A Moment in the Spotlight: Loddiswell Community Pub Group on BBC Countryfile
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! The Loddiswell Community Pub Group has been featured on BBC Countryfile, a testament to the hard work, dedication and community spirit that have driven our journey. This moment is not just a celebration of our achievements, but a recognition of the collective effort that has made our community pub a vibrant hub of local life.
The Journey to the Spotlight
Our journey began with a shared dream: to save our beloved village pub, The Loddiswell Inn, after it closed its doors in December 2022. We knew that losing our pub would mean more than just the loss of a place to enjoy a drink; it would be the loss of a cornerstone of our community, a place where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and the spirit of Loddiswell comes alive.
With this vision in mind, we rallied together as a community. Through fundraisers, meetings, and countless volunteer hours, we hope to secure the future of The Loddiswell Inn. And, a feature on BBC Countryfile has only helped us to solidify that dream even further.
Behind the Scenes with BBC Countryfile
Being featured on BBC Countryfile is a dream come true. The show’s team visited us to capture the essence of what makes our community so special and why the need for a pub is so necessary to the village. They delved into the history of our village, the story of our pub’s closure, and the vibrant community spirit that aims to keep it alive.
The filming experience was nothing short of magical. The crew was genuinely interested in our story, and their enthusiasm was contagious. They spoke to the key players in the steering group – Mat Prowse, our Chairman, Roger Pinder – previous landlord of the pub and Janice Gordon – marketing aficionado, as well as interviewing Tia Bryant, the youngest member of our committee and villager Paul Harvey who shared his wonderful memories of the inn. They also spoke with Plunkett’s Chief Executive James Alcock about what it means to open a community-owned business.
Celebrating Community Spirit
Our feature on BBC Countryfile is not just about showcasing our need for a village pub; it’s about celebrating the power of community. It highlights how, when people come together with a shared purpose, they can achieve remarkable things. The Loddiswell Inn is more than just a pub; it’s a testament to our village’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering community spirit.
This moment in the spotlight belongs to everyone who has been part of our journey. To the volunteers who have given their time, the locals who have supported us and the visitors who have embraced our vision – thank you. Your contributions have made this achievement possible.
Looking Ahead
As we bask in the excitement of our BBC Countryfile feature, we are also looking ahead to the future. We have many more plans for The Loddiswell Inn, including hosting more fundraising events, and continuing to plan to purchase the pub with the community behind us.
We hope our story inspires other communities to come together and make a difference. In a time when many rural pubs are struggling, our success shows that with passion and unity, anything is possible.
If you wish to watch the feature, head to BBC iPlayer here. Our feature is around 20-minutes in!