Launch of ‘The Woodyard’
Ann Cleeves, the well-known author (‘Vera’, ‘Shetland’), was the guest of honour at the launch of ‘The Woodyard’ community project at The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple on Sunday 17th March. Around 100 invited guests from a range of local charities, community groups and businesses in North Devon attended to find out more about this exciting new venture.
Hosted by presenters Laura James and Emma Marston from ‘The Voice FM’, the event served as the project’s first community consultation, with Ann Cleeves and the project team outlining the need for The Woodyard in Barnstaple and the value it would bring to local people, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, and to local charities.
Ann Cleeves was raised in Barnstaple and has a strong connection to this part of the world. In her novel ‘The Long Call’, set in North Devon and turned into a TV drama in 2021, she describes a vibrant community hub where people meet, engage in creative activities and connect with others. This fictional place was called ‘The Woodyard’.
Earlier this year, Ann was approached by local charities to see whether she would support the development of a real-life Woodyard in Barnstaple. Excited at the prospect, Ann has generously offered her support for, and patronage of, this community hub, sharing her vision of The Woodyard as “a place where people come together and don’t feel lonely” and recognising its importance as a shared resource for local charities.
‘I’m so impressed by the Woodyard team, who are turning fiction into reality by bringing the North Devon community together,” says Ann. “Their skill and enthusiasm is inspiring.”
Naomi Jefferies, Chair of The Woodyard Project, says: “We cannot thank Ann enough for her inspirational support and vision. Raising funds is obviously vital to make The Woodyard a reality. However, as the project develops, we will need volunteers to share their skills – from donating professional tradesmanship and strategic input through to wielding a paintbrush! The Woodyard will be shaped by the community’s needs every step of the way so please do get in touch if you would like to be involved – we need to hear your thoughts and ideas and this is a great opportunity to have your say and be a part of it right from the very start.”
Key facts
- The Woodyard is a project led by the community, for the community. For many years, local charity leaders and community leaders have recognised the need to collaborate more closely – to enable those seeking support to find all the help they need under one roof. To do this would require establishing a shared community hub based in Barnstaple. This is where The Woodyard steps in.
- When Ann originally wrote about The Woodyard she had the Shapland & Petter building in mind. If this was feasible, this would fulfil Ann’s dream. However, the venue currently earmarked for the project is The Castle Centre (25 Castle Street, Barnstaple EX31 1DR), which is a short, level walk from the town centre, car parks and bus station. The building already has a history of use by charities and community groups. While some alterations and developments would be required to meet the needs of the Woodyard (kitchen and café, lift, toilets and a general refresh), the building is in good condition, and is not thought to require major structural renovation.
- Based on identified needs, the plan is for The Woodyard to include:
- a community café at the heart, supported by catering students gaining real-life skills and work experience, alongside other volunteers
- a large ground floor hall, with stage area for creative and arts events, workshops and larger meetings
- a wet/messy studio for arts workshops
- medium/large rooms for creative/group work
- meeting rooms and small rooms for 1:1/small group work
- office space for individual charities to hire
- The initial funding goal is to raise £100,000 to begin to renovate and adapt the building. The project team plan to secure this level of funding through grant applications and also through donations from the local community and business. The long-term goal would be for The Woodyard to open its doors within 18 months.
- For more details of The Woodyard, including how to donate and/or volunteer, please visit thewoodyard.org.uk or email [email protected].
