AFTER 30 years it’s reclaimed...and the name “Down St Mary” will appear once again on the George Facey Shield following the team’s success at Bradworthy, on Saturday, May 14.

The shield is rung for annually between the top bellringing teams in Devon.

The competition for ringers from the North of Devon, is competed for simultaneously with a competition held in the South of the county, run by the Devon Association of Bellringers.

The top five placed teams from each competition then qualify to compete in the “major” final which this year will be held at Bampton on June 11.

The venues for the competitions are at neutral towers and change each year with the major final alternating between North and South.

Down St Mary’s 1986 winning team consisted of; Tom Wright (captain and treble), Rita Western, Morris Western, Mervyn Way, Bill Folland and Ralph Wright (tenor).

Two of the four judges for the North Devon Qualifier this year were Mervyn Way and Ralph Wright’s son Paul, however no bias could be given as the judges are unaware of the order of ringing.

The current Down St Mary competition team comprises James Steer, Gary Quick, Andy Cleave (tenor), Bob Robinson (captain), Linda Steer (treble) and Jenny Sparling.

The team is always looking for new ringers so if you would like to give it a try please feel free to contact Bob on 01363 877523.

Alan Quick