New beginning for Tar Barrel end

Calling ‘time’ has a new meaning at the Volunteer Inn in Ottery St Mary, as landlords Mike and Jacqui Down are now the proud owners of a unique clock - created from the end of a flaming tar barrel.

The barrel was carried by Mike in the 2014 Tar Barrels event. At the end of the night and despite being scorched by fire, the barrel end remained intact. Local Tar Barrels Committee ‘legend’ Les White held on to the barrel end, which weighs around 30 kilos, while he decided what to do with it.

Eventually, Les found a clockface of approximately the right dimensions. He trimmed it to fit the barrel end and recently presented the clock to Mike and landlady Jacqui.

It is now on display in the bar above a photo of Mike carrying the very same barrel taken by local snapper Nigel Fowler. It is believed that this is the only time a complete barrel end has survived the flaming.