A community initiative to acquire a historic village pub in East Sussex has received a significant boost with an endorsement from Queen Camilla. The Queen, who spent part of her childhood in Plumpton, has conveyed her admiration for the local campaign to purchase The Fountain Inn, urging them to keep her informed of their progress.
According to campaigners, Queen Camilla communicated her support in a letter, expressing that she was "full of admiration" for the efforts. She wished the group "good luck" in their endeavour to secure the future of the pub, which has been a fixture in the village for 175 years. This royal backing comes as The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society announced it has secured nearly £300,000 in pledges, moving closer to its goal of acquiring the establishment.
The Fountain Inn, currently owned by Punch, has been put up for sale. Its status as an Asset of Community Value grants the local community a six-month window to formulate a bid and purchase the property. This designation recognises the pub's importance to the social and cultural fabric of Plumpton, a sentiment echoed by the Queen's personal connection to the area.
Stuart Wallis, chairman of The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society, highlighted the significance of the Queen's support. He stated that Her Royal Highness, like many current and former residents, understands that a pub serves as the true heart of a community, fostering social engagement across all age groups and backgrounds. He added that the society was "delighted to have had such high backing" for their project.
Queen Camilla lived in Plumpton, at an 18th-century country house called The Laines, until she was ten years old, prior to attending boarding school. Her personal connection to the village underscores the broader appeal of preserving local amenities that are vital to community life in rural Britain. The campaign continues its efforts to raise the necessary funds to complete the purchase and ensure The Fountain Inn remains a central hub for Plumpton residents.