Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 1

Founded 1925 President – Mr John Kelly BEM

Report from Association Dinner and Dance May 2010 Association AGM on Friday 10 September Vol 2 Issue 4 At the AGM John Kelly BEM was elected President The Annual Dinner and Dance this year will be held of the Devon Association. His first official function on Friday 10th September 7pm for 7.30 at the was to present the outgoing President, John Libbaton Golf Club, High Bickington. This is a very Conibear with a Past President’s badge. For more popular choice and there will be a three course Special points of interest about John Kelly see the article on page 7. Further carvery with coffee along with entertainment. × Ringing for Heroes elections followed, President Elect was Mervyn Tickets are priced at £18 and are on sale now and × Poem of Northants trip Way. James Kerslake was elected to the new post available from Jereme Darke or Chris Ley. The × Devon County Show of a Second Assistant Secretary and also elected to proceeds from the raffle and any profit will go to serve on the Committee. The outgoing Treasurer the Devon Church Bell Restoration Fund. Please Janice Gist was succeeded by John Barnes. Chris support this event and have a wonderful meal, Ley was elected to the Devon Ringers’ Council. excellent company and meanwhile supporting the Inside this issue A copy of the Accounts is available on the website. work of the Association and the DCBRF.

Ben Isaac 2 Association Exeter Cathedral qualify for Chairman resigns National 12 bell at Crediton The Ringing Reddaways 3

Arthur & Jean’s 36th Tour 4 At the Devon Association 6 Bell South Qualifier the The Cathedral team are one of the 9 teams to Secretary informed the people present that Ryan have qualified to ring at the National 12 bell final West Buckland 5 Trout, Chairman, had resigned due to personal rea- to be held at Crediton on Saturday 26 June. sons. Through the Secretary, Ryan stated that he Ringing will take place from 11:30am through to National 12 Bell Contest 6 was still highly supportive of the work of the Associ- 4:30pm. Hot food and refreshments will be avail- ation and regretted, and wished to apologise, that able from 9am. For more detailed information of DCBRF Report to AGM 7 he had missed a number of Association events. the event please see the article on page 6. President-John Kelly BEM 7 Significant celebrations How did you mark Results 8 for ringers St George’s Day? Lynton now ringing 10 Claude Nicholls who celebrated his 80th birthday on There was a national initiative to mark St Sampford Courtenay 11 28 March 2010 will now be celebrating his 60th George’s day on 23 April by ringing church bells Wedding Anniversary with Joyce on 29 May 2010. throughout the country and many towers in Dev- Novice report 11 Ray and Joan Mugridge celebrated their Golden on took part. Bell ringing is universally identified Wedding Anniversary on 7 March. as the quintessential ‘Sound of England’. In 2011 Bell Maintenance Course 12 Harry Bardens celebrates his 80th birthday on 25 St George’s Day will fall on a Saturday and ringers July and Jean and Arthur Fidler will both be 80 this may wish to consider how to mark the occasion. Thurlestone Open Day 12 year. Arthur’s birthday is on 24 April and Jean’s is on This is an attempt to raise awareness of our tradi- 8 June. Bill Avery was 90 on 29 March and two peals tional English culture and heritage. It would be and two quarter peals were rung in his honour. great to build on that initiative in 2011. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 2 Obituaries Ray Capps It was for the work in his church and for Ben Isaac - EULOGY Ray died on 3 December 2009 and the the whole village, that he was awarded Newton Benjamin (Ben) Isaac who died funeral was held at Ide on 14 December the MBE in 1993. His only disappointment on 28 March 2010 at Harriet Nanscawen 2009. was that the Queen was not able to join Nursing Home, Braunton and the funeral Ray born in Kenilworth went to Warwick him and his beloved Winnie, for tea on took place on Tuesday April 13th. Ben Boys Grammar School. He moved to Exe- the day of presentation. leaves his wife Nora and his daughter ter in 1988 with his wife and 2 daughters Buckland Brewer church is fairly large but Audrey. Ben was born 1 February 1923 at however the marriage did not last and it was full of mourners and Roy’s family, Lily Farm, Goodleigh, Barnstaple. He had Ray remained single. His daughters now wishing to pay their last respects to a very lived in Dean Farm (opposite what is now live in Manchester and Poole and have popular man. May he rest in peace and ‘Hidden Valley Caravan Site’ on the three children between them. Ray was a rise in glory. Braunton to Ilfracombe road) when he Chartered Accountant and at one point was a few months old, then to Crowbor- was with the Audit Commission auditing Jim Crabb ough Farm, Georgeham on 18 February Parish Accounts throughout Devon and Jim's funeral took place on Thursday 28 1932 when he was 9 years old – which is Cornwall. January at 11.00am at Luppitt. He was a where he lived for 76 years until he had to When Ray first moved to Devon he rang true gentleman and a loyal member of go into hospital (and from there to the at Alphington and St Petrock where he the Guild - he was also a Vice-President of nursing home) at the end of November was an immense help to St Petrock as the Guild. 2008. Treasurer and became Captain of Ide in He was the youngest of 3 children: older 1999. Barbara Blight 1926 – 2010. sister, Catherine, and older brother, Jim. He was a founder member of the St. Barbara, who lived in Buckland Brewer Their mother died in 1940 when Ben was Petrock's Ringing Centre and treasurer of for many years, and a Littleham bell ring- 17years old. that until his death. He worked tirelessly er passed away suddenly at her home in He married Nora Cook in 1950 and they and without any wish for recognition or Bideford on January 27th. Her funeral had one daughter, Audrey. reward towards running the Chamber took place at St Mary & St Benedict, Buck- In those days, farmers’ wives often took Pot Competition and the Masterclasses. land Brewer on February 8th attended by produce such as butter, cream and eggs He then went on to become Captain of her family and many friends. Barbara to the local markets to sell. Ben’s mother Ide Bellringers where he held the team requested in her will that Buckland Brew- was no exception. Times were very differ- together during the loss of key members er bells were to be rung by the Littleham ent then. Ben and Jim used to take it in and his solid, reliable style of leadership ringers at her funeral. Unfortunately turns to carry their mother’s basket of was a constant presence. When his Barbara’s untimely death coincided with produce over to the bus stop in George- health started to decline, he stood down the bells being out of action. Instead, a ham on a Friday, then cycle into Barnsta- as Captain but maintained an interest guard of honour with pitchforks and bell ple and meet her off the bus to carry the and participation to the end. He was a ropes together with a recording of Buck- basket up to the Pannier market for her, great character, a reliable and invaluable land Brewer bells being rung by The Little- and then cycle home. colleague, his ready smile, sense of hu- ham Ringers. They both belonged to the Young Farm- mour and unfailing positivism will long be Barbara was born at West Down. After ers’ Club in Braunton, and when Ben left remembered and he is sorely missed. leaving school she joined the Woman’s school, he worked at home on the farm, Ray was quite reserved and had many Land Army when she met her future hus- and also at Pickwell Barton. He was 16 interests, he belonged to many groups band Martin and moved to Buckland years old when war broke out. As a farm- and societies, and he particularly en- Brewer where they farmed for the next worker he couldn’t ‘join up’, so was a joyed walking and classical music. 40 years. During her time at Buckland member of the Home Guard – and many During his illness he continued to do as Brewer, raising three sons, helping in the tales he would tell of those days. He was much as possible and had the kind assist- dairy & other farm work, Barbara found a good shot, and enjoyed shooting with a ance of Simon Tucker who took on all the time to support her church and started to 12-bore shotgun for many years: out over responsibilities in 2005. learn to ring. It was a proud day for Bar- the fields, keeping the rabbit population bara when she was presented with her 40 in check and putting food on the table Roy Blight M.B.E. 1916 – 2010. year certificate. and clay-pigeon shooting. At one time he Roy was born and lived all his life in Buck- Barbara was Secretary of The Hartland tried making his own cartridges. On one land Brewer. When he left school he be- Deanery Guild for many years which also memorable occasion, whilst shooting a came the butcher’s boy and delivered had a ladies team for which she use to few clay-pigeons with friends, he had put meat on his bike all over the parish. Eve- ring the Tenor. After moving to Bideford, the “wad” in upside-down, and flames ryone therefore knew him and became when her husband died, she joined the were seen coming from the end of the used to his cheeky smile and fun. He was team at Littleham and rang regularly for barrel – but no harm was done. When he to retain this sense of fun until his death; Sunday services and in competitions. She was younger, he entered some of his the current vicar recalled at his funeral, will be very much missed at The Littleham lambs in the Devon County Show and won that at the last parish church Christmas Festival each year as they could always quite a few prizes. He was able to repair Dinner, he was using a drinking straw to rely on Barbara to sell their raffle tickets most things on the farm, and whilst he blow polystyrene beads at her. and raise a lot of money for their bell was very good at using binder twine and Roy and his brother Leonard, coinciden- fund. bits of galvanised iron, he could also do a tally courted two sisters so when it came Barbara was also very well known on The good, tidy job when he wanted to – to planning the nuptials they decided to Mid Devon Ringer’s Tours in which she ‘ditching’ being a bit of a speciality for have a double wedding. Both couples entertained us with her anecdotes, wit him. He was also very good at splicing continued to live and work in Buckland all and charm, often into the early hours of rope – a talent that came in very useful their lives. the morning. May she rest in peace. when a bell rope broke. We are not sure when, but at some stage Ben started ringing the church bells in Roy learned to ring at Buckland and he Phil Reddaway 1945 and was made captain of the tower eventually became Captain and held that Phil Reddaway, past Captain of Sampford about 2 years later. He remained captain post for some thirty years, teaching Courtenay, who also rang for several until 1995 when illness prevented him many others during that time. years in the South Tawton Competition from ringing. Ben’s life revolved around Roy was also a great churchman and team and for North Tawton when they bell ringing, farming, and village activities. eventually he became a Churchwarden won the Devon 8 bell shield at Chumleigh, The main days out for the family were for and served in that post for around the died on the 10th March aged 89 years. bell-ringing competitions and George- same period. See page 3 for the Ringing Reddaways. ham Ringers’ Annual Outing (contd p3) Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 3 Ben Isaac (contd from page 2) Bovey Tracey which was supported by many people in ing Home in Braunton, especially in his last The Bells at Bovey Tracey Parish Church the village. In the winter months he days, and the family thanks all the staff for rang out over the town as a mark of would organise evenings of practice at their care of him. respect for Cpl Stephen Thompson on 2 other towers in the vicinity. The main At his funeral service the church was full April as a tribute to the fallen hero. purpose of these practice nights was to and ringers rang muffled peals before and A special peal of 120 unrepeated call improve the standard of ringing, but it after the service. They rang the peal on 8 changes was rung shortly after his funer- was also just for the pure enjoyment of which Ben used to love to call. The ringers al, which took place 100 miles away at ringing a good peal, and meeting with were John Barnes, John Conibear, Fred Beachley Barracks, Chepstow. other bell ringers. White, Gerald Arscott, Gordon Norman, It was the very least we could done, not He had a good ear for bells. Georgeham Tom Welch, Tony Barrable & David Barnes. only as a mark of respect for Stephen, Bell Ringers’ proudest year was 1977 – but to let his family know that the the Queen’s Jubilee Year – when the Derek Conway thoughts of the whole community are team won several Shields and Cups. Derek, a guild member and the Ringing with them said Robert Brown who called Unfortunately, the “Devon” Shield al- Master of Ottery St. Mary Parish Church, the peal. It is also a reminder of the brav- ways eluded them. That is one thing he died at the age of 66. His funeral was on ery of our troops and the sacrifices that would mention occasionally for the rest Friday 16 April at Ottery St Mary. We re- are being made. of his life: “I always wished we could’ve member Derek for his wonderful skills in One of the church bell ringers lived near won the ‘Devon’ – we came pretty close ringing, dedication and loyalty. Also to Stephens’s family so we thought we a few times” for looking after the bells and clock in the should do something to mark his life. It He was brought up within the Baptist church, as well as looking after the church- was a public mark of respect. Church – his father was a lay preacher – yard to a very high standard. Cpl Thompson's mother Carol has issued so he always went with his family to May our thoughts and prayers be of him, a heartfelt thank you to all the people of Sunday worship at ‘Chapel’. When he his family and may he rest in peace. South Devon and beyond who showed started ringing the church bells this was the family great support at this difficult frowned upon, and it was made clear The Ringing Reddaways time. Speaking from her Bovey Tracey that if he wanted to continue ringing the On Tuesday the 23rd of March 2010 in home, she said the family of Stephen had bells, he should go to ‘Church’. He duly Sampford Courtenay Parish Church, the been 'overwhelmed' by the support of went to church, and was a regular at- funeral took place of Phillip Henry Redda- both the Army, the people of Bovey tendee until illness stopped him from way aged 89 years. A packed church heard Tracey and strangers from far and wide ringing. a moving service conducted by the Rector, who sent flowers and cards. During the 60’s and 70’s he seemed to the Rev Brian Ardill, which was followed by Mrs Thompson said she and her family belong to many committees in the vil- internment in the Churchyard. had been especially moved by the ringing lage, and at one point was chairman of Phil’s funeral bought to an end a remarka- of the church bells in Bovey Tracey which most of them it seemed. ble era of bellringing by the Reddaway coincided with Stephen's military funeral. He was on the Village Hall committee, family. It started in 1884 when Phil’s Mrs Thompson said: "People have been the Parish Council, the Football Club, the Grandfather, Harry Reddaway, learnt to brilliant. They have been truly great. Playing Field Trustees as well as being ring at the age of 10. Harry was the first They have given us the space we need Captain of the Bell-ringers. He played a person to get married after the restoration but we know they're there. The local big part in acquiring the Playing Field for of the Church and he also rang at his own reverend has been here for us when we the village, and worked hard in helping wedding. needed him. Neighbours have sent flow- with the fund-raising for it. His first son Ernest (Ern) was born in 1900 ers and cards. We have had cards from A Sport’s Day was held every year in the followed by William (Will) two years later. local MPs, mayors and councillors. Every- Playing Field, on the middle Saturday of Ern started to ring at the age of 10 in 1910 one round here has showed us all great what was then known as “Factory Fort- and when his cousin, John Reddaway, re- support. We want to thank them for night” when most factories in the coun- signed as Captain in 1928 the six that." try were closed for workers’ holidays, Reddaway’s, brothers Harry, Jack and Wil- Mrs Thompson said dozens of flowers and a lot of effort and time went into liam, Harry’s two sons, Ern and Will, and and more than 100 cards had been sent marking out the running track, organis- William’s son, John, rang together for the to the family home. She said she had ing stalls, prizes, programmes etc. It was last time. Ern, who at some time became been surprised when Stephen told her he a big effort by people who willingly gave Captain, handed over the Captaincy to Phil was going to Afghanistan, especially after their time year after year. Then there in 1961. He continued to ring until 1988 - doing two tours of duty in Iraq and one in was Firework night. A huge bonfire in some 78 years as a ringer. Ern’s brother Northern Ireland. She added: "He told the Playing Field served two purposes - Will also rang Sampford Tenor for many me it was his job and he knew the risks to burn the Guy and have a Firework years, until his late eighties. involved. He was 31. I could not really tell Display, and to get rid of many villagers’ Phil was born in 1920 at Church Cottage, what to do. I had to respect his wishes." rubbish. When Ben became ill and no North Tawton, although his home at the Mrs Thompson said the family decided to longer able to do much physical work time was Rectory Cottage, Sampford Cour- have Stephen buried at the military cem- around the farm, he relied upon his tenay. He also learnt to ring at the age of etery at his regiment base so he could be nephews to come down and do it. Those 10 and continued until 1991 when health near his mates. She said: "The Army was days were highlights in his life. He got to problems caused his retirement from bell- his home really. His funeral was abso- “supervise” the work, to much joking ringing after 61 years. Phil rang for many lutely beautiful. It was so lovely. The and laughter, and also, to have fish and years with the South Tawton competition cemetery is a proper military grave and chips for lunch. team and for North Tawton when they looks like it has been looked after forever. Nora and Audrey would like to say thank won the Devon Eight Bell Shield at Chum- "The repatriation and drive through you to those who, over the last 15 or so leigh. A true quiet Christian Gentleman he Wootton Bassett was extremely emo- years since Ben became less able, have was Church Warden at Sampford Courte- tional. It was great to see so many people helped the family so much in different nay for nine years. We will all miss him very there pay their respect to the five lads ways. Ben was unprepared for having to much. who died. leave Crowborough – he loved the place Following the internment a half muffled "We're still grieving but everything is still and had expected to remain there until peal was rung by friends and fellow ring- a bit of a blur. he died. He was a proud and indepen- ers, Brian Drake, North Tawton. John "When the rest of the Rifles regiment dent man, and it was difficult for him to Cooper and Nora Bertram, South Tawton. comes back home in April and we go to be dependent on others, but he was well Joe Stoneman, Ray Squires and Chris Clay- their medal parade, that's when it will looked after at Harriet Nanscawen Nurs- ton, Sampford Courtenay. really hit us." Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 4 Arthur and Jean’s Mid Devon 36th Autumn Tour - Northants

At 6-30am. on Monday October 26th up- good going heavy 6 and then the two 6s at As we have found out over the years of wards of 47 ringers and friends assembled Cold Higham and Patteshall were rung. Cold arranging these tours, all you need is good at the Mid-Devon Coach depot at Bow Higham are a similar ring to Littleham, but bells, good company, good food and ac- ready to board the coach departing on the not as good. Friday our first tower was Flore commodation and good beer. What more 36th Mid-Devon Ringers Autumn Tour, the a medium weight ring, again rehung by the could you wish for. last one organised by Jean & Arthur Fidler. writer some 45 years previously. Unfortu- Cheers one and all. Jean and Arthur Fidler. The area this year was Northants, and our nately due to unforeseen circumstances we Anyone who has been on one of Arthur and H.Q. being the Whetstone Manor Hotel, were not able to ring there. After a very Jean’s trips will know how well organised they Weston Flavell. good lunch at The Countryman at Staver- are and we are all indebted to be so well cared Long Buckby our first port of call was ton, this nice 6 was soon into changes and for, for the 36 trips. See the poem dedicated reached early and after an excellent lunch this was where four members of our party to Arthur and Jean on page 5. at The Old Kings Head the 8 bells were soon had to leave us. The last tower of the day John Staddon has agreed to continue the Au- up and into changes. These were originally was the glorious 10 at Daventry, these must tumn trip started by Arthur and Jean for the an old 5 but were made into 8 for the mil- have been the best bells of the tour. Mid Devon Ringers. lennium. The next tower was Great Bring- Saturday dawned very wet, the only wet For more details of this year’s trip please see ton a nice sounding heavy 6. period we had as up until then the weather the article that follows below. This church is where the Spencer family had been perfect, however by the time we worship and where Lady Diana used to had reached Moulton the rain stopped and come. There are lots of memorials to the the rest of the day was good. A & J Autumn Trip for 2010 Spencer family along with various flags and This was a very light 12 and we were a little coats of Arms. Some of the party were giv- worried as to whether our members would This will be to the Stratford upon Avon en a guided tour of the church by the cope but on the whole they did well with area from Monday 18th October to Friday Church Warden who had met us. It was rounds and call changes. The last tower of the 22nd. The hotel will be Charlecote much appreciated. the tour was the delightful 6 at Pitsford Pheasant Hotel in Stratford upon Avon. Our hotel was reached by 6pm and we soon where some excellent striking rounded off a More details of the hotel see the website all settled in our rooms. Tuesday started thoroughly enjoyable tour. Prior to depart- http://www.foliohotels.com/charlecotepheasant/ with the delightful 6 at Harpole followed by ing our various ways a roast lunch was par- The itinerary is provisional and the towers the light 6 at Duston. Then into Northamp- taken, a good way to end the week. on Monday and Friday will depend upon ton for lunch with ringing at three churches, Thanks were given on Thursday after our the route taken. Tuesday we are planning the first being the fairly new 10 at All Saints evening meal. Special thanks to Joan Clarke on Newbold Pacey, Lighthorne, Welles- which were soon into rounds and call and Claude Nicholls who arranged the vari- bourne, Sherbourne and Alveston. changes. Bearing in mind that most of the ous teams for ringing, this ensured we wast- Wednesday, Warwick St Mary & St Nicho- ringers are 6 and 8 bell ringers, the ringing ed no time. To Steve our excellent coach las, Leamington Spa, St Peter and Whit- was on the whole very good, one of our driver and John Staddon for the navigation nash. Thursday will are considering young members had not rung on 10 bells which meant we were always on time at the Snitterfield, Clifford Chambers, Stratford before. The remaining two towers were put towers. Thanks were also expressed to the upon Avon and Welford on Avon. to good use. We were very impressed by staff at The Whetstone Manor Hotel for The expected cost is £250 per person the very ornate carving of the many Nor- looking after us so well. Grateful thanks sharing or £274 single occupancy. man arches in St Peters church and for a must also go to the various incumbents for Deposits of £25 pp will be required at the church that is apparently semi-redundant is allowing us to ring at their churches, to the June meeting or send direct to John Stad- very well kept. tower correspondents who arranged for us don. Cheques payable to Ringkly Ringers. Wednesday was a short journey, the first to ring and last but not least the ladies and two towers being Mears Ashby and Wilby gents who provided us with tea, coffee and Ringklies Holiday 2010 two delightful 6s and then onto Earls Barton biscuits. It was I can assure you very much for a buffet lunch at The Old Swan and what appreciated by our members. I cannot fin- a spread absolutely sumptuous and which ish before thanking the staff and manage- This year’s holiday we will be staying at the party did full justice to. ment at Mid-Devon Coaches for providing the Barnes Hotel, Bedford from 5th to 9th The 8 bells in the Saxon Tower were soon us with good and comfortable coaches over July. A provisional itinerary has been ar- into changes, our last tower of the day was the last 36 years. It was generally agreed ranged as follows subject to confirmation. at Ecton a 15cwt 6 which the writer rehung that the churches in Northants, at least the Monday - Malmesbury, Brinkworth & Woburn some 50 years ago!!! ones we visited, are well maintained and Tuesday - Renhold, Wilden, Gt Barford, Cople, Thursday we were off to the other side of well supported. We will remember our last Cardington, Willington and Goldington. Northampton the first tower being Gayton tour with fond memories. Wednesday - Bedford, St Andrew, St Peter where two of the people that met us at the It is hoped that the Mid-Devon ringers Au- de Merton, St Paul and Elstow. church used to live at Lapford and knew tumn Tours will continue as one of our Thursday - Kempston, Janet & Michael Poole. The 6 bells were members indicated that he would be willing Biddenham,Bromham, Oakley, Clapham enjoyed. to take the running of it, we will have to Friday - Faringdon, Coleshill and Shillingford. The next tower was at Easton Neston and wait and hope. Contact John Staddon for more details. this church is in the middle of the Hesketh Estate. A Gillet 8 dating from 1911. These Ringkly Programme for 2010 nice bells were soon up and ringing and our Second Wednesday of each month members enjoyed these bells immensely Month Morning Tower Afternoon Tower Contact for their tone and ‘go’. At one time it was June Bridgerule Marhamchurch John O difficult to get these bells if Lord Hesketh July Sampford Courtenay Bow Chris was in residence and coaches were defi- August Clovelly Woolfardisworthy West Claude nitely not allowed. September South Tawton Belstone Bob At Towcester an extremely light lunch of October TBA TBA Michael P soup and sandwiches was taken, nowhere November Salcombe Malborough John C near the lunch we had the day before. Due December TBA Christmas lunch Ken to Towcester church being treated for Some venues may vary, please check with me, or the contact before setting out. death-watch beetle we were unable to ring Every effort will be made to keep the details up to date on the Association’s website. there but instead went to Paulespury a Mike Webster - 01803 782591. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 5 West Buckland Northampton trip in a poem

On Friday August 7th 6 members of the Arthur & Jean Fidler’s Could the women be the best in town? Devon Association were proud to ring a Mid-Devon Ringers Outing Well, ladies - you can heave a sigh: muffled peal at West Buckland Parish Ringing skills reached standards high! Church at the funeral service of a 20 year Northampton: 26 – 31 October 2009 Some men have hinted ‘twas pure luck old soldier, Christopher King, who was A poem by Pat Whyatt Ach! Some folk just won’t give up! killed while serving in Afghanistan. He Summer over, weather dreary At Weedon Bec, no bells did sound had been killed by an explosive device on Folks spirits dull and weary No key-holder or key was found; July 22nd and served with the 1st Battalion When suddenly amongst the post Chatting was the main distraction Coldstream Guards. Outside work, he had Arrives the letter we love most. But the canal proved a huge attraction. a passion for his game keeping which Aye, good news from Arthur and Jean To one barge owner some of us chatted helped in his Army field craft and he loved Northampton, this year, will be the My eyelashes I fluttered and batted; hardcore rave music, bikes and to go fish- scene. I guess I had no pride ing. Secretary of State for Defence, Bob But once more we’ve got the blues But I only wanted a peep inside. Ainsworth said: "In his short length of As we read the extra news: Well, he resisted this lassie’s charm time in the Army, Guardsman Chris King It’s their final trip, so we’re told But - Teresa’s dad spun him a yarn! proved himself to be a popular and very Cause Arthur & Jean are gettin’ old. Aboard John stepped - with a nod and a capable soldier with a bright career ahead Soon numbers going began to swell wink of him. I was very saddened to hear of his Whether or not you could ring a bell; Oh! How I wish’d that barge would sink! death and my thoughts are with the fam- Friends from long time ago Steve, once more you’ve proved the best ily, friends and colleagues whom he Promised they would join this show. Each day you’ve fully passed the test. leaves behind." Thus ringers old, and ringers new Some guys at the back just never listen We rang a peal of sixty on thirds before Joined with Arthur’s motley crew. To departure times – so – they go missin’ and after the service So early morn, out in the sticks But as a driver you’re too kind The team was: Treble Margaret White Began this trip – No 36. Hence none of them got left behind. (Mortehoe), 2nd Peter Crook (West Buck- As usual, and with little fuss Well, this last trip won’t be forgotten land) 3rd Alfie Stevens (Bishops Tawton) Steve got folk aboard his bus. Arthur and Jean you’ve spoiled us rotten 4th Fred White (Mortehoe) 5th Colin Dud- Tom-Tom set, instructions imparted Ground floor ringing, with coffees and ley (Marwood) and Tenor Rupert Hartley The journey from Bow had now started. tea (West Buckland) At the lunchtime pub, the group did (And no need to hide behind a tree!). He was given a full Military Funeral Serv- meet Now words come with heavy heart ice which was moving. Outside the church With Arthur and Jean, me and Pete. As once again we must depart; there were crowds of people who had Tho’ round Althorp we couldn’t roam To Arthur and Jean our thanks we convey come to pay their last respects to Chris- We rang near the Spencer’s home. For a debt we can ne’er repay. topher who had grown up in West Buck- Aye, yon church bells sounded sweet Each trip’s memories we treasure, land. Margaret White. To ring there often would be a treat. Friendships made, ringing a pleasure. Things didn’t go right at the hotel I guess we’ll all shed a tear As Harry and Ellen can surely tell: Knowing it’s your final year. Tribute at Blackawton They inserted their key - they didn’t So we hope it won’t be too long knock! Before the Queen gives you a gong. BLACKAWTON farmer Wilf Rowdon has Inside the room . . . what a shock! An OBE would only be fair been recognised for his amazing dedica- The room a-mess, maybe burgled? Organisers Bellringing Extraordinaire! tion to campanology – he has just cele- Bed unmade, their stomachs curdled. brated 70 years of bell ringing. Back at reception, a new room was given Wilf was presented with a certificate to One wardrobe door’s missing, show the parish appreciation for his com- so still isn’t heaven! North Molton mitment to the church and its bells over Christine and Bill tho’ were filled with the past seven decades by, appropriately delight enough, the Rev John Bell. As they cuddled up that very night. FOR half a century Sid Rashley has been Beginning in April 1939 when he was just But instead of fun and hugs and kisses calling the changes as tower captain of 13, Wilf was just into the swing of bell On the floor fell Bill and missus! the ringers at All Saints Church in North ringing when he had to stop – with the The mattress was lumpy, the bed was Molton. advent of the second world war. broken Now at the age of 86, he has decided it is ‘I remember ringing and being told to The facts of this matter remain unspo- time "somebody younger took over". stop there and then,’ he said. ‘This man ken. His fellow ringers presented him with a came up and told us “you can’t ring when But . . . silver salver to mark his retirement as there’s a war on” and we didn’t. We rang Did he take Viagra? Did she pop a pill? tower captain. the bells to celebrate its end more than Such secrets they just refuse to spill. But he will still remain a part of the bell five years later. Harpole Church brought James to his ringing team. ‘I’ve loved ringing and getting better at all knees, Sid started ringing at All Saints Church at the different skills, like getting the tone of Inspecting the intricacies of trees. the age of 19, towards the end of the the bell absolutely right. The best days At Earls Barton, Jeyes was THE store Second World War. are when you are ringing for a special Pharmacy, museum and gifts galore. It was something of a family tradition as occasion, like a wedding. I’ve rung at the But Deathwatch Beetle in Towcester’s his father was a ringer for more than 60 weddings of a few friends and that is very wood years and captain as well in the latter different – you are just determined to do Prevented ringing where we should. years. a better job for them. I still love it now.’ An infestation really strong Sid said: "You don't get to be a good The Rev Bell said: ‘It’s a vital art of village So some Jeyes fluid wouldn’t go wrong. ringer for a couple of years and I think life and is wonderful for the church – it Paulerspury, our ladies were put to test you are always learning after that." lets everyone know its there. Could their team REALLY ring best? The new captain of the team is Steve ‘We are delighted to recognise Wilf’s Each stepped up, and clasped her rope, Facey and we wish him well. wonderful achievement – the only bell he Hearts a-beating, full of hope. North Molton has 6 bells and the tenor hasn’t rung in Blackawton is me.’ Some men looked on with serious frown, weighs 19 cwt. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 6 National 12 Bell Contest, Crediton, June 26 Plymouth & Ivybridge Saturday June 26 promises to be a very plus cakes, tea and coffee etc. Cream teas New year new start for Plymouth & Ivybridge special day in Devon ringing circles. Fol- will be served in the Boniface Centre from Deanery! lowing on from such prestigious venues 3 p.m. as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral At 5 p.m. the renowned Holy Cross choir The AGM was held in December 2009 at and Worcester Cathedral the 2010 final of will be singing evensong in the church and the Parish church of All Saints, Plymstock. the National Twelve Bell contest for the the judges should be ready to pronounce One of the best attendances for a long Taylor Trophy will take place on the lovely their judgements, followed by the trophy time seeing no fewer than 16 out of 18 new twelve at Holy Cross, Crediton. presentation at around 5.45 p.m. The bars towers being represented! In recent This annual Festival of ringing promises will remain open until 7 p.m. years our Deanery has seen a downfall in ringing of the highest standard and a I hope I have whetted your appetite to towers being represented. We hope that great social occasion. Crediton ringers, come along and enjoy the atmosphere of the enthusiasm continues. along with members of Exeter Cathedral what promises to be a very special ringing The members present at the AGM voted Company of ringers are preparing for an Festival. Car parking is limited to 70 cars in for a change of stewardship. Our past expected attendance of some 400 people the church car park although there are secretary Liz Price, who became ill, stood and detailed planning has been in hand plenty of other car parking spaces availa- down and Neil Trout captain at Shaugh for several months. The nine top teams in ble within 10 minutes walk of the church. Prior and Bickleigh was appointed as sec- the country, having triumphed in the Public transport from Exeter is well served retary. eliminator competitions in London at the with buses every half an hour with a bus The new Chairman, Paul Treby of Plym- end of March, will be heading for Devon stop outside the church. There is also a stock succeeded Calvin Roberts of Wem- along with their supporters and many less frequent train service from Exeter St. bury. We wish them both good luck for other interested spectators. It is hoped, David’s. See you there! HWE. the future. and expected, that many Devon ringers Congratulations to the Exeter Cathedral It was the turn of the Plymouth & Ivy- will want to take the opportunity to come team who this year qualified to ring in the bridge Deanery to host the South Devon along and socialise and hear some top National 12 Bell Final Striking Competi- Ringers Association Inter Deanery com- class ringing on this fine peal of bells. tion. It has been 13 years since the Cathe- petition for 2010 and two towers came The test piece this year is 264 changes of dral have qualified for the final and is an forward. The first being Ermington and Cambridge Surprise Maximus. The draw excellent achievement after several the reserve tower being Wembury. takes place in church at 11 a.m. and the months of hard work and practice from Ermington are very keen as a band and first team start ringing at 11.30a.m. the selected squad of 14. we wish them the best of luck in holding 15 minutes are allowed for practice and The eliminators were held at three venues this event. the judged piece starts at 15 minutes to in London, with only the top three teams At the AGM Laira was proposed to host the hour. Teams will then continue at 30 from each eliminator qualifying for the our deanery event to be held on the 1st minute intervals until 4 p.m. final. Saturday in June. This will be the first time With some 400 visitors to accommodate The final has not been seen locally since it for St Mary the Virgin, Laira. considerable thought has been put into was held at Exeter Cathedral in 1994 and The church previously had a single bell by the provision of refreshment! All produce will be an excellent day out - a unique Llewellins & James of Bristol which was used will be local. The Beer Engine at chance to hear the top 9 teams in the sold to Kirkby Malham in Yorkshire to Newton St. Cyres is to supply two real country producing some very high quality become part of a new ring of six. A com- ales, one specific to the contest, and Dev- ringing throughout the day on this fine pletely new Whitechapel eight was sup- on scrumpy will be supplied from or- 26cwt ring of 12. plied and installed by Nicholson chards at Sandford. These will be served Full details of the arrangements of the day Engineering. The peal of 8 bells were ded- from two separate outlets, a bar in the can be found on the 12 Bell web site icated in 2001. The deanery will be using Boniface Centre adjacent to the church http://www.12bell.org.uk/ and be as- the back 6 bells on the day, the tenor and in a beer tent, to be set up in the sured there will be plenty of good compa- weighs 11-0-6 in G. lower vicarage garden, adjacent to the car ny, food and even a brand new real ale (as Other news is that the beautiful Taylor park, an excellent vantage point from well as other favourites) to sample on the Octave at Plympton St Maurice were out where to hear the bells. Food will be sup- day - previous finals have consumed more of action due to an accident from a visit- plied throughout the day. From 9 a.m. than 1200 pints of ale on the day!!!! ing band that had forgotten to pull the bacon butties, coffee etc will be available The contest will be between the following clock hammers off. from the Boniface centre and the bars will nine teams who qualified at the elimina- This caused severe damage to the clock open at 11.30 a.m. Lunch and snacks will tors - Ancient Society of College Youths, hammers and to one part of the frame, be served in the Boniface centre and from Birmingham, Cambridge, Exeter, Leeds, the project to restore and repair the a catering tent in the lower Vicarage gar- Melbourne, St Martin-in-the-Fields above has been undertaken by Andrew den. This will consist of local pasties, rolls (London), Society of Royal Cumberland Nicholson and the bells should be availa- and sandwiches with a variety of fillings Youths & York. ble for ringing again soon. Atherington set to ring Atherington were challenged to raise The highlight for the team has been the port for this, and the fundraising efforts £90,000 to get their peal of bells ringing past year, with the tower now fully re- by everyone involved have been amazing. again. Nearly 10 years and having raised stored and the five bells hung back in It was always going to be tough raising more than £100,000 the six bells are place in December 2009. the money but we knew it would happen ready for St Mary's Church. Mr Carvosso said: "It now seems my wish eventually." The aim was to restore the bells, after five to see the bells ringing next summer, The final target is £116,000, with only bells were removed in the mid-1980s be- when I retire, is going to happen. I'm so £10,000 left to secure. More than cause of the strain on the tower. The ten- lucky to have seen it through. The bells £30,000 has been raised through person- or remained in the tower. must stand for six months before any ring- al donations, as well as £2,500 contribut- Rev John Carvosso, said: "Something was ing can restart. So many people who live ed from 35 bell towers across Devon. missing without the bells, and so the here have never heard the bells before. It Mr Carvosso said: "I am confident we will project was started. It seemed an impos- will be quite an historical moment, after get there in the end. We will have a big sible task at the start, with such a daunt- 30 years of silence." thanksgiving mass, and invite all those ing amount of money to raise. But we Chris Hart, who runs the Village Shoppe who have helped us in our project.” kept up our enthusiasm and are now just and Post Office, said: "It is a very exciting To make donations please phone John months away from completion." time for us. There has been a lot of sup- Carvosso on 01271 343774. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 7 DCBRF Report for Association AGM President - John Kelly BEM During 2009 the Fund has been involved John Kelly was born 18 September 1935 He has been to Australia, Perth to Sydney, with 17 towers at some stage in their at Devon Constabulary HQ, New North also New Zealand and to Europe where he restoration projects. Several of these Road, Exeter son of PC Kelly who in 1937 has numerous footplate experiences and have been quite major schemes, such became the first Civil Defence Sergeant in has driven Steam and Diesel Engines. that in order to make meaningful grants the Devon Constabulary at its Headquar- John has rung the Swan Bells of Perth a the Fund’s resources are now at quite a ters. set of eighteen bells hanging in a specially low ebb. Clearly we cannot offer more John was at Honiton from 1938 to 1946 built 82.5 metres (271 ft)-high copper and funds than we have at our disposal, and in when the family moved to Moreton- glass campanile in Perth, Western Aus- some instances we have been unable to hampstead. John missed the 11+ and tralia. Taking their name from the Swan offer as much help as we would have liked. went to Chagford Secondary Modern River, which their tower overlooks, and During the year the usual two meetings School for the remainder of his schooling. forming a sixteen-bell peal with two extra were held; in Holy Week at Ian Campbell’s His father was then posted to Torquay chromatic notes, they are one of the larg- home in Exeter, and this morning at the and John worked for Eric Perry, a Rootes est sets of change ringing bells in the home of Brian Drake. There has been Distributor in Torwood Street from April world. Ringing exhibitions are given daily one change in personnel this year with 1951. John had National Service from so visiting ringers are always welcome. John Barnes joining us as trustee follow- 1954 to 1956. He was in the REME and It was in New Zealand that John was ing the resignation of Mervyn Phillips. attached to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment made to feel very comfortable by the Mervyn had served as trustee for 28 as a recovery mechanic driving Centurion method ringers whilst ringing at Christch- years, attending 30 meetings. Armoured recovery vehicles in Germany. urch Cathedral and at Auckland. At the beginning of the year the Fund John was recalled from August 1956 to A memorable occasion for John is winning stood at £27,433. Since that time two December 1956 because of the Suez crisis the Devon Association 6 Bell Minor Com- grants totalling £6,300 have been paid. and was in Mill Hill as a Recovery Me- petition held at Littleham in May 2003. These were £300 to Berrynarbor for the chanic. The significance is that this was three repair of a broken gudgeon on the tenor It was John’s skills working in the garage days before his wife’s funeral and it was a headstock, and £6,000 to Berry Pomeroy and in the Army that prompted a ringer to fitting tribute to his wife. for retuning and rehanging with new fit- suggest to John that he considers working A pleasant occasion was at Langtree tings in the existing frame, the oak sub- for the Gas Board as a driver. John started when John rang with Stoke Gabriel and frame being replaced with one of steel. working for the Gas Board in August 1959 the team came fourth in Devon Associa- Income during the year has amounted to and retired in October 1993 as a gas dis- tion 6 bell Major Competition. John’s £9,268 , including £1,000 from the Guild tribution supervisor. grandfather had been a school master at as agreed at their AGM in June, a further John was taught to ring at Moretonhamp- the Primary School there during the First £1,000 from Peal and Quarter Peal ring- stead in 1948 and when his father was World War and he later was headmaster ers and personal donations, £4,200 from posted to Torquay he visited Upton and at Exminster until his retirement in 1947. the Association following the Annual Cockington where he met some Paignton John thanks all of his friends in bell ringing Draw, £500 from sales of Devon Directo- ringers who encouraged him to continue and the Dartmouth Steam railway. It has ries, £312 from the Guild Branches, £330 with his ringing and he joined Paignton in been a blessing that they have all been from the competition in July organized by 1952 and has been Captain at Paignton good and kind to him and kept him very Graham Sharland in aid of the BRF, £300 since 1958. busy since he lost Jenny. He realises that from the Troyte Ringing Centre, £300 John started handbell ringing raising he cannot do everything but thanks eve- from the Ottery St Mary ringers, £200 money for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in ryone who has been thoughtful and asked. from the St Brannock’s Society, and £100 1956. This was started by John Lippiett in John has packed a lot into his life and each from the St Marychurch ringers and 1955 and John has supported Dame Han- despite illnesses and getting older, he the NAIT Bellringers Association, tax re- nah Rogers Trust in hand bell ringing as says that he may be slowing up a bit but funds following gift-aided donations and well as other charities since then. has a lot more to do. He has regular strik- investment income making up the bal- John was also a Special Constable from ing competitions to look forward, new ance. At present the Fund stands at 1959 to 1991 and retired as a Sergeant. recruits to encourage and feels privileged £30,817. John married Jenny in September 1967 that he is the President of the Associa- Grants agreed this year include £450 to who started ringing at Paignton in 1957. tion. The only disappointment is that he Chagford towards alterations to the rope- Jenny died in May 2003 having had two was unable to make the Devon 8 Bell circle, including a new rope guide and the daughters and a son. John Richard is now competition due to a pre booked Steam insertion of new pulleys in the intermedi- a Manager at Kevin Cooper and is current- Railway Holiday in North Wales that ate chamber; £6,500 to Stoke Canon to- ly at the new Brixham store. Tracey is a weekend. John takes his role very serious- wards recasting the treble, 2nd and 3rd Science Teacher at Westlands and has ly and intends to attend as many events bells, replacing the 5th, and rehanging in a two children and Louise is in New Zealand as is possible. new frame with all new fittings; and where she is a manager. £4,000 to Atherington towards the re- In 1991 John was presented with the Brit- hanging of the six bells in a new frame ish Empire Medal for services to the Com- Kenton Open Day on with all new fittings. munity. John had long service with the At this morning’s meeting the following Gas Board, had been raising money for BBC Devon Website grants were agreed: charities continually from 1956. Had been Kenton has secured a mention on the BBC Stoodleigh £5,000. a regular ringer and a special constable Devon web site and held an open morn- Kilmington £850. and a volunteer with the Paignton to ing in the tower at the end of November Sheepstor £2,800. Dartmouth Steam Railway since 1968 to encourage more people to learn. Dodbrooke £3,200. where he is still a guard and signalman at Someone came to make a recording and Meavy £280. Brittania Crossing and had been regularly to be added to the article. It is as we know Approaches for assistance have also been inspecting the line up to 2009. a cultural activity in Devon and should, I received from Hawkchurch, Brentor and John still finds time for special interests think, feature more prominently. Follow- Coffinswell, though as yet no formal grant and one of these is Paddle Steamers of ing the radio broadcast on Radio Devon applications have been received. the Bristol Channel. John is also well trav- and our open morning, we have had 3 Assuming that all of the agreed grants are elled and trains and bells figure in all of new people come to the tower and ex- taken up, the Fund is currently over com- these. His travels have been to Canada pressed an interest. It would be good to mitted by the sum of £443. where he travelled across from West to know over time if it has had an effect on IVJS November 2009 East and in USA East Coast to West Coast. recruitment elsewhere. Mike Adams. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 8 Results NAIT Ringing Festival held at Brixham Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 4 5. South Brent C 86 ½ on 24 October 2009 First Rd at Bradford - 11th Nov 2009 6. Broadhempston B 107 1. Ipplepen 27 ¾ Monkleigh "B" 54 7. Broadhempston C 123 2. Paignton A 29 ¼ Bridgerule 78 Top Ringing Section 3. Upton 35 ½ Monkleigh "C" 107 1. Marldon 58 ½ 4. Paignton B 66 Bradford 155 Judges: John Dietz and Sue Husband Judge: John Kelly BEM Judge : Raymond Clements The first two teams qualify for the Inter John Cornish Memorial Competition - Deanery Competition 2010. Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 3 Kilkhampton, 16th January 2010 Congratulations to Vashti Wilks and her First Rd at Pyworthy - 25th Nov 2009 son, Sam, who rang for Paignton B and Monkleigh "A" 51 "A" Section won the Frank Cribbitt cup. Pyworthy 103 Burrington 23 This was the first competition peal for Morwenstow 120 Exeter St.Petrock 40 ¾ both Vashti and Sam. Judge : Raymond Clements Mortehoe 45 St. Giles In The Wood Competition Stratton on 28 November 2009 "B" Section Saturday, October 31. 2009 8 Bell Monkleigh 66 ½ A Section 1. Chittlehampton 29 ½ Bridgerule 78 Zeal Monachorum 12½ 2. Paignton 31 Monkleigh 96 ¼ Egg Buckland 14½ 3. St Columb Major A 34 ½ Kilkhampton 113 South Brent 20½ 4. Exminster 38 ½ Morwenstow 139 Burrington 42½ 5. Broadhempston 55 Judges : Helen Robinson & J Wickett Iddesleigh 8½ 6. South Brent 55 ½ B Section 7. St Columb Major B 57 ½ Cadbury Deanery Festival held at Monkleigh B 30½ 6 Bell – A Section Sandford on 21st January 2010 Monkleigh A 46½ 1. St Petrock 24 Down St Mary 29 ½ Dolton 65 2. Broadhempston 31 ½ Zeal Monachorum 40 ½ East Anstey 66½ 3. Lamerton 35 ½ Sandford 42 ½ Dowland 88 4. Holbeton 43 Bow 53 Sampford Courtenay 96½ 5. Chittlehampton 46 Lapford 55 Mariansleigh NR 6. South Brent 69 6 Bell – B Section Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 4 Tawstock 7th November 2009. 1. Black Torrington 39 ½ Third Rd at Monkleigh 29 January 2010 1st Kingsteignton 41 (20) Top 2. Bridgerule 85 Monkleigh "B" 70 2nd Exeter Cathedral 53 (29) 3. Monkleigh 103 Bridgerule 81 3rd High Bickington 62 (34) Judges: Brian Drake and Mervyn Way Bradford 120 4th Chittlehampton 70 (45) Judge : Clive R. Ward 5th Paignton 77 (47) Kilkhampton on 28 November 2009 6th Exeter St Petrock 87 (46) 8 Bell Totnes Winter League held at South 7th Kingsteignton B 108 (65) 1. St Columb Major A 45 ½ Brent on 6 February 2010. 8th West Alvington 157 (68) 2. Paignton 53 ¾ 1. Broadhempston A 25 ½ Judges: Mary Mears, Cedric Hocking & 3. Chittlehampton 56 2. South Brent A 29 Maurice Sharland. 4. St Columb Major B 72 ½ 3. South Brent B 35 5. Exminster 74 4. Stoke Gabriel 40 Monkleigh on 7th November 2009 6. Broadhempston 89 ½ 5. South Brent C 44 Open Section 7. South Brent 98 ½ 6. Broadhempston C 82 1. Mortehoe 29 Judge: James Clarke 7. Broadhempston B 94 2. Burrington 32 6 Bell – A Section Judges: Harry Bardens and John Dietz. 3. Lamerton 37 1. Chittlehampton 30 ½ 4. Down St.Mary 41 2. Lamerton 30 ¾ NAIT top ringing at Babbacombe, Cof- 5. South Brent 55 3. St Petrock 34 finswell and Upton on 12 Feb 2010 6. Kingsteignton 55 ½ 4. Broadhempston 42 ½ 1. Paignton B 121 ½ 7. Zeal Monachorum 56 5. Holbeton 51 2. Upton 126 8. Holbeton 64 6. Alphington 56 ¼ 3. Kingskerwell 131 ½ 9. East Anstey 73 ½ 7. South Brent 61 ½ 4. Ipplepen 135 ½ 10. Bow 152 6 Bell – B Section 5. Paignton A 198 11. Mariansleigh 153 1. Monkleigh 58 ¾ Local Section 2. Black Torrington 83 ¼ Results of the Devon Ringers' Council 1. Littleham 24 ½ 3. Bridgerule 83 ½ 10 Bell Competition held at St Mary- 2. Monkleigh 54 ¼ Judges: Helen Robinson & J Wickett church on 20 February 2010 3. Little Torrington 66 ¾ 4. Monkleigh 70 Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 4 1. Exeter Cathedral 30 ½ 5. Iddesleigh 100 ½ Second Rd at Bridgerule 2 Dec 2009 2. Wednesday Team 1 32 6. Monkleigh 124 ½ Monkleigh "B" 55 ½ 3. Quarter Peal Ringers 33 Judges : Helen Robinson & J. Wickett Bridgerule 74 4. Wednesday Team 2 37 Thank you to all seventeen teams that entered. It Monkleigh "C" 102 5. Exeter Branch 41 ½ was great to have four teams who entered our Bradford 196 Judges: Mary Mears and Mervyn Way. competition for the first time. Thanks to everyone Judge : Raymond Clements who played a key part towards making it a success- The Devon Ringers' Council are happy ful day, particularly our judges plus Lewis, Heath- Totnes Deanery Winter League held at to run this as an annual competition in er, Kathy, Barbara, Brian, Ivan, Jonathan, James Marldon on 5 Dec 09 memory of John Scott and Frank Mack. and John, a great team effort. The money raised 1. Stoke Gabriel 54 ½ will be placed in the ringers account to purchase 2. South Brent A 56 ½ The date of the next competition will new ropes etc. when they are required. 3. Broadhempston A 62 be Saturday 19 February 2011 starting 4. South Brent B 67 ½ at 10:30. Venue to be decided. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 9 Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 3 Overall results of the Totnes Deanery 10. South Molton NR Second Rd at Morwenstow 2 Mar 2010 Winter League. Top Ringing winners Kingsteignton 6 ¾ Morwenstow 80 Higher the points the better. Judges: Ian Avery, Brian Drake, Neil Monkleigh "A" 85 1. South Brent 30 Holloway and Barry Osborne Pyworthy 134 ½ 2. Broadhempston A 27 Scrutineer: Janice Gist. Judge : Lester Quance 3. Stoke Gabriel 25 4. South Brent B 21 Charles Moss Memorial Trophy held at Results from the Devon Association 5. South Brent C 13 Throwleigh on 24th April Novice Competitions held at Sandford 6. Broadhempston C 9 1. Down St Mary 47 ½ on 13 March 2010 7. Broadhempston B 8 2. South Tawton A 49 ½ 3. North Bovey 58 ½ Round Ringing Section Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Final at 4. East Anstey 59 ½ 1. Chagford 21 ½ Poughill - 10th April 2010 5. Sandford 67 ½ 2. Exminster 27 ½ "A" Section 6. Bow 68 3. Dartmouth B 29 ¾ 1. Littleham 32 ¼ 7. Zeal Monachorum 72 4. Dartmouth A 31 ¼ 2. Bridgerule 62 ¼ 8. Chagford 78 ½ 3. Lamerton 72 ½ 9. South Tawton B 83 ½ Half a competition peal (60 on 3rds). 4. Monkleigh 88 Judges: P Pester, J Coulthirst 1. Upton 21 "B" Section 2. Sandford 35 1. Black Torrington 34 ½ Woodleigh Deanery Annual Competi- 3. Salcombe 35 2. Monkleigh 50 ½ tion held at Dodbrooke on 1 May 2010 4. Chagford B 35 ½ 3. Petersmarland 87 ¾ JUNIOR SECTION 5. South Tawton 36 ½ 4. Morwenstow 145 1st Malborough 47 6. Broadhempston 38 ¼ Open Section 2nd South Milton A 55 ½ 7. Dartmouth 38 ¾ 1. Burrington 42 ½ 3rd South Pool 61 8. South Pool 39 ¾ 2. Littleham 54 ¾ 4th South Milton B 69 9. Chagford A 40 ½ 3. Pick up Team 68 ¾ 5th Dodbrooke 73 10. Exeter St David 42 ½ 4. Lamerton 81 ¼ 6th Galmpton 82 11. Lynton 45 Judge : Steve Facey 7th Sherford 84 ½ 12. Chivelstone 46 ¼ 8th Chivelstone 85 Judges: Scott Adams, Chris Clayton, Competition at Ide on 10 April 2010 9th Stokenham 127 Steven Herniman and James Kerslake A Section Ladies Team 86 1. Kingsteignton 24 ½ SENIOR SECTION Cadbury Deanery Winter League held 2. Exminster 28 1st West Alvington 50 at Bow & final results. March 18. 2010 3. South Brent A 29 ½ 2nd Modbury B 61 4. Eggbuckland 36 3rd Loddiswell 70 Down St. Mary 5. Burrington 41 ½ 4th Churchstow 96 Zeal Monachorum 6. Stoke Gabriel 50 5th Modbury A 104 Bow 7. Holbeton 53 6th Salcombe 131 Sandford 8. North Bovey 55 ½ Lapford B Section Woodleigh Deanery Bellringers held 1. West Down 62 their annual Competition on the recent- Final Winter League Results: 2. Down St Mary 64 ½ ly refurbished bells of Dodbrooke on Main Section 3. Alphington 73 ½ Saturday 1st May. After the service 16 Down St. Mary 34 4. Spreyton 85 ½ teams rang and kept the judges Colin & Zeal Monachorum 28 5. Widecombe in the Moor 93 Lee Avery gainfully employed. Thanks to Bow 19 6. Sampford Courtenay 117 everyone at Dodbrooke for a really en- Sandford 18 7. St David's Exeter 148 joyable day. Lapford 17 Judges: John Coulthirst & Percy Pester We were sorry that our Hon. Sec., Jack Intermediate Section Rhymes was absent owing to illness and Zeal Monachorum Interdeanery Competition held at we send him our best wishes! Sandford A Ermington on 17 April 2010 Bow 1. Eggbuckland 29 Totnes Deanery Competition held at Sandford B 2. South Brent 33 Diptford on 1 May 2010. 3. Dunsford 38 1. South Brent A 27 ¾ Tamar Valley Winter Knockout - Group 3 4. Exminster 46 2. Stoke Gabriel A 38 ¼ Third Rd at Monkleigh 22 March 2010 5. Plymstock 48 ½ 3. Stoke Gabriel B 53 ¼ Monkleigh 68 6. Modbury 62 4. South Brent B 70 ½ Morwenstow 122 7. West Alvington 67 ½ 5. South Brent C 75 ½ Pyworthy 128 8. Stoke Gabriel 69 6. Broadhempston A 97 ¾ Judge : Lester Quance 9. Widecombe in the Moor 87 7. Broadhempston B 111 ¾ 10. North Bovey 94 Judges: M Sharland and Roger Trout Ring off at Monkleigh 22 March 2010 Best Deanery - Plymouth and Ivybridge The first two teams go forward for the Monkleigh "B" 67 Judges: Mary Mears and Ian Avery Interdeanery Competition 2011. Monkleigh "A" 68 Judge : Lester Quance Devon 8 Bell Competition held at Great Devon Association 6 Bell South Qualifi- Torrington on 24 April 2010 er held at Slapton on 8 May 2010 Totnes Deanery Winter League held at 1. Kingsteignton 13 1. Eggbuckland 19 ½ Stoke Gabriel on 27 March 2010 2. Exminster 26 ½ 2. Exeter St Petrock 24 ½ 1. Stoke Gabriel 30 1/2 3. Chittlehampton 28 3. South Brent A 32 2. Broadhempston 39 4. Exeter Cathedral 31 ¾ 4. Stoke Gabriel 38 ¾ 3. South Brent A 45 5. High Bickington A 37 ¾ 5. West Alvington 39 4. South Brent B 75 6. Plymstock 42 6. Lamerton 44 ½ 5. Broadhempston C 90 7. High Bickington B 43 ¾ 7. Holbeton 78 ¼ 6. Broadhempston B 104 8. Tavistock 45 8. Ide 115 Judges: Colin and Lee Avery 9. Paignton 57 ½ 9. South Brent B 116 ½ Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 10 Results - continued Crumbling Tower at Totnes 10. Chivelstone 156 peal with rise and fall, 8 ringing the full So far only small sections of masonry Judges: Ian Avery, Sue Husband, Mary peal off the stays and 6 opting for the have broken free from the tracery below Mears and Martin Sharland round ringing section. the window, high up in the tower causing Scrutineer: John Cole Many teams seemed to have great diffi- a danger to people walking by the tower. culty in getting together to ring their fix- But Totnes Rector, the Rev Julian Ould, Results from the Devon Association 6 Bell tures and many were unfinished by the said even a small piece could be a hazard North Qualifier held at Bow on 8 May 2010 end of June many. The deadline was ex- so we have locked the gate and sealed off tended to the end of August but only that area. St Mary's Church was built in 1. Burrington 20 Group 1 completed their fixtures with 1450 and is known for its distinctive red 2. Down St Mary 23 Burrington coming out on top. sandstone tower. 3. Mortehoe 25 ½ An e-mail was sent to all the towers asking The church is planning to spend some 4. Littleham 26 ¼ for feedback and interest in joining in the £11,000 on making sure all the statues 5. South Tawton 28 ¼ next round but there was only one reply! etc around the tower are safe and the 6. West Down 29 ¼ In September 2009 the second round was tower would have been shrouded by 7. Iddesleigh 37 ½ started with 18 teams involved ringing the scaffolding in the very near future while 8. Drewsteignton 50 ¼ full peal. The plan was to have all fixtures that work is carried out. 9. Zeal Monachorum 61 rung by Christmas but by February there Mr Ould said he knew the tracery around 10. East Anstey 64 ½ were still plenty to be rung! the window was getting into a dangerous I guess it is a sign of the times that it is so state. He had it assessed and at that time Judges: Brian Drake Ivor Hookway, difficult to get 12 ringers together on one there was no danger of it falling. He Michael Poole and Mervyn Way night in the month. Those that have man- thinks the recent bad weather with the Scrutineer: Gerald Arscott aged to ring say they enjoy the format and severe frosts may have added to the ero- the opportunity to ring against another sion. The Totnes crumbling church bell Ladder – Courtesy of James Kerslake team of a similar standard and they wish tower has been made safer thanks to a The final results 30 Mar 2010 more teams would give it a go. team of abseiling experts. A team of con- 9.0 pts - South Brent With regards to the future of the Ringing servators abseiled down the tower to 6.0 pts - Exminster Ladder, it will continue as long as there check the extent of the damage. They 5.5 pts - Dunsford* teams to participate. It doesn’t really mat- have put up nearly invisible netting 5.5 pts - Burrington A* ter if it takes six weeks or six months to around a window, to stop more pieces complete a round, but it would be nice to falling to the ground. The work means * The tie breaker for the equal points is keep it rolling and complete three round that the churchyard can now be re- first the result between the two teams each year. opened and the church's bell ringers can (in this case it was a draw), followed by So the next round will start at the begin- return as there was a fear that ringing the total number of faults scored, the ning of May with fixtures to be completed would cause more masonry to fall. lower fault total placing higher by the end of August and this time any (Dunsford - 116.5, Burrington - 160.5). If results that are not in by then will be sub- there is still a tie the final places are ject to a pools panel type decision and Lynton now ringing decided by the drawing of lots. points awarded accordingly. This way we The results were as follows (points will be able to start the following promptly Right up on the north coast is the little gained shown in brackets): in September. town of Lynton with the church of St If you wish to catch up with results and Mary, probably commanding one of the South Brent 52 (3) v Exminster 74 (2) the standings in the group tables please best views from any churchyard in Dev- Burrington A 38 (2.5) v Dunsford 38 (2.5) look at James Kerslake’s excellent website on. In September 2008 we had a call from South Brent 14.75 (3) v Dunsford 36.50 (0) at [www] [dot] myconid [dot] co [dot] uk Trish Morgan, the captain of the Lynton Exminster 66.5 (3) v Burrington A 70.5 (2) and click on ‘Ladder’. Ringers, saying that they were struggling South Brent 31 (3) v Burrington A 52 (1) Any tower interested in joining the Ring- with their ringing and could we possibly Dunsford 42 (3) v Exminster 74 (1) ing Ladder or requiring more information give them a hand? regarding the format please e-mail on We went and helped them - they are Result from Group 2 of the Ringing Lad- ringingladder [at] devonbells [dot] co [dot] uk such a nice crowd that we are travelling der rung at Dunsford on 24 Nov 2009. or phone Graham Sharland. over there quite regularly! Kingsteignton 26 (3) The six ringers are Anne and Tony Piper, Zeal Monachorum 43 ½ (1) Dave Austin, Ian Reynolds, Trish Morgan Judges; Michael Poole & M Sharland Devon County and Frances. Due to other commitments Ringing Ladder group 3 result held at Trish and Frances have difficulty attend- Zeal Monachorum on 29th March 2010 Show 2010 ing often. The team is doing very well and Exeter St David 110 (2) are now ringing for Sunday services and Burrington B 84 (3) After last year’s success the Devon weddings. They also entered the novice Judge: Scott Adams Churches have asked the Ringers’ Council competition at Sandford this March and Ringing Ladder Group 4 : North if they would like to join them on their on the day they did not perform as well Inwardleigh, 16th November 2009 stand for 2010. The display last year of as we know they can do. Lamerton 44 ¼ Monkleigh 51 ¼ ringing attracted many more people to Although Fred and I have been going out Judges John Wickett & Helen Robinson the Churches stand. If you do wish to take there regularly to give them a hand, we Ringing Ladder - Group 4 : North part or have any queries please contact have also called upon the help of David Broadwoodkelly - 15th March 2010 Ian Avery who has been asked to co-ordi- Trist, the Association Training Officer and Monkleigh 46 ½ Sampford Courtenay 65 ½ nate the event again. This is a wonderful also Tony Jeffery, and John Conibear Judge : Raymond Clements opportunity to show the public what hap- who have kindly offered to help with this pens in a ringing chamber and belfry. new team. Ringing Ladder Update-March 2010 The Devon County Show this year will run Lynton practice regularly on a Monday Twelve months ago the first round of the from 20 to 22 May. There will be more night from 7pm to around 8:30. If any- Ringing Ladder started, so this is probably than 7,000 animals, 200 stables, 572 cat- one is in the area, you would be assured a good time to bring you up to date with tle stalls, 200 pig pens and 817 sheep of a very warm welcome. Please tele- proceedings and plans for the future. pens (2,018 hurdles and pins). There are phone to check that ringing will take There was a good response from 16 tow- lots of new attractions this year to ensure place. Margaret and Fred White. ers wishing to participate ringing the full visitors find plenty of interest. Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 11 Sampford Courtenay Bells Novice Competition at Sandford Towards the end of 2007 the idea of rehang- time and much more work, a grant The weather could not have been better ing the peal of six bells was discussed and would have been forthcoming. The for early March for our novice competi- became something which must be done. The money is there, you just need pa- tion this year held at Sandford on Satur- bells had had their last major overhaul, with a tience and plenty of time to obtain it. day March 13th We were lucky to have new frame by “Stokes of Woodbury” in 1905, In the end we gave up on it and raised both our president and treasurer with us when the tenor was recast by Taylor's. the money by other means. A deci- John Kelly and John Barnes We had 4 In 1970 Arthur Fidler had replaced the old sion we have not regretted! teams entered for the round ringing and plain bearings with new ball bearings, with Regular bi-monthly meetings of the 12 teams for the change ringing. We the addition of new rope pulleys. Other than committee were held and each mem- started the afternoon at 1pm with the that the bells were much the same as when ber gave an update as to the progress draw for the round ringing – pulling them rehung in 1905. on their areas of responsibility. The out from stay and ringing rounds for 5 In 1970, Arthur had written in his report, that PCC was informed of the progress of minutes. Our judges were Chris Clayton, as and when money became available, the the fund and approval sought for Steve Herniman , Scott Adams and our bells needed a complete overhaul as much each aspect of the work involved. other assistant secretary from the South more needed to be done. This was then the In July of 2009 the bells were re- James Kerslake . situation in 2007 with the bells becoming moved from the tower and taken to At approx 2 pm we had the Service which harder to ring and not easy to teach on, due Whitechapel. The original quote was was really good with most teams coming to the position of some of the ropes. for the bells to be ringing again by along, and I thought the singing was ex- Inspection reports and quotes were sought Christmas of that year, but due to tremely good as it always is at our Associ- from bell hangers and the advice of the Dioc- unforeseen circumstances and with ation Services. We then had the results esan Bell Advisor James Clarke was sought. our approval, the return date was for the T H Priddle Shield (the round ring- James was very sympathetic towards our fixed for January 2010. ing). The results were 1st Chagford 21 ½, aims and his advice and help throughout was The bells are now back and we are 2nd Exminster 27 ½, 3rd Dartmouth B 29 ¾, much appreciated. very pleased with the result. 4th Dartmouth A 31¼, We then made the In April 2008 a report was submitted to St In the ringing chamber we have new draw for the change ringing where the Andrews PCC and permission to proceed was ropes and a correct rope circle. There teams pulled them out from the stay and requested. This was wholeheartedly given, is also a replacement case for the rang either the first or second half of 60 with the proviso that no cost should fall on chiming apparatus. on thirds for 10 mins or less. The ladies of the Church Authorities unless absolutely nec- On the next floor the ropes drop Sandford provided us with a lovely tea essary. This had been anticipated so was not down straight from the floor above. which was “rolling along “all afternoon unexpected. A fund raising sub committee The old trap door which was always from 3pm. The weather was beautiful for was immediately formed. It comprised of four raised to allow for sound is now shut. early March and teams could be found sat members who were to give wholehearted Above, in the clock chamber, three in the church yard listening to the ringing support to the project. Myself, Chris Clayton, ropes drop straight from the bells and taking advantage of the warm sun- Bell Captain and Chairman, Terry Bullworthy, above. The other three are slightly shine. There was a wonderful atmos- bell ringer and Chairman of an engineering pulled into position but have new phere for the whole event. We had a very company, Malcolm Craig, Church Warden and ground pulleys and chutes as a guide. brief stop for the judges to enable them bell ringer and Chris Owen, Church Treasurer. Half the old floor has been taken up to have a 10 min break to refresh their At our first meeting we decided to name the and replaced by a new heavy duty pencils. project after Kate Dean, daughter of Bishop galvanised grid. This allows much By about 6pm teams were gathered for Mortimer a former Bishop of Exeter, who had more sound down and allows for bet- the results in the church. After a few agreed to be our fund raiser, but sadly died of ter sound control. thanks to the Rector for taking the serv- cancer after our inaugural meeting. In the Belfry, the old bells and frame ice, the Sandford ringers for inviting us to To decide on the preferred contractor a com- remain but with all new fixtures and hold our competition on their bells, the parison was done by the engineer Terry Bull- fittings. The tenor has a cast iron tea ladies for the wonderful spread and worthy of the technical merits and costs of headstock, this was cast with no can- for our four judges for giving up so much the quotes. We agreed that, although not the ons. The other five have new canon time. I gave a special mention to Richard cheapest, Whitechapel Bell foundry was the retaining headstocks of galvanised and Catherine, two young helpers from contractor which would supply all our needs steel construction, there being an al- Sandford, who had been busy selling and that together with all the associated most blanket ban on the removal of draw tickets all afternoon. works which needed doing, a budget of canons in Devon. Chris Clayton then gave the results. In £45,000 was approved. All the other fittings are new, the first place and winning the P Rice Shield Besides a Church Faculty which is of course bells swing on maintenance free was Upton with 21 faults, 2nd Sandford 35 essential, an application pack was needed to bearings which are bolted on to heavy faults, 3rd Salcombe 35 faults. 4th Chag- send to all sources of funding. The pack con- duty steel bed plates which in turn ford B 35 ½, 5th South Tawton 36 ½, 6th sisted of a project justification sheet, a de- are cut into and bolted dead level on Broadhempston A 38 ½, 7th Dartmouth scription of the church and its activities, the frame. All new chiming apparatus 38 ¾, 8th South Pool 39 ¾, 9th Chagford A details and a history of the bells kindly written and new a clock hammer complete a 40 ½, 10th Exeter St David 32 ¼, 11th by James Clarke, a financial statement which first class undertaking and our thanks Lynton 45, 12th Chivelstone 46 ¼ . was updated as necessary, sometimes photo- must go to the bell foundry and the Upton and Sandford will now go on to the graphs of the old bells where requested and two bell hangers who have complet- minor final at Ilsington on Sat May 22nd an individual letter for each application. ed the work. The final sum for the In conclusion I thought the standard of Funds were sought and raised from every project is £52,000 and all but a few the ringing this afternoon was very good. source, with each member of the committee hundred has been raised in the two And thought it was an excellent after- having different areas of responsibility. Some years from the initial meeting. The noon. It was great to see so many new £6,000 was raised from village events, £4,000 Bishop of Exeter has agreed to re- teams ands faces around. Congratula- from individuals and Devon Bell Towers. Char- dedicate the bells on Sunday 13th tions to the winners and all teams that itable organisations found on the internet June at an 11am service. This will be took part . Keep it up. raised much more and the Devon Bell Resto- followed by refreshments in the Other ringers are warmly invited to at- ration Fund was very generous. Every possible Church Rooms. We would like as tend this competition and the church source of funding was approached. many of our contributors as possible service. A “Heritage Lottery Fund” grant was applied to attend. More information will be See you next year! for. We found this to be very bureaucratic and available on the Devon web site in Margaret White time consuming. It is probable, that given due course. Chris Clayton Devon Calls - May 2010 Page 12 AGM Notice Thurlestone Open Day Devon Ringers’ Carol Service Janet Osler has stated that Thurlestone The Carol Service will be organised by Ian The AGM will be held on Saturday 13 will have an open day on Saturday 5 June Avery and is likely to be held on 18 De- November 2010 at North Tawton Town and ringers are warmly invited. There will cember 2010 at 3pm. Further details will Hall starting 2.15pm. The annual affilia- be open ringing from 3pm until 5pm. be provided when the venue has been tion fees for 2010/11 will be due on 1 Thurlestone bells have not been rung on a confirmed. October or at the AGM (currently £10). In regular basis recently and the opportunity addition, the competition fees, (currently has been taken to refurbish the ringing The Bells of Devon – 2nd Edition £9 for the 6 bell and £12 for 8 bell) will be chamber where Julian Tregellis has taken Now With Updates payable. a leading role. The comprehensive contacts directory for Any bellringing clothing or badges can be It is hoped that the Open Day will be sup- all Devon towers with 3 or more bells obtained from Janice Gist 01805 624690. ported and especially by ringers. Also includes details of ‘lost rings’ of the past 150 years, chimes of 3 or more bells, Bells on BBC Radio Devon Proposed Bell and 1-bell towers. A MUST HAVE for any ringer exploring Devon! The Devon Ringers Council recently re- Maintenance Advice Session. All proceeds in aid of the Devon Church ceived a letter informing them that Bells An invitation from James Clarke, Bells Ad- Bell Restoration Fund were now Broadcast on Radio Cornwall visor to The Exeter Diocesan Advisory The Bells of Devon is available including on Sunday Mornings and asked if we Committee. updates at £5.00 (plus £1.00 p&p) per could look into the possibility of BBC It is my intention to arrange a Saturday copy or updates only at 50p per copy Radio Devon doing the same. morning instruction session for those An approach was made to Pippa Quelch from: Tim Bayton, 64 Mount Pleasant who think that they may benefit from it, in Plymouth who presents Good Morn- Road, Exeter, Devon. EX4 7AH. in the East Devon area. October 23rd is the ing Devon on Sundays and she very Please make cheques payable to ‘The chosen date and it is intended to meet at quickly replied to say that they would be Bells of Devon’ delighted to do likewise. So now you can 10.00 for coffee/tea, and to complete by tune in to BBC Radio Devon between 13.00. The venue is not yet confirmed and 6.30 and 8.30 on a Sunday Morning and so anyone wishing to register their inter- Big Wilf’s hear a clip of different Bells from around est should contact me on 01237 451667 Devon each week at about 7.53. or email jclarke1947 [at] btinternet [dot] Bell Muffles com, and further details will be made Easy to fit and remove leather muffles Editor: available when they are finalised. that stay put, secured by industrial dou- Michael Webster, 5 Kings Rydon Close, It is my intention to extend this offer to ble sided Velcro. Free with every full or- Stoke Gabriel, Totnes TQ9 6QG. Guild members as well as Association Mtwebster[at]btinternet[dot]com. der, an embroidered muffle bag with your The views expressed in this publication do members and I will take the first dozen or church tower or logo up to 200 X 200mm. not necessarily represent the views of the so persons to “sign up”. If there is enough Association. Items for inclusion may be interest and this session is oversub- sent be sent to the Editor, as above. scribed, I will run another in 2011. www.bigwilf.plus.com Advertisement Devon Association Raffle Beric Bartlett at Charleton MUSICAL It is time once again for the Devon Provisional arrangements have been Association Raffle. This is an impor- made to hold the annual “Beric Bar- HANDBELL tant fund raiser for the Devon tlett Festival” for Devon Historic RESTORATION Church Bell Restoration Fund. Churches Trust at West Charleton, I ask if you would help me by selling Nr.Kingsbridge on Saturday 3rd July. Free written quotations. draw tickets. Last year we raised This year the event will consist of £4,079.50 and I hope that this year three sections. Specialised repairs by: we can exceed that total. Section One will be open to “round If you have had tickets to sell please ringing” teams. This will involve ring- send the money and counterfoils to ing off the stay for a period of ten Geoffrey C Hill me by 29 May 2010, or bring them minutes, eight will be judged. New Court Farm (already folded) to the Final at Section Two will involve ringing half Littleham on 12 June 2010. a peal of “sixty on thirds” in which Lamerton If you require more tickets, please there will be no rise or fall. Section Tavistock do not hesitate to contact me. Three will be for the more advanced Christine Ley, Flat 2, 2 Bedford ringers who will ring a full peal of PL19 8RR Street, Barnstaple, EX32 8JR. “sixty on thirds” including the rise 01822 614319 The Devon Church Bell Restoration and fall. More details will be includ- Fund report to the AGM is shown on ed on the invitations, any enquiries [email protected] page 7. please contact Colin Adams.