Happy Easter folks….
With the damp and dismal winter months finally receding into memory, the Woodcot campaign has turned its attention to Easter 2026 and the opportunity to test the public mood for another summer of campaigning to try and persuade Age Uk to do the decent thing and pass Woodcot onto the substantial regional charity which has formally offered to take it over and run it as intended.
It’s been very encouraging to see that despite the weather, despite the lack of tourists, not a week has gone by without the petition gaining more signatures. The fund pot is growing too, sadly not as much as we'd expect given the number of wealthy people who call Salcombe home, but thanks to one or two generous donors the campaign is looking strong.
Age UK want to sell the property for their wider charitable aims. Yet despite several requests from legitimate organizations such as the local council, the charity has not explained why they need to sell apart from pleading poverty. The fact that they have not produced a single shred of evidence to support this claim coupled with the certain truth that they have not been re-letting the empty apartments or running Woodcot as a residential home, it's a bit rich of them to say they can't make ends meet when they are turning away potential income.
As one supporter wrote on the campaign’s facebook page “ I’d like to see Paul Farmer ( CEO of Age Uk) sit down with Miss Jennings and explain to her face his decision to sell Woodcot” . Quite
So where are we….
The Asset of Community Value ( ACV) application submitted at the end of 2025 was, disappointingly, rejected by South Hams District Council, leading to Caroline Voaden MP suggesting that Salcombe Town Council submit a Community Access Plan which they have done. This is available to view on their website: https://www.salcombetowncouncil.gov.uk/
The ACV can be resubmitted at any time.
The Covenant.
Woodcot has a covenant over it, tied to the title which restricts the use of the grade two star listed building to only be used as a residential home for old people. There are two neighbouring properties, owned independently of Age Uk, Woodwell and The Vinery and they also have influence over the covenant.
Age Uk will have to apply to the HM Land Tribunal to apply to have the covenant removed, unless they can get the covenant lifted by the consent of the beneficiaries - the residents. Potential future residents are also considered to be beneficiaries and have been sought and many have come forward.
Age Uk
At the moment, all eyes are firmly fixed on May 28th which is the revised date that Age Uk have given for their next meeting with the residents of Woodcot (who are the ones most affected by this ongoing insecurity).
The film: Memories of Woodcot
An event entitled Memories of Woodcot was held and filmed at Salcombe Holy Trinity Church in November. It can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/@SaveWoodcot
Donating to the campaign.
Many thanks to everyone one of you who has donated already.
If you would like to donate to the campaign there is now a dedicated Barclays bank account set up: Protect Woodcot Salcombe, sort code: 20-68-15, account number: 13300536