A SUCCESSFUL open day has been held at Kingdon House in Tavistock, the community centre which needs to raise £100,000 to stay open.

Manager Karen Woodward said the event on Saturday, October 21 had been a chance for people in the town to find out about all the activities held at the centre.

There were performances from local dance and theatre groups, and people were invited to take part in clay and printmaking workshops. There was also plenty of tea and coffee and cake.

‘It is part of our campaign to keep Kingdon House going,’ said Karen. ‘We invited the local community to come along and have a bit of fun and try some activities.

‘We wanted to show people what we do and to generate some enthusiasm and support.’

Dancers from SJS Dance Academy gave a ballet demonstration while All Out Performing Arts demonstrated drama games, and Humble Warrior gave a yoga demonstration. Tavistock Musical Theatre Company unveiled songs from their Wizard of Oz production and Reach Community Drama shared some dance and song.

Meanwhile, upstairs, adults and children were enjoying a drop-in print workshop run by Andy and Gill Cairns and a clay workshop run by Abbie Gardiner.

Kingdon House, which has been open as a community centre for 40 years, is in urgent need of major structural repairs.

The Tavistock Town Heritage Initiative is offering £30,000 towards the repairs, if the community association which runs the centre can raise £100,000 by next May.

The next fundraising effort is a gig night in Tavistock Town Hall on Saturday, November 11 from 6.30pm. The Kingstons are headlining with support from two other local bands, Rock Steady and The BBC Band, all of whom are donating their services for free.