The Lowther Arms Community Project Ltd (LACP) received a big boost to its funds this week when a local person bought £20,000 in community shares. This means the LACP is within touching distance of its £250,000 fundraising target to buy the Lowther Arms as a community pub.
“We’re so close, now” says Chris Atkinson, Chair of the project “and only need to raise another £37,500 in shares. This individual’s contribution is a huge boost to our project, and we’re delighted and extremely grateful for their investment.”
“We’d also like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped – we can’t believe how far we’ve come in such a short space of time! We’re a small village of 50 houses and Parish of just 465 people, but the response we’ve had from the community is unbelievable. Of course, there have been doubts along the way, but the support we’ve received from everyone including our 200 shareholders, our Patrons, Elaine & Malcolm Wilson of M-Sport Ltd, and organisations like Co-operatives UK, Plunkett Foundation, Key Fund and CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) proves we can do it!
“Experience from other community pubs shows that when the target is within reach, this draws in many more people who were sceptical at first, plus it increases the confidence of existing shareholders to buy more shares. Remember too, that, with every share you buy, you get a free entry into our fantastic Grand Prize Draw to win a beautiful, bespoke, original drawing worth £1,000!
People can invest from as little as £100, and what better gift could you buy this Christmas? Buying shares and giving someone a piece of their own pub is the gift that keeps on giving. Knowing you have helped save a pub that’s part of a community and being able to visit and enjoy the pub will bring pleasure for years to come.
It’s a very low risk investment (you can ask to withdraw all your money later), and you can feel good knowing that community pubs are making a big difference to the communities they serve. This has been particularly noticeable during Covid as these community hubs have provided support and services that otherwise wouldn’t have been available. Research shows that the power of community enterprises can fuel a rural recovery. Of course, should the unthinkable happen and we fail in our bid, all monies will be returned.
Says Chris, “We’re all pulling together, so let’s make this happen as soon as possible. The great news is that it’s win-win – the owners will get the sale they’re looking for and the community will have a pub – hopefully in time for Christmas! Cheers!”
Anyone who is interested in buying shares or making a donation can find out more at www.thelowtherarms.co.uk or contact Vivienne Coleman on 01900 881441. News is updated on the Face Book page @lowtherarmscommunityproject.
