FAQs
We want to buy, renovate and reopen The Hoops as a community-owned pub / restaurant / café with a garden, play area and facilities for villagers and visitors.
A group of local residents has set up The Hoops Eversden Ltd. We arein the process of converting it into a Community Benefit Society (CBS) so the pub is owned and run for community benefit.
A CBS is a not‑for‑private‑profit organisation owned by its members. It must operate for the benefit of the community and has an asset lock, meaning its assets can only be used for community purposes. There are more FAQ’s on the CBS below.
We expect the value to purchase will be between £400,000 and £500,000. However, appetite in the market will determine the final sale price. We will need to raise more than the sale price to carry out essential renovation and fit‑out works. We are currently working towards a figure of £600,000.
The CBS will own the building and lease it at a discounted rent to an experienced operator who will run it as a pub / restaurant / café in line with our community aims.
We are following the wishes of the community, taken from the survey carried out in December 2025.
• Traditional Pub / restaurant / café (including afternoon tea)
• Secure child-friendly garden
• Bike racks and water refill station (and possibly basic bike repair tools)
• A retail space and daytime hotdesking
Right now we are asking for non‑binding pledges of financial support. This helps us show there is enough backing to proceed.
No. It’s an indication of what you might be willing to invest or donate. You will decide later whether to confirm it when we formally launch the Community Benefit Society and share offer.
We expect to raise money through:
• Community shares in the CBS
• Grants and loans where appropriate
• Crowdfunding
• Sponsorships and Partnerships for Businesses
• Donations
There is currently a moratorium on the sale of The Hoops, this runs out on the 16th April 2026. By then we will need to have collected donations, sponsorship, crowd funded and secured pledges to the value of £700,000. Property Purchases often take months to complete but expect to part with your cash in April / May 2026.
The main “return” is a thriving community pub. Some CBSs pay a modest interest on shares if finances allow. Any return will be limited and not guaranteed, and details will be set out in the share offer.
If we don’t reach a viable funding level, the project may not proceed. In that case, no community shares will be issued and pledges won’t be called on.
The fair rent and community backing should make this attractive to capable operators and the CBS would work with them to ensure success. Due to the asset lock, the building must be prioritised for community benefit and in the first instance of a tenant leaving, the CBS would seek a new operator.
As a member of the CBS (usually by holding a minimum share), you’ll typically have one member, one vote, regardless of how much you invest, and can vote on key decisions.
How do I pledge or find out more?
Community share FAQ
A Community Benefit Society (CBS) is a type of organization that is set up to benefit the community rather than individual shareholders. It is owned by its members, and it focuses on social, economic, or environmental improvements within the community.
Community shares are a way for local residents to invest in a CBS. By purchasing shares, members become part-owners of the society and support local initiatives that benefit the community.
Your investment will be used to purchase "The Hoops," cover renovation costs, and fund initial operations. The funds will directly contribute to creating a community hub that serves local needs.
The minimum price for each community share is currently estimated be set at £500, maximum £100,000 allowing residents to invest according to their ability. This will be confirmed in the Share Offering once we have the pledges confirmed and the project is deemed viable.
Community shares are designed to be long-term investments. While you can sell your shares back to the society under certain conditions, the primary goal is to support the community rather than making a quick financial return.
While your primary investment supports community initiatives, the CBS may offer modest returns in the form of interest on shares if financial performance allows, after essential costs are covered. However, if we are also funding by subscription on an ongoing monthly basis, it would not be fair to a subscriber who does not own shares for other who do to receive interest on their shares.
As a member of the CBS, you will have voting rights one member one share, allowing you to influence decisions about the operation of "The Hoops" and the direction of the society.
Yes! Anyone who lives in, works in, or wishes to support the community can invest in community shares and become a member of the CBS.
The CBS will regularly engage with members through meetings, updates, and community events to gather feedback and involve residents in decision-making processes.
Investing in a CBS helps secure local services, fosters community spirit, creates jobs, and ensures that decisions reflect the best interests of the community.
Supplementary questions
A Community Benefit Society (CBS) is typically run by a management team or board of directors that is elected by its members. Here’s a breakdown of how the governance structure generally works:
Governance Structure of a CBS
1. Board of Directors:
• Composition: The board usually consists of members elected from the community who have an interest in the society’s objectives. They often include individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Responsibilities: The board is responsible for overseeing the management of the CBS, making strategic decisions, ensuring the society adheres to its mission, and representing the members' interests.
2. Management Team:
• Operational Management: The board may appoint a management team or a manager to handle the day-to-day operations of the CBS. This team implements the board's strategic decisions and manages staff, finances, and overall business operations.
• Community Engagement: The management team also engages with community members to foster participation, gather feedback, and ensure that the operation aligns with community needs.
3. Members:
• Participatory Role: All shareholders (members) of the CBS have a role in governance by participating in annual general meetings (AGMs), voting on important matters, and having a say in the society's direction.
• Voting Rights: Members can vote on key issues, such as the election of board members, major operational changes, and financial decisions.
Accountability and Transparency
• Regular Reporting: The board is accountable to the members and must provide regular updates on the society's performance, finances, and community impacts.
• Decision-Making Processes: Decisions are made transparently, with opportunities for members to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions regarding the governance and future of the CBS.
Summary
In summary, a CBS is run by an elected board of directors, supported by a management team, with an emphasis on accountability to its members. This structure empowers the community to have a significant voice in how the organization operates, ensuring it remains focused on serving the community’s interests.
No – in a typical Community Benefit Society, they do not get more voting rights than you.
A CBS is normally run on a “one member, one vote” basis:
• You buy the minimum shareholding (say 1 share) → you become a member → you get one vote.
• Someone else buys the maximum shareholding (say 5 or 500 shares) → they are also a member → they still get one vote.
People can put in more money, but that doesn’t give them extra control. The rules are designed so the community stays in charge, not the biggest investors.
In most Community Benefit Societies, you can’t simply sell or pass your share to the buyer of your house like you would, say, a parking permit. Instead, what usually happens is:
• Membership isn’t tied to the house – it’s tied to you as a person.
• If you move away, you normally have two options (depending on the CBS rules):
1. Keep your share and remain a member (many CBSs allow this, especially if you still care about the project), or
2. Apply to withdraw your share, and the CBS repays you (usually at face value, and only if finances allow).
If the new house owner wants to be involved:
• They would normally apply to buy their own shares and become a member in their own right, rather than taking yours over.
The exact position will be set out in the CBS’s rules, which will follow, these rules will cover, amongst other things: -
• whether shares are withdrawable,
• how/when members can request withdrawal,
• and whether transfers are allowed in any special cases
Any other questions?
PLEDGE NOW TO SAVE THE HOOPS
The Hoops can be a thriving, multi-use community hub, but only if we act now.