The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex • Re-opening Friday July 17 at 5pm • New Decor, New Manager and New Safety Rules
Click to go to the Blue Bell at Cocking website
Country Pub, Café, Restaurant and B&B Accommodation
After much deliberation the winners of the Blue Bell Community Hub Photography Competition can be announced.
The SDNPA is carrying out a study to understand the benefits of the Centurion Way shared use path and the potential additional benefits to the local economy that would come from extending the path to connect with the South Downs Way at Cocking.
On 30th April 2019 the sale of The Blue Bell was completed with the financial support of so many Cocking residents, friends and supporters, some loans and partner grants. Since then the Hub has carried out extensive internal refurbishment.
The Blue Bell Community Hub opened in December 2019. This was a tremendous achievement and has, within the 18 months since we set out back in 2018, managed to save a key asset for our community, providing a foundation that will support the area for years to come.
The Hub facilities include bar, café/restaurant, bed and breakfast with a small shop and a South Downs visitor centre planned for the summer.
To date we have raised over £761,000. We have over 130 shareholders which has raised £110,000, personal donations come to £45,000 and fundraising and volunteering events have contributed £14,000. The rest of the funds have been achieved through grants, corporate and personal loans and a mortgage through the Triodos Bank.
We are now embarking on the external works which include the car park and patio area, garden works, a bike repair facility plus external decoration.
Some £11,000 is still required to complete these final works and all contributions and support will be gratefully received. We are also reaching out to grant bodies and all who support community projects such as this. The shareholding remains open, so new members of our community and other interested investors can still benefit from this opportunity. Details of the share offer, and donations forms can be found on here and community fundraising events.
In this issue
HUB CLOSURE
OUR TEAM
TAKEAWAY SERVICE - OR NOT?
MOBILE POST OFFICE
and much more!
After much deliberation the winners of the Blue Bell Community Hub Photography Competition can be announced.
Many thanks to everyone who submitted image’s to our first photography competition, in total we had 113 image’s entered – We will announce the winners of each category shortley.
The SDNPA is carrying out a study to understand the benefits of the Centurion Way shared use path and the potential additional benefits to the local economy that would come from extending the path to connect with the South Downs Way at Cocking.
For re-opening later in July – Previous experience essential, over 18s only. – This is a career development opportunity, training and support will be provided.
Pub Manager/Management Couple Vacancy – A unique opportunity to run one of the first Community Hubs at the heart of the South Downs National Park
The outside works on the Blue Bell are progressing well and local contractors Sussex Landworks and volunteers are benefitting from excellent weather.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s May 2020 Newsletter & Update.
We are living through extraordinary times and although our freedom of movement is currently limited, our freedom of expression isn’t. With this in mind, the Blue Bell Community Hub is excited to be running a photography competition inspired by the current lockdown and self-isolation.
Mobile Post Office Service – The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex – From Monday January 20 a Mobile Post Office Service will be available in the Blue Bell car park from 11am to 12.30pm.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s March 2020 Newsletter & Update.
Now the Blue Bell at Cocking has been closed the Bonus Ball Lottery has been postponed until further notice, this will take effect from Saturday March 21.
Considering Friday’s Government’s announcement, the Blue Bell is now closed with immediate effect.
The Blue Bell General Manager Chris Lock has resigned from his position for family reasons, which we fully understand.
During this uncertain time a group of villagers have got together to support those who are unable to get out and need help with getting groceries or medicines etc.
Winnings can be collected from the Blue Bell midday onwards on the Sunday after the draw, please speak to Laura or Chris.
The group organising the Post Office search have decided that we need to raise awareness of the vacancy.
The group organising the Post Office search have decided that we need to raise awareness of the vacancy.
Many thanks to Graham Lambert, Richard Keen & Geoff Thompson (all picture above) and to Julie Massey for helping to demolish the standing where the old gas cylinder used to sit and the wall along side in the Blue Bell car park.
Can You Help? The Blue Bell Community Hub urgently need volunteer Lifters, Stackers and Shovelers to help with the Blue Bell pub car park.
Can You Help? – The Blue Bell Community Hub urgently need a volunteer electrician to install a couple of power sockets.
We have our first winner Mr Chris Malec with number 52. Forty nine numbers were sold for February 1 giving Chris £30 winnings, £19 goes to the Blue Bell Community Hub.
The Friends of The Blue Bell are hoping to organise a Summer Boules event during 2020 – Can you help organise the event?
The funeral service for Paul will be streamed live from Macclesfield Crematorium via a video link to the Blue Bell.
To help raise much needed funds to maintain hanging baskets, planters etc outside the Blue Bell we are introducing a syndicate giving members the opportunity to win a weekly sum of money utilising Saturdays UK National Lotto draw bonus ball.
If you missed the flyer that was delivered to Cocking residents then read it here
Mobile Post Office Service – The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex – From Monday January 20 a Mobile Post Office Service will be available in the Blue Bell car park from 11am to 12.30pm.
Just letting all Cocking residents know that Cocking Parish Council have a new Facebook page, click here to view the page and please follow to keep up to date with all CPC matters. Alternately you can follow Cocking Parish Council here on Twitter.
It is with great sadness that we heard today that Paul and Linda will be, due to Paul’s ill-health, closing the shop and post office permanently as of today, Saturday December 28.
We have reworked tonight’s Carol Singing in Cocking
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s December 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Stone Pillow at Cocking Village Hall – Saturday December 7 – Between 10:30 and 12:30
Volunteer Cleaners – Blue Bell Community Hub – Saturday December 7 – 9.30am and Sunday December 8 – 9.30am
We are looking for donations of unwanted Board Games for the Blue Bell • Crib • Backgammon • Domino’s • Nine Men’s Morris • Shut The Box • Draughts pieces • Chess pieces • Shove Ha’penny • Bar Skittles
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s November 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
We Need You – Weekend Work Party – Blue Bell Community Hub – November 23/24 2019
We’re Hiring – We’re looking for Head Cook, Assistant Cook, Assistant Manager, Casual Front of House and Casual Kitchen Porter
The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex – Reopening
Volunteer Cleaners – Blue Bell Community Hub – Saturday November 16 2019 – 9.30am
Cocking’s Fireworks raises £476 towards the Blue Bell Refurbishment fund
Invitation to Jane Renney’s Photography Exhibition • Cocking Village Hall • Saturday November 16 2019 • 11am to 3pm
New Years Eve 2020 • Tuesday December 31 • The Blue Bell, Cocking, West Sussex
Urgent Appeal – We are now, thanks to all our supporters, very close to reopening the doors of the Blue Bell in November 2019.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s October 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Cocking Village Hall • Friday 18th October • 7.30pm to 10.30pm
Pub Landlord Wanted – The Blue Bell Community Hub – Cocking, West Sussex
In the last three years, more than 3,000 pubs have closed – that’s 3 pubs closing their doors for good every day!
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s September 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Blue Bell Community Hub’s BBQ raises £2,236 for the refurbishment fund
Cherry Soup – A One Person Show • Friday September 6 • 6pm – 10.30pm • Cocking Village Hall
South Oak Development of Midhurst started work on the refurbishment of the Blue Bell Community Hub on Monday August 29 2019.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s August 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Wednesday September 25 2019 • 7.30pm • Cocking Village Hall
Saturday August 10 • 6pm – 10.30pm • Cocking Village Hall
Saturday July 20 – 2pm Onwards – Cocking Village Hall
A quick update on the Quiz Night held at Cocking Village Hall on Wednesday July 3 2019 to raise funds for the Blue Bell Community Hub Refurbishment Fund.
On Sunday 30th June, 2019 the dogs of Cocking converged on the Chicken Shed café – aptly renamed for the day as the “Dog and Scone”.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s July 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Donations will be used for raffle prizes, tombolo prizes etc, quality items maybe placed in another silent auction
Friday June 21st, 2019 saw the Blue Bell open its doors for the second Pop Up Pub event…
Sunday June 30 – 10am to 4pm – The Chicken Shed Cafe at Moonlight Cottage, Cocking
In total 11 bids have been pledged…
Cocking’s hidden gardens were opened to the public to help raise funds for the Blue Bell Community Hub Refurbishment Fund.
We are auctioning two corporate tickets to see Westlife at the O2
We are in the process of doing some preparation for internal decoration of the bedrooms in the Blue Bell and we need someone with a wallpaper streamer…
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s June 2019 Countdown Newsletter.
Friday 21st June 2019 – 6.00pm to 10.00pm – The Blue Bell
Now With Images Taken On The Day – A great sunny day was had by everyone with visitors from around the village and friends and supporters.
We are creating a team/committee to plan, organise and run events within our village.The Events Team will be responsible for running a number of events…
The Blue Bell at Cocking, recently purchased by the village community, opened for one night on Friday 17th May to allow residents and project supporters…
Sunday 16th June 2019 – 11.00am to 5pm – Cocking, West Sussex
The Blue Bell at Cocking opened for one night only on Friday 17th May to celebrate the purchase of the pub which is now owned by the community.
New signage was erected at the Blue Bell in Cocking, West Sussex ready for the Pop Up Pub event on the 17th May 2019.
Please come and support our first community event at the Blue Bell in Cocking, West Sussex.
Help needed to set up and staff Pop Up at the Blue Bell Hub to be held Friday 17th May 6.00-10.00
To celebrate the purchase of the Blue Bell pub come and join us for a pop-up pub evening…
Over 20 villagers came to give the Blue Bell a face lift today – ready for the pop-up pub event on May 17.
Read the article about Cocking Village buying the Blue Bell published by Co-operative Community Finance.
Frances Russell interviewed for BBC Sussex Radio on the 8th May 2019
On Saturday 4th May 2019, the Village Hall hosted the first Great Cocking Bake Off. The competition attracted 27 magnificent and glorious bakes all of a very high standard.
Wednesday 3rd July 2019 – 7.30pm – Cocking Village Hall
A big thank you to the residents of Singleton who have the Local Pubs Road Sign in their Garden.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s May 2019 newsletter.
We need volunteers to help get it ready for the pop-up pub event.
To celebrate the purchase of the Blue Bell pub come and join us for a pop-up pub evening…
Our crowdfunding page hasn’t been as successful as we had hoped, we are quite a way from reaching our target of £20,000.
Play your part in creating Community Hub and Visitor Gateway.
Wanted Cocking musicians/performers of all styles, and abilities.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s April 2019 newsletter.
Wednesday 22nd May 2019 – 10.00am to 3.30pm – Crypt Farm, Cocking, GU29 0HP
Due to great support from across the village and all around us we are very nearly there with our fundraising to enable us to buy the Blue Bell Inn.
Enter your bake for a chance to win a goodie bag worth £50 from London’s premier bakery, Bread Ahead.
A quick update on the Quiz Night held at Cocking Village Hall on the 13th March 2019 to raise fund for the Blue Bell Community Hub.
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s second newsletter.
Our crowdfunder is launched! Please share, share and share again!
To coincide with the launch of the Blue Bell Community Share Offer…
Welcome to the Blue Bell Community Hub’s first newsletter.
Work is underway to incorporate a South Downs National Park Visitor Gateway in the planned Blue Bell Hub in Cocking.
Listen to Frances Russell & Peter Gibbon being interviewed by BBC Radio Sussex.
The first of its kind in the South Downs National Park.
