The Miners Arms Community Association (MACA) was formed to explore options for a
community buy-out of the local pub.
The Miners Arms, Nenthead, Cumbria has been at the heart of the village for generations, first
opening its doors nearly 200 years ago. It closed in 2020 and has not reopened, it is now for
sale. Residents of Nenthead came together at a special community meeting recently to discuss
how they might go about saving their local, the Miners Arms. Since its formation, the Miners
Arms Community Association (MACA) has been busy researching what is required for a
community to successfully take ownership of a local pub and reopen it to the public.
MACA completed a survey with residents to better understand local people’s appetite for the
project.
“When we asked local people whether we should save our pub, the response was an
overwhelming YES!” said Simon Walker, Chair of MACA.
“The Miners Arms was a favourite of the village and a huge part of our local community. We want
to see it open again. It won’t be easy, but with the right support and the dedication of this
community I believe we can reopen The Miners Arms together.”
MACA has continued to research the possibility of a community buy-out, arranging meetings with
other successful community pubs and seeking support from The Plunkett Foundation – a charity
that supports community businesses.
A community buy-out requires significant investment. It is hoped that community fundraising
activities will raise a significant portion of the funds required, and there are options for grant
funding being explored by MACA. The intention is to form a Community Benefit Society and
issue a share offer scheme, where anyone can purchase shares in the Miners Arms, in exchange
they become a member of the Community Benefit Society and have a say in how the pub is run
in the future.
Simon Walker added: “There is a long way to go, and we are counting not just on the residents
but all those that visit our beautiful village to come together to restore this community asset. If
you would like to volunteer your support or have ideas for fundraising, we would love to hear
from you.”
The Miners Arms Community Association meets regularly, with members focussed on specific
activity that supports the plan to complete a community buy-out of the pub.
A justgiving page has been established to raise funds for initial project costs such as registering
as a Community Benefit Society and setting up a share offer.
If anyone has any questions, or would like to offer skills or resources to help the Nenthead
community to be successful in a community buy-out of the Miners Arms, please contact
minersarms.community@gmail.com
justgiving – Miners Arms Nenthead
Facebook group – Miners Arms Nenthead
