James Bond star Daniel Craig steps in to save community hub

James Bond star Daniel Craig has stepped in to save a community hub under threat of eviction by donating a massive £50,000.

The action hero made the payment to Brimscombe Mill in Stroud, Gloucestershire,  after the building was sold unexpectedly in March, and the businesses operating there given six months to find a new home. 

Other projects in the hub include The Long Table, a pay-as-you-can lunch and dinner spot, Kids Stuff, a second-hand toy shop, The Home Remedy, a pre-loved furniture shop and The Bike Drop.

This pledge, alongside other generous donations from the community, meant that the group were able to secure the essential space in October 2024 and will not have to move out.

Speaking to MailOnline Tom Herbert, director at Brimscombe Mill and co-founder of The Long Table, said:  'An email came from Daniel Craig's agent in our darkest hour and it has been a lifeline for us, giving us a war chest of cash for all the expenses we incurred. 

'Without this support we wouldn't have been able to stay and we are forever grateful to him for being our real life hero.'

He continued: 'Daniel's support has also made other people notice. Why should The Long Table that this year will serve 40,000 delicious pay-as-you-can meals suffer? 

'Or Kids Stuff that employs over a dozen mums taking donations of clothes kids have grown out of along with toys and buggies make them available to families that need them and Bike Drop, which fixes up bikes, getting the whole district back on bikes?

'And The Home Remedy plays its part by getting unwanted furniture to families and people that need it.'

Mr Herbert praised the community by saying that since the news went out they have 'never been busier' .

'Together the work of Brimscombe Mill has created over 50 living wage jobs and built a lively and beloved community and since the news has gone out we've never been busier with people curious to know why of all that's going on in the world has this place been saved. 

'I think it's because we meet need in a joyful way and that's something people are hungry for because it gives us hope.'

He also added how this surprise sale 'threatened their whole existence' and earnestly added that they were not prepared for that scenario.  

'We had no plan and we didn't have any cash reserves. The thing that happened to us threatened our whole existence.'

Although Mr Herbert is unsure how Craig found the project, he believes the news 'rippled' out from local press into national papers.

'It obviously landed with him and made an impression. We're super grateful that he heard the cry and answered.'

In addition to food and employment initiatives, the Mill hosted 389 free or Pay-As-You-Can activities last year alone and plans to expand on this in the next year. 

Mr Craig was in LA last night for the premiere of Queer inside the DGA Theater Complex looking very dapper in a grey-pinstripe bespoke Loewe double-breasted suit, estimated to cost $4,500.

He paired his wool suit with a white sheer top and $790 Loewe 'Flow Runner' sneakers. 

In his latest movie, Daniel portrays a thinly-veiled version of author William S. Burroughs in A24's big-screen adaptation of his 1985 novella about a love affair between two American expats in Mexico City back in the 1950s.

Craig spent months taking dance and movement classes in preparation for the role. 

Daniel Craig has been approached for comment.