BROCKENHURST Village Hall is one step closer to becoming a community arts centre after villagers managed to raise about £200,000 during the past year.
Brockenhurst Village Trust launched the appeal over a year ago and needs to raise £800,000 to complete its ambitious plans.
Most of the money for the scheme, which will include a professional stage and more exhibition space, has been raised by local residents.
Trustees received an excellent response to a letter drop to all 1,600 homes in the village earlier this year. They appealed for financial support towards the plan by saying that a gift of £5 would buy 20 bricks and £25 would pay for 50 building blocks.
The current hall, built in the 1980s, already hosts all kinds of artistic and recreational activities. The extension will allow for a good-sized stage and enough room to accommodate an orchestra.
The trust has already received a £5,000 grant from the National Lottery's Award for All scheme and is also hoping to receive Arts Council funding.
To make a donation, call trust director Fred Helyer on 01590 623106.
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