ALL hands to the pump in fundraising - that was the message from the Friends of Newbridge Memo last night as they begin a bid to secure National Lottery cash.

Committee members believe the Heritage Lottery Fund can be wooed into stumping up most of the Memo's £3 million refurbishment costs if volunteers are prepared to put in the spadework.

At a public meeting last night in the Memo, Friends committee chairman Howard Stone thanked the Argus for its backing during its bid for the £3 million Rest-oration programme prize, and said publicity generated during the bid had fast-tracked the campaign.

Mr Stone urged people to forget their disappointment at losing the Restoration vote, and throw themselves into the business of running the hall and raising funds.

He said: "This is no longer a project of the committee, it's a project of the community - we have moved mountains in that respect."

He added that a target date of 2008 has been set.

More than 100 people came to the meeting, and were urged to sign up as club members and pledge their services. Volunteers are needed to raise funds, work in the bar and kitchen, organise events, or set to work with a duster.

Committee member and volunteer Rob Jackson, a Newport-based regeneration specialist who has worked on similar projects, said there would be no cash funding unless volunteers raised an initial lump sum of about £100,000 and proved to the HLF that the Memo was vital to the community.

"Without you we are not going to get anywhere," he said.

Mr Jackson said the first stage was to fund a feasibility study, and put together a comprehensive plan for HLF approval.

Islwyn MP Don Touhig, who attended the meeting, backed the call for volunteers.

"We will not progress if we don't get more volunteers - don't go from here without offering something tonight," he said.

AMs Irene James, for Islwyn, and Jocelyn Davies, Plaid Cymru's member for South-East Wales, also came to pledge support.

Pensioner Barbara Kimber, of Pentwyn Mawr, was one of the first to sign up. She said: "I think the next generation should have what we had."

* Offers of help have been flooding in from the world of showbiz, including funnyman Max Boyce and broadcaster and writer John Edwards, who have both promised benefit appearances.

*This Saturday the Monster Raving Boogie Party aim to rock the Memo. Tickets are £5 and must be purchased in advance. Call 01495 243252 or 01495 243691.