KINGDON House Community Association is at risk of closing, unless vital repairs are undertaken to its building.

The association was founded in the late 1970s by a group of visionary local residents who saw an opportunity when the building, then owned by the Tavistock Printing Company, became vacant.

Since that time, the charity (registered charity number: 1152091) has served Tavistock as a home to countless groups from all sections of the community, offering a venue for people to access education, advice, social and leisure opportunities.

For nearly 40 years the group has operated with very little outside financial help but cannot continue in the same fashion for much longer.

Karen Woodward, manager at Kingdon House said: ‘The reason is our building. The association’s home is an exceptional Grade II Listed building, built at the end of the 19th century to house the Tavistock Printing Company.

‘Most unusually for a commercial building, it was built in the arts and crafts style. However it is in dire need of repair, refurbishment and alteration.

‘The outside of the building needs to be made water tight and the inside needs to be reconfigured to allow better use of space and offer the modern amenities.’

The committee of volunteers have many plans to make sure that everyone can continue to enjoy access to a community space in a heritage building located in the heart of Tavistock.

Karen added: ‘We need help to bring these ideas into action and to halt a valuable community resource simply fading and closing.

‘We need people with some of the following life experience to help or join our committee: large project management, building surveyor – especially heritage buildings, fundraising – especially applying for grants.

‘If you have any expertise we need to speak to you!’

For more information contact: kingdon_house_ [email protected]