Sadly, this month we lost Christiana Hancox who rang at Gwennap, Stithians and other nearby towers. She will be greatly missed for her enthusiasm for ringing in general, helping out with events and joining in on local practice nights.
For me the first job this month was to chair the Standing Committee meeting at Kenwyn. It proved to be another very active meeting with 19 items on the agenda but collectively we managed to get all the business done within 2 hours 5 minutes, which included a break!
Sarah Kew from Mullion ringing her first QP at Perranworthal – well done Sarah!
On Friday, 11th April the first peal of the re-hung bells at Lanteglos-by-Camelford were rung to celebrate the life of Ruth Reeves.
The following day the Northern District had an Improvers practice on the newly rehung bells at North Tamerton.
Easter Saturday saw the Guild’s BRO and myself delivering another Bell Maintenance Course at St. Erme and Ladock. 14 members attended including a non-ringer and I feel that it was valuable to all who came along. The Ladock bells are due to be removed in June for re-hanging with the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th being re-cast, and a new cast iron fame with new fittings installed. Sue and I were able to give everyone an insight into the whole process of a full re-hang. My thanks to Eric and Jonathan for the use of their towers.
Casting at John Taylor & Co.
Down at Madron the new ringing chamber ceiling was completed before Easter so they were able to ring on Easter Sunday.
Tuesday, 22nd April saw 40 or so members of the Eastern District and friends descend on Calstock. Absolutely cracking turnout with great hospitality from the Calstock crew and ……..oh, those sausage rolls Sue!
Calstock during installation in 2019
Saturday, 26th April was once again another busy day in the TDGR. The Central District had a practice at St. Agnes and the Youth team were in action up East on the fine 8 at Pillaton. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend as I was down in the West at their District AGM but Hayley, Maire, Richard and my Dad kindly went in support, together with the rest of Claire’s other regular helpers.
At the request of the Western District, and with a 0530hrs start, I ventured down to Gwinear (via a stop at Hayley’s to collect some certificates) to run a Call Change Workshop. 17 or so members attended from the District to gain a little more insight into the intricacies of accurate striking in Call Change ringing, with myself explaining various points including teamwork, pitch, big bell little bell, little bell big bell, rhythm etc. I was impressed how each member did and thanks go to Miranda, Debbie, Lindsay, Martin, Sam and Bob for being the steady band around them.
Following on from this I travelled across to Towednack for their AGM. There was a really good attendance and I seemed to recognise the Reverend who took the service – it was Elizabeth Foot who used to be at Linkinhorne and remembered me from years gone by!! Many changes took place at the meeting and I would like to thank Miranda, Sam, Christine and Michael for their commitment and support during their time in office. I would also welcome Claire Tomson as Secretary, Martin Spittle as Ringing Master, Geoff Cook as Denary Steward for Carnmarth and Tony Dixon/Bob Woods as Standing Committee reps.
The President at Towednack
The Guild AGM is to be held on Saturday, 17th May at Lanteglos-by-Camelford with ringing before the service at 1415hrs, with the meeting due to commence at 1500hrs. If you are available please attend and pick up a copy of the hot off the press Guild Report, or send your apologies to secretary@tdgr.org.uk
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
