Campaigners in Wiltshire who are fighting to rescue their historic village pub have invited the Prince of Wales to pull the first pint when it’s re-opened.
The invitation to the 300-year-old Somerset Arms at Semington comes after William revealed his love of pubs and called for them to be protected and supported.
The Somerset Arms closed three years ago, but a determined campaign to re-open it has just received £193,000 in pledges to buy shares from 237 villagers and other supporters.
“This is exactly what William was talking about,” says Ian Williamson, Chair of the Semington Community Benefit Society. “We’re writing to thank him for supporting pubs like ours and we’d love to welcome him when we get it re-opened.”
Vice chair Andy Cobley wrote the campaign song, which has been seen hundreds of times on social media. “We’re very excited that so many people inside and outside Semington are backing us,” he says. “We think the Prince would be impressed.”
The pledge appeal has now been extended to August 1st and the Society is working on a bid for the pub. The Wellington Pub Company is asking £395,000, but the Society believes it can negotiate a much lower price. Scores of local volunteers have offered to help restore the building when it’s been bought by the community.
“The Somerset Arms is a listed building that has been sadly neglected and now needs a lot of money spent immediately just to prevent further deterioration,” says Society secretary Glen Watson. “The owners know that within months, new legislation will compel them to sell to the community at a fair price. So they have good reason to accept a reasonable offer from us.”
