WILSDEN Village Hall volunteers are asking people to back its £20,000 refurbishment appeal.

The 40 Candles Birthday Appeal is being organised in the build-up to the hall’s 40th anniversary in June next year.

Hall volunteers hope to raise £500 for every year of the building’s life during the next 12 months.

They are calling on residents and community groups to get behind the appeal to help meet the target.

Wilsden Village Hall Management Committee started the appeal 40 years to the day when the foundation stone was laid by resident Fred Varley, then aged 86, and pupils at Wilsden First School.

Committee spokesman Lisa Firth said: "The appeal aims to raise £500 for every year of the hall's life to completely refurbish the ageing building. This will make it a brighter, pleasanter place for the more than 30 groups who use it on a weekly basis."

Current user groups include the nursery, uniformed groups, dance and fitness classes, community library, walkers, art group and many more.

Ms Firth added: "Wilsden Village Hall is a brilliant venue at the heart of our community and we are lucky to have it. As a not-for-profit, self-funding charity, it relies on a combination of user fees and fundraising to cover its substantial costs.

"The hall is held in trust for the people of Wilsden. It belongs to all of us and we all have a stake in its future. Together we can reach our target."

Villagers and groups who use the hall are being asked to support the 40 Candles appeal by organising a fundraiser, joining the newly-launched Friends of WVH scheme or making a personal donation.

The committee has developed two resources to help groups organise fundraising events, which are available to download free online.

One is the 40 Candles Appeal Fundraising Pack, and the other is a 40 Candles Challenge Pack which would enable members of youth and uniformed groups to earn a badge.

The hall management committee recently established the Wilsden Entertainment Society to act as a springboard for social groups in the village.

The group will look at setting up events such as a film club or an amateur theatre group, along with theme nights, murder mysteries, quizzes, singalong film nights, duck races, ceilidhs and a pantomime.

Anyone who wishes to support the 40 Candles appeal can text WVHC40 £5 to 70070 to donate £5.

Visit wilsdenvillagehall.co.uk/40candles for more information about the appeal.