2018 and beyond...
May – Our successful open day attracts over 150 villagers to view the pub before refurbishment
April – The Chequer Inn is finally sold to us!! Refurbishment can now begin
March – Annual Members meeting and New management committee elected
18th Feb – Members of Chequer Inn Ash Society vote to purchase pub
January – Big Shareholders meeting to update community and show survey results
2017
November – Meeting with mentor from the Harrow Inn Stockbury, Kent
with their financial model. Increased bid to £305k
October – Meeting with JFT agree to fund survey if we are allowed access
August – Total amount raised £220,000 from 300 shareholders
10th July – Week long review of Community Pubs on National and Local Radio and TV. The Chequer Inn featured heavily
13th June – Conditional Grant and Loan £100,000 awarded by Plunkett Foundation
8th June – Resubmitted loan and grant application to Plunkett Foundation : More
than a Pub
5th June – Shareholders voted overwhelmingly to reopen share offer
18th April – £157,000 raised in Shares
10th March – Pub evening National Pie Week at the Ash Village Hall to Launch of share offer & revised Business plan
February – Denied funding support from local Charity Jack Foat Trust
January – Cooperative Bank account confirmed and opened.
2016
11th November – 150 attended Pop up Pub Night – Ash Village Hall
30th September – Desktop Valuation obtained and offer made to vendor
20th September – Chequer Inn Ash Society formally registered as a Community Benefit Society
1st September – ACV Moratorium expired
19th August – Website launched
12th August – Hugely successful Pub Night held
10th August – ‘More than a Pub’ Bursary granted
7th July – Application for support from The Plunkett Foundation successful
7th June – Letter received from Developers Solicitor. Asking price for The Chequer Inn in region of £340,000
11th May – The Chequer Inn appears on The One Show – special programme to highlight the plight of pubs around the UK
4th April – Notice given to Dover District Council – community’s intention to bid to purchase The Chequer Inn – ACV moratorium triggered
1st March – Dover District Council receive notice in writing of the Developers wish to sell The Chequer Inn
25th February – Dover District Council Planning Meeting – unanimous vote to reject the planning application.
12th February – Dover District Council decision – nominated Asset of Community Value status
10th January – ‘Save the Chequer Inn’ Public Demonstration outside The Chequer Inn
2015
14th December – First “Save the Chequer Inn” Public Meeting
22th June – Developer lodges Planning Application at DDC
Change of use and conversion to residential dwelling
20th March – Owner of the Chequer Inn successfully appealed the listing of the Chequer Inn as an ACV.
The appeal process included a hearing to which Ash Parish Council was not invited nor was made aware of it taking place. This is in accordance with the law. The ruling states the decision is final and no further appeal is possible.
9th January – Confirmation from DDC – nomination successful and listed as ACV
From 2008 to 2014
2014 September – The Chequer Inn closes its doors – 340 years after first opening as an Inn!
Unfortunately Stuart was victim of a life threatening accident and could not carry on his duty.
2012 July – New landlord, Stuart Antony quoted in Dover Express “It’s been brilliant. I’m enjoying getting to know the locals.
A lot of the old regulars have come back down and there’s a nice community spirit. I’m here for good. I want to keep it very much a local, family pub.”
2011 November – Landlord, Richard Munden leaves.
2009 – Richard awarded Cask Marque accreditation for serving the perfect pint of cask-conditioned ale.
2008 – November Richard Munden arrived determined to make the Inn a success and a community hub.
From 18th Century to 1952
1721 to 1948 – 23 Licensees over period of 230 years
1708 – The Inn was purchased by Richard Hollingbury, brewer of the borough of Staplegate within the walls of Canterbury.
15th to 17 th Century
Early 1674 – Building bought by Thomas Roberts, hop grower and brewer of Canterbury.
15th Century – Timbered House built as part of Chequer Court