Mel Stride MP has paid a visit to The Stoke Canon Inn to see The Hub – a new community facility within the premises that opened in August that will provide valuable space for local groups to meet. The pub has been run by a group of volunteers since 2011, with the group purchasing the property in 2019. Mr Stride visited the pub in 2018 to lend his support to their fundraising appeal and last year supported their funding application for The Hub.
Pub volunteer Maggy Clark explained:
“We were very pleased to show Mel the newest addition to the pub – one which will help us cater for an even wider range of local groups, activities and events.”
Mr Stride added:
“Maggie and many others have done an amazing job in saving this special pub. They should be very proud of what they have achieved – this is an asset that will serve the local community for generations to come and I will continue to do whatever I can to support it.”
The pub is proud to be at the heart of the community in Stoke Canon, a place for family and friends to come together and for those who may be isolated or lonely to find support. In 2020 the volunteers were recognised for their work in the community with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award given to voluntary groups and the equivalent of a group MBE.
For more information about the pub visit www.stokecanoninn.com. For more information about how communities can seek funding to purchase at-risk assets visit www.melstridemp.com/cof.