We’ve won an award!!

Who would have believed a year ago that this week we would be receiving a prestigious national award from the Plunkett Foundation!

Yesterday we became the first pub to win a Plunkett Foundation Rural Community Ownership Award, in the Better Co-operation category.

Pictured is our Chairman David Westley (left) accepting the award from Ian Rothwell (right) of Co-operative and Community Finance, sponsors of the award.

James Alcock, Head of Frontline at Plunkett Foundation said: “Bentley Community Pub represents a fantastic example of community enterprise. Their award nomination clearly demonstrated a community pub at the top of its game.  We wish them every success for the future.”

This is a fantastic moment in our incredible journey. None of this would have been possible without the support of so many people who have put so much into saving the pub. This award is for them all, and our certificate will take pride of place on display in the pub where it can be enjoyed by everybody. We hope this will inspire even more people to come and join us.

Our special thanks go to our committee member for Business Development Nicky Moxey, who has been instrumental in developing the processes and procedures for which we have been cited in our award. The judges were particularly impressed by:

• the large amount of legislation we comply with.
• the fact that we equip and train our volunteers thoroughly; volunteer training is face-to-face and volunteers are given a handbook of procedures and crib sheets. The judges particularly liked our ‘Don’t Panic!’ book located behind the bar.
• the way our new volunteers are paired with those who are experienced.
• our investment in technology to assist volunteers, ensuring all residents can be part of the team.
• our waiting list of volunteers!

For full details of the awards including the winners of all categories, visit the Plunkett Foundation website.