Community Champions Case Study

THE ALMA, COPFORD GREEN, ESSEX, CO6 1BZ - LUNCH CLUB

BACKGROUND Three years ago Derek Miller came out of retirement to take over the Alma in Copford Green, when he heard the previous landlord was calling time on the business. It was his local and he didn’t want to see it close. He has gradually increased trade to almost double what it was doing through hard work and determination to help the community, which they appreciate and have rewarded Derek by their custom. The trade when he took over was split 80% wet and only 20% dry, and although Derek wanted to do more food and provide subsidised meals for the elder residents, his hands were tied because the EHO had already indicated that unless the kitchen was given a complete overhaul then there would be a review of the situation to see if catering could even continue. PROJECT SUMMARY The Licensee wanted to establish a lunch club for elderly members of the local community but needed advice and financial help. He had the support of the Parish Council, and together with advice from Pub is The Hub, he was awarded a match funding grant by Essex County Council to refurbish the kitchen, so that he would be able to provide a Senior Citizens Luncheon Club, and this also meant employing at least one more local person for full-time work in the kitchen. OUTCOMES The kitchen has now been renovated and meals are provided lunchtimes and evenings with a Senior Citizens Luncheon Club running once a week, not only providing subsidised meals but also offering free tea and coffee plus papers and magazines, so that the elderly stay and socialise all afternoon. Derek has also set-up a Library Book-Swap Club that the OAP’s use on a regular basis giving them another reason for going out more regularly in order to combat social isolation. The Alma is the only pub in the village and Derek is a passionate believer in getting deeply involved working closely with local groups and organisations to increase the well-being of the community. With these facilities and charity events ongoing throughout the year for the local school-church etc, plus providing facilities for PTA meetings, School Committee’s, WI, and the local Cricket Club, Motor Bike Club and Car Club have helped the Alma to become the heart of the village. The local Pub is the Hub adviser, through the Local Community Champions scheme funded by the Big Lottery, worked closely with the licensee and brought in an adviser from Age UK Essex who was able to advise on the set up and development of the lunch club. LESSONS TO LEARN

• A vision of what the community needed from the licensee. • Gaining support of the Parish Council. • Able to successfully apply for a small amount of match funding grant from the County Council. • The lunch club provides a valuable service to the local community and also contributes to the vitality and

sustainability of the pub. PROJECT CAPITAL COSTS (EXCLUDING VAT)

Total project capital costs £10,000.00 Applicant contribution £5,000.00 Essex County Council Big Society Fund grant contribution £5,000.00

LICENSEE CONTACT: Derek Miller 01206 210607 PUB OWNER: Greene King EMAIL: mail@thealma.org.uk WEBSITE: www.thealma.org.uk PUB IS THE HUB CONTACT: Mr Terry Stork 01423 546165