Prince William has donated a lump sum to a campaign to save a Wiltshire pub after villagers invited him to pour the first pint.
The Semington Community Benefit Society (CBS) is currently campaigning to raise money and pledges to buy their local pub, The Somerset Arms, and bring it back to the community.
The fundraiser has been ongoing for some months, and most recently the campaigners invited Prince William to visit the pub when it opens its doors again.
In a major update on the campaign, the Prince has now donated £1,000, and written to the CBS pledging his support.
In the letter, the BBC has reported, His Royal Highness described rural pubs as a “lifeline” that bring people together.
Discussing the news with this paper, Andy Cobley, vice chair of the campaign, said: “We’re absolutely bowled over. I think what is shows, the prince is absolutely in touch with what’s going on, and he’s responded to us with a letter as well.
“We’re just so pleased he did it. We’re so, so pleased, it will make a huge difference.”
Although grateful for the financial aspect of the donation, Mr Cobley said: “I think it’s so much more than that. The thing is it’s showing support for community hubs that are providing essential services where to meet to combat loneliness. We’ve always said it’s the beating heart of the community.
“It’s a fantastic moment for our community. What is both so pleasing and astounding is Royal Highness has seen us an noticed us and taken action.
“He’s basically pledging his support behind the campaign, and I think it’ll be a massive boost.”
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.
Their invitation came around the time that the Prince of Wales made a high-profile plea for communities to support their local pubs during a visit to Peckham, in south London this on June 3.
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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.”
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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