How Blue Bell pub has revitalised community at Stoke Ferry

The community, near Downham Market, received the accolade this month in recognition of its efforts to save its last surviving pub, the Blue Bell.

Just under two years ago, the pub reopened after a successful campaign to raise the funds to buy and refurbish the property on Lynn Road.

Some 400 people bought shares - including broadcaster Stephen Fry - in a community benefit society.

Villagers celebrate buying the pub in July, 2021 (Image: Blue Bell Campaign)

They beat off property developers who wanted to turn the pub, which pulled its first pint in 1795, into housing, after having it declared an asset of community value before buying it for £275,000.

HEART OF THE VILLAGE

Now refurbished and run largely by volunteers, it hosts everything from an over-60s lunch club to games nights, gigs, barbecues, theme nights, quizzes and crib.

"We're out of the way here so we have to work hard to keep it open," said Debbie Edwards, one of the 35-strong group who give up their time to run the Blue Bell.

"We have to constantly come up with ideas but it's a passion for us. 

The Blue Bell at Stoke Ferry, which villagers bought for £275 (Image: Chris Bishop)

"You need the community, but the last three years have shown how much we needed something like this."

Retired headteacher Mrs Edwards, 67, moved to the village with her husband Ray 10 years ago from London.

“I hated my first year living here, not knowing anyone, but now I wouldn’t change it for anything," she said.

"I’ve met so many people from different backgrounds, with different stories, that I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for the Blue Bell.

Debbie Edwards (right) and Jo Collins behind the bar at the Blue Bell (Image: Chris Bishop)

"You learn things about people and find things you have in common – it’s really pulled everyone together.”

OVERCOMING NEGATIVITY

Fellow volunteer Jo Collins, 61,  a semi-retired HR consultant who has lived in the village 20 years said: "It would have been a real shame if it had closed. It's become a real community hub."

Jim McNeill was one of driving forces of the campaign to save the Blue Bell, organising a public meeting in February 2020 that was attended by 85 people - just under a fifth of the village's population.

"There was some enthusiasm and some negativity," he said. "Some people have now come up to us since and said: 'I never thought this would work - I eat my words.

Jim McNeill in the garden at the Blue Bell, part of which has been turned into a nature area (Image: Chris Bishop)

"We were hopeful, enthusiastic, but at the same time the village bought the pub and if it didn't work out it would still be owned by the shareholders, so they'd have been repaid. In a sense the village couldn't lose."

'IT'S PUT AN ENERGY BACK IN THE VILLAGE'

Mr McNeill said he interviewed villagers after the pub had been open for a year to ask them what they thought of it.

"They said they knew their neighbour before and that was it," he said. "Now they say they walk down the street and everybody says hello.

"It's put an energy back into the village which has benefitted everybody."

From left, June Maltby, Ann Flack and Angela Short enjoy lunch at the Blue Bell (Image: Chris Bishop)

Three friends who live several miles apart were enjoying the two course menu at the over-60s lunch club on Thursday.

"We used to go to a different place but as soon as we found this place we've come back every week," said pensioner Angela Short, 77, from Hockwold.

"We like the atmosphere and it's really good food."

Friend June Maltby, 90, from Downham Market, said: "It's very nice and they're very helpful to me because I'm getting a bit old.

"The village people have taken it over and they're doing very well."

Ann Flack, 80, from Marham, added: "It's the atmosphere here, everyone's so friendly."

Dave Robinson enjoys a pint at the Blue Bell (Image: Chris Bishop)

Factory worker Dave Robinson, 43, who had popped in for a lunchtime pint, said: "It's risen from the ashes, from a derelict building to supporting the community.

"It's done more to rebuild this community than anything."

Mrs Edwards was scribbling away in a quiet corner as the bar filled with diners tucking in to two courses and tea for £9.50.

"I'm just getting the Mexican evening together," she said. "So we'll have 50 people in here eating Mexican food and making a lot of noise I expect."

TIMELINE OF A TURNAROUND

For sale signs outside the pub in early 2021 (Image: Archant)

2018

March - Blue Bell closes because of lack of trade

2019

May - Parish council expresses concern over continued closure

July - Developers buy the pub

October - They apply to turn it into housing

December - The application is refused

2020

September - an appeal is turned down; Save the Blue Bell Group receive £2,500 in seed funding

November - another planning application for change of use is turned down; shares in the community enterprise go on sale

2021

June - villagers buy the pub