A £110,000 fundraising appeal to save Sampford Courtenay Village Hall has been launched.

Major works are needed on the roof and exterior of the building to keep the hall — the hub of the community — open now and for future generations.

The village school until the early 1950s, the building was later purchased for the residents by a group of local people for use as a village hall.

Over the years a wide variety of memorable activities and events have taken place in the hall, with a hardworking committee of trustees ensuring that it continues to act as a community centre in the spirit in which it was established.

Through a great deal of local fundraising the interior of the hall has been updated and transformed. It now has a new foyer offering disabled access and amenities along with a spacious kitchen, and a meeting room extension with online access. These improvements have been a great success and has enabled the hall to be able to offer enhanced facilities to existing events and hirers, as well as attracting more activities for local people.

Chair of the village hall committee Joy Tucker said: ‘Two years ago the roof was damaged in a winter storm. Swift action saved much of the new interior but the roof needed some extensive repairs. Investigations during these repairs clearly identified the need for major works on the roof and exterior of the building.

‘We are currently investigating what grants and other funding may be available but it is clear that, in these financially uncertain times, a great deal of additional fundraising will need to take place.

‘We are appealing for help and ideas on ways to achieve our target of £110,000 and save this valuable village resource.

‘Help could be: fundraising ideas, offers to organise activities or events, knowledge of other individuals or organisations that could help or even making a personal or business donation.

‘The village hall is an important resource for everyone in Sampford Courtenay. Urgent help is needed to keep it open and in a condition to ensure its on-going use and enable it to develop and thrive for years to come.’

David Botting-Page from the roof fundraising group said there were plans to expand the use of the hall with computer training, benefits advice, gardening and film clubs He said the only other resources in the village were the pub, the New Inn — which had been terrific through the Covid-19 pandemic — and The Church Rooms which were not adequate for many events or for disabled use.

Anyone who can help with ideas or funding should call Joy Tucker on 07749522996.

An appeal is also being made for local people to contact the group if they have a relative who may have attended the former school or has any connection to it. Contact David Botting-Page who is putting together an archive on 01837 851725.