The Vulcan - Last Orders Called

The Save the Vulcan campaign welcomes the announcement given on Friday 4th May 2012 and is very pleased that The Vulcan Hotel is to be preserved at The National History Museum at St Fagans. We would like to extend our thanks to S.A. Brain & Co, The National History Museum and MARCOL Asset Management for their efforts in securing the future of this historic building. 

However, the group is disappointed that it will not remain in its current location as a working pub.

We are deeply saddened and upset about the sudden and unexpected closure of the Vulcan on Friday 4th May. The current lease was due to expire on the 31st May 2012 and by ending the lease early it has deprived all of us of an opportunity to say our final farewells to our beloved local pub and give The Vulcan the send off it deserved.

The Save the Vulcan campaign remains unconvinced that the pub, now located in an area heavily populated by students, cannot be made financially viable with the right support and backing. We are not confident that all avenues have been explored in this regard. We also argue that as the last surviving building of the old Newtown area of Cardiff a level of social responsibility is required. The group would welcome comment from Mr Rapport of MARCOL Asset Management on these matters. 

In relation to the funding for the Vulcan - St Fagans project, the group would also like to know if MARCOL Asset Management is to contribute to the costs given that any funds for conventional demolition are no longer required.

On a personal note, terms like "end of an era" get thrown around far too readily, but for those who ever got a chance to experience the unique energy and charisma that The Vulcan has, it rings with absolute truth.

With passion, sweat and sheer force of determination, you all ensured that The Vulcan has a future. Thank you.

Where's The Vulcan?

Hello everyone! As promised here is this weeks competition:

Guess where The Vulcan is for your chance to win some 'Vulcan ale' (actually just regular ale with a sticker on it!).

One entry per person for every correct answer, like and retweet. Open to UK residents and 18+ years and over only I'm afraid, otherwise you're getting a bottle of year old squash I found in my bag last week.

Last chance to get your entries in is the 5th of May. We'll be posting where The Vulcan has been every few days.

We're getting it out there that The Vulcan is shutting on May 31st, a pub that has been standing since 1853 but is now under the very serious threat of demolition. That doesn't mean we can't have some fun along the way though!

Do as you mother said and SHARE!

Follow the links to the Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook Entry
Twitter Entry

Demonstration 11th May 12:00 Midday

Today, we can finally reveal that on the 11th of May, we will be taking to Cardiff's streets and bringing the fight to Rapport and S.A. Brain.

In 2013 The Vulcan would celebrate its 160th Birthday. Unfortunately due to developer greed and a brewery that has turned its back on the 'Perfect Pub', that is under threat.

On May 31st, The Vulcan will be shouting 'last orders!' for the very final time.

Please, join us on the 11th of May and show that we all stand for people over profit.

http://www.facebook.com/events/438686996156805/

Kirsty adds to Vulcan voice

Eluned Parrott AM, Councillor Nigel Howells and Kirsty Williams AM

Yesterday morning Kirsty Williams AM, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats with
Eluned Parrott AM for South Wales Central  and Councillor Nigel Howells popped in to discuss the future of The Vulcan with the landlady and campaign members.

Ms Williams said: “I have been very impressed with the local campaign that the Vulcan Hotel has been running over the past few years. The Vulcan is a part of Cardiff’s history and a part of our heritage and I want to see our history and heritage passed on to future generations. It is only when the community rallies together we can protect buildings of historic importance like the Vulcan Hotel".

Read the full story here

Vulcan campaigners accuse Brains of ‘abandoning’ pub

Has anyone else noticed it's been a little chilly lately? ..and not just from the lack of central heating.

"Campaigners against the closure of Cardiff’s Vulcan pub have accused Brains brewery of abandoning it to its fate, after the central heating system packed in".

Brains Sales & Marketing Director, Richard Davies said "“We continue to engage with the Save the Vulcan Campaign on a regular basis".

While clearly proud that their new craft brewery is nearly complete, what better location to market real ale than one of Cardiff's last remaining real pubs? Brains heavily marketed their Ale & Cider Spring Festival this month with a handful of pubs such as The City Arms and Goat Major being involved, but once again The Vulcan was left in the cold.

Read the full story here

International Reputation

At the campaign we're proud of the international reputation that The Vulcan has. Frequently a weary jet lagged traveller will stumble in the doors, look around in amazement before revealing which distant land they set off from.

In her blog 'A Canadian in Cardiff', Kathy O'Brien describes her experience of a Christmas party held at The Vulcan. Our favourite line - "As some of us sit around the pool table I feel pleasantly at home".

We know exactly what you mean Kathy.

Read the post here

Newsletter: 10th April 2012

The Vulcan Hotel is due for closure May 31st 2012. We need your help. We've had news this week that demolition consultants have been spotted surveying the exterior. Time really is of the essence.
There are several big announcements due to follow in the next week or so concerning the next stage of action to be taken. We're going to be busy campaigning to keep our 'perfect pub' alive and well. As some of you may know, we lost a lot of you during a Facebook group update, so if you haven't already please sign up again.
You can show your support by writing to your local MP, AM and Councillors and encouraging them to aid the campaign. Jenny Rathbone AM Cardiff Central: jenny@jennyrathbone.com Jenny Willott MP Cardiff Central: jenny@jennywillott.com Councillor John Dixon: jdixon@cardiff.gov.uk Councillor Nigel Howells: nhowells@cardiff.gov.uk

Vulcan campaign refuses to give in

In an open letter to the Editor of the South Wales Echo, the campaign sets out its current aims.

"The Vulcan has an international reputation and importance. We won’t give up without a fight".

Read the full article here

Support The Vulcan

As many of you will be aware, a significant factor in getting the last extension was the sheer volume of public support offered through social networking.

Unfortunately, many of our followers were lost in a recent Facebook update.

With the deadline fast approaching, The Vulcan needs your support once more. So please, join the group and get all the latest news and discussions:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/8831485923/

Vulcanology

With a cutting, clear angle on events, Dic Mortimer wades in with his opinion. Taking aim firmly at Rapport and CADW.

"Rapport found it tactically convenient to reprieve the Vulcan previously during the height of the banking collapse, sitting tight until the “market” picked up and earning brownie points for his responsiveness to the campaign".

Read the full article here

Vulcan Under Threat Again

With last orders due to be shouted for potentially the last time on the 31st of May media exposure is high once more for The Vulcan.

The BBC bringing everyone up to speed with the current situation managed to get a quote from Brain's marketing director Richard Davies who said that the pub was "no longer commercially viable".

Read the full BBC article here

The Vulcan set to close

Martin Shipton provides coverage on why Brains have decided to not renew their lease.

Lib Dem MP Jenny Willott and Labour AM Jenny Rathbone have both offered support in preservation of the Vulcan. As well as political support, several celebrities including 'Dirty Sanchez' star Matthew Pritchard are asked their opinion.

Willott said "I was very involved in the campaign the first time around and I’ll do everything I can again. The Vulcan Hotel is hugely important to Cardiff and it would be a great loss to the community if it closes".

Read the full article here