Guild Striking Competition – Saturday 15th October 2022

Many thanks to Catherine Saunders for this article

This year it was the turn of the Mid Devon branch to host the Guild's striking competition. Competitions were held at both Bishopsteignton and Dawlish.

There were 7 entries for the 6 bell competition, which was judged by Michael Cannon (Guild Ringing Master) and Ian Campbell. Both claimed to have enjoyed a pleasant morning sat in the sunshine in the garden of a house in Bishopsteignton. It was lovely to hear a range of ringing including Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles from less experienced teams and London and Cambridge Minor from the more experienced ringers. The Jack Fiddler Trophy was awarded to the Exeter Cathedral band for their plain course of London Minor, but, to quote Michael Cannon, the team in 7th place were not last – they are still ahead of the team that did not take part!

The atmosphere at Bishopsteignton was thriving and the ringing coincided with the harvest fair. Hearing the ringing encouraged people to come into the church to peruse the stalls and flower arrangements and enjoy some tea and cake. The ringers were kept happy with the refreshments available!

Others spent the morning in Dawlish, where there were 3 entries for the Novice 8 Bell competition. Richard Johnston was the judge and the David Willis Trophy went to the team from Withycombe Raleigh.

The afternoon was filled with ringing from the 6 bands who entered the 8 Bell competition, along with the various other activities that had been arranged, such as hand bell ringing and enjoying more tea and cake! Thank you to the Dawlish ringers for their hospitality.

The results were announced and certificates and trophies were awarded at Dawlish once all the competitions had concluded. The results from the morning's competitions were announced, followed by a period of trepidation that we may never know these results of the 8 bell competition as we realised that we had appeared to have 'lost' the three ringers from Cornwall who had kindly judged the competition! Just when we were all becoming restless with the delay, Geoff Hill took to the stage and gave an impromptu rendition of the folk song 'The Bellringing' – the star of the day!

Eventually, the three judges were located and presented their findings, particularly of 'inconsistent leading', and gave the results of the 8 Bell competition. Exeter branch took the top spot.
The Mid Devon branch were awarded 5th place. However, as the other 5 teams had all rung Grandsire, the branch claimed 1st place for the Bob Major competition!

It was great to meet so many ringers from across the Guild on what was a pleasing and sociable day. Everyone went home feeling rather tired, very happy, and incredibly proud of their achievements and successes, regardless of the 'official' competition results.

Thank you to everyone who took part, whether that was in a ringing or non-ringing capacity, and, well done!

As many of you will know, Cath is moving to Cambridgeshire very soon. We will miss her very much at St Marychurch in both Tower and handbell (tune) teams and also in the Guild where she has been an enthusiastic member at branch and Guild level. All the very best for the future – we do hope you find somewhere to carry on with your ringing.