Our Story

The story of the Trawden Arms is one of community spirit and resilience. Faced with the potential loss of their beloved local pub in 2020, the residents of Trawden refused to let it go without a fight. They envisioned a community-owned pub that would not only serve pints but also act as a vibrant hub for the village and its surrounding areas.

Timeline

This wasn't the first time the people of Trawden had banded together to save a local institution. They had already successfully taken ownership of the village shop, community centre and library, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to preserving and enhancing their community. But the pub presented a new challenge - a significant financial hurdle that would require the traditionally "parsimonious" Trawdeners to dig deep into their pockets.

The Campaign Begins

May 2021: The owners of the Trawden Arms announce their intention to sell. The village, having already listed the pub as an "asset of community value," is granted the opportunity to purchase it. A steering committee is hastily assembled, comprised of local residents with diverse skills and expertise.

June - October 2021: The committee launches a fundraising campaign with the ambitious goal of raising £450,000. They conduct surveys, organize events, and leverage the expertise of organisations like the Plunkett Foundation to guide their efforts and secure grants.

Gathering Momentum

February 2021: A community survey reveals overwhelming support for the project, with 99.3% of respondents believing the village benefits from having a local pub. The survey also provides valuable insights into the community's vision for the pub's future, including a desire for good food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

April 2021: The Trawden Arms share prospectus is launched, outlining the community's vision for the pub and inviting individuals and organisations to become shareholders.

June 2021: The campaign gains momentum with features in national newspapers, including a front-page story in the Daily Mirror highlighting the community's efforts to save their local pub.

July - August 2021: The Daily Mirror continues to follow the campaign's progress, publishing additional articles that raise awareness and encourage further investment. The community organises fundraising events, and the "thermometer-style" chart outside the pub steadily rises.

September 2021: The campaign enters its final stage, with the community making a concerted push to reach its fundraising target. The message is clear: the future of the Trawden Arms—and perhaps the village itself—depends on the success of this initiative.

A New Chapter

October 2021: Against all odds, the community reaches its fundraising target with days to spare. Donations pour in from near and far, including a former Trawden publican living in Florida and a stranger who traveled from London to contribute. The success is a testament to the community's dedication and the widespread recognition of the importance of local pubs, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

November 2021: The Trawden Arms reopens under the ownership of the community, with new tenant landlords Adam Young and Jo Stafford at the helm. The pub quickly becomes a thriving hub, hosting events, providing a warm refuge during Storm Arwen, and exceeding all expectations for turnover.