THE Mansion House at Kenwyn, Truro, known to many generations of Truro Cathedral Schoolboys as Copeland Court, was the place where, from the mid- 1950s to the early 1980s, they passed through in the course of their education.

Before the property became part of the School, through the generosity of the Copeland family, it had at one time been the vicarage for the churches of Kenwyn and Kea.

A notable visitor during that period was John Wesley who stayed there on his preaching tour to Cornwall in 1781.

The house became the home of Cornwall's bishops when the Diocese of Truro was formed in the late 19th century and separated from the Diocese of Exeter.

The bishops moved out in the 1950s and for 30 years the house then rang with the sound of boys' voices.

When the Cathedral School was closed in 1983, the house was purchased on behalf of the Community of the Epiphany who left their home at Alverton Manor, Truro, and made Copeland Court their Convent.

Now this Truro Mansion, owned by an independent Charitable Trust and renamed Epiphany House Copeland Court, is to enjoy a new lease of life.

It is to be used as a conference and retreat centre for the people of Cornwall and beyond.

The aim of the trustees is not only to further the Christian faith through providing members of Christian denominations facilities to rest, work and study but also to support education and training.

Conferences, both residential and non-residential, and seminars will be hosted.

Recognised charities, diocesan, parish and other groups will be able to use the facilities of Epiphany House in order to help with their work and so serve the people of Cornwall and beyond.

When the Community of Sisters left the house some 18 months ago there was a fear that the property might have to be let or sold.

Now it is to have a new life carrying on many of the aims of the Community of the Epiphany and responding to the needs of the 21st century.