Following the successful award of a £121,000 grant from the Big Lottery People and Places fund in March, the Institute fundraising sub-committee needs to raise a further £35,000 by September.

£4,000 of this has already been raised through local fundraising efforts.

There will be an open meeting at the Institute on Friday, May 2, at 7.30pm when Mick Bates will be joined onstage by Lembit Opik MP, County Councillor Viola Evans and a representative from Llanfair Town Council.

Mick Bates said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a modern community centre for the next 100 years. Our future is not a gift but a reward for what we do now."

The open meeting will see the launch of the Centenary Appeal, which offers local businesses and individuals the opportunity to make a donation to the fund.

Donors will have one of the new rooms named after them or will be acknowledged in a roll of honour to be displayed in the Institute.
Project leader Clive Hopwood said: "The Institute is at the heart of this community.

"It celebrates its 100th birthday in 2013 and this project is designed to refurbish a beautiful but ageing building and to bring its facilities into the 21st century.

"I'm certain we can raise the money needed. Every little helps so no donation is too small."

Funding applications have been made to Powys County Council's Community Enablement Support Fund, the Welsh Assembly's Community Facilities and Activities Fund, CADW, the Garfield Weston Trust, the Tudor Trust and the Esmee Fairburn Foundation.

As well the speakers and a question and answer session, the open meeting will give local people another opportunity to see an exhibition of the plans that were drawn up as a result of the 2007 community consultation through questionnaires and an open week at the Institute.

Potential donors or volunteers to help with fundraising efforts over the summer should ring 01938 811 355 or e-mail paulinebennett98@btinternet. com