A SPECIAL meeting organised to help save a community building was packed to the rafters on Saturday (July 1).

The community association of Kingdon House Tavistock needs to raise £100,000 in less than a year and called on the local public to help.

For the last 40 years, thousands of people have used Kingdon House — many have enjoyed creative activities inspired by the natural light that floods the studio. Others have benefited from the advice offered by groups such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau — but all this is now in jeopardy.

The open meeting was packed with members of the public who came to show support and listen to chair of trustees Peter Jones outline the vision to save Kingdon House.

The first stage includes making the building watertight at a cost of £130,000, of which £30,000 has been promised by Tavistock Town Heritage Initiative if the remaining £100,000 is raised by May 2018. It was also heard that Tavistock Town Council has donated £2,500.

After the building has been made watertight then internal spaces will be revitalised by decoration and redesign to make better use of space, especially on the lower ground floor.

Peter’s message was greeted with unanimous support. People spoke passionately about the building and ‘one which Tavistock should be proud of’.

Manager of Kingdon House Tavistock Karen Woodward said the meeting was a success: ‘We had a great meeting on Saturday — it far exceeded all my expectations.

‘By making the building watertight and redecorating the lower ground floor we can continue to provide the activities that contribute to the well-being of the community — art, drama, music, yoga, advice and support — just to mention a few.

‘This will not be achieved without community help.

‘Since the day it opened, Kingdon House has always sat at the centre of community life — initially as the Tavistock Printing Company, the home of the Tavistock Gazette and for the past 40 years, as a community space.

‘The discussion following the presentation was buzzing with enthusiasm and ideas.’

After the meeting volunteers stepped forward to help by joining the project steering group, fundraising, digital media, publicity, painting and decorating, and by becoming a Friend of Kingdon House.