A local community’s campaign to save the village’s pub have invited royalty to pull a pint as they hit a fundraising landmark.
Members of the Community Benefit Society in Semington who are fighting to rescue their historic village pub, The Somerset have invited the Prince of Wales to pour their first when the pub opens up again.
The Somerset Arms closed three years ago, but a determined campaign to re-open it has just received £193,000 in pledges to buy shares from 237 villagers and other supporters.
The announcement comes just after Prince William made a high-profile plea for communities to support their local pubs during a visit to Peckham, in south London this on June 3.
As he spoke to residents getting to know each other as they sipped tea, he told one group: “I love pubs. I want to do as much as I can to support them because I love the community.
“We need to protect our pubs.”
Back in Wiltshire, Ian Williamson chair of the Semington Community Benefit Society said: “This is exactly what William was talking about. We’re writing to thank him for supporting pubs like ours and we’d love to welcome him when we get it re-opened.”
Vice chair Andy Cobley wrote the campaign song, which has been seen hundreds of times on social media.
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Andy said: “We’re very excited that so many people inside and outside Semington are backing us. We think the Prince would be impressed.”
The pledge appeal has now been extended to August 1, and the Society is working on a bid for the pub.
The Wellington Pub Company is asking £395,000, but the Society said it believes it can negotiate a much lower price.
Scores of local volunteers have offered to help restore the building when it’s been bought by the community.
“The Somerset Arms is a listed building that has been sadly neglected and now needs a lot of money spent immediately just to prevent further deterioration,” says Society secretary Glen Watson.
“The owners know that within months, new legislation will compel them to sell to the community at a fair price. So, they have good reason to accept a reasonable offer from us.”
As previously reported, supporters can submit a non-binding pledge indicating how much they may invest in community shares. Each share costs £1, with a minimum investment of £250 up to a maximum of £50,000 for over 18’s.
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