A North Yorkshire village fought against the odds to save their historic pub after discovering a closure sign.
Spennithorne had everything, a park, a school, a church and an over 200-year-old pub to socialise. That was until September 2022 and the previous owners of The Old Horn Inn placed a sign on the doors warning customers that they had closed.
Not wanting to lose a key part of the village, residents hatched a plan when they spotted that there was a planning application submitted to convert the pub into dwellings and soon The Old Horn Community group was formed.
Vice President of the group, Leigh Carmichael said: “By creating a group, we were able to apply for the pub to be recognised as a ‘community asset’.
Villagers found the pub needed a lot more work than a ‘lick of paint’ as it had some structural damage
“This helped our case as it became easier to halt the planning application process.
“We then as a group sent out questionnaires to all residents in Harmby and Spennithorn about whether or not we had the support and were prepared to pitch in for the pub.
“Amazingly we had a lot of positive feedback and a prospectus was created.
New flooring had to be put in
“We knew we had a long road ahead of us as it was estimated £360,000 was needed to purchase and do up the pub as it was not in a good state.
“Thankfully, we were helped by the Plunkett Foundation, a charity which specialises in helping rural communities create and run their community-owned businesses, such as shops, cafes, and farms.
“Through them, we were made aware of a government scheme called the Community Ownership Fund, which if the application was successful, they would match the funds.”
The group were able to raise the money by themselves along with 140 investors and were over the moon to see that the COF scheme worked as their application to buy the pub was successful in March 2023.
Decorating in process
The good news kept on coming for the group as they were given the keys in June 2023.
After hard work and fixing the structure of the pub and other emergency repairs, they were finally able to reopen on May 21 2024 followed by an ‘official’ opening on September 12.
Reflecting on the community group’s hard work, Leigh adds: “We were so happy when we were handed over the keys but as soon as we walked in the pub, we saw there was a lot of work to be done and reality kicked in.
New dining area for customers
“It needed more than a lick of paint but also structural work and heating replaced. It a lot of legwork and community to get through the process but it was always the heart of the matter and we carried on.
“We knew we had to carry on and create the community hub we need.
“I was not local to the area and had just moved to the village but the process, despite being stressful was a great way to build friendships with everyone.
“Now we have a lovely asset to the village and we have been recognised by CAMRA.”
The Old Horn Inn in Spennithorne
The pub was awarded the Pub Saving Award 2024 which recognises people that have come together to save a pub that would have otherwise been demolished or converted to another use.
Pub saving award coordinator Paul Ainsworth said: “When a pub closes, it is incredibly hard to open the doors again, with many losing the battle to conversion or demolition.
“That is why these awards are so important, the hard work and dedication shown by these campaigns to save local pubs deserve recognition.
“They are all inspirational stories that will hopefully encourage more pub saving campaigns, so future generations can enjoy the wonderful sense of community that only a pub can provide.”
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