WELCOME TO THE WOODYARD
"A place where people come together and don't feel lonely"
Just imagine. A place where everyone in the community is welcome. A place where even the most vulnerable and disadvantaged feel at home. A place of connection and creativity under one roof. This place is called ‘The Woodyard’.
About The Woodyard
The original fictional ‘Woodyard’ is the work of well-known author, Ann Cleeves, creator of ‘Vera’ and ‘Shetland’, who has strong ties to North Devon. In her book ‘The Long Call’, set in this part of the world, Ann describes a bustling community hub called The Woodyard as a place where people meet, engage in creative activities and connect with others.
’The Woodyard was Jonathan’s pride and joy …he’d made the imaginative leap…..[combining] his passion for bringing together different groups of people in one place … artists and people with a learning disability…a community hub…an arts centre, a café, a place for people to meet and explore ideas….people…right at the heart of things rather than being hidden away.‘ The Long Call’ (2019), a novel by Ann Cleeves set in North Devon
A consortium of local small charity leaders and community organisations is now working together to make the fictional Woodyard a reality – a welcoming space for all, but particularly the disadvantaged, in the heart of Barnstaple. The real-life Woodyard in Barnstaple would be the same beating heart of the community, share the same goals and remain faithful to this, Ann’s fictional vision.
Why Barnstaple?
The Woodyard is a project led by the community, for the community. For many years, local charity leaders and community groups with an in-depth practical understanding of the social challenges specific to North Devon, have recognised the need to collaborate more closely. This is the only way to better serve those needing support. To do this meaningfully, charities and community groups need a central home where we can come together, share space, ideas and knowledge. And where everyone from the community can find the help they seek under the one roof.
Which is when the idea of bringing the fictional Woodyard to life was born.
When approached, Ann Cleeves was immediately happy to back the project and make her fictional Woodyard a reality. We all know the positive impact a real-life Woodyard could make to so many local lives, charities and community groups. And the time is right to make this happen.
Here Ann shares why she is proud to give her support.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROJECT
Bring The Woodyard to life!
Donate Today To Make It
Happen
We need your help to turn this much needed community resource from fiction into reality. Any donation, of any size, will go towards creating a real-life ‘Woodyard’ in Barnstaple and changing local lives for the better. Together let’s make it happen!
Bid In Our Online Charity Auction
What a gift for Ann Cleeves’ many fans! Ann kindly donated the rights to name a character in her next Inspector Venn mystery to raise funds for The Woodyard. With thanks to all those who took part, this auction is now closed.
THE WOODYARD NEWS & EVENTS
Stay up to date with latest project updates
Contact Us
Get In Touch With The Woodyard Team
Have an idea? Would like to support in some way? There are so many opportunities for your involvement from making a one-off donation or volunteering through to larger-scale investment or sponsorship. We would love to hear from you so do get in touch.
Make a difference and contribute to The Woodyard
From little things, big things grow! We need your support to make The Woodyard a reality. A gift, of any size, is hugely appreciated.
