Dear friends,
Four years of vigilance, volunteering, steadfast support and tenacity by the local and wider White Horse community reached a long-awaited milestone last week as the pub fully reopened under community ownership. I think we can allow ourselves a moment of well-deserved celebration!
This was a scenario that seemed a distant probability even a year ago but, thanks to you all, the last pub in the village is now open for business and looking forward to serving the community. We welcome our new tenant Craig Tipper and his business partner Barbara and wish them every success.
It was wonderful to see the pub so busy throughout the weekend, and we enjoyed good media coverage including an article on the BBC website at https://bit.ly/3xuvcRL
Keeping in touch
Craig has created a new pub website at https://www.thewhitehorsestonesfield.com and an accompanying FaceBook page at https://bit.ly/3KC17ml. We will continue to maintain our White Horse Community website and FaceBook presence for you at https://www.backthewhitehorse.com/ and https://bit.ly/3W265PX respectively.
What’s next?
The reopening takes us to a new phase in our stewardship as we work to align a successful working business model for the pub with the maximisation of our community benefit requirements. We are also continuing to plan for the safeguarding of the pub’s future through projects such as increased disabled access, and examining the viability of ongoing options including internal and external improvements to the building such as adjoining ‘Air B&B’ accommodation.
Summary report from the AGM, Monday 20th May
Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM of the Stonesfield Community Pub Ltd on Monday 20 May. This year, as in 2023, over 100 people filled the hall to hear the latest news and updates.
To summarise, the Chairman reported the tenancy agreement was in the final stages of negotiation. The financial report covered the period before the purchase of the pub but, as the Treasurer reported, subsequent costs relating to the purchase, repairs, refurbishment, process and compliance have been covered (just!) by the funds raised through grants, shares and the pop-up pub. The Chairman also acknowledged the immense voluntary efforts from across the community that have been equally vital in bringing the reopening of the pub to within touching distance.
The existing committee was re-elected with the exception of Julie Curran, who is standing down. Julie was thanked for her tremendous work over the years. A new committee member, Mike Moore, was proposed and seconded.
A Q&A session covered many queries from the community, including the following:
Will there be share certificates issued to members?
Yes, these will be issued in Autumn.
Has the Blenheim Estate assisted us?
Yes, they have bought shares and have offered a grant.
Looking forward, how much capital is required?
Consultations on renovations and improvements are ongoing, and a reopening of the share offer is likely. There have also been various applications made or pending. Plunkett are continuing to support us with this.
Are there plans for community-based evenings?
Yes, once Craig and Barbara are up and running, requests for evenings for folk music, board games and other events will be welcome.
Are there plans to improve access?
Yes, this is part of the next phase, we are aware of the poor facilities for disability and will work to improve this.
How much control do the community have over the pub?
Although the tenant will operate the pub as a business, he will be working within our vision and expectations, and reporting to the committee, who will liaise closely with him over the initial three-year lease.
Are there plans a new pub sign?
Yes, there are plans for a pillar sign in the garden.
Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to raising a glass with many of you in our White Horse in the near future.
With all best wishes,
Steve Callaghan
Chair of the committee
Stonesfield Community Pub Ltd