Speaker Meeting

The Pelham project was initiated in 2010 as a support to the local community.
The pub was built in 1900 as a railway hotel but, over the years , had deteriorated markedly both in structure and in its clientele; closing in 2009.
Negotiations were started and money was raised, the building was purchased and, in 2012, work was started on stabilising and making good. By 2015 the coffee lounge on the ground floor was able to be opened. This is run by volunteers and provides a place where local people and groups can meet, those in need can be interviewed in a friendly environment, nutritious meals can be obtained and, importantly, it is a source of cash generation for maintenance of the project.
Gradually the rest of the premises are being developed - the ground floor function room in late 2015 and the first floor ballroom in early 2017 with plans for the rest of the building as cash becomes available from grants and donations. Bexhill Rotary Club was able to help with the provision of the fire escape from the first floor.
The building is fast becoming a community hub with drop ins for debt advice, cookery skills, mental health and wellbeing as well as Christmas and Easter events and, the latest project, a school for entrepreneurs to encourage new businesses and jobs in the local community.
Ollie emphasised that there are lots of plans for the future but it is essential  for it’s success that it is financially self sustainable.
The club showed it’s appreciation of a very interesting talk in the usual manner.