Manaccan Village Hall has been awarded a grant to help carry out essential maintenance work and improvements.

This was announced at the annual general meeting of the hall committee, which was told work would hopefully get underway as soon as the necessary paperwork was completed.

In a piece in this month’s Meneage Messenger, it was reported that hall treasurer Pat Scannell then took the meeting through the annual accounts, with the finances described as “shaky.”

Writing the report, The Rev Lesley Walker, chair of hall committee, said: “The figures for 2011 show a not insignificant deficit of expenditure over income. Although this was in part due to unforeseen urgent repairs, the cost of heating oil and electricity also increased twofold.

“It is clear from the figures that we can’t afford to be complacent and need to exercise stronger control over our income and costs.”

She added, however, that the small group present was “up-beat and positive” about the future of the hall, which was acknowledged as being a “valuable asset” to the community as a venue for a wide range of events and activities.

The Rev Walker wrote that on that basis the committee was “anxious to safeguard its future.” The cost of hiring the hall was £12 a session, to cover a morning, afternoon or evening. With main costs being oil and utilities, hall users were asked to use these with care.

“We have always tried to operate on trust and hope that you will continue to respect that and ensure that bookings and payments are made through the hall secretary,” she added.

Finally, a “big thank you” was given to the many volunteers who continued to give their time and skills to keep the hall and garden in a good state. “With limited resources we couldn’t keep the hall going without you,” she wrote. “If anyone feels they could help in any way then please get in touch with the hall secretary.”