This photograph  hangs in Ditcheat  church tower, Thomas Vincent  was born at Queen Camel on November 17th, 1835, and came to  Manor Farm, Ditcheat,  to farm on his own account  when he was 25 years old, he married Jane, youngest daughter of Mr. William Stitch, Ditcheat, one month later in 12th April 1880.

Thomas Vincent was an ardent bellringer, he was elected Tower Captain in 1888.  He deservedly is to be credited with not only two bell restorations that leaves Ditcheat to claim one of the best ring of eight bells in the country, but also for developing the skill of change ringing in Ditcheat Tower and the wider locality.

Thomas Vincent had an outstanding energy for public service,  revealed in research of newspaper reports. The following are just some examples.

It must be noted that T G Vincent snr, died in 1922,  and was active up until then.  His son T G Vincent jnr  followed very much in his footsteps, both as bellringer and public offices,  it may not always be clear at the turn of the century which T G Vincent is the subject of a report.

 Western Gazette - Friday 10 February 1888

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DITCHEAT. Entertainment.— Monday evening, the third monthly entertainment in connection with the reading room was given by members and their friends. The Rev.C Leir presided over a large and enthusiastic audience, The following programme was well rendered, many the songs being encored :—Trio, "To all you ladies," Messrs. Vincent, Norman, and Norris; reading, “Mr. Wirdle's Shooting Party," Rev, C. Leir; song, "Sold Again," Mr. Thomas ; song, True Blue " (encored), Mr. Vincent ; comic song, " There no parting " (encored), Mr. H. Roles ; "The Man of Honest Heart" (encored), Mr. G. Norman ; song, " A motto for every man," Mr. C. Clarke ; song, Mrs. Brown's Tea Party," Mr.Norris ; banjo song, "My Brother Joe" (encore, "Pretty little dark blue eyes "). Mr. J. Hunt; song, " The Skipper of St. Ives," Mr. Sheppard ; duet, "The Minute Gun at Sea," Messrs. Norman and Norris ; trio, " A little farm well till'd," Messrs. Vincent, Norman, and Norris ; comic song, " I did it” (encored), Mr. Quinn j song, Uncle Jack " (encored), Mr. Vincent ; song, " A Regular Man " (encored), Mr. E. King ; song, " Champagne Charlie," Mr. Norman ; song, " The Three Sailor Boys," Mr. Sheppard ; banjo song, " Come and join our Jubilee,",(encore, " Yum-yum-yum"), Mr. J. Hunt ; comic song, "I borrowed it”' (encored), Mr. H. Roles duet, "All’s well," Messrs. Norman and Norris ; “God Save the Queen." At the close, a vote of thanks was accorded to the accompanists, Miss Barber, Miss Searchfield, and Mr. Norris, on the motion of the Rev. C. Leir, and to the Chairman, on the motion of Mr. T. G. Vincent. 

 Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 14 February 1902

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DITCHEAT

Presentation.—For some years past the tennis club of this parish has been indebted to the kindness of Mr. G. Vincent for the use his field for their courts. As a slight acknowledgment of his kindness, Mr. A. G. Barber, on behalf of the members of the club, presented Mr. Vincent on Friday lasst at the Board School, with a solid silver cigar case. In making the presentation, Mr. Barber spoke of Mr. Vincent's kindness, and his efforts in helping to make the club a success, and assured him that all the members were very grateful to him for it. He hoped that Mr. Vincent would live many years to extend the same kindness to them, and that the small present they now asked him to accept, would furnish him with many a quiet and enjoyable smoke. On the box were the recipient's initials, “T. G. V." and “Presented by the Ditcheat tennis club." Mr. Vincent, who was evidently taken surprise, acknowledged the gift in feeling terms, and said that it was a pleasure to him to let them have his field, a pleasure be should always exercise as long as the members wished. He heartily thanked them for their gift, and especially for the kind feeling that prompted it. 

 Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 14 April 1905

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DITCHEAT.

A Parish Council meeting was held on Monday evening, when there were present Messrs. T. G. Vincent (in the chair), H. Pearce, E. King and G. Look, and Mr. F. W. Harrold (clerk.) The minutes of the last meeting and the annual parish meeting, were read and confirmed. Mr. King proposed and Mr. Look seconded that Mr. Vincent be chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. This was carried unanimously, and Mr. Vincent returned thanks. Mr. Pearce was elected vice-chairman, and also returned thanks. The overseers of the parish were appointed as follows :-Mr. Edwin Clark for Ditcheat; Mr. G. Porter for Alhampton and Sutton ; and Mr. G. Parsons for Wraxall. A precept for £5 was levied on the Burial Fund account. Votes of thanks for their services during the past year were accorded the chairman and vice-chairman, and both suitably responded.

UNIONIST MEETING,

A well attended meeting was held in the Schoolroom on Friday evening, to hear an address from Mr. B. G. Falle, the prospective Unionist candidate for the division. The chair was taken by Mr. T. G. Vincent, chairman of the Association, who was supported by the Rev. C. E. Leir, Messrs. H. V. Dooson, R. Norton, H. C. Garrod, E. King (hon, sec.), and others. The Chairman, in introducing Mr. Falle, said that they had made very good selection in their candidate, he was man of great ability,  and could devote his whole time and energies to their cause. Consequently hoped that when they had heard his address they would support him, and in due time return him to Parliament. 

Central Somerset Gazette - Friday 30 August 1907

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WOOKEY HOLE • RURAL EDUCATION. —ln continuation of a series of lessons and demonstrations on thatching which are being given under the auspices of the County Council, Mr. T. G. Vincent, of Ditcheat, gave two lessons last week, the first at Conley, on a rick near the Post-Office, kindly lent by Mr. Bennett, and the second at Wookey Hole, in a field opposite Wookey-house, where a rick was provided through the kindness of Mr. Francis. Considerable interest was evinced in the lessons, and there was an encouraging number of students.

 Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 17 February 1911

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DITCHEAT.

A very successful whist drive was held at the Council School on Friday last. It was promoted by Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Vincent, of Wraxall Farm, and they were assisted by. strong committee )f ladies. About one hundred and fifty accepted invitations, and nearly all attended. Play commenced at eight o’clock, and with interval of an hour for refreshments, lasted till about one o’clock. Four valuable prizes were offered, and were won follows : Ladies—1st, Mrs. T. H. Gollodge 2nd, Mrs. S. Parsons. Gents—1st, Mr. J. Day, jun.; 2nd, Mr. J. Osborne. Mrs. Look, sen. and Mr F. Longman won the mystery prizes.

The Flower Show and Fete Committee met on Friday evening, Mr. T. G. Vincent, sen., presiding.' The minutes of the last meeting were read, and discussion took place as the advisability combining the coronation festivities with those of the show. It was, however, decided to hold the fete as usual. Special prizes were offered and accepted with thanks. It was agreed to continue the baby competition. Mr. Barber again kindly placed his field at the disposal of the Committee. A Visiting Committee, consisting Messrs. G. Look, T. G. Vincent, jun., and G. Dyke, was appointed, with power to inspect gardens after entries for the Show were received. AU the officers and committee were re-elected. 

Western Gazette - Friday 10 May 1912

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WEST COUNTRY FARMERS VISIT IRELAND.

EAST SOMERSET DELEGATES.

THE LAND PURCHASE ACTS.

The party of West of England Farmers who are now on a visit to Ireland, touring the rural parts the counry until May 11th, when they leave for their respective homes, are, from reports to hand, spending an interesting and instructive time. The object of the tour is to study the operation of Land Purchase Acts particular, and also any other facts bearing on the agricultural prosperity of Ireland. Mr. J. L. Green, the editor of the “Rural World," arranged for the visit, and the farmers are travelling under his leadership, Mr. Ernest Jardine, M.P. for East Somerset, who ha* taken great interest in this land purchase scheme in Ireland, kindly offered bear the expense of two farmers from the East and Mid-Somerset Agricultural Societies to accompany the party, in order to enquire into the operation of the before mentioned Acts. Mr. Frank R. Wadman. of the Home Farm, Horsington, the delegate for East Somerset, and Mr. T. G. Vincent, of Ditcheat, is the representative of the Mid-Somerset. Society

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 18 May 1917

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DITCHEAT.

War Savings Association Meeting.—A meeting was held in the Sunday School room on Thursday last, with a to view forming a War Savings Association in the village. Mr. T. G. Vincent, senr. was in the chair, and Messrs Drewitt (Castle Cary), and Phelps (Shepton Mallet) were the chief speakers, Others present included Messrs. Gass, S. W. Golledge, G. Bishop, S. Vincent, R. Look. E. Clarke Mrs Bishop, the Rector (Rev. C. E. Lier). and Messrs. Read, Corp, and Turner. The chairman in his opening remarks regretted that there was not more representative meeting, but hoped that those present would make the scheme success. Mr. Drewitt then addressed the meeting and pointed out not only the benefit but the necessity of subscribing to the War loan. He then dealt with the objections and fears of the people and showed that if money was not safe in the War loan it was not safe anywhere, and that the British Government’s securities were the test in the world. Mr. Phelps gave figures and facts about other local associations and advised Ditcheat people to emulate the example of other villages. He also explained the various schemes of working the associations. -Mr. S. Golledge proposed and Mr. R. Look seconded that Mr. R. Knight be secretary, this being carried. The following were elected on the Committee: Messrs T. G.Vincent, senr. chairman. G. Look (Wraxall), R. Look (Sutton), S.Vincent (Ditcheat) S. Golledge (Wraxall).

 Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 03 February 1922

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DITCHEAT.

Campanology. —The annual meeting of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers (Cary Deanery Branch), was held at Ditcheat, on Saturday last, when about forty members attended, the towers represented being Ditcheat, Evercreech, Pylle, Castle Cary, Queen Camel, Ilminster, Babcary, Templecombe, West Pennard, Barton St. David and North Barrow. The Rev. H. Tripp conducted Divine Service in the Parish Church, at 4.15 p.m., and gave a most impressive address. Tea, which had been provided by the ladies of the parish, was partaken in the Sunday School room, and business meeting followed. Mr. T. G. Vincent (snr.) was elected chairman, and Mr. E. Creed, again consented to act secretary during the ensuing year. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Rev. H, H. Tripp for his address, to the organist and choir for their services, and to the ladies for providing such excellent tea. Afterwards the Ringers again ascended the tower, and tried various methods of change ringing. This brought a most successful meeting to close. 

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 21 April 1922

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DITCHEAT.

DEATH OF MR. T. G. VINCENT.

It is with much regret record the death on 15^th inst. of one the oldest and most highly esteemed agriculturists of the district, Mr. Thomas Gifford Vincent, at the great age 87 years. In appearance and activity he was many years younger. The Sunday previous to his decease he attended twice his Parish Church, in the choir with which he had been associated for forty years ; Tuesday he was at Castle Cary market, and on Wednesday morning engaged in garden at Factory House, the residence of his son, with whom he had stayed since the recent death of his daughter, which was event he keenly felt. A chill seized Mr. Vincent on Wednesday, and advanced to pleurisy, developing pneumonia, so that on the evening of the third day after the attack he passed away.

Mr. Vincent was born at Queen Camel on November 17th, 1835, and came to the Manor Farm, Ditcheat, March, 1860. The next month—on April 12th—he married Jane, youngest daughter of Mr. William Stitch, Ditcheat, and his good wife was spared to celebrate with him their golden wedding six years ago. The long and happy intercourse was broken by the death of Mrs. Vincent five years since. Three sons (one in Australia), and one daughter survive. Mr. Vincent was experienced and very successful agriculturist and the oldest member living the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, established in Evercreech in 1853. For many years he was treasurer of the Society, and on the death of the late Mr. R. Moody, accepted the honorary secretaryship, which office he held at the time his death. For lengthened period earlier in life, Mr. Vincent was. a Guardian of the parish, and for a dozen years was Churchwarden. He was ardent bell ringer through more than half century in Ditcheat, and was instrumental in the improvement of the village bells, and in their being rehung in iron frame. It was the wish of his companions the belfry act as his bearers the funeral, which took place yesterday afternoon at Ditcheat. A full report of the last offices will appear in our next issue. Mr. Vincent was also Freemason, the oldest member Royal Clarence Lodge, Bruton. He was staunch in every way, and passed the chair a generation ago. In politics Mr. Vincent was a Conservative, and was Chairman of the Ditcheat Polling District Committee. His family has many and wide connections, and great sorrow is felt at the loss of one of the most sympathetic and generous of nature’s gentlemen. The funeral yesterday was very largely attended, and the service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Tripp.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 28 April 1922

DITCHEAT

FUNERAL OF MR. T. G. VINCENT.

There as no mistaking the tact that the village and neighbourhood keenly felt the loss they had sustained by the death of Mr. T. G. Vincent, as announced in the last Journal ; and everywhere in the village on Thursday last there were signs mourning, and atmosphere of depression, as the funeral cortege wended its way from late residence of the deceased gentleman to the portals the Parish Church, where he had loyally served through generation and half. Mr. Vincent was indeed, grand old man, beloved by the whole parish. and his ever genial and courteous manner dealing with many questions he encountered in his active, public life, gained for him the admiration of very wide district. It was not surprising, therefore, that the last offices were very largely attended. Some 120 mourners coming from Cranmore, Doulting, Oakhill, Shepton Mallet, Evercreech. Castle Cary, Bruton, Wincanton, East Pennard, and elsewhere, amongst them being Messrs. Jas. Golledge, G. and R. Longman, W. G. Norman, Payne, Tullett. Barrett. Churchouse, Martin. Wicks, R. Dyke, S. W. Golledge, T. Golledge, L. and F. Hoddinott. H. Davis, H. Rumsoy, A. C. Clark, J. leaver, J. Day, S. C. R. Orledge, M. Tabor, W. K. Avory, H. Board. M. English, B. and W. Warren. J. Leversedge, C. Moody, R. T. A. Hughes, J. B. Godfrey. A. W. Marchant, W. Phelps, A. Feaver, J. H. White, J. Bright, G. Look, O. J. L. Martin, E. Cary, Byrt, A. Allen, A. J. Thorn, J. Salmon, J. H. Mackie, W. B. Mackie, A. G. Barber, R. N. Look, J. Green, C. H. Butt, W. Wride. J. C. Moody, R. Longman, junr., H. J. Davis, A. J. Davis, etc. Besides the foregoing were some 20 members of the Royal Clarence Lodge Freemasons (Bruton), each carrying emblem of his Lodge. There were also present representatives of numerous societies to which the deceased had belonged, viz., Mr. F. H. Berryman, president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society ; Mr. B. Richards, chairman the local branch the Somerset Farmers’ Union; Mr. H. Norman, secretary of the Farmers’ Union ; and also members of the Evercreech, Castle Cary and Bruton Church towers, Mr. Vincent having been a distinguished and lifelong ringer. The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Vincent, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gifford Vincent (sons and daughters- in-law), Mrs. and Mr. F. W. Burston (daughter and son-in-law) ; John, Hubert, Mary and Joan Vincent (grandchildren), William Vincent, Herbert and Walter Warren (nephews), Matilda Warren (niece), William, George and James Gifford (cousins), and Messrs. Arthur Allen. Jos. Gare and Geo. Welch (old friends the family). The sad procession started at 2 p.m., and slowly approached the Church, where was met the gates the Rev. —. Tripp, rector, who, reading the opening sentences, led the way into the sacred House. Mr. Clements, Bruton, presided at the organ, and as the mounters found their seats, played appropriate music, including “ Oh, Rest in the Lord,” from Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Following the usual setting the service, hymn “ Now the labourer's task o’er ” was sung. Then the whole congregation stood while the “Dead March ” in Sard was solemnly played. At the graveside the remaining rites were very impressively conducted the rector, and the singing an Easter hymn “Jesus lives!” was followed the Benediction, and concluded the service. was singularly appropriate that the grave lies almost immediately below the tower, in which Mr. Vincent had spent many happy hours and which had given so great support. The grave was beautifully lined with laurels and spring flowers, whilst suspended at the head and the foot were two lovely crosses white flowers. The coffin, polished oak, with brass fittings, bore the breast plate the inscription “Thomas Gifford Vincent, born November 17, 1834. died April 15. 1922. The venerable gentleman was borne to his last resting place by members of the Ditcheat Church Ringers Guild, viz.. Messrs. L. and A. Lintern, Thos. Merrifield, Walter Crab and Edwin Clark. Amongst the many beautiful floral tributes were the following:—“ln memory of our beloved and much respected old member, from Ditcheat Church Choir : Lost in sight ; Present in Memory; ” “In memory a much respected and beloved captain ” from the Ditcheat Church Bellringers, the tribute was a magnificent harp in arum lilies with a broken string. “A token of respect, from Castle Cary Bellringers ” ; “ With sincere sympathy and mourning our loss, Brethren Royal Clarence Lodge, No. 070. Bruton” “To the memory of the father the society, with sincere regret at the loss of valued member. From the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society.” A cross, from Mr. and Mrs. Payne, Cast Cary, “ In loving memory of our dear old Chairman.”

During the day the flag was flown half mast from the tower, and immediately after the service a muffled peal was rung on the bells. Special mention was made from the pulpit on Easter Sunday, by he Lord Bishop of the Diocese, the death Mr. Vincent, and of the great hope with which the fact the Resurrection filled us.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 12 May 1916
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MR. & MRS. T. G. VINCENTS GOLDEN WEDDING.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION.

There was a very full room at the Council Schools, Ditcheat, on Thursday night last week, when a public presentation was made to Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Vincent from the whole of the parishioners in commemoration of the celebration of their golden wedding recently. Amongst those who attended were General R. Leir- Carleton, the Rev. C. E. Leir, Messrs. George Look and R. Knight, the committee who had conducted the canvass and organised presentation, Mr. T. G. Vincent, sen., Mrs. Edgar Welch, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Vincent, jun., and their family, the leading farmers and other residents of parish, every class the community being fully represented. Mrs. T. G. Vincent was unable to attend. The presentation consisted of a handsome illuminated address, in the upper part of which appeared the portraits of the happy pair, either side representations of bells, in allusion to the captaincy of the ringers, each bearing the monogram of Mr. Vincent, and panel in the base with view of Ditcheat church. Accompanying this was an elegant silver rose bowl on plinth. The address was follows :

“In commemoration of Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Vincent’s attaining their Golden Wedding Celebration, April 12th, 1866—1916. We, the undersigned, parishioners of Ditcheat unite in conveying our sincere congratulations, also our best wishes for a lengthy period of normal health to still enjoy the pleasure of life which providence provides, together with a silver rose bowl as a small token of remembrance and esteem for the many acts of kindness and consideration which it has always been their pleasure to afford for the general happiness and welfare of the parish. In Mr. Vincent we boast and claim and rejoice to possess a friend indeed, with amiable, jocular and sporting disposition, full of tact, ability and energy, as well moral example who has naturally won our unfeigned and everlasting respect. Amongst the many important posts, which entailed much arduous work, has honorarily and competently filled are, for number of years churchwarden; for many years and still a member of our Church choir and captain of our Church bell ringers; also organiser and chairman of our Ditcheat Harvest Home fete ; chairman of the Parish Council for a considerable term; and always first consideration in all events of interest amongst us. We also express our gratitude to Mrs. Vincent, who has always been pleased to prompt her beloved husband in exercising his devotion in creating a friendly unity between all classes in the parish.”

Over 200 names followed, practically list the adult, residents in the parish, there being not more than one person, even if there was one, in the place who had not willingly and cheerfully subscribed. The silver rose bowl alluded to was inscribed :

“Presented to Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Vincent by 135 parishioners of Ditcheat, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding, April 12th, 1866 1916.”

Mr. George Look said they were met there that evening as parish to offer their heartiest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Vincent the celebration of their golden wedding, and to support their worthy rector in presenting their behalf the objects before them, as a token of the gratitude of the parish for the many kind acts of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent towards them all through his life (applause). He was expressing the sentiments of all the subscribers and contributors whose names were on that address, when he said how pleased they were with the opportunity of expressing their thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Vincent for all their kindness (hear, hear). No speech of his could exaggerate, and no words praise be too great for Mr. Vincent’s many good acts (loud applause). Mr. Barber and himself found it a very great pleasure collect the money for that presentation, through the hearty manner and the liberality of everyone whom they called. The general disposition everybody in the village to give what they could spoke volumes in praise of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent (applause). He asked the rector to make the presentation. The Rev. C. E. Leir, in a genial and conversational way, remarked that he did not think much more could said than had been by his friend George Look, who had taken the wind out of his sails. He believed that the feeling of all there, including heir dear old friend Tom Vincent, was that it was more, blessed to give than to receive (laughter and applause). He had asked Mr. Vincent which of them felt in the greatest funk at. speaking on the occasion, but they could not decide (laughter). They would all agree that it gave them great pleasure to see Mr. Vincent on that occasion, and ask him to accept that testimonial of the good will of the parish. They had been living good many years together. He had been in touch with Mr. Vincent himself for years, and had always lived very happily with him. They had all found it very pleasant to have nice people to live with, and they had always got along comfortably there in the parish, and a lot of that was due to Mr. Vincent. He quoted the sayings of some of his clerical friends as how careful they had to with the people in their parish, and how glad he was to get back always amongst them and think that thanks to Mr. Tom Vincent's help, he could generally keep the balance pretty well. Their dear old friend Tom Vincent used his genial influences not only in their own parish, hut he found that got about elsewhere, at Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet, and it was always the same sort of thing one heard about him (applause). He enlarged the many good points of Mr. Vincent in the parish work, alluded to in the testimonial, and congratulated all who had to do with the getting it up. was something Mr. and Mrs. Vincent would be proud to have in their new villa, and for the young folk to be able to look at. They would hand it down to posterity, and it would show the rising generations of Vincents that their forefather was jolly good sort, and that they had a name they could proud of for his character and the work had done. They wished Mr. and Mrs. Vincent every kind of happiness and good health and prosperity and long life (loud applause). Mr. T. G. Vincent, who spoke with much feeling, warmly thanked all who had had with that testimonial, and especially those who had taken all the trouble get it up. and the Rev. Leir coming there and making such kind remarks about him. He could not really express all the gratitude felt that night his dear old friends there. He felt that, it was the most memorable occasion in his life their giving him and his wife such a handsome present. could look back with pleasure over the whole of the fifty years that it had been his privilege to live in Ditcheat. He had many happy reminiscences of his earlier days the parish. but had never spent a happier time than felt that night, surrounded by many old and new friends. He thanked them from the bottom his heart for that splendid testimonial. During his career in Ditcheat. had done nothing more than he considered his duty, and nothing deserve such honour they had paid him. He sincerely trusted that in the time which might be remaining to him he might still have opportunities to do a little for the good of the parish of Ditcheat. He thanked one and all, on behalf of himself, his wife and family for that present, and especially the Rector. Mr. Look, Mr. Barber and Mr. Knight.

Some formal votes of thanks were passed, and congratulations exchanged, and the meeting closed with the singing of “For they are jolly good people,” in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, and the National Anthem, led off, many previous occasions, Mr. Vincent.