A MODEL of the proposed community or village hall for Copplestone was unveiled at the Fun Day on Saturday, July 13, with the new plans outlined.

Held on the Recreation Field, profits were to be split between Copplestone School PTA and Copplestone Community Hall Fundraising.

A building with an emphasis on sport use providing changing rooms had been the main use for the original plan. This had proved to be far too costly to fund realistically.

Taking into account how Copplestone and area has changed and the costs, a revised plan has been completed and was shown for the first time at the Fun Day.

This had reduced the size by more than one third which, with other changes, brings a significant cost saving, making the hall more of a probability once planning permission has been given.

It is hoped to begin looking for grants this autumn and that enough money can be raised for building to begin in April 2021 with a build time of four to six months. Community fundraising is a critical part and to help maintain the ground.

On Saturday there were lots of things for families to do at the Fun Day, members of Mid Devon Tractor Engine and Machinery Group and friends were there with stationary engines, tractors and cars.

Copplestone Garden Club had a well-stocked plant stall, a book stall was raising funds for Copplestone Station garden which has won the title of best garden this year on the Barnstaple-Exeter Tarka railway line.

With his ice cream van was George Pauley, grandson of former Crediton Scout Leader and garage owner Mike Pauley. George was giving part of his proceeds back to the fund.

He used to work for a software company until a hip problem developed. To help a friend, George took up the offer of running an ice cream van, this is his fourth year and he loves the job which suits his health as well, although he does not eat as many ices as he did before he had the van.

As much as he can he buys locally and even has vegan lollies in fully degradable packaging.

There was a bonsai artist, crockery smashing stall, Crediton and District Lions Club with their tombola stall, and a number of others.

Among events and displays were members of Crediton and Copplestone PUMA Martial Arts group, Copplestone School Choir and Copplestone Community Choir. The bar sold out of Pimm’s and the barbecue was a sell out as well.

Next event for funds for the new Community Hall will be a Ladies Night and Fashion Show at the Waie Inn on Friday, October 4. Check the website for more details.

Funds raised by the PTA help to fund trips for each class, including buying a National Trust card for the school, improvements to the Reception class playground, items for the Christmas lunch, hoodies for Year 6 leavers and hot chocolate and biscuits for the Bedtime Story event.

The PTA is holding a joint fundraising event on the first morning back at school next term with a Welcome coffee morning.

Among uses for the new hall would be functions and events, table tennis, badminton, cinema and film screening with a bar and lounge.