Mid Devon Branch Tower Talk November 2025

Branch practice Ideford

This practice had originally been planned as a training morning but was changed to a general ringing practice. Having said that, there was lots of evidence of learning and consolidating knowledge, during the morning. This included St Martin's Doubles and London Surprise Minor. The London was a carry over from a previous surprise practice when we didn't quite manage it. All in all, a very useful morning.

Six bell practice Kingswear

This was the first time the branch had visited this relatively new six. The three bells were hung in 1939 in a six-bell frame. For obvious reasons international affairs took over for the next few years and there was little appetite to fill in the remaining pits. It is a great joy that this omission has now been rectified and the bells are a very pleasant light ring. They are a very short walk from the railway station which is now run by the Dartmouth Steam Railway. A couple of the ringers took the opportunity to travel from Paignton by train. The ringing room can only be described as "slightly cramped" - two of the bells are rung in doorways and the fifth is pretty close to the wall. At least one ringer found it easier to handle it facing the wall! Having said that, we had a very enjoyable afternoon and it was good to see a good turnout. Very many thanks to the Kingwear ringers for the very warm welcome. We will be back (watch this space!!)

Photo at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ew7FPAQWVCZdGc8B6 

Branch Outing Yeovil area

This year our main outing took us to the Yeovil area of Somerset. The first tower was Stoke-sub-Hamdon – when we eventually found it! Note to self- read the instructions!

These are a pleasant six and a very good way to start the day. The next ring was a huge contrast in more ways than one. Yeovil are a ring of 12 with a tenor weighing slightly over 2 tons. Several people were more than a little nervous about the prospect of these bells as they have gained a reputation as being a little difficult. In the event we were pleasantly pleased with our performance. The fact that they now have an extra treble (number 0) and a flat 6th means that there is also a front 10 with a tenor of 16cwt. which made it much easier and gave a good variety of possibilities. We kept the ringing relatively simple, but it meant that those unfamiliar with 12 bell ringing were well catered for.

Lunch was next with some choosing the pub in East Coker while others enjoyed a packed lunch and a chance to explore the village and get to the church early enough to have a good look round "T S Eliot's Church". I really meant it – not a euphemism for the anagram of the writer's name. He lived hear and is buried in the churchyard. There is also an interesting brass of a knight which was covered by a rug. Wendy found it and even the local ringer letting us in did not know where it was hidden. There was also an unusual slit window on the tower steps featuring a bell rope with Sally. East Coker bells are a pleasant light 8 which we really enjoyed.

Next were Hardington Mandeville another pleasant light(ish) 8 recently overhauled by Nicholson Engineering. The final tower was West Coker and a slightly heavier (12cwt) 8. This was where we had the group photo taken. Unfortunately several ringers had already left at this point.
This was an excellent outing and we are very grateful to Mike Wigney, our Ringing co-ordinator for the excellent arrangement and to all the local ringers for meeting us and allowing us to ring.

Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/rkWAveicmXtU1pyGA 

10 Bell practice Brixham

Unfortunately your scribe was not able to attend this practice but we understand that 11 ringers were present – slightly disappointing but it did mean that the local ringers were able to ring all 10 bells which does not happen too often. More disappointing was the fact that Guild Ringing Master, Wendy Gill, tried to attend this practice. Firstly, she went to the wrong church. There are two parts to Brixham – locally known as Fish Town and Cow Town. The main town has grown up around Fish town with its well know harbour. Although the church here has 10 bells they are hung dead and programmed to play tunes – in particular Abide with Me. This was written by the local vicar. The traditionally hung ring of 10 is at "Cow Town" or St Mary's. Once Wendy had discovered this, she valiantly made her way there only to be totally unable to find a parking spot. She eventually gave up and went home! We are extremely sorry that this occurred but... see below.

Six Bell surprise practice Bishopsteignton October

These Friday morning practices have become very popular, and we again had a good turnout. This time we were delighted to welcome Guild Master Wendy Gill. It was here that we heard about her exploits at Brixham. We are sure she enjoyed her ringing with us and we hope she has forgiven us for the problems she had on her last attempt to join us.

A good variety of methods was rung including Cambridge, London, Norwich and York. Several of them more than once. These bi-monthly practices are likely to become a fixture next year.

Sherene Jeffries RIP

St Marychurch was particularly lucky with recruits from the "Ring for the King" recruitment drive. We got two beginners and a returning ringer. This was Sherene. She had originally learned to ring about 20 years ago at Eddington in Wiltshire. A long gap followed until she decided to try again following a move to Devon with her daughter and family. She soon made progress and told us she was delighted to have learned how to count her places whilst plain hunting the treble and eventually gained her Guild Certificate.

It was about this time that she received the devastating news that she had Pancreatic Cancer. A variety of treatments followed and during a lull in them we were able to meet her and present the certificate. The photo clearly shows her delight in receiving it. She tackled the diagnosis with phenomenal courage and positivity. The six months she had been expecting actually stretched to 18 and she made good use of this time including a holiday with her family to the Americas and enjoying hosting friends at her lovely cottage. She remained positive to the end, and we were delighted that she could join us for coffee only three weeks before she died.

During her relatively short time as a member of the St Marychurch team she left an indelible impression, and she will be truly missed.
A quarter peal of Plain Bob Major was rung at St Marychurch in her memory.
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1897534 

Her funeral was for family and a few close friends but directed, at her request, by local ringer Jeanette Thompson.

This was followed by a celebration of her life at Stokeinteignhead Church. A large congregation of friends enjoyed a variety of hymns, songs and prayers – all chosen by her. At the end of the service the minister announced a slight pause whilst he invited the ringing friends to get ready to ring. As the congregation made its way to the village hall the bells rang out to Call Changes and a touch of Plain Bob Doubles before the ringers joined the family for very welcome tea and cakes.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8fG6MnykX6JN4XjS9