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Development Initiatives aims to make a substantial impact with a relatively small operational base and infrastructure. We operate with a small team of staff and a wider network of specialists and regular consultants. Services such as computer support, financial management and design and printing are provided by several external specialists based in nearby Wells, Bristol and London. Many of Development Initiatives staff and consultants work from their own homes visiting Evercreech and Wells as necessary.
The offices at Old Westbrook Farm In order to run some short courses, offer internships, host more meetings and provide a better base for visitors, we have plans to move to a larger site.....
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| The Thrupe Centre |
Subject to planning consent, Development Initiatives is hoping to convert two disused farm buildings into environmentally-friendly offices for use by the end of 2007.
The Thrupe Centre: the aim is to insulate the larger concrete block building with an external cladding of straw bales and plaster and to replace the smaller concrete barn with a timber-framed building
Set in the tiny hamlet of Thrupe on the edge of Somerset's Mendip Hills, the new offices are being designed with particular care because they are within a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
Right next door is Thrupe Lane Swallet, one of the many caves and potholes in the Mendip area. Water running off the hills forms a stream which gathers at Thrupe and disappears down into the Swallet – to emerge again three miles away near Wells Cathedral. More than 500 years ago, Bishop Thomas Bekynton piped this water to Wells marketplace to provide a free and clean supply for the local population – an early example of enlightened provision of basic needs!
With the changes in global agriculture, consumer tastes and supermarket purchasing policies touching practically every rural community in South-West England, many redundant farm buildings in Somerset are being turned into housing. By changing the use of these old farm buildings to eco-friendly, accessible offices, Development Initiatives hopes to contribute to sustainable employment within the local area.
Old Westbrook Farm, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6DS. UK
Tel: +44(0)1749 831141 di@devinit.org