PICKERING Memorial Hall is holding a special anniversary celebration to mark 13 years since it was renovated.

Over the years a programme of maintenance and renewal has been carried out to ensure the hall remains up-to-date and easily accessible as a venue for local people.

Mal Danks, secretary to the trustees, said they worked hard to ensure that the hall maintained its reputation.

“We have not raised our hire charges for more than four years in the hope that the hall will continue to be utilised by the local community in theses difficult financial times,” she said.

“However, in order to maintain standards we do rely on the generosity and participation of the people of Pickering to whom the hall belongs.”

Mal said the anniversary celebrations would be a little different this year with their first Ceilidh on Friday, February 7, from 7.30pm to 11pm.

“It will feature ‘Jackhare’ a popular local Ceilidh band and should be a superb evening’s entertainment,” she said.

“I am assured by all who have attended such events previously that even those with two left feet will really enjoy the evening.”

Interval refreshments are included in the ticket price of £8 and £5 for under 18s and there will also be a licensed bar.

Tickets are on sale at the hall on weekday mornings or can be bought at Television House, in Pickering.

On the Saturday, February 8, from 9.30am to noon, the hall will be holding a “bacon butties, baking and beverages” morning.

Mal said: “This was extremely popular with Saturday morning shoppers when we put on a similar event last year.

“We are hoping that the weather will be kind to us and that we will have an excellent turn-out and we do hope to see lots of people there as we are sure it will be a good do.”

Mal said there would be an opportunity to take part in the ever-popular “Play Your Cards Right” game, which offers a prize every time, while enjoying bacon butties and some home-baking.

“As usual, we are in need of raffle prizes and cake-bakers,” said Mal.

“If anyone would like to make a contribution, however small, we would love to hear from you.”

Anyone interested in taking part or supporting the hall, can visit the hall any weekday, from 9am to noon, phone 01751 477522 or contact Mal Danks, secretary to the trustees, on 01751 477913 or 07956 658894.