Isle of Wight District bell ringers gathered at Whitwell on Saturday last to honour the memory of Lester Bailey, a past ringer of Godshill, whose Memorial Shield is contested for every year in June.
Seven towers entered teams this year with a good mix of ringers, ageing from 7 to about, well, let’s just say oldish!
Steve Castle dusted off his passport to cross the Solent and judge the competition for us, and for that we are very grateful for the time and effort on his part in agreeing to our request.

The sun shone for us all so a running picnic tea outside in the grounds of the church was provided by Sue Day, with her team of willing Whitwell helpers laying on ample supplies of tea, coffee, cold drinks, and of course, our dietary need of cake and biscuits!

Photos: Mary Tester
Each team took their turn to ring five minutes of call changes and the final result was as follows: 1st: Ryde (31 faults, 76%); Joint 2nd: Brighstone (41 faults, 62%) and Chale (46 faults, 62%); 3rd: Brading (70 faults, 47%); 4th: Shanklin (88 faults, 45%); 5th: Arreton (111 faults, 27%); 6th: Swanmore (115 faults, 17%).
John Stock, Ryde tower captain, receives the certificate and shield from judge Steve Castle.
In all a lovely social afternoon for all our Island ringers and we thank Jenny Brudenell, Margaret Downer and Mary Tester for all their work in organising the event.