The ultimate presentation of the Good Beer Guide 50th anniversary certificates.

It was a bit of a bleak and cold day on Saturday 11 March when CAMRA Kernow members ventured forth by train, from various Cornish stations, to Bodmin Parkway station. Here they were met by a luxury minibus that transported them to the Blisland Inn, Blisland.

On arriving at the pub the first thing you notice is that it sits high on the edge of the village green and has an imposing white door with black detail and a beautiful sign.

There was a very good reason why they made their way there. It was to present to Gary Marshall and his wife Margaret a Special Award certificate to celebrate the pub's inclusion in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide for over 40 of its 50 editions. To show what an achievement that is, there are nearly 600 pubs in Cornwall and the Blisland is one of only five Cornish pubs to have been in the guide for over 40 editions.

The group arrived at half past 12 and the presentation took place just after 2pm, as Gary was busy serving behind the bar and wouldn't be relieved till 2pm. This left ample time to sample the beery delights on offer from the latest of the over 4,000 beers that have been served at the pub to date, which included Keltek Magik, St Ives Zennor and King Buddha, made by Sharp's brewery, the nickname of Gary who has a large tattoo on his expansive belly and also has a jovial nature.

Feeling peckish we were also able to partake of comestibles from the substantial menu and enjoy our surroundings, especially the collection of mugs hanging from the ceiling.

The presentation by Branch Chairman, Dugg Polman, went ahead and Gary and Margaret were pleased to accept the award, which they will find a home for on the walls among the many other certificates awarded by CAMRA including the National Pub of the Year 2000.

There was some time to celebrate before the luxury minibus arrived to whistle the group to Bodmin for a visit to the Hole in the Wall.

Thanks to Branch Social Secretary (East), Roger Webster, for organising the coach.

Words by Dugg Polman

Photos by Steve Barber