Prince William has told a Wiltshire pub that he is looking forward to visiting and pulling a pint.
The Semington Community Benefit Society (CBS) is currently campaigning to raise money and pledges to buy their local pub, The Somerset Arms, in Semington, near Trowbridge, and bring it back to the community.
The fundraiser has been ongoing for some months, and most recently saw campaigners issue a formal invitation for Prince William to visit the pub and pull the first pint when it opens its doors again.
As previously reported, the invitation drew a donation of £1,000 from His Royal Highness. Now in a letter the CBS received from the Prince, it has emerged that William is looking forward to taking campaigners up on their offer.
The correspondence, sent to the benefit society on June 17, backs the campaign and described pubs as a “lifeline” for rural communities.
Signing off the letter, the Prince writes: “I’ll be making a donation privately and I look forward to coming down to pull a pint and celebrate your success. Good luck!”
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The anticipatory message is preceded by a statement of intent from the Prince, who writes: “I am very keen to support the role that pubs play, not only as businesses, but as community hubs that contribute so much to the fabric of our nation.”
Discussing the news with this paper earlier on Wednesday, June 17, 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 received £193,000 in pledges to buy shares from hundreds of villagers and other supporters.
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