Coate is a village in the civil parish of Bishops Cannings in the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Devizes. The parish includes the village of Coate and the hamlets of Bourton, Horton and Little Horton.
The only pub in Coate is a small Wadworth tenancy called the New Inn. Heidi Harbers the licensee, has been at the pub for just over a year and she has experience in running other pubs. Knowledge of the trade is what this outlet needed as over the past few years it has not performed well.
Heidi has therefore been concentrating on the local trade and believes that a community focus is the way ahead for the business.
Project Summary:
Adjacent to the pub is a field which is part of the pub grounds and this has been the home for some community events but with no real structure or guidance.
With the help of the Community Services Fund from Pub is The Hub, Heidi has established new facilities for the space: a hard standing area for table and chairs, a wash room with hot and cold running water, some boundary safety fencing and a better access to the pub through the pub garden.
Outcomes so far:
The plan is to hold many community social events in the community field, such as bonfire night, the summer fete, ‘Coate of Many Colours Community Day’, sports and family days. It can also be used as a small camping and caravaning area.
The whole field now looks so much better than before and will serve the pub and local community well.
Lessons to Learn:
The lesson learned from this community project is: The vision of the licensee and the fact she has recognised the community need to be involved with the New Inn for everyone to be happy and prosper in both community spirit and monetary value.
Projects Costs:
| Contribution from Licensee | £3,000 |
| Community Services Grant from Pub is The Hub | £3,000 |
| Total Project Costs | £6,000 |