TAVISTOCK BELLS
St Eustachius is very fortunate in having a fine ring of ten bells, augmented from eight in celebration of the Millennium. They were cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough and a number of ringers and parishioners were lucky enough to travel to Loughborough to see the two new bells (a new ‘treble’ and ‘second’, being the lightest of the full peal) cast in the foundry. The bells themselves were donated by two local families and the associated work paid for by monies raised mostly by the ringers themselves, matched by Lottery funding. Full details can be seen on the board near the large door to the base of the tower at the west end of the church.
The church is also fortunate in possessing an enthusiastic team of ringers, some of whom are local families continuing a tradition of ringing in the area, while others – often already experienced in the art – have moved here from elsewhere. Practice nights on Tuesdays (7.30 pm – 9 pm) are normally well attended and a wide range of ringing ‘methods’, from basic rounds and call changes to more advanced and complex permutations with picturesque names such as Cambridge Surprise Royal or Stedman Caters, are on the menu. The ringers themselves have a varying level of expertise but ringing is very much a team effort and all work willingly together to help each other through any difficulties. Many of the Tavistock ringers also help other, smaller towers in the area, notably Brentor, Bridestowe, Sampford Spiney and Peter Tavy.
With ages ranging from 14 to over 80, this is a sociable group and welcomes visiting ringers either to practice nights or for Sunday service ringing from 9 am – 9.45 am and, sometimes, 5.30 pm – 6 pm (please call to check). We are also always looking out for those who would like to learn to ring and anyone from about 12 years old upwards who is interested is welcome to come along on a Tuesday evening to see what happens.
For more information, contact:
George Mudge (tower captain) 01822 615456
Phil Dunn (vice captain) 01822 810171
Jane Dunn (secretary) 01822 810171
Rosemary Ruddick 01822 617320
or email Phil Dunn phil.dunn.3cc@btinternet.com