Philip Stevens celebrates 80 years
Many congratulations to Philip Stevens who reached 80 years old on 24th April. Philip has successfully led the team at Kingskerswell / Coffinswell for over 30 years and his enthusiasm is undiminished after all this time – possibly even greater since the amazing transformation of the bells and ringing experience at Kingskerswell. As both Philip and Mo have birthdays on the same day (She is much younger than him – a year!) they had a joint open house afternoon the day before and it was great to catch up with a few faces not seen for some time.
On the day a quarter peal was rung which included Philip's daughter and her husband. A well struck quarter peal of Plain Bob Major was enjoyed at Kingskerswell and afterwards it was back again to Priory Ave to help eat up some of the goodies from the day before.
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1613455
Photo of the band at https://photos.app.goo.gl/hYv27C7K2v4eq4Dq8
Due to the conductor being on holiday there was a brief interval before a celebratory peal could be rung but a well struck peal of Cambridge Surprise Major was also dedicated to the Coronation. Not only was this in part a birthday peal but it allowed Philip to complete another milestone – 64 consecutive years of peal ringing.
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1615699
So, Many congratulations to Philip and a big thankyou for all the work you have done and the unfailing hospitality from both you and Mo. We wish you many more years of peal ringing.
Coronation Ringing in the Branch
This was a phenomenal effort by ringers throughout the country but particularly in our branch area. All towers are to be congratulated on all the hard work put in before but particularly on the day. This could turn into a long list of references to the Ringing World but suffice to mention Branch area towers –
Abbotskerswell, Bickington, Bovey Tracey, Berry Pomeroy, Buckfast Abbey, Coffinswell, Combeinteignhead, Dawlish, East Ogwell, Highweek, Ilsington, Kingskerswell, Lustleigh, Manaton, Moretonhampstead, St Leonard's Tower, Teignmouth (St James and St Michael simultaneously!), Upton, Stokeinteignhead St Marychurch and Wolborough. My apologies if I have missed any. Much of this ringing included those trained for "Ring for the King" – again a superb effort by so many.
Full details of ringers taking part can be found by reference to Ringing World Bellboard https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/ There is also a Double Issue of the Ringing World print copy and supplement available at £5.00.
A few comments –
Julia Brett (Teignmouth) - Nice ringing with John (Brett) making his debut for his first 'event' and Doug a returner.
Both our towers rung simultaneously...first for decades. We even had an audience at St James's because they opened the church and had a big screening of tge Coronation. We were able to do a PR promo job at the same time! Roger worked hard to arrange it!
Roger Treweek (Teignmouth) The highlight for us was having 17 ringers available on the morning of the Coronation ( including 1 returning - Doug Eltham and 1 recent learner - John Brett ( so his first ringing for an 'event' )), which meant that I was able to split the band into 2 Groups , enabling us to ring a variety of Call changes on 8 at both St Michaels & St James simultaneously . No one seems to know when this last happened – but it is probably over 20 years ago !
Philip Stevens (Kingskerswell and Coffinswell) Coronation ringing at Kingskerswell. The week before the coronation, I was asked if 2 children from the school could 'Ring for the King'. I arranged for them to come to the tower the day before the coronation, when they were able to master back strokes extremely well. Bella and Jakub duly came on the day, and both rang back strokes to some very good rounds. They have both been given certificates and will get badges when I receive them. It is hoped that Bella and her mum will come back to learn to ring.
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bqto9opX7AEHrKQbA
St Marychurch
At St Marychurch we were pleased to include returning ringer Sherene who was able to participate fully in the ringing and new ringer Becky who rang some backstrokes to rounds with assistance. As always many thanks to the loyal supporters for their help. Some photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/HActN9iRxN4q28xf6
Bovey Tracey et al
The ringers of the moorland group did a phenomenal job. Not only had they done an amazing job in recruiting and training new ringers but they were able to make sure that all the towers in their area rang at some time on the day – they must have been happy but exhausted at the end of the day – very many congratulations to you
Several of the Bellboard entries include photos so do have a look
Branch 8 bell Practice Berry Pomeroy
A very good turn-out for this practice with two ringers turning up who were not aware it was a branch practice! It was great to meet John who now lives in Paignton and Owen from Collaton St Mary. We rang a good variety of methods and kept 8 bells going all evening. It was very pleasing to see local ringers making good use of the improved possibilities from Plain Hunt Triples to Stedman Triples and Yorkshire Surprise Major. Many thanks to Mike and the Berry Pomeroy regulars for making us so welcome.
