THE COORDINATOR of the Lympstone Village Hall fundraising committee has thanked people who have donated money to go towards work aimed at refurbishing the community building. Jill Wilson said around �9000 had been raised so far from events and residents

THE COORDINATOR of the Lympstone Village Hall fundraising committee has thanked people who have donated money to go towards work aimed at refurbishing the community building.

Jill Wilson said around �9000 had been raised so far from events and residents' donations. In the region of �20,000 from fundraising is needed for critical repair work to be undertaken at the hall.

The total cost for repairs is likely to amount to �90,000 and carried out in phases.

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

Jill, reflecting on the success of fundraising efforts, said: "It is going very well.

"We have a village hall lottery starting soon to raise money with the first draw taking place in January.

"All the organisations in Lympstone will next year be holding an event to raise money.

"We are very encouraged by the start of the fundraising appeal and support people have given so far. People have come up trumps."

Jill said it was important to modernise the hall because it was a 'focal point' of the village and had 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."

In the first ten days after the launch of the fundraising efforts, the committee was pleased to hear Lympstone Parish Council agreed to give �20,000 towards the project.

Alison Hickson, who lives in the Strand, said the village hall was an integral part of village life. She added: "It was built in the 1930s and does need a lot of work doing to it."

Jean Young, who also lives in the Strand, said: "I am looking forward to the day when it has been modernised, particularly the kitchen."

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