Our story

A village that refused to lose its pub.

The story of the Trawden Arms is one of community spirit and resilience. Faced with the potential loss of their beloved local pub, 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.

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

99.3%

of survey respondents said the village benefits from a local pub

£450k

fundraising goal, reached with days to spare

Nov 2021

the pub reopens under community ownership

Timeline

February 2021

The village has its say

A community survey reveals overwhelming support for the project: 99.3% of respondents believe the village benefits from a local pub. It also gives valuable insight into the community's vision, including a desire for good food, live music and a welcoming atmosphere.
April 2021

The share prospectus is launched

The Trawden Arms share prospectus outlines the community's vision for the pub and invites individuals and organisations to become shareholders.
May 2021

The pub goes up for sale

The owners 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 from local residents with diverse skills and expertise.
June to October 2021

The £450,000 campaign launches

The committee launches a fundraising campaign with an ambitious goal of £450,000. They run surveys, organise events, and draw on organisations like the Plunkett Foundation to guide their efforts and secure grants.

Residents raising money to buy their own pub: Steven Wilcock, Mick Horne, Dave Webber and Molly Ralphson. Photo: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning. [CONFIRM PERMISSION]
June 2021

The nation takes notice

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.

The Daily Mirror front page, Thursday 10 June 2021. [CONFIRM REPRODUCTION PERMISSION]
18 June 2021

Mirror readers come through

Just over a week after the front page, the Mirror reports that the village has raised the £75,000 it was chasing, thanks to its readers, who it says are "about to become part owners of a village pub".
July and August 2021

The Mirror keeps following

The Daily Mirror publishes more 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 final push

The campaign enters its final stage, with a concerted push to reach the target. The message is clear: the future of the Trawden Arms, and perhaps the village itself, depends on it.
October 2021

Target reached

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 travelled from London to contribute.
November 2021

A new chapter

The Trawden Arms reopens under community ownership with new tenant landlords. The pub quickly becomes a thriving hub, hosting events, providing a warm refuge during Storm Arwen, and exceeding all expectations for turnover.
11 April 2024

A royal visit

The Princess Royal came to Trawden to see how residents clubbed together to save their library, post office, shop, community centre and pub. She greeted members of the public who had waited in the rain outside the Trawden Arms, then visited the Trawden Forest Community Centre.

The Princess Royal in the village. [CONFIRM PHOTO CREDIT]