Wales: Carpenters Arms

Clydach, West Glamorgan Around the time that Richie Saunders and partner Jill Davies took over the Carpenters Arms in Clydach three years ago, the village was rocked by the tragic murders of four members of the same family including two young girls. Richie recalls: "It was awful and it was all that people would talk about." The girls used to go out cycling and from that came the idea of rebuilding the community by organising a bike ride. Richie and a few keen cyclists often complained that there was not a safe cycle route running from the village into Swansea. They decided to campaign for the construction of a new cycle track and dedicate it to the memory of the two girls. In June 2002, the campaign came to fruition when 150 riders of all ages set off from the Punch outlet and cycled the 14 miles to Swansea and back. On their return, they were greeted with a barbecue and entertainment. Richie recalls: "Everyone says that it helped bring the community back together again after the terrible tragedy." Last June, 250 people participated in the bike ride and it is now scheduled to become an annual event. However, that is not the only contribution that the pub has made to the community. Richie and Jill have rejuvenated the Carpenters by: redecorating it; giving customers a choice of seven cask ales, mainly from small local brewers where previously there was none; introducing a fine food offering; and removing the unsavoury clientele so that everyone can feel comfortable inside. The pub has also become a home for organisations such as the amateur video club and local horticultural and collectors' societies. Music and beer festivals are also regular features on the pub's calendar, plus it has become a haunt for local Campaign for Real Ale members. Virtually every weekend, there is live music played in the 60 covers dining area. The sense of togetherness is also evident on the pub's website and also in leaflets distributed by the hosts. All the shops and facilities in the town are mentioned. Richie explains the rationale: "We are a community and we have to look after everyone.