A group of nine South Devon CAMRA aficionados met at Newton Abbot in the morning and set forth to Exeter by omnibus. It should be said the members were resplendent in the new branch shirts, various, of dark blue. We have kept faith with the well-known logo of the railway signal gantry, tweaked the lettering, which is all now finely depicted in gold and silver. ( These are available for purchase.)

On arrival we made our way across the city to have a caffeine kick at Costas Café. Keen to be on our way, we were early for the train at Central station. Just as well for the timetable was incorrectly printed and the train to Okehampon was due earlier than we had understood. But we made it and were then set up for the day.

In Okehampton, a brisk walk, downhill, brought us to the Plymouth Inn. We enjoyed a good lunch in the sun drenched garden, helped nicely along with choice of Otter Bright, Sharps Doombar - by gravity, and Budvar. There was a good ambience and enjoyable repartee, before we left to catch the omnibus to Sticklepath…an option agreed at the pub.

Our first pub of call was the Devonshire Inn. This is a lovely old building with low ceilings, an open fireplace, furniture et. al. to complement. The resident Border terrier and Norfolk terrier were an added, friendly, attraction. Ales were Nelsons Admiral, 3.8% and St. Austells Tinners 3.7%. On a house opposite to the pub is painted the flag signal proclaiming the news of Trafalger. The road through the village is on the original route to London and there was a recent, very successful, celebratory street party and re-enactment of that event. A public veil is drawn over the "Tale of the dog biscuit". However, if gently encouraged, the social secretary will give a first hand account of this humourous interlude!
We also visited Taw River Inn and whiled away a quiet time in the soporific sunny garden, most relaxing.

The journey was continued back to Exeter, on a coach no less. Here the group dispersed but not before enjoying the delights of The Well House, opposite St. Peters Cathedral. On offer were Scattor Rock Lackdaisy, Cotleigh Kookaburra, Sharps Doombar Otter Bright a Stonehenge and Well House ale.

After this a few of us made their way to the new Wetherspoons, The Georgian Meeting House, a sympathetically altered usage of a lovely interior. The Kronenberg Blanc was much enjoyed.

And so a thoroughly super day drew to close.

Finally, many thanks to Phil Stephens, a veritable master of timetables. I don't know for how long the branch has been blessed with his annual organisation of our Dartmoor Rover outing but he once again prepard a variety of interesting options.

Beryl and Terry Jinks,
Social Secretary's Section.

© Campaign for Real Ale & Ant Veal 2007. Designed & compiled for South Devon CAMRA by Ant Veal.
This page was last updated on 07-Mar-2007