PEAL RECORDER’S REPORT

There were 147 peals rung for the Guild during 2013 which, once again, is 1 peal less than the previous year. I must thank Andrew Craddock for sharing the statistics generated by PealBase, 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. Please may I remind conductors that we do require all compositions in full whether or not they have been rung for the Guild previously.

Tower Bell Peals

There were 123 tower bell peals rung for the Guild during 2013, nine more than the year before. 246 ringers took part in these performances, once again continuing the trend of a significant rise of 19 from the previous year. One statistic that has fallen since 2012 is the number of ‘first pealers’ with only one. Congratulations to Christopher E Wills for this achievement. I would like to urge all Guild members to encourage other members who may be interested to swell the Guild’s peal ringing ranks.

The Guild’s two most prolific peal ringers remain unchanged from 2012 but Edd Colliss replaces Jim Hodkin at the top of the list. Roy LeMarechal returns to the top five in third place after a year’s absence with Malcolm Powell and Ian Carey completing this group.

Edd Colliss retains his position at the top of the list of Conductors with a similar number to 2013 however in general other conductors in the list have increased their totals from 2012. By contrast the total number of Conductors has reduced from 33 in 2012 to 28 in 2013. I also offer my congratulations to Kieran Downer who scored his first peal as Conductor during the year.

The list of leading towers sees the new name of St Agatha’s Portsmouth where the bells were installed during January 2013 and the first peal was scored on the 25th of that month. This was followed by a further 24 for the Guild during the year securing its position at the top of the list. The next four towers remain the same as 2012 but Bishopstoke pipped Awbridge for second position, although both are significantly down on their 2012 totals.

The first peal on the bells was also scored at St Mary Avington, this peal being one of several rung to mark the birth of HRH Prince George. Two peals were rung for another Royal occasion, to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Peals were rung to thank the immediate past Guild Master David Strong for all his work as Master and sadly later in the year in his memory. Peals were also rung in memory of Rex Corke of Lymington and Roger Bailey.

As usual there were many personal milestones during 2013 and I congratulate Roy LeMarechal on his 2750th peal, John Colliss his 2200th which was also his 1700th for the Guild, John Dodd his 900th, Graham Wright his 750th, Malcolm Powell his 700th, Janet Morris her 500th, Steve Russ his 350th, Lizzie Hough and Angela Athawes their 250th and Maureen Hanney her 200th. Angela Athawes also scored her 200th for the Guild and Edd Colliss his 300th for the Guild and 100th as conductor.

One record length was rung for the Guild during 2013 - 10,080 Isleworth Surprise Royal at Lyme Regis to mark the 60th anniversary of the installation of the recast back eight.

Handbell Peals

The number of handbell peals rung during 2013 has fallen sharply, down 10 from 2012’s total to 24 which is the lowest number since 2006. It is also therefore not surprising that the numbers of ringers and conductors have also reduced this year although in both cases the leaders have increased their total. After an encouraging rise in the number of conductors in 2012 the number has now halved again to just six. The top three ringers remain unchanged from last year, however after being tied for top spot with John Croft last year Ian Redway heads the list on his own. Having also been tied at top of 2012’s list Frank Morton is the most prolific conductor for 2013 increasing his total to 11. One significant milestone was reached in a handbell peal during 2013 when Bill Croft, formerly of Southampton, scored his 1000th peal with a peal of Lincolnshire Surprise Royal at Longthorpe, Peterborough during December.

Edd Colliss