20 ways to make a world of difference

Save a pub

Today, more than half of rural communities lack a village watering hole, and it isn't because country people don't drink. Modern success stories show that pubs (often re-opened with government-grant aid) need to diversify and be shops, prescription services, laundries and post offices, often rolled into one, in order to thrive. Pull it off and you will revive the heart of your local community - it doesn't get better than that. To get started, contact Pub is the Hub (01423 568987; www.pubisthehub.org.uk)