Sadly, this month we lost Mary Turfitt at St. Columb Major. Mary returned to St. Columb after learning as a teenager at Penzance. Another loss was that of Mike Roberts who rang at Lanreath and Lansallos. Mike will be remembered for many things, but most of all as a member of the once almost invincible East Cornwall Association competition band. I was fortunate enough to ring a Call Change Peal with him at Lansallos following the restoration of the clappers. I must also mention the passing of Gill Mingo from Botus Fleming. Although Botus has never been in the Guild, Gill was the tower contact for many years and welcomed Guild members on many occasions. R.I.P. all.
This month our Youth Team, The Cornish Pasties, travelled up to Birmingham for the Ringing World National Youth Competition 2025. They rose to the challenge of ringing on higher numbers with no six bell towers in sight! They rang at Solihull (12), Bullring (16) and Jewellery Quarter (10) for general ringing, then rang their test piece on the back six at Erdington (8), so all in all it was a great mix of towers. The team were also treated to ringing handbells with Michael Wilby. Massive thanks to Claire Below, her team and parents, for making this happen for the Youth within the Guild and it’s so pleasing that we have been able to support them in this memorable experience.
The Wendron ringers were ‘right on’ at the start of the month ringing various call changes to mark the 82nd birthday of former captain, Rya Spencer.
One of the best tasks of being President is welcoming new members, and it’s always special when it is one of the people you have helped to teach. One Wednesday evening at St. Dominic bell practice I was delighted to present Rachel Cousins with her membership certificate.
On Saturday, 12th I arranged a surprise for my Dad, Kevan, on his birthday. He rocked up to my house “hellish early” to quote his words, to go for a little ride. We travelled to St. Stephens-by-Saltash and he was greeted by a band of friends to ring a Quarter Peal. Following on from this we travelled to St. Dominic and scored another Quarter Peal with some other friends in which Dad circled the tower (rung every bell in the tower). Dad now becomes the first Tower Captain at St. Dominic to achieve this – not bad for a call change ringer at heart hey?! Then it was back to my place to meet up with mum for sandwiches and cake.
Wednesday, 16th saw me travelling to Fraddon for a three hour catch up with the new Guild Secretary, Bob Woods. Lots was discussed!
The Northern District were in action again at Poundstock for their District Improvers practice. Refreshments were served in the wonderful Guildhouse – have a look it’s fantastic.
There was Evensong ringing at the Cathedral on the 20th July and this saw Dave Ralls circle the tower by ringing all 14 bells to Quarters Peals, and the following Sunday Hayley Young turned in the Tenor to a Quarter Peal of Little Bob Maximus. Well done to you both.
And finally, from my trips around the Districts a few people have shown an interest in the possibility of various courses, so watch this space!!!
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
