LIPHOOK Millennium Centre activities and bookings are on the increase since revised hire costs and discounts took effect last month.

Regular users who book the centre for more than 20 hours per month receive a 15 per cent discount and regulars using the centre for more than 40 hours per month receive a 20 per cent discount.

Long-term users, who have been booking the centre for more than five years receive a discount of 15 per cent and bookings for children’s events get a discount of 20 per cent. Tiered seating is free to regular users.

Wedding bookings in the main hall and the Canada Room for 12 hours cost £550, hire for a wake using the Canada Room (four hours) costs £55 and the main hall for the same amount of time is now priced at £75.

Hire for a children’s party for three hours in the main hall is costed at £65 and bookings for adult parties in the main hall lasting four hours including the use of the bar in the Canada Rom cost £165.

CCTV cameras have now been installed in the foyer which give 24-hour coverage and a dedicated website for the centre is under discussion, which would include regular weekly updates and be user friendly.

The Millennium Cinema has attracted more visitors, with children’s matinees of the recent Paddington and Cinderella screenings as the most popular.

According to LMC officer Karen Feeney further children’s movies are due to be shown later this year and a classic family film is planned for Christmas, when hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies would be served.

Chairman Jane Ives is looking for ways to enhance and improve the Millennium Cinema and other special themed film nights are being looked at - including classic and feel-good film events like Mama Mia, Dirty Dancing and even The Great Escape classic.

The last trailer viewing, a popular event for anyone wishing to help make choices of future films to be shown, counted more than 35 attendees.

Moviola, one of the largest rural film schemes in Europe is currently providing films to the Millennium Centre on a monthly basis.

Mrs Feeney revealed more plans for table top sales as well as indoor car boot events, due to start this autumn, after the recent popular nearly new Rail Sale.

Plans to add more food stalls to the monthly Artisan Market including tasters and snacks, were discussed with the possibility of an occasional French Market.

During the last user group meeting an exhibition entitled ‘Life in Liphook’ was suggested, which would involve many clubs, societies and organisations in the parish taking part.

Mrs Ives also pointed out that each year more than 200 pupils at Bohunt School are looking for voluntary work as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and that local clubs, societies and organisations could offer places at such an event, as they were always short of volunteers.

Storage problems at the centre have now been resolved for regular users and space is available for others.

The committee has decided to manage the bar in the Canada Room themselves with the help of experienced bar staff and some volunteers.