Farmers are often known for their involvement in local communities, no more so than in Somersham, Suffolk.
Here the farming families have been the cornerstone of support for the campaign to save a historic pub.
Some 20 months ago, the doors of the Duke of Marlborough closed. The owners, who had been running a great food-orientated business there for over 15 years were retiring.
More than 20 pubs are closing every week – and many of them are being de-licensed and sold as houses.
In a bid to prevent this from happening to the Duke of Marlborough, Dr Sarah Caston set up a campaign to ‘Save the Duke’.
It’s gained massive support from the community and last September shares went on sale to allow anyone interested in helping to save the pub to become a shareholder.
Over £260,000 has been raised in shares and loans during the past year, and chairman James Batchelor-Wylam is appealing to people across the region to do the last bit to make things happen.
Financial incentives
He’s asking anyone who cares about the region’s pub heritage to put their hands in their pockets to help buy and reopen the beautiful oak-beamed inn. There are also good financial incentives, he points out.
“Supporters will be saving a jewel in Suffolk’s crown, ensuring that over 500 years of hospitality does not come to an end,” he says.
"The personal benefit is that they will be able to take advantage of one of the two generous schemes set up by the government to encourage social investment.
"EIS and SITR offer 30% tax back on investments. Not to be sneezed at by anyone who pays tax!"
James is a senior partner at NFU Mutual, and a local farmer. The region’s farming community have played a massive role in the campaign’s progress.
They’ve run fundraising events in their barns, provided Suffolk Punches for PR purposes, hosted meetings, been active on the committee – and invested in the project.
Support of the farming community
“Without Sarah starting up the campaign and running it for a year, without James taking on the chairing of the committee, and without the support of the farming community, there would have been no prospect of getting the Duke re-open,” says committee member Frances Brace.
“With their entrepreneurial, can-do approach, we have a massive £260,000 in the bank – and are well on the way to achieving our goals!”
James Batchelor Wylam highlights the importance of pubs to agriculture, as well as to other local businesses.
He says this is especially true of Suffolk: “The Duke of Marlborough lies in a fabulous barley-growing area and within a stone’s throw of what is probably the country’s leading hop-propagation farm.
"Malted barley and hops are the key ingredients of beer, Britain’s national drink, and one of Suffolk’s best local products!
"Re-opening the pub will contribute to the success of all these parts of the supply chain – as well as providing a fantastic social hub," Mr Brace said.
