The love Sandford Orcas villagers feel for their local was evident after they banded together and raised enough money to replace the wind-battered marquee at The Mitre Inn in the village.

In brighter times, the marquee was used to host beer festivals over the years. But after severe winds ripped through the canopy a new one was desperately needed ahead of pub’s re-opening as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The hospitality sector has been deeply hit by Government restrictions over the last year, so owners Cheryl and Allen Page launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new marquee. And in less than one week, the couple were stunned to find the funds had poured in as generous villagers and regulars of The Mitre had dug deep into their pockets. And with another £250 donated to the cause from Sandford Orcas Village Hall, a new marquee was bought and placed in pride of place outside the inn at the end of March.

Alex Ferris said: “The Mitre has established beer festivals using the marquee, and other events locals look forward to. Unfortunately, with the severe winds the old marquee needed replacing. It is testament to the pub’s importance that it took less than a week to crowdfund the Mitre’s new marquee erected on 31st March this year, with £250 donated by the Sandford Orcas village hall and the balance given by regulars. “Others have contributed to new external heaters for the marquee, ensuring we all enjoy the pub to its fullest capacity.”

Cheryl and Allen became tenants of The Mitre in December 1992, and since then have become pillars of the community offering great beer, delicious food and two pairs of friendly ears.

The pub was originally built in 1851 as a cider house but is now a freehouse. The couple sell beer and cider from local breweries including Apex Brewery and Yeovil Ales. Over the ensuing years the couple refurbished the pub and then bought it in 2013 and replaced the roof in November the same year. In 2014 The Mitre was rewired and redecorated and two en-suite rooms were added with the addition of a shepherd’s hut to complement the building’s character.

To find out more about the pub go to mitreinn.co.uk.

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