West Country

Ley Arms

Kenn, Devon

Nothing depicts the Ley Arms' commitment to village life more than the goodwill shown by members of staff when a local resident passed away. The man's wake was to be held at the only other pub in Kenn, Seven Stars, because it was nearest to his family's home.

The Seven Stars' licensee lacked the facilities and the experience to handle the wake, so everyone at the Ley Arms pitched in. Staff worked extra shifts to help and chefs went to the Seven Stars to help prepare the food.

Helen Mashiter, who runs the Heavitree Inns' managed house with partner Giles Evans, says: "We gave our time, crockery and equipment, free of charge, to help the village. The fact we gave so much to a competitor went down well and we've received much praise and thanks from the parish."

Adding to village life

Since Helen and Giles arrived nearly two years ago, they have become immersed in village life. The pub now sponsors the

local cricket team, has reintroduced the

village's New Year Eve dinner-dance after an

absence of 10 years, as well as staging a host of events.

These include: a Morris dancing competition; a hot rod car and barbecue event; arranging tours of the village church by outside coach parties; tea parties; and a Boxing Day charity auction that raised £4,000 last year.

Becoming the focal point

The Ley Arm's function room is offered free of charge to local societies. Giles says the pub's growing status as the focal point in village life has been rewarded as more and more people want to hold wedding and birthday parties.

Helen says attracting external businesses and groups, such as Porsche and Alfa Romeo owners' clubs, to the Ley Arms is also helping "put the village on the map".

She adds: "Our staff are passionate about the village, their work and the people that visit. It is amazing to be the focal point of such a good and close community."