THERE is a busy time ahead for Cookhill as preparations are made for the opening of the new village hall.

On Saturday, November 20, from 2-5pm, there will be a free community viewing day where people can come and inspect the state-of-the art new building and enjoy some light refreshments.

From 7pm, there will be a champagne buffet reception for all village hall committee members and everyone who has helped make the rebuilding of the hall a reality.

Anyone who is unable to make the events can also attend a viewing the following day from 2-5pm.

Attendance for all the events must be pre-arranged.

Several new services are planned at the hall from January, including a lunchtime community association, a gardening group, a health and nutrition group and an additional art class.

Future fun events include a children's Christmas party on Sunday, December 19, from 2-4pm. Tickets cost £2 for children and for accompanying adults.

On New Year's Eve there will be music, dance and a mouth-watering buffet at the hall for people over 12. Tickets cost £16.

The major opening ceremony will be on Saturday, January 22, when guests will be treated to a performance from the Aber Valley Male Voice Choir. Tickets cost £8.50.

To book tickets, sign-up for the new services or to find out about booking the hall, call committee chairman Eileen Payne on 892225.