The community celebrating the purchase of the Bell at Yarpole.
What is the Mortimer Community Benefit Society?
The Mortimer Community Benefit Society (MCBS) was formed to secure the future of The Bell at Yarpole, Yarpole’s historic village pub, for the benefit of the local community.
For many years, The Bell Inn was a thriving hub at the heart of the village. However, in 2018 it became clear that Yarpole was at risk of losing its pub—most likely to property developers. Concern about losing such an important community space quickly turned into action, and a group of local residents came together to save it.
The pub plays an important role alongside the village’s other successful grassroots projects, including the flourishing village shop and The Gallery café. While these provide valuable services, a pub offers something unique: a welcoming social space where people can meet, eat, drink and spend time together. The aim has always been to create a friendly, inclusive village pub serving good food and drink.
Bringing this vision to life required significant commitment, energy and funding. The first volunteer committee, with support from organisations including CAMRA and Plunkett UK, developed a detailed business plan. A community share offer raised the necessary funds and, after some tense moments, The Bell was successfully purchased for the community.
Once acquired, a large team of volunteers dedicated countless hours to restoring and revitalising the building. From renovating the exterior and redecorating the interior to marketing, planning and project management, the effort drew on a wide range of local skills and expertise. The project would not have succeeded without the enthusiasm, knowledge and time generously given by so many people.
Today, the Management Committee oversees the ongoing running and development of the project on behalf of the Society’s shareholders. This includes managing finances, maintaining the building, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pub.
Following three unsuccessful tenancies, the committee has decided that the community will operate The Bell directly for the time being. Working in partnership with our chef, we currently provide food on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch. Demonstrating that the pub can operate successfully will place us in a stronger position to attract the right tenant to take the business forward in the future.
Although significant improvements have already been made, The Bell still requires ongoing investment. Long periods of neglect under previous owners left the building in need of extensive repair and renovation. While much has been achieved, there are still bills to pay, loans to repay, and a continuing programme of maintenance and improvements for which MCBS is responsible.
How Can I Get Involved?
Anyone can become a member of the Mortimer Community Benefit Society by purchasing shares in the Society.
Membership operates on a one-member, one-vote principle, ensuring democratic accountability regardless of the number of shares held. By becoming a shareholder, you are investing in the future of both the pub and the wider community.
Shareholders play an important role in the Society by:
- Voting on key decisions at Society meetings
- Electing the Management Committee each year
- Helping guide the future direction of the project
You can purchase shares and apply to join the Management Committee through this website. Complete a Committee Member application form.
It is important to understand that this is not a profit-driven investment. Shares do not normally pay dividends and cannot usually be withdrawn or traded. Instead, they represent a long-term investment in the wellbeing and sustainability of the community.
Your investment is secured against the building and land itself, ensuring that The Bell remains a community asset for the future.
The Mortimer Community Benefit Society is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, and a statutory asset lock ensures that the Society’s assets cannot be distributed for private benefit. This means the building will remain protected as a community resource for generations to come.