What is the Semington Community Benefit Society Limited (SCBS)?

• The Semington Community Benefit Society Limited was formed when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) gave their approval to an application to form the SCBS on 23rd February 2026

• The registration number of the entity is 9716 and full details can be found on the FCA Mutuals Public Reister or via the link below 

• Our entry on Mutuals Public Register website can be viewed here – Semington Community Benefit Society listing

• It is run by a management committee which meets regularly to make decisions on the progress and direction of the SCBS

• The SCBS is governed by Model Rules that were adopted by the founding committee and were provided by Plunketts, who are experts in advising Community Benefits Societies of all types throughout the UK 

What is the objective of the SCBS?

• The objective of the SCBS is to acquire The Somerset Arms Public House in Semington, Wiltshire from the Wellington Pub Group and then renovate it for the future generations of the village, wider Wiltshire and users such as boaters, cyclists and walkers that use the canal and towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal

How does the SCBS intend to achieve its objective?

• In order to achieve its objective the SCBS will need to raise significant amounts of funds. These could come from a number of sources that could include:
  • Donations
  • Grants
  • Issuing shares in the SCBS
  • Borrowings

• Donations – we have already some small levels of donations that have come from a quiz night at the Semington Village Hall. We will shortly have a more comprehensive Crowdfunding page and full details will be provided in due course. If you would like to make a donation in the mean-time please use the email address on the Contact Us page

• Grants – these are being fully investigated however changes in Government funding prioritise in recent years has meant that there are fewer available. In addition some of those cannot be accessed until the pub has been acquired

• Share issues – this is likely to need to be the main source of funds for both the purchase and renovation of the Somerset Arms. We are currently working on both the business plan and the share prospectus which be required before the first share offer can be launched

• Borrowing – hopefully this will not be required but expediency and levels of other funding will dictate if this becomes necessary at some point

When will the SCBS start raising funds?

• The process has already started! We have a bank account and will be using that to cover the inevitable costs of establishing and running a project like this which will include website, communication and marketing costs

What can I do to help the CBS right now?

• Volunteer – we are always looking for people who can help with this project and specifically
  • People with a legal background (especially those with knowledge of conveyancing and pub tenancy agreements)
  • Social media experts – we need to write relevant content and make sure the message is broadcast far and wide (especially Instagram, X and FaceBook)
  • People to distribute publicity.
  • Minutes Secretary.

Contact us by email and someone will come back to you