On November 12th 2023, news broke of the demise of Branch member Tony Davis at the age of 92 years.

Tony was a real character, a born raconteur, staffing Branch beer festivals between 2004 and 2014 at the Bodmin, Falmouth and St Ives venues. Tony would be found on the beer token sales desk, he would enjoy banter with the customers ensuring they purchased the correct amount of tickets for their visit. A plumber by trade, he would regale his sales partners with tales of the events in the building trade and of course the impact he had on decisions made. His sales partners at the venue, such as Gray Sanders, Shane McLaughlin and Geoff Puddephatt amongst others would attest to this and enjoy.

With his striking, white hair and beard, he was referred to by other staff members affectionately as Father Christmas.

Those of us that had the good fortune of being accommodated with Tony and his late lamented son Rob were entertained at each breakfast with comical banter between the two of them. This would also happen at various times throughout the beer festival when their paths crossed.

Industrious, efficient and totally reliable, Tony enjoyed the festival to the full. Tony leaves a widow Betty and their three surviving children. Tony and Betty enjoyed 67 years of marriage at their home at Lansallos.

Tony’s funeral will be a family only one on 8th December; our thoughts will be with them.

Tony will remain in the folk lore of Branch beer festivals for those lucky to have known him, I’m so glad I was one of them.

Gerry Wills – Former Beer Festival Organiser

Photo of Tony having a break at Bodmin Beer Festival, February 2008 (Steve Barber)