Public Meeting Was A Success

Firstly, a big thank you to our two inspirational guest speakers, Dave Hollins and Leigh Griffin.

It might have been a cold November night, but that didn’t deter just over 50 local people in Pant meeting at the Memorial Hall to hear from two community pub experts.

Both speakers have been involved in purchasing and running community pubs.

Dave Hollins, a business adviser to co-operative and community businesses, is the chair of the Dog in Belthorn in Lancashire, which the community has owned for ten years. He outlined the steps needed to bring the Cross Guns into community ownership at the meeting.

Leigh Griffin has been involved with the community pub in Ash near Whitchurch for about eight years, since the local community bought it.

Both speakers were able to draw on their experience to answer questions raised by members of the audience, including questions about the kinds of things a community pub can offer beyond the ‘traditional’ pub offer. Book clubs, walking groups, safe spaces and breakfast clubs were just some of the things mentioned. There were also requests from members of the audience for a cafe to be considered for the Cross Guns.

The speakers made it very clear that setting up a community pub takes a lot of hard work, and communities and volunteers are essential in many aspects of supporting the pub, not just as customers.

In particular, Leigh explained that the hospitality sector’s environment can be challenging and that effective marketing is essential to keep customers and members returning to their pub.

Many audience members pledged to financially support the pub if the group could secure an offer.

The amount pledged on the night was a staggering £16,800, which, when added to the previous total, takes pledges to £107,000 from 90 supporters. Could you join them? Please pledge now if you want to show your support.