AS the Christmas season gets underway Ringwood residents are being asked to be more Ebenezer than Scrooge to help a much-needed community hall.

A major appeal for £150,000 to refurbish Ebenezer Hall at Greyfriars Community Centre is soon to get under way following nearly fifty years of wear and tear.

The chairman of Ringwood and District Community Association, Ann Pedersen, said the group aims to raise the large amount of money to coincide with the hall's 50th anniversary celebrations to be held throughout next year.

The plans for a refurbishment will include a complete overhaul of the roof to halt the progress of slipping slates and storm damage.

Inside the building, a new ceiling will be put up, alongside a wooden semi-sprung floor and complete renovation of the toilets. To add even more atmosphere to the building, a lantern roof light is also planned.

Fundraising co-ordinator Barrie Sindall said: "The estimated £150,000 will be raised from a number of sources. Grants will be sought from the lottery, local councils, charities and trusts and it is hoped that local philanthropic organisations, businesses and individuals will support the worthy cause."

According to Mary Baldwin, Greyfriars executive committee member, Ebenezer Hall derives from the old Ebenezer Chapel, which originally stood on the same site until the hall was eventually rebuilt about 1900.

Since Ringwood Community Association acquired the building from the Parish Church in 1969, it has been used as the town's base for pre-school groups and ballet classes.

But after nearly 40 years use as part of Ringwood's community centre, Mike Osbourne, chairman of the sub-committee, said Ebenezer Hall is showing its age.