Welcome to Muker Community Benefit Society
Community purchase of the farmers arms
Background story
The Farmers Arms in Muker has been at the heart of the community since the mid-19th century, catering to the needs of both locals and visitors alike. If you’ve ever joined the community singing outside the pub at the end of Muker Show Day you’ll understand just how important it is.
The Farmers has been on the market for over two years, so we’re now developing plans for the potential community ownership of the pub. This could secure its future and ensure it is run for the benefit of the Upper Swaledale community.
With it’s prime location, its potential to cater for the many visitors to the Dale and the benefits of community ownership, we believe the Farmers Arms can be at the heart of Upper Swaledale for many years to come.
Steps to buying a pub
- Consult with the community – questionnaires, online surveys and public meetings
- Form a steering group
- Select a suitable legal structure
- Understand and develop your governance
- Decide on an ownership model
- Develop a business plan
- Raise the funds
- Purchase (and refurbish) the pub
- Prepare to trade
- Publicise the launch date and open for trading
Community Benefit Society purpose
The Purpose of the Society is to carry on business for the benefit of the community. The Objects shall be to secure and operate the Farmers Arms pub for the benefit of the community of Muker Parish and the wider community of Upper Swaledale.
the story so far
October 2022 – The pub was listed as an Asset of Community Value by North Yorkshire Council.
October 2023 – The proposal to look at community ownership of the pub was supported by the Parish Council.
November 2023 – Public meetings were held in Muker and Keld public halls to determine the level of local support for the project. These were attended by over 80 local residents.
November 2023 – A community questionnaire was circulated in hard copy, electronically and online to determine the views of residents, visitors and local businesses. Over 220 responses.
December 2023 – An Expression of Interest in the Community Ownership Fund was submitted and subsequently approved.
January 2024 – A visit from local MP, Rishi Sunak, to meet with locals and talk through proposals.
February 2024 – Muker Community Benefit Society Limited was registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
March 2024 – Public meeting in Muker launched the website and Share Pledges. An offer was made to purchase the pub which was accepted pending a successful funding application.
April 2024 – 450 pledges received with a value of £350,000. Application to the Community Ownership Fund submitted.
Muker Area
Muker is one of a number of small villages in the upper part of Swaledale. It is very popular with visitors both for its attractiveness as a village and for the various activities and facilities for which it is well known. These include its Silver Band, its wildflower meadows in early summer and its annual Show on the first Wednesday in September. It has a very well-know pub, The Farmers Arms, a well-regarded teashop, an historic church, a shop specialising in local wool products (Swaledale Woollens) and an art and crafts gallery (The Old School Gallery) which includes displays of local artists. There is a range of different types of accommodation with several houses and farms offering bed and breakfast alongside a number of holiday cottages and a camping and caravan site.
About Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK helps rural communities UK-wide to tackle the issues they face,through promoting and supporting community business. Plunkett’s role is to advocate and champion the concept of community business to ensure communities are aware of the model and its potential; feel empowered to take action themselves; and operate in a supportive environment. Plunkett provides practical advice, support and training to help communities establish and run successful community businesses with long term survival rates.
