The man at the helm of Fownhope New Memorial Hall is taking the lead in trying to raise the £24,000 needed to extend the building.

Ian Quayle, Chairman of the Memorial Hall, and his wife, Dorothy, were on hand at last Thursday's market to sell bread, which Ian had baked himself that morning, in order to aid with the fundraising.

Ian said: "We're trying to raise money for the hall in order to facilitate the new project of extending the building to create extra storage space. The extension would be on the entrance side of the building, towards the lane."

Traders are charged a flat-fee to have a stall at the market, which is shared between all of the traders who show up on the day.

Ian said: "Obviously, the more traders there are, the cheaper it is for them, but if there is only one then it gets expensive! Anyone who wants to show up can."Last week, an array of traders set up goods including cakes, quiches, handmade greetings cards, a range of meats including lamb and pork, strawberries, cordials, preserves, fresh vegetables. childrens and adults books, and Ian's freshly baked breads.

Friday's market was the first since the summer break and is hosted on the second Friday of the month.

The Hall's last renovation, which finished in late 2009, saw the installation of an innovative variable ceiling and cost £30,000. As with the ceiling installation, the Hall's fundraising efforts for the new extension will be important.

Ian said: "We've only raised a fraction of the money so far but we are hopeful that events, like the Buffalo Gals performing here, will be well supported and will help to raise the money."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.