A QUARTER peel of Grandsire Doubles was rung in Stogumber last week to mark Ron Penny's 60 years as a ringer at St Mary's Church. Few people in the country can boast such long service, and there can only be a handful who can claim such a long and continuous period in the same tower. On Wednesday June 29, during a warm, muggy evening, 1,260 changes were rung in 45 minutes - which proved such thirsty work that the ringers had no option but to to retire to the White Horse. There they were joined by the choir, which has also enjoyed Ron's membership for a similar period. Ron was born in the village and began ringing as soon as the bells were permitted to be rung at the end of the war. Although he is a founding member of the Penny Farthing skittle team and is a supporter of his grandson's cricket aspirations, he makes the most of Wednesday night ringing practice where his cry of "don't panic" can often be heard. Pictured from the left are Rob Yandle, Tim Kettle, Ron Penny, Ian Cockburn (treble), conductor Martin Blazey and Edgar Thomas (tenor).
