Update on our new tenancy for shareholder, volunteers and the community

Dear all,
In March we shared the news about our new tenancy, and I’m very pleased to say that the response from shareholders, volunteers and members of the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to get in touch and share your thoughts. We know that change can naturally raise questions and concerns, so following further conversations with our new tenants, Eileen Nicklin and Michael Parffrey, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer some additional detail and reassurance.

Some of you have understandably asked what the new tenancy arrangement means in terms of ownership. I’d like to reassure you that, while we have adopted a new business model, all our assets – including the building, fixtures and fittings – remain firmly owned by the community. This was not a decision we took lightly. We know how central the pub is to village life and protecting its long-term future has always been our priority. After taking specialist advice from a hospitality professional, we appointed the law firm Everys to draw up a legal agreement that clearly reflects our Vision and Values. Most importantly, we are confident that Eileen and Michael understand, respect and share those values.

I also recognise that many of you care deeply about our much-loved community nights – including the quiz, community suppers, music and folk nights, and of course the
ukulele group. I’m delighted to confirm that Mondays and Tuesdays will remain dedicated community nights. Eileen and Michael are very keen to hear from anyone
who would like to volunteer to help keep these activities going. They will be moving into the flat on Friday 17 April and will be very happy to meet volunteers from that date. 

Regarding Walt’s Café, it will not continue in its current format. However, the pub will be open from 11am, Wednesday to Friday, serving coffee and light refreshments. We very much hope that the community groups currently using Walt’s will be able to find a new and welcoming home within these arrangements. The only other change to our current opening times is on Sundays. We’re pleased to say that Eileen and Michael will keep the pub open all afternoon, with Sunday lunches served until later in the day. The pub will then remain open with volunteers behind the bar until 8.30pm. Eileen will liaise with anyone who would like to volunteer behind the bar on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. All other days will continue to be supported by paid staff.

Since we opened as a community pub in 2022, many new people have moved to the village, and I know that many of you are now both customers and volunteers. I truly
believe the pub has played a vital role in helping people feel connected and part of the community. That sense of belonging is something we deeply value and want to protect. To help us protect everything that makes our pub special, we now need the active support of our community. After four years of trading, there is a backlog of essential repairs and maintenance that must be addressed before Eileen and Michael fully join us. We are aiming to raise £20,000 to fund this work and provide some much-needed cashflow support during this transition.

If you are able to help — whether by becoming a shareholder, buying additional shares, making a donation, or offering the pub a loan — your support would make a
real and immediate difference. Every contribution, large or small, helps secure the long-term future of our community pub. If you’d like to get involved or find out more,
please contact [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Finally, I’d like to update you on the transition timeline. Friday 24 April will be the final day of Walt’s Café, so please do come along and enjoy it while you can. On the evening of Sunday 26 April, we’ll be holding a volunteers’ event with a complimentary buffet (sadly, not free drinks!). Monday 27 April will see the usual community supper, and Tuesday 28 April will run as normal. We will then close on Wednesday and Thursday to get everything ship-shape and Bristol fashion. We’re very much looking forward to Friday 1 May, which will be the opening night for Michael and Eileen, with live music and a complimentary hog roast for all.

There are many ways to support the pub, not just financially. Volunteering your time, spreading the word to friends and neighbours, or simply coming along to events all play a vital role. However you choose to help, please know that your involvement truly matters and is deeply appreciated. Together, we can make sure our pub remains a
welcoming, lively and much-loved part of village life for years to come.
With warmest regards,
Mark Rice
Chair, SWR