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Investors sought to make pub heartbeat of village

Rachel CandinWest of England
Friends of The Ivy A group of villagers standing outside a pub with a sign saying 'The Ivy Inn'. They are waving their hands in the air, some with thumbs up. There is a large green and white banner saying 'Save the Ivy'. The pub is painted white with a thatched roofFriends of The Ivy
The Ivy Inn was bought by villagers in February

Campaigners who are fundraising to reopen a 17th Century pub said their vision was for it to become a "heartbeat" for the village.

The Ivy Inn in Heddington, Wiltshire, closed in May 2024 and was bought by volunteers in February after they raised £435,000 through an investment scheme.

The Friends of The Ivy group has now launched a second share offer and said it hoped to raise a further £50,000 towards a £284,000 target to redevelop the property.

Secretary, Dave Denny, said a planning application had been submitted and "the main thing we need is more money to help us to deliver on our ambitions for the community".

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"There's an awful lot of hard work that's already gone into creating a new electricity supply, getting ready for a new water supply and clearing the garden," said Denny.

He said that electrical and plumbing work would start soon and once planning permission was granted, the structural work could begin.

"The major element of that will be the construction of a new toilet facility and the creation of a better kitchen.

Dave Denny Dave stands between two other volunteers - a male on the left and female on the right - outside the pub, chinking glasses of beer and white wine together in celebration. They are all smiling to camera. They are under the eaves of the pub, with a window right behind them and part of a wooden door to the rightDave Denny
Dave Denny (C) has been fundraising towards a target of £284,000 for the redevelopment

Local resident, Colin Meeke, has lived in the village for 32 years and said he was looking forward to the pub reopening.

"At its heart The Ivy brings the locals together with events as diverse as an annual car treasure hunt, harvest festival charity auction and even funeral wakes.

"From a quiet pint with a few friends to lunch with the family you are sure of a warm welcome and great company.

"On a winter's night around a roaring fire or on a summer day in the beer garden with wonderful views of the surrounding hills, it is a great place to be," he added.

Friends of The Ivy The frontage of the pub takes up the whole photograph - it is painted white with a thatched roof and porch and has a sign saying 'The Ivy Inn'. There are picnic tables outside, with closed parasols. Friends of The Ivy
The 17th Century pub is close to walking and cycling trails

The Ivy is close to The Ridgeway National Trail, the White Horse Trail and the Wiltshire Cycleway.

Denny said the group envisaged it becoming more than just a pub.

"Social isolation is a major problem in rural communities," he said.

"We see it being genuinely a hub for the community, where people can meet during the day - a place that walkers, cyclists and tourists can come and enjoy.

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The second share offer closes on 12 August and the pub is expected to open early next year.

A £70,000 grant has already been offered by the organisers of the Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally and Country Fair.

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