Another busy month on the ringing scene in Cornwall – great to see, even with Sarah and I taking a long holiday.
Unfortunately, last month I missed out the Central District’s practice at St. Newlyn East on the 28th September. Many thanks to all involved in organising and keeping these practices going for Central members.
Sadly, we lost John Toms from Lanhydrock who died on the 9th October. I rang with John many times and I’m sure he will be remembered as “the stay man” of Cornwall. He was always very generous with his time cutting stays for towers and donating the cost to the Guild. The Lanhydrock ringers rang 84 changes in his memory on the 17th October.
We also lost Morley Richards a stalwart at Lanlivery. I only met him on a couple of occasions but recall him as being a great character of the ringing scene. RIP John and Morley.
A quarter peal was rung by the local band at Lelant to mark the 600th anniversary of the Rededication of the Church (1424-2024). This included Sarah Lewis who rang the Treble to her first quarter. Well done Sarah and I hope to see more in the future.
Phil Tremain celebrated his 25 years as a Lay Reader by ringing a quarter peal at St. Erme in which he has now circled the tower twice!
Thursday 10th October saw the East having their District Practice at Linkinhorne. I was unfortunately on holiday so was unbale to run the ringing in my role as Eastern District Ringing Master, but a collaborative effort by the Kevin E, Dad and Sue M made it a very successful evening.
The tall tower of Linkinhorne (Ian P Self)
The Western District had a very successful Open Practice at Budock on the 16th October. Close to 50 ringing members attended – fantastic. Looking forward to seeing these practices continuing through 2025.
Claire Below of Kenwyn rang her first quarter of Surprise Major on the 20th and seven days later Daniel from St. Gluvias rang the Tenor behind to his first quarter peal at Truro Cathedral on the middle 8. Well done to both.
Bob Woods has started another Winter Wendron Teaching Hub for new recruits for Helston, Cury and other towers in the area. Many thanks to all who are helping with this as we need to bring on people for the future.
On Saturday, 26th October I travelled down to St. Ewe for the Central District practice. Loads of ringers attended, of varying abilities, and all were duly catered for by the Ringing Master, Jonathan. Later in the day I travelled to Lesnewth where Julian T, Northern District Chairman, had arranged an
Open afternoon for ringing on the locally restored bells. Many people came along to ring on this lovely ring of 6. Julian, Simon McNair-Scott and myself are really pleased with what we have achieved to get this fine set of bells back in action for Cornwall.
President at St Ewe
On Sunday, 27th October Bishop Hugh blessed the bells at North Tamerton, a project which the TDGR Bell Restoration Fund is supporting. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend that day but our Guild BRO, Sue, made the journey and they are due to be installed soon so another ring of bells is coming back into action.
North Tamerton bells dismantled ready for removal
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
