SEVEN teams of bellringers from the Northern parts of the county rang at Colebrooke Parish Church on the afternoon of Saturday, May 13.  

Teams were from Bow, Down St Mary, Tiverton St Paul, East Anstey, Swimbridge and two teams from Sampford Courtenay.

They were ringing in the Devon Association of Bellringers North Devon qualifier.  The South Devon qualifier was being rung at Widecombe-in-the-Moor the same afternoon.  Last year’s overall winners were Combeinteignhead with Down St Mary in second place.  

They all rang a rise to 60 on thirds (Queen’s Peal) followed by lower. 

Keith Bavin who rang fourth for East Anstey commented: “There is no musical instrument where you are 60 feet away on the end of a rope.  You cannot see the bells.”

Colebrooke bellringers, not allowed to ring at their own tower, provided the tea served in the Parish Hall beside the churchyard.  

Results:

First place and winners of the George Facey Shield -  Down St Mary with 19¼ faults.

Second and winners of the Arnold Cup - Bow with 26¼ faults.

Third -  East Anstey - 40¼,  4 - Swimbridge 42, 5 -  Sampford Courtenay A -  43,  6 - Sampford Courtenay B  55¾,  7 - Tiverton St Pauls 58¾.