A BOY from Okehampton may have been the youngest bell ringer for 2024’s D-Day commemoration events.

Theo Hunkin-Mathews, aged five, had been learning about D-Day at his school, Clinton CofE Primary School. Learning all about the brave young soldiers and how they landed in France on June 6, 1944. So when he heard his mother was going to be “Ringing out for Peace” as part of the D-Day commemoration, he announced that he would love to be a part of it too.

The local bell-ringing group in Torridge rang the bells in Shebbear, Langtree and Black Torrington, followed by the lighting of a beacon, remembering the courage, bravery and sacrifice of the men and boys who fought for our freedom 80 years ago in the largest naval air and land operation in history.

David French, an experienced bell-ringer and ringing teacher, said: “Theo wanted to be involved and we were very happy to involve him. He took to backstroke like a natural ringer, even though only five, which we think probably makes him the youngest ringer to be involved in the national D day commemoration – Well done Theo – next practice night is on Wednesday!”

Theo is not the only young ringer in the area and David has trained up a number of young people, including Inca, aged 15, and Leon Lowson, age 10, from Petrockstowe.

Theo’s mother Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin is a local district councillor, lead member for culture and community engagement, and a local school’s committee member at the Clinton School. She is also part of the working group “Saving St Petroc’s Petrockstowe” with the aim of saving the redundant church building for future generations to enjoy.

Cheryl said: “Our rural churches and the ringing of the bells are so important to us; it is a huge part of our history, our identity and our culture, and it’s vitally important that these skills are passed down to future generations. It’s great to see young people getting involved and being inspired by their friends, and thanks must go to David and the other bell-ringing teachers for the patience and encouragement they give to new ringers.”