TAVISTOCK Church bellringers rang a full peal on New Year?s day to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the granting of a Royal Charter allowing a pannier market in the town and the 700th anniversary of the Royal Decree that established Tavistock as a stannary town. To be recognised as a true peal no change can be repeated, so 5,040 different changes were rung in three hours and 10 minutes. Much concentration was required by the bellringers to keep rhythm throughout this time, although they are fortunate to have an exceptionally good peal of bells in Tavistock which helped. The ten-strong band consisted of Ann Smith, Sheila Williams, David Pike, John Cook, Edwin Davis, Ian Smith (conductor), Jim East, Geoff Hill, Andrew Mudge and George Mudge. The peal also served as a belated wedding compliment to Andrew and Kelly Mudge for their wedding last August. If anyone would like to try their hand at bellringing, please ring George Mudge on 01822 615456.
