Village Case Studies

Everyone Involved

Village Fact File
County: Devon
Village: Loxhore
Location: Near Barnstaple
Population: 180
Website: www.loxhore.org.uk

It may have a population of just 180 people, but Loxhore, in rural Devon, is a self-sufficient village where everyone is involved in community life.

Community spirit is in abundace and was never displayed more obviously than when residennts worked together to raise funds for work on their village hall.

The project, a planned extension to the kitchens at the village hall, gained support from villagers at an open meeting - held whenever there is a community issue to be discussed.

With the village behind the plans, the Loxhore community came together to raise vast amounts of money for the project - with £59,000 raised in just two years.

More than £25,000 of the total figure was raised solely through village activities - with villagers of all ages contributing greatly to the cause.

The kitchen project is just one example of the village's inclusive attitude and community focus. On a regular basis questionnaires are used to ascertain residents’ requirements and decisions are made accordingly. In Loxhore, everybody's view counts.

The village's young people are actively encouraged to get involved in all village events and an active youth club is held fortnightly. The village hall committee even has a youth member. But elderly residents are also never forgotten - older villagers are represented on the village hall committee in order to ensure their requirements are met in terms of events and activities.

A newsletter containing community information is delivered to every household to keep residents up to date with the latest village goings on, while new residents are welcomed to the community by a councilor or village hall committee member.

With trust, support and respect abound, villagers new and old can be sure of a helping hand in times of need.

Visit the Loxhore web site at www.loxhore.org.uk