PEAL RECORDER’S REPORT

I would like to start by thanking Jon Hetherington for all his efforts in his 8 years as Peal Recorder and also for making the transition as easy as possible. 2012 has continued the downward trend in the overall number peals since 2009’s bumper year but only just with the total number of peals being down 1 from 2011 to 148, the same number as 2008. I must also thank Andrew Craddock for sharing the statistics generated by his computer database, allowing me to cross-check the Guild’s records. Finally I would like to thank all those conductors and organisers who submit details, compositions and fees within the one month deadline specified by the Guild rules.

Tower Bell Peals

There were 114 tower bell peals during 2012, 3 more than 2011. 227 ringers took part in these performances compared to 209 in 2011. The increased number included 6 first pealers, several of these were rung in association with the national celebrations that took place during the year. I offer my congratulations to Alison D Smith, Trevor Benjamin, Rachel E Getty, Matthew P Pym, Margaret J Smith and Christopher M Duffy for scoring their first peals. The leading ringers list remains much the same as the previous year with Jim Hodkin retaining the top position and five of the top six names once again appearing with Janet Morris now making up the top six. The three most prolific ringers have increased their totals from 2011 whilst further down the list the percentage of ringers completing 1 or 2 peals has risen significantly. 17 peals were rung for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as well a further peal to mark the Accession earlier in the year. Two peals were rung to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. This included a peal at Bishopstoke which was also rung in memory of Harvey Collyer, first secretary of the Bishopstoke ringers, who lost his life in the disaster. Roy LeMarechal loses his position at the top of the conductors list to Edd Colliss and for the fourth year in succession Awbridge and Bishoptoke head the list of leading towers.

There were many personal milestones during the 2012 and I congratulate Ian Carey on ringing his 900th peal, John Dodd his 850th, Jim Hodkin his 500th, Martin Daniels his 300th and Lizzie Hough her 200th. Lizzie also scored her 100th for the Guild and Jim Hodkin his 300th for the Guild.

The first peal was rung the Rainbow Ring Brockenhurst, the 100th true peal at All Saints Basingstoke and the 750th peal on the bells on St Mary Bishopstoke. Peals were rung to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first peal at Binstead and the 100th anniversary of the first peal following the recasting and rehanging at Portsmouth Cathedral.

Two record lengths were scored during 2012, 10,800 Winchester Surprise Royal rung at Bishopstoke to celebrate the opening of the Olympic Games and 21, 888 Yorkshire Surprise Major rung at Awbridge in December.

Peals were rung in memory of Don C Exell of the Isle of Wight and Alison Regan of Worcester, formerly of Winchester.

Handbell Peals

As with previous years the number of handbell peals has continued to fall with the total down from 38 to 34. What is perhaps a more encouraging sign is that once again the number of ringers involved with handbell peals has risen slightly to 34 and the number of conductors has also risen from 8 to 12. Congratulations are to be offered to Ian Redway for his first peal as conductor which was in hand and to Alan Elsmore for his first handbell peal as conductor. John Croft and Ian Redway head the list of leading ringers with 15 each significantly down on last year’s leaders. The leading handbell conductors remain the same with the top spot being shared by Tom Hinks and Frank Morton both on 7; however this is down on their totals of 17 and 10 respectively from last year.

Handbell peals were rung for the first time at The Clock House, Awbridge and 30 Heatherstone Avenue, Dibden Purlieu. Peals of Quethiock Suprise Major and Warwicksire Surprise Royal were rung in hand for the first time and Ben Carey scored his 250th peal for the Guild in a handbell peal.

* first peal in the method in hand, # first for the Guild in hand

I must add one final note, it has come to my attention that the peals for 2010 and 2011 have been published with incorrect numbers, two lower than they should be. Therefore the first peal for 2012 was peal number 10,842.

Edd Colliss