Pub at centre of village life (From Malvern Gazette)

Pub at centre of village life

5:07pm Monday 18th September 2006 in

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It's now more or less a year since the village shop and village pub in Upper Welland were both under threat of closure.

I am very glad to report the village shop has survived. We now have fresh vegetables, fresh bread and a Post Office available in the village. It seems to be really thriving and is now a valuable amenity.

I convey my thanks to the new proprietors for their hard work, long hours and enthusiasm that have made this possible.

But alas, there is no story of good fortune regarding the pub.

The door of the Hawthorn Inn has remained firmly closed for the past 12 months. While I hope the former landlord is enjoying the retirement he deserves, I cannot help but feel a twinge of sadness every time I pass by the Hawthorn Inn.

I recall many a happy hour at the "Thorn" in times gone by with good beer, good food and, above all, good company.

The success of the village shop demonstrates that, with hard work and enthusiasm, it is possible to turn around what was seen by some as an ailing rural business.

Like a shop, a good village pub is an essential part of the social fabric of village life. It is my sincere hope that it will not be another year before I am able to report that the Hawthorn Inn is back in business, and taking its rightful place at the centre of village social life.

Graham George, chairman of the Upper Welland Community Group.