Mid Devon Branch Tower Talk October 2026

September 8 bell practice Kingsteignton

It is some time since we held a branch practice at the fine ring of bells at Kingsteignton so many of our newer ringers have not rung there. This practice was very well supported and an enjoyable afternoon of ringing was had, One of the features of this tower is the large number of trophies and shields all around you as you ring. The panelling also makes it feel a bit like ringing in a boardroom! As always, the welcome from the local ringers was very warm and it was good to see several people we have not seen at one of our events for some time, A good mixture of methods from Plain Bob Triples to Stedman and Cambridge S Major was rung.

A novel feature of this practice was the invitation to ring at the other 8 in Kingsteignton – the LB Campanile in Ian Avery's garage. This is a mini ring with a tenor weighing 30lbs. Mini rings are very different from full size rings but it was excellent to

see everyone soon getting to grips with the different technique needed. A variety of methods was again rung here. It was

obvious that this addition to the programme was very popular and we thank Ian for giving us sich a warm welcome to both towers. A very enjoyable and useful afternoon.

Six bell surprise practice Bishopsteignton September

Several ringers who normally attend these practices were away but despite this a very useful practice was enjoyed with several methods such as Cambridge and Beverley Surprise Minor and Stedman Doubles being rung.

Branch Outing Dartmouth area October 2026

This year we tried a bit of an innovation. Centred round the river Dart most of the transport was on foot. First was the relatively new six at Kingswear. They are a little tricky to ring due to limited space in the ringing room, and we look forward to the time when the wall behind the 5th bell is removed and the rope circle improved. However, everyone managed very well and enjoyed this first tower.

The next item was getting to Dartmouth. There are two ways across and both were used by members of our party, The foot ferry leaves from just outside the station and is quite well used. At the same time the car ferry leaves from slightly further down river. This is now very rare as a tug is used to push the ferry across. Once everyone was safely over the other side we were able to ring on the fine eight at St Saviour. This 18cwt ring is glorious and much enjoyed.

It was then time for lunch and most people either brought a packed lunch or bought something in Dartmouth. Sadly for one ringer the promised café at the castle was not open. Various means of travel were used to get to the Castle. Most chose to walk the mile or so each way but several decided to use the small ferry which was running every 20 minutes from the town to the castle. It holds a maximum of 12, The bells at St Petrox are a good ring of six but quite a long draft which challenged one or two. After a leisurely trip back to Kingswear by various means and often including coffee or ice cream we made our way to Marldon.

Marldon are another tower not visited for a long time by the branch. They are quite slow turning which made a very useful exercise, especially for our less experienced ringers. Then we all adjourned to the Old Smokey for a well-earned meal. Here we found everything waiting for us and the very efficient staff coped brilliantly with the extra numbers they were not expecting! Most of us had the carvery which comes with a large selection of vegetables.
At the end of the meal Mick thanked Martin for the organisation and Mike W for co-ordinating the ringing. All agreed that it had been an unusual but very enjoyable day.
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/bfpK9Y8pRrmc2zbq6 

 Branch 8 Bell practice October

For reasons beyond the branch's control, the October practice was moved to Highweek. The trapdoors here make it an "interesting" tower but we made good use of the bells. It was really good to see a couple of new faces at these practices and we managed to ring two methods as advertised – Double Norwich Court Bob and Cambridge Surprise. We also rang Stedman Triples. Another useful morning with ringing overseen by Mike Wigney. Many thanks to Highweek for allowing us the use of their bells.

Guild Striking competitions

Your scribe had an interesting morning working with our Guild Ringing Master Jon Rose to judge the nine teams in the inter tower six bell competition. It was particularly pleasing that our faults for each team were virtually identical. Not surprisingly, it was won by Exeter Cathedral with a couple of plain courses of Cambridge Minor.

At the same time there was a novice competition at Stoke Canon. It was very impressive that Teignmouth entered two bands. Unfortunately, there was a mechanical issue with the treble clapper which eventually fell out. This caused a few problems for the ringers and a delay in getting the result agreed. The Teignmouth ringers were not at the presentation ceremony so an extra spot was added to a St Marychurch practice. The Teignmouth ringers were there in force and almost complete bands were able to have their photos taken with their 5th and 7th certificates. Congratulations to them for being the sole entrants from the Mid Devon Branch.

Again, the branch did not enter a team in the eight bell competition but it was quite refreshing to hear our Guild President acknowledge that many ringers do not want to ring in competitions and that is acceptable.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6pniQoZZhXjM5pEL8 

The many benefits of being a ringer

A recent trip to a funeral in Leicestershire, a county I left almost 50 years ago really emphasised to me how lucky we are to be members of this great hobby and service to the church. It was great to catch up with ringers from my past but also to meet ringers who are now ringing in the area and were not around in those days. The warmth of their welcome was extremely pleasing and it was good to celebrate the life of a lady, Gwen Tyler, who had given so much to ringing and to her local village. These included a period as President of the Leicester Diocesan Guild and Chairman of the Houghton on the Hill newspaper. One ringer did point out that if we left it as long between ringing together as the present gap I would be 108!!

Central Council Ringing Census 2026

The Central Council is holding a census of ringers from 16th to 22 November. They would like all ringers to consider taking part. Full details are on the CC census page link Ringing Census 2026 – CCCBR
The idea is to try and get an idea of the state of ringing in 2026. This is not just for experienced ringers or tower captains. They would like all ringers of whatever experience to join in. Please consider taking part. It would be great if all branch members had their say.

Quarter Peal Day

On November 7 it was good to see most of of our towers in action for quarter peal day. Seven successes, three lost, and two more deferred for a couple of weeks until local ringers are free. Special congratulations are due to Amrik (first quarter peal), John (first inside) and Alesha (first quarter inside, and first touch of Bob Minor inside).
Photos of the Bishopsteignton and Wolborough bands are at at https://photos.app.goo.gl/oJ8vNzQt7UHU1JsJ6.  The quarters are on https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/search.php?event=24085&order= 
Congratulations on this new venture for the Branch and better luck for next time for those who were unsuccessful (this includes your scribe!!)

Don Roberts

Don has had a recent operation in Torbay Hospital and a couple of weeks as an inpatient. We are glad to report that he is now home and making steady progress. We know that Don is an avid reader of these notes and I know you will all join me in sending very best wishes to him.