On Saturday 19 October, Guild ringers flocked to the Aylesbeare Deanery Branch to take part in the annual Striking Competitions. Due to a wedding at Lympstone, the 6-Bell Inter-Tower competition started earlier than usual, but participants were not daunted, and we were pleased that seven teams competed for the J P Fidler Cup this year. Guild Master, Leslie Boyce, was a most able judge who benefitted from the comforts of a nearby conservatory.
6-Bell Inter-Tower Competition
| Position | Tower | Faults |
| 1 | Withycombe Raleigh | 32 |
| 2 | Exeter St Mark (Minor) | 42 |
| 3 | Tavistock | 49 |
| 4 | Plymouth Emmanuel | 50 |
| 5 = | Exeter St Mark (Doubles) | 75 |
| 5 = | Plymouth Youths | 75 |
| 7 | Exeter Colleges Guild | 117 |
|
|
|
Running simultaneously was the Novice Competition at Clyst St George, with many teams rushing between towers in order to take up their ringing slots. Once again, there were a pleasing number of entries this year, and six teams gave judges John Martin and Charlotte Boyce plenty to think about! Much support came from the Plymouth Youths, who won the John Longridge Plate.
The winning Plymouth Youths team (l-r):
James Vockin, Josephine Maddick, Harry Andrews, Benjamin Smith, Mark Williams, Helen Williams
6-Bell Novice Competition
| Position | Tower | Faults |
| 1 | Plymouth Youths (1) | 32.5 |
| 2 | Withycombe Raleigh | 34 |
| 3 | Plymouth Youths (2) | 35 |
| 4 | Plymouth Emmanuel | 36 |
| 5 | Littleham | 52 |
| 6 | Plymouth St Budeaux | 62 |
After lunch, and a brief chance to relax, a throng of ringers gathered at Withycombe Raleigh, where the results of the mornings’ competitions were announced and trophies presented. Tension built as the draw for the 8-Bell Inter-Branch competition took place, and simmered all afternoon as seven branches battled with Grandsire Triples, or more excitingly Double Grandsire Triples. Judging was ably and enjoyably provided by Tom Hinks, Tim Payne and Steph Hills, who after much deliberation presented the Andrews Trophy to the Exeter Branch (Double Grandsire), in a close fought contest.
Lester Yeo (left) receives the trophy from Tom Hinks
8-Bell Inter-Branch Competition
| Position | Branch | Peal Speed | Faults |
| 1 | Exeter (Double Grandsire) | 2h56 | 88 |
| 2 | South West (Double Grandsire) | 3h10 | 96 |
| 3 | Aylesbeare (Grandsire) | 2h52 | 134 |
| 4 | Exeter (Grandsire) | 2h58 | 138 |
| 5 | East (Grandsire) | 3h03 | 144 |
| 6 | North East (Grandsire) | 2h45 | 152 |
| 7 | South West (Grandsire) | 3h11 | 175 |
During the afternoon everyone enjoyed the sumptuous tea and cakes laid on by the Aylesbeare branch, handbells were rung, and much chatting, listening, and more chatting took place. Our warmest thanks and appreciation goes to all those efforts that went into making such a successful day for the Guild. And we look forward to next year!
Clare Griffiths
Guild Secretary
Morning:
Please book your slots by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
6 Bell - Lympstone (9am-12 noon)
Judge: Les Boyce
240 changes of any Doubles or Minor method
Inter-tower competition for the J P Fidler Cup
6 Bell Novice - Clyst St George (10am - 1pm)
Judge: John Martin & Charlotte Boyce
120 changes of Plain Hunt Doubles or Minor
Inter-tower novice competition for the John Longridge Plate
Afternoon (draw at 2pm):
Please inform This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if your branch is entering a team.
8 Bell - Withycombe Raleigh (middle 8)
Judge: Tom Hinks, Tim Payne & Steph Hills
224 Grandsire Triples or Double Grandsire Triples
Inter-branch competition for the Andrews trophy
The prescribed touches are below and are available to download.
| 224 Grandsire Triples
234567 |
224 Double Grandsire Triples
234567 |
