For over two decades, BBC’s DIY SOS: The Big Build has captured the nation’s heart, showcasing the incredible power of community spirit. The programme, led by Nick Knowles and his team, brings together volunteer tradespeople and generous suppliers to transform the lives of deserving families and community organisations across the UK.

So, when the call came for a project in Beverley, East Yorkshire, we knew it would be something special. With the episode now aired, we wanted to share the story of this remarkable build.

At Direct Stoves, we are incredibly proud to have supported this product by donating an outdoor pizza oven to the new home of the Cherry Tree Youth Club. The request came in fast, and our team moved just as quickly to ensure we could play our small part in this big-hearted build.

Why This Build Mattered: The Cherry Tree Youth Club Story

The Cherry Tree Youth Club has been a vital lifeline for young people in Beverley for years, offering a safe and supportive place to connect, learn, and grow. However, the club has faced immense challenges recently.

During the pandemic, the team pivoted to run a crucial food pantry for the local community. But in the process, they unfortunately lost their building, leaving them without a home. Undeterred, the dedicated staff and around 90 young people continued to meet every week, gathering under a gazebo in Mudhills Park, whatever the weather.

While their resilience is inspiring, it was clear that this was not a sustainable solution. The young people of Beverley desperately needed a permanent, safe, and purpose-built hub where they could feel secure and have the facilities to flourish.

DIY SOS Steps In: Community, Trades, and Rapid Action

Recognising the urgent need, the DIY SOS team put out a call to arms for local trades and suppliers to support a Big Build from 14-21 May 2025. The response was overwhelming, as the Beverley community rallied together with volunteers from across the region, all driven by a shared goal: to give these young people the proper space they deserve.

These builds are famous for their complexity and impossibly tight timeframes. It’s a whirlwind of construction, landscaping, and interior design, all completed in just a few days thanks to the generosity and hard work of everyone involved.

How Direct Stoves Got Involved

The timeline for our involvement was a perfect example of the speed at which the DIY SOS production team works.

On 6th May, a production assistant visited the Direct Stoves Cheadle showroom. They explained the project and their need for a suitable pizza oven. The key requirement was that it couldn’t be a portable model, which children might try to move. Instead, they needed a substantial, permanent oven that the production team’s builders could assemble and install on-site as part of the new outdoor area.

Our team immediately knew the right fit. We recommended and were delighted to donate the iCook 80cm Insulated Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. Its size, performance, and build-it-yourself nature made it the perfect choice for a community hub designed to last for years to come.

Why the Pizza Oven Matters for the Youth Club’s Future

An outdoor oven is so much more than just a way to make delicious pizza. For the Cherry Tree Youth Club, it’s a tool that will enrich their new home and provide countless opportunities. It will help by:

  • Teaching valuable cooking skills in a fun and engaging way.
  • Encouraging teamwork and communication as young people work together to prepare meals.
  • Building confidence by allowing them to create something from scratch.
  • Helping them experiment with food and learn about fresh ingredients, potentially from a garden they grow themselves.
  • Supporting wonderful outdoor activities and communal meals that bring everyone together.

Ultimately, it’s another feature that helps turn their new building into a true home – a safe, permanent space where they can thrive.

A Message From Direct Stoves

"We’re so proud to be part of this incredible BBC DIY SOS project and thrilled to donate one of our outdoor pizza ovens. We hope it brings not just joy, but also inspiration and opportunities to learn about cooking, growing veg, and spending more time outside for the Cherry Tree Youth Club."

Adam Leah, Director, Direct Stoves.

The Reveal: Celebrating a Reborn Community Hub

Seeing the faces of the youth club staff and the young people as they saw their new, permanent home for the first time was an incredibly emotional and rewarding moment for everyone on site. The transformation was a shared triumph – a testament to what can be achieved when a community, dedicated volunteers, skilled trades, and supporting suppliers come together.

We are immensely proud to have contributed to a project that will provide long-term opportunities and a stable, nurturing environment for the young people of Beverly.

Projects like the DIY SOS Big Build in Beverley are a powerful reminder of the importance of community. They show that with a little generosity and a lot of hard work, we can create lasting, positive change.

At Direct Stoves, we are committed to supporting meaningful organisations that improve the lives of local families and young people, and we feel honoured to have been a small part of the Cherry Tree Youth Club’s incredible new chapter.

You can learn more about the Cherry Tree Youth Club here.