Although not a Guild member, this month we lost a stalwart of the East Cornwall Association. Pam Tamblyn was secretary of the Association for several years and I’m sure she will be missed in many ringing circles. Condolences to her family and friends. RIP Pam.
Pam at Botus Fleming in 1980
On a happier note, many congratulations to Robert Perry on achieving 50 years membership of the Ancient Society of College Youths. He was presented with his certificate at the Anniversary Dinner in London on the 1st November where five other members from Cornwall were present.
Robert J Perry with the Master Susan L Apter at the Anniversary Dinner 2025 – R Mark Esbester, ASCY
Mike Jenkins recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a gathering of ringers from St. Newlyn East, Crantock and Perranzabuloe all meeting up at his home tower of St. Columb Minor. They rang rounds and call changes to mark the occasion.
The 15th November the Standing Committee descended on the Lychgate Room at Kenwyn for another meeting. The Guild Bell had a mishap along the line (broken centre bolt) so I duly took this away and repaired it so it could be used at the Western District Dinner.
Guild bell ready for machining
Guild bell back in action!
On the 20th November the Central District practice at Kenwyn had a slightly different approach with members having a chance try some Plain Hunt, but other styles were not neglected with rounds and call changes also being rung.
Around lunchtime on the 20th I was sat in First Class (don’t worry the ticket was cheap) travelling down to the Western District’s Dinner in Penzance. This was only the third time I had been able to join them for dinner over the years and was the third different location! I was so pleased to be able to mingle with members from the West as being an Eastern chap it’s rather difficult due to the distance.
One of the speeches was all about the Southwest Ringing Course and this was headed up by one of the joint Chairs, Hayley Young, who gave an insight into how the course was set up and how it has helped the ringing scene in all disciplines. Following on, Tony Dixon gave his talk in two sections – his experience of being a student and then an amusing “Trip Advisor” review. I spoke about my experience of being a Lead Tutor and how it was probably one of the best things I had done in my ringing career. Sam Nankervis presented Claire Sweetman with her 40 year certificate and he also presented myself with one for 30 years. The evening concluded with me walking in hellish rain, and I mean RAIN, to find the Bath House pub in Cornwall Terrace where some of the ringers were having a night cap – my entrance was a picture, but we’ll leave it there!
The Gorran ringers and friends got together on the 26th of the month to celebrate Sue Britchford’s 70th birthday with 70 call changes.
Many congratulations go to Sarah Kew on ringing her first Full Peal at Wendron on the 28th November. The band included Bob Woods and Toby Arkless who taught her to ring at this tower. Great to see another Cornish-taught ringer achieving this milestone.
And finally, this month up East we had our annual two tower District practice to finish off the year. This time we went to St. Mellion and St. Dominic and lots of ringers attended these two different rings of bells. The tea, coffee and numerous fancy biscuits brought Christmas a bit early!
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
