White House tenancy

Dear Shareholders,

I have recently taken over as Chair of the Bladon Community Pub Management Committee from Mike Edwards, who has stepped down as Chair due to work commitments, but remains active on the committee.   As a recent retiree I do fortunately now have more time to commit to this important role, and I am very happy to do so.

In my first communication to you the shareholders, I have to inform you that our current tenant, Johnny Roberts, has handed in his formal resignation, and will be leaving once he has completed an agreed period of notice.  We have started the work of identifying his successor, and I will update you on progress as we go through this process.  We are also working closely with Johnny to ensure that the handover to his replacement will be as smooth as possible, and with minimal disruption to trade.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank Johnny for all his efforts, in often very challenging circumstances, to re-establish the pub as a community asset to the village, and wish him and his family well for the future.  

Best regards,
John Anson

Chair, Bladon Community Benefit Society

The Big Clear Up

Do you want to volunteer for the White House BIG CLEAR UP on Saturday and Sunday 25/26th July?

Some of the things we would like to do first are listed below:

  • Sand and paint outdoor furniture. Ideally by taking it home, sanding down and painting (paint supplied)
  • Clear garden (weeding, sweeping, some heavy lifting)
  • Pressure washing paving

There will be a small amount of heavy lifting, but mostly it will involve a good clear up. We would ask that you bring your own equipment if you can (gloves, brooms, trowels etc.).

We need to ensure that we adhere to social distancing and that we do not have too many people on site at any one time, so it is essential that we co-ordinate working groups.

The days will be split into three hour shifts:

  • Saturday 25th July, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
  • Saturday 25th July, 2 p.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Sunday 26th July, 2 p.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Sunday 26th July, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Please let us know your availability and slot preferences here: https://bladoncommunitypub.org/volunteers-weekly and we will be in touch with confirmation of when we need you. Please only attend if you receive email confirmation from us.

If you are not available this weekend, or have skills that would be better used on other aspects of the project such as hard landscaping, plumbing, plastering, building, making soft furnishings, please don’t worry about not being able to help this weekend. Due to social distancing we may not be able to have everyone who wants to help on site for this first job but there will be more opportunities to get involved in the coming weeks.

Share Offer Reopened

We have been asked whether it is still possible to buy shares in the White House and the answer is YES!

We’ve restarted our share offer and you can now buy shares up until 31st July 2020. All funds raised will be used to improve the fabric of the building and bring community services to life.

There’s also a Crowdfunder donate option.

Be part of something amazing and own a part of history by becoming a White House shareholder.

Greene King’s Board Has Approved Bladon’s Purchase of the White House

We are delighted to confirm that our offer to purchase the White House has now been approved by Greene King’s board.

What happens next?

We have prepared a job description and advert to attract a suitable tenant that shares the community’s values and vision for the pub. We have also identified suitable advertising channels.

In addition, we have received quotes from several building surveyors who will complete a full survey prior to purchase and are working with a local architect and structural engineer to see what might be feasible with regard to disabled access for the toilets, baby changing facilities and a secure garden.

We have also investigated suitable grants, application criteria and deadlines. We believe there are two grants that could assist with paying for part of the planned upgrades. These grants could offer 25% and 40% of total costs if we are successful, there is of course a lengthy application process and no guarantee we will be successful.

Once we are able to gain access to the pub, we plan to move swiftly on upgrading the current facilities and making sure that we can open as soon as is feasibly possible.

We cannot wait to raise a glass with you to celebrate Bladon’s community pub!

The Help Hub – Helping Our Neighbours

Are you self isolating? Do you need some help? You are not alone. A local network has been set up for us to help each other in these worrying times.

All households in Bladon and Woodstock should have received a leaflet through their letterbox. The leaflet gives contact details of local volunteers who will help those in self isolation or who just need help. Volunteers can collect groceries, pick up prescriptions, give you a friendly phone call or put you in touch with a qualified therapist to talk through your worries. There’s no cost for help.

We are all here for each other, please do get in contact if you need help or wish to volunteer: community@thehelphub.co.uk

For those outside of Bladon and Woodstock, many community groups have been set up and we will do our best to signpost you to help.

Bladon Community Pub Bid Submitted

We’ve submitted the Bladon Community Benefit Society bid to Greene King’s agents. All we can do now is cross our fingers and wait to hear.

Community spirit is alive and well in Bladon. We are so proud and humbled to be part of such a great community who has really pulled together to try and save the White House pub. Thank you to our 440 shareholders and all our supporters!

We’ll keep you posted with any news.

Stay safe and healthy.Bladon Community Benefit Society
bladoncommunitypub@gmail.com.