Weobley Community Benefit Society Limited 

(WCBS)

Has been formed and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, whose assets are to be used solely for the benefit of the Weobley Community. 

Why was it formed?

When The Sal went up for sale and closed there were doubts as to whether it would ever reopen. Enthusiastic community support resulted in The Sal being registered as a Legal Asset of Community Value, giving important support to the building continuing as a pub for the community. In January this year a small group of friends met to talk about how The Sal could continue as a community hub, and identified that ideally you need to register an organisation, which can campaign and raise money through share ownership, to potentially purchase a village pub and find a tenant/manager to run it.  

The Result

We registered as the WCBS under the guidance of CAMRA and the Plunkett Foundation ( a UK charity that supports community enterprise). All of us have invested start-up money in the Society to achieve registration and compliance with necessary regulations and operating costs. We are unable to act unless the pub is put up for sale, and the possibility of this has receded with a tenant being found. Fortunately, whilst the primary purpose of establishing the WCBS was focused on The Sal, we included provision to pursue other opportunities for Community Benefit projects.

The Current Situation and Opportunities

Weobley is a special place to live and work. As a vibrant village it requires ongoing development and maintenance to preserve and improve it.   There are many groups who do this currently ranging from the Friends of St Peters Church, the Weobley Footpath Team, the Play Area team, Litter Pickers and many others.  It is now our intention to refocus the WCBS on village projects. We are creating a website to communicate progress.

The membership

Founding Members of WCBS are;  Geoff Peat (Chairperson), John Shutler (Vice Chairman), Steve Dartnell (Treasurer), Frances Peat (Company Secretary), Ann Dartnell, Lyn Bruce.

Why go public now?

Community support and involvement is critical to the success of the Weobley Community Benefits Society to enable us to to identify projects, raise funds and seek grant opportunities. Nick Mason, our Ward Councillor, and The Chairman of Weobley Parish Council, Lorraine Anderson, are happy to support our endeavours. 

How can I get in touch?

We would love to hear your views, ideas and

suggestions for projects the society could consider. Our email address is: weobleycbs@gmail.com

Use the QR code to view our website.

Thank you. 

Geoff,  John, Steve, Frances, Ann, Lyn.