On the morning of 16th December at St Nicholas Church in Bromham, Wiltshire, a peal of 5040 changes of Grandsire Doubles was rung to mark the 90th birthday of Dennis Powney. Included in the band were the current president of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers, Pat Davidson and its former president, David Hacker. Dennis was surprised to discover that the peal conductor was Jim Twiney, a fellow ringer he knew from many years ago.
Dennis started ringing with the band at St Nicholas in 1952, aged 17. At that time it was an all male band and the only method ever rung was Grandsire Doubles. National Service and subsequent work took him away from the village of his birth but, as soon as he was able to retire, he returned and eventually took over as Tower Captain, a position he held for 19 years.
Ten years ago Dennis thought his ringing days were over when he had a serious accident. He had to spend many months in the spinal unit at Salisbury hospital to recover. Despite his injuries he was soon back in the tower supporting the ringing and continues to be a valued member of the band.
Linda Drummond-Harris
