The Bull's Head has stood in the middle of Callington since the 15th century, and so has become an important and enduring part of the town - as has its landlady, Vera Ghey, who has run the pub for 50 years.

Vera took over The Bull's Head in Fore Street in l949 with her husband, who sadly died about 25 years ago.

She was literally born into the trade, as she was born in a pub, as were her mother and her grandmother before her.

Despite the passing of years she retains a great rapport with all the regular customers, and still only admits to being over 51.

A highly talented musician she regularly rattles the ivories on the lovingly kept piano in the lounge bar with a style that has professionalism written all over it.

Vera has also demonstrated her expertise in the pub trade through a seven year stint as chairman of the men's LVA in South East Cornwall - for which she was presented with a specially made gold necklace.

Award

The current chairman is Gerry Foster, business partner at The Bull's Head, who has been in the post for six years. A recent award given to him by the licensed victuallers at a banquet at Whitsand Bay hangs in the bar - but is made of wood rather than gold, and takes the form of a giant putter (being a gentle dig at his golf game).

One of The Bull's Head's most unusual moments of fame came shortly after its exterior was painted its now distinctive pink. Overnight someone painted white spots on it and called it the Blobby Inn. The news hit the television, and Gerry explained that for days after that trade rocketed as the pub was packed with visitors.

Football

The bar is regularly awash with discussions about politics, religion, the previous night's football matches, local matters - in fact of host of subjects - because the witty, lively conversation and company is one reason why customers are so plentiful.

Darts also plays its part, as there are men's and ladies teams - as does euchre. Apart from regular fun games between the locals the pub hosts the Vera Ghey euchre cup once a year.

One of the oldest regulars is Percy Evangelista, 78, whose favourite tipple used to be beer or gin, but who now has to stick to the lemonade for health reasons. However, despite having to sink soft drinks, he still makes for The Bull's Head every day, to join in those discussions.

Joining him this Monday lunchtime was 77-year-old Desmond Maunder who first drank in The Bull's Head when he was 17. He was born in Callington, but now lives near Saltash.

Nevertheless, when he returns to the area to shop, he ensures that he sinks a welcome pint amongst old friends while his wife tours the stores.

Regular

Another regular is John Trevithick who believes about five generations of his family have used the pub as a favourite watering hole.

He said The Bull's Head attracts a real mixture of people, from both sexes, who all contribute to lively discussions which are hard to beat anywhere else.

He has drunk there since he was about l8, and tells of how it used to be a favourite place of the comic Tony Hancock when he was passing through the area. He said he would sit in the corner, with his familiar hat on, and would relax quite happily, until someone recognised him. Then he would beat a hasty retreat.

Gordon Wilbraham is among those who regularly add their opinions to the pub's subject, or subjects, of the day (on Monday it was Manchester United's unexpected 5-0 drubbing by Chelsea). He is quite frequently found at the bar at lunchtimes, and sometimes in the evening, and obviously views The Bull's Head as a second home.

Darts

Joining him in a pint was Andrew Small, who plays euchre in the pub, and is a member of the men's darts team which meets on Fridays and plays in the Lamerton league.

Adding femininity to the Monday lunchtime scene was Andrea Wilbraham who said that she enjoys a drink there in the evening, among friends, if she can get a babysitter to care for her son.

Gerry, who said that St Austell Brewery is among the companies The Bull's Head happily deals with, said the pub mainly has regular customers, but also is visited by a number of those on holiday during the summer.

Only that day a friend of his had brought in some Americans who were in Cornwall. However, the liveliest 'session' for local discussion is usually Saturday lunchtimes.

The pub, which offers appetising snacks to those who hunger as well as thirst, has been a meeting place for the Rotary club of Callington for over 20 years.

On Wednesday it was a hive of activity, as Callington was in the grip of its annual Honey Fair, and The Bull's Head is ideally situated for revellers. It maintains a familiar, welcoming, pub atmosphere which is devoid of tinny jukeboxes and plastic beams.

What is found within its walls is the unbeatable traditional, and a landlady who knows her trade as well as, and probably better than, most others in the country.