Guild of Devonshire Ringers

NORTH EAST BRANCH

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Quarter Peal for Colin

In memory of the late Colin Davey and to celebrate the previous day’s birthday anniversary of his widow, Shirley, six friends gathered at Halberton on Monday, 30 January to ring a quarter peal of spliced Doubles. Colin, when Tower Captain, usually bumped the tenor, generally regarded in the ringing chamber as “Colin’s Bell”; it is easy-going and well-mannered. Nevertheless, 17 cwt and 50 minutes of rock-solid tenor behind left Cathy Thorpe, who is no Amazon, drained but contented from participating in the tribute to the man who taught her to ring.

The band ringing 1260 changes comprising Stedman (60), Reverse Canterbury (240), Plain Bob (480) and Grandsire (480) was made up by:

1   Terry Hargreaves
2   Paul Mainwaring
3   Sheila Scofield
4   Leslie Boyce
5   Matthew Weighell (C)
6   Cathy Thorpe

Sheila Scofield


The Ringing World - BellBoard

The Ringing World has a new website which is a searchable database of ringing records and is also way of submitting new records to the Ringing World.

To quote from their website:

BellBoard is currently under development but invites you to browse or search our ringing records and share details of your recent peal and quarter peal performances instantly . . .

The Ringing World has launched this initial version of BellBoard so that we can all submit our ringing performances to The Ringing World whilst sharing them with each other online. Please do start using BellBoard now to help to keep the Ringing World and each other up to date.

There will be much more to come from BellBoard which we hope that many change ringers will enjoy so please keep visiting us to track our progress!

To visit the website Click Here.

Ken Smith


Editor's Miscellany

Preliminary to my recent incarceration in the Royal Devon and Exeter, I was obliged to make several visits as an outpatient and as is customary in such circumstances, there was much sitting around waiting for something to happen. In one of the waiting rooms I noticed a board displaying graphs of various areas of hospital performance charted over the preceding year or so. After a while, seeming to have been forgotten and becoming soporific in the heat and hum of subdued conversation, my head began to tilt so that the graphs assumed a perceived verticality. One in particular was looking familiar.

Good heavens! Starting in January, things are going out quick so that by May/June, they are sort of double dodging up. After the coat-hanger (which has a slightly drooping shoulder but the Physio Department should be able cure that), the end of the year sees a couple of dodges down before going in quick after Christmas. Of course, I’m not keen to spend any more time here than is clinically necessary but in my dozy state I'm half hoping that I might still be around to see how they get on with the slow work.

A tap on the shoulder - "Are you alright, Sir?" says this pretty descendant of Florence Nightingale.

"Uh? Oh, yes, thank you. By the way, Nurse, did you know that the graph you have on the board displaying 'Percentage of Emergency Re-Admissions' is, in fact, the blue line for Stedman Doubles?"

I get a look suggesting that this is a surgical ward; psychiatric stuff is elsewhere.

Dermot Elworthy


Branch Meeting - January 2012

The year’s first meeting of the North East Branch was well attended with 30 members joining in the ringing and subsequent service held at Tiverton, St Paul’s on Saturday, 7th January. Ringing before the service included Call Changes on Six, Plain Hunt, Plain Bob - Minor and Doubles, Stedman Doubles and Cambridge Minor. Members from 7 different towers attended an enjoyable service celebrating Epiphany and taken by Lay Readers from St George’s. This was followed by tea with notices. (I suspect the former tasted better! Ed). The Branch display boards were on show; a presentation of the new Branch demonstration bell was a main topic of interest. Branch towers are to be canvassed over the next two months to determine the bell’s future placement and use.

branch meeeting jan12 Some of those attending

branch meeeting jan12 Prodigy Jasper Cozens taking a break from swotting up on the Blue Line for a Surprise Minor method!

Committee members will be visiting all Guild affiliated towers to discuss with members their training wants and needs.

The evening was completed with an excellent curry at the “Gate of India” where 16 members and partners had a very enjoyable time.

Our thanks to Charlotte for an excellent choice for a social evening.

Sheila Scofield


Finding a Use and Home for the Branch Demonstration Bell

The Branch has kindly been donated the old school bell from Burlescombe. Troyte Ringing Centre has kindly donated considerable funds to mount the bell in a frame so that it is fully functional, but a further support structure would needed in order to ring it. The work has been carried out by Richard Newman and is now complete. The bell is still currently housed in Richard’s workshop near Bridgwater so we are now looking for a secure, permanent home within the Branch suitable for the bell.

The photos attached show the bell and frame standing on a trolley in Richard’s workshop.  The bell weighs 60lbs and with the frame, total weight is 1cwt. The dimensions are: 39” long, 24” wide and 35 “ from the bottom of the frame to the top of the wheel.

A sub-committee of Branch Officers met to discuss potential uses for the bell and three suggestions were made:

1   To mount the frame on a structure which can be easily erected and dismantled so that it can be used at shows or tower open days to demonstrate full circle ringing

This suggestion has a number of further hurdles listed below and once these had been overcome the bell will require storage and continued management. It would also be duplicating existing structures that can easily be borrowed or hired.

  • A portable structure will need to be designed and constructed. Given the weight of the bell and the forces at work when the bell swings this would need to be very sturdy and heavy and as a consequence costly.

  • A solution would need to be found in order to lift the bell and frame into position well above head height.

  • Insurance and health and safety would need to be considered.

  • A secure home for the bell, frame and support structure would need to be found.

  • Transportation and a number of volunteers would be needed to facilitate any display.

In order to progress this project: a project manager will need to be found; funds will need to be raised; a person will need to be found to design a structure and lifting mechanism for the bell to sit on; and the Branch needs to be committed to undertaking this project and making regular use of the bell once the project is completed, with someone prepared to take responsibility for this for the long term.

The sub-committee were divided about whether this would be a suitable use of the Branch’s resources and whether benefits from the bell would outweigh the time, effort and cost involved.

2   To mount the bell at a suitable permanent location with a simulator so that it can be used to teach novice ringers methods. 

There will be costs concerned with installation and permissions will need to be sought. Given the comparatively small weight of the bell at 60lbs consideration should be given as to whether more benefit would be gained by using a simulator with existing tower bells. Once installed, the bell’s visual appeal would be lost.

3    To put the bell in its frame on display in a tower as it currently stands.

The bell mounted in its frame is aesthetically pleasing to look at and would be an attractive addition to a permanent display within a ringing chamber, or inside a Church, though the location needs to be secure against metal theft.  This could be a valuable asset to a tower that wants to develop its training facilities or promote bell ringing within its Church. It can be placed on any table that is large enough, and strong enough to be sat upon. The Branch would like to retain an interest in the bell and have the right to borrow it back should we wish to use it at an event.

The immediate need is to find a permanent home for the bell. If we are unsuccessful, the bell will have to be sold.

Please could Branch members and towers consider whether they could house the bell as a static display or whether they would like to house the bell in their tower as a teaching aid.

Obviously, we appreciate this is a decision which cannot be made quickly and will also need to be made in conjunction with your PCC. We would like to set an initial deadline of notices of intention by 28 February 2012. Please contact Charlotte at ca.boyce@sky.com

We would also appreciate any views on whether a project to design and build a tall stand so the bell could be hung and circular ringing demonstrated is feasible and whether anyone would like to be involved.


To download the above text as a Word document Click Here

Charlotte Boyce


Devon Ringers Carol Service – 10th December 2011

This year’s Carol Service was held at St Andrew’s Church, Cullompton, so we got together a band of volunteers to provide soup and rolls at lunchtime for the carol singers, with tea and cake being served following the service.

I am not sure how it happened but I ended up being “volunteered” to co-ordinate the lunches and tea; this was quite daunting as the only thing I had organised before was a couple of meals which only involved booking a table, confirming numbers, collecting deposits and making sure everyone knew when to turn up!

Well, after a few false starts we finally had a plan of action and everything started coming together (apart from the venue which was not confirmed until the last minute). We ended up being very lucky on the day as we were able to use the new Cullompton Community Centre. In fact, we were one of the first organised events to take place inside the building which is a fantastic addition to the town and I am sure will be a great asset to Cullompton.

I think the day ended up being a resounding success – well all the soup disappeared and most of the cakes so it couldn’t have been that bad!

Although I did not get a chance to ring before the service (I think we were all busy setting up the cakes etc at the time and let’s be honest, I have rung the Cullompton bells on many occasions anyway), the service itself was a delight. The hand bells were fantastic – the only time I previously had seen hand bells being rung was on the television programme “Britain’s Got Talent”.

I would like to send out a big thank you to the Cullompton Ringers (and their partners/mothers) for rallying around making cakes, signs, finding equipment and coming up with various ideas to help things run smoothly. Special mention must go to the team who were involved in setting up and serving on the day – Sandie, Chris and Rachel (with Jasper), Matt and Janet, and finally my husband, Pat, who was not only my rock but was able to come up with donated soup. And of course, to Richard who popped in and out at regular intervals in-between sorting out things in the church etc. to make sure we were all okay.

Although a long and tiring day, I believe that everyone enjoyed themselves. As for next time ….. I may hang up the apron!

Sharon McCabe
Cullompton Tower


A Message from Our Editor

I'm back from my surgical sojourn in the RD&E, minus 6 lbs and a few bits and pieces but feeling a lot better than I have for some time. I really am most appreciative of all the cards and phone calls had from ringing chums whose support has meant such a great deal to me. It will be a while before I am able to continue my bringing The Exercise into disrepute or participate in Guild activities but in the meantime, Sandy and I are grateful for your good wishes and hope that you all are able to enjoy a very peaceful, joyous Christmas.

Downwards!

Dermot Elworthy

Have a look at the Training page if you have not done so already - I hope it may bring a smile - and hopefully some ideas from you.

Ken Smith


Mrs Tiggy Winkle

Bampton Church has been holding an annual Christmas Tree Festival for some years. This year the brief was ‘Children’s books’ and Bampton Bellringers' contribution was Mrs Tiggy Winkle.

tiggy winkle The Bellringers Entry

The tree, adorned with washing, towers over an exhausted Mrs Winkle, seen relaxing in an enormous armchair and surrounded by washing. This scene was handcrafted by Eve Grosse. The clothes horse, made by Tony Trigg and the flatiron beautifully fashioned by Jack Ward, are both piled high with more laundry. We certainly have a very talented team of ringers in Bampton.

tiggy winkle Santa masquerading as Pat Hatchett

At the Christmas Fair held on the Saturday of the Festival, the stall displayed jams, marmalade and chutney made by Pat Hatchett, Sheila Scofield and Ann Barrow. We also raffled a crocheted blanket made by Sheila.

Sheila Scofield


Dermot's First Quarter

Often on a Friday night, that well-known scribe and septuagenarian Dermot Elworthy can be found at Tiverton, St Paul's practise night, usually ringing the tenor behind to various doubles methods. On Thursday, 2nd December, Dermot achieved one of his major goals in ringing by scoring his first quarter, tenor behind to Bob Doubles. Aiding and abetting Dermot who is unattached (to a particular tower, that is!) were two colleagues from St Paul's, John Kape and Terry Hargreaves, two members of St Peter's, Glen Morgan and Matthew Weighell, and David Bromwich from Culmstock. Along with Dermot, we were all delighted with the result and possibly even more delighted to be plied with congratulatory bevvies (courtesy Dermot) in the local Wetherspoons. Well done, Dermot. We all had a fun evening and look forward to the next one.

quarter band L to R; Dermot Elworthy 6, Terry Hargreaves 2, Matthew Weighell 5 (C), Glen Morgan 3, John Kape 1 and David Bromwich 4.

Glen Morgan


Charlotte’s Bellringing Diary – Guild Quarter Peal Week

Saturday 29 October  - I had a pleasant day spent ringing quarter peals with friends on Exmoor. It was for the most part a beautiful autumn day, the pheasants were out in full force and we enjoyed lovely views eating lunch on Dunkery Beacon. All five quarters were with Guild ringers, so donations were made to the Devonshire Bell Restoration Fund.

 

Thursday 3 November – after a busy day at work, I went to a Surprise Maximus practise night in Somerset. This was my first bite at ringing inside to Bristol Max. It was an interesting practise and the ringing was not altogether successful but the supper and bonhomie afterwards was.

 

Friday 4 November – that evening, a number of us made it through the dark to Stoodleigh for a quarter of Bob Minor. Unfortunately the conductor (me) wasn’t up to the task so after a couple of goes we ran out of time. The striking however was top notch and although we didn’t get the quarter it was an enjoyable evening spent ringing. The unlucky band were: Cath Thorpe, Jenny Jones, Sheila Scofield, Matthew Weighell, Richard Shere and myself.

 

Saturday 5 November – a quarter peel afternoon with friends, this time starting with Yorkshire Surprise Major at Bradninch (not an easy ring nor an experience to repeat but definitely one for the record books). We lost the quarter of Tavistock Surprise Major at Silverton a couple of leads from the end but we had done over 1300 changes at that stage. The last ring of the day was a real treat – 12 spliced at Broadclyst. 12 spliced is beyond my capabilities so I rang the treble. The bells at Broadclyst are one of my favourite rings, the bells go well, they are in tune, sonorous and our striking was really good so it was a pleasure to take part in.

 

Sunday 6 November – was the date for a NE Branch quarter of Single Oxford Bob Triples at Tiverton St Peter. We learnt the blue line, did our practising in advance, rang some well struck changes but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and we didn’t get the quarter.

 

So, all in all, an enjoyable week with plenty of good ringing, good company, good food, drink and lots of money raised for DBRF. To top everything off, a week later I rang my first peal of Yorkshire Maximus so I am very pleased with myself.

 

And rightly so! (Ed.)

 

Bath & Wells Diocesan Association

Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset

St Michael

Tuesday 8 November 2011 in 3:07 (10-3-16)

5042 Yorkshire Surprise Maximus

Composed: R W Pipe

  1  Mary R Chambers
  2  Susan M Stott
  3  Hilary A Beresford
  4  Christine Andrew
  5  Lesley A Knipe
  6  Charlotte A Boyce
  7  Timothy M Payne
  8  Richard A M Newman
  9  Jeffrey Knipe
10  Joseph St J Beaumont
11  Nigel R Woodruff
12  Donald B Carter (C)

First on twelve inside - 6

Charlotte Boyce


Extended Ringing Day

For ringers who wish to build their method ringing ability, Sheila Scofield and several of the other experienced ringers in the North East Branch of The Guild are giving their time to help those less experienced ringers who are having difficulty in developing skills already acquired.

How does it work? First the Prologue!

I learnt to ring in my late teens/early twenties with a similar group at the 6 bell Tower at Topsham Church. In that time we learned to handle a bell, were taught by Roy Berry who is still the Captain, ring call changes and Grandsire Doubles, Bob Doubles and began to ring Stedman Doubles and Bob Minor. Soon some of us became married, others went to university. One way and another we all left Topsham and soon ringing became a thing of our past. I did ring occasionally but my method ability declined until I joined Silverton ringers; I have enjoyed ringing, mainly call changes, with them since. Occasional visits to such towers as Huntsham, St Peter's Tiverton and St Pauls Tiverton, re-kindled my appetite for method. Now being of a certain age, what information I take in needs constant refreshment to retain!

I found the training on the 12th November, very helpful. Each ringer was invited to name a method in which he/she needed to advance and we were given the individual instruction and practise necessary for this. I chose Bob Minor and in particular Bobs and Singles and I particularly appreciated the time, skill and patience we were given.

Hopefully the practises will continue but I do appreciate the time required from the skilled ringers and the difficulties in arranging a date and time with the learners. Long may they continue.

Ken Wannell

If I may add a footnote, please - an additional benefit provided by these occasions is the opportunity to experience longer periods of sustained ringing. The average ten minute touch of tower practise night is just not enough for many of the less experienced to adapt to individual bell characteristics and generally "get their eye in" to develop more accurate striking. Others will share Ken's hope that there will be more of these days. Ed.


NE Branch Annual Dinner

17 members, family and friends had a delightful evening at the Quarryman’s Rest in Bampton on Saturday 26th November. The Food was excellent, our thanks to Paul the chef, and the company was even better. At one end of the table conversations ranged from training ideas, quarter peals, the TRC website, recruitment & retention and all other things ringing. We then strayed onto model railways. It’s amazing how many bellringers are also into trains; on second thoughts, perhaps not surprising. Topics from the far end of the table? Ask Dermot!/p>

Sheila Scofield

Not sure why, but I am put in mind of Peter West handing over to John Arlott as Alec Bedser takes up the bowling from the Gasworks end . . .

Well, it was rather different below the salt. Not much mention of bells. And no reference to trains, so the company was deprived of my noted dinner conversation concerning Churchwards, Bulleids and Colletts and for which hostesses vie. No talk of websites, peals or recruitment and hardly any talk of bells. But much animation attached to Ferraris, dogs, Aston Martins, yachting and other exciting things. Gordon Milne’s father, Eric, is an ex-motorbike man so that became another topic in the lively evening. But still no bells.

NE Dinner 2011 The Diners at The Quarryman's Rest - Wot no Sheila!

However, I briefly ventured into the realms of training and badgered poor Matthew Weighell, proselytising with all the zeal of those converted by Howard Egglestone, into acceptance of Kaleidoscope Ringing but this didn’t seem very fertile ground. Nevertheless, I did learn that whilst recently on holiday, Matthew logged his 800th tower, so well done him! And thanks to Charlotte and the others involved in organising a fun night out. I thought our new Chairman looked very fetching wearing what I took to be her chain of office. Evidently it wasn't - only "bling", whatever that is. I must make more effort to get with the programme.

Dermot Elworthy


Ringing Milestones

Congratulations are due to Michael Hatchett, he has completed 200 peals on the bells at Huntsham and even more impressively has been a member of the Ancient Society of College Youths for 60 years - man and boy!

Peal Board Commemorative Peal

WELL DONE MIKE !

Ken Smith


Tiverton St Peter:

29 November: Tower AGM so no ringing
6 December: Practice cancelled so ringers can support the practice in Cullompton.


Fred Edwards Shield

Following last year's cancellation due to lack of participants in the Fred Edwards Shield, 2011 saw a resurgence of interest in this annual striking competition with four teams competing. Five minutes practise followed by not less than ten minutes of call changes on eight. This was held at Uffculme on Saturday, 19 November and was a fun gathering although all teams probably felt that they had rung with greater precision on other occasions. It was rumoured that Tony Lane from the host tower had put the tenor up wrong in the expectation of sabotaging the opposition's efforts but this was quickly discovered to be a dreadful calumny and wholly without foundation - or so the rebuttal went!

Fred Edwards Shield Supper at The George

With ringing over, we repaired to The George for a buffet supper and the results announced by the judges, Mike and Jill Hansford, who had crossed the border from Somerset to generously give of their expertise. The judges wagged a finger at all teams for inconsistent tenor ringing and clashing in changes; both points of criticism unexpected at this level of ringing but it has to be admitted that the latter was persistent with, it seemed to me, there being a general reluctance for the bell going in to duck out of the way. Results are as follows:

Fred Edwards Shield Mike and Jill Hansford

Silverton 51 Faults
1    Bill Ford
2    Sandie Reader
3    Ann Crew
4    Martin Clough
5    Ken Wannell
6    Derek Norrish
7    John Elston
8    Albert Campbell
 
St Peter's, Tiverton 53 Faults
1    Les Boyce
2    Charlotte Boyce
3    Glen Morgan
4    Jenny Jones
5    Alan Edwards
6    Terry Hargreaves
7    Matthew Weighell
8    Mike Heard
 
Cullompton 58 Faults
1    Steve Hellier
2    Sandie Reader
3    Rachel Cozens
4    Richard Shere
5    Matthew Webb
6    Brian Hancock
7    Dave Farrant
8    Ken Manley
 
Uffculme 63 Faults
1    Bill Court
2    Alison Milne
3    Gordon Milne
4    Rod Moffat
5    Mike Hilson
6    Tony Lane
7    Dave Wells
8    Dave Farrant

Fred Edwards Shield The Trophy Cabinet

Regrettably, the winning band from Silverton had departed the field of conflict before the Shield could be handed over so no formal presentation was made. Thanks must go to the Uffculme tower for organising an enjoyable evening.

Dermot Elworthy


NE Branch, Quarter Peal Week 2011

During the week 26 members of the NE Branch took part in 8 attempts in 8 different towers within the Tiverton and Culm Valley Deaneries. 5 attempts of Plain Bob minor were largely as a result of a recent training day held at Huntsham where students wanted to have their first attempts at quarter peals in the method. Hemyock were the only tower to ‘field’ their own team and were successful in ringing 2 methods of doubles. At St Peter’s Tiverton an attempt of Oxford Bob triples was tried for the service ring, but unfortunately came to grief. The ringing of an extended touch before the service showed great promise with some good striking which will be worth revisiting in the near future. Charlotte’s attempt to conduct her first quarter of plain bob minor, at Stoodleigh, fell foul of Friday evening after a long working week but the striking was very good and the bells a pleasure to ring. Thanks to Jennifer for arranging the use of the bells despite not ringing herself. Terry’s Wednesday band attempted 2 during the day and were successful with plain bob minor with thanks to the Somerset friends who annually contribute to the DCBRF. An attempt at Reverse Canterbury doubles, rung at Uplowman on Thursday, was also unsuccessful. Thank you to all who took part. The successful quarter peals are listed below. NE Branch raised £122 for the DCBRF.


Tuesday 1st November, Huntsham, 1260 plain bob minor

1. Ken Wannell

2. Ann Barrow

3. John Kape

4. Sheila Scofield

5. Richard Johnston

6. Michael Hatchett ©



Wednesday 2nd November, Kentisbeare, 1260 plain Bob Minor

1. Terry Hargreaves

2. John West

3. John Pidgeon

4. Bryan Williams

5. Giles Morley

6. Martin Blazey ©



Wednesday 2nd November, Hemyock, 1260 doubled (2m)

1. Lin Holway

2. Caroline Bendle

3. Brian Samuels

4. Dean Bowden

5. David Bromwich ©

6. Gerry King

Rung as a Diamond Wedding Anniversary compliment to David and Daphne Symes. Also birthday compliments to Mark Bendle, Michael Mann and Julie ODonnell



Thursday 3rd November, Tiverton St Paul, 1260 plain Bob Minor

1. Alan Edwards

2. John kape

3. Glen Morgan *

4. Terry Hargreaves

5. David Bromwich

6. Matthew Weighell ©

* First of minor

Rung as a 70th Birthday compliment to David Smith, secretary of the St Pauls band.

Sheila Scofield


Striking Competition

The 2011, Guild Eight-Bell Striking Competition was held at Lifton on Saturday, 15 October. The band representing the NE Branch practised beforehand on the slightly lighter ring of eight at Holsworthy and then moved on to St Mary's, Lifton (21cwt) to come fourth in the competition for which six teams had been entered.

Holsworthy Lifton The Churches at Holsworthy and Lifton

The 2010 test piece was Double Oxford; this year's intrepid band rang the delightful Stedman Triples. Members are pictured below.

Les Boyce L to R: Richard Johnston 5 &Conductor, Les Boyce 2, Terry Hargreaves 8, Sheila Scofield 3,
Matthew Weighell 7, Mike Hatchett 1, Charlotte Boyce 6 and Chris Shere 4.

As an unconnected aside, the famous Holsworthy Bells piece by S S Wesley was written in the churchyard of SS Peter and Paul, Holsworthy. It was first played by Wesley, at that time organist at Exeter Cathedral, on the church's Renatus Harris organ (1645). Harris was a bitter rival of contemporary organ builder "Father" Bernard Smith whose successor was responsible for the instrument now found in St Peter's, Tiverton. Small world . . .

Dermot Elworthy


Branch AGM Report

More formal elements of the Branch AGM on Saturday, 1 October were preceded by some excellent general ringing of the lovely eight at St Peter's, Tiverton and followed by the Ringers' service in the Lady Chapel. After the business section of the meeting had been concluded, an excellent Ringers' Tea was served in the Baptist Church Rooms; this led to the Open Forum in which everyone present was encouraged to contribute to the various points of discussion which arose.

This year, the business section included more changes than usually is the case. Les Boyce, after five years at the helm, stood down from the Chairmanship of the Branch - this is the maximum consecutive term that may be served by one person. His tenure of the office has been a popular and successful one but similarly good things are sure to come with the new encumbent (who was elected on merit, not nepotism, as the two Boyces are not related!) so we look forward to a period of consolidation spiced with some innovation as Charlotte Boyce takes up the reins. Incidentally, Charlotte wishes to be addressed as "Chairman", so we welcome her to the committee and her refreshing departure from the stultifying political correctness of modern life.

Although the reasons for Michael Hatchett's resignation from the post of Education Officer were widely understood, it was with sadness that this change was accepted for none has done more than Mike to so enthusiastically or effectively further the interests and ringing standards of the Branch membership. His personal development of the Troyte Ringing Centre makes the North East Branch the envy of many ringing bodies. I, for one, owe him much as he taught me to ring but others may not thank him for that particular contribution to The Exercise!

The newly elected Education Officer is Matthew Webb from Cullompton; he is sure to bring his own perspective to things - indeed, the infusion of the younger blood of Charlotte and Matt into the committee will bring additional vitality. John Kape withdrew from continued involvement with Ringing Mastership; Sheila Scofield and Richard Johnston were re-elected to and joined by Les Boyce in the posts of Ringing Masters. All other committee members were re-elected without opposition.


Les Boyce Charlotte Boyce Les Boyce, outgoing chairman tidies the desk for our new chairman Charlotte Boyce

Those possessed of greater stamina went on to Stoodleigh for an evening ring of the pleasant light six there.

Dermot Elworthy


Bell Advisor

The branch has a Bell Advisor, Jack Ward who is ready, willing an able to help any tower regarding inspections (incuding Quinquennial inspections). Advise PCCs how to approach and work with commercial bell hangers. Jack is also available to give advice and help with project management and maintenance training.

Jack Ward Jack Ward

Click Here - for a full list of services available


TROYTE MERCHANDISING

 

SOUVENIR GOODS - PRICES
Pencils 50p
Bookmarks £1.00
Drink Bottles £3.50
1/2pt Glasses £3.00
Mugs £4.00

 

A collection of brand-marked items are for sale to support the Troyte Ringing Centre. The souvenir goods are available at both Huntsham and Bampton churches, you can also find them at training or social events, or order them when you book your training or ringing sessions. If you are really keen then e-mail Sheila Scofield on sheilascofield@hotmail.com .


NEWSLETTER

The Ringing Round Devon quarterly Newsletter of the Guild of Devonshire Ringers can be found here.