A spirited group of pensioners from the Forest of Dean have combined creativity and community spirit to save their last remaining village pub by producing a Jilly Cooper-inspired calendar. Their lighthearted project has not only raised over £4,000 but also rekindled hope for the restoration of the 16th-century Brockweir Inn.
The historic Brockweir Inn, located in the Gloucestershire Wye Valley, ceased operation as a pub five years ago. Former owners began renovations in 2019, but work stalled, leaving the building gutted and vulnerable. Recognizing its cultural and historic importance, the community came together in 2024, with 395 locals purchasing shares to secure ownership of the listed building.
Although acquiring the pub was a significant milestone, an estimated £250,000 is still required to refurbish and revive the Brockweir Inn. To help bridge this gap, a passionate group of four elderly villagers developed an inventive fundraising calendar inspired by famed romance author Jilly Cooper. Known for her Rutshire Chronicles series and the 2023 Disney+ adaptation of “Rivals,” Cooper was a Gloucestershire resident until her death in 2025.
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Carol Knight, a lifelong Brockweir resident in her 70s, described the calendar project as “enormous fun” and a chance to step out of their comfort zones by reenacting scenes from Cooper’s iconic novels. The calendar also uniquely features playful nods to pop culture, including a reenactment of the Village People’s 1979 album cover “Live and Sleazy.” Priced at £12.50, 350 copies have sold worldwide—from Alaska to New Zealand and Maui—raising £4,375 to date.
The fundraising efforts have not only provided financial support but also fostered a strong sense of community across generations. Carol emphasized the significance of saving the pub: “It’s a beautiful medieval building that has served our village since the Middle Ages. Too many pubs are closing, but we’re determined to keep ours alive.”
Brockweir Inn Friends and Fundraisers, the group spearheading these initiatives, has collectively raised over £25,000 through auctions, local events, and the calendar. They now seek support from building and construction professionals to assist in the practical restoration work. Carol appeals to the wider community for help, underscoring the importance of preserving the pub as a vital hub for village life.
With ongoing fundraising and community backing, plans are underway to begin phased reopening of the Brockweir Inn starting this summer. The resilience and creativity of Brockweir’s villagers exemplify how a united effort can breathe new life into cherished local heritage.