President’s Blog – September 2024

Jemma H scored her first as Conductor in 21 years on 3rd September at Kenwyn which also involved the first Quarter Peal for Alan Perry. Well done Alan.

Circumstances changed for me on the first Saturday of the month meaning I was able to travel up on the train to the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers meeting which this year was held in Exeter.  Having never been before it was a varied day with the itinerary as follows –

It was nice for me to sit next to our reps, Hayley, Robert and Ian and during the proceedings I looked around and to my surprise saw Caroline and Chris Beckett! All in all an interesting experience and glad I went as it was so close.

Up in the East we held another successful practice at Lostwithiel and it was good to see Simon Brewer once again.

The Northern improvers practice took place at St. Endellion on the 14th September and the Western District held their Festival at Mullion. Both were well attended and enjoyed by those present.

Robert Perry, previous Guild Secretary and known to many ringers in Cornwall and throughout the country, rang his 1,000th Peal at Carbis Bay on the 19th September. He rang the same bell as he had on his first in 1969.  Good job Robert.

Claire B organised another successful Youth practice at Kenwyn on 21st September.

On the 25th Dad and I travelled down to Kenwyn to attend the Celebration of the Life service for Norman R. Mattingley. Lots of ringing has taken place in memory of Norman, and one of particular note was at Penzance which included his daughter, son-in-law, godson and was conducted by his son. Details of other performance can be found at: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/memoria.php?id=19374

The following day some of the Eastern district towers opened up to welcome ringers from Wendron who were on tour. I organised Calstock, St. Dominic, Pillaton and Botus Fleming and they all did well especially as some of the new band had never rung on 8 before.

Keep ringing!

Owen Borlase

Guild President