Another good and valued Guild 12-bell practice was held at the Cathedral on the 3rd May. There were lower numbers than previously but this gave the members present a longer and more focused go on these fantastic bells. My thanks to Hayley for continuing to organise and run these worthwhile practices.
The following day I was invited to join the Truro Cathedral Company of Ringers on their 12-bell outing, in readiness for the south-west 12 bell competition in October. We visited Buckfast Abbey, Withycombe Rayleigh and Crediton. Hayley once again did a cracking job of looking after the ringing and high standards were achieved.
In the Eastern District we held a District practice at St. Neot. This included the usual crowd plus members from various other towers who do not normally attend so that was great to see.
In the North, their District practice took place at Marhamchurch. In other news from the Northern area, stalwart ringer Arthur Bryant of Morwenstow celebrated his 90th birthday – proper job Arthur! Julian, the Northern District Chairman, attended the last practice of the year at St. Kew to present three long service certificates to members – my congratulations to them all.
A while back I had a phone call from Andrew H asking if I could get a band together for a Call Change Peal to celebrate his parents 60th Wedding Anniversary. So, I assembled a crew and off we went to Harbeton and successfully scored. Some of us were rather pushed for time that day as myself, and a few others in the band, had to go to Ilsington for the DAR South Qualifier – another lovely sunny afternoon behind the pencil!
On Saturday, 18th May the Guild held its AGM at Calstock. What a grand day it was – good numbers, great tea and the meeting done and dusted within an hour. Many had not rung on the bells since they had been rehung and commented on how manageable they now are, with the added bonus of having a camera installed above the bells to give visitors the chance to see them in action. During the AGM it came to my time to give a report – the weather changed to black skies and literally when I stood up to start speaking the thunder roared loudly overhead, much to everyone’s hilarity! I just got to the final paragraph when lo and behold the weather changed back to sunshine – perhaps someone is trying to tell me something!! My thanks to all the Guild Officers for their sterling work to keep the TDGR going strong. Unfortunately, Hayley announced that she will be stepping down from the post of Guild Secretary in 12 months’ time so get your thinking caps on as we shall need to fill that position at the next AGM on the 17th May, 2025 to be held at Lanteglos-by-Camelford – an important date for your diaries.
On the 25th Sarah and I finally managed to get to our Cornish Youth Team practice at Bodmin. I was pleased to meet the crew and wish them all the best in the Youth Competition on the Royal Jubilee Bells at St. James, Garlickhythe in London. Thanks to Claire and Hayley for their continued support of this.
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
