The Hawkins Arms: Where a Village Comes Together

Introduction

In the village of Probus, Cornwall, The Hawkins Arms, run by Graham and Philip Macrides, has become much more than a pub. It is a lifeline of kindness, creativity, and community care. From subsidised meals to delivering food to housebound residents, and from sponsoring local football kits to raising nearly £10,000 for a young girl battling sarcoma, this pub delivers support where it’s needed most.

The Hawkins Arms: Serving Kindness and Connection in the Heart of Cornwall

What they did

The Hawkins Arms is driven by simple but meaningful weekly acts that collectively transform the lives of residents:

  • Silver Savers Lunch (Wednesdays): £4.95 roast meals for older villagers.
  • Kids Eat for a Quid (Thursdays): Making family dining affordable.
  • Free Venue Use: For Knit & Natter groups and local church breakfasts.
  • Meal Delivery: Daily delivery of hot lunches to 2–3 housebound customers at no charge.
  • Youth Football Sponsorship: Funding kits and hosting end-of-season awards for local junior teams.

They also brought back the Probus Fun Week – a full week of free, intergenerational events held across the village:

  • Family-friendly bingo, quizzes, live music, a treasure hunt, and “Probus Got Talent”
  • A final-day Carnival and After-Party hosted across village venues

Perhaps most movingly, while battling sarcoma himself, Graham led fundraising for Bonnie, a local girl undergoing the same cancer treatment. The “Karen’s Diner” charity night raised nearly £10,000 for her family through ticket sales and auction donations.

The community reaction

Locals describe The Hawkins Arms as the glue that binds Probus together. Its warmth, support and inclusive events have made it a vital part of village life. The pub allows residents to connect without relying on social media – putting real faces to names, especially through events like Fun Week.

Impact

Whether it’s providing comfort to the bereaved, fun for families, or financial support for those in crisis, the pub consistently steps up. It is a trusted part of village infrastructure and a deeply appreciated local asset. Probus Fun Week alone reached 500+ families, and their events often draw praise and repeat participation from across Cornwall.

Summary

The Hawkins Arms is a model of compassion in action. From creative fundraising to daily acts of kindness, Graham and Philip Macrides have turned a village pub into a community powerhouse. It’s not just what they do – it’s how consistently and selflessly they do it.

About

The Hawkins Arms

A warm, inclusive community pub in the Cornish village of Probus, driven by kindness and creativity.
The Hawkins Arms, Fore Street, Probus, Truro TR2 4JL
Go to pub website

Local Constituency

Truro and Falmouth

Local MP

Jane Kirkham (Labour (Co-op) MP
Go to local MP website
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