ON Saturday, June 14, the Bellringing Team from Down St Mary were victorious, winning for the second consecutive year the Devon Association Major Bellringing Final for Call Change ringing.

The win saw them retain the impressive Ross Shield. Also, they were especially pleased to have achieved it in the Centenary Year of the Association.

The Bow team which came a close second in the Devon Major final at Zeal Monachorum.JPG
The Bow team which came a close second in the Devon Major final at Zeal Monachorum.JPG (Victoria Tucker)

Most of the ringers and those who attended the Devon Association Major Bellringing Final at St Peter’s Church, Zeal Monachorum with the Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza. AQ 4067
Most of the ringers and those who attended the Devon Association Major Bellringing Final at St Peter’s Church, Zeal Monachorum with the Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza. AQ 4067 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The venue of St Peter’s, Zeal Monachorum, was selected as this is where the competition was first staged 100 years ago on Saturday, October 3, 1925.

With a full complement of 12 excellent competing teams, the competition was preceded by a Centenary tribute peal from a North Tawton band due to the fact that it was a North Tawton team which won the very first competition in 1925.

Following this there was some stylish ringing from the judges and guests.

The North Tawton team and guests which rang a Centenary tribute peal, from left, Victoria Tucker, Richard Hurdle, Karen Moore, Mervyn Way, Graham Pridham and Chris Blood. AQ 4048
The North Tawton team and guests which rang a Centenary tribute peal, from left, Victoria Tucker, Richard Hurdle, Karen Moore, Mervyn Way, Graham Pridham and Chris Blood. AQ 4048 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Judges and guests who rang, from left, Andrew Vincent (competition secretary), Martin Sharland (judge), Margaret Down (Tower Captain), John Bint (Captain, Chagford), Owen Borlease (judge and president, Truro Diocese Guild of Ringers) and Jeremy Darke, scrutineer. AQ 4052
The Judges and guests who rang, from left, Andrew Vincent (competition secretary), Martin Sharland (judge), Margaret Down (Tower Captain), John Bint (Captain, Chagford), Owen Borlease (judge and president, Truro Diocese Guild of Ringers) and Jeremy Darke, scrutineer. AQ 4052 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Then followed a re-enactment of a photograph of all the ringers present outside the church.

A church service was conducted by Rev Matthew Tregenza, during which he thanked church bellringers for calling people to churches across the county.

The church was full for the service which included bellringing hymns and prayers, readings and the announcement of ringers who had passed during the previous year.

A full church for the Centenary Year Devon Association of Ringers Church Service at St Peter’s Church. AQ 4087
A full church for the Centenary Year Devon Association of Ringers Church Service at St Peter’s Church. AQ 4087 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza, from Crediton, led the service and paid tribute to the skill of the ringers, thanking them for calling people to workship. AQ 4097
The Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza, from Crediton, led the service and paid tribute to the skill of the ringers, thanking them for calling people to workship. AQ 4097 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

An image of the ringers who took part in the first call change ringing competition held at St Peter’s Church, Zeal Monachorum, 100 years ago. AQ 4102
An image of the ringers who took part in the first call change ringing competition held at St Peter’s Church, Zeal Monachorum, 100 years ago. AQ 4102 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Following the service the draw for the order of ringing took place.

Ringing commenced and a splendid tea was served half-way through by tower captain Margaret Down and her band of helpers.

The results and presentation of awards followed the conclusion of the ringing.

The volunteers who prepared the ringer’s tea in Zeal Monachorum Village Hall with Margaret Down, tower captain, second left. AQ 4127
The volunteers who prepared the ringer’s tea in Zeal Monachorum Village Hall with Margaret Down, tower captain, second left. AQ 4127 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Zeal Monachorum Village Hall nearly ready for the Ringers Tea. AQ 4121
Zeal Monachorum Village Hall nearly ready for the Ringers Tea. AQ 4121 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Ian Avery, president, Devon Association of Ringers and James Steer, Association chairman, planted a tree to mark 100 years since the founding of the association at Zeal Monachorum.
Ian Avery, president, Devon Association of Ringers and James Steer, Association chairman, planted a tree to mark 100 years since the founding of the association at Zeal Monachorum. (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Competition Results (faults); 1. 16 2/3 Down St Mary, 2. 17 1/2 Bow, 3. 19 2/3 Shaugh Prior, 4. 20 1/2 Swimbridge, 5. 23 2/3 Combeinteignhead, 6. 29 South Brent, 7. 39 Eggbuckland, 8. 45 1/4 Sampford Courtenay, 9. 75 Kenton, 10. 93 1/2 Ide, 11. 106 3/4 East Anstey, 12. No score, went off course. Broadhempston.

The Top Ringing Prize was also retained by Down St Mary.

The Devon Association of Ringers banner at Zeal Monachorum. AQ 4054
The Devon Association of Ringers banner at Zeal Monachorum. AQ 4054 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)