A holiday park in Presteigne shared their delight that The Radnor Arms is now in community ownership, and have shared how much they donated to help the community achieve their goals.

The pub first closed its doors in 2016, after its landlord, Nigel, retired from the pub trade. Since 2016, the pub remained empty and in a decaying state.

The pub was then purchased in 2022 by an interim owner, which gave the community valuable time to come together and fundraise to purchase the pub. In June 2024, the community purchased the pub from the interim owner.

Presteigne Holiday Park, opposite New Radnor across the A44, shared their pride in supporting The Radnor Arms.

Posting on Facebook, Christopher Ayre, owner of the business said: “It’s been such a busy year that we almost forgot to mention how proud we are to have supported The Radnor Arms with a £1000 donation. We’ve loved seeing the journey and the amazing work they do. Here’s to many more great moments ahead, and to the success of such a fantastic local pub.”

Speaking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Mr Ayre said: “Since buying the small caravan park rich in history in July 2023, the village has welcomed me with open arms. Whenever I need something doing from grass cutting, wall repairs to roofing, I just give local contractors a call in the village and they are soon on hand to help me. With that all being said I wanted to give back to the local community as they really have given me a warm welcome. It’s great to have The Radnor Arms back open for the community. Both for the village, but also for the caravaners.”

After setting up the Radnor Arms Community Benefit Society, the committee got to work on holding fundraisers such as exhibitions, concerts, quizzes, and a community shop.

The Community Benefit Society applied to the Community Ownership Fund, which is run by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Fund. Their application was endorsed by the then MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, Fay Jones, who formally signed off the bid and lobbied Ministers across Whitehall to support their application.

Once their application was approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Fund, a dedicated volunteer marketing team was established who led a successful marketing campaign to save the pub. A new dedicated website was designed, as well as the creation of posters, flyers, social media accounts and video content.

The commitment never dimmed from those who believed the pub could be saved. Following an open share offer, the community managed to raise the necessary funding required to purchase the Radnor Arms from the interim owner.

In total, the Radnor Arms Community Benefit Society campaign raised £200,000 through an open share offer, which was matched by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Fund by £200,000 raising to £400,000.

They were also given a £40,000 revenue fund from the same department, bringing the overall monies raised to an impressive £440,000.