Bid to reopen village pub backed by Rhys Ifans reaches fundraising target

A bid to reopen a village pub backed by Welsh actor Rhys Ifans has managed to hit its fundraising target.

The Twin Town star had appeared in a Facebook video that was shared by community enterprise to buy the old Ty’n Llan pub in the village of Llandwrog, Gwynedd, and urged people to go “into your pockets”.

Others including rugby star Shane Williams and comedian Tudur Owen had backed the scheme.

Late last night those behind the project announced that they had “only gone and done it!”

The initiative had until Friday to raise £400,000, and eventually managed £458,400 in shares with 993 members pitching in.

“Apologies for the late update but forms have been coming in thick and fast throughout the day digitally, and there was a lot in the post earlier today!” the organisers, which include Angharad Gwyn and Wyn Roberts, said.

“With over an hour left, we’ve now raised £458,400 in shares and Menter Ty’n Llan has 993 members! It’s been a very exciting 6 weeks and we want to thank you all for your support from the bottom of our hearts.

“I can’t begin to describe how thankful we are as a community here in Llandwrog. These six weeks have demonstrated how much people still love their communities, and other people’s communities too – thank you.”

The pub which dates from 1830 closed its doors more than three years ago, and those behind the initiative say that the 200-year-old building could also serve as a village shop, café and community center.

Rhys Ifans had said: “A good pub is the heart of a community, but it isn’t if it is closed. Therefore the people of Llandwrog want to by and re-open the old Ty’n Llan pub, and bring the good old fun back to the village once more.

“It needs work, it needs support and more than anything it needs money, and now is your opportunity. Don’t be shy, don’t hold back. the bid closes on June 11. Go into your pockets and invest in this wonderful venture. Thank you very much.”

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