Diary Articles by Robyn Dylan
These are the unedited copy sent to the South Hams Gazette fortnightly for inclusion in their News from the Villages feature or occasionally as a mainstream article.
View Archives Articles 2008 2009 2010 2011
30 January
With a swish and a boom, some women from Kingston donned their Tuesday best to cheer on their quiz team against Noss. Their outpouring of support marked the beginning of a fun evening, even though Kingston conceded defeat with a score of 99 to 92. Kingston now goes into the round with Kenwest Place.
Users of the Church will be pleased to read the hearing loop is now fully functioning. To provide equal access for all, funds are still being raised for the access ramp, so if anyone can help in any way, this would be greatly appreciated.
Did you know that Youth Club has been running since 1947. Or that at first, the site of the Reading Room was 
used as a poorhouse, for probably 3 houses. Original documents show how the purpose of the building changed to become what we now today. As such it was inherited by Ernest Triggs on February 10th 1912 for £30.00. A Board of Trustees was set up to oversee the management of the Reading Room. Nationwide at that time, there was a desire to improve men’s minds, and to remove them from public houses. The Reading Room in this village was to be a place that captured imagination and furthered education. Newspapers and books were provided, along with games for all Parishioners who paid a small amount of money.
Original documents chart the beginning of this venture and follow through to the present day. It is absolutely fascinating, we are able to see the purpose of the reading room has changed very little over the years. There was a request in 1925 from the Labour Party asking if they could hold a meeting there once per week, but the request was declined. It was then agreed, with one dissension “That the room shall not be let to any political party whatever for any private meeting”. As far as I know this has been carried out to the letter. Originally women were not allowed on the committee until 1940. Until then they were asked to provide music and clean the ‘room’ as it was referred to. It is interesting to note that today the Reading Room Management Committee successfully runs with 80% of its force being women. At the beginning, dancing was not allowed in the Reading Room. This has evolved over time and can be witnessed in times of merriment today.
Documents relating to this and so many happenings in Kingston will be shown on Saturday 11th February at the ‘Tea Party’ (Reading Room. 2-5pm. All Welcome). The original documents have been photographed as they are too old and valuable to be on display. Through the photographs we get a real sense of history with the beautiful curved script used in that time and wax seals on paper. It is history brought to life. Many of the current User groups will have a display, including Youth Club, still going strong after all these years.
The Reading Room is in good repair. A loan for the roof has just been repaid, and works to ensure equal access for everyone was completed in 2011. Many thanks to South Devon Coastal Local Action Group who have awarded us a grant to lay a new floor.
22 January
The Good, The Bad and the Panto was a huge success. Tickets sol
d immediately, and seats filled as soon as the doors were open. As the search for true love for Will and Alice unfolded we were treated to the longings of Shirley, wonderfully acted with enthusiasm (especially towards Jed), and against the fervently vocal mine owner, El Loco. We were taken to The Desert in search of gold , (always helps in affairs of the heart), with wise words from Sitting Pretty and his wife and child, Running Water and Cherry Blossom. Vagabonds, a ghost and the Tiddley Tree were overcome to reach the gold. Once Sherriff Trott had it in his paws, permission for marriage was miraculously granted. So much work and enthusiasm obviously went into the making of this panto - the make up and backdrops were great, the costumes spectacular. Much will he, won’t he, he's behind you, could be heard amidst the laughter and I've heard such praise for everyone involved. I hope it was as much fun rehearsing as it was to watch.
Onto a more sober, but very interesting item. The 100th anniversary of the Reading Room is on the 10th Feb 2012. This centenary will be celebrated at the Reading Room on the 11th Feb with a Tea Party, 2-5pm. Everyone is welcome; there will be displays from user groups, DVDs of Village events and activities for children. The history of the Reading Room is fascinating – you will be able to see copies of original documents relating to the sale of existing almshouses for the purpose of a Reading Room. As we know, the building is heavily used today by an assortment of groups for both casual and formal meetings and could be said to be the heart of the village.
Finally, we are fortunate to have Lesley from Traidcraft at the Morning Market on Tuesday 7th Feb, and every subsequent first Tuesday of the month. Do come along and support her if you can – she sells beautiful goods.
10 January
A belated Happy New Year to everyone. The madness of yesteryear already seems far away, but I hope everyone had an enjoyable time.
The January British tradition of pantomime is being upheld in Kingston. Following much rehearsing, 'The Good, The Bad and The Panto' opens on Thursday 19th Feb and runs through to the 21st, at the Reading Room. Doors open at 7.15, all set to begin at 7.45. Anticipation and excitement is building especially after last years huge success, so buy your ticket asap from Viv. All tickets cost £5each.
On the 24th, more enjoyment is forecast with the Inter Parish Quiz against Newton and Moss. Held at the Reading Room, it begins at 8pm. For more information, contact Jenny Ebs on 810582.
A reminder that everything is back up and running after the break, and for anyone new to the area or visiting, the Kingston Stay and Play - Under 5's runs each Monday (10am) at the Reading Room, and the Tuesday market also at 10 is back in full swing. Look forward to seeing old and new faces.
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