Article first published in the Tollerton Village Newsletter, January 2020 Edition. Written by Steve King.
As most of you will
know, efforts that started back in mid-April and ended in mid-October,
concluded with the village being given permission by Everards Brewery, to
attempt to purchase the Air Hostess as a community pub.
The following month
saw the preparation of materials for a share launch presentation event, held at
Tollerton School on Wednesday 20th November. The idea was to present a vision
of a future community pub that villagers could be excited by, and support where
possible.
Over 200 people
attended. They learnt that the price for purchasing the pub (and land) was
£295,000 and of plans for upgrades and improvements, that would lead to
additional costs. The details of the intended access to loans and grants, to
aid the purchase of the pub were also outlined.
It was explained
that it was hoped villagers would play an important role in applying for shares
capital of up to £170,000 in value. This figure consisted of £50,000 to buy the
pub and a further £120,000 intended to be used to provide an upgraded pub, that
the community could be proud of. The share offer would be open from November
20th to December 18th. The reaction at the event was very positive with many
expressing gratitude for the efforts in gaining the village the opportunity to
purchase its pub.
A second smaller
launch event was held at the Parish Rooms on Sunday 8th December for those who
were interested but unable to attend the original school event.
As I write this on
the 12th December (prior to a pre-Christmas print deadline for the newsletter
of December 11th), there are 8 days until the Share Offer closing date. We have
so far raised more than £86,000 in Share Capital, more than halfway to our
target.
By the time you
read this, the Share Offer closing date will have passed and the amount raised
will have risen further. The nearer the money raised is to the target of
£170,000, the more the number of planned improvements that will be financed.
The final figure raised will be well publicised around the village and online at: https://tollertontrust.org.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/TollertonCommunityPub/ site.
I think the sums
raised are heartwarming and I know the steering group would like to give a
massive thank you to each of you who have turned out at events and especially
to those who have contributed by buying shares. The first tranche of emails
thanking those who’ve brought shares have been sent out and all who buy shares
who in due course be sent such an email.