South Molton Pannier Market Heritage Project
28-Week Community Heritage Programme (January - June 2026)
Partnership: Heritage Lottery Fund | South Molton Town Council
Made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.
Photo Credit: South Molton Pannier Market Galleries
Thanks to National Lottery players, South Molton Pannier Market is receiving £234,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards restoring its iconic Victorian Patent Glass rooflight and celebrating the market's community heritage.
This landmark building, constructed in 1863, features one of the largest glazed market hall roofs in the country – extending 77 metres along the building's length.
Securing South Molton's Treasured Landmark
ROOF RESTORATION
Managed by South Molton Town Council
Specialist conservation work on the Victorian Patent Glass roof, ensuring the market remains weatherproof and operational year-round for local traders and the community. Without this Heritage Lottery Fund support, the building was at risk of falling into disrepair.
HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Heritage Officer services provided by Ace Holds The Space, commissioned by South Molton Town Council
Community-led heritage documentation programme celebrating the Pannier Market's stories and its importance to South Molton. Young people and community members working together to preserve irreplaceable memories and create a lasting heritage display.
Project Timeline: January - June 2026 Heritage Celebration Day: Likely May 2026 (depending on roof completion)
What We're Creating Together
Commissioned by South Molton Town Council, Ace Holds The Space provides Heritage Officer services for this 6-month community heritage programme.
Working in partnership with the Town Council, we're bringing together young people, market traders, local residents and heritage experts to document the Pannier Market's story and create a visual and aural heritage display that will be installed in the market itself. This isn't about external experts telling South Molton's story.
It's about amplifying community voices and ensuring authentic local knowledge shapes how this heritage is preserved and shared.
HERITAGE OFFICER SERVICES
Ace Holds The Space provides Heritage Officer services for this project, commissioned by South Molton Town Council. We work independently to professional standards with comprehensive safeguarding in place.
Professional safeguarding: Two Certified Safeguarding Leads | Enhanced DBS checks | Level 3 youth work qualification | Young facilitators supervised
Photo Credit: South Molton Pannier Market Galleries
How You Can Participate
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Join our professional heritage documentation programme and gain real skills whilst preserving your community's stories.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Learn professional audio recording and editing
Conduct heritage interviews with market traders and community members
Create broadcast-quality heritage content
Develop your portfolio for future opportunities
Receive certificate of participation
WHEN: Starting with Saturday afternoons (first 4 weeks confirmed), then flexible to participant availability
WHERE: South Molton (venues confirmed as we go)
COST: Completely FREE
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Professional media production skills
Heritage documentation training
Confidence building (we've achieved 100% participant confidence improvement in previous programmes)
Portfolio of your work - Potential volunteer and employment pathways No experience needed
full training provided using our proven Young Voices in Heritage™ methodology, validated through partnership with Museum of London Archaeology.
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Relaxed, informal gatherings where we'll collect stories, memories and heritage materials about the Pannier Market.
SHARE YOUR MEMORIES:
Long-standing market traders with decades of stories
Regular shoppers with cherished market traditions
Anyone with connections to the market's history - All backgrounds and experiences valued
WHAT'S INVOLVED:
Comfortable, friendly conversation (30-60 minutes)
Professional recording (only with your permission)
You choose what's shared publicly
Tea, coffee and refreshments provided
Coffee Morning Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the project (dates to be announced)
Your memories are irreplaceable heritage. Whether you've traded at the market for 50 years or visited weekly for decades, your stories matter.
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We're recruiting volunteers to help with:
Community engagement activities
Heritage research support
Workshop assistance
Event coordination
TIME COMMITMENT: Flexible - whatever works for you
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Heritage project experience
Community contribution
Volunteer recognition
We've loved meeting you at the Pannier Market!
Throughout January, we've been at the market entrance every Thursday morning (10am-12pm) alongside South Molton Town Council.
From next week, our schedule changes as we begin the community co-production work with young people - but there are still plenty of ways to connect:
☕ Coffee Mornings - Drop in, share stories, no booking needed
📅 Media Workshops - Ages 14-25, starting Saturday 7th February
Book your space here
Over the next six months, you'll see the Ace Holds The Space team working across South Molton as we support the community to authentically represent your heritage and celebrate how important the Pannier Market is to this town. It's quite an honour to be part of this!
Stay connected:
Check our What's On page for all upcoming dates
Questions? roshani@aceholdsthespace.com | 07832 511119
Come say hello, share your stories, or find out more about the project.
💜 COME AND MEET US!
This South Molton heritage project uses Youth Creative Media (YCM Devon) methodology - you'll learn podcasting, video, photography and more whilst documenting local heritage.
Want to explore YCM Devon's other projects and socials?
See All YCM Devon Activities →
WHAT YOU'LL DO: Learn professional audio recording and editing + Conduct heritage interviews with market traders and community + Create broadcast-quality heritage content
For Young People (Ages 14-25)
Join our professional heritage documentation initiative - part of Youth Creative Media (YCM Devon)
📢 NOW EXTENDED TO AGES 14-25! Following brilliant response at our Barnstaple Creative Media Social, we've opened this to younger ages too!
Ages 14-15: Parents/carers welcome and required for sessions
Ages 16-25: Attend independently
11-Week Media & Research Exploration
Gain real skills whilst preserving your community's stories.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Learn professional audio recording, video, and photography
Conduct heritage interviews with market traders and community
Create broadcast-quality heritage content
Build your portfolio and receive certificate
WHEN: Saturday afternoons starting February (flexible schedule after first 4 weeks)
WHERE: Various South Molton heritage venues - Museum, Library, Assembly Rooms, Pannier Market, and YMCA building (initial sessions).
Experiencing different venues is part of the heritage exploration.
COST: Completely FREE
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Professional media production skills
Heritage documentation training
100% of previous participants improved confidence
Portfolio of your work
Potential volunteer and paid opportunities
No experience needed - full training using our Young Voices in Heritage™ methodology, validated through partnership with Museum of London Archaeology. Want to explore other YCM Devon activities?
About Session Delivery
All sessions are delivered by Ace Holds The Space, commissioned by
South Molton Town Council as Heritage Officers for this project.
We maintain professional standards across all venues:
Enhanced DBS checked team members
Two Devon Children & Families Partnership-recognised safeguarding leads
Comprehensive risk assessments
Professional insurance and policies
Questions about our delivery approach? Contact Roshani: 07832 511119
Join our professional heritage documentation programme and gain real skills whilst preserving your community's stories.
How The Project Unfolds
JANUARY 2026: Planning & Launch
Communications campaign begins
Volunteer recruitment
Youth programme recruitment
Community engagement planning
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2026: Heritage Collection
11-week youth workshop programme (afternoons)
Coffee mornings throughout (dates announced as confirmed)
Oral history interviews with traders and community
Heritage content creation and production
Market presence and community engagement
MAY 2026: Exhibit Creation & Celebration
Visual and aural heritage display installation
Young people's showcase event - community and stakeholders invited, certificates presented
Market Celebration Heritage Open Day - theatre, vintage costume, bringing the market alive as it was in the past
Everyone celebrated - young people, community participants, volunteers, restored roof, heritage exhibit
JUNE - JULY 2026: Completion
Final exhibit refinements
Content integration
Project evaluation and documentation
Ongoing display available for community and visitors
What We’re Creating
Heritage Outputs
PROFESSIONAL HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION:
5 oral history interviews professionally recorded
Heritage audio and film pieces produced to broadcast standard
Community stories preserved for future generations
Archive-quality documentation
HERITAGE DISPLAY:
Installed in the Pannier Market
Co-designed with community members
Featuring stories from traders, shoppers, and local residents
Accessible to all visitors year-round
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION:
Market Celebration Heritage Open Day - theatre and vintage costume bringing the market alive as it was in the past
Restored Victorian roof celebrated
Heritage exhibit unveiled as central part of the day
Young people's achievements honoured - certificates presented at their showcase event
Community participants, volunteers, and partners celebrated - South Molton identity and heritage brought to life
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South Molton Town Hall - Circa 1860 and shows to right the house of John Elworthy Cutcliffe which was bought for £1,600 and demolished to provide a building plot for the new Pannier Market designed by F W Cross of Exeter and built by South Molton builder John Cock junior at a cost of £6,677. The Market was completed December 1863.
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South Molton Square about 1860 with the Old Market House centre picture. The ground floor of the Old market House was later bricked in and the building was for many years the Town's Post Office and latterly a PO sorting Office.
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South Molton Town Hall The pic recalls the 1903 unveiling of the Town's memorial to the service of locals in the Boer War. It was unveiled by Devon hero, General Sir Redvers Buller VC, "The Saviour of Natal".
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South Molton - Shows the Open Air Pannier Market in the Town Square about 1860, before the opening, in 1863, of the new covered Pannier Market.
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South Molton - The Town Hall and Pannier market as we now know it potentially taken late 19th century (tbc).
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South Molton - Shows The Old Market House built in 1810. The first floor was later used as the Mechanic's Institute and a library.
Young Voices in Heritage™
This project uses Ace Holds The Space's proprietary Young Voices in Heritage™ methodology - an evidence-based, audio-first approach to heritage documentation that creates psychological safety whilst building young people's professional skills.
WHY THIS WORKS:
Evidence-Based Results:
✓ 100% participant satisfaction at previous heritage programmes
✓ Validated through partnership with Museum of London Archaeology
✓ Proven confidence improvement through rigorous evaluation
✓ Participant → Volunteer → Employment pathway demonstrated
Audio-First Approach:
✓ Creates psychological safety for authentic storytelling
✓ Removes barriers for neurodivergent participants
✓ Enables intergenerational connection
✓ Produces professional broadcast-quality heritage content
Community Co-Production:
✓ Not extractive consultation - genuine community leadership
✓ Local knowledge respected and centred
✓ Young people positioned as skilled professionals, not tokens
✓ Heritage shaped by those who lived it
Trauma-Informed Practice:
✓ Removes fear first, builds trust, enables empowerment
✓ Participant autonomy and choice respected throughout
✓ Safe spaces for sharing difficult histories
✓ Ethical documentation standards maintained
THE PARTNERS
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK's heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players, they support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Since 1994, they have awarded £9.5 billion to over 53,000 projects.
Stuart McLeod, National Lottery Heritage Fund:
"Thanks to National Lottery players, we're proud to support South Molton Town Council in restoring the iconic Victorian roof lights of the Pannier Market. This project not only protects a unique piece of the town's heritage but also brings the community together to celebrate its history and ensure the market continues to thrive for generations to come."
TOTAL SOUTH MOLTON GRANT: £234,000
· Roof restoration funding
· Heritage programme delivery
· Community engagement activities
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
South Molton Town Council owns and operates the Pannier Market.
The council commissioned this heritage project to secure the building's future whilst celebrating its community importance.
Emily Abbott, Community Development Officer:
Manages the roof restoration project and partnership coordination with Heritage Lottery Fund.
Market Manager Adam Nichols:
"Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund these projects will bring to life the story of the landmark building for the whole community to enjoy. South Molton is part of the UNESCO Biosphere reserve in North Devon and saving this heritage will secure this vital community space for generations."
South Molton Town Council
Ace Holds The Space Group Ltd is a Devon-based heritage and media organisation specialising in community co-production and heritage project management.
Roshani Carmen Ramass, Heritage Officer:
Provides Heritage Officer services for the 6-month heritage programme, including youth worksahop delivery, community engagement facilitation, volunteer coordination, oral history collection, and heritage display co-creation.
OUR ROLE:
Commissioned delivery partner providing Heritage Officer services
Delivering 11-week youth workshop programme (starting Saturday afternoons, flexible to participant availability, ages 16-25)
Facilitating community engagement activities (coffee mornings, market presence)
Collecting and curating oral histories in collaboration with community stakeholders
Co-creating heritage display with community members and heritage experts
Contributing to the Market Heritage Celebration Day
Monthly reporting to South Molton Town Council
"This is YOUR heritage. We're not telling South Molton's story – the community is. South Molton Town Council has commissioned Ace Holds The Space to facilitate this process, ensuring authentic community voices shape heritage outcomes whilst building real skills for our young participants through our Young Voices in Heritage™ methodology." - Roshani Carmen Ramass, Heritage Officer
Ace Holds The Space
WITH SUPPORT FROM:
South Molton Museum | South Molton Pannier Market | Libraries Unlimited
Supporting through venue access, community connections, and project facilitation.
Built in 1863
The South Molton Pannier Market was built by the town council to replace the original outdoor market and provide a permanent weatherproof place for traders and shoppers.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Victorian Patent Glass rooflights extending 77 metres
One of the largest glazed market hall roofs in the country
Grade II listed heritage building
At the heart of South Molton for over 160 years
AWARD-WINNING MARKET TODAY
The Pannier Market remains a vibrant community hub, home to more than 60 stalls offering:
Fresh local produce from Devon farms
Handmade crafts and artisan goods
Unique gifts and everyday essentials
Delicious food and drink
Open all year round, the market plays a vital role in South Molton's economic and social landscape.
Ready To Participate?
Ages 16-25 | FREE opportunity
All ages welcome | Share your memories
Flexible commitment | varied positions available
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Email: assist@aceholdsthespace.com Phone: 01271 593161 / 07832 511119
South Molton Pannier Market Heritage Project
Celebrating our community stories | Restoring our Victorian heritage
PROJECT OWNERSHIP & FUNDING:
South Molton Town Council
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£234,000 grant)
HERITAGE OFFICER SERVICES PROVIDED BY:
Ace Holds The Space Group Ltd
(Commissioned by South Molton Town Council)
Heritage Officer: Roshani Carmen Ramass
PROJECT TIMELINE:
Programme Duration: January - June 2026
Youth Programme: 11-week youth workshop programme (starting Saturday afternoons, flexible thereafter)
Community Engagement: Coffee mornings throughout project (all ages welcome)
Young People's Showcase: Community invited, certificates presented (date to be confirmed)
Market Celebration Heritage Open Day: May 2026 (date dependent on roof completion) - theatre, vintage costume, heritage exhibit unveiling
ABOUT THE NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK's heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players, they support projects that connect people and communities to heritage.
Website: heritagefund.org.uk
Follow: @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Hashtags: #NationalLottery #HeritageFund
LEARN MORE:
Ace Holds The Space: aceholdsthespace.com
Young Voices in Heritage™: aceholdsthespace.com/young-voices-heritage
South Molton Pannier Market: southmoltonpanniermarket.co.uk
South Molton Town Council: southmoltontowncouncil.co.uk
National Lottery Heritage Fund: heritagefund.org.uk
CONTACT:
Project Enquiries: assist@aceholdsthespace.com
Phone: 01271 593161 | 07832 511119
© 2026 South Molton Town Council | Ace Holds The Space Group Ltd
This project is supported using public funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to the Heritage Lottery players.