CAMRA has released the third and final film in its community-owned pub documentary series, this time focusing on the Yr Heliwr in Nefyn, North Wales.
Yr Heliwr had been closed for a decade, and the Nefyn community rallied together to save their precious local pub in 2018.
After an impressive fundraising campaign, the pub re-opened in 2021, becoming this community’s vital social hub once again.
The film explores how crucial the re-opening of Yr Heliwr was to the town of Nefyn, both socially and financially. Through interviews with regulars, volunteers, and key stakeholders, we learn how much the pub has revitalised the coastal town, with the high street brought back to life.
This series has been put together by the film-making team Katie Greenhalf and Rachel Auty, with the help of Plunkett UK.
“This film shows how important pubs are to our communities,” said Gary Timmins, CAMRA’s pub and club campaigns director. “When one is lost forever, it is a disaster for both the wellbeing of the local people and the local economy.
“It’s amazing to see the impact a community-owned pub can make once open, reviving high streets and offering a friendly, welcoming space for everyone. They really are assets to our communities.
Be inspired
“The chancellor’s recent Budget was nothing but a complete mess for the industry, with rising business rates and lack of support likely to close many more pubs. I hope audiences watching are inspired by the success of Yr Heliwr and look into the option of community ownership to save their own local as evidently government is happy to see pubs drown in a sea of VAT, business rates, energy bills, alcohol duty, and increased employer National Insurance contributions.
“The government must also re-introduce a dedicated funding pot, so community groups can get the financial help they need to save their beloved closed locals.”
Rachel Auty, of Cameron Rae Consultancy Ltd and the Women On Tap community interest company, added: “I loved meeting the committees, teams, and locals at each of the three community pubs. It’s been a real honour. Hearing their stories and learning more about their communities has been brilliant.
“I’ve always believed that pubs are an essential part of society, and now more than ever we need these local places of togetherness and belonging. These films reflect that.”
