This month started with our Cornwall Pasties travelling to London to represent the TDGR. It was a cracking day and they got to ring at many of the capital’s finest and most interesting bells. We as a Guild should be immensely proud of their achievement in coming joint 6th with the Devon Young Ringers. Very well done to all and, as I have said before, this would not be possible without Claire our Youth Officer, plus the “behind the scenes” team who supported them on the day.
On the 10th July I travelled down West to the Open practice at Mawnan. (This included a little diversion to Ladock to pick up Hayley!). Over 45 members attended the practice on a beautiful evening and the home team are obviously very talented cake makers!
A couple of days later on the 12th July many of us assembled at Lanteglos-by-Camelford to celebrate the life of noted ringer Ruth Reeves. The service was well attended and Julian T managed the ringing within all traditions. Before the service he arranged a touch of 240 Stedman Doubles (https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1754249). Afterwards we rang a Call Change Peal of Chimehammer which was Julian’s first, (https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1754201) and a composition that Ruth rang on these bells back in May 2023 (https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1632734).
Sunday 14th July saw myself, Dad and Sue McClaughry (Guild BRO) travelling down to the Central District for the Re-dedication of the bells at St. Dennis, rehung by John Taylor & Co. The Right Reverend Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St. Germans, carried out the Blessing of the bells at the morning service. It has been a tremendous effort by the church officers and parishioners of St. Dennis to ensure that these bells ring out to the people for many years to come. Without their dedication and determination the County would have lost this class ring of bells.
Following the service we were able to give some of the new recruits a “little go” on their own bells which was great.
Personally, I was very pleased to be able to ring all 8 bells before, during and after the service on what was a historic event for St. Dennis. Ringers came from St. Stephens-in-Brannel, St. Dominic, Calstock, Roche, St. Columb Minor and Bodmin. Many thanks to you all for supporting the tower.
St Dennis Rededication and Blessing of Bells Service Sheet
Up in the East we visited Talland for our District Practice. Around 25 members came along to ring in this unusual ringing room. Once again the home band catered well for us on what was a lovely evening.
19th July saw another Guild 12-bell practice held at the Cathedral. Numbers were higher than previously but it was well managed by Hayley who was able to give members a more focused go. These practices continue to be worthwhile and I am very pleased that our members are still keen to come and ring on these fantastic bells.
The next day the Central District held a practice at Veryan with about 20 members attending.
Now, sadly, I have to report a loss to our Art – Chris Kippin died after a short illness. Although not a Cornishman, Chris had several links with the County. He was part of the Eastern Spliced Surprise Major Peal band in the 80/90s. He rang 34 peals for the Guild with 13 as Conductor. I got to know Chris for the first time in about 2006/7 just before he conducted my first peal of Surprise Royal at Plymouth Minster. It was only a couple of months ago that we sat together in the Costa Coffee Shop discussing how the rise was marked before the National Call Change competition in Bristol.
Chris and myself discussing judging at the National Call Change Competition (Simon Linford)
Chris was an absolute gentleman of our Exercise and will be sadly missed by many throughout the County, the country and indeed the world. RIP Chris.
In the West the new Mullion band have been busy at the Mullion Extravaganza with bell ringing before the event. Great fun had by all.
Last Saturday a few of us ASCY members travelled up to Exeter for the Country Meeting. We had two Cornish members proposed and Jemma Hoare and George Stevens were duly elected. My congratulations to both of them. The Dinner was held within the Cathedral body – what a venue!
*NEWS FLASH* – a new batch of TDGR Badges have arrived, details to follow in due course!
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
