AFTER huge fundraising efforts, residents in a small West Devon village finally had cause for celebration last week. The Northcote Hall in Iddesleigh was officially opened by West Devon mayor, Cllr Dennis Bater, on Wednesday, April 30. It was a reason to celebrate for Iddesleigh residents who have been working tirelessly to secure funding to refurbish the hall for many years. In June 2006, almost £11,000 had to be spent on waterproofing the external walls of the building, leading to a 'huge hole' in the Northcote Hall committee's finances. This prompted the committee to launch a fundraising campaign involving residents from Iddesleigh and Dowland. With a wide range of events taking place from open gardens to film nights, more than £2,000 was raised. Further to this, between April 2006 and Autumn 2007, around £26,000 was raised for refurbishment of the hall with grants from Awards for All, Community Council of West Devon and Devon County Council. l Glasses are raised as villagers celebrate the re- opening of Iddesleigh Northcote Hall. Pictured are West Devon mayor Cllr Dennis Bater, West Devon ward member Dave Weeks, hall committee chairman Herbie Partridge and members of the parish.
