North/North West Branch

The North/Northwest Branch is the largest - geographically - in the Devon Guild, stretching along the North Devon coast from the Somerset border in the east to the Cornwall border in the west; and southwards by about 30 miles into mid-Devon.  Conversely, we have the fewest towers. There is a cluster of six towers within about 10 miles of Barnstaple, (Bratton Fleming, Braunton, Combe Martin, Fremington, Holy Trinity Ilfracombe & Shirwell), one more in the extreme mid-south (Black Torrington), and another in the extreme west (Bridgerule) close to the Cornwall border.  As yet, none of these towers have a method-ringing band although a couple have some recruits who are learning to plain hunt. All our towers have regular practices, details of which can be found via the towers list.

There are, though, a number of experienced method ringers among our members in and around the Barnstaple area, and they get their regular “fix” of 8-bell method ringing with the St Brannock Society, which is based in Braunton and ring on Tuesday evenings either there or elsewhere in the north Devon area. There are also occasional method practices at Bridgerule. At all tower and St Brannock practices visitors are always most welcome to join us.

The Branch has a weekly practice on Mondays at Shirwell (6)  We also hope to have an annual outing on the first Saturday in July. Other Guild & Branch events are listed.

As well as our 5 Guild towers there are, of course, many call-change towers within our geographical area and some superb rings of bells. If anyone would like any further information about the bells and ringing opportunities in the N/NW Branch area then please contact the Branch Secretary.