The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
Half Moon & Spread Eagle
Winchester Road
Micheldever
SO21 3DG
Micheldever Hampshire SO21 3DG
Winchester Road
What’s happening to our pub?
Recent History In 2019,
Nick Warr and Phil Penton purchased the pub on behalf of the community. Volunteers from the village refurbished the ground floor on a tight budget. The pub was run to generate rental income for Nick and Phil, but challenges like COVID-19 and the hospitality downturn left them out of pocket.
Now, five years later, they can no longer support the pub.
Current Situation
Two main options are being considered: either new investors buy the pub, or the community takes ownership and runs it. If the community buys it, a Community Enterprise would be created.
What is a Community Enterprise?
A Community Enterprise allows a community to save a community asset and run it exclusively for the benefit of the community. The key elements of the Enterprise are that a Constitution is agreed that determines the composition of such a company based on shareholders whose interests are managed by an elected board.
Steps to Set Up A Community Enterprise
a. Set up a Working Group once it is clear that such an enterprise is wanted
b. Negotiate with the pub owners to determine a fair price, which will dictate the funds needed for purchase and working capital.
c. The Working Group consults the village to confirm the Constitution and share price.
d. An individual can buy one or as many shares as they wish and this is their shareholding of the value of the asset and their element of ownership of the asset through the Community Enterprise.
e. Funds are raised through shareholders, crowdfunding, and potential grants.
f. The pub is purchased and the Enterprise is accountable for the pub and its running. At the first AGM, a formal board would be elected.
g. The Enterprise hires and oversees the pub team on behalf of the Community.
What’s in it for me as a Shareholder?
A community enterprise benefits the entire community rather than a few investors. No rent is required, and profits are reinvested in the pub or used to provide dividends, as outlined in the Constitution. Shareholders have a say in the pub’s development and can sell shares back to the Enterprise.
More details will be discussed at the November meeting.
So what next?
If the community chooses to proceed, there’s much to do quickly, especially if we want the pub to stay open. First, we’ll gauge interest through a questionnaire, followed by a community meeting to discuss the Enterprise. The meeting is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday 15th Nov, at Northbrook Hall.
Please complete the questionnaire. - Download HERE
Or Click the QR code above
Face Book. ( Facebook link)
Telephone: 01962 774150
Email: halfmoonmicheldever@gmail.com
Monday – 5.00pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday – 5.00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, Thursday, 11.30am – 3pm & 5 pm – 10pm
Friday, 12 to 11 pm
Saturday 12 to 11pm
Sunday 12 – 5pm
Food served lunchtimes Wednesday – Sunday 12pm – 2.30pm, and evenings Wednesday-Saturday 6pm – 8.30pm.
Web-site Half Moon and Spread Eagle
The Half Moon and Spread Eagle, a beautiful old drovers’ inn dating back to 1703, is situated in the picturesque Hampshire village of Micheldever, overlooking the former village cricket ground.
History of Half Moon & Spread Eagle CLICK HERE
2020
