Community pub is one year old

The Tally Ho! community pub in Hungerford Newtown is one year old - and the occasion was celebrated instyle with a cake and big party.
The event marked a second milestone for the community venture - in May thi9s year, the watering hole was voted West Berkshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s award for Best Community Pub
The annual award is now in its seventh year and this year saw the highest number of nominations to date.
The anniversary is a momentous occasion for, in 2012, the future looked bleak
The award is a huge vote of confidence in the venture for, in 2012, the future seemed bleak for locals who wanted to continue enjoying a pint with neighbours, within walking distance.
They were dismayed when, in 2012, the ‘Tally’ was sold by brewing giants Wadworth.
The buyers, Acres Developments, sought planning permission to convert it into a terrace of three, three-bedroom homes. However, planning permission was refused.
A convoluted battle followed but villagers, backed by the West Berkshire branch of CAMRA and Newbury MP Richard Benyon, prevailed, eventually buying the building back.
It is now owned by a consortium of villagers and other investors and run as community asset offering good food and real ales.
Tally Ho Community Pub Ltd director Paula Woof said: “We celebrated with a party. The amazing cake, made by chef Melissa, was an immediate success - accompanied by a rousing rendering of Happy Birthday and a cheer to raise the roof!
“A large part of the pub's success has been the wonderful support from locals and surrounding villages, plus all the customers who drop in from the M4 and from much further afield. It's been a year of learning and discovery and The Tally Ho! would like to say a thank you to all their supporters - and here's to year two!”