We were absolutely delighted to be invited onto Ouse Valley Radio’s Over to You segment this week as their Charity of the Month. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our story, our vision for the village, and the incredible community spirit that’s been driving this project forward.
A huge thank you to Norman Knapper, who was an excellent presenter and a truly wonderful host. His warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm made the conversation such a joy and helped us tell the story of Spaldwick Common Ground in exactly the right way.
If you missed it, here’s a recap of the full interview in a Q&A format below.
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Q
For listeners who might not have heard of Spaldwick Common Ground before, can you start by telling us what the charity is all about?
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A
Spaldwick Common Ground is a community charity set up to transform the historic village church into a welcoming, flexible meeting and activity space for everyone. We want to create a place that brings people together for activities, events, wellbeing, arts, and social connection while preserving the heritage of this beautiful building.
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Q
How did the idea to transform the village church into a community space come about?
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It came from trying to solve a long-standing problem: Spaldwick doesn’t have a dedicated community space, like a village hall, where people can come together.
The church is such a loved landmark that is no longer being used to its full potential. So we began asking how it could serve the community every day of the week, not just on occasional Sundays and that’s where the idea for Spaldwick Common Ground was born. -
Q
What makes this project particularly special or unique within our local area?
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What sets this project apart is the approach we're taking. Rather than being run by the Church or PCC, we've setup an independent and secular charity, Spaldwick Common Ground.
This means every pound raised goes directly towards the project and the community it serves.
We're working with The Church to secure a long-term lease on part of the building, which will become deconsecrated, for use by the local community. Significant redevelopment and investment are planned, which is why we felt it important to operate under an independent organisation, safeguarding the work so that it may benefit the village for generations to come.
The Church will continue to operate, primarily as a Festival Church, remaining available for religious services, celebrations and ceremonies for the local community.
It's a new way of thinking about how historic and culturally important spaces can be shared, reimagined and enjoyed by everyone in the community. -
Q
How has the local community responded so far?
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The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
People are genuinely excited about the idea of having a vibrant space right here in the village. Somewhere to host events, celebrations, and gatherings.
There’s also a sense of pride in breathing new life into such a historic landmark. -
Q
Who’s involved in bringing this vision to life?
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We’re a small committee of trustees & volunteers working closely with the PCC, the Church, and our architect Peter Slinger.
We’re always looking for volunteers who would like to help, whether that’s helping with events, fundraising, or some of the organisation to keep things moving.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch. -
Q
You’ve already held a few events this year. What have been some highlights?
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A
Our first Board Games Night was a big hit, drawing in families, friends and individuals who enjoyed an evening of competitive fun and social connection.
Last month, we put on a Halloween Crafternoon, filling the space with children, laughter, colour and creativity.
Those moments showcased just how much the village needs a space like this. -
Q
What’s next on the events calendar?
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We’re making our Board Games Evenings a regular fixture held on every second Wednesday of the month, starting 12th November.
We’re also planning a Christmas Concert in December alongside the PCC & Church, which is an event that always fills the Church space as people come together for a festive evening of talent, mulled wine & minced pies.
Looking to next year, we’re exploring ideas like Story Nights and Book Readings.
We're also always on the lookout for new ideas, if anyone has an idea, skill, workshop, class that they would like to share with Spaldwick & the surrounding villages we'd love to hear from you. -
Q
Tell us a bit about the building plans and fundraising goal.
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We’re aiming to raise up to £500,000 to carry out essential renovations includiing making the space accessible to all which includes significant flooring work, installation of bathrooms, a modern servery, and mezanine floor to which will also act as a platform for our campanologists.
These are just some of the improvements we're planning to make the space warm, welcoming, and fully usable year-round.
Designs can be viewed on our website at spaldwickcommonground.org. -
Q
What difference do you hope Spaldwick Common Ground will make to village life?
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We want it to be a living, breathing space that connects people, somewhere to learn, play, relax, and celebrate.
It’s about bringing life and energy back to the heart of the village. -
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Do you have a personal highlight or moment from the journey so far?
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I remember attending a Christmas concert a few years ago, I met so many new people, connected with friends, enjoyed a variety show. The sort of wholesome experience that makes you think “it’s a shame this only happens once a year.”
Then we hosted our first Board Games Night and Halloween Crafternoon, and it all came full circle.
Those events showed how much appetite there is for connection in our village. -
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Finally, how can people get involved or stay in touch?
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Visit our website at spaldwickcommonground.org or email hello@spaldwickcommonground.org.
You can also find us on Facebook & Instagram by searching for SpaldwickCommonGround