Jill Stein will help Pub is The Hub host the launch of a new Local Community Services Champions initiative for Cornwall in January. The scheme, which launched in 2011 aims to help pubs become local service champions.

The launch event will be held at Jill and Rick Stein’s own pub, The Cornish Arms in St Merryn near Padstow, on 17^th January. The meeting will showcase advice, support and, if appropriate, funding for pub operators and owners who are considering a diversification scheme. This follows on from previous launch events, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, in Suffolk, Essex and North Yorkshire last year which have resulted in dozens of new projects currently underway.

Pub is The Hub encourages local authorities, communities, licensees, pub owners and breweries to work together to support, retain and locate services within rural pubs. Pub is the Hub assists with guidance on availability of project funding, and having a thorough understanding of the pub business, is able to advise on the best way to progress with each individual project.

Speakers at the event include Peter Jefferson from Cornwall Rural Community Council who will outline which services are priorities in rural areas; Nigel Clark from Age UK in Cornwall who will talk about the opportunities for pubs in supporting elderly community residents and Louise Bowers from Big Lottery Fund who will discuss potential funding. Bringing some licensed trade experience to the table will be Bob Semple from The Tree Inn at Stratton near Bude who will describe how he and his wife opened a post office and shop at their pub recently and the benefits this has brought to their business.

John Longden, Chief Executive from Pub is The Hub said: “We’d love to see any licensees in Cornwall who are considering the option of diversification – and even those who have never thought of it before. At the meeting we will offer ideas and access to support and advice. We are very grateful to Jill and Rick and their team at The Cornish Arms for kindly hosting our event and to Adam Luck and his team at St Austell Brewery for their continuing support.”

Jill Stein comments: "Since we took over The Cornish Arms in 2009, it's been so important to us to get involved with our local community by supporting local live music, community events and fundraising for people in the surrounding area. Local pubs are at the heart of our local communities and it's great to be a part of that."

Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can call 01423 546165 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .