The Pulpit Inn at Portland Bill is currently up for sale with planning permission to demolish and replace it with holiday apartments and a restaurant. The pub has been neglected for many years but sits in a unique location surrounded by a stunningly beautiful and wild landscape that supports an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife.

IMAGINE..

it as a thriving hospitality and wildlife centre with a bar, café, accommodation and an amazing programme of events and activities inspired by the special landscape surrounding it, accessible to all and rich in opportunity for local people of all ages.

WHAT NEXT?

The venue is currently registered as an Asset of Community Value, and three island-based organisations (b-side, Island Community Action, and The Portland Association) are collaborating to support the community’s right to acquire it for their long-term use and benefit.

A community bid to purchase the Pulpit will not only save a much-loved building; it will also help to protect the landscape surrounding it. In addition, it will support sustainable tourism by raising awareness of the environment and how to look after it, as well as providing a vibrant space for the local community and visitors.

In order for the community bid to progress, raise funds, get support, and access to grants we are forming a Community Benefit Society (CBS).

As part of the fundraising campaign the Society is launching a Community Shares scheme:

• Everyone can buy Community Shares in the project
• All shares cost £1, whether you buy 10,000 or 100 (the minimum would be £100)
• A family, groups of friends, neighbours, individuals can buy shares together
• Everyone who buys shares will get an equal vote and will be entitled to benefits.

HELP US BY MAKING A PLEDGE

At this stage we just need your pledges, no money yet! The more pledges we receive the more support we can demonstrate to grant funding bodies.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Donate, sponsor or volunteer time and skills. Marketing and fundraising expertise especially welcome! All support helps us to demonstrate the level of interest in the project and obtain grants and raise the funds to purchase and refurbish the building.

To find out more about the shares and ways to help please email us at: thepulpitproject@gmail.com

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY

• A CBS is legal form for organisations that wish to operate on a not for profit basis for purposes that benefit the community as a whole.
• A CBS is supported through community shares, grants, sponsorships, and donations, with the benefits being returned to the community.
• A CBS provides a platform for the creation other projects of benefit, identified by and for the community.
• The CBS Board will be formed from the founding members, members of the community, and representatives from each of the projects.

The first project is The Pulpit Project. On behalf of the community, we want to buy the The Pulpit Inn and set it up as a community owned venue for the benefit of local people and those who visit our island. Also, to celebrate and help protect the environment of the Isle of Portland.

Future projects

These will either be initiated:

• by the CBS and its founding organisations
• by other organisations who need support and guidance
• by individuals who have ideas and plans but are not sure how to progress

Advantages of This Approach:

• Strength in learning and sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Enabling organisations to respond quickly to issues and opportunities – for example, events and grants.
• Building strength in the vision for Portland and its potential through Partnership.