PAST punters of a decaying village pub have shared memories of its glorious heyday, and have expressed sadness at its continuing demise.
The Volunteer Inn in Marden, which has lain vacant since 2019, was once a well-loved community pub, with many readers reminiscing on memories of using its skittles alley, time spent both working behind the bar and drinking in front, and the sports teams.
The pub, which is believed to be owned by fruit producer, S&A Davies, closed due to "licensing issues", according to the Herefordshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and documents show that plans to tear down the building to create a new "family public house" with rooms were approved with conditions in 2017.
However, another application was made in 2020, but this time to refurbish the existing building, with the removal of a WC block. This application was approved by planners, again with conditions.
Back in 2017, planners turned down an application made by the fruit giant to turn land adjacent to the pub into a space for 75 new houses for the village, which would have comprised both open-market and affordable housing.
Brian Davies shared a photo of the pub on the We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group and said he was "sad to see the demise of this once lovely country pub," where his mother was born in 1931.
Robin Compton called the pub "brilliant" and recalled a visit from Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, while Alan Edge remembered the pub as "a great country pub" with a skittle alley, camping site, and nearby cricket pitch.
Andrew Thomas said: "I’ve been playing pool for 35 years, it’s sad how many pubs have shut for good in that time. There was always a good crowd in the Volunteer."
Richard Hicks, who was born nearby in Walkers Green, remembered the village as a place where "everybody knew everybody."
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He recalled that the landlord was once Frank Wright; he said there were "no shops, just the Blacksmiths, Don Rodgers and his dad, his mum ran the post office."
Remembering some unconventional times at the pub, Gordon Hargest said: 2Had my 30th birthday party there in 1990! Back then, Nov 5th fireworks night was lit by the owner doing a fire-eating gig and blowing onto the bonfire to ignite it! Happy memories!."
Verity Camden previously shared with the Hereford Times Camera Club that she had been on a first date with her husband at the pub.
"Many happy memories of my teenage years were created at the Volly," she added.
Debbie Berry also shared fond memories of the former pub, saying: “So sad used to be a great pub. Often stopped off for a sneaky shandy whilst exercising horses. Such a shame."
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