A PUB that was up for sale and at risk of shutting for good was saved by its local community.

Now, more than two years later, it is going strong proving to be the absolute beating heart of the village but not without a lot of hard work by dedicated volunteers.

Back in 2023, the East Harptree Community Benefit Society was set up with the express purpose of saving The Waldegrave Arms after it was put on the market.

Committee member, Daisy Thompson, said: “We figured if we don't do something, it might be snapped up by developers and have a change of use which would be a real shame.”

There were no offers to buy the pub so the society came up with a plan.

They registered the pub as an asset of community value and launched a share offer to raise enough money to secure the pub - and it paid off.

£253,000 later and with £250, 000 community ownership fund from the government's levelling up scheme, the group were well on their way to owning the pub.

The community of East Harptree have stepped in to save their beloved local pub after it went up for sale.
The community of East Harptree have stepped in to save their beloved local pub after it went up for sale. (Daisy Smith)

They purchased it outright in May 2024 and managed to find a landlord to take over its running but the group parted ways with them in April.

The doors closed for just two weeks until the community rallied once more.

Daisy added: "Nobody wants the pub to be shut, especially with summer coming up.

“And that's when willing members of the community, but also the East Harptree Community Benefit Society came forward and said, right, I will dedicate my summer to running it.”

The designated premises supervisor who stepped into the breach is Chris Kay. Already with three young children and a physiotherapy business of his own to run, Chris has taken up the reins for six months to ensure continuity of the pub, and give the group time to consider their next steps.

During public engagement sessions, feedback from locals was overwhelmingly clear that the community loves their pub, now affectionately known as The Waldy, and they are committed to doing what it takes to keep it open.

It takes a community to run a pub, and locals have stepped up to help out to secure The Waldy's future.
It takes a community to run a pub, and locals have stepped up to help out to secure The Waldy's future. (Daisy Smith)

Daisy continued: “It's been like hugely well received. People love it. We’re now working on this next stage of the plan - crunching the numbers and working out the right model to ensure its sustainable now and for the future.

“Do we have that next person coming forward to carry it on and what will it look like?”

The group admits they don’t have all the answers yet but one thing is clear: the community want the pub run as a community pub.

And with that aim in mind, the group have been busy mucking in and making sure their venture succeeds.

The Waldy isn’t short of entertainment or events from live music with solo singer Amy Vowles or Sea Shanty group High and Dry who are scheduled to perform in August, to quiz nights, and craft workshops making lanterns or even football coverage and Wimbledon.

Daisy added: “It's striking the balance of making sure that everybody feels included.”