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Last month was my final full Blog but here is a short one up to the Guild AGM.
The first Saturday in May was my birthday so what else should I do except go ringing. Hayley kindly invited me to the Cathedral Company 12 bell outing in Somerset. We rang at South Petherton, the recently augmented bells at Bridgwater, and the cracking 2016 twelve at Taunton Minster. We were met by an old friend, Penny Hooper, and it was great to catch up with her as we haven’t seen each other in years. It was a grand day out organised by John Hereward and many a laugh was had in the pub!
The following Saturday I sat behind the pencil once again this time at Bigbury for the South Qualifier. Graham Pascoe and I were sat with our scrutineer Yolanda in the lovely Bigbury Court Farmhouse adjacent to the tower. South Brent were victorious with a score of 35¼ faults.
On the 15th May I organised a Call Change Peal day and we achieved excellent striking with all 7 “peals” scored. We visited St. Dennis, St. Stephen-in-Brannel, St. Austell, Gorran (two peals), Probus and finished up at Ladock. The day consisted of 914 calls across three conductors with 7 different compositions! I would like to thank members of the Devon Association of Ringers who rang for me on their Rising and Lowering Training Workshop – https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1971247.
Then we come to the big AGM day, 16th May at Ladock. Robert J Perry was duly elected President with the members voting me to stay in the Chair and close out the meeting. The agenda items continued without a hitch until item 14 at which, to my surprise, Bob said “I have a nomination for this position and it’s you!” Therefore, I duly left the building until Bob called me back in once the voting was completed and I have now been elected as a Life Vice President of the TDGR – what an honour. Many thanks to all those who attended and voted at the meeting.
The President presenting his Dad with his 60 years long service certificate
One of my final duties was to present certificates, some to new members and others for long service – always a great thing to do. Although every presentation is special, one of the long service presentations was extra special to me – my Dad having completed 60 years of ringing. The final one of the afternoon was to Renfree Stephens who topped it all with 75 years under his belt, very many congratulations.
The President presenting Renfree with his 75 years long service certificate in the ringing room at Ladock
So, there it is, my last meeting in the Chair, in a tower where I helped remove the bells ready for re-casting. I couldn’t help but feel the history, family and tradition all coming together at the same time. Truly a moment to be remembered. I leave you now in the very capable hands of Robert who will lead the Guild forward for years to come.
And that is it, oll an gwella
Owen J Borlase
Guild President – 2023 to 2026
