MORE than 85 people from communities throughout Devon attended Devon Communities Together Rural Futures Conference: "At the Heart of the Community", on June 28, 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.

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 those taking part in the conference to talk to companies on a one-to-one basis and receive personal advice 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.’’

Attendee feedback included: "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" and "I learnt that there are many avenues to explore for funding and advice".

Devon Communities Together, the community council for Devon, is a champion for its people and environment - helping communities help themselves.

It is engaged in a wide range of projects, services and funding opportunities that support its vision of dynamic communities shaping their own futures.