AN APPEAL has been launched to raise in the region of �20,000 for critical repair work at Lympstone Village Hall. The 1930s building is in need of major refurbishment, particularly to the roof.

AN APPEAL has been launched to raise in the region of �20,000 for critical repair work at Lympstone Village Hall.

The 1930s building is in need of major refurbishment, particularly to the roof. Plans are in place to transform the building into a venue fit for the 21st century.

Don Mildenhall, chairman of the hall management committee - which oversees its day-to-day running - believes the hall is now showing its age.

The total cost for repairs is likely to be more than �90,000 and will be carried out in phases.

Don said: "The phase we are working on at the moment will involve replacing the roof, upgrades to lighting and some external repairs."

It will also entail a new floor and other amenities to benefit all users from the village, the school and pre-school.

"We are hoping that we can complete the phase involving the roofs and other repairs and improvements next summer when the school is not in session.

"After that we hope to raise further money to completely replace the old and worn-out kitchen."

Don said there are a number of ways people can help.

"In conjunction with village organisations like the film society or the amateur dramatic group, we will be holding events to raise funds for the hall.

"We are inviting people to make a donation or volunteer some of their time for the simpler tasks like internal painting."

It is hoped a third of the cost of next year's work can be met by a grant from the Community Council of Devon.

A further third could come from Lympstone Parish Council which has agreed, in principle, to support the hall committee. The rest will come from fundraising.

Jill Wilson, coordinator of the fundraising committee, said the hall was a 'focal point' of the village and has been used by everybody at some point.

"Everyone, at one time or another, has attended something held there.

"I think people realise that they could lose the hall if we don't modernise it."

The village hall is a charity run by representatives of local organisations. As a charity it can, through Gift Aid, claim an extra 28p for every �1 donated.

For more information about the appeal, call Jill Wilson on 264753.