31/07/2026
Update on Purchase of Witchampton Club Freehold:
As many of you will know, work is continuing to explore the possibility of members purchasing the freehold of the club, securing its future for the benefit of current and future generations.
The current model being explored is the creation of a Co-operative Society, which would enable members collectively to own and safeguard the club for the long term. While this remains subject to further work, we believe this structure offers a democratic and member-focused way of protecting the club's future.
To make a member-led purchase possible, we estimate that we would need to raise approximately £400,000. This figure is intended to cover the purchase price of the freehold, the legal and professional costs associated with the purchase, and a fund for any urgent repairs or essential works that may be required to the building following acquisition.
At this stage, we are trying to establish whether that level of support is achievable. We are therefore inviting members to provide a confidential, non-binding expression of interest indicating the level of financial contribution they would be willing to make towards the purchase if the project proceeds.
This is not a commitment to donate or invest. It is simply intended to help us understand what level of funding might realistically be available and whether it is worth progressing to the next stage with this model.
If you are willing to indicate your likely contribution, please email, ideally within the next 72 hours:
[email protected]
Please include:
Your name.
The amount you would, in principle, be prepared to contribute.
All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Your response will be seen only by the small number of people who need access to this information in order to assess the overall level of support. Individual expressions of interest will not be shared more widely without your permission.
Please do not feel under any obligation to make a financial contribution. We recognise that members' circumstances differ, and every member is equally valued regardless of whether they are able to contribute. Whether you are considering £300 or £10 000, every expression of interest helps us build a realistic picture of what may be achievable.
Once we have a clear indication of the level of support, we will communicate further with all members. We will provide more detailed information about how the proposed Co-operative Society would be established and governed, how membership would work, and the process for making your contribution should you decide to proceed. No binding commitments or payments will be requested until members have had the opportunity to consider this information.
Please also share this letter with any current members who may not have received it and with anyone who may be interested in becoming a member of the club. The wider our reach, the more accurately we can assess the level of support for this important initiative.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request and for your continued support of the club.
Yours sincerely,
Witchampton & Crichel Social Club Committee
Witchampton & Crichel Club
Witchampton
Dorset
BH21 5AP
01258 840 202
