Fund raising drive being held to save Fowlmere village hall

VILLAGERS are being urged to rally round their under-threat village hall and help raise �8,000 needed to keep it open. It had been feared that Fowlmere Village Hall would have to close due a substantial drop in income from groups using the hall. But the v

VILLAGERS are being urged to rally round their under-threat village hall and help raise �8,000 needed to keep it open.

It had been feared that Fowlmere Village Hall would have to close due a substantial drop in income from groups using the hall.

But the village hall committee is confident a programme of community events will help bridge the �8,000 funding gap.

Larmona Thomas, vice-chairman of the Fowlmere recreation ground and village hall management committee, said: "It's a common problem with community buildings in most of Cambridgeshire, and likely all over the country.

"Day to day running costs, such as cleaning, grass cutting, insurance, heating and other utilities are a substantial drain on annual resources.

"The income from commercial users had dropped as a result of the recession and village residents tend to use the Hall in school term times only thus generating less than the potential income," she said.

A village forum was held in February and resulted in a number of people volunteering to help with a fundraising drive.

More than �650 was raised at the first event, a jumble sale, and the group has organised a second hand book sale at the hall on Saturday 27 March, while a car boot sale is being held on Sunday 18 April. Pitches can be booked by calling Maureen on 01763 262398.

Several fund-raisers will also take place over the summer months. For more information see www.villagehall.fowlmere.com.