The Henry Jenkins has this week been put forward as an “Asset of Community Value.” If accepted, this would prevent the owner from selling it until community groups have been given the chance to put together a bid.
If Harrogate Borough Council decide the criteria have been met, they will list the Henry Jenkins as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) within eight weeks. Once a pub is listed, the owner must respect an “interim moratorium” period to allow community groups to register an interest as potential bidders. If an interest is registered, a “full moratorium” is granted – preventing the pub from being sold for a further six months. This gives time for local people to look in detail at the practicalities/ feasibility of making an offer to buy the pub as a community.
A formal ACV nomination, supported by the required 21 people from the parish, was submitted to the council on Monday. The full text of the nomination can be obtained here.
It notes that like many other villages in rural areas, Kirkby Malzeard it has suffered from a gradual loss of amenities – while at the same time its population has expanded.
It asserts:
- That the Henry Jenkins has been vital to the social fabric of the village for centuries.
- That its closure has been compounded by the loss of the Drovers Inn (the last remaining pub in Dallowgill/ Laverton), the sub post office, Roselea Tearooms and Cowscot House bed & breakfast.
- That despite the continuing success of the Queens Head (an important asset in its own right) , the closure of the Henry Jenkins has restricted opportunities for people to go out, mix and socialise. This in turn has made it more difficult to keep clubs and societies going.
- That prospective buyers with a genuine interest in revitalising the Henry Jenkins as a pub/ restaurant have been turned away.
- That a revitalised Henry Jenkins could still be viable – either as a private commercial business or as a community venture. This could bring back some of the other lost community facilities – eg a post office or tea room – under one roof.
It lists 28 community groups and organisations who made use of the Henry Jenkins before it was closed in 2012.
Among them are:
Kirkby Malzeard Folk Club
Until the Henry Jenkins’ closure, the folk club used to meet in the restaurant area on the first Monday of every month, attracting 15-20 musicians and singers from Kirkby Malzeard and surrounding villages.
The Henry Jenkins Pub Quiz
This used to be held every Tuesday night and regularly attracted 30-50 players, with teams sitting at tables across both the public and lounge bars.
Kirkby Malzeard Players
Between 20 and 30 members of the cast and production team would meet for drinks/ socialising in the Henry Jenkins after rehearsals and performances of the Christmas Pantomime from October- March. Also after rehearsals/ performances of occasional plays staged during early summer.
St Andrew’s Church Sunday School
Between 8 and 9 committee members held meetings in Henry Jenkins once a month to organise rotas and events. Once a year they also attended a sandwich lunch before the annual trip to Christmas pantomime in York.
Friends of Kirkby Malzeard School
Met at the Henry Jenkins ten times a years to organise fund-raising activities. Over the years the group has raised many thousands of pounds to supplement the school’s income.
Kirkby Malzeard Snooker and Billiard Club
Every Tuesday evening (snooker) and Wednesday evening (billiards) up to 20 players from the home and away teams used to meet in the Henry Jenkins after matches at the Mechanics.
Highside Longsword Dancers
The Highside Longsword Dancers, originators of the internationally famous “Kirkby Malzeard Longsword Dance” performed their first-ever dance outside the Henry Jenkins in 1987. From then onwards they performed inside and outside the pub every Boxing Day until the pub was closed in 2012.
Highside Singers
A small party from choir of around 30 used to meet in the Henry Jenkins after rehearsals
Kirkby Malzeard Cricket Club
Home and away teams met up for drinks and supper at the Henry Jenkins and the Queens Head after alternate home match fixtures.
Kirkby Malzeard Method Chapel Lunch Club
A small group of women living alone used to meet up most Sundays for Sunday lunch
St Andrews Church Sunday School Meetings
held once a month in Henry Jenkins to organise rotas and events
St Andrews Church Bellringers
Met in the Henry Jenkins every Thursday after bell-ringing practice.
Kirkby Malzeard Parochial Church Council
Used to meet in the Mechanics, then retire to the Henry Jenkins for drinks/ socialising