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Skeeby Community Pub Society

Skeeby’s pub, The Travellers Rest, closed in 2008.  Until the early 2000s it had been successfully run privately.  It then was sold to a commercial pub company whose rent levels made the business uneconomic.  In 2010 a private developer bought the building, and applied for planning permission to convert it to a house.

Local residents opposed the application, and formed the SCPS to raise funds to purchase and restore the pub.  The campaign received much support and advice from other communities similarly working to save their local pubs.  The Plunkett Foundation, a British charity which works with communities to help them create and run businesses, has been particularly helpful.

Richmond District Council accepted the registration of The Travellers Rest as an Asset of Community Value.  Pledges of funds from locals and others far away were made, and in 2021 agreement to buy the building was finally reached with its owner.  Renovation plans were approved, and work commenced.  Volunteers gave many hours of labour, and professionals were hired for their specialisms.

The Travellers Rest reopened for business in May 2023.  The SCPS’s committee leases the premises to a tenant who runs the pub business.  The tenant pays rent to the SCPS, and the committee, on behalf of the SCPS shareholders who provided funds for the pub’s purchase and restoration, is responsible for the pub building and facilities.

The SCPS are recruiting new members to assist them in the management of the pub. You must be a shareholder, and in the first instance email the Secretary at info@thetravellersrestskeeby.com giving details of the skills you have to offer.

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