09/06/2026
Oakbank launches “decked out” campaign
Six months on from its official opening in late 2025, the Oakbank Community Inn in Sandbank has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign that aims to raise £10,000 towards a decked area at the rear of the pub.
Plans for a safe and accessible outdoor area has long been an objective for the OCIS (Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank) committee however the need to re-open and re-establish the venue has been the main priority according to committee member Sarah Norman.
“We’ve been very busy getting the pub up and running and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has popped in for a drink and supported us over recent months, including our many shareholders, however we do need to build a decked area behind the pub to take advantage of any sunny weather.
“The only way we can achieve this is through crowdfunding activities and we hope folks around the area will support this campaign. It may well be too late to get anything in place for this year but, if we can raise the required funding, then it would be fantastic to restore an external seated area.
“We have been very proactive since reopening in developing new events and groups, such as a book club and needles & natter and coffee & chat groups that can call the Oakbank home. It all adds value to the Sandbank community. Our quiz nights on the first Thursday and third Monday of each month are proving very popular and we have just started with a programme of live music.
“It has certainly been a challenge and a tough start to 2026. We are all learning as we go but we feel we are getting there and establishing a welcoming outside space will definitely help our cause alongside the introduction of food and accommodation,” added Sarah.
For more information about supporting the crowdfunding campaign, which will be match funded, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/deckedout or the community inn’s page.
