Many of you will already know but we are very pleased to announce that earlier this month we heard that we had succeeded in our bid for the Government Community Ownership Fund and have been awarded £156,000 matched funding to put towards our refurb fund. This is really positive as it shows the faith that the government funders have in the project. We still need your support though to see the project through! The matched funding will help boost the funds we are raising via shares and other grants. We are working with the Parish Council to put a proposal to the owners.
This COF funding from the Government will help the Oddies project work towards providing the community hub & pub that we've been campaigning for.
We are so pleased to see all of our work finally coming together to provide the village with a much needed community hub is really exciting. Our vision has always been
to keep The Oddfellows at the heart of the village, with a shop, cafe and other services alongside the pub. Hopefully it will not be too long before we can throw open the doors of the Oddies again and welcome the community in!
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has been really supportive with our bid. He said “I’m thrilled that the Higham Community Benefit Society, residents and councillors have all been successful in securing vital funding for the Oddfellows Arms. Village pubs are so much more than a place to grab a quick drink. Pubs like the Oddfellows are a place for families, friends and neighbours to come together, for people to feel like part of their community and can be a warm and welcoming space in times of hardship. I’ve been so impressed by the dedication of the Higham Community Benefit Society and residents; it’s been my pleasure to raise this with the Minister on their behalf."
Jonathan Collett, until recently our Borough Councillor, has also been very supportive and said “This is fantastic news and will really help villagers in Higham who have been so dedicated with their Save the Oddies campaign. The Oddfellows Arms is an historic building and a key amenity for villagers in Higham on the Hill. It is so important it is saved. I’m thrilled to see the Government supporting the Higham Community Benefit Society.”
Dehenna Davison, Minister for Levelling Up, said “I am really pleased to see the local community stepping forward to take this community asset on and secure its long term future."
Look out for more updates and info about the project. If you want to know more get in touch on the contacts page and we'll add you to the mailing list.