A community-owned, FCA-registered organisation — purchasing, restoring and running the Somerset Arms for the village, in perpetuity.
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We are a formally constituted, FCA-registered Community Benefit Society — born from a community determined not to lose its village pub. The Somerset Arms has stood at the heart of Semington for centuries. Closed since 2023, it is now on the market. Through community ownership, we intend to bring it back — and keep it thriving for generations to come.
The Somerset Arms will be purchased and governed by Semington CBS — a shareholder community with a legal commitment to operate the pub for the benefit of Semington, permanently.
We will restore the character and charm of this Grade II listed, centuries-old Wiltshire pub — keeping its soul intact while making it welcoming, sustainable and a genuine pleasure to visit.
From real ales and Sunday roasts to live music and community events — the CBS-owned Somerset Arms will be a permanent legacy, held in trust for Semington and all who love it.
Every donation goes directly towards Semington CBS's campaign to purchase and reopen the Somerset Arms. Our Crowdfunder is live now — and every contribution, however small, brings us closer.
£1,500 raised to date · Help us push towards our £50,000 community share target!
Nestled in the heart of Semington, beside the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Somerset Arms has been a focal point for villagers, boaters, walkers and cyclists for centuries. Its closure in 2023 left a void at the heart of our community. Now is the time to act.
Village surveys showed overwhelming support for the pub to return — with locals calling for good food, Sunday roasts, real ales, and live music. This is exactly what we intend to deliver.
Somerset Arms History
Credit: Stephen McKay and Geograph.org
Whether you live in Semington or simply believe in community-owned pubs, there are several meaningful ways to become part of Semington CBS and help us reopen the Somerset Arms.
Every pound raised goes directly towards Semington CBS's purchase and renovation fund for the Somerset Arms. Our Crowdfunder is live — every contribution matters enormously.
Donate NowSemington CBS's community share offer launches Summer 2026. By investing, you become a co-owner of the Somerset Arms — with a say in how it's run, forever. Register your interest now.
Register InterestSemington CBS relies on the community it serves. We need legal experts, social media volunteers, leaflet distributors and more. Or simply share our campaign — every share reaches a potential supporter.
Get in Touch"We are not just saving a pub. We are building an institution — community-owned, community-run, community-loved. The Somerset Arms will belong to Semington, for good."
— Semington Community Benefit Society, 2026
The committee provided a full campaign update, and the 'two Daves' from the Friends of the Ivy in Heddington shared hard-won wisdom from their own successful pub rescue.
Journalist Jeremy Stern reported live from Semington for BBC Radio Wiltshire. The story was also published on the BBC News website, reaching our first overseas supporter.
Semington Community Benefit Society Limited is officially approved by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 9716. A landmark moment for the campaign.
Come and meet the team and learn more about the campaign at these upcoming events.
Promoting the campaign and upcoming share offer. Come for the ale, stay for the cause.
Join us at 11am to hear about the campaign and the journey ahead.
The official launch of our share offer and full business plan — become an owner of your community pub.
A dedicated group of Semington residents — each bringing professional expertise and genuine community spirit to the CBS and its mission.
Longtime villager and founder of Semington Dock. MBA from Oxford Brookes, career in Unilever & ICI. Rotarian, canal volunteer, and beekeeper.
Semington resident since the mid-90s. Former headteacher and operations director. Passionate about community and eager to get hands dirty in the renovation.
Moved to the village drawn by the pub and canal. Former ONS director who managed the national Census. Landscape gardener, musician and mental health volunteer.
Chartered Accountant (PwC). Former MD & Finance Director at Relcross for 25+ years. Has previously served as Treasurer for golf and hockey clubs.
Works at Microsoft in strategic software sales. Moved to Semington in 2025 searching for quiet country life. Passionate about creating a hub where his son Cooper can grow up, as we all did.
Former BBC Radio Wales reporter and producer. Retired to Semington in 2018. Member of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.
Semington community member for 30+ years. Background in large-scale engineering and construction, including airport baggage systems and barn conversions.
Former Wiltshire CC Corporate Services Director. Parish Councillor for 10 years, 5 as Chair. Enjoys growing veg, live music, and Morris dancing.
Born in Semington, returned in 2012. Background in product development and business leadership. Runs the village summer and winter fetes.
Canal boat dweller with 22+ years in hospitality. Managed award-winning establishments in Bath. Had her own pub at 18. Also works in housing and homelessness support.
GP at Hospital at Home, Swindon. Canal restorer, real ale lover and Morris dancer. Has already booked her side — Devizes Jubilee Morris — for the grand reopening.
Moved to Semington from Melksham in December 2024. 25 years in IT Support. Previously with Wadworth Brewery for 13 years. Built and manages the CBS site.
We are a formally constituted organisation, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 9716), structured for permanent community benefit. Our sole purpose: to bring the Somerset Arms back into community hands — and keep it there. Here's everything you need to know.
A Community Benefit Society (CBS) is a legal entity formed for the benefit of the wider community, not just its members. It can issue community shares to raise funds and its assets are held in perpetuity for community benefit. Our model rules were provided by Plunkett UK, experts in supporting community businesses.
Yes. Semington Community Benefit Society Limited was approved by the Financial Conduct Authority on 23rd February 2026. Our registration number is 9716 and full details are on the FCA Mutuals Public Register.
Funds will come from a combination of:
Plunkett UK is a national charity that supports community businesses across the UK. They currently represent over 800 trading community-owned businesses, with a further 800 in development. Their guidance gives our project a robust, proven framework — greatly increasing our chances of success.
Absolutely. We're particularly looking for people with:
Contact us via the form below and someone will be in touch.
Semington Lock, Kennet & Avon Canal
Whether you want to volunteer, invest in shares, ask a question or simply tell us you support us — we'd love to hear from you.
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