Following the successful screening of the Wales vs. England Six Nations match at the Village Hall on March 15th, we were pleased to confirm an extension of our Share Offer until March 31st. Now, our story could take one of two very different turns.

The First (and Happier) Ending

If we reach our minimum target of £200,000 through share sales, we will welcome dozens of new members as joint owners of the Community Hub. As shareholders, they will have voting rights in shaping how the business is run. The next step will be to provide the necessary information to Co-op Finance Bank for final approval of a £150,000 loan. Once secured, we can resume negotiations with the owner of the Plough and Fleece, aiming for a swift and successful purchase. Re-opening of the pub, relocation of the shop and post office, and creation of a cafe - a real community hub -  will follow.

The Alternative Ending

If we don’t reach our £200,000 target, we will, regrettably, have to withdraw our bid for the Plough and Fleece. Without a successful Share Raise, we won’t be able to secure the bank loan, making the purchase impossible. In this case, we will contact shareholders to discuss the return of their investments.

This outcome would also put the future of the shop and post office in jeopardy. Since November 2023, we have been renting the space from Barbara and Ralph while managing daily operations.  We would like to thank them for allowing this to happen. Without the financial means or an alternative location, we would have to begin planning for its closure.

A Heartfelt Thank You

No matter which outcome unfolds, none of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers. Over the past three years, they have dedicated, as a collective, hundreds of hours to this project. To those who assist Ruth in the post office, serve in the shop, handle deliveries, and to the founding members of the Cockfield Village Group—thank you.  Your efforts have made all the difference.