Secretary

Bob Woods

I’m known as Bob, aged 72, have lived in Helston since 1974 & I am a married  (wife of 52 years is Christine….also a Bellringer taught by myself).

I am a retired Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Detective Officer. I served 44 years with the Police in various roles mostly CID orientated. 

I retired in 2016 & since then I have found time to give my interests & hobbies more time.

From a Bellringing point of view, I learned the art of Devon style ringing in Paignton, starting out on my 60 years in the belfry with the late John Kelly BEM teaching me the initial handling & ringing Devon Call Changes.

Having moved in 1972 to Camborne with a posting from Devon with the Police, I initially rang at Camborne before moving to Helston in 1974.

I joined the Helston team there & recall ringing in the belfry with about 12 other ringers. In those days in between ringing some ringers would take out the tobacco & cigarettes & light up for a few puffs. How things have changed.

In the early 2000’s I was elected Vice Capt at the Helston tower, going on to become captain about 10 years ago.

I have always had a desire to ring & promote good call changes on 8 bells & ringing with the Helston team has given me this opportunity.

During the Covid pandemic I was invited to stand for Chairman of the Western District of the TDGR & elected in 2021.

This opportunity as District Chairman opened an opportunity to ring with so many talented ringers, ringing not only Call Changes but ringing some quarter peals & even 2 full peals….not bad being I’m not a method ringer. 

Being active within the Guild opened up many new pathways for Bellringing.

 I have had a big input into setting up & operating the newly founded Wendron Teaching Hub. The hub here has been used to teach new recruits & from one ringer at Wendron we now have over 12 there. At Mullion the same result ….from only a few ringers we now have over 12 ringing actively on Sundays as well as practice evenings. Since 2021 I have been involved in teaching over 50 new recruits at Wendron, Helston or the learners home towers.

I feel in my role as the TDGR secretary I can continue taking forward all the hard work & great opportunities which my predecessor Hayley has worked on.

Also, I have formed a strong ringing relationship with the current TDGR President, Owen Borlase.

I am a Secretary who will support our President, the Standing Committee & all towers & members as we move forward during 2025 with our ringing activities.

Please contact me if there are any issues that I can help with. If I don’t know the answer to any question I will find someone who can help.

I am looking forward to 2025 & the exciting opportunities that being the  TDGR Secretary will bring.

Happy ringing all.

Hope to see many of you during the year.

Bob.

Available from Guild Secretary

Please contact the Guild Secretary for : –

Membership and Long Service Certificates

these A4 laminated certificates bear the Guild logo and will state the name and number of years of membership. Please discuss any presentation considerations with the Guild Secretary.

Available from the District Secretaries

Enamel Lapel Badges

bearing the Guild logo these are priced at £2.00

Car Stickers

 in black and gold, these stickers measure 9.5 x 9.5cm and cost £1.00. If you travel around towers in convoy, consider placing the sticker in the rear window!

Tea Towels

White with tower map in Black, Red or Blue

– please email 

Central  Eastern  Northern  Western   District Secretary

Information concerning property of the Guild –

Please contact the holder in the first instance

Guild Bell, Gift in 1965 of Col. C.F. Jerram – in the care of the Guild Secretary

Presidential Badge of Office – in the care of the President

Centenary Headboard, Gift of Donald Dunkley, mounted in the Cathedral Ringing Chamber

Handbells, Gift of Richard Stevens – in the care of a ringer, contact Guild Secretary

Recruitment Banner, purchased 2010 and in the care of the librarian