Devon County Show - May 2010

After a successful Devon County Show in 2009 we were invited back for 2010 and another very worthwhile 3 days were spent with the Frank Mack Garage Ring as part of the Devon Churches Stand. Both Guild and Association ringers manned a display and demonstrated ringing the small bells of the Garage Ring, coming this time with a fitted rain hood, which was not needed in the soaring temperatures! Volunteers sported shorts or went off to buy hats from nearby stalls.

The bells were rung for the daily service at the adjacent churches’ tent, and as demonstrations throughout the day (including one quarter peal), when not actually teaching.

Click the small photos to enlarge.

A number of current or lapsed ringers were attracted to the mini-ring, and large numbers of non-ringers had a go, nearly all mastering the technique in a few minutes. One whole family of non-ringers managed to ring rounds together! A good age range tried their hand - a total of 174 people over the 3 days - all leaving resplendent with their "I've rung on the Devonshire Guild Mini-Ring" sticker. You will see from the photographs we had some eminent people having a go... the Dean of Exeter Cathedral did very well I am told.

Handbells were also rung as a demonstration to the public a little further off, and two quarters were rung in hand on the Thursday, despite a marching band drowning out all sound, and people nailing prayers to the pole behind one ringer!

There was still time for helpers to wander round the show and take in its many varied sights and experiences. The mini-pigs (see picture below) were a hit with some helpers. There was even talk of dancing sheep.

A big thank you to all helpers who gave their time. The dates for the 2011 show, where it is hoped to make it "3-in-a-row", are May 19th-21st.

Ian Avery & Lynne Hughes

 

 

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