Working together to save our local pub and develop a community hub

The community of Hayscastle has lost its shop, post office, petrol station and school over the last 50 years. We can’t let the pub close too!

About us

The Cross Inn is a pub located in the centre of the village of Hayscastle Cross which is strategically located between the County town of Haverfordwest, the city of St David’s and the coastal town of Fishguard.

Our Vision

  • To ensure the Cross Inn remains at the heart of our vibrant community.
  • To provide a place for people of all ages to socialise both in the traditional bar and the newly renovated ‘Cwtsh’, which will provide a welcoming and family-friendly environment to compliment the more traditional bar.
  • To provide a comfortable and welcoming space for use by local people and organisations.
  • To hold Welsh events and social evenings.
  • To support local businesses and form partnerships with local companies and organisations.
  • To offer drinks and meals, using local produce.
  • To secure employment and training opportunities for local people, young and old, and support them to fulfil their potential.

What have we done?

  • Survey undertaken to obtain public feedback.
  • Feasibility study undertaken to assess the viability of the community purchase.
  • Y Cross Cas-lai is a registered Community Benefits Society – approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
  • Y Cross Cas-lai CBS bank account has been secured with the Cooperative Bank.
  • A Business Plan encompassing every aspect of the Y Cross Cas-lai vision including financial forecasts has been developed.
  • Y Cross Cas-lai Share Offer document is finalised and ready for distribution.
  • Minimum Share Offer Target reached. Just over £210k from share sales.
  • £244k grant funding secured.
  • Building and equipment purchased.

What next?

  • Essential renovation of the building.
  • Develop the “Cwtsh” which will be family friendly space for good food, social activities, and events.
  • Have a welcoming and nature-friendly family usable garden space.
  • Our Community Benefit Society business model has an asset lock, meaning all profits have to be re invested in the business. Any surplus can be used to support other organisations in the community.
  • We will work together in harmony with Hayscastle Community Centre to ensure a joined up collaborative community approach.

We have come a long way, let’s finish the job!

If not for us, then for future generations!

Please help us on our journey

HOW TO HELP

Latest Update

27th February 2024 – Link to General Meeting transcript

Click on the above link to access the transcript of the General Meeting held 27th February 2024 at Mathry Hall.

26th February 2024 – Details of Director and Committee member biographies

DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE MEMBER BIOGRAPHIESDownload

22/02/2024 – TEMPORARY PUB CLOSURE

We have received a Health & Safety report from Pembrokeshire County Council following their recent visit.  A false report was made to various agencies prompting a council Health & Safety Officer inspection. There were a few key issues including;

Closing the pub is extremely disappointing for us all but we must put safety first. Please be kind and show understanding. Unkind words are against our code of conduct and devalues our community pub and hub, making it harder for the project to be successful, impacting our ability to attract future customers and employees. 

We know the root cause and these matters are being investigated. 

Multiple interviews are in progress for the pub manager position and we aim to re-open the pub in a structured way, with a new manager. That way, the pub can re-open and remain open and serve the purpose for which the Community Benefit Society (CBS) exists… to provide a welcoming family friendly Community pub with a warm welcome for all.

The pub will remain closed for a few weeks whilst the new manager is appointed and prepares for reopening. In the meantime our priority is to undertake the remedial and statutory actions covered by the report and these documents will be shared on our website in due course.

We are interim custodians of our community venture and we continue to welcome new volunteers who are willing to bring fresh perspective and make a positive impact.

Please remember our mission – let’s work together as a community for our community pub and hub.

Stronger Together / Gyda’n gilydd yn gryfach

CAMRA Nomination

Y Cross has been shortlisted for the CAMRA National Pub Saving Award. 40 nomination were received and 12 pubs have been shortlisted. The winner will be announced in mid-December. We are very grateful to the local CAMRA branch for the nomination and also for their support to ensure we can save our much loved pub.

Future Events

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