Government matched funding to help save The Oddfellows Arms
Following the announcement that the Oddfellows Arms Community Benefit Society have been awarded £156,000 matched funding from the Government Community Ownership Fund, the following statement was posted on the The Oddfellows - Higham on the Hill facebook page:-
""Many of you have already heard but we are very pleased to announce that we succeeded in our bid for the Government Community Ownership Fund and have been awarded £156,000 matched funding. This is based on our current share pledges and other funding. This is really positive as it shows the faith that the funders have in the project. We still need your support though to see the project through!
Here’s link to Luke Evans press release that he shared on the Higham Facebook page: https://www.drlukeevans.org.uk/.../oddfellows-arms...
He and the borough councillors have been very supportive throughout.
If you are in the parish you will be getting a leaflet from the Parish Council, inviting you to a consultation meeting on the 17th July and outlining the proposals for a Public Works Loan (PWL) to purchase the pub for the community. This approach is a tried and tested method for community groups. The Higham CBS and STOP team will also be there to help answer questions you might have about the project. The Community Benefit Society is a cooperative, so anyone who buys shares in the company can contribute to the planning and projects we develop. We are working on our shareholders pack and will be giving you more information very soon on how it works and how to buy shares but in the meantime keep pledging so we can show the community support we have.
Join the 200 supporters already signed up to be part of the CBS!
Find out more here https://savetheoddiespub.wixsite.com/stop/support""
Congratulations to all those involved in the campaign and fund raising to support this vital community asset.