Mid Devon Branch Tower Talk January 2026
8 bell training morning Highweek
This was a great opportunity to practice basic 7 and 8 bell methods from plain hunting to Plain Bob Triples and Major and Grandsire Triples. A good number of helpers came along to make sure our "students" had experienced bands around them to make ringing easier and there were always ringers happy to act as "steerers". The ringing was led by Ringing co-ordinator – Mike Wigney who kept us hard at it! Highweek bells are easy to ring and strike but our muscles certainly got quite a workout when lifting the trapdoors up and down.
It was lovely to see Guild Ringing master, Wendy Gill once again. During a refreshment break we were able to ask her to perform the presentation of certificates to two Kingskerswell ringers – Alesha and Mia. Many congratulations to them. Then it was back up the tower for more practical work. At the end of the morning, it was very noticeable that good progress had been made and increased confidence in 8 bell ringing was very evident. Many thanks to the helpers for all their hard work.
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/UwGBJw28gMNJYcEJ7
Quarter peal progress
Our ringing co-ordinator, Mike Wigney is an enthusiastic quarter peal ringer and during the Christmas break organised a number of quarter peaHe writes -
Saturday 27 Dec
* Roger Dickinson rang his first quarter peal, at Trusham on the tenor https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1919001
* Julie Stansfield (Moretonhampstead) rang the treble to a quarter at Bishopsteignton https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1919002
* Henry Grice rang the tenor to a quarter of doubles at Denbury. https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1919003
Saturday 03 Jan
* Alesha Leggett and Mia Rowswell both rang their first quarter, treble and tenor respectively to Grandsire Triples at Kingskerswell https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1921901
* Rodney Horder rang his first quarter of Norwich Surprise Minor at Stokeinteignhead https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1921785
Monday 05 Jan
* Henry Grice rang the treble to a quarter of doubles (first away from the tenor) at Kingswear. This was also a first quarter for Owen Widdicombe https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1922553
Very many congratulations to all these "firsts". We are sure there are more to come. It is also very pleasing that several of these were helped by the practice that ringers had received at branch events.
Philip Stevens does it again!
Very many congratulations to Philip Stevens. With a peal at Kingskerswell on 19 January he has rung a full peal on 67 consecutive years – obviously he was very young when he rang his first!! https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1927036
Valerie Stephens RIP
We were sorry to hear that Valerie Stephens died last August. Those with longer memories will remember Valerie when she rang for many years at Babbacombe. She, and her close friend Mavis, were often referred to as the "girls" from Babbacombe! Another link with past ringers lost. RIP
Future Events
Advanced 6 bell practice Bishopsteignton Friday 30 January 2026
A good chance to get practice at Surprise Minor methods. These practices have proved very popular and we really enjoy these mornings on the excellent bells at Bishopsteignton. Hope to see you there.
Branch 6 bell practice Dartington Saturday 7th February 2.30pm
It is quite some time since we visited Dartington so it will be good to visit again – especially now that a new band is being taught there. Please come along if you can.
8 bell advanced practice Friday 20 February 10.00am Kingskerswell
This is a new venture and is based on the enthusiastic support for 6 bell practices. We hope to ring Surprise Major and methods such as touches of Stedman Triples. We are hoping to decide if this idea is worth pursuing in future so please try and join us if you can.
