The informal ‘Save The Pheasant’ group has been busy and would like to share a quick update on what’s happened since the public meeting on 25th March.
Update on 16th April
After meetings with two different Plunkett advisors we have submitted an application (via Plunkett) to the FCA to formally create our community benefit society, which we’ve called ‘Casterton Community Hub Limited’. We used ‘hub’ because if we are successful and take ownership of The Pheasant we’d like to see the pub work more closely with other village clubs and organisations to truly make it the heart of the village. The management committee of the society for the first year will be:
- Ian Hodge – chair
- Nick Blake – secretary
- Simon Drakeford – treasurer
- Ken Humphris – member
- Andrea Sharp – member
We’ll be looking to add two or three more people to the management team so those of you who said you could help on your questionnaire response, please expect a phone call / email!
We’ve met with Carole (The Pheasant’s owner) and explained what we’re up to and she’s agreed to work with us as needed since we are one possible route to her selling the pub. Meanwhile several potential buyers have had viewings but we are not aware of any offers yet.
We’re now looking at everything that’s involved into making a bid for money from the Community Ownership Fund since the deadline for that has moved forward to the end of May which doesn’t give us much time. Once the society is formally incorporated we will then be able to start working on a share offer and other fundraising to reach our target amount.
We don’t know the final figure we may need to raise until we’ve arranged an independent valuation and had the building surveyed to identify any work needed. We’re currently in the process of appointing companies to do this. This will cost quite a bit of money so we’ll be looking at short term fundraising for these initial expenses over and above what the council gave us.
Contact ian.hodge@castertonvillage.org if you would like to be added to the campaign mailing list or require any more information.