Pub-owning villagers write book to attract walkers and cyclists

VILLAGERS who bought their pub which now doubles up as a library have ventured into the publishing world with a walking and cycling guide.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Sep 2010, 13:14 BST
Updated 16th Sep 2010, 13:15 BST

Residents of Hudswell, near Richmond, bought the George and Dragon earlier this year and they have now compiled the guide with detailed instructions for seven walks and four cycle rides, all beginning and ending at the pub. Steve Willis, who drew up the cycle rides and provided the maps, said: "The George and Dragon is at the centre of a network of paths and also stands on a quiet road which is very popular with cyclists.

"We wrote the booklet because we wanted to help more people to enjoy these routes."

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The pub had a fresh start when villagers raised 220,000 to buy it in February. They have since set up 10 allotments behind the pub for villagers and shareholders, while more than 300 books are on offer in the premises as part of the North Yorkshire County Council's library preservation scheme. The new guide was written and illustrated by four members of the co-operative which owns the George and Dragon, the Hudswell Community Pub Limited, and is on sale in the pub for 2.

Tenants of the George and Dragon, Jackie Stubbs and her mother, Margaret, have already seen an increase in walkers.

Related topics:ResidentsVillagers