Membership FAQs

Who are our members, and what are they members of?

Countryman’s Community Pub Society Limited is a registered community benefit society. We exist in order to carry out business for the benefit of our community – in our case, by owning and maintaining The Countryman’s Inn pub in Hunton as a thriving community asset for generations to come. A society such as ours as ‘members’ who own a share of the society, and in turn, have a voice in how the society is run. An elected group of these members then form the ‘management committee’, who oversee the day-to-day running of the society. More information on our society, and the model rules which we operate under, please visit our ‘About Us’ page.

What is the criteria for becoming a member?

To become a member, a shareholding of the society must be purchased. All shares are priced at £1 each, with a minimum shareholding being £500 per member and the maximum shareholding being £20,000 per member. Members can either be individuals or businesses. Shares can also be bought on behalf of an individual as a gift. There is no annual subscription fee to the society. All new members must complete an application form and meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Applicant must be eighteen or older
2. Applicant must support the society’s purpose
3. Applicant must purchase at least the minimum amount of shares as required by our rules.

What are the benefits of being a member?

As a member, you will pay a crucial part in helping to preserve The Countryman’s Inn as a thriving community asset for generations to come. By being a member, you will have a voice in the running of the society, such as by:

1. attending member events and meetings to help shape the future of the society and of the pub.
2. voting at member meetings
3. electing representatives onto the management committee
4. standing for election onto the management committee
5. receiving members-only information and updates about the society and the pub
6. receive interest on shares (subject to management committee agreement)

How do I become a member?

Our initial share offering took place in December 2021, whereby we successfully raised our target of £230,000. However, further shares do become available from time-to-time. We currently operate a waiting list for individuals who are interested in joining the society. If you are interested in purchasing shares and wish to be added to our waiting list, please complete the below form and we will contact you as soon as shares become available. If you have any questions about becoming a shareholder, please contact us here.

Can I withdraw my shares?

Yes, shares can be withdrawn, however there are some important rules around this as outlined within our Share Withdrawal Policy. These include:

1. Any application for the withdrawal of shares must be made with at least 3 months’ notice (although the management committee can waive this under exceptional circumstances).
2. Although withdrawals may be considered after 2 years of trading, we have not forecast any withdrawals in the first 5 years of trading. This is to ensure the sustainable future and operation of both the society and the pub. Any withdrawals during this time will likely be on the condition that the withdrawal can be funded by our reserves, or by raising new capital.
3. The management committee can set a maximum withdrawal amount each year to ensure the society has adequate funds to operate.
4. The society may delay, or pay in part withdrawals, which the management committee consider would place the society in financial difficulties.

Different rules may apply if the reason for withdrawal is due to the death or the bankruptcy of a member.

If you wish to withdraw your shares, please contact us for more information. As part of the withdrawal process, you will need to complete the below withdrawal request form.

Will I receive interest or dividends as a member?

Dividends may be paid on shares, but it is at the discretion of the management committee each year – depending on whether there is enough profit to do so and the payment of interest would not adversely affect the society and its operation. It is not expected that dividends or interest payments will be made within the first 2 years of trading, however it is our intention to pay a modest dividend on all shareholders after this period. Members will have the opportunity to vote on any proposals at future members’ meetings, including the rate and amount of any dividend or interest to be awarded. If any interest or dividend is to be awarded, further details will be shared with all members through our usual communication channels.

Where can I find further information on membership?

For more information about our society, its purpose and function, please visit our ‘About Us‘ page. Our original business plan and share offer documents can be viewed below.

What is the ‘Community Shares Standard Mark’?

The ‘Community Shares Standard Mark’ is awarded by the Community Shares Unit to share offers that meet national standards of good practice. These standards ensure that:

• The offer document and application form are easy to understand
• You are provided with all the facts you need to make an informed decision
• The facts are supported by the annual accounts and/or business plan for the society
• Nothing in the documents is purposefully incorrect, confusing or misleading.

Societies are asked to sign a code of practice requiring them, among other things, to give the public a right of complaint to the Community Shares Unit. Our share offer above has been awarded this accreditation. Please note, this accreditation is awarded to share offers only and not to the society as a whole. For more information about community shares, the Community Shares Standard Mark and the Community Shares Unit, please visit: communityshares.org.uk.

Can I bequeath my shares?

Yes, each member can nominate for their shares to be bequeathed to one or more persons in the event of their death, or back to the society. To do this, each member will need to complete a share nomination form before their death, which can be accessed below.

I’m an existing member and I have changed my name/address/contact information

Please contact us here so we can update your membership information and ensure you receive all our communications. Your share certificate remains valid regardless of the details originally printed. Replacement certificates will be issued for any changes of name, however these will be electronic only.

I’m an existing member and I have lost or damaged my share certificate

To report a share certificate as lost, please contact us here. Replacement certificates can be requested for any lost or damaged certificates, however these will be electronic only.

I have another question that isn’t answered here

If you have another question that has not been answered here, please contact us here.