A New Chapter for Exmoor Young Voices: Announcing our new Chair

Exmoor Young Voices (EYV) has announced that Will Lock, who has led the organisation with dedication and passion since its very beginning, will be stepping down as Chair. Will will continue to serve EYV as Chair of Trustees, ensuring his experience and commitment remain at the heart of the charity as it continues to thrive.

Will Lock said:
“The time has come for me to retire as Chair of Exmoor Young Voices (EYV) and take a step back to allow EYV to benefit from a younger chair who has a greater understanding of the problems faced by Exmoor’s young people. The aim is for me to take more of an advisory role to assist the new chair and to continue as Chair of Trustees.

We are lucky to have a younger, fresh face with a wealth of local knowledge and experience. I’m sure that, in passing the baton to Robyn, she will continue to build EYV, make the most excellent Chair, and help EYV go from strength to strength.

It has been a huge honour to have chaired EYV for so many years. The growth of the organisation has been phenomenal, and the work it has done over the years to support people has been amazing. It has been humbling to be a part of it. For the group to have won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service has to be a highlight, showing that the team’s efforts are appreciated at the highest level.

I want to thank all the people who have supported me over the years. I couldn’t have done this job or seen the organisation grow into what it is today, without the dedication of our senior advisers, partners, supporters, trustees, coordinators and, most importantly, our members and young people, who have trusted us to give Exmoor’s youth a voice.”

Since EYV was set up in 2012, Will has been at the forefront of its mission to give Exmoor’s young residents a stronger voice. Over the years, he has represented EYV at every major authority, forum, consultative group, conference, farming and business network connected with Exmoor, tirelessly highlighting the challenges young people face in sustaining their lives and livelihoods on the moor.

Will’s advocacy has reached national platforms, from attending parliamentary meetings to appearing on ITV and BBC, ensuring that the issues facing Exmoor’s young workers are heard at every level.
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Under Will’s leadership, EYV has achieved significant milestones, including: receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024, being named runner-up for the Young Changemakers of the Year award at the Campaign for National Parks National Park Protector Awards, and delivering two successful Exmoor Young Voices Summits.

Exmoor Young Voices extends heartfelt thanks to Will for his incredible leadership, commitment, and countless hours of voluntary service. The charity simply wouldn’t be where it is today without his vision, dedication, and drive.

Leslie Silverlock, Exmoor Young Voices’ Co-Founder & Adviser said:
“We are delighted that Will is continuing as Chair of Trustees. His knowledge of Exmoor, its people, family and young people’s circumstances, the construction trades, environment and regulations, built over the last 15 years is outstanding. His continuing role is vital to the National Park, Councils, Housing Associations and charities, public authorities, Parishes and especially Exmoor's future generations, who struggle to continue living, working and sustaining Exmoor.”

Taking over as Chair is Robyn Gummer, one of EYV’s original committee members and a long-standing supporter of the charity. Robyn has been a champion of young people’s voices on Exmoor since EYV’s early days; even attending her first meeting with her baby in tow, where she raised the issue of childcare challenges in rural communities.

Now a mother of two young daughters, Robyn is also a Parish Councillor for Luccombe, Secretary for DLR Projects Ltd, and is currently involved in a project to create a new children’s play park in her village. Her connection to Exmoor life runs deep, and she brings a wealth of lived experience to the role.

As EYV’s new Chair, Robyn brings fresh ideas and a forward-thinking perspective, with a particular passion for supporting young families and local entrepreneurs. Her energy and insight will help EYV continue to grow its reach and impact, ensuring that the voices of Exmoor’s younger generation remain heard loud and clear.

Robyn Gummer said:
“I’m grateful and so excited to be trusted with this opportunity. We’ve got such a strong foundation at EYV, and I’m looking forward to seeing what new ideas, projects and directions we can move towards together.”

About Exmoor Young Voices
Exmoor Young Voices is a registered charity working to empower young residents across Exmoor by addressing the challenges they face in housing, employment, transport, childcare and connectivity. Through raising awareness, collaboration and community projects, EYV ensures that the voices of young people continue to shape the future of Exmoor.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Meg Hunt, Exmoor Young Voices Coordinator
[email protected]