Hollywood star backs community’s campaign to save historic pub

Hollywood star Matthew Rhys has "strong personal ties" to Pennal in north Wales and has backed the "hugely important" attempt to buy the historic Glan yr Afon pub.

The Americans actors Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys

Image: FilmMagic for HBO/HBO Max)

(

Hollywood star Matthew Rhys has backed a whip-round so drinkers can buy their local pub.

Villagers want to save the grade-II listed Glan yr Afon pub in Pennal near Machynlleth, north Wales, after it was put up for sale by current owners.

But they need to raise £450,000 to make the purchase - and have been supported by The Americans and Perry Mason actor Rhys, 47.

The village is where Owain Glyndwr wrote to King Charles VI of France in the 15th century asking for help in his battle against the English crown.

Cardiff born Rhys, who now lives in Brooklyn Heights, New York said: “I have strong personal ties with the Pennal area and believe that this venture is hugely important in helping to safeguard the community’s future.

“It is wonderful to see people taking responsibility and ownership for their communities in these challenging times and I wish them well in their endeavours. If you can support please do so, and the spirit of Owain Glyndwr will continue to be felt in the area.”

Community group Menter y Glan hopes to develop the building.

Meirion Roberts, chairman of the management committee explains: “We are part of a small but vibrant community here in Pennal and we are aiming to secure the future of that community by launching a campaign to safeguard the Glan yr Afon building.

“As well as continuing with the business as a hospitality location we also want to develop it further to offer community facilities such as a shop and a café, and later develop the rooms upstairs to quality accommodation.

“In a rural area such as this and with fuel costs spiralling, offering these kind of services for people on their doorstep will potentially alleviate some of those concerns as well as helping with the climate change crisis.”

The pub is named after Welsh rebel and warrior Owen Glendower (c1350 - 1416), or Owain Glyndwr, self-proclaimed Prince of Wales

Image:

( Hulton Archive)

Owain Glyndwr was a Welsh leader who led a fierce and long-running war of independence with the aim of ending English rule in Wales during the Late Middle Ages. He was the last native-born Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.

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