In the last few months two members of the Salisbury Branch have been presented with certificates marking their long service to ringing.
In May, at a Salisbury Area Group of Ringers (SAGOR) meeting, Ivan Behan (HLM) of Enford tower received a certificate marking 60 years membership of the Guild, from the Guild President. Pat Davidson.
Then, on Sunday July 27th, at the morning Eucharist at St Mary’s, Fordingbridge, the President presented a certificate marking Honorary Life Membership for 50 year’s service to Mike Ireland. Prior to his recent retirement from ringing Mike had actually been a ringer for 70 of his 84 years, having originally learnt at the age of 14 on the St Laurence, Downton bells along with his twin brother Melvin and Bob Plaskett, who has recently retired as Tower Captain at Downton. Melvin was at the service along with Mike’s daughter and his wife. Also present were Bob Plaskett and Alan Riggs from Wimborne St Giles. Following the service the Fordingbridge ringers marked this auspicious occasion with coffee and cake and offered their thanks and heartfelt congratulations to Mike on this notable achievement.
