We’re busily moving the Hop Pole project along, so here is a round-up of news from the Hop Pole team and volunteers...
Volunteer prep work continues
Throughout the summer we’ve been moving forward with the prep work, continuing to clear the pub garden and digging our inspection pits. As you’ll be aware, the Hop Pole renovations include the repair and insulation of the old ground floor as well as the creation of a rear extension. As part of this extensive work, both the appointed Conservation Officer and the Structural Engineer have asked that the ground and existing foundations are revealed through six trial pits so that a condition survey can take place to inform the scope of the repairs. These pits were located and dug at the end of August and we now await an inspection visit from our Structural Engineer.
As always, none of this hard work would be possible without our trusty and valued volunteers so a very big thank you to everyone who has helped with digging, clearing and much needed refreshments!
Shares and share certificate distribution
There is still time to invest! We are truly grateful to all our shareholders who ensured that we had the funds we needed to purchase the Hop Pole. Now, with the task of renovating the pub ahead of us, the opportunity to buy shares remains open so
please click here to read more and apply. Thank you.
Share certificates are being sent out to existing shareholders on a batch basis with many already landing in shareholder inboxes. If you haven’t received yours yet you should receive it shortly. As always, if you have any questions please let us know.
Community Ownership Fund (COF) grant application
As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we should be hearing the outcome of our £300k Community Ownership Fund grant application around 19th October so we will share any updates on that as soon as we have them.
Architect shortlist and interview process
We have started the process of interviewing architects, which is helping us to refine the scope of the project, review recommendations and get a more detailed understanding of costs. As soon as we have updates on these interviews and their outcome we’ll share it with you all.
Fundraiser's Kit
A number of you have come forward with great ideas for fundraising towards the pub renovations, which is really encouraging to see. To make the idea of fundraising even more appealing and simple for you, we’re pulling together a Fundraiser’s Kit which includes a ‘Save the Hop Pole’ logo, a few paragraphs of copy about the project to use on sponsorships forms, websites and so on, and details about your event’s inclusion in our newsletter and social media. If anyone is planning a fundraising event, firstly thank you and second please drop us a line and we’ll be delighted to share all of this kit with you.
'The Top Pole' : keeping it social until the Hop Pole reopens!
There is exciting talk of a temporary social to fill the gap before the Hop Pole reopens. As its name suggests 'The Top Pole' will be held further up the hill in the Village Hall, Middle Stoke, kicking off on Friday 21st October, 6:30pm - 10:00pm, with a bar, nibbles and lots of Friday night cheer. We'll see you there!
Dates for your Diary
AGM: Monday 24th October at 7pm
A reminder that our AGM will be taking place in Freshford Village Memorial Hall on 24th October. We will be providing an update on progress and you will have an opportunity to express your views. Refreshments will be provided so we look forward to seeing you then.
Hop Pole Christmas Fair: Thursday 1st December from 4pm
We're excited to be holding a seasonal fundraiser at the Hop Pole, with festive food & drink, stalls selling Christmas prezzies, live music and, of course, a Santa’s grotto. Pop the date in your diary and we'll send out more details soon.
Stay in touch
For all the latest on buying shares, joining our band of volunteers or upcoming events please keep an eye on our website and follow the links to our social media feeds. We're here to help so if you have any other queries please email us at limpleystokecbs@gmail.com.
Thank you again for your support!
Sally, Simon, Lucy, James, Jess, Tim & Nick
The Hop Pole Management Committee