April Update
Thanks again for all your messages of support in our continuing campaign to safeguard the long-term future of the White Horse for the benefit of the community. Pub gardens across England are due to reopen on the 12 April and we hope that the weather will allow us all to celebrate the occasion warmly in more ways than one. We haven’t yet heard whether the White Horse will be open on that date, but we are hoping to raise a glass in the garden as soon as possible.
We have had a few more questions about the financial aspects of our campaign and the sale, so here are some answers:
How much money did the society raise in share sales and donations etc?
£430,000
How much did the Society offer to buy to The White Horse?
The Society offered the asking price of £395,000 on 18 December 2020.
How much did the pub eventually sell for?
The pub sold for £385,000 on 29 January 2021.
Did the society increase its offer further before the pub was sold?
Yes, the Society offered considerably more than £395,000 to both the vendor and to the new owner.
Have you spoken to the new owner about his plans for the pub?
We have sent a number of emails to the owner asking to meet and discuss the pub and the community survey we conducted, but at the time of writing we have received no response.
What is the aim of the Society now?
Our aim has always been to safeguard the long term future of the last pub in the village for the benefit of the community, and we'll continue to do that. Your shares give us the means to act should the chance to own the pub come up again, or an application for change of use for the property (or any part of it) is made. As before, we would then campaign to purchase and operate The White Horse as a community-led venture along the lines of many similar successful establishments around the UK.
What is the Society doing to secure the finances it holds in the meantime?
The society’s money will be spread across five separate FCSC-backed accounts, held with Unity Trust Bank, Starling, Tide, Natwest and HSBC.
How much share capital has the Society spent?
No share capital has been spent. The campaign costs we have incurred were paid for through a grant from the Parish Council and other donations.
Can I still purchase shares?
No, we have closed the share offer for the time being as there is no immediate prospect of purchasing the pub. If anyone is interesting in supporting us in the future, please let us know.
Can I withdraw my shares?
Yes, you may do so at any time by contacting info@backthewhitehorse.com
Has anything else been done to safeguard the future of the pub?
Yes, Stonesfield Parish Council had renewed the pub’s listing with the District Council as an asset of community value. Councillors are in the process of transferring this now that the pub is under new ownership.
A message for our national and international shareholders
Your fantastic fundraising was and still is a crucial part in our campaign and we cannot thank you enough for supporting our efforts and recognising our commitment to our community. We are proud to have you as part of the campaign, and your continuing support will be a vital part of our safeguarding role. Once the easing of Covid related social restrictions allows, we look forward to thanking you in person should your travel plans permit a visit to Stonesfield. Do contact us if you require any local information about places to visit and things to do in the Stonesfield, Woodstock and Oxfordshire areas, and we’ll do our best to help.
Who can I contact for further information?
You can submit a question via our website at https://www.backthewhitehorse.com or email info@backthewhitehorse.com