Early drinkers at the Tally Ho last Friday evening agreed to keep the noise down, while a film crew from the news channel NewsAsia Singapore shot the final sequence of a documentary featuring Mr Tan Kee Wee, who years ago inherited bronze antiques from his father – his quest was to discover whether they were from the Shang and Zhou dynasty or were admirable fakes.

The search led him to Berry Pomeroy and the studio-foundry of bronze artist, Andrew Lacey, an expert in archaeometallurgy (study of metal produced by people in ancient times). The final scenes of the UK part of this documentary, Bronzes: A forgotten treasure, due to be screened in Singapore in November, were shot in the Tally.

Dawn Tan, the documentary film host, and Kee Wee reflected on what they have discovered on their journey over drinks. (Dawn is a well known documentary maker and news reader in Singapore – a bit of an Anna Ford, possibly?) They and the film crew were hugely enthusiastic about the Tally, their welcome and the surrounding area. Pictured here from left to right are Simon, Pete, Dawn, producer Nivitra and Kee Wee.

How many people does it take to light a BBQ? Panic reigned briefly when Tally volunteers manned the Sunday BBQ recently as it wouldn’t light – until it was discovered the gas had run out! (Pictured right to left: Kate Rudman, Andrew Mogford, Kendal Tredinnick and James Dunn).

Announced that evening was the worthy winner of July’s Come Dine with Us competition. Tally customers filled out voting slips and Jo Ash’s Beetroot and Puy Lentil Veggie Burger tickled the taste buds of most voters, winning Jo a meal for two at the Tally. Many thanks to Jo, Kendal Tredinnick, Anna Ash and Susie Dorman for being such good sports, and for Kate Rudman for coming up with the idea. And of course, well done to chef Paul for cooking up their tasty offerings.

That’s it for now for Come Dine with Us, but don’t forget Tenner Tuesdays are still running, and the Kitchen Table will return on August 19th – they’ve developed quite a following amongst Tally customers, as their food – both meat and vegetarian – is imaginative and delicious. (They also do catering for parties if you want to check them out). Their last visit was enhanced by a passing steam train, the Royal Duchy, en route from Par to Bristol. Sad you missed it? There are a couple more steam trains passing in September – check them out on our What’s on page.

All agreed that the Beer and Cider Festival in mid June was a great success despite the grey weather. Lots of visitors came along to enjoy a wide variety of local ales and ciders – the beer buffs from CAMRA gave a definite thumbs up to the selection of 16 beers and the 6 local ciders certainly packed a punch. A merry band of volunteers manned the bar and BBQ throughout the weekend. Pictured here serving drinks are chairman Bob Clifford, Sam and Luke, while Adrian cooks the burgers.

The weather was warm enough (just) to sit out in the Beer Garden and enjoy the smooth jazz of the Fraser Weekes Trio – Fraser’s a local legend on jazz guitar. Singing from locals Liz Jeffery and friends added to the laid-back atmosphere.

Ian, our manager, was delighted to report that takings over the weekend exceeded what was normally taken in a whole week. And visitors from Manchester (pictured here) who were staying in Torbay declared the Tally one of the best country pubs they’d visited in Devon. Well done everyone for all the hard work!