PEAL RECORDER’S REPORT

As was the case in 2020, peal ringing during 2021 was significantly disrupted by the pandemic. The first peal for the Guild was not rung until the end of March when restrictions allowed handbell peals to be rung outside. The first tower bell peal wasn’t rung until late May, even then still restricted by the ‘rule of six’.

I must thank Andrew Craddock for sharing the statistics generated by PealBase, allowing me to cross-check the Guild’s records. I would also like to thank all those conductors and organisers who submit details, compositions and fees within the one month deadline specified by the Guild rules. Please may I remind conductors that we do require all compositions in full and the easiest way to achieve this is submitting the figures to BellBoard.

Tower Bell Peals

22 tower bell peals were rung for the Guild in 2021, the first on more than 6 bells being in mid-August. Roy LeMarechal was the most prolific ringer and conductor, and the private ring at the Clock House Bells in Awbridge was the leading tower with 6 peals, twice as many Bishopstoke and St Agatha, Portsmouth.

One of the early 6-bell, tower bell peals was a peal of Cambridge Surprise Minor rung at Bishopstoke in June to mark the 100th anniversary of the first peal in that tower.

Four members rang their first peal during 2021 and the Guild Officers would like to extend their congratulations to Chris Cockel, Henry Wood, Stephen Wise and Joseph Blake. Joseph’s first peal was actually rung in hand, which he also conducted, but I include it here for completeness. Rob Gorton and Joseph Blake also scored their first peal on tower bells, with Joseph conducting that peal also.

Peals were rung in memory of Guild members David Hughes, Andrew Banks, Rosemary Vears, John Mannering, Terence Collins, Gordon West, Chris Hurley and Martin Morris. A peal in a new method named Doddy Delight Major was also rung in memory of Geoff Dodd.

Martin Waldron achieved his 150th peal, this being rung on the 50th anniversary of his first.

Handbell Peals

In a repeat of 2020 the first peal for the Guild following easing of restrictions was a peal of Plain Bob Minor by members of the Bishopstoke local band at The Clock House, Awbridge. 26 handbell peals were rung in total with 25 ringers taking part. Benjamin Carey headed the lists of prolific ringers jointly with John Dodd and was also the leading conductor.

Ian Carey scored his 500th peal for the Guild in a handbell peal and Benjamin Carey conducted his 100th peal in hand in handbell peals rung for the Guild during 2021.

The record for the most Surprise Minor rung in hand for the Guild was increased 3 times during 2021 with peals of 25, 30 and 41 methods respectively.

Edd Colliss