The campaign to save The Derehams Inn, a local Loudwater favourite, is urgently recruiting new members to bolster its efforts of acquiring the pub for community use.

The fundraising aims to purchase and run the establishment on Derehams Lane entirely for the community benefit.

Mick Parsons, campaign organiser, has given an update on the campaign.

Bucks Free Press: The Derehams Inn

He said: "Our thanks go to the local community for their steadfast support.

"We are waiting on the seller's quote. Seeing if it's within our capacity, with the Plunkett Foundation's help and the community support.

"The company is ready; the price is the only thing holding us back."

The Derehams Inn Community Group encourages locals to get involved and support the campaign.

Interested members can find more details about membership on the campaign's website.

Bucks Free Press: Mick Parsons

The initial membership fee is set at a minimum of £5, with annual payments expected until the group accomplishes its aim of securing the pub.

"The acquisition of The Derehams Inn's ownership aims to benefit the community.

"Membership commences once we receive the completed form and the first annual payment," added Mick.

"Once the goal of buying the pub is achieved, as approved by the management committee, the collection of annual membership fees will cease.

"In the successful event of securing the pub, all membership fees and raised funds will go towards the pub's purchase and renovation.

"Membership is open to anyone aged 18 and over, according to membership rules."

The campaign group said if they're unable to save the pub, the money raised from membership fees will support a cancer charity in memory of Graham.

Who was Graham?

Graham Frederick Sturgess, was at the heart of the community along with his wife Maggie for decades when they ran a string of pubs including the Rose and Crown in Wooburn Green and the Derehams Inn in Loudwater. He died at home on Mother’s Day, March 27, 2022 aged 71.

Graham grew up in Hazlemere and worked as a painter and decorator at Wrights in Great Missenden before starting his own decorating company.

He met Margaret – known as Maggie – in 1992 while she was working behind the bar of the now-demolished Royal Oak pub and they married on February 13, 1993.

They ran the Rose and Crown in Wooburn Green together, until they bought the Derehams Inn in 1998 as a freehouse.

Visit https://www.derehamsinn.org/join-us-now to support the campaign.