Honiton Bell Ringers

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Diary Dates

Xmas Dinner


   18th December
Planned for return to The Sidmouth Arms and Upottery

Annual Outing


   21st September
Suggested venture into deepest Devon

Past Events

AGM


   10th January 2024
The evening was spent in the Narthex enjoying coffee and cakes.   We made a few changes: David has taken over as Deputy Tower Captain and David, Paul and Theo are joint Steeple Keepers.

GDR's 150th


   3rd January 2024
We commemorated the 150th anniversary year of the inauguration of the Guild of Devonshire Ringers by ringing 150 of Spliced Plain Bob and Un-Saiph Little Bob Minor on the front six.

Xmas Dinner


   20th December 2023
The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery.   They served us well again.   A good time was had by all.

Annual Outing


   23rd September 2023
Ian's outing to Pitminster, Wilton,Taunton ,Curry Mallet and Isle Abbotts, with some difficult bells, was well received.   Lunch was at the Bell Inn, Curry Mallet.

E Devon
   6 Bell striking competition


   8th July 2023
Well done Honiton, thanks to Theo, Anne, Kirsten, Ian, David and Kathie.
Striking Competition at Offwell

Coronation of King Charles III


   6th May 2023
We rang 3 times that week for the King.

AGM:


   11th January 2023
7.00 start - We whizzed through the business quickly and were ringing by about 7.30. Ian Rees was elected Tower Captain.

Ringing:


   Nov, December 2022
We hardly rang at all on Sundays through November except for the RBL service and march (both of which require closer coordination in future).   We then rang for Sunday services on 18th and 25th December.

Xmas Dinner:


   14th December 2022
1st since 2019 - 9 attended The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery who served us well.   Generally regarded as a great success.

Annual Outing:


   24th September 2022
1st since 2019 - Ian organised the outing to Bradpole, Loders, Shipton Gorge, Burton Bradstock and Symondsbury, with lots of variety.   Lunch was at the New Inn, Shipton Gorge and finally tea at the Symondsbury Kitchen. A good time was had by all.
Outing

Accession of Charles III:


   10th September 2022
We rang unmuffled on Saturday following the proclamation of Charles as King.

Death of Queen Elizabeth II:


   8th September 2022
Chris half-muffled the bells and Derek tolled the tenor for half-hour in the evening.   Chris and Ali tolled for 1 hour at noon on Friday, we rang all 8 on Sunday morning, and the bells remained half-muffled until the funeral on Sunday 18th September.

Charter Day:


   23rd July 2022
We rang for 10 minutes to open proceedings, then offered have-a-go sessions for visitors, resulting in Daniel starting lessons and 5 others interested.

Branch Striking Competition:


   9th July 2022
We won!   Congratulations Kathie, Theo, Ian, Ali, Kirsten and David.
Striking Competition at Combe Raleigh

New Recruits:

On 11th April we welcomed Willam to start lessons, and since 1st June he has been practising with the band.

Spring Market Day:


   2nd April 2022
We supported the event with a ringing demonstration and a have-a-go recruitment session followed by a branch Surprise Major practice.

New Recruits:

On 30th March we welcomed Jules and Jon to start lessons, following more leafleting a fortnight earlier, and in July, they started practising with the band.

Ringing


   16th March:
We welcomed Ian to the band and now have 3 regular Honiton ringers. So, with help from other towers, we hope to have at least 6 ringers for Wednesday practices and Sunday services.

Supporting Ukraine


   W/C 13th March:
Derek rang for 10 minutes at 4.00pm (6.00pm Ukraine time) on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday as a gesture of support for the Ukrainians in defence of their country against the invasion by Russian forces and the resulting refugees.

Surprise Major practice:


   5th March 2022
We hosted the branch Surprise Major practice, repeated in April, May, September and October.

New Recruits:

In early February we welcomed Lindi and Beth to start lessons, but they both dropped out after 1 or 2 lessons.

Queen's accession:


   6th February 2022
We rang a QP before the Sunday service to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession.   Theo's 1st as caller.
Queen's accession

Surprise Minor practices:


   22nd January 2022
We hosted a Cambridge Surprise Minor practice, with ringers from East Devon, and repeated it the following week and again on 19th March, intending to drown out the preacher outside.

AGM:


   12th January 2022
Only 2 attended.   We whizzed through the business quickly and were ringing by 7.30.

New Recruits:

On 10th November we welcomed Elizabeth who was progressing well but has dropped out, soon to return we hope.
Before that, though, on 23rd October we welcomed 2 new learners Nigel and Vivien who, after little more than a week and lots of practice, were ringing both strokes at a steady speed, but sadly they have both dropped out.   Hopefully Vivien will come back in the new year.

Recruitment Drive:


   12th October 2021
We started a publicity campaign and recruitment drive involving the church, library, town council, posters and numerous publications incl. What's On In & Around Honiton, Around the Parishes, One Magazine, East Devon News, Facebook (Honiton Bell Ringers, Honiton Community Page, The Honiton Community Uk, What's On In Honiton, St Paul's Church and Honiton Shout), and Honiton Nub

Ringing lessons:

In Honiton, Derek has been teaching 4 young learners from Dunkeswell and 4 (more recently 5) older learners from Broadhembury.

Change of Leadership:


   29th August 2021
Sadly Ali has had to resign due to ever growing work demands and the side effects of surgery so Derek has taken over as Acting TC.

Restarting Ringing:


   1st August
We have been ringing 6 bells on Sundays and Wednesday practices with the help of Kathie, Laurie and others.   Missed 2 weeks ringing in September due to Derek's COVID infection.   We rang 8 bells for the Weddings on 14th and 21st August with lots of outside help, but more recently struggled to get 6 for practices and Sundays, occasionally abandoned.

Charter Day:


   31st July 2021
ringing cancelled because COVID restrictions were too onerous.

Anniversary of War Memorial:


   14th July 2021
A single bell was tolled following the 7.00pm proceedings.

Sunday Ringing:

Since 23rd May, we have been ringing 4 bells for the 11.00 service on Sunday mornings.

Easter Ringing:


   4th April 2021
We rang for 15 minutes on Easter Sunday before the 11.00 am service.

Lockdown:


   23rd March 2021
A single bell was tolled for 10 minutes before a prayer at 12 noon, to mark the anniversary of the first COVID19 lockdown.

All Ringing:

still suspended.

AGM:


   20th January 2021
this was held on Zoom.

Christmas Day:

A single bell was tolled for Christmas Day service but otherwise still suspended.

Xmas Dinner:


   16th December 2020
Cancelled.

Ringing Suspended:


   5th November onwards
All ringing again disallowed due to COVID restrictions.

Ringing restarts:


   30th August 2020
We met for the 1st time since lockdown against the COVID19 virus, and Derek, Ali, Theo and Lisa rang the 1, 3, 5 and 7 respectively, observing all the hand sanitising, face masks and social distancing recommendations.

Outing:

Cancelled.

Charter Day:


   25th July 2020
Cancelled.

Branch Striking Competition:


   11th July 2020
Cancelled.

Ringing Suspended:


   23rd March onwards
No ringing allowed due to COVID pandemic.

AGM:


   8th January 2020
We whizzed through the business quickly and were ringing at around 7.55.   We held regular practices, and rang every Sunday morning, even when we only had 3 or 4, but sadly no weddings.   Alison Phelps-Beaumont was elected as Tower Captain. Congratulations to her.

Xmas Dinner:


   18th December 2019
It was held at the Otter Inn and 7 attended including visitors and wives.   Sadly, floods meant Lisa couldn't make it.   Richard H presented us with a quiz which kept us all amused, and the food was well received.

QP for Carol Service:


   8th December 2019
Anne Burn scored her first quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor.

QP for Advent Carol Service:


   1st December 2019
We attempted Theo's first QP of Cambridge Minor, to celebrate the Branch centenary, but failed again.

Evensong:


   20th October 2019
We rang for evensong, lost a QP and ended up ringing doubles.

Charter Day:


   20th July 2019
We rang at 10.00 to open the event but had to stop abruptly because the organisers had not co-ordinated us with the Town Crier.   They should be better organised next year.   Despite this disruption, we went on to open the tower for visitors to the ringing chamber, with demonstrations from 10.30 'til 11.00 and 12.00 'til 12.30, and have-a-go sessions in between.   Sadly, despite many promising hopefuls, none returned for lessons.

Branch Striking Competition:


   13th July 2019
We won again!
Striking competition winners
The winning band - Robert, Derek, Lisa, Anne, Chris and Peter - at Dunkeswell.

Outing:


   29th June 2019
There were 8 or 9 of us in the end so, we cancelled the mini-bus and took cars.   We rang at Bradpole, Fordington, Dorchester, Bradford Peverell and Cattistock.

Theo's Level 5:


   February 2019
Theo was presented with his Level 5 certificate, in recognition of his completing the Learning The Ropes training scheme.   Well done Theo.
Theo's certificate

Lisa's 1st Peal:


   19th January 2019
Lisa rang her first peal on 8 bells.   5088 changes of Yorkshire Surprise Major, at Pinhoe, near Exeter.   This was quite an achievement as it was no simple method and took nearly 3 hours.   Well done Lisa.

AGM:


   9th January 2019
We whizzed through the business quickly and were ringing at around 7.45.   We held regular practices, rang for 2 weddings, and rang almost every Sunday morning, even when we only had 4 and Chris Marsden has joined the band.   Sadly, following the recruitment drive in February none of the recruits destined for Honiton, are not ringing with us - yet.

Xmas Dinner:


   5th December 2018
A good time was had by all at The Otter Inn, Weston with a quiz by Richard H.

QP:


   2nd December 2018
Peter, Richard D, Theo, Lisa, Derek and Brenda C rang a quarter peal of 6M&38;V: Stedman, Grandsire, April Day, St Martins, St Simons and Plain Bob Doubles on the back 6.   Theo's first QP of more than 2 methods, Derek's 1st conducting more than 2 methods, and Richard's first QP for about 30 years - well done to all.

Armistice Day:


   11th November 2018
We rang at 7.05 Ringing For Peace, but couldn't get a band for 11.00 Remembrance or 12.30 Ringing Remembers.

QP:


   23rd October 2018
Theo's and Peter's first QP of Plain Bob Minor, on the back 6 in Honiton - well done to both.

Outing:


   27th August 2018
to Buckland St Mary, Dowlish Wake, Crewkerne, Chaffcombe and Chard.   There were 16 of us with 12 in the mini-bus incl. 2 non-ringers.   We lunched in Crewkerne and 6 of us went to the Heathfield in the evening.

QP:


   22nd August 2018
Theo's 2nd QP, at Combe Raleigh, on a different method (St Martin's and St Simon's mixed + spliced)

Charter Day:


   21st July 2018
Demonstrations and have-a-go sessions for visitors from 10.00am 'til 1.00pm resulting in one keen lady for Reading, another for Cullompton and 2 possibles.   1 declined and the other (Linette) dropped out after one long and very promising lesson.

Branch Striking Competition:


   14th July 2018
We won!
Striking comp' winners
The winning band - Derek, Ali, Lisa, Sally, Anne and Peter at Feniton.

QP:


   9th July 2018
Theo rang his 1st quarter peal inside to Plain Bob Doubles, and Sally her 1st on tenor behind, in Honiton.  Well done both of them.
Theo's and Sally's 1sts
The band in order, from left to right: Anne, Lisa, Theo, Peter, Derek (C) and Sally.  Full details on BellBoard.

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2018
We rang a Quarter Peal: 4 M & V (Grandsire, April Day, St Martin's and St Simon's).  Sally's 1st on treble, Lisa conducted.
St George's Day
The band in order, from right to left: Sally, Sue, David, Lisa (C), Derek and Richard.  Full details on BellBoard.

Open Day:


   24th February 2018
We opened the tower as part of the CCCBR 'Ringing for Peace - Armistice 100' recruitment drive for 1400 new ringers to ring for Armistice Day.

QP:


   27th January 2018
Peter rang his 1st quarter peal inside to Plain Bob Doubles at Axminster.   Well done Peter.
Peter's 1st QP

AGM:


   10th January 2018
We held regular practices, rang for 3 weddings, and rang every Sunday morning, even when we only had 4.   Peter Simpson and Richard Down have become regular ringers, frequently joined by Anne and Richard the 3rd.   The business was finished at about 7.45.

Xmas Dinner:


   6th December 2017
Richard arranged our Xmas dinner at The Otter Inn, Weston, with a festive quiz, and a good time was had by all.

QP:


   6th November 2017
We rang a QP at St. Pauls: Plain Bob Doubles - Theo's 1st on treble.

Outing:


   1st July 2017
Mini-bus outing to Exeter: St Mark's, Heavitree, St Thomas, St David's and Pinhoe.   Unfortunately, we couldn't get in at St David's, the verger was waiting downstairs in the vestry and didn't hear us, and the Cowick Barton was closed for refurbishment, but the 7 Stars served us well. The ringing was good, with Mexican Wave on the 10 at St Mark's.

QP:


   15th June 2017
We attempted a quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles for BBC Music Day with Theo on treble.

QP:


   23rd April 2017
A quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles was rung at Cotleigh for St George's Day with Theo (1st QP) on tenor.
St George's Day

Branch AGM:


   11th February 2017
The Branch AGM was held in Honiton on 11th February.   Ringing from 3.00, service at 4.30 followed by ringers tea and the AGM.

AGM:


   11th January 2017
We held regular practices, rang for 1 wedding, and rang on almost all Sunday mornings, even when we only had 4.   Theo and Sally have joined the band and are progressing towards Plain bob.   The business was finished at about 7.30.

Xmas Dinner:


   7th December 2016
Richard arranged our Xmas dinner at The Otter Inn, Weston, with a festive quiz, and a good time was had by all.

Moved practices:


  
Our weekly practice was held at Offwell on 9th November because of the RBL Service of Remembrance in St Paul's.   On 7th December the Hospiscare Service of Light will not be an issue because we'll be having our Xmas Dinner.

Annual Outing:


   28th October 2016
We went by mini-bus on a Friday, to West Buckland, Sampford Brett, Minehead, Dunster and Ash Priors, followed by a meal at the Otter Inn.   A good time was had by all.

Charter Day:


   23rd July 2016
We opened the occasion with ringing at 9.45 and opened the tower (Ringing Chamber only) from 10.00 am 'til 2.30 pm, for demonstrations and 'have-a-go' sessions with 8 helpers and 7 stewards.   The number of visitors was restricted, the same as last year.   This concentrated efforts on 'have-a-go' which was fairly successful although it didn't result in any new recruits.

Scouts Visit:


   25th May 2016
The 1st Honiton Scouts visited us on our practice night - seven scouts and two leaders.   They all had a go at chiming, tying the ringers' knot and ringing backstrokes.

Wedding:


   14th May 2016
We rang all 8 bells after the wedding.

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2016
Again, we rang for half an hour as part of the East Devon Rolling Ring where 23 towers rang consecutively from 9am to 9pm.   Special guests were St George and the Dragon.
St George's Day + Dragon

Queen's 90th:


   21st April 2016
We rang a quarter peal at Dunkeswell, with a little help from our friends, to celebrate the 90th birthday of H M Queen Elizabeth II. Queen's birthday QP

Visiting Ringers:


   4th March 2016
We welcomed ringers from Somerset.

Tower AGM:


   13th January 2016
As usual, we held regular practices and rang on almost all Sunday mornings, but only occasionally rang all 8.   Theo, our recruit from Charter Day, is progressing towards joining the band.

Xmas Dinner:


   9th December 2015
A total of 13 attended and a good time was had by all at the Otter Inn, with a free drink from funds, and Trevor provided two quizes and a small prize.

Moved practices:


  
Practice was held at Buckerell on 4th November because of the RBL Service of Remembrance and on 2nd December because of the Hospiscare Service of Light in St Paul's.

Annual Outing:


   23rd October 2015
to West Buckland, Wellington, Rockwell Green, Culmstock and Kentisbeare - all except Kentisbeare up lots of stairs.   A good lunch, very reasonably priced, was served at the Vintage Inn in Wellington, and a select few adjourned to the Otter Inn afterwards for an enjoyable evening meal.

Charter Day:


   25th July 2015
We opened the tower (Ringing Chamber only) from 10.00 am 'til 1.00 pm, for 'have-a-go' sessions with 7 helpers.   The vicar insisted on the locations of stewards, limiting visitors to 5 at a time, no under 8s, and other restrictions, which meant visitors couldn't access the bells.   This concentrated efforts on 'have-a-go' which was fairly successful.   Time will tell, how good it was for recruitment.

Magna Carta:


   15th June 2015
We rang to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede.

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2015
Again, we rang to celebrate this annual occasion.

Visiting Pealers:

2 peals were rung: 8th August (Simon Davies from Kensington) which over-ran by nearly an hour, and 1st September 2015 (John Martin from Dawlish).

Visiting Ringers:

We welcomed visiting ringers on 18th April, 27th June, 5th September, 21st September and 3rd October. On 7th November, with the help of 2 old school celebrants, we rang 500 of PBD for the service, marking the 500th anniversary of All Hallows School, now the Honiton Museum.

Weddings:

We rang for weddings on 14th February and 30th May (before and after), 18th July (after only) and 14th November (before and after).

Tower AGM:


   14th January 2015
We now only have 8 regular ringers.   As last year, we rang at regular practices and Sunday mornings throughout the year, plus 2 weddings, St George's Day, Xmas Eve and Xmas Day, and we often rang all 8, but we also managed a QP of PB Doubles with only 1 helper.
We also proposed raising wedding fees to £120 after or £180 before+after.

Xmas Ringing:

We rang on Xmas Eve morning and Xmas Day morning with wine and mince pies, but had too few volunteers to ring for midnight mass or New Year's Eve.

Xmas Dinner:


   10th December 2014
About 20 of us went to The Holt for our Xmas Dinner with mixed reviews. I thought Haddock Rarebit was great.

Practice at Buckerell:


   3rd December 2014
The practice was moved to Buckerell because of the Hospiscare Service of Light in Honiton and only 4 turned up.

Practice at Buckerell:


   5th November 2014
The practice was moved to Buckerell because of the RBL Service of Remembrance in Honiton.

QP for evensong:


   26th October 2014
Alison, Lisa, Kathie, Bob, Derek and Brian Dowle rang a QP of Plain Bob Doubles for evensong.

Charter Day:


   26th July 2014
We opened the tower from 10am until 1pm to offer visitors a quick lesson and for 30 minute demonstrations at 10am and 12.30pm.   No new recruits so far.   There were too many people up at the bells to be able to offer lessons.

Branch Strkg Comp:


   12th July 2014
The highlight of the year was probably coming first in the Branch Striking Competition with Trevor, Kathie, Brenda, Lisa, Derek and Rod.

Tower Outing:


   28th June 2014
16 of us went in a minibus, and 2 in a car, to West Monkton, Burnham-on-Sea, Woolavington, Cossington and Corfe.   The weather was kind and the bells were good, as was the ringing and the company.
Outing at Corfe

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2014
We rang at 5.00 until 5.40 plus our normal weekly practice.

Beehive Open Day:


   5th April 2014
We presented a table-top display at the open day for the town's new community centre, with a rolling recruitment video (thanks to ART) and the Beltower simulator. Sadly, no new recruits.

Tower AGM:


   15th January 2014
We rang at regular practices and Sunday mornings throughout the year, plus 2 weddings, St George's Day, Xmas Eve and Xmas Day, and we often rang all 8.

Xmas Ringing:

Four of us rang at 10.30pm on Xmas Eve, with a glass of wine and mince pies.   2 more arrived as we were leaving.   We also rang on Xmas Day at 9am.

Xmas Dinner:


   18th December 2013
The Otter Inn, Weston.   A very enjoyable time was had by all, with quizzes and a raffle.

Stedman Tercentenary:


   16th September 2013
We attempted a quarter peal of Stedman Doubles in Honiton to celebrate the 300th anniversay of the burial of Fabian Stedman, the 'father of ringing'.

Quarter Peal:


   29th October 2013
Trevor scored his first quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles inside, in time for his 75th birthday.

Special Practice:


   22nd October 2013
Special Plain Bob practice at Cotleigh and Offwell, mainly for Mark, Trevor and Sandra.

New Ringers:


   August, October
We welcomed Rod, Alison and Charles into the band.

Charter Day:


   27th July 2013
We opened the tower from 10am until 2pm to offer visitors a quick lesson and for 20 minute demonstrations at 10am and 1pm.

Branch Striking
   Competition:


   13th July 2013
We came first in the Branch Striking Competition at Dunkeswell.

Annual Outing:


   6th July 2013
About 16 of us went on the outing, with 10 in the mini-bus, to Hinton St George, East Coker, West Coker, Hardington Mandeville, and Haselbury Plucknett. There was some good ringing and we had an enjoyable lunch at The Foresters Arms, East Coker, finishing up with a good meal in The Otter when we got back.

Special Practice:


   30th May 2013
Special Plain Hunt and Plain Bob practice, at Seaton and Lyme Regis with coffee in Lyme.   Organiser: Kathie Matthews

Quarter Peal:


   30th April 2013
Lisa rang her first QP of mixed methods (April Day and Plain Bob).

Special Practice:


   25th April 2013
Special Plain Hunt + Plain Bob practice, at Colyton and Kilmington with coffee at the Tramway Station Cafe.   Organiser: Lisa Clarke

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2013
Ringing for St George's Day from 5.45 until 6.15
St George's Day ringers

Branch Practice:


   17th April 2013
We hosted the monthly branch practice and didn't even have enough to ring all 8.

Special Practice:


   4th April 2013
Special Plain Bob practice, at Cotleigh and Dalwood with coffee at the Tuckers Arms.   Organiser: Mark Moran

Special Practice:


   7th March 2013
Special Plain Hunt practice, at Dunkeswell and Luppitt with coffee at Lakeview.   Organiser: Mark Moran

Special Practice:


   28th February 2013
Special Plain Hunt practice, at Buckerell and Feniton with coffee at The Greyhound, Fenny Bridges.

Special Practice:


   12th February 2013
Special Plain Bob practice, at Cotleigh and Offwell with coffee at Honiton Nursery at Tower Cross.

Tower AGM:


   16th January 2013
We have 14 regular ringers and rang regularly for Sunday services and weekly practices throughout the year, and we often rang all 8.   We also rang for 3 weddings, Xmas Eve and Xmas Day. All in all we are steadily getting better.

Xmas Dinner:


   19th December 2012
A good time was had by all at Sidmouth Arms, Upottery.

Special Practice:


   3rd December 2012
Special Plain Bob practice at Cotleigh and Dalwood.

Special Practice:


   20th November 2012
Special Plain Hunt practice at Feniton and Buckerell - pity Alan missed out because I didn't confirm it to him.

Tower Outing:


   3rd November 2012
Our postponed annual outing took us to St James Taunton, Staplegrove, lunch at The Bird In Hand in Bishops Lydeard, then Combe Florey, Lydeard St Lawrence and Norton Fitzwarren, followed by Fish & Chips in Taunton.   Two 8s and three 6s.   Car share.   At St James, we couldn't get a sound out of the 4 or 5 and come the end the tenor rope had stuck fast, but otherwise it all went to plan.

Special Practice:


   26th October 2012
Special Plain Bob practice at Feniton and Buckerell - only Trevor and Mark this time.

Special Practice:


   14th September 2012
Special Plain Bob practice at Cotleigh and Dalwood for Trevor, Mark, Stan and Keith, inside and trebling as appropriate.

Special Practice:


   5th September 2012
Special Plain Hunt practice at Feniton and Farway for Alan.

Confirmation service:


   15 July 2012
We rang a quarter peal for the confirmation service by the Bishop of Crediton.

Branch Striking Comp:


   14 July 2012
We came 3rd in the Branch Striking Competition at Stockland.

Tower Outing:


   7th July 2012
Cancelled due to flooding - ringers unable to get out of Honiton.

Diamond Jubilee:


   2nd June 2012
Failed Quarter Peal to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

St George's Day:


   23rd April 2012
We rang for St George's Day at 6.00pm and had a photo in the Midweek Herald.

Quarter Peal:


   29th February 2012
We rang 1260 changes of Plain Bob Doubles to celebrate Pam's 17th leap year birthday.

Branch AGM:


   11th February 2012
We hosted the branch AGM - all went smoothly.

Tower AGM:


   18th January 2012
Annual Report:   We rang regularly for Sunday services, normally with at least 6 ringers and we often rang all 8.   Regular practices have been held throughout the year but the 9th November practice was cancelled because of the British Legion 90th anniversary service, and the 7th December practice was moved to Feniton, because of the Hospiscare Service of Light.   We rang for only 2 weddings this year and we didn't manage to get a band together for any special Xmas services, only the Sunday of Xmas Day.

We often ring plain hunt triples, Trevor is ringing plain courses of Plain Bob Doubles and Mark is progressing towards it, but we struggle to get enough method ringers for him to be able to ring it.   We are pleased to welcome Alan who is starting call changes and Andy who's ringing Plain Hunt.

We now look after a projector on behalf of the branch, thanks to their donation of £250, and it has been used a couple of times with the simulator for rope-sight practice.

Xmas Dinner:


   14th December 2011
We were 19 at The Wheelwright Inn, Colyford, and they served us well.

Quarter Peal:


   29th October 2011
Trevor scored his first quarter on treble at Farway.

Outing:


   30th July 2011
The mini-bus outing to Weymouth, visiting Uplyme, Preston, Upwey, Askerswell and Bradpole was a success.   We were 14 in the bus, all ringers, plus Crispin who came by car to 3 of the towers.   We managed a respectable Plain Hunt Triples, but Plain Bob with 768 behind was better.   We were grateful to our visitors who provided more strength in the band through to the end.
Outing 2011
Jeanne, Alan, Sue, Derek, Stan, Kathy, Lisa, Pam, Trevor, Janet, Terry, Mark and Richard.

Striking Competition:


   9th July 2011
Lisa, Pam, Terry and Derek formed the band, with Kathy and Keith, but we went wrong halfway through and ended up 5th.   The judge did say, though, that some of the striking had been the best of the day.   We were beaten by the Combe Raleigh band who, to their credit, came 3rd, and were only beaten by Sidmouth.

Quarter Peal:


   28th May 2011
Lisa scored her first quarter inside to Plain Bob Doubles at Feniton.

Branch Meeting:


   14th May 2011
We hosted the branch quarterly meeting with the meeting held in the narthex.

Mini-Outing:


   9th April 2011
Local self-drive visit to Shute, Hawkchurch, Kilmington, Membury and Monkton, with lunch at the New Inn, Kilmington and coffee at Monkton Court Hotel.   Shute are very light, Hawkchurch were heavier, Kilmington treble was against the boxing, Membury had a difficult tenor, but Monkton were fine until a rope broke.   All went according to plan but it is a pity more of our experienced helpers couldn't stay 'til the end.

Tower AGM:


   26th January 2011
Annual Report:   We rang regularly for Sunday services, even when there were only three ringers.   Regular practices have been held throughout the year; and our six learners are ringing Plain Hunt and progressing towards Plain Bob Doubles, but we often struggled to get enough method ringers to be able to ring it.   The meeting was despatched quickly, followed by normal ringing.

Xmas Dinner:


   15th December 2010
Despite the snow, Lakeview Manor put on a good meal, plus balloons to add interest.

Quarter Peal:


   27th November 2010
Mark scored his first on tenor behind and Lisa her first on treble to Plain Bob Doubles.

Quarter Peal:


   23rd October 2010
Trevor scored his first on tenor behind.

Main Outing:


   3rd July 2010
The weather was kind when 17 of us went, by minibus, to Glastonbury, with ringing at Puckington, Drayton, Glastonbury St. Benedict, Ashcott and North Curry, lunch in Glastonbury and an evening meal at Taunton.   The bells were all good, the ringing was definitely improving, and a good time was had by all.
Outing July
Back row: Trevor, Derek, Lisa, Stan, Sandra, Rob and Alan
Front row: Ruth, Laurie, Mark, Pam, Janet, Val, Carol and Sue.

Quarter Peal:


   22nd May 2010
Lisa scored her first on tenor behind.

Mini-Outing:


   10th April 2010
A great success, visiting local towers, by car:   Broadhembury (anti-clockwise 6), Whimple, Broadclyst, Pinhoe and Woodbury.   The Red Lion at Broadclyst was disappointing, for lunch, because another group arrived just before us.   The food was good but the wait was too long.   We were short of experienced ringers (and became even shorter later) so we struggled a bit on the heavy bells.

Quarter Peal:


   27th March 2010
We scored a quarter at Offwell, Janet's 2nd on tenor behind.

Annual Report:


   February 2010
As usual we have had a busy year.   We rang regularly for Sunday services, even when there were only three ringers.   Regular practices have been held throughout the year; and our eight learners are progressing towards Plain Bob Doubles, but we struggle to get enough method ringers to be able to ring it.   We rang for 5 weddings, and had a number of visiting bands: 2 for peals, and 4 for outings and quarter peals.   We used to host the monthly Doubles For All practice, and we continue to host the Listening Practice on the first Friday every month.

In August we received a grant of £400 from the Ringing Foundation towards a bookcase, a video camera and boxing in the computer, with a view to Honiton becoming a ringing centre.

In October, we entered the 6 bell striking competition - enough said.   And we look forward to another busy year, hopefully to include first quarter peals for Lisa, Trevor, Mark and Stan.

Quarter Peal:


   6th February 2010
attempted at Buckerell for Sandra on tenor behind.

Funeral of Jim Crabb:


   28th January 2010
We sadly lost Jim Crabb at the age of 94.   He will be sorely missed.

Xmas Ringing:


   24/25th December 2009
We rang for midnight mass on Xmas eve, with mince pies and sparkling wine, and again at 9.00am on Xmas Day.

Xmas Dinner:


   16th December 2009
14 of us went to the Talaton Inn for a very enjoyable meal, with helpful and friendly staff and very reasonable prices.   Grace and Derek organised the usual quiz, and Trevor told a humourous poem, accompanied by raucous laughter.

Funeral of Don Salter:


   5th October 2009
Sadly, our ex-tower captain died in September, and we rang before and after the funeral, followed up, the following week, with a quarter peal in his memory, by visiting ringers.

Annual Outing:


   4th July 2009
We hired a minibus and went to Plymouth, ringing at Laira, St Andrew and St Budeaux, plus Bickington on the way there and Ugborough on the way back.   There were 18 of us including Anne and Geoff who went by car.   Twas a very enjoyable day.

Mini-Outing:


   21st March 2009
We had a very successful outing to ring the bells at Whimple, Broadclyst, Clyst Honiton, Aylesbere and Ottery St Mary.   We were blessed with beautiful weather, a delightful pub lunch at Broadhembury, and most importantly, we enjoyed each other's company.   We were lucky to be joined, at Ottery, by the Branch Ringing Master, who enabled us to ring a touch of Plain Bob Triples, to round off a most enjoyable day.
Mini-Outing Ringers
Back Row: Geoff, Keith, Derek, Lisa, Alan
Middle: Trevor, Paddy, Kath, Sandra, Terry
Front Row: Sue, Janet, Jean, Pam

Quarter Peal:


   27th February 2009
Richard scored his first quarter peal, on tenor behind, at Buckerell.

Quarter Peal:


   20th January 2009
Janet scored her first quarter peal, on tenor behind, on the front 6 in Honiton.

Annual Report:


   February 2009
As usual we have had a busy year.   We rang regularly for Sunday services, even when we only had four ringers.   Regular practices have been held throughout the year, and we continue to host to the monthly Doubles For All practices and Listening Practices.   We have had a number of visiting bands during the year, to ring method and call-changes, for outings, peals, quarters.

Recruitment:   At the end of November, we gained four new learners who want to ring the bells at Combe Raleigh.   They are now all ringing rounds with us, so we are hoping we will be able to count them amongst our regular band.

Xmas Dinner:


   10th December 2008
Six of us and two visitors enjoyed a dinner at The Talaton Inn, followed as usual by a quiz and a raffle, thanks to Grace.   Numbers were down on last year, probably due to late organisation.

Quarter Peals:


   22nd November 2008
Sandra scored her first quarter peal, ringing tenor behind, and doing pretty well for a first attempt.

Charter Day


Open Day:


   26th July 2008
We started at 9.00am by erecting the Guild Mini-Ring, and then opened the Charter Day celebrations with ringing (on tower bells) at 9.30am.   The morning and afternoon was spent on the mini-ring, which was enjoyed, with varying degrees of success, by many young visitors, and we were very fortunately blessed with fine weather.   The tower was also open for a number of ringing demonstrations at mid-day but, sadly, we don't appear to have gained any new ringers.

Striking Competition:


   19th July 2008
This year we came a creditable second in the East Devon Branch 6 bell Striking Competition at Offwell, and both Sandra and Janet, entered in our B team after only one year of ringing.   We ended an enjoyable day with a buffet and skittles at the Heathfield Inn in Honiton.

Annual Outing:


   5th July 2008
We visited West Coker 8, 12 cwt, Bradford Abbas 6, 13-2-21, Cerne Abbas 6, 13-0-8, Martinstown 6, 8-1-4 and Bradpole 8, 15-1-0, with lunch at Cerne Abbas and Fish & Chips, tea, beer etc. at Bridport.   Apart from the coach being bigger than ordered and starting late, it was a great day out.   The bells/ropes were not the easiest at Bradford Abbas or Cerne Abbas, but Bradpole were delightful.

Mini-Outing:


   15th March 2008
We rang at Shute, Musbury, Feniton and Buckerell, with a pub lunch at The Old Inn, Kilmington.   We rang a number of doubles methods and lots of Plain Hunt for our regular learner Sandra who is progressing well.

Annual Report:


   February 2008
As usual we have had a busy year.   We rang regularly for Sunday services, even when we only had four ringers, and we are very pleased to count amongst our ringers Jim Crabb, who struggles up the stairs, twice, nearly every week.  

We have held regular practices throughout the year, and are now hosts to the monthly Advanced Doubles practice and the new monthly Listening Practice.   We have had a number of visiting bands during the year, to ring method and call-changes, for outings, peals, quarters.

Recruitment:   Sandra started ringing and Janet re-started after the June Open Day and they have now both rung for Sunday services, and have already progressed to Plain Hunt.   Marissa has also joined us, having recently re-started ringing after a long break.   A 'Free Lessons' story which appeared unexpectedly in a local newspaper and has led to John taking up the challenge.   So, with four promising learners, who started this year, and another three talking of starting in the new year, things are definitely looking up.

QP for Don Salter:


   5th January 2008
Ringers from the tower and across the branch rang a Quarter Peal of Grandsire Triples in honour of Donald Salter, with thanks for 18 years as Tower Captain and a life-time of ringing, including 16 years as Deputy Branch Ringing Master.   Don has unfortunately had to give up ringing due to ill health, although we hope he will soon recover to be able to ring with us again.   Don was presented with a plaque to commemorate the event.
Dons presentation
Peter, Derek, Don, Jim and Jean

Xmas Dinner:


   12th December 2007
An enjoyable meal at The Awliscombe Inn, with a quiz and a raffle, thanks to Grace, which raised £25 towards tower funds.

Honiton 750


Open Day:


   28th July 2007
Another successful open day, although sadly none of the new starters has stayed the course on this occasion.

Striking Competition:


   14th July 2007
We were the winners of the East Devon Branch 6 Bell Striking Competition at Feniton.   The band were 1. Kathy Matthews, 2. Pam Bailey, 3. Paddy Priscott, 4. Keith Matthews (C), 5. Derek Ballard and 6. Terry Rowland, and we rang Grandsire Doubles.

Festival Open Day:


   9th June 2007
We held a successful open day, when we showed visitors the bells, gave two demonstrations of Raising, Call Changes, a Touch of Plain Bob, and Lowering, plus a few 'have a go' sessions for non-ringers.   We are hopeful that this will have resulted in at least one new recruit.

Annual Outing:


   16th June 2007
This year we visited the Bideford area, with ringing at Fremington (6) 8-3-19, Westleigh (6) 11-0-8, Northam (8) 14-0-25, Appledore (8) 10-3-26 and Great Torrington (8) 14-3-4, a lunch stop in Bideford and time for tea/supper in Great Torrington.   Everything went pretty much to plan.   We were 15 ringers and getting on for 25 non-ringers.

Bells Overhaul:


   May 2007
Nicholson Engineering carried out maintenance including replacing clapper bushes.

Branch AGM:


   10th February 2007
We hosted the Branch AGM.   A total of 26 attended the meeting and most attended the ringing before hand.   Memorable incidents included one broken rope, one broken stay pin, a blown fuse on the organ and a tripped fuse in the kitchen.   Apart from that it was a great success and a few stayed to ring afterwards, when we managed, among other things, Cambridge S Minor.
Ringers
Peter, Jim Crabb, Graham Fish, Grace, Derek, Paddy and Don Salter,

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