Community pub marks anniversary

VILLAGERS will this weekend mark the first anniversary of a pioneering community initiative which saw them raise £220,000 to buy their local pub.

The George and Dragon in Hudswell, near Richmond, has become the epicentre for the local community after a village co-operative was established to raise the six-figure sum.

Richmond Tory MP William Hague officially re-opened the pub in June last year, and the first anniversary celebrations including live music and a barbeque will be held on Saturday, from 6.30pm.

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The pub is also home to a library and a village shop, which opened just before Christmas after Hudswell’s previous store closed more than 20 years ago.

The new venture, which is called The Little Shop, has become a key service for the village and is taking in excess of £600 a week –ensuring that it can stand alone from the pub as a viable business.

The shop is housed in an annex of the pub and is staffed by volunteers selling local produce including vegetables, bread and beer.

It is hoped that a shop manager will be recruited and anyone interested in volunteering in the store can call 01748 822520.

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