How villagers saved 200-year-old North Yorkshire pub after spotting closure sign
A North Yorkshire village rallied remarkably to rescue their beloved historic pub after a closure sign was posted.
Spennithorne, home to a park, a school, a church, and the over 200 year old Old Horn Inn, was shaken in September 2022 when the inn's previous owners announced its closure. Determined not to lose this vital community hub, villagers sprang into action upon discovering a planning application to turn the pub into housing, leading to the formation of The Old Horn Community group.
Group vice-president Leigh Carmichael explained: "By creating a group, we were able to apply for the pub to be recognised as a 'community asset'." This helped our case as it became easier to halt the planning application process."
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"We then as a group sent out questionnaires to all residents in Harmby and Spennithorn about whether or not we had the support and were prepared to pitch in for the pub. Amazingly we had a lot of positive feedback and a prospectus was created.", reports Yorkshire Live.
"We knew we had a long road ahead of us as it was estimated £360,000 was needed to purchase and do up the pub as it was not in a good state. Thankfully, we were helped by the Plunkett Foundation, a charity which specialises in helping rural communities create and run their community-owned businesses, such as shops, cafes, and farms.
"Through them, we were made aware of a government scheme called the Community Ownership Fund, which if the application was successful, they would match the funds."
The group managed to muster the funds through their own efforts and with the support of 140 investors, chuffed to bits when they found out that their application under the COF scheme succeeded in March 2023. The joy was uncontainable for the collective as they received the keys in June 2023.
Following a spate of necessary renovations, including structural fixes and emergency repairs, they were thrilled to reopen on May 21, 2024, with a ceremonial 'official' opening earmarked for September 12. Leigh reflects on their journey, noting: "We were so happy when we were handed over the keys but as soon as we walked in the pub, we saw there was a lot of work to be done and reality kicked in.
"It needed more than a lick of paint but also structural work and heating replaced. It a lot of legwork and community to get through the process but it was always the heart of the matter and we carried on. We knew we had to carry on and create the community hub we need.
"I was not local to the area and had just moved to the village but the process, despite being stressful was a great way to build friendships with everyone. Now we have a lovely asset to the village and we have been recognised by CAMRA."
The local watering hole has been honoured with the Pub Saving Award 2024, a prestigious accolade that celebrates the efforts of communities who rally together to prevent their beloved pubs from being knocked down or repurposed. Paul Ainsworth, the coordinator for the Pub Saving Award, remarked: "When a pub closes, it is incredibly hard to open the doors again, with many losing the battle to conversion or demolition."
He added, "That is why these awards are so important, the hard work and dedication shown by these campaigns to save local pubs deserve recognition."
Ainsworth further commented, "They are all inspirational stories that will hopefully encourage more pub saving campaigns, so future generations can enjoy the wonderful sense of community that only a pub can provide."
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