On the 80th birthday of Mr. James Norris, of Blackmoor, Hants, which he celebrated on April 16th, a quarter-peal of Grandsire Doubles was rung at the Parish Church, where he has been a ringer continuously for 51 years. Mr. Norris rang the tenor, his son rang the fourth and his grandson the treble: Harry Dodson 1, V. Shadbolt 2, C. Pay 3, G. Norris 4, W. Read (conductor) 5, J. Norris 6. It was the first attempt for a quarter-peal by ringers of treble and 3rd.
The Ringing World No. 1258, May 3rd, 1935, page 280
The death of Mr. James Norris took place at his home in Blackmoor, Hants, on May 12th. He was 84 years of age and had only been laid up for a few weeks. He had belonged to the Winchester Guild for 56 years and was the second oldest member. He was the tenor ringer at Blackmoor, where he had lived practically all his life. He was also the organ blower for a great number of years. He rang only one peal, and this was on May 12th, 1931, exactly eight years before the day of his death. This peal was Grandsire Doubles, rung at his own tower in 2 hours and 45 minutes. He rang the cover bell faultlessly. He was then 76 years of age.
The funeral took place at Blackmoor on Tuesday, May 16th, the Guild being represented by Mr. George Williams, Ringing Master. Amongst the floral tributes were wreaths from the Alton and Petersfield District, Blackmoor ringers, the choir, and the Church Council. The service was choral and the churchwardens were present. The Vicar (the Rev. F. G. Eyres) officiated. The bells were rung after the service by members of the local band. By request they were half-muffled with the tenor fully muffled.
The Ringing World No. 1470, May 26th, 1939, page 338