David Steel writes:
Some months ago over a cup of coffee it was casually chucked into the conversation that perhaps as a tribute to mark the forthcoming retirement of Ron, that the band might attempt a peal. From there, as is the wont of some of this band, they picked up the idea and made it happen.
On Monday, 23 May, the band rang a peal of 5040 Plain Bob Triples lasting 3hrs 7 minutes. This was an extraordinary achievement in anybody’s language but what made it particularly outstanding is that it may have been the first time that a Carlisle Cathedral Sunday service band has ever rung a peal on the Cathedral bells, also, three of the band were ringing their first ever peal.
The ringers were: On 1 Hilary Ward; on 2 Lynne Sydes; on 3 Amanda Rodger; on 4 Ruth Gilbert; on 5 John Proudfoot; on 6 David Horne; on 7 Andrew Warboys and on 8 Barry Garrett. Andrew conducted. I am told that it all went very well with no dramas or the need for interventions, unless you count the telephone flashing at one point which they steadfastly ignored.
Hilary, Lynne and Barry all achieved their first ever peal, congratulations to them all, I am full of admiration, especially as I am still at the stage where I am ecstatic when the bell stands.
Many thanks to all them all, some sort of permanent record will be placed in the ringing room to mark this marvellous achievement.
And rather wonderfully, Ron had no idea this was happening. You can view the bellboard record here Peal
