Residents from Pinner are fighting to save a beloved pub which has stood in the village for 169 years and has been described as “a pillar for the community”.
The Oddfellows Arms opened in 1854 but now is at risk of being shut down after failing to reach required targets to allow for the lease to be renewed for another 10 years.
As part of efforts to keep the pub open, they recently hosted a community day and a fundraiser.
Nicole Cohen, a Pinner resident and friend of the owner, spoke to Pinner News and said: “It’s a real community feel pub and a community centre in its own way. We didn’t realise how crucial this pub is to the community until we spread the word about our fundraising and had such a positive response. I thought ‘Wow it really does matter!’”
The pub held a community day on Sunday, July 29, and were only expecting a few residents to turn up. However, hundreds of locals, old faces, new faces, and people who had heard of the cause from social media came along to enjoy a day of local DJs, beers and fun.
Nicole said: “The community day was incredible. For the first time, it feels hopeful. We’ve got a community supporting each other through good and bad. People have really stepped up and showed community spirit.
“Honestly, we are in awe of the level of love and encouragement that is coming into us.”
The crowdfunding has received hundreds of comments from locals.
One said: “Loved the Oddies! Played for a football team in the 80s and enjoyed many a fine pint. Too many of Pinner’s pubs have already gone; let’s save this one!”
Another said: “Buying my late Pa a pint as this was his local in the 1970s! Good luck with your campaign.”
The pub has been a pillar of the community for years, championing diversity and accepting all pub visitors for the last 169 years.
Marie Goodhew, an Oddfellows Arms patron said: “A lot of the older people here today would be sitting home alone if it wasn’t for this place.”
Trish Brady, a Pinner resident, said: “I’m proud to be part of something so Pinner.”
The pub was even featured on ITV News on Wednesday, August 2, where landlord Richard Devine and a number of patrons were interviewed on the importance of the pub to the community and why the fundraising is vital to the local area.
Richard said: “After all we’ve all been through in the last few years, it’s more important than ever for people to come together to protect these last remaining hubs of our community.
“It’s a daunting challenge but we are confident that our community will rally together to support this beloved local gem. It’s been our privilege to support our patrons for all these years and we hope to continue for many more years to come.”
The fundraiser has been supported by more than 100 supporters, raising more than £6,000 at the time of writing. The campaign has extended until August.
To donate and find out more, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-oddfellows-arms-pinner#start
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