THE ‘top ale providers’ of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot were recognised this week.

The Court Leet and Court Baron held their Court Baron Meeting of The Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot.

The meeting was well attended and decided to present the Ballamy Tankard for the Best Ale and Hospitality after the meeting.

This was as a result of the Ale Tasting Ceremony which was held in July. The Best Ale was won by The Wolboough Inn for ‘Bass’ and The Ballamy Tankard and two for the Hospitality The British Legion and the DartmouthInn

The BallamyTankard was presented to the Wolborough Inn by Kath Winser (sister of the late Ken Ballamy). The tankard is in memory of Ken Ballamy who was the ‘first Ale Taster’of the Courts in 1991 when The Courts were reintroduced by his Lordship Keith Stokes-Smith.

Ken was also the ‘Monk’ in the Saint Leonard’s Tower for the Inspection of the Stocks Ceremony.

The stocks are held in the tower for public display. Unfortunately the courts cannot use the stocks as the are priceless and fragile.