John Eisel's article in last week's Ringing World about prize ringing in tjhe 19th centrury and the Holmfirth band in particular was very interesting. In today's terms the prizes would have been pretty substantial. I understand Belfry Reform brought and end to prize ringing, but how long was it before the new territorial and Diocesan associations developed striking competitions which were not for money?
Did the Devonshire Association always have striking competitons which were for trophies and glory but not for money, or did they transition as well?
Sonning Deanery Branch of ODG introduced a 6-bell competition in 1961 and an 8-bell competition in 1975. ODG itself wasn't quite so early - the first 6-bell competition was in 1964 with the 8-bell competition in 1981 (for the Guild centenary). The 10-bell competition came later still.