Together with Edale Village Hall, we are launching the “Raising the Roof for Renewables” appeal to repair the village hall roof and install in-roof solar panels. Edale Village Hall and Hope Valley Climate Action (HVCA) have joined forces to launch a major fundraising campaign to secure the future of one of the Peak District’s most valued community spaces — and to turn it into a beacon of local climate action. The project launches on the 7th of February 2026 with a community event at the village hall. Full details of the event can be found below.
The Raising the Roof for Renewables appeal aims to raise £10,000 before May 2026 towards the cost of installing rooftop solar panels on Edale Village Hall. The Hall Committee must raise an additional £33,000 for essential roof repairs, and the solar installation will future-proof the building while supporting national goals for net-zero carbon emissions
A vital community hub — and the heart of world-famous walking destination built in 1967 and refurbished in 2012, Edale Village Hall sits at the centre of village life. It hosts:
● Community groups including choirs, music groups, drama, gardening, arts and crafts
● Yoga and Tai Chi classes, community coffee mornings, and local history events
● Parish Council meetings
● Local and visiting NGOs working on peatland restoration and biodiversity
● Running and walking events including those on the Pennine Way — named by the BBC as Britain’s favourite walking start point
● School groups and visiting educational organisations.
Why we need your urgent support
The roof’s felt and tiles have deteriorated over time, and a leak last year cost £1,000 to repair. While the building’s structure is sound, the roof can no longer be patched. Without replacement, the hall risks disruption to community activities and increased long-term repair costs.
Installing solar panels alongside the roof repair brings additional long-term benefits:
● Lower energy bills for the hall, keeping hire costs affordable
● Reduced carbon footprint in line with national net-zero goals
● A practical demonstration of local climate action
● A model for other rural community buildings seeking to decarbonise.
A partnership that inspires action, Hope Valley Climate Action is supporting the appeal as part of its mission to accelerate community-led climate solutions. HVCA plans to use this project as a template for other groups across the Hope Valley — helping churches, schools, and village halls install renewable energy systems.
“This is exactly the kind of practical, positive climate action our communities can lead,” said Jeremy Wight, trustee of HVCA. “By helping repair the hall and add solar panels, we can protect a treasured space while reducing emissions and energy costs for years to come.”
The Village Hall Committee added: “Edale Village Hall is a lifeline for our community. With so many groups depending on it, from locals to national organisations, repairing the roof and installing solar panels is essential to keeping the hall open and future-proofed.”
How can people help
Residents, visitors, walking groups, local businesses and supporters of the Peak District are encouraged to donate and share the appeal. All donations, large or small, will directly support the roof replacement and the installation of green energy. Individual donations (which can be gift-aided).
If you would like more information, please email Jeremy Wight. HVCA Trustee jeremywight@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk
Launch Event
On Saturday 7 February, we were delighted to welcome so many of you to Edale Village Hall for the launch of our Raising the Roof for Renewables appeal.
For generations, the hall has been at the heart of village life — a place where people meet, move, make music, share ideas and build community. From local groups and fitness classes to visiting organisations and walking events from across the Peak District, it quietly supports an extraordinary range of activity. Saturday’s event felt like a true celebration of that shared history and the role the hall continues to play in keeping our community connected.
We’re grateful to everyone who came along and made the afternoon a success. Thank you to the speakers, local performers, and the volunteers who kept the refreshments flowing. It was wonderful to see so many of the groups that use the hall represented and to hear stories about what this building means to people.
Most importantly, thank you for your generosity. We are hugely appreciative of the donations and pledges already made towards the essential roof repairs and the installation of rooftop solar panels. Your early support has given the appeal real momentum. If you would like to make a donation, please visit our website here
