JKay
Well-Known Member
What's happening with Dave and Louise at the Five Bells ?
And when are we all going to visit ?
cheers Joe
And when are we all going to visit ?
cheers Joe
Five Bells come in "Over"
- Thread starter JKay
- Start date
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Joe, most of us alread have.
They are on Facebook with their survival campaign.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!...The-Five-Bells-Hessett/135211433185744?ref=ts
wingdiver
Well-Known Member
Any info for us not on FB?
Is Dave still planning an ECF bash or Grand Reopening?
Is Dave still planning an ECF bash or Grand Reopening?
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately they are up to their asses in alligators as Suffolk CC is screwing them around on a simple planning matter which means they can't complete or open their restaurant.
If that is not opened soon, they will sink, which would be a bloody shame considering how much they have put into it.
Why not give them a ring? Five Bells Hessett Suffolk.
Last edited:
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
I have just written to their MP, who was previously involved with the closure of the pub.
Copy:
David, on your website, you applauded Greene Kings efforts to keep the village pub open at the Five Bells Hessett.
My longstanding friends, Dave & Louise Anthony have worked with Greene King and are trying to get the pub viable. There is a serious issue with Suffolk CC Planning, who are dragging their heels on reopening a doorway (previously existing) on this Grade 1 building, which means the restaurant cannot be completed or opened.
Without this vital revenue stream, the pub will founder shortly.
Dave & Louise are suffering the usual issues with small business cash flow, and are desparate for the cPlaniing Dept to get a move on.
Please investigate this matter and assist Dave and Louise in whatever way you are able.
Copy of your original intervention:
David Ruffley MP has today welcomed Greene King’s commitment to the Five Bells Public House in Hessett.
As the pub was running at a loss, Greene King plans had been made to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January.
Following concerns raised by local residents this decision has now been temporarily reversed while a solution is sought.
David said:
“The Five Bells has a small but dedicated group of core customers. Sadly this is not sufficient for the pub to turn a profit and Greene King took the difficult decision to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January 2010.
“However, following a dedicated campaign by local residents Greene King has shown its commitment to the village pub by deciding to keep the Five Bells operating in the interim while a more viable solution is sought. This may involve the eventual sale of the Five Bells but only on the grounds that it remain a public house.
“The village pub is one of the few remaining community facilities in rural life and is often the social core of the village. At a time when village shops and post offices are becoming more and more scarce we must do all we can to protect our pubs.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the situation in Hessett and applaud Greene King for their attempts to find a solution, especially when it comes at a financial cost to their firm.”
Many thanks
Jim Dew
Copy:
David, on your website, you applauded Greene Kings efforts to keep the village pub open at the Five Bells Hessett.
My longstanding friends, Dave & Louise Anthony have worked with Greene King and are trying to get the pub viable. There is a serious issue with Suffolk CC Planning, who are dragging their heels on reopening a doorway (previously existing) on this Grade 1 building, which means the restaurant cannot be completed or opened.
Without this vital revenue stream, the pub will founder shortly.
Dave & Louise are suffering the usual issues with small business cash flow, and are desparate for the cPlaniing Dept to get a move on.
Please investigate this matter and assist Dave and Louise in whatever way you are able.
Copy of your original intervention:
David Ruffley MP has today welcomed Greene King’s commitment to the Five Bells Public House in Hessett.
As the pub was running at a loss, Greene King plans had been made to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January.
Following concerns raised by local residents this decision has now been temporarily reversed while a solution is sought.
David said:
“The Five Bells has a small but dedicated group of core customers. Sadly this is not sufficient for the pub to turn a profit and Greene King took the difficult decision to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January 2010.
“However, following a dedicated campaign by local residents Greene King has shown its commitment to the village pub by deciding to keep the Five Bells operating in the interim while a more viable solution is sought. This may involve the eventual sale of the Five Bells but only on the grounds that it remain a public house.
“The village pub is one of the few remaining community facilities in rural life and is often the social core of the village. At a time when village shops and post offices are becoming more and more scarce we must do all we can to protect our pubs.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the situation in Hessett and applaud Greene King for their attempts to find a solution, especially when it comes at a financial cost to their firm.”
Many thanks
Jim Dew
JKay
Well-Known Member
Well Done
great letter puts him on the spot let us know what he replies
great letter puts him on the spot let us know what he replies
fergie_mac66
Well-Known Member
Planners sh~~s
Im sure there is a form that can force them to get a move on forget what it is but someone will know previous gov' enacted it force them to reply and say what hold up is within 28 days ..
cant remmember what its called it will be buried in council site somewhere they like to hide it
Im sure there is a form that can force them to get a move on forget what it is but someone will know previous gov' enacted it force them to reply and say what hold up is within 28 days ..
cant remmember what its called it will be buried in council site somewhere they like to hide it
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
The MPs office have risen to the challenge with a flurry of communication and activity. They have spoken to Dave & Louise, Greene King and Suffolk CC today.
We are hoeful of an outcomne, and it looks like the MP will attend the first night opening, which will generate a fair amount of publicity.
For info, the replies are copied here.
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:40
To: 'ROWE, Ben'
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Brilliant.
I have already booked our table for 4.
Thanks Again
Jim Dew
From: ROWE, Ben
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:36
To: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Mr Dew
As I said, as soon as we get the official nod, we get going!
Just so you know, we’ve spoken to Greene King, to the Council and we’ve been in touch with Louise to discuss how we can help. We’ll keep going, and fingers crossed for a positive result. Assuming all goes well, there’s a good chance I’ll see you at the Grand Opening of the restaurant!
I’ll liaise directly with Louise from now on, and I’m sure she’ll keep you informed. I’ve joined the facebook group, so I’ll stay on top of developments.
Regards
Ben
Ben Rowe
Office of David Ruffley MP |
House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:26
To: ROWE, Ben
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Ben,
I am most impressed with your response and handling of this enquiry thus far, you have been a credit to Mr Ruffley's office.
I hope this is extended to a successful outcome for the Five Bells.
Regards
Jim Dew
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 12:31
To: 'ROWE, Ben'
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Ben,
I appreciate your sentiment, but we are talking about a job unfinished. Mr Ruffley promised (and I quote) to 'keep a close eye on the situation', and I therefore implore Mr Ruffley to adhere to that promise.
I think it is singularly pathetic to try and hide behind the fact that I am not a local (by the way, what counts as local?) for not doing anything (and I quote) 'we must do all we can to protect our pubs'.
This is a Public House, and people must come from everywhere to make it successful. Just relying on the villagers to keep it running will doom it to failure. Therefore it is in your interest to respond in a positive manner.
I am sure that you would not want me to post this rather pale and wan reply on a public forum, as it would surely make Mr Ruffley look as if he is not living up to his promises made only earlier this year.
I must therefore urge you to reconsider your course of action.
Regards
Jim Dew
From: ROWE, Ben
Sent: 23 September 2010 12:22
To: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Mr Dew
Thank you for contacting Mr Ruffley about the Five Bells in Hessett.
As Mr Ruffley is currently away, he has asked me to respond on his behalf.
I appreciate that the future of the Five Bells is something you must feel strongly about, but I am afraid we can not intervene without the constituents who are directly concerned getting in touch. We can only discuss cases with the Council, or similar bodies, if we have spoken to the relevant parties, and we have their permission to act on their behalf.
If Mr and Mrs Anthony are having difficulties dealing with the council, and would like Mr Ruffley’s help, please do ask them to get in touch directly and someone in the office will be very pleased to assist.
Our main office phone number is 0207 219 2880 or you can e-mail Mr Ruffley’s caseworker, Emma Finch, on emma.finch@parliament.uk
Kind regards
Ben
Ben Rowe
Office of David Ruffley MP |
House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA
We are hoeful of an outcomne, and it looks like the MP will attend the first night opening, which will generate a fair amount of publicity.
For info, the replies are copied here.
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:40
To: 'ROWE, Ben'
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Brilliant.
I have already booked our table for 4.
Thanks Again
Jim Dew
From: ROWE, Ben
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:36
To: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Mr Dew
As I said, as soon as we get the official nod, we get going!
Just so you know, we’ve spoken to Greene King, to the Council and we’ve been in touch with Louise to discuss how we can help. We’ll keep going, and fingers crossed for a positive result. Assuming all goes well, there’s a good chance I’ll see you at the Grand Opening of the restaurant!
I’ll liaise directly with Louise from now on, and I’m sure she’ll keep you informed. I’ve joined the facebook group, so I’ll stay on top of developments.
Regards
Ben
Ben Rowe
Office of David Ruffley MP |
House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 14:26
To: ROWE, Ben
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Ben,
I am most impressed with your response and handling of this enquiry thus far, you have been a credit to Mr Ruffley's office.
I hope this is extended to a successful outcome for the Five Bells.
Regards
Jim Dew
From: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Sent: 23 September 2010 12:31
To: 'ROWE, Ben'
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Ben,
I appreciate your sentiment, but we are talking about a job unfinished. Mr Ruffley promised (and I quote) to 'keep a close eye on the situation', and I therefore implore Mr Ruffley to adhere to that promise.
I think it is singularly pathetic to try and hide behind the fact that I am not a local (by the way, what counts as local?) for not doing anything (and I quote) 'we must do all we can to protect our pubs'.
This is a Public House, and people must come from everywhere to make it successful. Just relying on the villagers to keep it running will doom it to failure. Therefore it is in your interest to respond in a positive manner.
I am sure that you would not want me to post this rather pale and wan reply on a public forum, as it would surely make Mr Ruffley look as if he is not living up to his promises made only earlier this year.
I must therefore urge you to reconsider your course of action.
Regards
Jim Dew
From: ROWE, Ben
Sent: 23 September 2010 12:22
To: Dew, Jim (UK Chelmsford)
Cc: FINCH, Emma
Subject: RE: Five Bells Hessett.
Mr Dew
Thank you for contacting Mr Ruffley about the Five Bells in Hessett.
As Mr Ruffley is currently away, he has asked me to respond on his behalf.
I appreciate that the future of the Five Bells is something you must feel strongly about, but I am afraid we can not intervene without the constituents who are directly concerned getting in touch. We can only discuss cases with the Council, or similar bodies, if we have spoken to the relevant parties, and we have their permission to act on their behalf.
If Mr and Mrs Anthony are having difficulties dealing with the council, and would like Mr Ruffley’s help, please do ask them to get in touch directly and someone in the office will be very pleased to assist.
Our main office phone number is 0207 219 2880 or you can e-mail Mr Ruffley’s caseworker, Emma Finch, on emma.finch@parliament.uk
Kind regards
Ben
Ben Rowe
Office of David Ruffley MP |
House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA
wingdiver
Well-Known Member
Jim
I have contacts with local journos (main office 100 metres from mine) if you think that would help at the moment.
D
I have contacts with local journos (main office 100 metres from mine) if you think that would help at the moment.
D
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
JKay
Well-Known Member
Brilliant News...VuVuzala noise blows loudly
Great job Jim
Can we "camp" at the grand opening?Pink bandit meets black fazer type event
Great job Jim
Can we "camp" at the grand opening?Pink bandit meets black fazer type event
sailorman
Well-Known Member
JKay
Well-Known Member
Ask 'im ! His pink bandit has about 200hp pushing it forward 
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Instant reply, action already taken with Greene King and Suffolk CC. MP is invited to opening of the restaurant.
Hurrah......
Jomo
Well-Known Member
Top Job Jim, top respect
Sixpence
Well-Known Member
The Five Bells, Hessett, reporting in
Well as Louise found time to update facebook I thought best do the same here
For those interested, The Five Bells has been going through a major facelift (long overdue) and now looks nothing like the pic's available on the internet, and the inside is nothing like it used to be, which has to be good. The ditch at the front is now running with clear(ish) water, forming a small lake instead of a muddy weed infested bog. Much nicer.
The fence alongside has also been replaced with a nice new picket fence,
and the jungle is well on the way to becoming a well kept garden again
Boaty bits and pieces tend to give the place away as being ours, with Sixpence stuck outside in the car park just in case anyone misses us. Oh, and we do indeed have a hoofing great anchor outside the front door, curtesy of PyroJames of this very forum, and collected at the Pirate weekend in 2009
(couldn't explain why we wanted it at the time, but hopefully it's a bit clearer now), and thanks again to James for the donation, and Clive for helping to get it back to my car
Planning application has finally gone part way through the system, only minor works needed but the council don't like Greene King, so aren't exactly pulling any strings to get things done as fast as we need. So we still don't have the restaurant open, joy oh joy, which means our turnover is well below what we need to survive and pay the bills, something the council don't seem to care about or they wouldn't have written to advise how much council tax they want. I'm sure they have comedian in the job spec somewhere
Thanks to Ben, the local MP's main man for writing to confirm that our MP has written to the council asking them to exp//, er, expede//, er, pull a finger out
A table has been reserved for his use on our main opening night, hope he doesn't want to put it on expenses
Had a few from YBW call in to see us so far, looking forward to more soon, and the place should be even easier to find once the flag pole arrives and the big YBW burgee goes up. That should confuse the locals
From the West it's not as easy to find as they forgot the signposts for Hessett in that direction, but basically, just after Bury St Edmunds, exit at the junction for Beyton, turn right at the junction, then right again at the next 'T' junction. A few hundred yards down the road there is the White Horse, in Beyton. Turn left just as you pass it, that's not the right pub
Nine tenths of a mile further on we are on the right, so keep a sharp lookout to Stbd and steady as she goes
There yah go for the naughtycal bit
Phone line should be sorted tomorrow, don't ask, grrrrrrr
So the number on t'internet will be correct again
Takes about ten minutes from the centre of Bury St Edmunds to our door, Mr Sailorboy
Wingdiver, need to chat urgently but every job these days is marked as urgent so I tend to miss you at the office, must chat soon
Joe, must have missed you when you popped in to see us
Oh, and the cold is no excuse here
Well as Louise found time to update facebook I thought best do the same here
For those interested, The Five Bells has been going through a major facelift (long overdue) and now looks nothing like the pic's available on the internet, and the inside is nothing like it used to be, which has to be good. The ditch at the front is now running with clear(ish) water, forming a small lake instead of a muddy weed infested bog. Much nicer.
The fence alongside has also been replaced with a nice new picket fence,
and the jungle is well on the way to becoming a well kept garden again
Boaty bits and pieces tend to give the place away as being ours, with Sixpence stuck outside in the car park just in case anyone misses us. Oh, and we do indeed have a hoofing great anchor outside the front door, curtesy of PyroJames of this very forum, and collected at the Pirate weekend in 2009
(couldn't explain why we wanted it at the time, but hopefully it's a bit clearer now), and thanks again to James for the donation, and Clive for helping to get it back to my car
Planning application has finally gone part way through the system, only minor works needed but the council don't like Greene King, so aren't exactly pulling any strings to get things done as fast as we need. So we still don't have the restaurant open, joy oh joy, which means our turnover is well below what we need to survive and pay the bills, something the council don't seem to care about or they wouldn't have written to advise how much council tax they want. I'm sure they have comedian in the job spec somewhere
Thanks to Ben, the local MP's main man for writing to confirm that our MP has written to the council asking them to exp//, er, expede//, er, pull a finger out
A table has been reserved for his use on our main opening night, hope he doesn't want to put it on expenses
Had a few from YBW call in to see us so far, looking forward to more soon, and the place should be even easier to find once the flag pole arrives and the big YBW burgee goes up. That should confuse the locals
From the West it's not as easy to find as they forgot the signposts for Hessett in that direction, but basically, just after Bury St Edmunds, exit at the junction for Beyton, turn right at the junction, then right again at the next 'T' junction. A few hundred yards down the road there is the White Horse, in Beyton. Turn left just as you pass it, that's not the right pub
Nine tenths of a mile further on we are on the right, so keep a sharp lookout to Stbd and steady as she goes
There yah go for the naughtycal bit
Phone line should be sorted tomorrow, don't ask, grrrrrrr
So the number on t'internet will be correct again
Takes about ten minutes from the centre of Bury St Edmunds to our door, Mr Sailorboy
Wingdiver, need to chat urgently but every job these days is marked as urgent so I tend to miss you at the office, must chat soon
Joe, must have missed you when you popped in to see us
Oh, and the cold is no excuse here
dmmbruce
Well-Known Member
Thanks for info.
So, what is your internet address? Stick it on your signature perhaps.
(Sorry, like many others I avoid Facebook)
Mike
So, what is your internet address? Stick it on your signature perhaps.
(Sorry, like many others I avoid Facebook)
Mike
Sixpence
Well-Known Member
Oops
Sorry Mike, forgot that bit in the rush to get done posting before we open in two minutes
www.fivebellshessett.co.uk
is our (still under construction) website
Should be done by now but I'm clueless
Chat later, bar to open now
Sorry Mike, forgot that bit in the rush to get done posting before we open in two minutes
www.fivebellshessett.co.uk
is our (still under construction) website
Should be done by now but I'm clueless
Chat later, bar to open now
sailorman
Well-Known Member
Hi Dave & thanks for the update in a Nutshell .
will call in soon, Honest
.will call in soon, Honest
wingdiver
Well-Known Member
Spoken to Dave today on 01359 270 350 (so the number is working now) and had a chat.
Also passed details on to the East Anglia Daily Times news team based at Bury St Edmunds who will give Dave and Louise a call.
Also passed details on to the East Anglia Daily Times news team based at Bury St Edmunds who will give Dave and Louise a call.