Mid-Devon Tower Talk - April-May 2026

Branch 8 bell practice Berry Pomeroy

Your correspondent was incapacitated for this one (see last Tower Talk), so I am not able to give a detailed report, but I understand a useful afternoon was spent on these very pleasant bells.

Advanced practice Bishopsteignton

These practices really have proved very popular and useful. A full range of methods was rung and good progress made, This included useful practice on the treble for treble bobbing and a variety of Surprise minor methods, Cambridge (of course) several times, as well as London and Wells. As usual, Nigel kept our fluid levels well supplied with coffee and tea halfway through the morning. Speaking personally, I was very moved to receive a round of applause as I entered the ringing room – my first ringing since the accident. Altogether a very enjoyable morning.

Breaking in to Method ringing – a two day course

This was quite a departure for the branch. Two sessions about 2 hours or so each between Friday evening and Saturday Morning.

Friday was at Bishopsteignton – a new tower to some but no stranger to branch activities. Six 'students' had enrolled although Malcolm was unable to join us on the Friday. Experience in the group varied from first steps at plain hunting to starting Plain Bob (mainly Doubles) inside. Most of the learners had taken part in theory training during the previous weeks and some revision was held whilst the rest of the ringers got down to the practical side. Our Education Officer, Gerraint, was in charge and kept the ringing moving quickly with very willing helpers and mentors doing sterling work. A quick break for coffee and then back to work.

Less than 24 hours later we were back on the end of the ropes – this time at Stokeinteignhead. Immediately it was obvious that the two day approach was paying off. There was much more confidence evident, and it was clear that a good night's sleep had done wonders – both for the 'trainees' and the helpers!

As usual, the Stokeinteignhead ringers made us very welcome and there was a table heaving with delicious cakes to greet us during breaks from ringing. Several of the ringers went home with cake to eat later. Sheila and Jenny did a great job.

This was a very well received event with much positive feedback. The learners vowing to continue the good work at their tower practices. Very many thanks to the host towers and to all the helpers and participant who worked so hard to make the two days so worthwhile.
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/4V28kUKXb4PbrZTN6 

8 Bell advanced Practice Kingskerswell – April

Following the first (very successful) 8 bell advanced practice a second one was arranged. For various reasons attendance was not so great. Having said that, those who attended had a useful morning with Cambridge Major rung several times – a touch of Stedman Triples and a very well struck touch of 196 Grandsire Triples composed and conducted by Don Roberts in his 96th year. Recent publication of an extraordinarily complex peal (at the ninth attempt!) prompted several courses of Titanic Triples, There was general amusement when it was explained that this method was first pealed on 11 bells – hence Titanic Cinques.  See the band for the Grandsire at https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1963031 

Very many congratulations to Don for an enjoyable touch and to Don and June for their (quite rare) Platinum wedding anniversary. Again, many thanks for the warm welcome from Kingskerswell.

6 Bell practice Ideford

The branch is not always able to keep to the programme proposed at the AGM. This was the case with this practice as Dean Prior were not available. Ideford was chosen as a substitute. Ideford is very much on the edge of our branch and that might have been the reason that attendance was not quite so good. Having said that, the ringers who did attend had a very useful and sociable afternoon. It was good to meet one of the local ringers who told us she learned to ring at Dawlish during Lynne Hughes' time as captain.

During a break in proceedings we took the opportunity to elect Emma Harris from Dawlish as a new member of the branch. We send our very best wishes to her and hope to see her at a branch event verysoon. We were also able to present a Guild certificate to Henry Grice. Well done, Henry! It really is great to see how you are progressing.

Practice gained included hunting the treble, Touches of Bob Doubles (including Singles for one touch), Plain Bob Minor, London Surprise and Stedman Doubles. We also included two touches of 100 Grandsire Doubles to mark David Attenborough's 100th birthday.

These photos show one of the bands for the 100 Grandsire Doubles and Guild Vice President, Martin Mansley presenting Henry Grice with his Guild certificate.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QaVFw86p9Nzdxh8a9  and the Bellboard entry https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1967759 

Martin Mansley– health update

Thank you so much to everyone who has enquired after my accident. It turns out I ruptured a tendon in my right knee. This required surgery which was carried out in Torbay Hospital. A variable splint then had to be worn. This was fixed straight for 2 weeks, 30 degrees and then 60 degrees for two weeks each. This has now been ceremonially thrown away! Exercises have increased the movement, and I can now move it to 90 degrees. This means that I can get into a car but not the driving seat. Being married to a very experienced Occupational Therapist has helped tremendously and I cannot thank her enough. Tower steps have to be taken slowly but are now possible! Many thanks again for all the good wishes.

Bell Sunday

Stokeinteignhead
For the Stokeinteignhead ringers Bell Sunday started on Saturday! Several posters and other advertising had been used around the village and this paid off well. The church was open from 10.30 am with various displays about bells and ringing. These included Martin Mansley's bell simulator which was used to good effect to demonstrate both the ringing action and the bell striking. In the tower the bells were used to demonstrate method ringing mainly with Grandsire Doubles. Anyone who wished could then have a go at backstrokes but two of the visitors were returning ringers who were able to join in some rounds. It would be great if they could join the band permanently.

Back in the church handbells were used to "walk" plain hunting on six. This was very much enjoyed, particularly by one six year old from the local school. Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbgtTHnn5byfJ9bk9  Thanks to Sheila Horder.
This was Stokeinteignhead so the refreshments flowed continuously with coffee, tea and the usual delicious cakes.  A very successful and enjoyable morning. We look forward to seeing some new ringers as a gratifying result.

The next event was on the Sunday when the Sunday service was led by ringer, Hugh (Mac) Mccormick, and included 2 ringers hymns and some ringing in the service. The whole was a very good opportunity to educate the congregation about ringing. Many thanks to everyone for their hard work.

Littlehempston
This is the only ring of five bells in our branch area now that East Ogwell and Denbury have been augmented to six. A band is being taught for them and ringers regularly attend Berry Pomeroy practices. Hence when ringer Mike Thomas requested help for Bell Sunday three Berry Pomeroy ringers answered the call. We understand that the monthly service there was strongly bell themed with the vicar admitting that she used to ring herself. Several of the parishes in her care have rings of bells so perhaps she will be tempted back.

Cockington
This church is in the middle of a very popular park and visitor attractiion. The church and tower were open for the afternoon of bell Sunday. An exhibition was organised by Nicola Jones and around 30 of the visitors had a try at ringing for the first time. With the national thrust to get more ringers by 2030 this was another excellent event – hopefully, some of those will come forward to be trained for the future.  A Photo at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZDsjut12k1BbSc1g7 

Mary White RIP

In the mid 1990s Basil and Mary White moved to live in Paignton and joined the band at St Marychurch where they rang in several quarter peals and were very regular Sunday service and practice ringers. They eventually became ringers at Stokeinteignhead when Basil played the organ there in the days of Rev Robert Southwood. In the early 2000s they moved to Hampshire to be near their daughter. Basil died some years ago. From the Ringing World we learn that Mary has now passed away at the Age of 92. We remember them both with affection and send our condolences to Mary's family.

The Steam Paddle ship Waverley visit to Dartmouth

The Waverley is the last remaining sea going paddle steamer. It has embarked on a season of sailings from over 70 ports and piers round the UK coastline. For its visit to Dartmouth Henry Grice arranged ringing to commence as she sailed into the Dart for her day in the port.
A quarter peal attempt was planned but at about the half-way point it came to grief. A short touch of Plain bob Minor was added to make sure the event was well marked. We understand from various sources that the bells sounded really well across the water. Thank you Henry for excellent organisation. Apologies that the quarter was not successful.  https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1974021