Broadwas Parish Book Club
📚 A New Chapter for Our Community
The Parish Book Club is a friendly, inclusive initiative hosted at Broadwas Village Hall, created by local residents to bring people together through reading and conversation. It’s designed to support wellbeing, ease loneliness, and strengthen community connections — all within the heart of Broadwas & Cotheridge.
💬 Why It Matters
Reading together isn’t just about books — it’s about connection. Research from The Reading Agency and NHS social prescribing guidance shows that community reading groups:
- Reduce loneliness and improve mood
- Encourage social interaction and lifelong learning
- Support mental wellbeing and community cohesion
The Parish Book Club will offer a gentle, low-cost way for residents to meet, share ideas, and enjoy good conversation in a warm, accessible space.
🌟 What’s Happening
We’re delighted to share that Broadwas Village Hall Management Committee has submitted a grant funding application to Broadwas & Cotheridge Parish Council on behalf of the Book Club. The aim is to make the club completely free and accessible for everyone to attend.
If approved, the grant will cover the cost of hall hire for 12 monthly sessions, ensuring the Book Club remains sustainable and welcoming to all.
🏠 How It Works
- Venue: Broadwas Village Hall
- Frequency: Monthly sessions (1.5 hours each)
- Format: Bring Your Own Book for the first meeting, then choose a new genre and book together each month
- Cost: Free (subject to grant approval)
- Open To: All parish residents and the wider local community
🤝 Governance & Support
The Book Club is an independent community initiative, not a subcommittee of the Village Hall Management Committee. The VHMC provides venue access, administrative support, and light-touch oversight to ensure compliance with hall policies and funding conditions.
Financial stewardship is managed through VHMC’s standard controls — dual-authorised payments, monthly reporting, and annual independent examination — ensuring transparency and accountability.
🌈 Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for a friendly local group, the Parish Book Club welcomes you. Come along, share your thoughts, and enjoy a good read in great company.