Why village pub is truly the heart of community

A West Sussex publican has opened a new library and digital hub to reinforce her pub’s position in the heart of the village and support families and local residents.

Stephanie Young, who has run The Queens Head in West Chiltington for the past three years, decided to transform an area of the pub into a relaxed library area with shelving featuring 200 books.

As part of the initiative, a digital hub has also been introduced where villagers have free use of a PC, wireless internet access and a printer for a nominal fee.

Staff will be on hand to help any of the customers who might need some digital support.

Stephanie said: “There is nowhere in the village where anyone from families to retirees can relax, read, chat and hopefully learn more about the digital world.

“We realised how important the library and digital hub was for bringing people together. It was also important for us to help struggling families who may not have access to computer facilities to help support their children’s schooling.”

The project was opened with expert help and a Community Services Fund Grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.

Pub is The Hub regional advisor Anthony Miller said: “This new hub will be an important asset for the village, especially as we try to return to more normality.

“Stephanie has really stepped up to help everyone in the local area from the youngest to retirees and give them somewhere to relax and meet.”

The pub has also taken on a new chef, Ryan Knott, who has wowed locals with his menu, ranging from gourmet burgers to seafood.

See www.facebook.com/ queensheadwestchiltformore details.