Imagine a picturesque British village, nestled in the serene landscapes of North Devon. For Michael Birch, the founder of Bebo and a California-based tycoon, this sleepy village holds a special place in his heart. And now, he is pouring millions of pounds into reviving this once-thriving community, driven by his childhood memories of idyllic holidays spent there. The residents of Woolsery, with gratitude in their hearts, have likened Birch’s support to winning the lottery.
Contents
- 1 A Passionate Connection and a Burning Desire for Restoration
- 2 A Village Reborn: Pubs, Inns, and the Heart of the Community
- 3 From Bebo to Community Savior: A Journey of Success and a Sense of Duty
- 4 A Village Steeped in Family History and Heritage
- 5 The Ripple Effect: Hope, Employment, and Community Spirit
- 6 A Ray of Sunshine: Rekindling the Spirit of Woolsery
- 7 From Bebo to Woolsery: A Journey of Rediscovery and Community
A Passionate Connection and a Burning Desire for Restoration
Michael Birch, now 46, recalls spending “all his summers” in Woolsery, where his ancestors have resided since 1700. Recently, he was shocked and saddened to witness the decline of this village that holds so many cherished memories. Motivated by his emotional connection, Birch embarked on a mission to breathe new life into Woolsery.
A Village Reborn: Pubs, Inns, and the Heart of the Community
Over the past two years, Birch has purchased and restored several key establishments in the village. The village pub, once closed and abandoned, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The same goes for an old hotel and the local fish and chip shop. These revitalized businesses have brought hope and excitement to the residents of Woolsery, who are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the pub next year.
From Bebo to Community Savior: A Journey of Success and a Sense of Duty
Birch, born in Hertfordshire, is no stranger to success. With the sale of Bebo to AOL in 2008 for a staggering $850 million, he achieved remarkable financial wealth. Now boasting a net worth of $390 million, he realized that he had the means to make a difference. Witnessing the dilapidation of Woolsery, he felt compelled to take action and revitalize his beloved childhood haven.
A Village Steeped in Family History and Heritage
The connection between Birch’s family and Woolsery runs deep. Six generations of his ancestors are buried in the village church, and he still has living relatives in the area. Meeting the villagers during a visit two years ago, Birch bought them all a pint at the derelict Farmers Arms pub, which he later purchased. His grandmother was born in the village shop, which had been in the family until 1961. With this profound family history, Birch’s mission to restore Woolsery takes on an even deeper significance.
The Ripple Effect: Hope, Employment, and Community Spirit
The impact of Birch’s investments is felt throughout the village. Peter and Sonia Hamilton, founders of the Woolsery Action Group, express their sheer joy and relief at Birch’s intervention. The closure of the village pub had a detrimental effect on the community, and its revival brings hope and a renewed sense of togetherness. With the refurbishment of the pub and the nearby Manor House inn, which has been unoccupied for eight years, Birch’s investment is expected to inject life into the heart of the village and provide much-needed employment opportunities.
A Ray of Sunshine: Rekindling the Spirit of Woolsery
Jay Oyarzabal, the manager of the Woolsery fish and chip shop, describes the transformation as “amazing.” Birch’s involvement has brought new equipment and a fresh lease of life to the establishment. The positive feedback from the community has been overwhelming. The residents of Woolsery have found renewed hope, and the village is slowly regaining its former charm and vibrancy.
From Bebo to Woolsery: A Journey of Rediscovery and Community
Michael Birch’s journey from the founder of Bebo to the savior of Woolsery is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to his childhood memories and his deep connection to the village have driven him to pour millions of pounds into its restoration. Through his investments, Birch is bringing hope, employment, and a renewed sense of community to this once-forgotten British village. The spirit of Woolsery is being rekindled, thanks to the dedication and generosity of one man.