The Bell Inn, which has served the village for around 200 years, has long been a focal point for local life. Determined not to lose this historic gathering place, residents established a community ownership group and began raising funds to buy and reopen the pub.
The group launched a community share offer in September and quickly attracted strong local support. Within just over three months, 107 shareholders had joined the initiative, raising £111,000 towards the purchase and reopening of the pub.
The campaign has now moved into its second phase with the launch of a Crowdfunder campaign aiming to raise a further £60,000. Reaching that target would unlock an additional £30,000 pledged by the Fairfield Trust and strengthen the project’s ability to secure further grant funding.
The community hopes the revived pub will celebrate the region’s excellent local beer and cider producers while also offering locally sourced food and a warm welcome to residents and visitors alike.
The fundraising campaign has brought together residents, volunteers and supporters who are determined to protect an important part of village life. The growing number of shareholders reflects the strong desire within the community to see the pub reopen and thrive.
The campaign has also attracted wider interest, including media coverage and opportunities to discuss the project nationally, helping to raise awareness of the role community pubs can play in rural areas.
The vision for The Bell Inn goes beyond simply reopening a pub. The community group is exploring ways the venue could support wider social initiatives and make a positive difference to people’s lives.
One proposal being developed is a partnership with PROMISEworks, which supports disadvantaged children and young people through mentoring. The pub could potentially provide a meeting and drop-in space for mentors and their mentees.
By combining hospitality with community support initiatives, the project aims to create a pub that serves both local residents and people from across the wider region.
Across the UK, communities are increasingly stepping in to protect pubs that are at risk of being lost. The effort to save The Bell Inn highlights the resilience and determination of local residents who recognise the importance of the pub as a place where people gather, connect and support one another.
Projects like this reflect the spirit championed by PubAid, demonstrating how pubs continue to play an important role at the heart of communities.
General T&Cs
Prize details:
Two Premier League tickets with hospitality fulfilled by Sky Business - to a game of your choice from a select list. Eligible for 2026 Premier League home games in the 2025/26 season
Two sets of two tickets from Diageo