The Iden Village Hall was the stage for a crucial gathering on May 1, as community members filled the venue to capacity to hear updates on the ongoing efforts to save The Bell at Iden, a beloved local pub. Under the leadership of chair Martin Chalet members of the Save The Bell committee shared significant progress and next steps in their mission to make The Bell a community-run establishment.
During the event, attendees were provided with detailed insights into the current status of the initiative and future plans. The Save The Bell committee has registered a community benefit society with its own bank account, website, and social media. With the management committee firmly established, negotiations are underway to purchase the freehold of The Bell.
The Save The Bell team has completed the valuation of the property and is currently in the middle of a structural survey. They are actively crowdfunding and applying for grants to cover the start up costs, including a substantial £250,000 grant from the Community Ownership Fund. The event also marked the preparation phase for launching a £300,000 community share offer.
“Our vision for The Bell is not just about preserving a pub, but about fostering a hub for community life and activities that bring us together,” stated Martin Chalet. “The overwhelming participation in our recent event exemplifies the community spirit and dedication. Now, we need to transform this support into tangible financial backing.”
How the community can help
The future of The Bell hinges on the success of the crowdfunding appeal and the community share offer. Residents and supporters are urged to contribute to the crowdfunding efforts and to pledge towards the share offer by visiting the website at savethebelliden.org. All pledges need to be gathered by May 17 to meet the submission deadline for the Community Ownership Fund application.
For more information or to ask questions please visit the Contact Us section on our website at savethebelliden.org.
Contact: Martin Chalet, chair
Email: info@savethebelliden.org
About Save The Bell Iden
The Bell Inn Iden Community Limited is a registered Community Benefit Society (FCA registration number 9244) formed by local residents of Iden, East Sussex, committed to preserving The Bell as a community-run pub that serves as a hub for local engagement and development. Through community ownership, The Bell Inn Iden Community Limited aims to maintain and enhance this historic establishment’s role in promoting local culture and community spirit.
Image Credits: Martin Chalet .