Meet the committee members of Arlington CIC. We all got together in 2023 after the National Trust sought expressions of interest in the group of redundant barns at Home Farm . We have the shared vision of creating a community space which we haven’t had for many years. We believe we have the talents and enthusiasm to make it happen.
John Mann specialises in the field of conservation engineering. He was founding partner of Mann Williams Consulting Engineers who work across the UK for clients such as The National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces.
He is responsible for all structural aspects of the current £10m project at Exeter Cathedral part-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. He’s well versed in the reuse and conversion of old farm buildings and has project-managed the conversion of a threshing barn in Arlington for his and his wife’s home.
Before moving to Arlington he lived in Mells, Somerset, serving as chairman of the Mells Barn Management Committee. This was set up to bring the closed-down village hall back into use. He organised many fund raising events, including medieval banquets, treasure hunts, discos, round-village races to help finance improvements to the barn’s fabric and facilities and bring it back into community use. For 3 years he was Chair of the Rook Lane Arts Trust, which hosted stage and musical performances and art exhibitions.
My name is Lucy House and I have lived in Arlington for all of my life.
I’ve really been inspired by this amazing project and the proposed meeting hub our community so desperately needs.
I run my own business selling equestrian products with outlets in Devon and Cornwall.
I bring local knowledge to the group, including the best people to approach for help in bringing the project to fruition.
I was Chairman of the local riding club for a number of years, so have proven ability to organise events.
As Chair of Arlington Parish Council I am able to help with important community decisions.
Lea Anderson MBE is an independent artistic director and choreographer based in Arlington.
Lea is a co-founder and artistic director of The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs dance companies founded in 1984. As well as touring extensively throughout the UK and overseas, the companies are renowned for their pioneering work in non-theatrical spaces and venues.
In 2002 Lea was awarded an MBE for her services to dance, and in 2006 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Dartington College of Arts. In 2014, Lea was appointed Regents Professor at the University of California Los Angeles.
Ben Shapcott has been the manager of the Finch Foundry in Sticklepath, Devon for the National Trust since 2013. He is a heritage professional with 15 years experience. He has been working alongside communities for most of his working career and enjoys engaging and helping others to learn about the industrial history of Britain.
He has experience of the hospitality and retail industry and has a personal interest in engineering and marketing.
He is an avid crafter in wood and paper and enjoys walking. He can speak basic Dutch and German.
Natasha Vukic
I am originally from Gloucestershire. Having grown up in hospitality, I went into Primary School Teaching which I did and loved for 16 years. I then moved to Devon where my brothers and sister were living to set up The Real Ale Girls business, specialising in distributing and promoting local microbreweries, cider-makers, distillers and vineyards across Devon. I got to know most of the pubs pretty quickly!
I am a community and sociable person, who likes to get stuck in where I can and I have been on parish councils where I have been able to support the local area which I have found very rewarding. I was invited to stand as a candidate for North Barnstaple in the County Council elections in 2021 and I have been involved in local politics since as a Treasurer for North Devon Conservatives and campaigning widely.
Since moving to Arlington with my partner Terry, we now run Combe Martin Farm Shop having spent a number of years at Besshill Farm Shop and we would very much like to engage with the community further on this new venture which is going to be very exciting.
Arlington CIC | Finding our community 