This online event, will be running simultaneously with a live in-person event at the Exelby Green Dragon Pub, a community owned country pub in the small village of Exelby, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. (Exelby, Bedale, DL8 2HA). You are welcome to attend the in-person event, which has a restriction on numbers - bookings via this link.

The event will be hosted by Hannah Barrett and Alison Macklin of Plunkett Foundation and John Walker, who has lived in North Yorkshire for the past twenty-five years and is the Secretary to Exelby Green Dragon Community Pub Ltd. This Community Benefit Society comprises a pub with rooms, café-deli, affordable housing and supports numerous community-based clubs, societies and activities.

John first became involved when the pub was facing closure and redevelopment in 2016 when, in a rare moment of clarity, he said: "I know, let's buy the place! The Exelby Green Dragon you see today is the result of a lot of hard work, fantastic support and the energy of a talented, enthusiastic community."

The aim of this event is to provide and inspiring and informative event for new and existing community pub representatives.

You are welcome to stay for the whole event or just join for the sessions that interest you most.

AGENDA:

• 09:45 - Welcome and Housekeeping (15 minutes)

Speech by: Hannah Barrett, Plunkett Foundation

• 10:00 - Pulling the first pint, to keeping the cellar stocked – the future of the community pubs sector (1 hour)

Keynote speech highlighting the challenges and opportunities for new community pub groups and trading pubs, based on the learnings and trends identified during the More Than a Pub programme.

This session will be interactive, with delegates invited to comment and discuss the points raised.

Speeches by: Chris Cowcher, Plunkett Foundation & John Dawson, Power to Change

• 11:15 - From Vacant to Vibrant - How community pubs diversify, develop and ditch ideas to become more than a pub (1 hour)

An inspiring panel discussion, on the topic of diversifying services and incorporating what communities want and need into community pubs projects. The session will include learnings from the More Than a Pub programme. This session will be interactive, with delegates invited to participate in a Q&A, comment and discuss the points raised. the panel includes Martin Booth from The George and Dragon, Sally Soady from The Anglers' Rest and John Walker from Exelby Green Dragon.

Hosted by: Hannah Barrett, Plunkett Foundation

• 12:30 - 10 things we wish we had known before we started (40 mins)

An open session sharing knowledge and advice, and incorporating learnings from the More Than a Pub programme.

Hosted by: Diane Cameron , Plunkett Foundation

• 13:15 - Close and thanks (5 mins)

Speech by: Hannah Barrett, Plunkett Foundation

This event has been funded by the More than a Pub programme, with thanks to Power to Change. All community pub groups from the ideas stage to operational and participants from across the UK are welcome.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email info@plunkett.co.uk or call us on 0845 557 1469

Places for this event are limited and available on a first come, first served basis so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.