THE campaign to save The Britannia Inn in Wells and to reopen it as a community pub is entering a new phase, as the group steering the project holds its first AGM.
The East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) raised more than £76,000 from its first share offer, which closed at the end of June. Several existing shareholders have expressed the wish to contribute further as and when they are able.
Fundraising efforts continue, with the committee investigating grants and affordable loans. A successful quiz night was held in July, and another one will take place on Saturday, October 11, at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall.
Now, as laid down in community benefit society rules, it will hold its first AGM on Monday, September 22, in St Thomas’ Church in east Wells. There are now more than 120 shareholders in the project to buy and reopen The Britannia Inn, and all shareholders will be invited to the AGM.
On the agenda will be the option of launching a second share offer with a likely target of £264,000. As also laid down in the society rules, there will be the chance for shareholders to put themselves forward for a seat on the management committee, including for key roles such as chair, secretary and treasurer.