A community effort to bring a much-loved village pub back into use has reached a major funding milestone, with more than £400,000 now pledged to buy the closed Ivy Inn in Heddington.
The 17th-century pub, which sits between Calne and Devizes, has been shut since 2024 after owners Wadworth Brewery put the building on the market. In response, residents formed Friends of The Ivy in a bid to purchase the pub themselves and secure its future at the heart of the village.
A community share offer launched earlier this autumn has now met its minimum target, meaning the group can proceed with the purchase and begin essential renovation works.
The management committee has confirmed that the offer will remain open until Friday, 12th December, as they aim to raise a higher target of £600,000 to support a more extensive refurbishment and create additional community space, including a café-style hub.
Nearly 300 investors have backed the project so far - with support coming not only from Heddington and neighbouring villages but from as far away as the United States, Japan and Australia.
Dr Paul Moyle Harris, who chairs the Friends of The Ivy, said the response demonstrates how determined people are to see the pub revived rather than converted for other uses.
“Reaching our initial target in just six weeks shows the strength of feeling around this project,” he said. “It allows us to move ahead with securing the building, but raising the full £600,000 would give the pub the best possible start - fully renovated, properly equipped and financially resilient for the long term.”
The group has encouraged anyone considering investment to read the Share Prospectus and make a pledge before the offer closes in December. You can find more information here.
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