THE SHARE OFFER LAUNCH
MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER LANGTON HERRING VILLAGE HALL 7pm
The meeting will be held in the village hall at 7pm, please join us for a welcome drink and a run through what has happened to date and the the plans and timescales for future events.
Introduction
The Elm Tree Inn has been the heart of the village for over 300 years. In recent years, the village has lost its bus service, in addition to the shop and Post Office which closed years ago. However, it is still a 'go to' destination for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. It boasts stories of ghosts, bombs and spies.
History of The elm tree inn
THE ELM TREE INN
The Elm Tree Inn in Langton Herring, Dorset, has served the villagers, and the wider community, since the 18th Century. During that time The Elm Tree has been, in synergy with the local church and village hall , providing a community hub. Initially, the inn was lit by candles and amidst the flicker of flames stories were told of the current state of the crops and animals, what contraband was currently available, how the herrings were running and of course all sorts of comments about who was doing what in the village.
Langton Herring is set in the countryside behind the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach, the location of the film of Ian McEwan's novel of the same name.
The Elm Tree Inn is situated in the village of Langton Herring on the south west coast in Dorset.
It can be found in Shop Lane, Langton Herring, DT3 4HU.
Ghosts, Bombs, Smugglers and SPies
Ghosts and Smugglers
There is a tale of a lynching when a man was strung up from a beam in the old bar. The victim was a fisherman in the 1780s who lied about his catch – and his ghost is said to appear, particularly when there is a Sou’westerly blowing occasionally! But wait, there is also a tale of a bricked-up hole in the old bar which leads to a secret passage to the village church, which is said to be either a smuggler’s escape tunnel or a hiding place for contraband.
Bombs, Two World Wars and Spies
The Elm Tree Inn hosted Barnes Wallis during the Second World War during interludes between tests of the fledgling “bouncing bomb” in the Fleet. It is rumoured that Winston Churchill also visited The Elm Tree. The secrecy of their visits would have been guaranteed as a national priority. Yet perhaps greater scrutiny ought to have been paid to the visits of Harry Houghton and Ethel Gee! These two Cold War spies used the Elm Tree as a useful location to exchange information about the Portland naval base.
Knickers
When the village fete committee decided to budget in 2009 for the summer gathering because of the recession, few in the community realised how far they’d go.
Keen to keep costs down, the committee has ditched the bunting this year and will be lining the streets of Langton Herring with... pairs of pants.
What started as a joke at a meeting has turned into reality with assorted piles of underwear strung up on string to decorate the village in the run-up to the fete on Saturday. This made the national news.
Our History
The Friends of the Elm Tree was founded in April 2024 with sole mission of bringing The Elm Tree Inn into community ownership.
Cycling, BIrdwatching and Walking around Langton herring
Walking
Birdwatching
Walking
More recently, visitors have been attracted to our village to walk along the South West Coastal Path using The Elm Tree as a welcome break and a chance to chat with local villagers.
Cycling
Birdwatching
Walking
Many cyclists pass through Langton Herring and will stop for a snack, lunch or even a pint.
We will be offering a meeting point for groups walkers and cyclists
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
The inn has also welcomed bird watchers who have been privileged to see so many migratory water birds on the Fleet,
About Friends of the Elm Tree
Doubly Thankful Friends of The Elm Tree
Whether you are famous, infamous or just a “mere mortal” The Elm Tree Inn has proved to be a welcoming and charismatic hostelry. Regrettably, The Elm Tree Inn is currently closed, but we are convinced that new chapters will soon be written about our pub when we have its doors opened once again. Langton Herring is a “Doubly Thankful “ village because all who served in the two World Wars returned home and soon we will be a “Trebly Thankful” village when once again we meet old and new friends in the convivial environment of our pub: The Elm Tree Inn.
Our Team
Our steering group is made up of six members , all having had careers in business for many years. They are ably supported by many members of the community who all have specialist skills.
Why it is important to us
Events
Bringing the Community Together
Bringing the Community Together
The Elm Tree hosted weddings and wakes and over time, although the lighting changed, the ribald comments, the locus of fraternity and the sense of belonging persisted. Just imagine how many farmers, labourers and fishermen sat in their pub and enjoyed a few moments of relaxation and fun. How many grisly stories circulated and how they must have gossiped about the latest crime and the subsequent punishment? It hosts various village community groups, crochet club, gardening club, table tennis clubs , quizzes and book club.
It was the centre of the community for New Years and Christmas lunches and regular get togethers.
Bringing the Community Together
Bringing the Community Together
Bringing the Community Together
The Elm Tree Inn has been the centre of the community for many years. We have many talented artists and musicians in the village . Christmas Carols used to be held around a brazier at the pub, with mulled wine and mince pies. In earlier times the Salvation Army would come and play however, more recently our own group of musicians 'Yule of Six' play and sing.
Community Benefit Society
The Friends of the Elm Tree are planning to bring the Elm Tree Inn into community ownership by forming a Community Benefit Society. We are being supported by the Plunkett Foundation, a charity committed to supporting rural community businessess. Plunkett UK
Community Benefit Societies
A community benefit society is owned by the community for the benefit of the community. Profits do not go to any individuals, they go to help the community and to pay shareholders (please see the Share Offer)
Fundraising
We are planning various funding streams, from grants, donations, fundraising events and the very important Share Offer . We have to raise at least £600K
The Elm Tree Inn has been central to our community and visitors over the years. we are determined, with everyone's help, not to lose it.
Contact Us
Have a question or a suggestion? Please contact us on www.friendsoftheelmtree.org or message us directly on ourFfacebook page
Friends of the Elm Tree: Our Progress
Progress to December 13th 2024
· The value of pledges and donations received by the end of September amounted to £278K.
FOTET n ow have FAC Approval
· The website is live and running. Please visit www.friendsoftheelmtree.org
· The Friends of the Elm Tree now has a Facebook page
.The Elm Tree Inn campaign has featured in the Weymouth and Portland Echo, the Sunday Express and the West Dorset Magazine, The
· The Weymouth Land Train has given us the use of the Land Train at 2pm on the 30th of November to advertise the campaign at the Christmas Lights Switch on and the Elf Parade in Weymouth.
· A property valuation was conducted on the building and land. This was carried out by Symonds and Sampson without charge.
. A full survey has been completed
· Amicus Law will conduct the conveyancing for the Elm Tree and drafting of the Tenancy Agreement without charge.
· The Business Plan is complete and loaded to the website
· The Share Prospectus and applications are
.The bank account is open for us to accept donations and payment for shares.
· The group have been in communication with other community owned pubs to learn from their stories and experiences of this process.
· Meetings have been held with the owner with another planned 16th December in the morning.
· A Prize Draw will be held to raise funds for the running of the campaign. Details will be announced shortly.
WE WILL BE LAUNCHING THE SHARE OFFERE ON 16th DECEMBER 2024....
Contact Us
Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. friendsoftheelmtree@gmail.com
Friends of the Elm Tree Thanks our SPonsors
Could your company sponsor the Friends of the Elm Tree to help get the pub open again?
Could your company sponsor the Friends of the Elm Tree to help get the pub open again?
Could your company sponsor the Friends of the Elm Tree to help get the pub open again?
Could your company sponsor the Friends of the Elm Tree to help get the pub open again?
We Look forward to welcoming you aGain
How can you support the Friends of the Elm Tree
Attend Our Events
We will holding a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and a Grand Draw. All details will be advertised on our website and Facebook page
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings at Friends of the Elm Tree by following us on social media. We're active on Facebook.
Sponsor the Friends of the Elm Tree
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. by donating prizes for the draw, helping with vital services and also share ownership.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.