Tributes paid to Chardstock pair who clocked up more than 120 years between them in the church tower

Two of Chardstock’s longest serving bellringers are hanging up their ropes.

Michael Hunt and Stan Griffin are retiring from their tower duties after notching up more than 120 years of dedicated and loyal service between them.

To mark the occasion a cream tea was held in their honour at St Andrew’s Church.

The afternoon started with the bells being rung followed by the tower captain presenting Michael and Stan with framed certificates depicting the bell tower.

A wonderful display of Hand bell ringing by The Combe St Nicholas Hand Bell Team followed by the tea which was generously donated and served by the Chardstock bell team and organised by two of the lady ringers.

Later guests were treated to a further session of hand bell ringing and invited to have a go themselves.

Organisers thanked all the ringers who made the afternoon a great success in proudly honouring the tower’s two most respected stalwarts who will still be taking a keen interest in the bells, but will be very much missed.