This website is for the Devauden village hall - Hood Memorial Hall. A separate website for the village of Devauden as a whole can be found at www.devauden.org.uk
Following the AGM of Hood Memorial Hall Charitable Trust on Saturday August 31, 2024, the hall is now managed by Devauden Hall CIO.

THE BENEFITS OF ACTING AS A TRUSTEE
The Charity Commission has published research into the benefits people experience from being a trustee. One of the primary takeaways from the research is the extent to which trustees benefit from their experience. Although trusteeship is a significant voluntary undertaking, the majority would recommend it to others (80%). Many trustees reported experiencing multiple and profound benefits, from feeling they are positively impacting the world (60%) to feeling more connected to a community or movement (65%), highlighting the rewards of responsibility. Overall, just 1% of the trustee population surveyed would not recommend the role to others.
Trustees are also resoundingly positive about their experience in post. More than nine in ten believe their contributions to board meetings are heard and respected (94%). The majority also agree that they feel valued and supported by fellow members of the board (93%), and that their contributions are welcomed and respected by staff and volunteers (91%). A large majority also have a strong understanding of their role and responsibilities (95%) and feel confident sharing their views in board meetings (95%).
The full findings can be read here.

John Rowlands
We regret to announce, on behalf of his family, that John Rowlands passed away on August 13, aged 85.
John was Chair of Hood Memorial Hall for many years, continuing to support the charity after he stepped down at the end of 2021. His presence at hall events particularly in his later years in spite of his increasing frailty was always a cause for celebration among his very many friends.
John was a highly effective, much loved and respected Chair who drove major improvements to the hall as well as countless community and fund raising events. His boundless energy and enthusiasm inspired all who came into contact with him and set the bar for those trustees who succeeded him.
He was also the instigator of a number of successful grant applications such as to the National Lottery, which improved the hall facilities including new lavatories and a new, professional standard kitchen.
In 2016 John was awarded a British Empire Medal for his community and charity work which included raising many thousands of pounds for Parkinson's UK. In 2018 he played a major part in securing Cae Ni for the benefit of the village.
John will be greatly missed by so many and the current hall trustees send their deepest condolences to his wife Carol and their extended family.
An extended tribute to John can be seen on the Devauden village website - click here
WHAT'S ON
Various dates in August and September - Somatic Summer. Click poster for details
Saturday September 6 - Skittles Evening (Fundraiser for Bre Trim)
Sunday September 21 - Divertimenti Consort at the church
Sunday September 28 - WI Social
Saturday October 25 - Village Social - details to follow
Wednesday November 5 - Bonfire Night
Sunday December 7 - Senior Citizens' Lunch
Thursday December 11 - Children's Christmas Show (TBC)
Saturday July 11, 2026 - Village Fete
DEVAUDEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETS IN THE HALL ON THE LAST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7.15pm

DRY STONE WALL RESTORATION IN CAE NI
There are nearly 1000km of dry stone walls in the Wye Valley Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), including a stretch of a few hundred metres on the southern edge of Cae Ni. Recent volunteer sessions have continued the work of restoring our dry stone wall, which is now looking a great deal better and a couple more sessions should see the work completed. Everyone who has taken part has said it has been great fun and a really worthwhile exercise , protecting their local environment.
Everyone is welcome to future sessions, no experience necessary. If you would like to get involved, please email admin@devaudenhall.org to let us know.