SUPPORTERS have raised an impressive figure to repair windows at the David Hall in South Petherton.

Thanks to their generosity, Petherton Arts Trust (PAT), the charity which owns and runs the hall, has been able to re-glaze the windows in this Grade II listed building at a cost of £16,500.

The late Eileen Ponder, who lived in the village for many years, left the hall £10,000 in her will and PAT plans to commission a plaque in her honour. An anonymous donor also gave £3,000 specifically for window repairs. Other donations were received from Brian and Denise Herrick, well-known for their Field of Dreams project, South Petherton Parish Council and patrons of the hall’s popular monthly coffee mornings.

Petherton Arts Trust chairman Anne Shirley said: “The building was formerly a Congregational Church and the windows have been of concern to us for some years. “The cost of replacing such huge amounts of glass was daunting and finding the right craftsmen was difficult, even when we had raised the money.”

The David Hall has been a venue for music, theatre, film and other forms of entertainment for over 20 years. The building is named in memory of Petherton teenager David Hall whose father Brian acquired it in 1983. Anne added: “All the windows facing Roundwell Street have been re-glazed, double-glazed and protected on the outside with special wire mesh. “We still have a number of smaller windows which will be repaired over time but thanks to all who helped with their generous donations, we have finally achieved our dream!”

PAT is now hoping to raise £3,500 for curtains to be drawn across the windows for events such as the fortnightly Petherton Picture Show.