Cheers! Shropshire villagers save threatened pub
A group of Shropshire villagers today explained how they saved their pub – by clubbed together and buying it.
The White Lion at Ash Magna, near Whitchurch, was bought by the community for the community.
Built 225 years ago, the White Lion served the local farmers, fresh in off the fields, tired after a day of hay making and animal husbandry.
Over the years it was a popular watering hole for walkers, villagers and and those passing through.
But the last 25 years have been somewhat of a struggle for the whitewashed building. An ageing landlady, whose husband had become poorly meant that the pub was not able to move with the times.
And while still retaining its reputation for wholesome good food, villagers went elsewhere when they wanted a tipple.
Four years ago, the landlady put the pub up for sale but failed to find a buyer and the future looked bleak.
But in a last ditch attempt, villagers rallied round, formed a steering group which then became a company, raised more than £300,000 and bought the pub for themselves.
Since getting the keys on April 27, they have totally gutted the traditional pub, pulling out stud walls, demolishing fireplaces, ripping up carpets and disconnecting water, gas and electricity pipes. In their place stand freshly plastered walls, new doors and gleaming furniture.
Volunteers from across the parish have pulled together, many often turning their hands to trades they had never contemplated before, to get the pub ready for the summer season.
Judith Griffin, chairwoman, said: “When we heard that the landlady planned to close it for good back in August, we knew we had to do something. The community came together and decided that we would try and keep it open.
“We formed a steering group and we began to explore what options were open to us. We learned about the Plunkett Foundation which would give a grant to a pub that could prove it was 'More than a Pub' which we were able to do and show that it was for the benefit of the community.
“We realised that it was worth going ahead so we developed the plans. By then we had had to become a company – we had to fill in so many forms and jumps through lots of hoops, but it was worth it.
“The White Lion is at the heart of the village. We have tennis courts and a bowling green nearby as well as a children's playground. The pub stands at the heart of it all.
“We have so many plans for the pub. As well as offering really good beer and food, we are thinking about having a shop out in the old stables as well as a small meeting room that can be used by groups including the local book club.
“We are also very close to Brown Moss Nature Reserve and perhaps we will be able to open a cafe for passing walkers.”
The purchase and renovation of the pub has been funded by 150 shareholders, each of whom have an equal voice in the running of the business.
Judith added: “This is a real community asset. When we decided to buy the pub we decided to go down the route of having shareholders. We raised £207,000 which then allowed us to buy the pub for the community. A tremendous amount of work has gone in to this."
Running the pub are Graham and Ann Holroyd, who used to run The Old Town Hall Vaults in Whitchurch. The pair are well known for keeping good beer and were first choice for Judith when it came to finding a manager for The White Lion.
“I ran The Old Town Hall Vaults for five years,” said Graham “and it got a reputation for being the best pub in town. We had thought we were going to have some time off after leaving there but when Judith came knocking at my door I couldn't say no.
“Everybody knew me in town and I had the reputation of keeping the best beer.
“I am a keen bowler and a friend of mine mentioned that the community were buying the pub in Ash. I was interested so when Judith came to see me I said yes.
“We have been here since the keys were handed over and have been helping out with the renovations. It has been amazing to see everybody coming along to help.”
Two of those to pitch in are father and son team Andy and James Evans. Andy, 56, said: “I have been the lucky one with the job of sorting out the toilets and James has been the main joiner. I have lived in the village for 25 years and my family has grown up here. We did not want to lose the pub. I have spent many, many, many happy hours in here and I wanted to keep it for the future.”
While the bar area was formally opened on Monday night, the lounge is still lacking plaster, light fittings and a fireplace while the kitchen is a bare shell. But the group are confident it will all be in place come the beginning of June.
Judith said: “It is amazing how many volunteers we have had working on this. I can not thank them enough.”
To buy shares, which cost £250 each, contact the pub's company secretary Leigh Griffin by emailing leigh.griffin@btinternet.com
