What? - What does the Sweffling White Horse mean to you? It's clear that it holds a special place in the hearts of many, and that there is a strong desire for it to continue.

A community group has formed in order to potentially take it on - and we would be delighted for this to happen.

Why? - We have been trying to sell the pub privately for 3 years. We've reduced the price & separated the two businesses, but still haven't found anyone able to take it on. Part of the problem is the way we have run the pub - putting principles & people over profit - but who's to say if the pub would have been so popular and successful any other way? Lenders are cautious about pubs in general at the moment - regardless of footfall and awards - and our profit margins haven't helped with this.

Pubs are a vital part of the community - providing a meeting place where friendships are formed, problems are aired and trades exchanged. They form an important part of our English heritage, and an active pub can add up to 10% to the value of properties within its village. The Sweffling White Horse has been celebrated for its uniqueness and is widely known, respected and loved. Regulars living as far as 35 miles away, as well as many who live much closer, call it their local. Not just a drinking venue, it provides a space for meetings, clubs, live music, community suppers, charity events and much more.

Like you, we are very keen to see the Sweffling White Horse continue - but we need to let go of the reins this year.

How? - There are a growing number of successful community pubs locally, and the Sweffling White Horse lends itself perfectly to this set-up. There's many different ways of structuring a community pub - and the specifics will be decided later - but the first step is to reach an agreement and a sale price. We will have the support of a few experienced people who have overseen similar successful projects (Thelnetham White Horse, Geldeston Locks, Westhall Racehorse), as well as from CAMRA and The Plunkett Foundation. Currently the idea is for the community group to lease the pub for a set period, to give them more time to raise the funds needed to buy it. WE NEED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT BY 31 AUGUST so time is running out...