Historic pub granted community value status

A 300-year-old pub in East Woodlands has officially been recognised as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), giving local residents an opportunity to help secure its future.

Residents have been rallying to save the Horse and Groom pub, which closed in 2020, with a community group set up to explore ways of bringing it back into community use.

The Friends of the Horse and Groom nominated the pub for ACV status, which has been approved by Somerset Council. However, the listing is now subject to a review after the council received a request from the property owner.

The pub, affectionately known as ‘The Jockey’ by generations of regulars, has historically been ‘the hub and heart of our community’, with residents now exploring how the community can organise itself to be in the strongest possible position should the pub become available.

An ACV listing does not give the community an automatic right to buy the property. However, if the owner decides to sell, it can trigger a moratorium period, giving eligible community groups time to express an interest and develop proposals for community ownership.

The pub closed in 2020 following the death of landlord Rick Squire and the pressures of the Covid pandemic.

Before its closure, the Horse and Groom provided a place for families, individuals and groups to come together and hosted a wide range of community activities and events, including Morris dancing, quiz nights, fancy-dress evenings, live music, charity fundraisers, celebrations and seasonal occasions.

The campaign has attracted more than 100 supporters, far exceeding the 21 local signatures required for an ACV nomination.

Somerset Councillor Helen Kay wrote to Somerset Council in support of the application.

She said, “I am pleased to see that you have recommended approval of the pub in East Woodlands to become an ACV. I wholeheartedly support your decision. I remember going there myself many times, as it was the nearest pub in the countryside outside of Frome and they did a wonderful traditional roast dinner on Sunday.

“It seems that the group are getting organised and have the expertise and willingness to make a success of opening the pub again in some shape or form for the benefit of the local community and even those further afield, so I am hopeful for their success.”

One local resident involved in the campaign said the group had spent the past six weeks consulting with residents about what they wanted from the pub and how the community could potentially mobilise to purchase it if the opportunity arose.

The resident said, “We have also taken the first steps towards creating a formal community organisation, including registering The Friends of the Horse and Groom Community Pub Ltd with Companies House.

“We sent out a survey with more than 15 questions, which received responses from over 30 residents. We have also held three group consultation meetings, attended by more than 35 local residents and seven Selwood councillors.

“The overwhelming consensus is that the pub has an important role to play in the wellbeing of our community and that there is a strong desire to see it remain a hub for activities and connection for local residents.”

The group says the ACV listing is only the beginning.

“The ACV award is just one step towards securing a sustainable future for the Horse and Groom. There is still a long way to go, and there are many questions to answer about what a future community-owned pub could look like.

“But perhaps, one day, the Horse and Groom might once again be owned and run by the community.”

The group will also celebrate the ACV listing with the ancient tradition of Morisco (Morris) dancing on 22nd September.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can email contactus@savethejockey.co.uk or search ‘Save the Horse and Groom’ on Facebook.