'We would be so grateful' - last chance to help save Wiltshire village pub from extinction
Campaigners are fighting to re-open a venue that's over 100 years-old
Tonight is a significant deadline in the fight to save a village pub in Wiltshire from extinction.
The Silks on the Downs, in Ogbourne St Andrew, has been closed since the first lockdown struck more than 14 months ago.
The pub, over 100 years-old, is now the subject of a major campaign from local residents.
The Ogbourne Community Pub Society (OCtyPuS) wants to buy the venue and re-open it to customers once more, avoiding the plight suffered by many other UK pubs in recent times.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, 22% of pubs across the country shut their doors forever between 2000 and 2018.
The group's Save the Silks initiative must raise at least £240,000 to achieve its ambition.
A Community Share Offer was launched by the Society in February, giving anyone the opportunity to buy a slice of The Silks.
At the time, OCtyPuS chairman Stuart Williamson told us why he felt the project was gathering momentum:
'It will act as more than a pub'
Greatest Hits Radio has since spoken to Harriet Rochester, another member of the OCtyPuS management committee.
"Britain is renowned for its great British pubs. Sadly, for one reason or another, even without COVID - their doors are closing.
"They need protecting, they are part of our heritage," she said.
In addition to providing high-quality food and drink, OCtyPuS is proposing to utilise The Silks as a hub for various community requirements.
This would include proactively welcoming residents struggling with loneliness - as well as local clubs, coffee-drinkers and visitors needing an information point.
'The most amazing location'
The Society also hopes that reviving The Silks would mean more people explore the Marlborough Downs, situated on its doorstep.
"The pub is in the most amazing location. On the Marlborough Downs, which has got this incredible network of public bridleways and footpaths.
"The access via foot, via peddle-power, or even horse is amazing!
"We really want to encourage people to visit the pub ... that way and minimise their own environmental footprint. Also benefit their own physical and mental wellbeing, by connecting with the landscape," Harriet added.
Save the Silks has raised more than half of its £240,000 target to date, but tonight, the Community Share Offer closes.
Anyone wanting to invest can find out more here.