Historic Devon pub gets a makeover after community rallies

Thatch Work Underway (Credit : Cridford Inn)

When Paul and Ness Moir bought The Cridford Inn in 2018 they knew that the thatched roof was past its best and at some point, in the not-too-distant future, it would need some attention – and the inevitable finances. What they didn’t realise at the time was the amount of help and support they would receive from the Trusham village, the wider local community and customers, which has enabled the work to be completed in January this year.

Cridfest, the all-day music event held in August, helped raise some of the funds along with quiz nights, bingo and the sale of village design Christmas cards but members of the local community also rose to the challenge through personal donations or by including donations to a roof fund in their individual fund-raising efforts.

“The enormous contribution from the village and surrounding area has made all the difference,” says Paul “and it has enabled us to have the work completed somewhat sooner than we thought was possible.”

The thatch on the Cridford Inn has now had a new ridge and has been tidied up which should help it last at least another five to ten years.

“Ness and I are really grateful to the local community and our customers who have put so much effort into making a significant contribution towards the cost of renovating our thatched roof,” continued Paul. “Many locals and customers from further afield regularly visit the Inn and I hope they are as pleased with the results as we are and that we have the pleasure of their company for many years to come.”

The history of The Cridford Inn can be traced back to 825 AD and there is a comprehensive summary of the owners through the years and use of the building since that time on the Inn’s website.

More details on The Cridford Inn, including menus and the accommodation available can be found at thecridfordinn.co.uk.