History of the KINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY DECORATIVE and FINE ARTS SOCIETY (KEDFAS)

Kingsbridge Estuary Decorative and Fine Arts Society (KEDFAS) began in 1993, as an affiliate to the National Association of Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS).

Kingsbridge and its environs did not have a large enough venue to hold meetings of the Society as such was the enthusiasm for such a society based in Kingsbridge that the membership, which was in excess of 350 was divided into two groups. The Society met on Wednesday evenings and the following Thursday morning in The Kings Arms Hotel, Fore Street, Kingsbridge.

The KEDFAS logo was designed by a founder member Mrs Benedicta FitzGerald.

Dr Tony Barford was the first chairman, who was strongly supported by his wife Veronica, and they with other founding members and enthusiasts set the tone and standards for the Society.

The Society held its first meetings on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th September 1993. The then NADFAS Chairman, Mrs Nancy Hodgson, was in attendance. The Inaugural Lecture – Thomas Chippendale his life and work, was given by Mr Jamusz Karczewski-Slowikowski.

2008 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Society which continues to meet on Wednesday evenings and the following Thursday morning.

During the past 15 years there have been a huge variety of lectures on a host of decorative and fine art related topics. Society members have enjoyed National and International Tours as well as local visits to Houses, Gardens and Art collections of local interest.

Members of KEDFAS have been involved with Church Recording. Under Group leaders Mrs Benedicta FitzGerald, Mrs Veronica Barford and Dr David Radford the churches of Holy Trinity Salcombe, St Nicholas and St Cyriac South Pool and All Saints Thurlestone have been subject to Church Recording scrutiny.

An outreach of KEDFAS has been in Young Arts support and encouragement. The Horswell Cup was donated by Mrs Prunella Dart. Following discussions with staff members of Kingsbridge Community College it was decided to award the Horswell Cup to the pupil showing most improvement in music, art or creative writing. The winner being adjudged by staff members of the College. Mrs Pauline Howells a former Chairman has responsibility in this area.

With history and experience KEDFAS looks forwards to another 15 years.