thousands of volunteer trustees and county-based advisers in the ACRE Network who have provided support and shared experience over many years, not least ACRE’s current national Adviser, Deborah Clarke.

"Together we have helped village and community halls to deliver many benefits for the rural communities they serve, as well as helping them withstand the financial and practical challenges of Covid over the past year.

"This would not have been possible without funding which has come from Defra, local authorities, the lottery, as well as corporate sponsors."

The news comes at a time when most halls remain closed to the rural communities they serve due to coronavirus restrictions.

Throughout 2020, Louise supported ACRE’s efforts to ensure village and community halls had access to up-to-date guidance to help them understand Covid-19 rules and keep residents safe.

We're thrilled that Louise has received an OBE for her many years supporting rural communities, especially village hall trustees. Her advice, drawn from a deep understanding of community buildings, has helped these vital assets weather recent lockdowns.

ACRE’s chair, David Emerson CBE said: “We’re thrilled that Louise has received an OBE for her many years supporting rural communities, especially village hall trustees.

"Her advice, drawn from a deep understanding of community buildings, has helped these vital assets weather recent lockdowns. This is an honour well deserved”.