THE handful of members of the Much Marcle Memorial committee are planning another round of improvements for the venue, which is a focus for Big Apple celebrations and other annual events, such as Burn's Night and a Christmas Celebration.

A recent grant has led to the installation of solar panels on the building "which give the hall a small income to help cover expenses".

Now more grant funding is to be sought, to repair the sprung floor in the main hall and to "re-varnish it and paint it in permanent badminton lines".

Details as to costs are still to be announced.

The hall committee, which has given details of both its achievements and plans in the latest parish newsletter, The Mercury, is also preparing to redecorate the entire hall this year.

Some improvements to the site have already taken place.

The front flower beds have been re-planted and other beds "will be spruced up later on".

A spokesman for the hall committee said: "The hall is a community asset and as trustees we are responsible for looking after it.

"We have organised and managed community events, overcome obstacles and have embraced the need for change. We have seen new events taking place here, as well as our traditional ones.

"We would like to re-emphasise that our main responsibility is to provide a safe, warm and welcoming building which is the focal point for the community."

The spokesman added: "Most weekday evenings, something is happening here and several groups are utilising this facility during the day too."