Friday 10th November saw another first in Cornwall – Truro Cathedral hosted a south-west practice of the Ancient Society of College Youths. This was run by a past Master, Colin Newman and many ringers from all over the south-west region attended. Several commented on how much improvement had been made to the sound in the ringing room, which was good to hear after all the hard work the team had put in.
The following day the Eastern District had a mini outing to Antony and St. Germans for their final district practice of the year. I set the Tenor on the end just before 1100hrs and struck it 11 times before we observed the 2 minutes silence. The Central District also had their monthly practice at Bodmin the same day.
The Sunday evening saw my first time ringing at the Cathedral with the bells half-muffled – what an awesome experience! We scored a well struck QP of Grandsire Cinques which was John Hereward’s first on 12 and Richard Salisbury’s first Cinques as Conductor, well done to you both.
The West Towers at Truro Cathedral
I was so pleased to see that we had 3 firsts at Helston – Christine, Claire and Tony ringing their first call change peal to mark the 75th birthday of H.M. King Charles III.
One day a message arrived from Bob W asking what I was doing on a Friday night………. so following the usual banter this saw me traveling down to attend the Wendron Ringers Dinner at the Halzephron Inn, Gunwalloe. Christine and Bob kindly picked me up from my hotel and when we arrived, as payment, I ended up carrying the large box of handbells in – a small price to pay! It was great to see this band now flourishing due to the efforts of the Teaching Hub.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Northern District practice at St. Tudy this month but these still continue to be very valuable. This practice seems to have attracted some non-ringers to view the display at the back of the Church.
The display at St Tudy Church
Once again I would like to congratulate Carolyn Howell who now becomes the first Cornish lady (or any lady) to “turn in” the St. Buryan Tenor in a QP – no mean feat! Also congratulations to Malcolm Bowers, a former Guild President, on the 40th anniversary of his ordination on the 27th November. This was marked by a QP at St. Eval.
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
