Join our journey and support The Woodyard

The Woodyard project 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.

The overall project objective is to make the fictional Woodyard a reality - a welcoming space for all, but particularly the disadvantaged, in the heart of Barnstaple. It will connect our community by hosting small charities in the offices, and collectively delivering wellbeing activities, workshops, arts and community events.

By developing a centrally located 'safe space' in the heart of Barnstaple, the long-term aim of The Woodyard would be to provide a much-needed focal point for charities and community groups to share resources and knowledge.

A consortium of local small charity leaders is now working with Ann to create 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?

With a community café at its heart - Castle Chambers Cafe in Castle Street in Barnstaple - the real-life Woodyard is working to 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.

Can you help?

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?

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 local lives for the better. Thank you.