Due to the Covid-19 restrictions the Youth House had to close its doors on Friday 20th March.
All current groups / users were informed. However, now that Coronavirus provisions are in place, groups can access the building once more
We have used the Lockdown period to:
- redecorate all rooms
- to lay new carpet and flooring
- install a new boiler
- Key Safe in place for ease of access
- provide Corona virus PPE and regulations
- North Devon Council have completely refurbishing the outside of the building
If the content of the website has piqued your interest,
or if you would like more details on our facilities,
please make contact by email so that we can discuss your requirements.
All current groups / users were informed. However, now that Coronavirus provisions are in place, groups can access the building once more
We have used the Lockdown period to:
- redecorate all rooms
- to lay new carpet and flooring
- install a new boiler
- Key Safe in place for ease of access
- provide Corona virus PPE and regulations
- North Devon Council have completely refurbishing the outside of the building
If the content of the website has piqued your interest,
or if you would like more details on our facilities,
please make contact by email so that we can discuss your requirements.
Barnstaple Youth House
Annual General Meeting on 22/04/2021
Chair’s Report for period 1/4/2020 to 31/3/2021
The last year has been an extraordinary one, of closure due the pandemic and refurbishment of a tired and deficient building. It has drawn in support from the NDDC to complete a smart external redecoration, including two new windows. A dangerous chimney was removed. Several hidden defects were revealed, requiring extensive brick work and rendering. The budget allowed by the council was exceeded by 100%, but the building is set up, hopefully now for many years. Thanks are due to the excellent work of the council officers, planning and managing the work.
As the pandemic took hold, trustees moved swiftly to create safe working conditions for the few individuals and groups still working in the building. A fogging machine was purchased, new cleaning routines established and sanitising dispensers appeared in all spaces. Written guidance remains in place and the new risks have been well managed.
Internally, our old boiler was failing and we were lucky enough to receive grants, enabling us to replace it. The system has been overhauled with a new filter and balancing. Extra loft insulation now helps retain the heat in an old building, which is generally poorly insulated.
The building’s electrics needed a thorough testing and a lot of work was required. This included replacing all emergency lights, new LED light fittings in four of the main rooms, plus two new hand driers and two extractor fans. The alarm system has been upgraded and fire extinguishers serviced. A fire safety risk assessment was completed and our provision seems to be up to standard.
The old main office, choked with office furniture, was emptied with many items sold or recycled. The room was then dubbed The Booth, in memory of our esteemed previous Chair, Dudley Booth. It is now perhaps our most attractive meeting/activity space. The office is now on the top floor, with new phone connections and an overhauled internet connection. The website has been renovated and relaunched, with a QR code connection.
Over time, voluntary effort has helped redecorate most of the interior. We were able to find enough funds to replace nearly all the very tired carpets, plus some vinyl flooring. The overall impression is welcoming and clean. Feedback from the few users we currently have has been excellent.
Storage is always at a premium in a multi-use building such as ours. Trustees have been busy sorting through, reorganising and reallocating space.
Some clearing work has been done in the yard, but not to the extent of the area being usable. Until very recently it has been a building site, both on BYH and the theatre. The yard and the historic abattoir remain our biggest infrastructure challenge.
Much attention was given by trustees to the Future High Streets Fund, to which Barnstaple made a successful application. In the time scales available and the short implementation period, trustees decided against being part of the wider scheme. However, very useful and constructive discussions were held with stakeholders. Our links with the Heritage Officer, FHSF officers, elected members and the Pannier Market manager have been strengthened. Some exciting new opportunities are being explored regarding evening use of some of the Pannier market space.
Links with ‘Space’, the Devon youth work agency, are developing well. A previous Senior Worker is now advising us on a project to develop a paid staff team to make a significant contribution to our youth work offer.
Our Treasurer has been able develop further the booking and accounting systems. His struggle to move us on to internet banking has been epic, but now is imminent. We have benefitted from our Secretary’s clear agenda and minutes, with virtual meetings held regularly. Applications for funding have proved highly successful, reflecting the perseverance, skills and knowledge available within the trustees.
I am grateful to all my fellow trustees who have committed fully to our progress, despite lockdown restrictions and busy jobs. Thank you for a massive team effort.
An extraordinary year indeed, from which we are keen to move on, in providing quality work with and for young people, particularly those most in need or vulnerable.
Annual General Meeting on 22/04/2021
Chair’s Report for period 1/4/2020 to 31/3/2021
The last year has been an extraordinary one, of closure due the pandemic and refurbishment of a tired and deficient building. It has drawn in support from the NDDC to complete a smart external redecoration, including two new windows. A dangerous chimney was removed. Several hidden defects were revealed, requiring extensive brick work and rendering. The budget allowed by the council was exceeded by 100%, but the building is set up, hopefully now for many years. Thanks are due to the excellent work of the council officers, planning and managing the work.
As the pandemic took hold, trustees moved swiftly to create safe working conditions for the few individuals and groups still working in the building. A fogging machine was purchased, new cleaning routines established and sanitising dispensers appeared in all spaces. Written guidance remains in place and the new risks have been well managed.
Internally, our old boiler was failing and we were lucky enough to receive grants, enabling us to replace it. The system has been overhauled with a new filter and balancing. Extra loft insulation now helps retain the heat in an old building, which is generally poorly insulated.
The building’s electrics needed a thorough testing and a lot of work was required. This included replacing all emergency lights, new LED light fittings in four of the main rooms, plus two new hand driers and two extractor fans. The alarm system has been upgraded and fire extinguishers serviced. A fire safety risk assessment was completed and our provision seems to be up to standard.
The old main office, choked with office furniture, was emptied with many items sold or recycled. The room was then dubbed The Booth, in memory of our esteemed previous Chair, Dudley Booth. It is now perhaps our most attractive meeting/activity space. The office is now on the top floor, with new phone connections and an overhauled internet connection. The website has been renovated and relaunched, with a QR code connection.
Over time, voluntary effort has helped redecorate most of the interior. We were able to find enough funds to replace nearly all the very tired carpets, plus some vinyl flooring. The overall impression is welcoming and clean. Feedback from the few users we currently have has been excellent.
Storage is always at a premium in a multi-use building such as ours. Trustees have been busy sorting through, reorganising and reallocating space.
Some clearing work has been done in the yard, but not to the extent of the area being usable. Until very recently it has been a building site, both on BYH and the theatre. The yard and the historic abattoir remain our biggest infrastructure challenge.
Much attention was given by trustees to the Future High Streets Fund, to which Barnstaple made a successful application. In the time scales available and the short implementation period, trustees decided against being part of the wider scheme. However, very useful and constructive discussions were held with stakeholders. Our links with the Heritage Officer, FHSF officers, elected members and the Pannier Market manager have been strengthened. Some exciting new opportunities are being explored regarding evening use of some of the Pannier market space.
Links with ‘Space’, the Devon youth work agency, are developing well. A previous Senior Worker is now advising us on a project to develop a paid staff team to make a significant contribution to our youth work offer.
Our Treasurer has been able develop further the booking and accounting systems. His struggle to move us on to internet banking has been epic, but now is imminent. We have benefitted from our Secretary’s clear agenda and minutes, with virtual meetings held regularly. Applications for funding have proved highly successful, reflecting the perseverance, skills and knowledge available within the trustees.
I am grateful to all my fellow trustees who have committed fully to our progress, despite lockdown restrictions and busy jobs. Thank you for a massive team effort.
An extraordinary year indeed, from which we are keen to move on, in providing quality work with and for young people, particularly those most in need or vulnerable.
