Bringing The Woodyard hub to life in Barnstaple

A bid to create a new community hub project in the centre of Barnstaple has been launched with the help of acclaimed crime writer Ann Cleeves.

The Woodyard is a vision for a hub offering a range of community uses such as a café, meeting area, offices, support services, workshops and much more, inspired by a fictional centre of the same name from Ann’s North Devon-based novel The Long Call.

The author of Vera and Shetland – also made into popular television dramas – joined guests from local charities, community groups and businesses at the Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple on Sunday to officially launch the project.

Hosted by presenters Laura James and Emma Marston from The Voice FM, the event served as the project’s first community consultation, with Ann 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.

The venue for The Woodyard is provisionally pencilled in as the Castle Centre in Castle Street, which would need some renovation and it is hoped to raise £100,000 to begin to adapt the building.

The goal would be for it to open its doors within 18 months if possible.

The vision for The Woodyard is a project led by the community, for the community. For many years, local charity and community leaders have recognised a need to collaborate more closely – so those seeking support can find all the help they need under one roof.  

In The Long Call, Ann describes a fictional ‘Woodyard’, a vibrant community hub where people meet, engage in creative activities and connect with others.

Earlier this year, local charities approached her to see whether she would support the development of a real-life Woodyard in Barnstaple.

The author, who was raised in the town, generously offered her support and patronage for the hub project, 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.

After the launch, she said: “I am so impressed by the Woodyard team, who are turning fiction into reality by bringing the North Devon community together. Their skill and enthusiasm is inspiring.”

Naomi Jefferies, chair of The Woodyard Project, added: “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 trade skills 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.”

For more details of The Woodyard, including how to donate and/or volunteer, please visit www.thewoodyard.org.uk or email info@thewoodyard.org.uk.