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PROGRESS AND TIMELINE

Hi everyone

Just an update on what we’ve been up to over the last few weeks and some upcoming activities.

 

We had a great turnout for the Midummer Quiz last month with an exciting tie-breaker ending between family members – well done to the appropriately named ‘Actually in First Place’ for the win.  Next quiz is planned for 13th August so get the date in the diary!

 

Also, we plan to hold a BBQ on Sunday 3rd August from 2pm in The Haven garden.  This will give us a chance to meet informally and to share and develop some of the key challenges of the summer. 

 

One of these key developments will be the launch of the ‘Friends of the Haven Community Inn’ (a bit of a mouthful but it tells the story).  The Friends Scheme is going to be free to sign up for and is intended to keep current supporters fully up to speed – and to recruit and inform new supporters.  More to follow.

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We’re also going to be moving forward with the development of a detailed business plan for the Community Inn.  Central to this is being clear about what exactly we intend to do.  There have been great discussions about the continuation of the bar and the food – and, of course, the music nights, quiz, etc. 

​There have also been inspired chats around the extended activities of the community owned and operated Haven including:

  • Support for other clubs, young Mums, a walking club and lots more. 

  • Space to interact with council services and to run classes and various groups.

  • Creation of a casual coffee shop

  • Development of space for swimmers

  • The development of activities around the beautiful garden. 

 

The list goes on. However, we now need to move from aspirations to plans – what would each of these and other activities and facilities look like in detail?   Through feedback online and meetings in person, we want to move this forward starting now. 

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If you have particular views or feel you can help with this planning process, please get in touch here.

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​You can register for email updates, or email us with any thoughts and opinions at havenfutures@gmail.com

 

Craig, Vice Chair

The Haven Community Inn

December
 

  • Pre-initial public meeting. Craig Thomson of Cellardyke met with Trevor Gow, owner of The Haven, to discuss a possible community buy out.  
     

  • Craig brings together a small group to consider what might be achieved.  It is agreed that a public meeting should be held in The Haven early in 2024.

2023

2024

March
  

  • 1st March: Further public meeting in The Haven (attended by 53) to update the community on research so far.
     

  • Questionnaire issued at meeting.
     

  • Facebook page launched ‘The Haven in Cellardyke Community Buy Inn’.
     

  • End March: Letter drop to 2500 homes in Cellardyke and Kilrenny. 
     

  • Application to Plunkett UK, a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run businesses in community ownership.
     

  • Plunkett UK Seed funding approved £2,000. 

February
 

  • 1Feb: Public meeting in The Haven to outline the thinking, approx. 62 attendees. 
     

  • 18 Volunteers selected for a Working Group.
     

  • Project started as ‘The Haven in Cellardyke Community BuyInn’.
     

  • Temporary website established as a short-term way of communication.
     

  • 15 Feb: Meeting of the volunteers for the working group to discuss initial objectives, possible funding and support, experience from other community buy-out programmes, initial community consultation and legal status required.
     

  • Initial subgroups established from this meeting to follow up on these areas.

 April
 

  • 17 April: Steering Group established from members of the initial working group.
     

  • Draft Constitution issued and made available on the website.
     

  • Detailed meeting with Plunkett UK to discuss route forward to establish business plan and funding options. 
     

  • Contact established with Democratic Scotland and Scottish Land Fund.
     

  • 24 April: Public Meeting in Cellardyke Town Hall (80 attendees, 60 of these new faces).
     

  • Survey Monkey launched at the meeting with positive feedback from 155.
     

  • Feedback and summary of public engagement so far.

July
 

  • 30 July: Steering Group Meeting agrees to adopt the legal approach of a Community Benefit Society and also approves the Constitution document.

October/November
 

  • Events run by The Haven in Partnership with/supported by the Community Buy Inn team get underway with well attended monthly Quiz nights and sell-out St Andrews Night event.
     

  • Video meeting with Democratic Finance Scotland, a programme that supports community and social enterprises to secure their long-term financial sustainability.

2025

September 
 

  • 5 September: Steering Group Meeting.
     

  • Community consultation report received by Steering Group highlighting views of key groups and pointing to areas of consultation still required.
     

  • 25 September: Formally joined Plunkett UK
     

  • Agreed to adhere to Plunkett UK's Model Rules for the funding application.
     

  • Funding application to be submitted by end of 2024.
     

  • Steering Group to provide support to social events at The Haven during winter – music nights, quiz nights, St Andrews night etc.
     

  • Walk around video launched The Haven Buy Inn Community Facebook page outlining the possibilities for The Haven (12,000+ views and growing).

May
 

  • Registration achieved with FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) - WE ARE NOW A COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY​
     

  • This means we can move forward with funding bids
     

  • We are now called THE HAVEN COMMUNITY INN LIMITED

March
 

  • Draft application of the Community Benefit Society being reviewed with Plunkett UK.​
     

  • This new website went live on 26 March 2025
     

  • Social and music evening held on 26 March to update people and gather thoughts and ideas. 

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