Less than a year ago, the historic Falcon Inn in Hinstock, Shropshire, faced a bleak future. It had been abandoned and severely damaged by flooding, with a collapsed ceiling and a beer cellar filled with water. The owner believed it was no longer a viable business, and there was a possibility of losing it forever. However, in just eight months, the residents of Hinstock have come together to bring new life to the pub.
The villagers rallied to have the Falcon Inn listed as an asset of community value and formed an unincorporated community group to take over the lease. They have created a community benefit society, allowing residents to buy shares and become members, with volunteers taking on the task of running the pub until enough revenue is generated to hire paid staff. All profits will be reinvested back into the community.
The core team leading this venture consists of Sean Kinson, a retired police officer; Richard Parrish, a retired doctor; Mike Thompson, who has experience in the food industry; and Ian Walker, who owns an engineering firm. Despite their lack of previous experience in running a pub, they have worked tirelessly to restore the Falcon Inn.
Residents from various backgrounds have contributed their skills, from construction to graphic design, to make the pub functional again. Their efforts are part of a growing trend across England and Wales, where communities are taking over local pubs that are at risk of closure. In the first six months of this year, 383 pubs closed – more than two per day.
The Falcon Inn is the last remaining pub in the Hinstock area, as the others have closed over the years. Pubs play a vital role in rural communities like Hinstock, providing a social lifeline for people who would otherwise have limited opportunities to socialize.
The reopening of the Falcon Inn has been eagerly anticipated, evidenced by its already packed calendar of events, ranging from baby showers to Christmas wreath-making classes. The pub belongs to the whole village, not just the managing team. People passing by are welcome to visit and explore the pub, as it is a community asset.
Saturday will be a momentous day for the residents of Hinstock as they finally see their beloved pub open its doors again. They hope their journey will inspire others and demonstrate that with public support, it is possible to revive and sustain community-owned pubs.
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