Tag: #DorsetLife

Save the White Lion NEWS Update #2

A summary of the latest minutes from the Steering Group’s meeting on 18th October, provided by Margery Hookings:

Work is going on behind the scenes to re-open the White Lion at Broadwindsor as a Community Pub. The community needs to raise at least £30,000 to make it happen.

The Steering Group comprises:

  • David Leader (Chair)
  • Elaine Leader
  • Susanna Newall
  • Chris Newall
  • Sandra Burrows
  • Charles Ouin
  • Luke Pickering
  • Andrew Hookings
  • Margery Hookings
  • John Heys
  • Fraser Hughes
  • Chris Edgerley
  • Rick Dyke.

 The following is a summary of the latest meeting, excluding commercially sensitive or personal information.
Save the White Lion, summary of meeting 18/10/21

Community Benefit Society application –

Slight delay while the Plunkett Foundation, which is advising us, talks to the Financial Conduct Authority about the legality of the set-up before we can go to the community with a share offer. We should know within three weeks.

Grants and fundraising –

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council has agreed a grant of £5,400 which represents three years’ grant all in one go. A great deal of work has been carried out to identify suitable grant-making bodies. It is difficult to pursue these while we await confirmation of the legal set-up of the organisation running the pub. Comrades Arms had made a profit of £700 in the first two weeks. People within the local community are working on fundraising events in the village.

Manager –

There have been several expressions of interest so far. Discussions and advertising ongoing.

Business plan –

An abridged version has been amended to include skill sets and this will be used in grant applications. A three-year cash flow will be put into the plan. Firm costings for the refurb will need to be included in the plan.

Refurbishment –

A great deal of time and research has been put into structural work and furnishing needed before the pub can reopen. This has to be costed to put into the business plan. Volunteers have offered help with structural work. The Steering Group was unanimous on the proposed physical layout of the pub and furnishings as per the plan drafted in conjunction with the brewery. More details will be unveiled when the community is approached to buy shares.

The next meeting is due to be held on 1 November.

SaveTheWhiteLion.Org

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2021,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#SaveTheWhiteLion,#PlunkettFoundation,#ComradesArms,#Update,#Funding,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The White Lion Makes The Bridport News

Bradley White, reporter for the Bridport & Lyme Regis News spoke with Steering Group Chair, David Leader and published the following:

VILLAGERS are hoping to raise their glasses this Christmas as they strive to launch their community pub.

The White Lion in Broadwindsor is set to reopen with the village’s residents at the helm.

The Palmers pub closed in the summer and since then there have been negotiations with regard to the community taking it over.

A steering group was put together consisting of a number of villagers with expertise in running pubs and community venues, along with a solicitor and some parish councillors.

The group has been in talks with Palmers in recent months after a survey revealed 95 per cent of respondents were in favour of the White Lion being run as a community pub.

There is currently a ‘principle agreement’ in place between the steering group and Palmers, with a contract expected in the near future.

Parish councillor David Leader is leading the project.

He said: “It’s exciting and it is going very well. A lot of people are investing a lot of time and effort in trying to make this happen and there’s a lot to be encouraged by.

“Things have moved on positively in terms of discussions – we’re not there yet but we have draft legal agreements which are being worked on.

“Whilst there is not currently a contract there are principle agreements in place with Palmers but there are several things which need to be ironed out.

“In an ideal world we would like to be open for Christmas. There are a number of factors which could delay that date but that is what we are aiming for.”

The next part of the plan will be to raise the funds needed to cover liabilities, refurbishment and the initial purchase of stock. The steering group estimates around £30,000 will need to be raised.

One of the ways the group hopes to achieve this is through a community share issue, in which members of the community can buy into the project in exchange for voting rights.

In order to go through with this, the pub needs to be incorporated as a not-for-profit business, which the group are hoping to go through this month. At this point the group will be out and about in the village to drum up support.

In the meantime, members of the steering group have started up ‘the Comrades’ Arms’, a makeshift pub run out of the Broadwindsor Village Hall.

Mr Leader said: “The Comrades’ Arms has been opened as a temporary measure so that there is an open pub in the village. It is also a way which we can raise funds and a smaller project for the steering group to prepare them for the running of the pub.

Mr Leader added that there are a number of fundraising activities being planned for the coming weeks.

SaveTheWhiteLion.Org

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2021,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#SaveTheWhiteLion,#BridportNews,#BradleyWhite,#ComradesArms,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Save the White Lion NEWS update

On behalf of the Steering Group, Margery Hookings released the information below.  This information will also be displayed at The Comrades Arms, on the Parish Council’s website and on various noticeboards. Many questions that Broadwindsor.org has received and asked on your behalf are answered here 🙂

Over to Margery…

Work is going on behind the scenes to re-open the White Lion at Broadwindsor as a community pub.

A Steering Group is meeting regularly to move the project forward. It comprises:

  • David Leader (Chair)
  • Sandra Burrows
  • Chris Edgerley
  • John Heys
  • Andrew Hookings
  • Margery Hookings
  • Fraser Hughes
  • Elaine Leader
  • Susanna Newall
  • Chris Newall
  • Charles Ouin
  • Luke Pickering

Between them, group members have a wide range of skills and experience. We believe that securing the right deal with Palmers represents the best – and only – chance for the White Lion to re-open at the heart of our community. We want it to happen, and we know the community does too. We need to raise at least £30,000 to make it a reality.

Agreement with Palmers has been reached but not yet signed. We can’t tell you all that’s been happening because some of the detail is commercially sensitive. However, it’s our intention to publicise a summary of our meetings to keep you updated as best we can.

Save the White Lion, summary of meeting 6/10/21

Community Benefit Society application – due to be incorporated within next 3 weeks. Share issue put to community (like the village did for the shop).

Business plan – final version almost ready. All payments need to be made by end of year 3.

Funding – seeking grant from Broadwindsor Group Parish Council. Applications to grant funding bodies identified as most likely to support project. Comrades Arms trading well, taking £1,200 in first four days.
Two villagers planning two events in aid of Save the White Lion, in addition to regular discos where bar takings will go to pub fund. More details soon.

Yard of ale fundraising ‘thermometer’ to be placed in the Square.

Bank account – can be started only when we are a Community Benefit Society.  

Job advert for manager/chef – not much response yet. Exploring other outlets. 

Logo – new logo in consultation with Palmers. Original pub sign (pre-dating existing one) by George Biles will be displayed internally.

Refurbishment – ongoing discussions on updating interior and adapting layout for ambience, efficiency and increased number of covers. Kitchen left sparkly clean by Spike and Vikki. Now to cost kitchen equipment etc for business plan.

Timeline – end of October/early November – approach community on share issue.

Christmas/New Year – hope to be open.

SaveTheWhiteLion.Org

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2021,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#SaveTheWhiteLion,#GeorgeBiles,#ComradesArms,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The White Lion Gets A Facelift

Broadwindsor.org has had several enquiries and photos sent in over the last couple of days due to of all the activity taking place at the White Lion: painters outside… lights on inside… lights on in the evening… had anything been agreed?

The doors, windows and fascia boards have been rubbed down and painted in preparation for the day when the White Lion reopens its doors.

Steering group chairman David Leader said: ‘It’s fantastic to see that Palmers are investing in the White Lion. All the outside woodwork is being cleaned, prepared and repainted. This will make a huge difference to the appearance of such a beautiful historic building which sits at the heart of our community. We are very grateful to Palmers.’

On Tuesday 5th October, previous landlords Spike and Vikki handed in their keys as their tenancy came to an end and they said a final goodbye to the place that was their home for nearly four years. On Facebook Vikki thanked all for their support and wished all well for the future.

The Save The White Lion steering group continue to work hard behind the scenes to re-open and run the White Lion as a Community pub. Keep up to date on the website: https://savethewhitelion.org.

Grant applications to various funding bodies have been submitted and a share issue is being prepared to be offered to villagers. The Steering Group published an advert two weeks ago seeking a live-in manager – More info HERE.

More details are expected soon. Steering group member Margery Hookings now has the position of keeping us all informed. 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2021,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#TheWhiteLion,#Decoration,#LocalEmployment,#LiveInPosition,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Live-In Manager Sought For The White Lion

The Steering Group of the Save The White Lion campaign released a job advertisement this morning.  We are assured that negotiations with Palmers continue to move forward positively.  The Steering Group have applied to the regulatory authorities to have the Community Pub set up as a not-for-profit legal entity and this will take 4 weeks.

The Group need to go through this process to “search for a talented couple or individual to take control of the day-to-day operations, likely to be around December ‘21 or January ‘22“.

What they want:

“We’re seeking a couple or an individual who can bring both aspects. You’ll be experienced, with a proven track-record of building great food-led businesses, and of course running a bar with well-kept ales and a wide variety of wines and cocktails. You’ll define and shape the menu, source local ingredients, and build a reputation for quality. And always a warm welcome and excellent service.”

What they are offering the potential candidate(s):

  • A competitive salary (amount undisclosed).
  • Live-in status in a spacious, self-contained, four bedroom flat set over two floors in a beautiful grade II listed building in the heart of Dorset.
  • The chance to shape the direction of the pub and build a business you can be proud of.

To apply for this position, please contact info@savethewhitelion.org in the first instance.

To read the full advertisement – Click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2021,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#TheWhiteLion,#LocalEmployment,#LiveInPosition,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Gladis’s Law Farmer To Feature On New Channel 4 Show

Cameron Farquharson, the local farmer who has become more well known because of his Gladis’s Law; Protecting livestock, informing dog owners campaign will feature in a new series on Channel 4 called Perfect Pitch.

In what is described as an eclectic cast of camping connoisseurs, they tour Britain’s beauty spots in search of the perfect pitch. The first episode is on Monday, 27th September on Channel 4 at 5.30pm. The episode featuring Cameron & his family is due to be broadcast on 11th October, 5.30pm.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Farmers,#Livestock,#Sheep,#Cows,#HighlandCoo,#Gladis,#C4,#Channel4,#PCSO6386,#TakeTheLead,#LivestockWorrying,#NSA,#LivestockAttacks,#RespectProtectEnjoy,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#Success,#GladisLaw,#PerfectPitch,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Dog-Napping – How To Prevent It

Having your canine companion dog-napped would be a horrendous ordeal. Sadly this crime is on the increase. A petition calling on the Government to make dog theft a specific offence had gathered over 316,500 signatures meaning it is well over the threshold to be considered for debate in parliament.

Around 29,000 people across the South West have contributed their signature to the cause. There are measures you can take to reduce the risk of this happening to you.

Becky Simmonds & Chip

Becky Simmonds is a professional dog walker and part time rescue worker.  She is part of an international team at BreedAdvisor which consists of experienced professionals, from trained Vets to Dog Breeders. Their sole purpose is to bring you accurate, helpful information you can trust. 

They advise: (Click the image for further information):

They also have informative pages on all the following dog breeds:
Click on the image to be taken to the active web page and scroll down.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#BreedAdvisor,#BeckySimmonds,#LoveDogs,#WoofWoof,#Information,#Breeds,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Gladis’s Law Campaign Success

Success for Cameron Farquharson and his team!

Hello@Gladis-law.com

Fundraising continues…

Cameron is offering a weekend at his farm for £400 per couple to include a dinner cooked by Cameron, a three rosette chef, at Redlands Coppice and a day with his Highland cows at Eggardon Hill, before returning to Redlands Coppice to meet the nine newest cows to the farm and the man who gifted them, Stan Sadler.

To arrange your visit to the farm or for more details, please email: hello@redlandcoppice.co.uk

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Farmers,#BWGPC,#Livestock,#Sheep,#Cows,HighlandCoo,#Gladis,#BBC,#ChrisLoderMP,#PCSO6386,#TakeTheLead,#LivestockWorrying,#NSA,#LivestockAttacks,#RespectProtectEnjoy,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#Success,#GladisLaw,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Save The White Lion Website

Village resident and member of the Steering Group of the White Lion, Luke Pickering has just launched a new website to keep all informed of the progress of their negotiations. There is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes.  The Steering Group aim to keep everyone updated.  Please visit:

SaveTheWhiteLion.org.

The new website currently doesn’t list the members of the Steering Group which can be found HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#PublicMeeting,#TheWhiteLion,#WhatDidTheySay,#QuestionnaireResults,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Memories Of The White Lion

Village resident Annie Collins shared a memory today on social media of ex Landlord and Landlady of The White Lion in Broadwindsor, Dick and Pam Corbett. Another village resident, then barmaid Rita Haggett is in the background.

The photograph shows Annie celebrating winning the ladies Rosebowl Singles Table Skittles competition. Annie cannot recall the year (in the 1980’s) as she won that compeitition ten times in all!

You are invited to send your Broadwindsor pub photographs, memories and stories in via Messenger on Facebook HERE or email to: info@broadwindsor.org.  They will be collated and published later in the year. 🙂

It prompts comments from those who remember when Broadwindsor had three pubs: The George. The Cross Keys. The White Lion.  Now we are struggling to hang onto and reopen the last remaining pub in the village – The White Lion.
You can read the latest on the White Lion HERE.

Look out for Annie on Broadwindsor’s Fun Day when she’ll be roaming the area capturing the fun of the day 🙂