SATURDAY, May 13 was the day on which the Devon Association of Bellringers’ held its North and South Six-bell Qualifying competitions.

The competitions are held simultaneously and “kick off” with a short service followed by the roll call for teams and then the draw for order of ringing.

The South’s competition was held at Tedburn St Mary and the North’s at Bishop’s Tawton not far from Barnstaple.

Top five teams in each competition automatically go through to the Devon Association Six-bell Major Final, this year being held on the “beautiful” peal of six bells at Dunsford on Saturday, June 10.

Down St Mary Bellringers successfully defended their Devon Association Northern Shield, despite some tough competition from teams from Burrington and Mortehoe.

The results of the competition were: Down St Mary – 23 ¾ Faults, Burrington  - 25, Mortehoe – 25 ¾, Drewsteignton 32 ½, West Down – 39 ½, South Tawton – 40 ½, Warkleigh – 48, East Anstey -  49 ¾, Monkleigh 52 ½ and Sampford Courtney – 66.

Alan Quick