DOWN St Mary Church Bellringers have retained the Ross Shield for the third consecutive year, beating off a stiff challenge from local rival, Bow.

The 2026 Devon Major Final was held at Drewsteignton Church, with glorious weather thrown in for good measure.

A total of 12 teams from across Devon took part on June 13 for what turned out to be a superb competition, expertly organised by Jon Bint and the local team.

It began with a short service followed by the draw for the order of ringing.

Down St Mary drew to ring 12th, which led to a long wait. Bow drew 7th and rang immediately after the wonderful tea laid on by the local team. They rang an excellent peal, drawing compliments from the assembled ringers; the general consensus was that their peal was going to take a lot of beating.

On this occasion, Down St Mary managed to step up and delivered a strong performance, but none of the crowd in the churchyard wanted to call which way the result would go.

Down St Mary just managed to do enough to be placed 1st with 14¼ faults, with Bow 2nd with 18½. South Brent were 3rd with 28½.

Other Results were: 4. 34½ Swimbridge, 5. 46½ Sampford Courtenay, 6. 47¾ Stoke Gabriel, 7. 49 Tiverton St Paul, 8. 68¾ East Anstey equal, 9. 68¾ Drewsteignton equal, 10. 78½ Kenton, 11. 109 Dunsford, 12. 126½ Bishops Nympton.

Down St Mary also won the prize for the best top ringing, which is the part of the peal where bells are changing order.

The day finished with more socialising in the Drewe Arms, where everyone agreed they had been part of a fantastic Final.

Ringing is a social and enjoyable hobby, find out more at your local tower – details available on the Devon Association of Ringers’ website: www.devonbells.co.uk