About Us
management committee
As part of the initial consultation in November and December, to gauge interest in the project, a working group was established. As part of the community engagement process people volunteered to get involved. The initial Management Committee for the Community Benefit Society is represented by residents of the Upper Dale, farmers and local businesses.
Within the Rules of the Society at the first Annual Members’ Meeting all of the Committee stepped down and there were seven nominations for election. When the committee meets in May the below information will be updated and the committee will be represented by Mike Richards, Ian Evans, Louise Metcalfe, Justin Jupp, Chris Hopwood, Philip Metcalfe and newly elected Chris Mitchell.
Mike Richards (Chair)
Trained as a doctor and specialised in cancer medicine. For 13 years he was the National Cancer Director for England and led strategy development and implementation. Mike spent four years as Chief Inspector of Hospitals and during that time led the development and implementation of a new approach to inspections and ratings of hospitals.
In 1999 he led the development of a major programme to improve diagnostic services in the NHS. This was followed in 2022 with his appointment as Chair of the UK National Screening Committee aligned to the Department of Health.
Mike is a keen hill walker and has climbed all the Munros (hills over 3000 feet) in Scotland.
He is proud to be a resident of Muker and to have been invited to chair the committee for the Muker Community Benefit Society.
Louise Metcalfe (Vice Chair)
I’ve lived in Swaledale all my life and was brought up at Low Row and Mum and Dad had a farm and campsite. Trained at Darlington Technical College in Hotel Management and Catering. Worked at Kearton Guest House, Kings Arms in Askrigg and the Kings Head in Richmond in different roles in hotel management and catering. I’ve also worked in Farmers Arms, Kings Head Gunnerside, The Bridge Grinton, The Buck Reeth and baked for the Ice Cream Parlour.
I now run a campsite with 90 pitches plus extra when really busy. Also have a shop with takeaway options and we sell our own meat, merch, alcohol and baking. I am also Secretary of the Muker Clock Committee and Treasurer of Ivelet Pasture Committee.
I would like to see the pub get back to how it was when it was a busy hub and everyone would come.
Ian Evans (Treasurer)
I have lived locally for 8 years. I obtained a degree in Management Sciences from Manchester University and qualified as a chartered accountant (FCA). I trained with Arthur Andersen and was a partner in Grant Thornton for 25 years, culminating in membership of the global leadership team. In that capacity I had oversight of the finance, tax, and legal affairs of the global organisation.
Currently, I am chairman of a property management company and treasurer of Swaledale Festival, a charity that puts on 50 music events in the northern dales every summer.
My experience includes; advising clients on business sales and acquisitions; new business proposals; team leadership across multiple jurisdictions; preparing and managing financial budgets; recruitment and appraising performance of senior personnel; media relations and Arts Council funding applications and related reporting.
I am a keen walker and cyclist. I would like to see the pub revert to what it was famous for – providing a welcome to allcomers without the need for reservations. Somewhere to drop in for a drink or snack, or to enjoy home-made food, and to relax in good company.
Justin Jupp (Secretary)
I’ve spent nearly 30 years working in local, regional and central government across the public, private and third sectors. Initially coming from a wastes management background I progressed into street cleansing, housing, community safety, sport & leisure, health & wellbeing and a short period in revenue and benefits.
After spending many holidays in Swaledale over the past eight years, me and my wife Louise, made the decision to sell our smallholding in Essex and make the permanent move to Muker in January 2023.
I’m involved in many activities around the village and have really enjoyed finding out about the history of the area and gathering stories from the locals to appreciate the special community spirit that exists in the Upper Dale.
After playing rugby for over 20 years and then refereeing for another 10 years I’ve exchanged the boots and whistle for carpet bowls in the Public Hall and darts for the Farmers “B” team. The exercise now comes from enjoyable walks across the fantastic moors and fells whilst beating on the Gunnerside Estate.
Chris Hopwood (Community - Buildings)
Qualified with a degree in Biological Sciences and Certificate of Education. Worked in education in Sri Lanka and a short time in the UK. Worked 11 years in local government licensing and inspecting waste disposal facilities and managing the domestic waste disposal for Wigan District Council.
Renovated previous property and existing residence of 37 years in Swaledale. I have considerable experience of most aspects of property construction and maintenance both for self and local village hall. Worked for several years in self-employed property maintenance.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fell walking and visited Swaledale many times before choosing to live here in 1987. I first visited the Farmers Arms over 50 years ago and been a ‘regular’ there since coming to live in the dale and look forward to continuing to do so.
Chris Mitchell (Community Engagement)
I have lived permanently in Upper Swaledale for 13 years, and during this time I have run a holiday letting business with my wife, Suzanne.
I am also a volunteer with Keld Resource Centre, and enjoy getting out onto the hills whenever possible.
Being closely involved in the tourism business, I understand the importance of having a local pub catering to the needs of both visitors and locals alike. Having a vibrant local pub is key to the success of my business, and those other businesses associated with tourism.
Philip Metcalfe (Community - Farming)
Born and bred in Swaledale and farmed all my life. Partner in Usha Gap Campsite with my wife Louise. I am a Parish Councillor on Muker Parish, Director of Muker Show, Director at Hawes Farmers Auction Mart and also Director of Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association. I am also Chairman of Muker Moor Association.
Community benefit society purpose and objects
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, helping to:
- Ensure that there’s a year-round, accessible, community hub
- Re-enforce community ties
- Promote social, mental and physical well-being
- Support the provision of community services
- Support community initiatives
- Provide local employment opportunities
- Support local suppliers and the local economy
- Support the local tourism industry through promoting Upper Swaledale
- Ensure a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors
Community engagement
Public Presentation (November 2023)
Initial presentation to residents in Muker and Keld Public Halls
Public Presentation (March 2024)
Progress update presented at Muker Public Hall on 5th March 2024
Newsletters
Newsletter #1
December 2023
Newsletter #2
January 2024
Newsletter #3
February 2024
Newsletter #4
March 2024
Newsletter #5
March (2) 2024
Newsletter #6
April 2024
Newsletter #7
May 2024
Newsletter #8
June 2024
Newsletter #9
August 2024
Newsletter #10
September 2024
Newsletter #11
November 2024
Newsletter #12
April 2025
Newsletter #13
December 2025
Governance
Rules of the Society
Muker Community Benefit Society Limited was registered under Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 by the Financial Conduct Authority on 1st February 2024, registration number 9228.
annual members' meeting
The first Annual Members’ Meeting of the Society took place on Thursday 10th April 2025, attended by 105 Members in person and online.
Below you will find details of the reports presented at the meeting.
Annual Meeting Agenda
Thursday 10th April 2025
Annual Meeting Presentation
Slide presentation from 10th April 2025
Annual Report
Annual Report and Society Performance for 2024
Annual Accounts
Accounts and Financial Statements for the year ending 31st October 2024
State of Membership
Summary of Membership in March 2025 and progress against Membership objectives
Membership Strategy
Membership Strategy for 2025 including aims, objectives and benefits