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A pub is investing £1,000 towards developing a community garden. The King's Arms in Horsham is putting the money towards the 'King's Community Garden' initiative after being named a finalist in the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards. The money was provided by category sponsor Coca-Cola and will be used to fund gardening efforts that will bring the Horsham community together and help to restore local green space.
The King's Arms in Bishopric is known for its charity work and is a registered fundraising partner for national mental health charity Mind. Landlady praised for expanding pub’s role beyond pints and food (Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS) It also supports Horsham Matters, a charity that provides essential services such as food, fuel, and shelter to those in need. The pub's annual charity golf days have raised more than £1,000 for St Catherine's Hospital, a charity that helps those facing life-shortening conditions to live in comfort.
Since taking over during the pandemic, landlady Jodie Munday has expanded the pub's role beyond a typical establishment, even offering dog-sitting and dog-walking services for community members. Ms Munday said: "It’s truly an incredible feeling for our pub to have been acknowledged as a Community Hero in one of the most prestigious pub awards. "Making everyone feel safe and welcome in The King’s Arms means the world to us and this nomination has assured us that we’re doing right by our locals.
"I hope that this recognition encourages others to support their community members who could be experiencing loneliness or struggling with their own mental health – it really goes to show that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact on those who need them." The King's Arms was also a finalist for the 'Best Pub for Dogs' category in 2023 and is the only pub in Sussex to have reached the finals of the awards twice. Ms Munday hopes the pub can host 'Mental Health Mates Walks' in Horsham, providing free teas, coffees, and cakes for participants.
Holly Firmin, senior community partnerships manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said: "Pubs are vital to the fabric of our communities, and it is truly inspiring to see the steadfast dedication they’ve shown towards helping others. "It’s our pleasure to support The King’s Arms and the Horsham community; their commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives is brilliant to see.".
