On the fourth of October, Rob Perryman was presented with his ‘Learning the Ropes’ certificate by his trainers, Paul Burden and David Shoubridge.

‘Learning the Ropes’ is the national training scheme for Bell-ringers. Rob has now mastered the
basics of bell-ringing, and successfully,completed Level 1. Also, as Altarnun,Tower is part of the Truro diocese, he was presented with a Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers badge, to show that he is now officially a Cornish ringer.

L1 Certificate Presentation

Rob got into bell-ringing through contact with some of the existing bell-ringers, on a walk with the Altarnun walking group. He had always liked the sound of bells  and the enthusiasm of the bell-ringers encouraged him to come along to a practice session. Once he started, he was hooked. He found it surprisingly difficult, but the satisfaction of getting it right and hearing his bell ring out above him, was immense.

Halfway through his training, he  unfortunately broke a stay (the stay is a strong piece of wood designed to stop the bell from going through a full circle – it seldom breaks). Breaking the stay gave him a very nasty shock, and seriously un-nerved him. It was only the encouragement and support of the other ringers that persuaded him to carry on. He is very glad that he did. Now he really enjoys being a member of the friendly and enthusiastic Altarnun bell-ringers.

Rob with his signed stay

After being presented with his certificate Rob was surprised by a further presentation. This time it was his broken stay, presented by the steeple keeper John Barker. The stay was mounted on a polished piece of hardwood, and had been signed by all the bell-ringers. The inscription reads:
Presented to Rob Perryman, hoping he will ‘stay’ with us for a long time, from the Altarnun Bellringers. After a small glass of bubbly, Rob took his place on the end of a rope and rang with the rest of the Altarnun band of ringers.