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Residents Group
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 1:47 pm: |      |
THE WHITE SWAN PUB - A COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
It has come to our attention that there is considerable interest in retaining it as a Pub. Our small residents group would like to conduct this simple consultation to gauge public feelings. We encourage you to share your views and how you see its future. We, and it seems many others, are keen to do something, as the Pub looks in a a sad and sorry state now.
Across the UK there are many Community owned Stores and Pubs. It is a growing trend as many more rural facilities have closed down. They are being reopened as Community owned facilities, sometimes doubling up village facilities and meeting rooms. And of course we would need to consider the various business models for buying the premises. However, it is just conceivable that the Swan with the right will and hard work, and if supported by the Community, could become a thriving hub of the community again and act as a real focal point for Bosham. As far as we know there has been no planning application submitted.
We will explain more at the meeting, as well as look forward to hearing your views.
Please note the following:
1) Wed 20th May, 7-7.45pm Public Meeting in St. Nicholas Hall.
2) Forms have been distributed to every house in the Village:
Please be sure bring yours to the meeting or place it in one of the collection points at Stores the Village.
3) Keep coming back to this website for news and updates on the Campaign.
You are welcome to post your views/ comments in the box at the bottom of this page.
Many thanks,
Chaloner Chute, Patsy West & Richard Tully
Reminder - Please bring your replies to the Meeting OR drop them in the various collecting boxes around the stores.
CAMRA website - examples of community involvement in Local Pubs.
(CAMRA = Campaign for Real Ale)
Our homepage |
Pete
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 4:14 pm: | |
I like the idea of a Community owned Pub but I am worried there is not enough parking.
Where will the money come from to buy it? |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 4:37 pm: | |
Hello Pete, I believe the idea is to sell 1,000 shares at £450 each.
If the Residents Group could just get 500 locals to come up with £900 each (2 shares - or 250 people at £1800 etc.) that could be enough to buy and renovate the Pub into something nice for all of us. I know that a Business plan is currently being formulated and of course it all depends on raising the funds first. I like the idea too. But also, as an ex hotel manager / restaurant owner I think this venture has very real possibilities to offer a good commercial return to investors. So, it's not just semantics it's good biz too!
Tony. |
anon
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 4:03 pm: | |
I have lived in north Bosham for several years and I hated the Swan as it was always full of yobs and fights. I went there once but never again. What we need is a nice family pub with good food. I'm sorry to say it but I dont think you stand a chance of getting 1000 people. Maybe you should think about getting 10? |
Peter Horrocks
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 6:47 pm: | |
i whole heartedly support the idea to revamp the pub.It is a much needed watering hole and meeting place for the village, and for those from outside the area who enjoy a drink before visiting the indian resturant. It does however req to be run as a family pub providing food and catering for the good people of the village and keeping the yobs out. Steve who ran the pub for many years had a well balanced clientele and very little trouble. lets see The White Swan put back on the map and not cast as The Ugly Duckling. |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 2:31 pm: | |
 |
Steve
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 3:44 pm: | |
Those pictures are good and really show that it is truly a "historic" pub. However I too am worried that there is now no garden and no parking. I think it has been ruined by allowing those little houses to be built in the back, and what is that stupid little place being sold for next door?!!! Who would ever want to live there?
Sorry, I'd like to be more supportive but sadly I think the Swan has become a dead duck! |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 4:09 pm: | |
Hi Steve, I hear what you say about limited space, but I'm not sure you're right.
Firstly, there is plenty of parking in Penwarden Way and, even though the local homeowners might not like that thought, they would if it was a good "hub" for their local community which they could enjoy and use (meeting rooms, guest rooms perhaps, or upstairs restaurant bistro style, with a traditional British Pub menu downstairs?) - something that would increase their property values because it's such a "cool" place to live near.
Secondly, yes I agree it's a shame about no garden - but there may be an opportunity to buy both properties -- the other being the "little one" next door that you refer to, and knock that down. I totally agree with you that no-one in their right mind would buy that as a home.
Like I said above, I think this is a viable business opportunity. I see a place that serves the very best home-made pies, game, savoury sossies, fresh cockles-mussels (alive-alive-o) and ploughmans etc. (after all, it was once a bakery  With Real Ale to boot, darts, pool, cards, quizzes, theme nights --- and a cosy Bistro upstairs serving really good steaks, fresh local fish and some unique vegetarian dishes in a romantic atmosphere! If we buy it - own it - and let a management team of no more than six people run it, I think it could be wonderful. I'm talking Gordon Ramsay here!!
But please understand these are my thoughts only. I'm not part of the Residents Group, but as "webservant" I am publicising the cause - as is my duty - just happens to be one that I believe in too (without bias, as anyone can post their opinions here). Personally I really like the idea of having a community pub - just as long it does not have a management group or committee comprised of all the "owners" (that would be a nighmare for the poor manager!) |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 10:00 pm: | |
The Public Consultation - Standing room only !
Tonight's consultation could surely have left no-one in any doubt about the strength of feeling for keeping the White Swan Pub. There are of course many issues yet to be faced, but the meeting was conducted in good faith simply to establish whether Bosham locals were interested in retaining this historic facility for community use.
The meeting was very efficiently chaired by Patsy West and an informative, concise presentation made by Mr. Chaloner Chute. The process took less than 35 minutes and when the vote came it was counted as 62 for, and 2 against. On that basis, although sensitive to the objections, the Residents Group have now obtained the remit to take things forward to the next stage
Further announcements will be made here in due course. In the meantime your comments will continue to be welcomed.
. |
Peter
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 1:07 pm: | |
Sorry to miss the meeting, glad to hear it went well. I'm 100% in favour. I like your point about property prices incresing, that sounds right to me, lots of places in london are in BIG demand near trendy hangouts! |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 2:00 pm: | |
Thanks for that Peter. I know that some residents in Penwarden Way are slightly worried (and one very opposed) but I do think we could go a long way to making it a hub for the whole Community -- North, South, Hoe, Broadbridge, Old, New, Bosham - call it what we may - it is ONE community, and we are ALL very fortunate to live here! |
Patsy West
Member
Username: Patsy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 2:53 pm: | |
Have just been speaking with Mike from BBC Radio Sussex. They are giving our campaign a slot on the breakfast show at about 8-8.30am tomorrow. Chaloner will be speaking about our meeting and hopes to save the pub.
Best regards, Patsy |
Chaloner Chute
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 5:20 pm: | |
We were so pleased at the magnificent turn out last night. And the response has been fantastic! Lots of ideas emerged and a huge number of survey forms to sift through.
Many thanks for the great number of offers of help too. Invaluable.
We need to be careful about quoting figures and numbers. There is no consideration of Shares yet, let alone an appropriate business model. We shall be forming a Steering group next week to take this exciting project forward. Then we shall assess one or two other successful pubs run as community schemes, and get down to the business of conducting a professional survey and evaluation.
We shall report back once we know more.
Many thanks again for all your enthusiasm and support. It will drive us on!
Chaloner Chute |
Sue
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 5:26 pm: | |
Ha ha - you made me laugh so much with your Lord Braodbridge and Sir Medina pics. I can't think of two more worthy suspects. Serious subject but thank you for making it a bit less heavy! We want our Pub back, and to share it with others wold be a good thing. If there was a posibility to share it with the whole village and others it could be great. |
Cautious
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 5:50 pm: | |
Chaloner, please just be VERY careful not to allow any of the previous landlords back, They were the ones who ruined it for us who LIVE HERE. I could say much more but that's all I want to say now. Thanks. |
guess who?
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 6:12 pm: | |
Just got home from work, love to go the swan for a pint but I can't, so i'm of to the berks. see u there |
Local family since 1948
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 7:06 pm: | |
Also sorry to say, but I think the Swan is doomed. It has no garden, no parking, no space at all. It's a pokey run down sxxt building that may have been a historic inn once but is now a waste of space. I think it should be knocked down and the current owner locked up for allowing it to get into such a fxxxing state, he obviously did not care about our community at all, so i hope he rots in hxll.
[This message has been auto-moderated to remove bad language or slang words. Words considered offensive are replaced with x] |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 1:13 pm: | |
I'm also of the opinion that the current owner should not have allowed it to get in such a state. I'm firmly of the opinion, that businessman or not, there is a certain 'noblesse oblige' that should be recognised when taking on a community asset or service. To simply ignore the community proves that he is a taker and not a giver. I firmly believe that givers also 'get', and are more spiritually fulfilled for doing so, hard headed business man or not. As to whether he should 'rot in hell'; I wouldn't wish that on anybody, even if it exists. I think we should look forward from this place and be GRATEFUL that the owner has placed us in this new, positive position. After all, he brought us here. |
Joan
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 2:33 pm: | |
I agree with everything Neil says EXCEPT I think it is a total disgrace that the owner let the pub run down so badly!! We have nothing to thank him for at all  |
Chaloner Chute
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 7:02 pm: | |
This is proving quite a lively forum. Great! Please tell friends so they too can join in to discuss issues and put their point of view across. It is one of the consultation mediums we shall use.
I agree with much said, and would just like to re-assure Cautious about prospective new landlords/ladies. If we proceed to Management team and staff appointments phase, after all the other steps, I envisage an interview process to get the right candidate(s). We are looking at forming the Steering group on Monday...yes, we shall be working on the case Bank Holiday!
I enjoyed y session on BBC this morning. Good questions and got most of our 'issues' out there.
We plan to do an insert for the June Downlands magazine, and shall be enouraging people for a little money to start paying for early costs like printing, surveys etc. With this in mind, Patsy and I are opening a temporary account at the Post Office with 2 signatoiries for good order.
If you are able to contribute say £10 each at this stage, it would get us off to good start.
Please keep a record of any contributions you are able to make. We were pleased there seems to be one or two Book-keepers out there we can ask for help.
Enjoy the week-end everyone.
Chaloner |
Cautious
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 9:44 pm: | |
Thanks. I'd be happy to donate to the cause but as yet we have heard nothing of how the money is to be raised? If you are seeking 1,000 people to donate £450 each (or 500, 250 100 people, whatever) I think you are optimistic. Can someone throw some light on this please. |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 8:54 am: | |
Im afraid I can't, at this point only Patsy or Chaloner could address this issue.... See his message above about a steering committee and then reporting back next week. |
Dave French
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 5:46 pm: | |
Posted a link to this on FaceBook.
No community should lose its pub, they are vital. Patsy and team, I hope you succeed. |
Chaloner Chute
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 4:25 pm: | |
Hello Cautious
Just to re-iterate my early point. We are not ready to make a big Ask for funds to buy the pub back yet. We have several hoops and phases to go through first - not least a survey, a business plan and necessary research and due diligence to make sure we get this right as possibly can.
We shall not be asking for £450 each - more along the lines of donate what you can...and possibly a Share holding/Equity structure, but must wait and see.
Any early monies required - to be properly recorded - will be small sums, almost said, Beer! - and strictly for initial costs of printing, website creation and hosting, surveys, expenses incurred.
Hope this clarifies matters. |
Nick
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 2:56 pm: | |
Hi, great website. I hope you all succeed.
I used to live in Bosham and used the Swan a lot, it was a good pub but because its on the main road it attracted a few strange characters.
Nick |
Steve Hill
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 5:06 pm: | |
I live in Fishbourne and used to visit the pub as the beer was always great.
I would like to get involved with the campaign in some way as there are so many pubs disappearing... |
Ben
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 12:59 am: | |
The White Swan has been there for the 25 years I have been around and although it's a well known landmark if it was renovated the new manager would need to make it more family orientated and more friendly. With the last few landlords whenever I went in there the staff seemed unfriendly and some of the regulars were also unfriendly. It would need to be changed from what I remember it the last time I was there as a dingy den of the same people over and over making the "outsiders" feel unwelcome to a place people will want to visit more often.
Plus with those houses behind taking the car park and beer garden away things aren't looking too promising. |
mr grumpy
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 2:22 pm: | |
I have lived in bosham (broadbridge whatever!!) for many years. I hated the pub because it was a horrible place with no atmosfere and now it's even worse with no garden no parking and most of it sold off. I say good riddence to it. I think you are wasting your time and I hope you are. |
Tony Black
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 2:39 pm: | |
Wow Mr Grumpy, you are indeed grumpy
I hear what you say and, judging from some of the above, you are not alone... BUT would you reconsider your thoughts of riddance if you could be assured things would be very different? Personally I think they could be. When you look at the photos above you see the faces of lots of guys and gals who really do care - and are equally as concerned as you - but willing to support it and give it a go.
In reading Chaloners comments you'll see that a very thoughtful process has only just begun. Time will tell. |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 3:36 pm: | |
My wife and I used to drive to The Swan from Emsworth when it was run by Steve Woods. We went there BECAUSE it seemed to be the only real pub for miles around that consistently made us and our two children (then 4 and 6) welcome. It had a skittle alley for the kids to get rid of their energy, and no one tutted. We moved to Bosham some 6 years ago, and my kids have always felt very comfortable in that pub. Until the last 3 years. I WANT to see it back as it was. The most diverse welcoming clientelle it's ever been my pleasure to sup with, and I want to be able to take my (well behaved, now 10 and 12)kids in there again, regularly. |
Ben
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 7:01 pm: | |
Don't waste your time with people who do not have anything productive to say. From the information given the proposal sounds good but finding the funds to do so will be the hard part. Also I am sure there are various people of trades in Bosham who can donate a Saturday afternoon to helping using their skills to rebuild and renovate the pub. |
A V Monk
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 6:42 pm: | |
I used to frequent the White Swan in the mid seventies-mid eighties (when Hayden & Anne had it)It certainly was the best around and eventhough I was'nt a local (I'm a Surrey man) I made many good friends. I hope something can be done as I always remember it as a friendly family pub. I got a shock when I rolled up there with the Mrs last week only to find it empty! Good luck! |
Patsy West
Member
Username: Patsy
Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 6:01 pm: | |
Hi. I thought I would add to the debate myself as I have kept quiet ... not deliberately. Just to update you all. I have had at least two phone calls a day from folk who want to show their support for the pub. I had a lady from Emsworth, who said she hasn't used the pub before, but would love to support the campaign in any way she can. She said she would love to have a meal there one day!!! wouldn't we all! The first meeting of the working group to get things moving on the next phase will be meeting next week and we will let you know what comes of that. Thanks for contributing to the lively debate --- this is proving to be a very interesting project and am meeting some really great people along the way. |
milky
Guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 5:27 pm: | |
if you get the swan up and running il be moving back to bosham from the isle of wight.
the white swan was the best pub ever and so was everyone who drunk there GOOD LUCK ALL . |
Phil
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 2:12 pm: | |
So... what happened to the dream? I'm hearing that it's dead... what a shame if so? |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 24
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 2:22 pm: | |
Hi Phil, sorry I don't know. I hear all sorts of rumours but nothing confirmed. Yes, I've heard that the project has crashed and burned - but I'm not sure. I know their new website is still online but the action plan and diary now appears to be empty?
I'll contact Patsy or Chaloner and see if we get the full story...
Tony |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 25
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 2:41 pm: | |
Hi again, just spoke to Patsy. Apparently there was a glitch in the matrix but the project is still alive, with some new folks involved.
Patsy hopes to post an update here within a few days.
Tony |
Ian Ellis
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 12, 2009 - 12:11 pm: | |
Hi; we're having a public meeting tonight 12th October about our last village pub - the Oddfellows Arms in Pulborough. Just discovered your possible campaign (via CAMRA website). Can anyone please give me an update on progress? |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 26
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 9:40 am: | |
Sorry, apparently not. We keep hearing that it's dead in the water but just don't know for sure what will happen |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 29
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 26, 2009 - 12:19 pm: | |
Update: spoke to Patsy today, the syndicate is definitely disbanded and the pub remains on the open market. Apart from that, no news. Sorry.
Anyone who has an interest may like to keep an eye on the CDC Planning applications online. |
dancingchocoholic
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 09, 2010 - 8:15 pm: | |
Hi,
any news on this project? Would anyone like to see this as a Tearooms perhaps serving light lunches? |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 1:51 pm: | |
Hello all - We are a couple from Emsworth and we have had our offer accepted on the White Swan. Our plan is to refurbish this lovely old building and reopen the White Swan serving good quality food using local produce and real ales - a real family affair! Not sure on timescale at present but we are hoping the sale will be completed by Christmas and subject to planning and relicensing we hope to be open and serving you by Easter 2011.
WATCH THIS SPACE ...once the sale is completed we will set up a new website so that our progress can be followed by you all.
We very much look forward to meeting you all soon. All the best. |
Broadbridge Mill
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 2:40 pm: | |
What a great project and it will definitely be a success. This will be a perfect meeting place for everyone in the New Bosham community and give the entrance to the village a well earned face lift. Wishing you all the best, Cheers! |
John
Guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 05, 2010 - 8:54 pm: | |
I'm afraid this couldn't be worse news for residents in Penwarden Way and Station Road - probably quite a few Williams Road residents, too. Impossible levels of noise (we understand the licensing application includes a request for live music to 23.15 daily), no parking, repetition of the levels of public nuisance seen over the past few years before the last landlord gave up. Need we say more ... |
ron
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 - 10:46 am: | |
John,
If and when the White Swan re-opens it will be down to the locals to shape it in to the kind of pub they want. I know many of the north Bosham crowd have taken up going to the Berkley Arms which does not seem to suffer the problems you refer to. Perhaps if the locals get behind it this time they can influence what kind of pub they have and perhaps it will be a good local amenity rather than a total eyesore as it is now.
Live music does not need to ring alarm bells either.
I wish people would stop the "Nimby" attitude around the Chichester area and got behind enterprising people, no-wonder there are so few local businesses left. |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2010 - 11:20 am: | |
Hi, I'm glad something positive is happening with the Swan. I designed and hosted the Save Our Swan website and reluctantly took it down when the campaign floundered. I'd like to be involved again. Shame there's so much opposition from those who have bought houses next door to a pub. It's like buying a house next to a working boatyard and then complaining about the noise |
local
Guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2010 - 7:37 am: | |
Its a shame to see the pub in the state its i right now, I walked past the other day and looked in through a window and the floors were under water.
So i hope who ever buys it has the money to repair the whole roof, and properly this time.
ive checked the council website and the couple wishing to open it as a pub want live music on EVERY FRIDAY SATURDAY and SUNDAY'S till 2 AM !!!!!!!!!!!!
may i ask what are they thinking, 2 AM in a small village, it was a pub not a bl**dy night club.
and i bet the guy next door who's just paid over £300 grand for his house is going to love your ideas of loud music till 2 AM and cars parked everywhere.
its never worked as a pub, and never will, thats why a brewery hasnt bought it !!!
a very un happy local !!! |
Ron
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 8:40 am: | |
To "Local".
You will find that most pubs apply for a license that covers them up to these hours as it is easier to have this than having to go to council for one-off applications for things like New Years Eve etc.
It has already been stated that the new pub management want to run it in a family friendly way so I think you are being over-dramatical about it being a "night-club", perhaps a bit of perspective is needed here?
Who over paid anything like £300K for house should of perhaps realised that the pub may be re-opened.
You cannot say it did not ever work as a pub, it clearly did for many years, longer than I have been in Bosham!
It is a shame the Nimby attitude is in force here in Bosham, it really lets the place down. No doubt the same miserable people that feel compelled to write the most mind-numbing complaints to the Chichester Observer each week over the most trivial of matters. There are much more pressing problems at hand locally and nationally and all we hear is a small minority of local village busy-bodies moaning the whole time.
Get a life! |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - 9:39 am: | |
Dear "local"
I refer to my previous comment. Why would anyone buy a house next to pub and moan about the occasional noise ?
I agree with Ron. The pub worked really well for a long time until it was sold to the current owner.
Anyone who wants to moan about the parking on Penwarden should have a word with the current owner. There used to be very adequate Car parks to the Pub back and front. now there isn't. Blame him, not the new customers |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2010 - 3:01 pm: | |
Thank you Ron and Neil for your support.
You are absolutely right with regards to the way the license application is worded -it has to be open ended so that we can choose which night we would like to have music on but I can assure you that we are not planning on having live music more than once a month and what we had in mind is more towards Jazz & dinner rather than what was played there before.
Dear John and local - We are not the previous landlords. Please do not write us off without having met us. We are not planning on having a night club at the premises - that could not be further from what we have planned -it is just the way the license application has to be worded.
We are a family with 3 children under the age of 5 years who will be living on site - need we say more?
We plan to offer good food, real ales and a nice local place to meet up with friends and eat and we very much hope that our business will succeed and be supported -please do come and meet us and support us.
And as for parking we have parking for 10 cars in our car park at the back. We do hope however that primarily it will be a pub for locals who will not need to drive to us. |
anon
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2010 - 9:53 am: | |
I find it staggering that more people are interested in the pub opening or not than the clousure of the fire station..........weird. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2010 - 1:16 pm: | |
I do think it is a terrible shame that the fire station is to close - especially with the flooding in Emsworth and Chichester last week - i wonder what their priority would be between flooding and putting out a fire if services were over stretched
Where does that leave the nearest station - Emsworth? |
local
Guest
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2010 - 12:23 am: | |
Nick & Tina
its not just re opening the pub, its the fact its not one any more because of the allowed development around it,
Its to me the fact that the building is not in a very good condition any more and im worried that another 'pub' style business venture will fail..... but will more importantly fail the building its self.
the building has only been 'patched' to keep the previous traders open.
The trouble is with a building like that is it wont take that sort of maintenance and survive.
could you explain your ideas for the restoration of this building please.
are you having the roof patched up or will you have it properly removed etc as you can see from outside the roof's in a bad way and needs some costly attention.
The main chimney breast also looks to need some major work.
im just wondering from how you have described yourself, as a young family, if you (without being rude) have the large funds to do justice to this fine building.
''We are a family with 3 children under the age of 5 years who will be living on site - need we say more? ''
well yes! i think that rather 'odd' statement lacks the understanding of the locals thoughts and concerns.
as nice as your children maybe what has having children got to do with the way you operate your business please???
and live music once a month maybe too much for the poor guy in the building attached to the pub, yes hes bought a place next to the pub............ but i bet as sure as god made little apples, he was sold that place with a hint that the 'pub' will never re-open now the houses have been built........ i feel sorry for him !!
sorry not wishing to sound like im personaly having a go at you cause im not.
Its just I think you could have done a bit more PR work out in the public eye, not from behind a computer screen, just to see what the 'locals' may think.
in one breath you say its not going to be based around being a pub, more eating.......... then you say ''We do hope however that primarily it will be a pub for locals who will not need to drive to us''
trouble is the locals werent enough last time to keep it going, and i dont things have gotten better since then.
i wish you luck but i think your going to struggle to get enough trade ! |
Pete
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2010 - 1:03 pm: | |
I've been reading this with interest for some time but have not replied. I will now as I'm so cross with whoever "local" is (no guts to declare him/herself?)
The fact is 'Local', your interests are purely selfish. You bought a house near a Pub that was there long before you were, so what do you expect? It's like buying a house on Arnold Way and then complaining about train noise.
Stop moaning, or better still move! |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2010 - 3:09 pm: | |
Yes the building is in a shocking state we agree and yes we understand that in the past there have been serious problems with the pub with choice of not quite so wholesome clientele, and noise levels.
We estimate that the building needs at least £100K spent on it - from a new roof to a complete rewire to a complete refurb - oak flooring, new commercial kitchen etc. We have been getting trades in to quote for work etc and have appointed local architects for the drawings so yes we have given it some serious thought.
We have also met with Dr Wightman CDC listed buildings on site and spoken with him at lentgh on our plans and as far as I am aware we have his support.
re living on site with 3 children - what I was trying to convey was that this is going to be our home as well as our business. We are not going to do anything to jeopdise this and I certainly do not want to be up til 2 in the morning on a weekly basis when our children are up at 6am come hell or high water! Roudy noise from downstairs is not going to be heatlthy for family life.
We want a lifestyle business that fits around our family which for the most part means no late opening, no regular loud bands and imput from locals who wish to go out and have a nice meal with decent wine and beer in a relaxed atmosphere
We sincerely hope that with the complete refit and a new homely feel to the place, offering real ales and good wholesome food, occasional jazz evenings and which most importantly is a business predominately run by us (not just managers put in place)-locals will come out and support us -even those who did not come out before because the pub and its clientele in its former days was not their scene.
We would also like to start up a local darts team if this is what is wanted by those who are coming in and supporting us but we are absolutely not interested in those who want to come out and simply get legless or cause trouble on their way home -this is not our scene at all.
As for the cottage next door - despite the rumours circulating it has not been sold - it is still owned by the people who did the conversion and it is tenanted out. We have met the tenant (last Monday)and she seems very nice and is aware of our plans and is not as far as i am aware planning on leaving the cottage.
As for PR - we are absolutely open to suggestions as to what is wanted by those who live locally - in my original blog I think i said that we would start up our own website so people could clearly follow our progress- we will put up regular pictures of the conversion and anyone who is legitimately interested in what we are doing is more than welcome once work begins to make contact with us through the website and visit us and take a look for themselves.
I think we now have a clear idea of what is wanted and what is not and I hope that we are all wanting the same thing but please do use this as a forum for suggestions before our website is up and running. We very much look forward to hearing from you.
Does this help with your concerns? |
John
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 8:58 am: | |
I have been watching this thread but never commented up until now!
I can understand 'Locals' comments, the pub has never been a success, just a local place where youths hang out and intimidate people. I can't see this changing it's just 'one of those places'.
The building is in a dire state, and you have said it's needs atleast 100k spent on it, so i presume you won't be moving in for some time especially with 3 small children?
I do not think that Bosham needs another restaurant type pub, it has never succeeded in the past and I think the fact we are in a recession eating out for many is not an option, The Beefeater down the road is very quiet as is the The Barleycorn, I do believe privately owned pubs will soon be a thing of the past.
Good luck. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 9:34 am: | |
Pete we fully understand and respect Local's views and concerns - yes i agree it would be nice to know who he or she is but at the end of the day we hope that we can find some common ground and win his or her support for our venture. Obviously we can only do this by knowing what those concerns are in the first place so constructive opinion and concerns are absolutely welcome - at the end of the day we are wanting to invest a huge amount of money time and effort into getting the White Swan back up and running.
I am not sure that a back and forth slanging match is going to really do anything other than cause further problems and upset.
We want everyone's support so knowing the full story is absolutely in our and your interests.
Local can i ask are you one of the people who have put in strong objections to the licence with the council? If you are then can i please reiterate - We are not cowboys in for what we can get and we are not the previous landlords.
We truly see this as a long term project and hope that The White Swan can once again become the hub of the local community meeting everyone's needs which was what was originally wanted by the steering committee who set up this site and which had so much support in the early days |
Nick &Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 12:13 pm: | |
well John i guess with that attitude i am sorry to say we will not be seeing you anytime soon |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2010 - 1:57 pm: | |
I think another public meeting may be of use to us all so that we can meet face to face and discuss things further.
I have also approached CDC Licensing and West Sussex police with a view to their attending as I think this may be helpful.
Neil has suggested St Nicholas' Hall and i am checking availability.
I will post the date and time etc when I know more. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 2:30 pm: | |
A Public Meeting is to be held on
Tuesday 7th December
St Nicholas Hall, Brooks Lane
at 7.30pm
light refreshments will be served
Please come along and have your say - all welcome - we would like to introduce ourselves and tell you our plans for the pub.
CDC licensing,West Sussex police and Environment Protection representatives will also be in attendance to answer any questions /address any concerns you may have.
We hope to see you there at 7.30pm
Many thanks Nick & Tina Irish |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 51
Registered: 3-2009
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 12:40 pm: | |
Hi. Just to say, in the interest of keeping this debate constructive and open, please use your real name when posting.
A number of anonymous posts have not been processed, also two others using different 'pseudonyms' but coming from the same IP (which we log for security: this helps to avoid spam and stop people posting spurious adult links etc).
I feel it is fair that if you have something to say on this important and sensitive issue, whether it is positive or negative you should identify yourself. You can be traced anyway, so you may as well.
Thanks for your understanding. Tony. |
Rob
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 12:17 pm: | |
I wish Nick and Tina every success. Being in business is tough and those who try should be encouraged. I'll be in there for a pint when it opens! |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 12:47 pm: | |
Rob thank you for this - your support at the meeting would also be greatly appreciated - hope you can make it!
I too agree with Tony on identifying yourselves -we welcome all coments but please as a matter of courtesy at least let us know who to reply back to. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 1:40 pm: | |
John
I wanted to address one of the points you made in your post on Sunday -apologies i meant to do this earlier.
You fear that the Swan is just 'one of those places' that it has always attracted trouble with youths hanging around and intimidating others.
It is entirely down to the people who own and run an establishment to prevent this from happening, moving people on and not allowing them the chance to become a problem or cause trouble and yes calling in reinforcement if necessary. We cannot allow our lives to be ruled by others who are out just to cause trouble.
Please do not assume that because a property has had a chequered past that it is always going to be a problem. Customers who are out to cause trouble and intimidate others are not welcome ever.
We will belong to the local pub police watch scheme and anyone who systematically causes trouble will not only find themselves not welcome in our establishment but also all the establishments that belong to the watch itself.
We are also being asked by the police to install CCTV inside the property and outside the main entrance and car parking area. |
Patsy West
Guest
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2010 - 10:10 am: | |
As someone who worked on the original Save our Swan project I just wanted to say that I still wholeheartedly believe in the viability of the White Swan as a pub. I wish Tina and Nick all the very best for the successful opening of what has been a meeting place for the people who live in this part of Bosham. You will always get the "knockers" but I honestly feel that the folk that turned out for that public meeting last May are still on the side of the pub and will raise a glass to it re-opening. Best of luck. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 29, 2010 - 9:56 am: | |
In preparation for the meeting on 7th December if you would like to discuss any issue in particular or simply want to just let us know that you are coming then please send us an email to thewhiteswanbosham@live.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2010 - 12:37 pm: | |
Thank you Patsy for your kind words.
I hope that the folk you speak of can come to the meeting on 7th and are willing to show their support once again. |
Colin Turton
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 29, 2010 - 9:54 pm: | |
I wish Nick, Tina and family well.
I am not a regular pub drinker, but The Swan, which was once a Bosham landmark, has become an eyesore.
I would like to see it otherwise.
Make it so, and I might take up drinking! |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 3:46 pm: | |
Thank you Colin - hope you can make the meeting on the 7th |
elaine
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 04, 2010 - 1:10 am: | |
I wish you well, Nick and Tina. Back in the day - 20 years ago - when I was fitting my work around looking after my small children, I bar-maided at The Swan under the ownership of Tony McCusker and they were good days. It's true that the pub wasn't always packed but there was a strong local feel to the clientele, no trouble and a solid, regular turnover. Subsequently, the pub was run by a number of varyingly inept landlords and it plummeted into failure. An exception was the period when it was under the managership of Steve - can't remember surname - who made it once again a welcoming and relatively successful business. By this time, both of my daughters and the offspring of various neighbours were working there (so the Swan has a bit of a special place in my family's Bosham history). It has provided us with fun, work and a sense of community, but its also, at times, been a place to avoid. Its successes have been entirely down to effective management. It may be true, as some have suggested, that recent owners have deliberately and cynically run the business into the ground in a bid to profit from property development but that doesn't make it a blighted building. Pub life is not for the hard headed and greedy; the right people could revive The Swan and benefit the village. We're not a rowdy lot on the whole - living next to the place need not be so bad. I really hope this works. |
Paul Reed
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 05, 2010 - 5:26 am: | |
Christine & I really hope that this project succeeds and, although we don't often visit pubs, we'll give this as much support as we can. If, as sounds possible, it develops as more of a place to eat with drink rather than just a pub with some food, then we'd be sure to use it. We'll definitely be at the meeting on Tuesday and will listen with interest. Really good news that something is happening to what has become an eyesore!
Good Luck, Nick & Tina |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 04, 2010 - 4:12 pm: | |
Thank you Elaine - I hope that we can welcome you to the meeting on Tuesday. |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 05, 2010 - 5:14 pm: | |
Thank you Paul & Christine - please introduce yourselves on Tuesday. |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 52
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2010 - 11:09 am: | |
Test post. Working fine! |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2010 - 12:54 pm: | |
Dear 'Local' who said,
"and live music once a month maybe too much for the poor guy in the building attached to the pub, yes hes bought a place next to the pub............ but i bet as sure as god made little apples, he was sold that place with a hint that the 'pub' will never re-open now the houses have been built........ i feel sorry for him !!"
The bungalow still belongs to the Gordons and is only let. Probably because any prospective buyer with half a brain could work out that one day, it is just possible that it might be a pub again. Caveat Emptor
I like pubs, no, I love pubs. They are meeting places, places where the world is put to rights, places where tradesmen, and small local businesses (mine own included) agree and conclude business, places where communities network and gain identity. In this day and age, a centre for community has got to be the primary purpose of a pub. A pub should be the village hub and no one, no one person, has the right to simply 'surrender' that obligation without consultation of that community. Unfortunately, that appears to be what has happened with The Swan. The type of people that used to give the Swan a bad name were as big a part of the cynical running down and closure as much as the erratic opening hours, chopping the pub in half and the failure to invest in what has been proved in the past to be a going concern.
If the pub is run properly, then the problems that existed before will not happen.
Good luck to Nick and Tina |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2010 - 2:21 pm: | |
Thank you Neil |
Admin
Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2010 - 2:55 pm: | |
Hi, so how did the meeting go? Would love to hear a report / feedback on this. Lots of local interest |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2010 - 5:24 pm: | |
I think it is fair to say that the meeting was fabulous! Thank you to everyone who came out on what was a particularly cold evening.
We had over 120 people come to the meeting which was simply overwhelming! A huge amount of support was offered but it was also nice to meet those who are not in support of the application and to speak face to face with them.
The mulled wine and nibbles disappeared quickly and a lot of thought provoking issues were raised and discussed not only with us but also the various responsible authorities who were in attendence.
Greg Miles from The Chichester Observer is writing a feature on the meeting in tomorrow's edition.
Moving onwards - we are asking for supporters to show their support by emailing us at thewhiteswanbosham@live.co.uk so we can provide evidence of the huge swell of support for this project to the licensing committee in January.
Thanks again |
Nick & Tina
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 13, 2010 - 5:51 pm: | |
hi to you all - The White Swan Bosham is now on facebook - thanks for your help Neil! |
neilhwilliams
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 3:17 pm: | |
The White Swan now has a Facebook page to let the community know what's going on. Look for 'The White Swan at Bosham' and stay in touch. |
Dick Baker
Guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 3:15 pm: | |
Congratulations on what I consider to be a successful meeting last Tuesday. You have my full support and I will be sending you an email as requested to help support your case with the licensing committee in January. |
