Scamblesby is a small village in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated 6 miles (10 km) south-west from Louth, on the A153 road, and within the Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Viking Way runs through the village making it a popular place to visit. Scamblesby is also situated a mile from the famous Cadwell Park racing circuit, with events taking place throughout the spring and autumn with British Super Bikes each August Bank Holiday.
Situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the pub, The Green Man, had been closed for twelve months. Prior to that, it had not been fully opened for two years and had lost its place in the heart of the village for quite a while.
Richard Bradley and Charles Nickerson purchased the pub in September 2019 and after three to four months fully refurbishing it, it re-opened in December 2019. The intention being to bring it back to life and return it to a place for villagers to meet and enjoy each other’s company.
After only three months the pub was sadly closed again due to Covid-19 and as a result Richard soon realised that the villagers and surrounding area would benefit from having a village shop. He came across Pub is The Hub following a search online for support available for village pubs.
Since enquiring to the point of opening a shop in the space of six weeks Richard and his team were able to apply for a Community Services Grant to support installation costs.
Project Summary:
The aim of the project was to provide a hub for the village, outlying areas and wider farming community. As a source of essential items for those unable to travel far it also has a focus on encouraging social inclusion.
Project Outcomes:
The shop means that the pub has been able to build on the community spirit that was building from when the pub reopened in December 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic and then closure further highlighted the need for a local source of everyday items and a place to support the community and build on this long into the future.
The Green Man shop also enables vital support for the elderly and infirm who are unable to travel and provides a place where they can meet for drinks and refreshments; socialise and participate in activities like book clubs or classes.
Scamblesby village school serves a wide area and the shop is beneficial to all parents in combining school runs with shopping, reducing travel and in addition will provide a safe and friendly place to meet in the pub which will be open for mornings and afternoons for drinks and refreshments.
As a designated place of outstanding natural beauty, the shop encourages more visitors to the area, to enjoy the Wolds and Viking Way. It also provides useful facilities for the local bed and breakfast businesses in the village and surrounding area.
Local produce and home craft businesses also feature in the shop supporting the wider economy and the well-being of hundreds of residents living in the area.
Lessons Learned:
- Feedback from many customers reveals that having the shop provides a vital service and life for those that can’t travel and also supports locally made produce.
- The junior school in Scamblesby covers a wide area and number of other villages, so having a shop nearby will be convenient for parents and a place to meet for a coffee and chat, in a comfortable environment.
Project Costs:
| Contribution from the pub’s owner | £11,500 |
| Community Services Grant from Pub is The Hub | £3,000 |
| Total Project Costs | £14,500 |