18th December, Swindon 11:30 - Go-op Share Offer Launch

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From Eventbrite

Launch of Go-op Co-operative's share offer for new Wiltshire rail services



Join us for the exciting launch of Go-op Co-operative's share offer to bring new rail services to Wiltshire!

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:30 - 13:00 GMT
Swindon Borough Council, Euclid Street Swindon SN1 2JH

Welcome to the Launch of Go-op Co-operative's share offer for new Wiltshire rail services! Join us at Swindon Borough Council's Council Chamber for an exciting event where you can learn all about our cooperative's mission to revolutionize rail services in Wiltshire. Be part of this unique opportunity to invest in a sustainable and community-driven transportation initiative.

You'll have the opportunity to put questions to the directors of the new venture, which will introduce direct services betwen Taunton and Swindon (via Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham) for the first time. Don't miss out on this chance to shape the future of public transport in Wiltshire!

[ChrisB]

There's another similar event on the same day, at 1600-1730 at the Great Western Hotel in Taunton, right by the station. So don't expect the SWindon event to over run!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/launch-of-go-op-co-operatives-share-offer-for-new-somerset-rail-services-tickets-1112677029949?aff=erelpanelorg

[grahame]

Message shared  as in the request within the email. Personally, I have a prior appointment which precludes me going to either event. Had that not been the case, I would be very seriously considering it.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Alex Lawrie <Alex.Lawrie @ go-op.coop>
Subject: Please join us for the launch of Go-op's share offer on the 18th
Date: 16 December 2024 at 11:52:13 GMT
To: "graham.ellis@melksham-tc.gov.uk" <graham.ellis@melksham-tc.gov.uk>

I am writing to you because we believe that you will be keen to hear about developments with the introduction of new rail services in Somerset and Wiltshire. As you may be aware, Go-op Co-operative has now secured the approval of the Office of Rail and Road for a brand new route between Weston super Mare and Swindon, via Taunton, Frome and Melksham.

However, there is a strict condition attached. We must prove in short order that we have sufficient funds in place to launch the service - and that includes £1.5M of improvements to level crossings on the route. As part of our plan to meet that target, we are launching a £2.8M share offer on Wednesday 18th December.

We would very much like your body to be represented at one of the two events:

Swindon: The Council Chamber, Swindon Borough Council 1130am

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1112648494599?aff=oddtdtcreator

Taunton: The Great Western Hotel, Taunton Station 4.00pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1112677029949?aff=oddtdtcreator

We do appreciate it if you can book with Eventbrite to indicate your interest - but by all means turn up on the day. If we can succeed in this venture it will have a transformative impact: for rail users in the south west, for our pathway to zero carbon emissions, and for introducing co-operative values and practices to more sectors of the economy.

Please spread the word - forward this email to contacts locally, share the posts on social media, bring your friends along!

Thanks, Alex Lawrie
--
Alex Lawrie

Director, GO-OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) Co-operative Limited and GO-OP Learn Limited

Societies registered with the FCA no.s 30678 and 8463

[ChrisB]

Thirty-one days left on the crowdfunder to raise £2,500,000 - and they are standing at a rather paltry £82,190. A long way to go - I wonder whether someone will offer the remaining investment at the last moment? I'm sort of surprised no one is giving it a push....?

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/go-op-som-wilts-rail

[IndustryInsider]

Thirty-one days left on the crowdfunder to raise £2,500,000 - and they are standing at a rather paltry £82,190. A long way to go - I wonder whether someone will offer the remaining investment at the last moment? I'm sort of surprised no one is giving it a push....?

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/go-op-som-wilts-rail

Just 3% of the way there?  It looks like an almighty shove is required rather than just a push!

[grahame]

Thirty-one days left on the crowdfunder to raise £2,500,000 - and they are standing at a rather paltry £82,190. A long way to go - I wonder whether someone will offer the remaining investment at the last moment? I'm sort of surprised no one is giving it a push....?

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/go-op-som-wilts-rail

I have added the closing date to our calendar.   Coffee Shop members are welcome to post here to encourage people to support  Go-op by share purchase or otherwise, just as they are to encourage people to purchase shares in First group.   As with any investment, the risks and benefits of the particular investment should be carefully considered.

[IndustryInsider]

Thirty-one days left on the crowdfunder to raise £2,500,000 - and they are standing at a rather paltry £82,190. A long way to go - I wonder whether someone will offer the remaining investment at the last moment? I'm sort of surprised no one is giving it a push....?

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/go-op-som-wilts-rail

Less than £1000 added to that over the last ten days.  Still at 3% of the target!

[Chris from Nailsea]

I continue to wish them all the best - but I still can't see it being financially viable. 

[eightonedee]

Prompted by the Minehead connection thread (even though it no longer is part of their plans), Ichecked the Go-op Crowdfunding site.

They've now just exceeded £90k in funds raised,  and seem to be perpetually extending their deadline to hit £2.6m to three day's time.