AN ENTHUSIASTIC band of volunteers has launched a group dedicated to supporting the iconic Coronation Hall in Ulverston.

Followers gathered in the main hall to unveil the new Friends of the Coronation Hall – and membership has topped 100 within a matter of days.

The entertainment and com-munity venue, best known as ‘The Coro’, will celebrate its centenary in 2014 – but already the volunteers are making plans for the next 100 years.

The initiative aims to provide volunteer and fund-raising support to the hall as well as commemorating the 100-years milestone.

Town councillor and com-mittee member Colin Pickthall said: “We want to make the Coronation Hall more popular and attract more people to this fantastic venue.

“A lot of people who live in Ulverston have never even been to the hall. We want to change that and to popularise it to bring in more income.”

The Coro is currently subsi-dised by South Lakeland District Council to the tune of around £300,000 but the authority wants to reduce its grant.

Funding of the venue by SLDC will cease in 2015, whether an alternative plan is announced or not.

Mr Pickthall hopes that in the future, the Coronation Hall could become a vibrant hub like Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre.

“As well as attracting more people, we have ideas to transform the hall with a cafe and bars,” said Coun Pickthall.

The friends aim to attract 400 members and will meet again at Easter. Application forms are available from the hall and Ulverston Town Hall – comp-leted forms can be left at the box office.

Members will receive a quarterly newsletter and dis-counts on selected shows and events To find out more, visit www.friendsofthecoro.org or contact David Phillips at the hall on 01229-588994 or email info@friendsofthecoro.org