What an absolute mega 4 weeks this has been!
This month sadly saw the passing of Meg Way from the Marhamchurch area. I first met Meg on a Henry Trewin Bank Holiday Monday trip. She used to ride with Louise James (and the dogs) and we all have happy memories of ringing together. Meg was in the band when my Dad had his “bell full of water” incident which was in my An Clogh interview. R.I.P. Meg.
John Purdey also passed away in early July. To quote my Bellringing in Cornwall post:- “He was inspirational to many call change ringers with his various books and composition knowledge. I was humoured to co-write ‘Ringing Down Ere’ with him and shall miss him greatly both for his personal friendship and his sound advice in the art of call change ringing”. I was asked to be a bearer at his funeral and felt privileged to have done so. As a compliment to him we rang two of his compositions spliced with 5 members who had rung with John when we had an East Cornwall Day many years ago. R.I.P. John.
Carl Serba a ringer at Egloshayle was also lost to us this month. I send my condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Carl.
Back in July 2003 Doug Petipher, then Tower Captain at Calstock, was pictured with Eva at St. Andrews. She returned with her husband and children and again rang at St. Andrews, meeting up with band members after such as long time.
Eva (at the front in white) with the Calstock Band (and friends) 2003
Doug Petipher 97 years young with the President at the 2023 reunion
Sheila Bridle, past secretary at Pillaton and now living up country, arrived on their practice night to see everyone and she was delighted with the new learners. Sheila has not rung for a while now but with a little encouragement she had a couple of “peals” on the Treble.
Saturday, 15th July was my first official meeting – chairing the Standing Committee. This was also the first meeting for Jo Tomlinson as acting PRO and many things were discussed.
I would like to congratulate Carolyn Howell who now becomes the first lady to “turn in” the Truro Cathedral Tenor to a QP by ringing it to Little Bob Maximus.
Wednesday 19th took me to Botus Fleming to run the District Practice in my capacity as Eastern District Ringing Master. In the lovely sunshine we had a cracking attendance which was great to see.
I had a bit of work to do down West so I was able to visit the Helston and Wendron bands for Sunday ringing. It was good to see how much progress is being made at these towers following the Wendron teaching hub initiative. Following on from this I went to the Cathedral to conduct a QP of Grandsire Cinques which was rung before Evensong by members of all districts of the TDGR. This included a first on 12 for Caroline and Chris Beckett – well done both.
I visited Constantine for the Western District practice on the 25th which gave me the chance to chat to members who don’t particularly know me. There was a great turnout and thanks for making me so welcome.
The following day saw me attending the Tamar Valley Guild of Ringers practice at Boyton. It was great to see around 30 or so ringers from various towers from either side of the border. The pic below shows me with the Chairman and Secretary of the TVGR.
Trevor Bowden, Melanie Dymond, President
Hayley Young, Ringing Master at Truro, ran another successful Guild 12 bell practice at the Cathedral with over 50 people present. Many of them had not had the opportunity to ring there before and experience these fantastic bells. Following the ringing I was very pleased to present 3 new member certificates from the balcony with the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral.
And finally, we scored a full peal at Calstock last Sunday which was the first on the bells since re-hanging. I was personally very pleased as it culminates all the hard work and determination of Sue McClaughry and others associated with the project. We now have another peal of bells which is being maintained for future generations.
Well, that’s it for July – let’s see what occurs dreakly hey?!
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
