Bring The Woodyard to Barnstaple!

The Woodyard is inspired by a creation of the same name by crime-fiction writer Ann Cleeves (Think 'Vera' and 'Shetland'). Ann 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, she describes a vibrant community hub, where people meet, engage in creative activities and connect with others. This fictional place is called ‘The Woodyard’.

Ann has now generously offered her support for and patronage of this community hub to bring a real-life Woodyard to Barnstaple, the largest town in North Devon, and one of the most deprived communities in the county.

A consortium of local small charity leaders is now working with Ann to make the fictional Woodyard a reality – a welcoming space for all, but particularly for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community.

For a more detailed overview of this community-led venture - and why it is needed - please visit The Woodyard Website.

What will it look like?

The good news is that we have a building in mind! This 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.

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.

With a community café at its heart, the real-life Woodyard would connect our community by hosting small charities in the offices, and collectively delivering wellbeing activities, workshops, arts and community events.

The charities represent people with learning disabilities, mental health or long term health conditions, the elderly, the bereaved, economically disadvantaged, struggling families, survivors of abuse, people living with neurodiversity, refugees, the LGBTQ+ community and others.

Everyone would be welcome with the beauty being that people can find all the support they need under the one roof.

The Woodyard is registering as a charity with Ann Cleeves as its proud Patron.

The time is now

Thanks to Ann's backing, we have the opportunity to make The Woodyard a reality; the need is clear and local community groups are keen to make this happen.

Now all we need is your support...

Can you help?

We have secured some funding to meet early essential costs, but the minimum amount we need to raise to make The Woodyard a reality will be in excess of £100,000.

Our plan is to ask the community to raise £50,000 via this GoFundMe page. For the remaining £50,000 we are approaching grant funders, trusts, foundations and corporate sponsors to match what the community raises.

You may live in North Devon and appreciate first-hand the need for The Woodyard. Or maybe you are a fan of Ann Cleeves’ work – her literary community. Will you help to bring her vision to life?

Despite local challenges, North Devon has so much to offer with a deep vein of creativity and a strong sense of community. We know we can make The Woodyard happen if we all play our part!

From little things, big things grow. Any amount you can give, however small, would be hugely appreciated. And you will have the knowledge of knowing you are changing many local lives for the better. Thank you.