Residents from Sutton Veny have launched an initiative to purchase and reopen a much-loved village pub.
A group of locals has set up a questionnaire to assess the level of interest and commitment within Sutton Veny and neighbouring villages to invest in and support The Woolpack.
The pub has been closed for almost three years but could reopen under the ownership of a Community Benefit Society (CBS), which would safeguard it as a community asset.
This structure would allow supporters to purchase shares in the pub, with a minimum investment of £250 and a maximum of £100,000. Returns are not guaranteed, but the group hopes to provide modest interest to shareholders after several years.
“Following months of informal discussions, a formal public meeting was convened in late October 2025,” said James Sullivan-Tailyour, a member of the Woolpack Action Group. “The meeting attracted over 60 attendees, reflecting strong local interest and engagement. A working group was established to lead the project, and a subsequent meeting was held on 18th December, where the group presented a comprehensive plan for the pub’s future.
“The principal focus of the December meeting was the launch of a community-wide questionnaire,” he added.
“The questionnaire has since been circulated widely. The working group is actively encouraging responses not only from local residents but also from former villagers, local businesses, members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and anyone with a passion for preserving traditional British pubs.”
The group has set a fundraising target of £400,000, which will cover both the acquisition and refurbishment of the premises. So far, £101,750 has been pledged, with 109 responses submitted.
If funding is secured, the CBS intends to lease the pub to an experienced operator, with the hope it could reopen in summer 2027.
The closing date for the questionnaire is 28th February. To access the questionnaire and pledge funds, visit https://forms.gle/YaRucH3nVndDY9Np8
Further information can be found at https://www.suttonveny.co.uk/
