Kennaway House

For.. promoting...any work in support of or for the benefit or in connection with the Church of England including Home and Foreign Missions or for Sunday schools, Bible Classes, Church Lads Brigade, Lectures, Mothers’ Meetings, Sacred Concerts, Choir Practices, Parish Clubs or Societies.” The same deeds also specifically prohibited certain activities deemed unsuitable: “not dancing or such like and not antagonistic to or inconsistent with the continuance of well-being of the Church of England..” The house gradually fell into disrepair until by 2001 parts of it were dangerous and its future uncertain.

A campaign was launched, led by Dr Michael James, to raise funds of £1 million needed for restoration.

National Lottery funding was obtained in 2006 to cover half the cost and grants made by the Town, District and County Councils and a number of private foundations.

[4] It was reopened on 4 July 2009 by the Rt Hon Hugo Swire, Member of Parliament for East Devon as a Gallery and Arts Centre and a facility for private and community events.

[6] It is owned and managed by the Kennaway House Trust, which is a Registered Charity No 1122667.