A YEAR ago the Raven Inn had closed down, leaving a huge gap in village life.
Now the historic country pub is thriving again at the heart of the community.
The Raven is being run by volunteers, with profits going back to help the picturesque village of Llanarmon-yn-Ial, near Mold.
After a meeting inspired by documentary makers filming a show on the decline of British pubs, residents decided to take action and reopen it as a cooperative.
Volunteer Wendy Holifield said: “It was a true call to arms. Out came the paint brushes, green fingers, rubber gloves and sheer determination to bring the historic building back to life.
“Just over two weeks later the Raven Inn reopened to great applause.”
Now villagers, who run all aspects of the pub and even put in shifts behind the bar, are planning to celebrate with plenty of fun over the bank holiday weekend.
And all money raised will go towards the fund to restore St Garmon’s church hall.
Wendy said: “It is local people working for local people, everybody does their bit.
“Since the pub reopened I have made so many friends. There is a really friendly, family atmosphere.
“This has captured the imagination of the village and been a complete turn around. It has fostered a real community spirit and brought people together.
“Visitors to the village all give us such positive feedback. There is a really good all-round atmosphere.”
The pub, first opened in 1772, now hosts activities ranging from youth clubs to pensioner lunches and has built up a reputation for good food and real ales.
Villagers got together to form Raven Mad Ltd and have secured a 20-year lease for the pub.
Birthday celebrations start today with an organised walk around the village and events over the weekend include a village Olympics, featuring competitions such as tug-of-war, welly-throwing and wheelbarrow races.
There will also be live music as well as a traditional Sunday lunch for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Committee member Lewis Farnley said the first year had been a huge success. He said: “Right from day one we were not sure if it would be viable, but over the year we have found it to be sustainable.
“We will try to keep it going for as long as possible.”
For more information about the Raven Inn and its anniversary celebrations go to www.raveninn.co.uk