KENNAWAY House has welcomed former Sidmouth Herald news editor, Di Bowerman, onto its board as a trustee.

Di followed the fortunes of the Regency building during her 11-and-a-half years on the newspaper.

She reported regularly on an appeal to raise �1million to restore the derelict house.

Di covered its restoration in 2008/9 and re-opening under the ownership of a new registered charity, the Kennaway House Trust, three years ago.

She said: “It has been great to be able to report on the various stages of this amazing project over the years, from those early days of fund-raising to seeing the house transformed into a beautiful venue for all kinds of events, from art exhibitions to a unique setting for weddings.

“When Dr Michael James, who led the appeal and founded the new trust, told me there was a chance to become a trustee, I jumped at the opportunity. As a trustee, I shall be doing my utmost to ensure more people will find their way through those green doors to enjoy all that Kennaway House has to offer.”

Di added that she hoped to help build on the success of jazz events in the Cellar Bar and Readers’ and Writers’ sessions that have seen a string of top authors speak at the venue.

Dr James, now President of Kennaway House after ten years as chairman, said: “Di has been a very strong supporter of the project right from its start in 2001, when raising �1million for the restoration looked impossible. We’re delighted to welcome her as a trustee and look forward to working with her to go on developing the house as a centre for the arts and the community in East Devon.”