The immediate challenges the Society and our community are facing relate to the repairs to the roof of the Cross Keys, toilets and drains.
To be clear, this is the building, not the operation. As a Society, we lease the pub to Steve. Steve, Rachel and the team at the Cross Keys run an excellent pub and notwithstanding the headwinds faced by the hospitality industry continue and will continue to tun out excellent hospitality which the community should support. In return, the Society has an obligation to provide the pub for them to operate with a roof that does not leak, drains which function and an environment where they can continue to trade.
Why do we need repairs now
There has been no significant material investment in the maintenance of the fabric of the building for many years. The urgent problems relate to the roof, toilets and plumbing. These need to be rectified now, delays will just mean more damage and exacerbate the costs. Whilst there is a longer-term vision, we need funds now before works can begin. We also need to undertake, surveys, professional advice, consents etc before we can secure grant funding
So how much money do we need
We are seeking to raise £50,000 from the community through our “Raise the Roof” campaign. This will address the immediate issues and also by demonstrating the commitment of the community it will support our efforts in securing mor funding from the district and parish council, funds such as Historic England, Lottery and others. This is of course a very competitive environment, so we have to demonstrate why our need is the most important.
In the medium term, we are looking to create a longer term capital fund of £175,000 to £225,000. This will be through grants etc and an Expression of Interest has just been submitted for the Historic England Heritage at Risk Capital Fund 26 for £225,000. If our EOI is accepted, then we will need to prepare a full bid. As with a lot of these there may me match funding or a degree of contribution required from the Society to ensure we have the right level of commitment.
So how can I help
There are a number of initiatives underway:
Donations. You can make a single donation, set up a smaller monthly standing order or both. All is welcome, our account details are below/on the flyer drop me an email so we can record details or let one of the committee members know. Donate £1,000 and you may even get a plaque over the toilet to show your benevolence
Barclays Bank
Sort Code 20-17-20
Account 63159799
Shares. Instead of donating money buy some shares. The application form is here along with our rules (got to have rules). They are £50 each
Sponsor a tile. Each tile is £20, buy as many as you want. Perhaps we should have a commemorative register or certificate
There will of course be other initiatives – the 100 club is in the latter stages (more rules and licences……) and more to follow
Fear not, we can work out loads of ways to part you from your money
So what is the longer-term plans
Our vision is not only to keep the pub as part of the community but to create a leading example of a sustainable heritage community pub. Unlike a normal business, a Community Society owes its primary obligation to the community in which it operates rather than its shareholders. This is is important, as villages become more isolated, having a focal point becomes more important and this is what we want to create, a thriving, resilient and sustainable operation that we all benefit from
I couldn’t make the meeting, what else happened
There were several questions asked:
Is there anything we can do to help. Yes, we are looking at forming a group to manage the immediate works, if you are in the trade/were in the trade or have knowledge please let me know and we can get this moving. We especially need an architect and quantity surveyor for the next round of funding applications as we need a robust and credible proposal
Can you get some money from the Community Infrastructure Levy. Yes, this is in the plan both from the Parish Council (we are on the agenda for 1st October meeting if you want to attend) and also at District level. There is a slight bump in the road though as they exclude pubs. That is why we are trying to differentiate ourselves by considering the wider environmental issues, not for profit etc – namely Redgrave Community Society is not a pub, but the owners – on behalf of the community of the physical building
Could the Society relist as a charity and the benefits this will bring for the society and people who donate. Yes it can and is under consideration to ensure we are clear on the upsides and downsides
Have we approached Greene King or Adnams etc to see if they will lend us money in return for selling their beer. Unfortunately, that area of the operation is not something e control but we will speak to the Landlord to see if there are any opportunities and areas of funding he can help with
Can you collaborate with other Community Pubs. We are close to the White Horse and of course use Plunkett (charity for community societies) for guidance and support but perhaps a broader collaboration for support is worthwhile, we will be facing similar issues
What about corporate sponsorship. Yes, there are a few businesses locally and in return for marketing opportunities as well as helping the community, worthwhile and we do have local press interest
You mentioned that you had been paying down some of the debt over recent years, how much debt is there. There is more detail in the report and accounts but we have reduced (mainly) loans from ~£100,000 to ~£50,000
If I buy shares or donate money, will this money be used to pay back existing shareholders who have requested withdrawal. No. The share withdrawal policy is set out in our rules and whilst under these rules, withdrawals can be funded from new share capital, it must not prejudice the long term interests of the Society and its commitment to the community. Our immediate priority is the integrity of the Cross Keys so money will be used for repairs and maintenance. Of course, should our financial position significantly improve and put us in a position where we can take a broader financial view, this may change
Please feel free to share this note with your neighbours, friends and colleagues and feel free to call me or one of the committee if you have any questions
Andy Warnes 07478 337 331
Bradley Pearse 07736 675 345
James Ramm 07494 322 042
Karen Pearse 07821 685 233
Matt Smith 07920 021 686