FOR WHOM THE BELLS TOLLED!

For Fergus and the B.B.C.!

Fergus is a three-year-old Golden retriever, owned and loved by Peter and Gwynnedd Heal at Willow Hill - the eldest of their three dogs. The B.B.C. were interested to hear that Fergus howls at the full moon and also at bells, particularly church bells. They are making a Science documentary concerning animals' (and humans') behaviour during a full moon, and any other unusual acts to do with howling.

So, they turned up with camera crew, lighting crew, director and his assistant at Willow Hill at the end of July. A team of Ringers were gathered, under the leadership of John and David Elsworth, from around the Parish - and beyond - to give them the full works.

Fergus performed to perfection, standing this way and that, doing whatever the director wanted - a true STAR!

After that - back home, where the B.B.C. team set up remote video cameras and monitors so that they could watch Fergus and the other two dogs during their normal pattern of sleep. They never moved!

On the 4th, August, the whole team returned and were able to witness, and film, Fergus's response to the full moon rising high above the fields at 10.00 p.m. Once again, Fergus gave it his best effort and was undoubtedly a star!

The programme is due to go out on B.B.C. 2 at the end of October. We should be able to give you the full details in the October "Link".

In the meantime, Peter and Gwynnedd - and Fergus - are just waiting for M.G.M. to ring!

(Thank you, Gwynnedd.)

next page Michaelmas