The Bishop Blaize Public Meeting 20 June 2016 These slides were presented at the meeting. Boxes like this contain a summary of comments made by those attending. Nearly 100 people showed up. It was standing room only when the meeting started. 1
Agenda Introduction A little bit of history Oswyn Murray, Chair of Sibford Gower Parish Council, led this part. Asset of Community Value Do we want the pub to re-open, and in what form? Can we form a Community Interest Group to take things forward? 2
History 18 th century Pub opened 2006 Pub sold as a going concern upon retirement of the landlord 2007 Pub closed February 2016 pub registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by SGPC 3
Asset of Community Value An asset can be listed if its principal use furthers (or has recently furthered) the community s social well-being or social interests and is likely to do so in the future. Registration lasts for 5 years (to February 2021) When offered for sale: 6 week interim moratorium to give Community a chance to decide if they want to bid 6 month full moratorium for Community to develop a proposal and raise the money Owners may not sell during the moratorium periods may not change the use of the property while it is registered do not have to accept a community bid At present, no moratorium is in effect, but the clock will be reset after 18 months (August 2017) 4
Agenda Introduction A little bit of history Asset of Community Value Do we want the pub to re-open, and in what form? Can we form a Community Interest Group to take things forward? 5
Do you want the pub to re-open? The show of hands in favour seemed unanimous 6
... in what form? A successful community purchase may use the Bishop Blaize not necessarily or wholly as a pub, as long as it will further... the social well-being or social interests of the local community. Some suggestions: art centre library clubhouse coffee shop centre for youth work facility for the elderly Other suggestions? hub for holiday activities such as biking, pony trekking, holiday lets bakery micro-brewery parcel collection service This provoked lively discussion - see next slide for a summary 7
... in what form? Some suggestions... Live music events in cosy surroundings The Norman Knight in Whichford is a good role model, associated with a micro-brewery It s worth thinking about what impact the further loss of services, such as the mobile library and possibly the bus service in the future, may have on the villages, and what a community asset based at the pub might ameliorate... and some reservations Some of the uses on the list may be incompatible with each other eg pub and youth centre Parking, steps and slopes in the property may be unsuitable for the elderly Where would the ponies be kept? Is there space for a micro-brewery? We already have an excellent Village Hall why not extend the use of that instead, in a much shorter timeframe than buying the pub? 8
Impact on existing village institutions Fielding Centre Village Hall Village shop (post office) Wykham Arms others? How might their activities or business be enhanced? How should their interests be protected? See next slide for comments 9
Impact on existing village institutions A competent and enthusiastic licensee can make the pub work just as a good pub that welcomes families (enthusiastic applause) The pub thrived up to 2006 and did not compete with other village institutions Parcel collection may compete with the post office; or not, according to some people 10
Agenda Introduction A little bit of history At this point the current owners were give an opportunity to make comments. They emphasised that the pub would re-open on Sunday 3 rd July; opening times will be advertised. For more information see the website http://thepheasantpluckersinn.com or the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pheasanypluckersinn Asset of Community Value Do we want the pub to re-open, and in what form? Can we form a Community Interest Group to take things forward? 11
Forming a Community Interest Group The Sibford Parish Councils are supportive but do not wish to be formally involved The Plunkett Foundation can help Will you join a planning group? 12
Plunkett Foundation Since 1919 applying co-operative solutions to rural problems Favoured approach is a Community Co-operative A business which trades primarily for community benefit Democratically owned by members of their community All members have an equal say 510 in the UK, including 42 pubs 421 in the pipeline, including 139 pubs Proven to be sustainable businesses Community population from 70 upwards Tim Huckvale, Chair of Sibford Ferris Parish Council, led this part. 13
Plunkett Foundation Typical funding for a village pub 59% shares one member, one vote 33% grants 7% loans 1% donations Management Committee of about 10 protects the values 63% of pubs are managed by a combination of paid staff and volunteers; the rest are leased to a tenant 14
Plunkett Foundation Benefits Safeguarding essential services Addressing rural isolation and loneliness Creation of a community hub Contribution to local economy Creation of jobs Volunteer and training opportunities Other intangible benefits 15
Plunkett Foundation Support available Advice line Online tools and resources Network of advisers Expertise in community engagement, legal structures, raising finance, ACV, business planning Mentoring support and study visits Networking and learning events Membership package Grant programmes 16
Will you join a planning group? 11 people came forward. The joint Chairs of the meeting will be following up with them soon. 17