100 flock to Kennaway House open day

AROUND 100 people jumped at the chance to try out activities ranging from yoga, pilates, and tai chi to Chinese brush art, photography and soft furnishings when Kennaway House staged its first open day.

Tutors offering a range of classes at the arts and cultural community centre were pleased by the turnout on Sunday.

Local author Iris Jones Simantel signed copies of her bestselling book, Far from the East End, while established novelist, Sophie King, had people queuing to try out her writing workshops.

Photographer Ian Hosker had considerable interest shown in photography courses run at the house.

Kennaway House’s patron, East Devon MP Hugo Swire, enjoyed trying his hand at everything from meditation to zumba, along with his two daughters, and chatted to others enjoying cream teas during his informal visit.

Professional after-dinner speaker, Sally Sedgman, also supported the afternoon and congratulated the team of volunteer helpers on a successful day.

Sidmouth artist, Favell Bevan-Arti, who regularly exhibits at the Coburg Road venue, donated a print of a local seascape for a prize draw.

Other main prizes were donated by Beauty Within, Sidmouth Garden Centre, Gladstone Framing of Branscombe and Richard Eley of Delderfields.

Kennaway’s chairman of trustees, Di Bowerman, said: “We were delighted with the support from those trying out the different courses available here and I would like to thank all those who volunteered their help to make the day a success.”

The event raised nearly �300 towards maintenance costs for the Regency building.