The Elm Tree Inn, a cherished village pub in Langton Herring, Dorset, has been successfully purchased by the local community following an extraordinary six-month fundraising effort. The Friends of the Elm Tree Inn (FOTETI) announced on May 23 that they have completed the buyout after raising over £550,000 through community shares, donations, and loans.
This grassroots campaign garnered widespread support, not only locally but internationally, driven in large part by an effective social media strategy. TikTok videos, created by Dorset-born techno artist Sarah Warren—now based in Los Angeles—and backed by the local community, went viral and attracted millions of views, boosting the campaign’s profile and fundraising reach.
While the purchase is complete, FOTETI is continuing to seek additional funds to ease the loan burden. They are inviting more community members to invest, with a minimum share purchase of £200 granting shareholder status and an active role in the pub’s future.
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To raise further funds, an art auction featuring original pieces donated by local artists will be held on Facebook at the end of May. The group hopes the pub will reopen fully by early July and envisions the Elm Tree Inn as a vibrant community hub.
Volunteers from the village and FOTETI are already hard at work refurbishing the pub to ensure it’s ready for reopening. The organization expresses heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared their mission online, and helped make this achievement possible.
Those interested in supporting the project through donations or share purchases can find more information on the Friends of the Elm Tree Inn website. For regular updates, visit their Instagram page.