In a remarkable show of support, actor Daniel Craig, best known for his portrayal of James Bond, has contributed £50,000 to Brimscombe Mill, a community hub in Stroud, Gloucestershire, after it was at risk of eviction.
Craig’s timely donation is being celebrated as a lifeline for the site, home to several social enterprises that faced possible closure after a sudden sale of the building earlier this year.
Brimscombe Mill hosts multiple community-focused projects, including The Long Table, The Bike Drop, Kids Stuff, and The Home Remedy.
The Long Table, led by co-founder and Brimscombe Mill director Tom Herbert, has been a cornerstone of the community, serving more than 38,000 meals through a pay-as-you-can model since its establishment in 2021.
Herbert, expressing gratitude for the donation, said Craig’s gesture showed “incredible support” and could help “deepen our impact.”
The crisis began in March when Brimscombe Mill was unexpectedly sold, and an eviction notice was issued, giving the organisations within six months to relocate.
Many of the affected groups began setting up new locations in Cirencester, though the threat of displacement cast uncertainty over their future operations.
Reflecting on the unexpected turmoil, Herbert shared, “The ground disappeared from underneath us… we had no plan and didn’t have any cash reserves. The thing that happened to us threatened our whole existence.”
Following the eviction notice, the local community mobilized rapidly, rallying to prevent the forced relocation. Residents organised meetings, shared ideas, and launched a campaign to save the beloved community space.
The response, which Herbert described as “extraordinary,” managed to bring local attention to a national level. Although it remains unclear how the news reached Craig, Herbert believes that coverage in local media “rippled out” and caught the actor’s attention.
“It obviously landed with him and made an impression,” Herbert commented. “We’re super grateful that he heard the cry and answered.”
Craig’s contribution not only eases the financial pressure on Brimscombe Mill but also reinforces the community’s efforts to maintain the hub, which has evolved into a vital space for people of all ages.
Inside Brimscombe Mill, groups gather at The Long Table, a pay-as-you-can dining initiative offering an inclusive dining experience to those in need.
The project has become a lifeline, particularly for residents who depend on affordable meals, connection, and shared purpose. With Craig’s support, Herbert and his team are hopeful that Brimscombe Mill can continue its mission and potentially expand its impact.
“This incredible support from both the community and Daniel Craig speaks to the vitality of what we’re building here at Brimscombe Mill,” Herbert added.
“This space has become a lifeline for many, offering not only meals and activities but also a sense of belonging and shared purpose.”
Craig’s donation has breathed new life into the community hub and reaffirmed its importance to Stroud and the surrounding areas.
As Brimscombe Mill moves forward with renewed energy, Herbert and the organisations within are optimistic about the future, inspired by both local solidarity and the unexpected intervention of a Hollywood star.
