THE RED LION COMMUNITY GROUP

When the Red Lion closed in 2017 a group of local residents came together under the title ‘The Red Lion Community Group’. The goal was to see the Red Lion re-open and resume its role at the heart of the community.

Early days were full of activity making preparations to be in a position to purchase the Red Lion should it be put up for sale:

• We studied local pubs where they had been successfully brought into community ownership

• Commissioned a valuation report on the Red Lion

• Joined the Plunkett Foundation which was established to support community projects

• Established Stathern Community Benefit Society (SCBS), registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. We now work under the umbrella of the SCBS

• Prepared to launch a Share Offer Scheme to raise funds for the purchase of the Red Lion

 

Since 2017 we have been active in opposing various planning applications to develop the Red Lion and grounds.

In 2021the Red Lion was offered for sale, triggering the Community Right to Bid as the pub is designated as an Asset of Community Value (see the History page).

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A large number of local residents turned out in summer 2021 to discuss whether or not the community wished to pursue this and the answer was a resounding ‘Yes’!

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A further meeting in July attracted over 35 people who wished to be involved in one way or another. A smaller committee was formed to take things forward raising funds and putting a bid together.

Our first step was to produce a survey, to understand wider local opinion and whether or not a community bid is viable. It also helped us access consultancy and funding. If you want to see the results of the survey, or even offer your views then you can access it HERE.

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Towards the end of 2021 we launched a Community Share Scheme. While this received significant support, raising a substantial amount in a short timeframe, we had to withdraw the shar offer when the Red Lion was removed from the market.

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The Red Lion has not subsequently returned to the market, but our group remain active and prepared to re-launch a Share Scheme to purchase the pub should the opportunity arise.

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Why is the Red Lion important to Stathern?

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Many people outside the village would say that as we have The Lily in the Vale (previously The Plough), and ask why do we think it is important to save the Red Lion? There are many advantages enjoyed by the Red Lion that cannot be replicated by ‘The Llly’:

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Given its unique location and the availability of the garden, it has been the venue for many local fundraising events in the past e.g. the Annual Summer Ball, the annual Party in the Park, and the Stathern10k.  These were annual events, and big income generators for the village. There were numerous smaller events throughout the year, which benefited from the Red Lion’s various facilities. 

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We have no significant car parking space in the village, and its central location near to the school and church is invaluable. For at least the last 14 years, (prior to the current owner taking over the pub) parents used the car park as a safe drop off and collection point for their children, and to attend school events,

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With close proximity to the church and the cemetery, it was an ideal place to meet before and after a service as well as providing refreshments and important car parking space, particularly for large events in the church (weddings, funerals, christenings).

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Located directly next to the play park the Red Lion is ideally situated to support events taking place on the play park (e.g. Party in the Park). Additionally, it provided an ideal place for parents to sit and socialise, whilst keeping a close eye on play.

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Many parents in and around Stathern will remember the Red Lion providing many generations of young people with their first work experience.

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As well as fundraising, the pub also hosted local events such as the local Jazz Club, birthday parties and celebratory events for residents and ran Band Nights, which were a great excuse for a village get together. The pub provided a great sense of togetherness and community feel, which has been lost since the closure. 

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So we think the Red Lion is worth saving. Even after many years of closure the advantages and value the Red Lion once contributed to our community can be restored. Do you agree? If so please join us!

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If you would like to be put on our mailing list to receive updates on our progress, please let us know via the Contact Us page. You can also follow our group on Facebook.