Comedian Jon Richardson helps boost shares for The Plough, Fadmoor

The Plough in Fadmoor is the focus of a new four-part observational series called Our Yorkshire Pub Rescue, fronted by comedian Jon Richardson, which follows its transformation into a community-owned pub after 14 years of closure.

The programmes began on More4 on Wednesday, February 4, and half-way through the series, the pub has closed its Community Share Offer having reached the current limit of £375,000 with £90,000 of that raised in the last fortnight.

The Community Share Offer, which was initiated in October 2021, now has 388 members with investors from all corners of the U.K. and as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The Plough has also received £3,555 in donations. All donations, which can be made online via The Plough’s website, will be used for the renovation of the outbuildings, garden space and match funding for additional grants. These areas of the site were not included in the original Community Share Offer refurbishment forecasts.

Peter Jones, Chairman of the Fadmoor Community Pub Limited, said: “Thank you very much to each and every person who has invested in The Plough through our share offer scheme to date, enabling us to re-open the doors to this historic pub.

“We now have the funds to renovate and refurbish the downstairs pub building, but this is only the start as work and money is still needed for the outbuildings, garden and refurbishment of the first floor enabling accommodation on site. So there is a lot still to do.”

The Plough Management committee are now reviewing the feasibility and options for a new share offer scheme. Anyone still wishing to invest in The Plough can make an expression of interest through the website if any future share offers are launched or donations for the renovation can be made instead.

The Plough, which dates back to 1782, closed in 2011. It was registered as an Asset of Community Value in 2013 and then further renewed in 2019.

Throughout this time, a community group worked tirelessly to save The Plough with strong support from the local and wider community, many local businesses, key organisations, councillors, Plunkett UK and the local MP.

The purchase of The Plough by the Fadmoor Community Pub Limited was completed on 30 September 2024 using Grant funding from Government and Reach Funds along with paid up shareholder funds which covered the purchase cost, stamp duty, and legal fees.The Plough’s committee, all volunteers, are now working to renovate the building so that the doors of the community pub can reopen.

Peter added: “The majority of the renovation of the pub is done by volunteers at weekends and 45 people have come forward to help since work began. If anyone would like to give their time and skills with this project please get in touch. Everyone is welcome and it’s a great way to be involved in bringing the pub back to life and being part of this community.

For further information about The Plough please visit our website theploughfadmoor.co.uk. The Plough is featuring in Our Yorkshire Pub Rescue with Jon Richardson on More4 available to view now.