Sadly, this month we lost Margaret Bryne MBE of Paul. Margaret was well known in the Western District and in ringing circles around her local area. I first met her in 2013 when she let us in for a call change peal. She was rather impressed by the ringing and invited us back “at any time”. RIP Margaret.
We also lost Tony Jope a former ringer at Pillaton and I send my condolences to his family and friends. RIP Tony.
On the 18th I travelled down to Helston Museum to look at their turret bell. Christine Woods very kindly got me involved as they wanted to find out details concerning the bell and take advice on its restoration. Once I’d climbed the scaffold I was greeted by a medieval bell, and with help from Chris Pickford, it has been identified as being cast in London by a William Chamberlain c. 1426-1456. Chris says that it’s a nice example with a typical blackletter inscription “Sancte Necolae Ora Pro Nobis” (St. Nicholas pray for us), and the three characteristic Chamberlain marks include a beautiful “merci medallion” in the middle.
Helston Museum Bell awaiting rehanging
Four other examples of William Chamberlain bells exist in Cornwall, two of which are in ringing peals we still use today – the 5th at Landewednack and the 6th at St. Dennis. The other two are the Treble of an unringable 3 at St. Allen and the 4th of the chime of 6 at Michaelstow.
On Wednesday, 22nd October I went down to St. Columb Major to present Phil Tremain with his 60 years of ringing certificate. I walked into a packed tower and met some ringers who I’d not seen before, all of them gathered to mark Phil’s achievement. Phil then called a peal of 60 changes. Many congratulations Phil. Also on the same evening the Western District were in action at Towednack for their district practice.
The day after the Eastern District were ringing on the maiden ring of 6 at St Veep for their District practice. Another good attendance with 30 or so members present to ring on this unique ring of bells in Cornwall.
I would like to mention Sennen Holden of St. Buryan and congratulate him on ringing his first quarter at the first attempt. Sennen rang “Solomon” and now becomes the youngest person, at the age of 14, to ring this bell. Very well done Sennen, a marvellous achievement.
The Northern District were again in action this time at North Petherwin for their improvers practice. Unfortunately, I could not attend as I was away at the Southwest Ringing Course.
This inaugural Course was epic in all aspects and was held at Millfield School in Street, Somerset. This event was organised by a committee which included Cornish ringers Hayley Young, Carolyn Howell and Bob Woods. This catered for all ringers in various groups from bell experience, call change ringing (including rise and fall) plus intro to method ringing (Plain Hunt) all the way through to Plain Bob Minor. My part in this was lead tutor for the introduction to Call Change ringing predominately from the stay. I won’t go into too much more detail as I plan to write an An Clogh article in the future. All I can say it was brilliant to be involved and watch my learners and helpers integrate together to achieve some really nice striking during the weekend. Proper job!
Bob Woods and the new band at Mawgan marked the 90th birthday of Michael Davidson with some celebratory ringing on the 30th October.
Constantine bells have now been restored by Whites of Appleton and local labour, and this was marked by a Quarter Pear of Grandsire Doubles by the Sunday service band.
Keep ringing!
Owen Borlase
Guild President
