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UPDATE - JANUARY 2025

Although it had seemed that we had enough gifts and pledges with which to purchase the former Potterne School, a hold-up was caused by solicitors failure to register the property with UK Land Registry. Salisbury Diocese eventually resolved the matter, however, the interim delay frustrated some donors who proceeded to withdraw their pledges, which was both unhelpful and very disappointing.In April 2024 we applied to the Community Ownership Fund (COF) run by the Dept for Levelling Up for a £140K ...

NOVEMBER UPDATE

Having scanned the Budget Book (170 pages!) it would seem there is no further clarity about the future of the Community Ownership Fund (COF), to which we applied in April 2024.It is likely that Salisbury Diocese will soon put Potterne School premises on the market which, though understandable, would be a great pity.We have therefore asked our MP, Dr Brian Mathew, to enquire whether there's any governmental post-budget narrative regarding Round 4 Applications to the COF. As previously explained, ...

SEPTEMBER UPDATE

We had hoped to complete by Autumn 2024, following a substantial funding application to the Community Ownership Fund (COF) however, we do not yet know the outcome as the fund was placed "on hold" after the July general election.Enquiries by our MP as to the status of our COF application have elicited only a vague governmental response, but it seems we have to wait for the 30 October Budget Statement to find out more.This is difficult news - without adequate funding by early Nov 2024, the cu...

FUNDRAISING

Work continues apace to raise working capital for the purchase, subsequent refurbishment and initial running costs.In April this year we made a substantial funding application to the Community Ownership Fund: however, for statutory reasons, we do not yet know the outcome as the fund was placed in a state of temporary "purdah' from May until the 4 July general election. Subsequent enquiries as to the status of our application have elicited only a vague response from the new governemnt....

VILLAGE FÊTE

The Patch team enjoyed meeting locals at Potterne fête last weekend. They heard our latest news: the school is at last registered with UK Land Registry, paving the way for completion of purchase. Come to our AGM at the school 3pm Sun 30 June to learn more!...

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

SAVE THE DATE - AGM:  Sunday 30 June 2024 at the Potterne Village School.  3pm start (note this new time) with refreshments provided.  Please RSVP to info@thepatchinpotterne.org.uk...

NEW DIRECTORS

We are delighted to welcome John Chandler, Paul Moss and Andy Huntley as Directors of the Community Interest Company (CIC). They bring a wealth of experience to the team. CLICK HERE to read about them....

LAND REGISTRY UK

The current owners' new solicitors have now applied to record the premises with the Land Registry. This is essential prior to conveyance, and we would hope to complete by the end of June....

A SLIGHT SETBACK

Before the school building is bought, it must first be registered with Land Registry UK. The Trustees (current owners), disappointed with inertia from their appointed solicitors, have recently instructed another firm to undertake this task. It is not yet clear how long the process will take, however it is delaying completion. Watch this page for further updates....

GREAT NEWS

Devizes Area Board have granted £3,000 to The Patch in Potterne. We are immensely grateful, especially as there will be renovation costs on completing our purchase of the former village school. Our thanks go to all members of the Devizes Area Board....

We did it! £105,000 raised

Thanks to generous donors, sponsored events, crowd funding and an online auction, we now have the funds to purchase Potterne former village school. Our offer has been accepted and we hope for completion by the end of March 2024....

A new director takes post

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The Patch in Potterne song by Keith Donnelly

Click on the picture to get download. Ta...

Door to Door

A survey is being conducted among as many people in the village as possible to gauge what villagers really want from The Patch in Potterne. The majority of responses to the survey so far have been enthusiastic and encouraging....

Village Fete

A wonderful day at Potterne Fete. With great weather, many people turned out. We had some very favourable comments from people wanting to be part of what we are doing to turn this lovely old school into a workable venue. We managed to raise funds and enrol villagers to join the company....