A VALUABLE community resource is under threat in West Devon, organisers this week warned. Bere Alston School hall could be lost for out-of-school use unless more volunteers come forward to help out. In 1996 the Bere Community Project raised the funds to build a sports hall attached to Bere Alston Primary School and since then has been responsible for the management of the hall out of school hours. The hall has greatly improved the school?s facilities, allowing it to offer more extra curricular activities and sports opportunities ? but membership of the project has declined and fewer people are hiring the hall on a regular basis, especially at the weekends. Charlotte Hammond, secretary of the Bere Community Project, said: ?Almost ten years on, we now feel we have reached a crossroads. ?It seems as years go by, fewer people are willing to give up spare time to serve on committees and get involved with the fundraising that is inevitable,? she said. ?Next month the project will be holding its annual meeting and no doubt we will be holding our breath as we wait to see who will attend. ?It would be a shame if the village were to lose the use of the hall out of school hours and if an excellent public venue were lost.? Anyone willing to support the project and give just a few hours each month is invited to the meeting in the school hall on Thursday November 10 at 7.30pm. To encourage weekend use a 10% discount is being offered to anyone hiring the hall for two or more hours on Saturday mornings for a block period up until Christmas. For more information contact the booking clerk on 01822 840386.
