PEAL RECORDER’S REPORT

After two years of limited peal activity due to the global pandemic, 2022 saw an increase in numbers, although overall totals remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic years. A total of 88 peals were rung for the Guild compared with just 48 in each of the previous 2 years. It is hoped that, as we move forward and confidence rebuilds, peal totals will gradually return to more normal levels.

I would like to thank Andrew Craddock for sharing statistics generated by Pealbase and to Tony Smith for maintaining a comprehensive database of compositions rung by the Guild. Both databases provide a valuable source of information and enable me to cross-check Guild peal records. I would also like to thank conductors and organisers who submit details, compositions and fees within the one month deadline specified by the Guild rules. Peal fees can now be collected electronically and I would encourage all conductors to consider using this facility.

Tower Bell Peals

There were 54 tower bell peals rung for the Guild in 2022 involving a total of 137 ringers.

Although the number of peals rung remain significantly lower than before the pandemic. it is pleasing to see that the total of ringers participating is very much inline with pre-pandemic levels.

The list of prolific tower peal ringers saw Roy LeMarechal (27) head the table closely followed by Benjamin Carey (24). Roy LeMarechal was also leading conductor (15) and Bishopstoke and Portsmouth St Agatha tied as leading peal towers (11).

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June provided an opportunity to ring a peal to celebrate this special occasion and saw several performances made up of local Sunday service bands.

The Guild officers would like to congratulate the following ringers who rang their first peal in 2022 and it is especially good to see a number of younger ringers taking their first steps into peal ringing:-

Erin M E Ingram
Isla K A Ingram
Peter J Maddams
Eleanor A Collins
Steven P Marriott
Ellen R Barber (aged 12)
Mitchell Reeves (aged 11)
Oliver Blake
Donny Brock
Andrew G Booth

Other notable milestones included:-

100th - Ewan Grant-Richardson & George J Vant
300th - Alan D Elsmore
400th - Maureen J Hanney
600th - John A Dodd & Janet L Morris

First peal as conductor - Nicholas A M James

Malcolm M Powell rang his 600th peal for the Guild at St Agatha’s, Portsmouth which also coincided with the 300th peal on the bells.

Edd Colliss rang his 750th peal for the Guild.

Finally, special congratulations to John S Croft who rang and conducted his 2,000 peal.

There were a number of new methods rung during the year including Branston Pickle which was rung to celebrate the 100th anniversary launch of the product.

Handbell Peals

A total of 34 handbell peals were rung for the Guild in 2022 by 27 ringers, very much at the same level as the previous 4 years. John Croft (23) headed the table with Benjamin Carey (11) the leading conductor. New Alresford, Jubilee was the leading venue (12) with Portsmouth, Fearon Road (10) coming a close second.

Congratulations to Oliver Blake who, with a peal of Plain Bob Minor on the island of Guernsey rang his first peal on handbells.

One of the highlights was a peal of Cambridge Surprise Royal, this being the first peal of Surprise Royal rung on handbells for the Guild, by a resident band since 11th September 1979.

It was also good to see peals of Bristol and London Royal being rung for the Guild during the course of the year.

Ian Carey