PLANS are already being put in place to raise the cash needed to help achieve Lottery funding for the Newbridge Memo.

Several fundraising events are already in the pipeline for the bid to raise £100,000 over the next year.

A public meeting earlier this week, attended by more than 100 people, heard that volunteers should aim to raise a lump sum of £100,000.

This would prove to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that the former dance hall and cinema is very important to the community.

The Friends of Newbridge Memo believe the HLF could be wooed into coming up with much of the £3 million needed if they put in the initial groundwork.

Howard Stone, chairman of the Friends, said yesterday that the fundraising begins tomorrow, with the Monster Raving Boogie Party band who are playing at the Memo.

Tickets, which must be booked from the Memo in advance, cost £5.

And the Dylan Thomas play Under Milk Wood is being performed at the Memo for four nights next month. Discos are being held there regularly and hog roasts and car boot sales are being planned.

And Mr Stone stressed that function rooms are available for hire for special events.

"We have set ourselves a target of a year to raise £100,000," he said. "It is really about showing them that we are very serious."

The Friends may also call in the favour promised by Welsh entertainer Max Boyce, to perform a fundraising concert.

When the star visited the Memo in August, he said he would love to do a concert in the run-down hall.

"Let's see if Health and Safety will clear it and we can wear our oldest clothes and have a great night," he said.

* Anyone who wishes to make donations or who has ideas for fundraising can contact the Memo on 01495 243252 or Mr Stone on 01633 243691.