Seaton’s Voice has plenty to shout about

Town hall management team become the first in Devon to gain triple award in one go

Community group Seaton’s Voice has collected a prestigious award for the way it has run the town hall.

Recently it became the first management group in Devon to successfully complete all three proficiency levels in one go.

Last week members received their “Hallmark of quality” certificate from Martin Rich, of the Community Council of Devon.

The national award is a mark of excellence in management and confirms that all procedures and paperwork are correctly in place and practiced.

Two assessors spent a day going through paperwork and talking to the girls who run the hall and their final comments praised the professionalism and passion of the team.

Seaton’s Voice is a community interest company which took over the running of their town hall, turning it into a successful community hub within 18 months.

East Devon District Council had been suffering annual losses of around �30,000 before this partnership and new venture was started in January 2011.

Receiving the three ceretificates at a cemeornu in the hall Voice director Carol Manley said: “ The greatest thing about this award was the comments about passion and professionalism of all involved. They weren’t just talking about the team, they were talking about all our volunteers and groups who are involved in this amazing community drive to not only save our town hall but to make it the best it can be across the East Devon Area.

“Seaton has been ‘The Big Society’ in action, where everyone has come together to do something. We are very proud to accept the award and look forward to an amazing and exciting future as we create a destination venue for entertainment, performing arts - a truly vibrant community hub run for and by the community.”