This month sadly saw the passing of Tony Liddicoat, Tower Captain at Withiel. I send my condolences to his family. RIP Tony.
Saturday, 2nd December saw the Eastern District hold their annual Quarter Peal Day. All of the 6 quarter peal attempts were successful and it was an enjoyable day apart from the rather cold and inclement weather. It is pleasing for me that I have been able to continue the tradition of the annual December QPD which was first started in the 1980’s by John and Anne Body – long may it continue!
The following day Jo T, acting PRO, and myself travelled West to deliver the second Recruitment & Retention Workshop. We had a good turnout with around 14 people attending – I think I made an impression by serving plenty of Cornish Tea in the break! A full report can be found in The Westerner (page 15). These sessions are really important to the future of our Art so watch out for the next ones in the Northern and Eastern Districts.
I would like to congratulate Temperance and Rosy from Pillaton on achieving their first Call Change Peals. Also this month Giles Smith rang his first QP at St. Clement and Jake Barnicoat rang his first QP on a working bell at Truro Cathedral. Well done all.
At St Columb Major, Andrew Rodliffe conducted a QP in memory of his father. Rung by five members of his family and three close friends. Tamsyn Rodliffe rang her first inside on 8.
On New Years Eve I had a video call with our Youth Officer, Claire Below discussing the upcoming RWYRC. Claire is now preparing for this so watch this space and the Guild mailing list for details for the younger members of your tower bands.
Later that evening, at Pillaton, following muffling the bells, we rang the old year out. Kev Edwards and myself ascended the tower to remove the muffles before 12 strikes of the Tenor and then pulled out to welcomed in 2024. It was nice that Temperance, the youngest member of the Pillaton band, was able to join us for this. Maire Warwick did an excellent job of publishing details on the Pillaton Facebook page and many people commented.
Also on New Years Eve the Gorran ringers rang 88 call changes prior to the service to celebrate Bobby Tregunna’s 88th birthday that day. Bobby has been a local ringer for over 70 years – what an achievement!
Happy New Year to everyone and keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
