TWO years ago to the day a bell ringing competition was held at High Bickington.  No-one realised that would be the last competition until this competition held on Saturday, March 12, because of covid.

This was Devon Assoociation of Ringers’ Devon Novice competition held at Zeal Monachorum Parish Church.  Six teams took part - Chagford, two from Tiverton (St Pauls), one each from Kingsteignton, Kentisbeare and South Molton.

Chagford won both the T H Priddle Shield for the Round Ringing and the Percy Rice Shield for Half Peal off the stay.  Chagford had also won this in 2009, 2010 and 2016.  The full peal section was won by Kingsteignton, taking home the Hooper cup.

Judges were Graham Sharland from South Brent and James Steer from Bow.  They spent the day in a house across the road from the church so as to be uninterrupted.

Jon Bint is Tower Captain at Chagford.  One of the younger ringers that day was his daughter, Holly.  Another was 13 years-old Ewan Kaczanow.  Jon’s son, Joe, also rings.  Jon said that before he began ringing none of his family rang but most are now.

Results

Half Peal off the stay: 1 Chagford  23 faults, winning the P . Rice Shield; 2 Kingsteignton 23¼; 3 South Molton 27¾; 4 Tiverton St Paul 1 28¼;  5 Tiverton St Paul  2 38¾; 6 Kentisbeare  44¾.

Full Peal section: 1 Kingsteignton 37½ faults, winning the Hooper Cup; 2  Bow 60 ; 3 Tiverton St Paul 84½; 4 Chagford  94½; 5 Berrynabor B 113; 6 South Molton 133; 7 Berrynabor A 38½.