69 Rona Kemsley


“It’s hard to believe we are now in our 54th


July 1965!”


exclaims Rona Kemsley. “Who would have thought it, when the Rest Centre first opened on 16th


KINGSBRIDGE & DISTRICT REST CENTRE year serving teas and coffees”,


that! It is thanks to their hard work and the support of so many others who help that we can keep the Rest Centre going for the benefit of the town.”


When not in use for coffee and a chat, the venue is


Creating somewhere in the town centre where the (then) Over 60’s could socialise over coffees and teas was first mooted by Kingsbridge Rotary Club and quickly taken up by other local organisations. Thanks to fundraising events and generous donations, it became reality in a substantial wooden hut under the guidance of Committee Secretary Mr E.J. Tildesley, whose son Charles still lives in the area.


It proved popular not only as a great place for coffee


and tea but also an ideal venue for meetings, whist drives and other activities and by 2001 it was clear larger premises were required – especially as the age threshold had been reduced to encourage Over 50’s to enjoy the facilities.


The hut was dismantled and relocated in


Malborough for use by the Playgroup and the Rest Centre moved into the splendid purpose designed building you see today on 16th May 2003.


But Kingsbridge did not have to go thirsty in


between – thanks to the kindness of local businessman Roger Trembath, morning coffees and teas were served across the road using what was then the redundant shop of Quay Autos, before the site was redeveloped as Abbots Quay.


Run by a friendly committed group of volunteers,


overseen by a dedicated management team, the Centre is open 6 days a week (except Bank Holidays) serving coffees, teas and squash with well supported raffles at Christmas and Easter, plus the eagerly contested Easter Bonnet competition which was resurrected this year after a lull.


“I joined as a Trustee in 1990, very soon becoming


Secretary which I was for 18 years before being elected Chairman in 2009 – but some members on the committee have been involved for longer than


KINGSBRIDGE & DISTRICT REST CENTRE


Next to Quay House in the heart of Kingsbridge Easily accessible


Serving Coffees, Teas & Squash From 10.00am – 12.00noon Monday – Saturday For the Over 50’s


Why not come and join us in a lovely, friendly venue ? You would be made very welcome!


Looking for a bright, airy venue to hire - Kingsbridge & District Rest Centre! Centrally located with disabled access & facilities. Parking nearby. Tea/coffee making facilities. Contact Bookings Secretary Rona Kemsley on 01548 853401 for more information or to check availability


available to hire at very reasonable rates, both daytime and evenings. Complete with kitchen area, disabled access and facilities and with car parking and public transport connections nearby, it lends itself to many uses and the hire income generated helps support its primary role – ‘somewhere to chat over a cuppa’.


To find out more information or check availability, contact Rona Kemsley on 01548 853401 who will be happy to help.


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