Prince Charles visited the Falmouth Arms in Ladock on Monday to help celebrate the opening of the pub’s micro-library where he mingled with regulars and met representatives from other community groups in the village.
Licensees David and Emmeline Smith converted their unused pool room into a book den last year when their local library service was axed.
The facility, which also has a computer for the public to access online library services, was installed with the help of Pub is the Hub and Cornwall Council’s Library Services team.
“What an honour to show His Royal Highness around the Falmouth Arms and introduce him to everyone that is involved in the village and our community life,” David said.
Vision
John Longden, Pub is The Hub chief executive, claimed the Prince was "clearly delighted" with the progress made in Cornwall.
“We have opened 14 diversification projects now and this library at the Falmouth Arms is our eleventh one,” Longden said. “We are indebted to the vision of Pat Terry and the team from Cornwall Council’s Library Services and their hard work in partnering our projects.
"We also have to thank our many supporters in the county, from the Prince’s Countryside Fund, Cornwall Rural Community Charity to St Austell Brewery, the Post Office and many more. However, the biggest thanks of all must go to our heroic licensees whose hard-work and enthusiasm pays off in support from their communities.”
Claire Saunders, chief executive of the Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “We are really pleased that the financial support from The Prince’s Countryside Fund has allowed so many people to enjoy a new lease of life for their village pub. In common with Pub is The Hub we understand that pubs are a real focus for activity and can play an important part in sustaining rural communities.”