Whitchurch and Ganarew Memorial  Hall has received a £10,000 'Awards for All' grant to equip a new kitchen extension.

Building work is already underway thanks to a generous bequest, and the Lottery money will be used to fit out the extension.

"We are naturally delighted to be awarded this grant," said hall chairman Judith Gill.

"This project will complete the refurbishment of the entire building, which has been substantially improved in recent years.

"Although we had the funds to build a new kitchen extension, despite energetic fundraising by the committee we were unable to meet the costs of refitting  the new space.

"This will give the hall a modern and convenient working area and enlarge the rather cramped current facilities which limit our activities."

Events at the hall have grown over recent years with the introduction of regular 'Flicks in the Sticks' showings, several jazz nights and more bookings for social gatherings.

These events go better with food, yet producing 50 or 60 hot meals in the present kitchen has proved quite a challenge.

Regular Morris Bricknell sales are catered by a rota of local organisations and the better amenities will benefit the catering teams, regular users, and encourage new bookings and sociability in the community.

The hall is also home to several   groups including snooker, yoga, art classes, firefighters, table tennis and short mat bowls.