SALISBURY DIOCESAN GUILD OF RINGERS NEWSLETTER
Autumn 2019 Number 157
In this issue:
From the 1 SIX BELL SUCCESS President Guild News and 2 Features
End Second World War 75th 5 Anniversary 2020
LEBRF News 7 and Features
Recruitment 8 and Education
Young Ringers 10
And in Other 14 News ...
Profile: Margaret 16 Romano
Branch News 17 and Features
Calne 17
Devizes 17
Dorchester 20
East Dorset 21
Marlborough 22
Mere 23
Salisbury 24 Top left: Six Bell Winners Downton. Teams in ringing order: Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, West Dorset 27 Wimborne Minster X, Puddletown, Wimborne Minster Y, Upwey, Downton, Evershot, Melksham, Obituaries 29 Calne, Spetisbury Spectacular (also bottom left Branch Business with Novice Pat Cotton Trophy). Pictures Kathryn Tyson 34 Meetings
Deadline for next issue: 1 February 2020—[email protected]
From the President
It was extremely heartening to see so many teams entering the Six Bell Striking Competition, this year YOUR FACE TO FACE held at Child Okeford. A very close contest with the At the July meeting of the Guild top two teams separated by only one point. Downton, Executive a number of decisions were in the Salisbury Branch, the victors (see pages 2-3). made on the future of the Guild Unfortunately there was only one novice team newsletter. It was agreed that: entered this time, which begs the question ―WHY‖; is the colour format throughout will it because you think you might look foolish, a lack of be retained; confidence or you just didn‘t know about it? Notice of the maximum size will be 34 events come from the Guild and the Branch numbered pages (on rare occasions it may be Secretaries but do Tower Correspondents and /or larger if there is a special reason); Tower Captains pass it on to their members? Do it will be published three times a year (February, check with your Tower Correspondent about what July, November); events are coming up. It is argued that notices are on the inside front cover may be used for content; the Guild Website, which they are, but many ringers and, seldom, if ever, look at it. Many grew up with the generally, the calendar to be restricted to Branch fountain pen and written notices on the belfry notice AGMs and Business meetings. board and still view the computer and mobile phone with healthy suspicion. By the time this issue of Face There are three ways of reading your Face to Face: to Face is published we will be nearing Christmas and on line at: https://sdgr.org.uk/face-to-face/; a New Ringing Year. Some of our Branches will the printed copy that goes to every tower and already have held their AGMs. I have noticed that should be available to all members in that tower; quite a few towers in our Guild do not hold any Tower and, meetings. An Annual meeting should not be seen as a personal printed copy (for a year—i.e. three threatening, rather it is an opportunity for a change editions, this costs £8 (£12 if posted), and this of officers (if that is the wish of members) but needs to be paid in advance by 1 February). For primarily it is an opportunity for each member to say details contact me. what they would like to achieve in ringing over the Robert Wellen (Face to Face Editor) next 12 months. The Incumbent could be asked to [email protected] join your Tower meeting so that he or she can give notice of events and when bells would be required and hear what the ringers are doing. The Anglican Church is becoming much more interested in the GUILD QUARTER PEAL activities of us bell ringers and this, along with the WEEK increasing emphasis on safeguarding, health and Salisbury Guild Quarter Peal Week safety and the need for Tower Captains, Ringing runs from Saturday 2nd November Masters and Training Officers to be DBS checked and until Sunday 10th November to hold safeguarding certificates, makes it more 2019. This is a great opportunity to essential than ever that all towers are compliant. organise quarters in your towers and branches, and Many people who started to ring in the last five years to give members the chance to ring their first or so have been taught by ―The Learning the Ropes‖ quarters, and their first quarters in new methods, scheme, set up by the Association of Ringing and even their first quarters as conductor. The week Teachers (ART). Its five levels develop key skills from embraces Remembrance Sunday which is also an bell handling, listening and improving striking to excellent time to draw the attention of parishioners understanding ringing jargon and conducting. It can to the purpose of bells with a quarter peal. Please be used in conjunction with other established will conductors link their successful quarter peals to teaching methods or as a standalone teaching the SDGR Quarter Peal Week event on Bellboard, so resource. It is viewed by some with much suspicion that all quarters can be collated and sent to The but I urge you to look again-I think you will find some Ringing World for publication together. good ideas and helpful tips. You will see many reports on its activities in this edition. For further information GUILD PEAL WEEK contact your local ART teacher (if you don‘t know who Guild Peal Week runs during the week of Christmas that is ask our Guild Education Officer: celebrations, 24th December 2019 to 1st [email protected]). There is a lot of help January 2020. In 2018 we scored four successful available out there, so swallow your pride look in the peals during the week, and it is our ambition to Guild Handbook or even throw caution to the wind, better that figure in 2019. It would be a great fire up your computer and look on the Guild Website: achievement to score a peal in every branch- https://sdgr.org.uk or the ART site: http:// perhaps Branch Ringing Masters could each take up ringingteachers.org/ Judith the challenge of organising a peal in their Branch, encouraging members who have not yet attempted Inside Cover Pictures: LtoR: „Patriotic threads‟; Frank‟s their first peal? Retirement (picture: Elizabeth Olkowicz) (p14); Dorchester Tour (p20); Lytchett Matravers Bells (p22); Bob Doubles David Warwick (Peal Secretary) Challenge (p21); Spanner in Hand at Lytchett (p22); Brian [email protected] Honoured (p26) and Devizes visit Sherborne (p18).
Page 1
Guild News and Features
GUILD SIX BELL STRIKING COMPETITION RESULTS 2019 Pos Team Branch Method Faults Ringing Judges‘ Comments Order 1st Downton Salisbury Plain Bob 3 7 Metronomic (very good) ringing. Compliment Doubles to the tenor ringer for keeping a steady pace. 2nd Wimborne East Grandsire 4 3 Tenor sometimes late at backstroke (not Minster X Dorset Doubles always enough to be classed as a fault). Dodges at lead end not always well placed. As the treble reached 4th/5th place, it sometimes clipped the bell in front. 3rd Wimborne East Grandsire 12 5 One method mistake. Striking improved as the Minster Y Dorset Doubles test piece went on. 4th Melksham Devizes Cambridge 20 9 Practice piece was PB Minor which produced better ringing. There are no extra bonus points for ringing complex methods in a striking competition. The extra difficulty of placing the bells in Surprise does not always bear fruit, as judged here–striking faults were occurring with all bells, despite there being no major method mistakes. 5th Puddletown Dorchester Plain Bob 21 4 Practice piece was plain hunt–this meant that Doubles practice at proper handling of the dodges could not be refined. Good set of rounds at the start to settle the rhythm 3/4 down dodge sometimes clipped–each bell needs to make sure it reaches back up to 4ths place at back stroke properly. Hesitation at the first call. 6th Calne Calne Grandsire 30.5 10 Started fast and slowed up in the first few Doubles rounds. Tenor repeatedly clipped the bell in front (too fast a pace for the rest of the band?) No consistent set speed for the first few leads. 7th Gillingham Mere Call 32 2 5th late at handstroke, leading inconsistent. Changes Sometimes the striking was not allowed to settle between each of the called changes. 8th Sturminster Mere Call 33 1 Good use made of practice session. Test piece Newton Changes –Lots of clipping of the small bells (3rd?), leading not consistent. A few faults around the 2nd call change. Striking settled down towards the end to give some good ringing for the last 50 judged changes. 9th Upwey Dorchester Plain Bob 40 6 Practice piece rung too fast–the leading Doubles sometimes fell into the back end of the previous change. The band could have spent a bit more time just ringing rounds to get used to the bells before their 5 minutes was up. In the test piece, the band could have allowed more time for the rhythm to settle before going into changes. As a result, there were a lot of method mistakes because of striking uncertainty. 10th Evershot West Plain Bob 50 8 Slightly faster than team 7. Plain hunt in Dorset Minor practice piece –slowed down in changes (not all ringers followed this) so one change fell into the next. Test piece of two halves, spoilt by a method mistake at the first bob(?) Some good ringing in the 2nd half.
GUILD NOVICE STRIKING COMPETITION RESULTS 2019 Pos Team Branch Method Faults Ringing Judges‘ Comments Order 1st Spetisbury East Rounds 20 11 Test piece infinitely better than the practice. Spectacular Dorset Bells 2,3 and 4 rang inconsistently faster than the rest of the band–leaving a gap before the 5th bell rings. As explained afterwards privately to the band, the tenor sets the metronomic pace; the treble then defines the start of the next change. The rest of the band must then mentally count out between these two fixed points ―1-2-3-4-5-6‖ to place their bell.
Page 2
Guild News and Features
Downton wins Guild Six Bell good ringing as some of the other bands-and good rounds on a Sunday morning means, with the correct support, the Striking Competition and Spetisbury band can then start to develop further. are ‗Spectacular‘ as well! 4. The results show that, if an appropriate style of ringing is chosen for the abilities of the band, the perceived standard heard outside can be equally as pleasant to the public (and From Robert Wellen: The Guild Six judges). Bell and Novice Striking 5. As per general comment 3, there are no bonus marks for Competitions were held on the complexity of method rung. Ringing minor compared to refurbished bells at Child Okeford doubles (with cover) or surprise compared to plain minor on Saturday 7 September 2019 does not gain kudos. The judges were purely looking at a (team pictures on the front page band being able to strike the bells well with consistent and full results and comments on leading/ rhythm. Therefore, keep the method simple unless requested in the competition rules. the previous page). Ten teams
took part in the Six Bell competition from all but one of our Salisbury Guild Celebrates its branches. Pictured left is Chris 4000th peal Caryer of the winning Downton team receiving the trophy from Bradford Peverell, Dorset From David Warwick (Peal President Judith Williamson; the The Assumption Secretary): The first peal other team members being Rhoda Fri 26 July 2019 in 2h 38m for the Guild was Grandsire 5184 Spliced Surprise Willson, Tom Burslem, Liz Thornton, Patricia Davidson Triples at Trowbridge on Major and Martin Willson. Unfortunately only one team 6m: 1152 Rutland, 960 22nd May 1886, conducted entered the Novice competition, but what a team, Yorkshire, 768 Cambridge, by William McCaffrey. Spetisbury Spectacular; pictured below right is Jodie Lincolnshire, Pudsey and Grandsire Triples was the Miller receiving the Pat Cotton Superlative with 149 com method for each of the first Trophy from Judith). The Composed by Marcus fifteen peals, St. Martin‘s competitions were judged by Sherwood Salisbury being the most Graham Darke from Wells in the 1. Timothy F Collins frequent tower. By the end 2. Patricia M Garrett Bath and Wells Association, of the nineteenth century, 3. Thomas R Garrett assisted by our own Judith 4. Felicity S Warwick the Guild had rung 132 Williamson, many thanks to both of 5. David A Warwick (C) peals, mostly of Grandsire them. After the results around 25 6. Robert D Crighton Triples (73), but also of members stayed for Fish and Chips 7. Raymond Haines Stedman Triples (21), Plain and a Quiz. Our thanks to all who 8. Nigel R Woodruff Bob Triples and Major, helped with teas and fish and The 4000th peal for the Double Norwich Court Bob chips. Guild. Major, Kent Treble Bob Major and eight of General comments from the Judge (Graham Darke): Grandsire Caters, which were all rung on handbells, mostly conducted by 1. All teams to be congratulated for entering and completing James Washbrook. The first peal of Surprise was the test piece of 120 changes (doubles/ minor), or equivalent of call changes/ rounds. Superlative in 1909, followed a few months later by 2. Not all teams made one of London Surprise Major. Stedman Caters was Ringing next good use of their practice first rung to celebrate the installation of the new May for 75th time (see comments for Gillett and Johnston ten at Wimborne Minster in 1911, anniversary of each team) e.g. by ringing conducted by William Pye. The range of methods, and a different method at towers pealed, increased significantly in the years VE Day practice to what was rung immediately before the outbreak of war, including the Friday 8th May 2020 in the test piece. Where first peal for the Guild at Sherborne Abbey in 1912. the test piece was harder, (Bank Holiday) Doubles and Minor peals became increasingly popular or where dodging was 7pm–Ringing out for Peace required that had not been after the war, and the 500th was a peal of Plain Bob In association with the Central practised beforehand, Minor rung at Potterne in 1931. The first twelve-bell Council of Church Bell Ringers, method mistakes crept in peal was rung at Trowbridge in 1936-Stedman bells in cathedrals, churches (especially at bobs/ Cinques-followed by Plain Bob Maximus and Kent and other locations will ring singles). Treble Bob Maximus in 1938. out at 7pm in a collective 3. Although only one celebration of peace. Church novice team entered, they There was a resurgence in activity after the second bells will be rung throughout were assessed for striking our nation and around the and received positive war and a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Upwey in 1949 world in celebration of the comments. We marked as marked the 1000th peal for the Guild. It had taken 63 peace and friendships we if part of the main years to reach this total, but only another 23 years to share today. competition, although they double that figure-another peal of Plain Bob Minor at were not. The point we as https://www.veday75.org/get Broad Chalke in 1972. The later stages of this period judges wanted to -involved/ringing-out-for- were dominated by two of the Guild‘s most prolific encourage was that novice peace/ peal ringers (and conductors), namely Brian bands can produce as Woodruffe and Timothy Collins who both did much to
Page 3
Guild News and Features
broaden the scope of peal ringing within the Guild. Preserved in Imber Peal ringing was at its peak in the Guild during the
Imber isn‘t easy to see. late 1960s through to the 1980s. The 3000th peal for Camouflaged like a curlew, the the Guild was a special one, 12000 changes of stone tower of St Giles‘ Church Doubles in 35 methods rung on handbells by Ceri, emerges about half a mile from the village, as you Brian and Christopher Woodruffe on 27th December approach from the south. This is about as deep into 1989-a mere 17 years after the 2000th. Peal ringing Salisbury Plain as it is possible to be: ‗Little Imber on the has been a little less popular in recent years and it down; seven miles from any town‘, ran the local rhyme, before civilian access to the village was blocked by the has taken a further 30 years to reach the 4000th. MoD during the War. Like its better-known counterpart in During this last period, the variety of methods has Dorset, Tyneham, Imber was evacuated in 1943, to burgeoned, showing a particular emphasis on Spliced provide a training area for US troops preparing for the Surprise Major and, latterly, more peals of Surprise allied invasion of Europe. A lane leading into the village, Maximus. ‗American Road‘, is one reminder of their residency, as are the railway tracks strengthening the curbs against From Neil Skelton: Evidently Sherman tanks in nearby Shrewton. Imber is now open to Bishop Andrew‘s visit on the public for twenty days a year, during which the well- preserved parish church receives nigh on fifteen thousand Sunday 3rd August had a visitors. Hearing this, I‘m momentarily tempted to call for profound effect on him. The the evacuation and closure of all Wiltshire‘s parishes, in conservation volunteer, order to spark their nostalgic revival, rather like the Christopher, referred to met annexation of the Isle of Wight in Julian Barnes‘ bright him at a service at Wilsford satire on national heritage, England, England. But what (Pewsey) the previous week draws them? Surely the myth of settlement and the and mentioned that he helped maintain the irresistible thrill of decline: black-eyed homes, overgrown churchyard at Imber. Andrew asked if he could visit greenery and the uncanny thought that, when every other en route to a service at Sutton Veny which I attended village is lit, Imber will remain dark. Yet whatever kind of place Imber is today: part stage set for army manoeuvres and so I was asked if I would provide him with access (ironically, these husks of houses are used for urban to the church. He spent some time there and climbed operations training), part pop-up museum or pilgrimage to the tower roof. I told him the Imber story and the site, it is hardly a lost Eden and by no means abandoned. thousands of visitors it attracts each year. I was the During the Afghanistan conflict, I learn, seven hundred lone volunteer who ‗tugged‘ the bells as he and Afghans were brought here in order to recreate a bustling Christopher left. Curiously my Rector in Wilton oriental bazaar, around which troops patrolled, observed mused, ‗If only we could replicate the Imber numbers from above by incredulous buzzards. Nature reigns in Imber and comes uncommonly close: roe deer lope over at Wilton‘. I suggested he might consider opening the the road, a red kite takes flight, mere feet away, and the church for just twenty days in each year! Clearly the encircling fields jitter with butterflies. My guide, a bishop and myself were thinking on similar lines. I conservation volunteer with a privileged red pass to visit thought his piece beautifully written and I might ask these restricted areas, has spent twenty years mapping him if I can put up a copy in Imber church but after and logging them–butterflies, ponds (all 290 of them) and publication of F2F. A historical postscript: in 1943 it the winterbournes that vein this pulsing landscape. The was the War Office which evacuated Imber. Its detailed attention of such latter-day Gilbert Whites means successor, the MOD, is a more recent incarnation of that Salisbury Plain, while barely inhabited, remains deeply, devoutly known. Ghosted by plastic sheeting, the the same government department. With all that now altar in St Giles‘ awaits the next service (like the buses, goes on at Imber and the publicity it receives I would there are two or three a year)–a baptism, remarkably, say that it has long since eclipsed Tyneham as the although the incumbent informs me he will need to bring a better known of the two. salad bowl, the font having long since departed. Quite regularly, I come across furnishings from Imber that were scattered across the diocese when the future of the church OUR GUILD STILL NEEDS A was in question. Happily, the Churches Conservation Trust now cares for the building, which is already realising its PUBLICITY OFFICER singular potential as an emblem of persistent Anglican faith. We aren‘t to stray beyond the road: military debris is Could you: everywhere strewn in this mock battlefield. Passing carcasses of never-inhabited homes erected in the seventies for training, it can appear that everything here is Write Reports on Guild Events? a facade–with an emotional force highly-charged but, Publicise Guild Events? ultimately, blank. Then you realise Imber was dwelt in for Keep Branches informed of Central nine hundred years, making its zero return in the national Council Press releases? census (shown continually since 1951), deeply poignant– pregnant even. As we leave, a lone volunteer tugs the Be a point of contact for ‗the media‘? bells of St Giles into life. For us? Maybe, but as they ring Update the Guild website with news? across the unharvested fields, it feels as though the land Develop ‗a social media strategy‘ for could be rising to worship. the Guild? The Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey is the Bishop of Ramsbury and a Vice Patron of the Guild. The above has Contact the Guild Master to discuss: been provided by the Bishop (adapted from a reflection written by him after visiting the Imber this summer). [email protected]
Page 4
End of Second World War 75th Anniversary 2020
Ringers from the Guild who Died in 1942 Sergeant Brian William Swaffield*, Wyke Regis. the Second World War 1939-45 Died 12/06/1942. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Commemorated at King's Lynn (Gayton Road) From Robert Wellen: 2020 sees the th Cemetery (also on Wyke Regis war memorial panel, 75 anniversary of VE Day on 8 May pictured below). 114 Squadron, Royal Air Force (the end of the war in Europe) and VJ Volunteer Reserve. Flying Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV. Day on 15 August (the end of the war Died in King‘s Lynn, in the Pacific and the Second World Norfolk, 19 June 1942. War). Published here are some details Aged 22. Killed in "The of the 11 ringers from the Diocese of Eagle" public house Salisbury known (now) to have died in when it was bombed that war (all Guild members), *indicates names on and demolished. the original Roll of Honour. Thanks to Alan Regin, Steward of the Central Council Rolls of Honour, for his Serjeant Albert Owen Wrintmore*, Calne assistance in compiling this article. Alan admits that (formerly Hilmarton). Died 12/06/1942 age 34. Home the ―WWII Roll of Honour is very much a work in Guard, 1st Wiltshire (Chippenham) Bn. progress”; so if you have any more details on any of Commemorated at Hilmarton (St. Laurence) those listed below, or you have evidence of other Churchyard (pictured below). He conducted peals. A ringers who died in this conflict please let me know. I report in The Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, am pretty confident myself from a preliminary look at Saturday 13 June 1942: ―HG DIES IN BATH the Guild reports that there are more. HOSPITAL Hand Grenade Burst During Exercise: Albert Owen 1941 Wrintmore, 34, sergeant in the Pilot Officer (Obs.) Paul Francis Opperman*, Home Guard, of Hilmarton, near Rowde. Died 26/09/1941 age 19. Royal Air Force Calne, died in the R.U.H Bath, as Volunteer Reserve. Commemorated a result of a hand grenade at Rowde (St. Matthew) Churchyard explosion during Home Guard (pictured left). Son of Percival exercises at Hilmarton on Herman Opperman and Jessie Thursday evening. He passed Opperman, of Ventnor, Isle of away after an operation in Wight. He held ―Police Rank of hospital. He was an acting sub- Junior Clerk‖ for a short while. He is inspector on the permanent way commemorated on the Wiltshire of the G.W.R. at Chippenham, and Constabulary Memorials, Police leaves a widow and one child”. Headquarters, London Road, Devizes. At 11.50 hours on 26 September 1941, Pilot Gunner Douglas Percy Arnold* Child Okeford. Died Officer James Richard Harrison took off with other 04/12/1942 age 22. Royal Artillery, 28 Field Regt. squadron aircraft in Bristol Beaufort W6483 WM-A for Commemorated at Ancona War Cemetery, Italy an attack on a reported merchant vessel. Owing to (pictured below name on Child Okeford Roll of bad visibility, Beaufort W6483 hit Tregonning Hill to Honour). Son of Frederick the northwest of Helston, Cornwall. All crew were Henry Arnold and Lily killed. Pilot Officer Paul Francis Opperman was Elizabeth Arnold, of Child Observer in the four man crew. Okeford. Private Douglas Arnold of the Royal Signals Electrical Artificer 3rd Class James Alfred Regiment was the only son of George Leighton*, Wyke Regis. Died 25/11/1941 elderly parents who lived at age 24. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Barham. Commemorated the School House. He was taken prisoner in the at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Born 16/02/1917. fighting in Italy and died while held captive. Douglas Eldest of two boys of Alfred Leighton and Isabel Arnold died so young at Macerata Sforzacosta (CWGC has Iris) M. Leighton (née Whiteman). Prisoner of War Camp. Final resting place after Husband of Dorothy V. Leighton (née Gill) whom he exhumation from Macerata on January 1st 1945 at married in December 1938, of Northfield, Ancona War Cemetery. Warwickshire. He attended Weymouth technical school and was a keen sportsman, sports played 1943 included rugby, on occasions for Weymouth rugby Civilian Frederick George Samuel Cole, Poole. club, and also tennis and badminton. On 24/11/1941 Died 06/09/1943 age 39. Civilian War Dead. Son of HMS Barham sailed from Alexandria and on James Cole and Mary Cole of 6 Frampton Buildings, 25/11/1941 was hit on the port side by three Upton, Poole, Dorset. Husband of Nora Cole of 114 torpedoes fired from U-331 causing it to list heavily Elmbridge Road, Gloucester. Died at Brockworth and spread fire towards the ammunition storages Aerodrome. Described in 1943-44 Report as ―one of which exploded killing 862 out of its roughly 1260 our ablest conductors” and that his death ―has cut man complement, Electrical Artificer 3rd Class short a ringing career of great promise”. In a letter Leighton was one of those that died. published in The Ringing World, 13th November
Page 5
End of Second World War 75th Anniversary 2020
2009, Phil Tocock spoke of Frederick Cole calling a North Bradley, the son of William Frederick and Lily peal in the late 1930s and he goes on to say ―Making Amy Gumm. We know that he married Gertrude some enquiries some years later I was informed that Louise Masters in the December Quarter of 1934. Fred Cole lost his life when the aircraft factory in There does not appear to be any children. During which he was working was destroyed during the Blitz. WWII he served in the North-West Europe Theatre of Perhaps his name should have been included in the War. Dennis was killed in action on the 7th August Rolls of Honour?‖ 1944. Initially buried at Le Quesnel, Somme, France he was re-interred at Banneville-La-Campagne War 1944 Cemetery, Calvados, France on the 24th June 1946. Corporal William Edmund Greene* (ROH says
Green), Hazelbury Bryan. Died 09/04/1944 age 37. 1945 Royal Armoured Corps. Commemorated at Bone War Private George James Burden, Fontmell Magna. Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria. Died 20/03/1945 age 25. Dorsetshire Regiment, 2nd Son of Albert Henry Greene Bn. Commemorated at Taukkyan War Cemetery, and Hannah Greene. Burma. Son of Victor Thomas Burden and Ann Burden Husband of Maud Ena Jane of Shaftesbury. George was educated at St Andrew‘s, Greene (nee Sanders) who Fontmell Magna, and at Shaftesbury Grammar he married in 1926, of School, and worked as a groundsman at Clayesmore Sturminster Newton. Born: School. He was killed in action before Mandalay–while Stockton, Warwickshire. acting as a stretcher bearer taking a wounded man to Resided: Hazelbury Bryan the Aid Post, a shell burst and he was killed at a house called "Wonston". Pictured an inscription in instantaneously. The Parish Magazine recorded that a memorial Bible in Hazelbury Bryan church. George, in a very direct way, ―laid down his life for
his friends”. “We shall miss him. He was a regular Private Sidney Walter Cousins* Warminster. Died Churchgoer, Communicant, and Bell-ringer, the sort 10/07/1944 age 23. Wiltshire Regiment, 4th Bn. of fellow that is a real loss to any Parish when he is Commemorated at St. Manvieu War Cemetery, taken away. When the news came a Peal was rung, Cheux, France. Son of Walter Cousins and Louisa with his Bell muffled, Cousins, of Warminster. Born: Somerset. a tribute to the
respect in which he Sergeant (Pilot) Stanley Charles Slade*, Preston. was held”. His name Died 25/07/1944 age 22. Royal Air Force Volunteer is on his parents‘ Reserve. Commemorated at Preston (St. Andrew) gravestone at East Churchyard (pictured below). Born circa 1922, Sgt Orchard church Slade was a flying (pictured). instructor at 29 EFTS (Elementary Flying Peals Rung in May 1945 Training School), but it is not known when he Tuesday 8 May 1945: 5040 Grandsire Doubles at North Bradley conducted by Percival Harding (peal board pictured arrived there. There was a below left, courtesy Tony Longdon). low flying fatality on the afternoon of Tuesday 25th Wednesday 9 May 1945: 5040 Grandsire Doubles at Abbotsbury conducted by J H Hayne. July 1944, when Tiger Moth T7463, with pilot instructor Sgt Stanley Charles Wednesday 9 May 1945: 5040 Doubles (Plain Bob and Slade RAFVR in the front cockpit and pupil Pilot Grandsire) at Lytchett Matravers conducted by Harold E White. Officer John Miller Paton in the rear, struck a tree in the low flying area. The aircraft caught fire and Wednesday 9 May 1945: 5040 Grandsire Doubles at Devizes crashed northeast of Braydon Pond near Wootton (Southbroom) conducted by Joseph S Weeks.
Bassett (RAF Clyffe Pypard). Sgt Slade was killed and Saturday 12 May 1945: 5040 Grandsire Doubles at Wool his pupil suffered second degree bums to his face and conducted by Sergt P Tocock (peal board pictured below a fractured skull. Sgt Slade was buried in St Andrew‘s right, courtesy Phil Miles). churchyard, Preston in Dorset on 29th July 1944. Sunday 13 May 1945: 5040 Grandsire Triples at Bishops Cannings conducted by Sidney G Grant. Private Dennis George Gumm*, Westbury (formerly Bratton). Died 07/08/1944 age 33. Saturday 19 May 1945: 5003 Grandsire Caters at Trowbridge conducted by Gilbert H Harding. Wiltshire Regiment, 5th Bn. Commemorated at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France Monday 21 May 1945: 5040 Plain Bob Minor at Lytchett (pictured, name on North Bradley war memorial). Matravers conducted by William C Shute. Husband of Gertrude Louise Gumm of Chieveley, Berkshire. Born: Yarnbrook, North Bradley. Dennis Gumm was born in the March Quarter of 1911. He was born in Yarnbrook,
Page 6
LEBRF News and Features
LEBRF Update 2019 the Salisbury Guild's Bell Restoration Fund (the LEBRF). After all the plan- ning, it was exciting to witness ring- ing com- mence at Ber- wick St John at 09:00, and then flow Sketch Map, with thanks to Martin Willson. through the Branch over the next 10 hours as the event took on a life of it's own. The route covered 24 towers in beautiful and varied Wiltshire countryside along five river valleys (Chalke, Ebble, Nadder, Woodford and Wylye), ending on Salisbury Plain at Durrington. It included nine towers not offered when the Salisbury To introduce myself, I am Anne Branch last hosted the event in 2012. The initial Wardell the new Administrator for weather forecast was dire, but the storm went the LEBRF, having taken over this through early and the day turned unexpectedly warm summer from Jo Barter who has and sunny-perfect for an Open Day. The forecast been carrying out sterling work in didn't deter visitors. As well as Salisbury Guild this role for the past nine years. I ringers, they came from as far afield as North support the LEBRF Trustees as they Yorkshire, Wales, Kent, Essex, Greater Manchester manage the Bell Restoration Fund and the West Country. There was one lady from and I live in the Pewsey area, Sydney, Australia, but she hadn't just come for the ringing at Milton Lilbourne, Pewsey day! Some visitors had arranged a longer stay to ring and Upavon Churches. Many of you in the area. The 6-bell tower at Middle Woodford will already know my husband, Chris Wardell, as he‘s counted 63 visitors, and were amazed as they kept been ringing around here for decades! The Llewellyn coming and coming. We are grateful for all the thanks Edwards Bell Restoration Fund, Registered Charity no and comments we have received. In particular, a 270529 in the UK, makes grants towards the number of ringers said how great it was to be able to restoration and augmentation of church bells in the get round all 24 towers. Ringing is thirsty work so the Diocese of Salisbury. During the last five years we refreshments were very welcome. One tower took have made grants of over £28,500 and the graphic £55 and that chocolate fridge cake was described as above gives details of some of our work during 2019. ―heavenly‖. As one steward summed it up "everyone The LEBRF Trustees meet three times a year in was happy, relaxed and having a good time; I can't February, June and October to review and allocate wait to do it again in seven years time!". grants from the Fund. These grants are valid for two years and are always paid on completion of the work.
If your tower has a bells restoration project planned, do please contact us–the Fund is of most value when it is being used to protect and preserve our ringing heritage, rather than just sitting in the bank! You can contact me and the LEBRF by e-mailing [email protected], plus you can find out more about the LEBRF and download an application form by clicking on https://sdgr.org.uk/lebrf/ Top left: Louise
Gay (left, LEBRF Open Day 2019: A Great Organiser) and Success! Rosemary Pegrum (Steward). From Louise Gay (LEBRF Trustee for Salisbury Branch): A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the LEBRF Open Day hosted by the Salisbury Branch on Saturday 17th August 2019. An equally Top right: West Dorset ringers enjoying lunch at huge thank you to all involved in the preparation for Stratford-sub-Castle and bottom: an „orderly queue‟ at this event. Together we raised an amazing £1187 for Ebbesbourne Wake.
Page 7
Recruitment and Education
Awards and Training Feedback– From David Hacker (Guild Education Officer): We are ‘Mind Your fast approaching the time of Quarter Peal Week, Language!‘ AGMs, Christmas, Peal Week and the start of another year. In view of this, it is now time to consider fellow Have you found members who you might like to see nominated for that feedback is sometimes treated as though it is a The Ringer of the Year Awards, if you think someone dirty word? Whilst it is true that false praise, such is worthy of nomination put their name forward to as ―That was good‖ when it obviously wasn‘t, is your Branch Committee for further consideration. worthless, feedback actually has nothing to do with Remember when the Education Committee considers praise; it is information given to someone about the nominations they are not only looking for people their performance so that they can improve next who have made good progress with their ringing but time. In the context of teaching bell handling, if you also will look at what the nominee has done for their start by recognising that a new ringer doesn‘t know fellow ringers, their local Church and community or the difference between good and bad movements, for their Branch and possibly the Guild, which opens then your feedback allows them to understand when up the field considerably for nominations. The closing they are doing something right or wrong and tells th date for nominations will be 29 February 2020 (so them how they can improve. Without such feedback you have an extra day to ‘make a leap!‘) and more the learner might well judge their performance by details (including former winners) and nomination how in control they feel or the look on your face, forms can be found on the website: https:// and then have to guess how to improve. Verbal sdgr.org.uk/guild-awards/ feedback can be positive, negative or neutral–
informational with no positive or negative As you will see on page 9 an ART Mini Conference connotations–such as, ‗Remember to keep your was held recently at Puddletown and following on handstroke lead open‘. Positive feedback provides from that I am considering expanding the idea to be encouragement; ringers like to receive praise when th used as the basis for our Guild Training Day on 30 it is sincere and honest. Negative feedback does not April 2020. We are in the very early stages of encourage, may be demotivating and contribute to planning at the moment but a general outline is for ringers giving up easily. The way in which you use the morning to have presentations on various topics feedback will affect the way the learner feels. You which affect us all with plenty of time for questions, should aim to use feedback in a manner which answers and general discussion, a simple lunch and leaves the ringer feeling positive. ―DON‘T‖ is one of then in the afternoon a series of workshops on ringing the most negative words you can use. Used related subjects where those attending can become frequently it will demotivate, but unfortunately, it is involved practically in something which might interest commonly used. Teachers are notorious for them; watch this space, there will be much more recognising and correcting errors more often than about the day in the next issue. noticing correct aspects of movements. Remember
to recognise positive aspects of a ringer‘s There are still spaces on the Simulator Awareness performance and use them in the feedback you give th Day being held at Marlborough on Saturday 30 to them. November 2019, see the notice on page 9. If you have a simulator in your tower, or are considering If you find it difficult to avoid the "don't" word, then installing one, then this day will be an invaluable try using the following technique: source of information for you. The Saxilby is still Good–start with what was good about the available for use during the winter months although it ringer‘s performance or attitude. will most likely need to be indoors. It has been well Better–then give feedback about what needs to used during the summer (during one month it was be worked on. used every weekend) and it has proved very popular How–provide advice on how to improve previously when a local band has promoted ringing at performance. a Christmas Bazaar. May I also remind you the new banners are there for your use, all of this material can Your feedback will be most useful if it is given be booked through me, simply send a request to immediately after the performance. If the feedback [email protected] is delayed it is more likely that the ringer will have forgotten exactly how they performed. And to give Are you a Learner? the ringer the best chance of improving, try to give
If you have recently taken up ringing I them the opportunity to practise what needs to be would like to hear from you for a improved straight away. So, feedback isn‘t a dirty ‗Learner‘s Corner‘ which I hope to introduce as a word, it is a powerful and necessary teaching tool. regular feature in Face to Face. What has worked When used carefully and thoughtfully it can lead to for you? What hasn‘t? Highs, lows, frustrations, light significant performance improvement and leave the bulb moments—share with fellow learners and help learner feeling both positive and ready for more. our teachers. Contributions to Robert Wellen, the Editor, at [email protected]. Lesley Belcher (ART Chair)
Page 8
Recruitment and Education
ART Dorset Mini Conference of mouth (inviting friends and neighbours) make a st good combination for recruiting. She strongly 21 September 2019 advocates that retention involves taking an interest in every ringer‘s individual progress and running specific From Nigel Pridmore: On practice sessions on perhaps a sunny September listening skills alongside and Saturday Puddletown as separate sessions to a tower hosted the first regular practice. In addition mini conference for to their own development Dorset (and Wiltshire). Debbie and her band have Being a ‗first‘ always been fund raising for repair to means that one is never the bells as reported in this sure how many will turn up and the date inevitably journal. Debbie‘s motto of clashed with various outings, weddings and so forth, ‗recruit, inspire, retain‘ but for the twenty or so who attended the mood was certainly inspired all of us and positive. After a welcoming coffee, Roger Booth gave us many ideas to take (member of the ART Management Committee, Tutor back to our own towers. and owner of the Charmborough Ring) spoke briefly on the development of the Association of Ringing Following a ‗networking‘ coffee break, where ringers Teachers across the country from a standing start shared and expressed thoughts and ideas, the over the last eight years, and new developments that morning was ‗pulled together‘ with an open forum. are being initiated during the next twelve months: Questions were put to speakers and there was much Upgrading of IT systems to cope with the rapid debate on how we move forward and what we as growth of ART, including replacement of the Dorset and Wiltshire ringers envisage for the future. ‗SmART Ringer‘ website with easier access to There was some disappointment at the small turn-out booking courses and teaching resources. (for over 200 towers that had been invited). Ideas Improvements to the ‗mentoring‘ system, so that were discussed on ways to improve communication new teachers are properly supported. links. From a local perspective within Dorset and Encouraging teachers to work together in local Wiltshire talks are now underway to provide more groups or ‗hubs‘. information on the work of teaching ringing through More emphasis on ‗foundation skills‘ (a variety of ART methods and other successful approaches, so interesting exercises to help improve bell-handling watch out for future training opportunities during the and listening skills as well as teaching people how next twelve months. Visit the ART website: http:// to count places and gain ropesight in simple easily ringingteachers.org/ manageable steps) as part of not only tower practice nights but also as a possibility for District and Branch practices. Abel The success of the booklet 50 Ringing Things Simulator which encourages a multitude of opportunities to Workshop ringers to ‗get involved‘ in their tower, Branch or
District events. Saturday 30 November 2019 More emphasis on striking as part of the ‗Learning 9.30am–5.00pm-Marlborough
the Ropes‘ programme. https://sdgr.org.uk/simulator-workshop-30-november- Working with the Central Council to provide 2019/ training for future leaders and tower captains A simulator is a valuable learning tool that can be used at through the ART modules. Also workshop sessions home and in the tower. It can significantly speed up the such as calling simple touches, steeple keeping, learning process and give you the opportunity to practise simulators, listening skills, tower leadership and your ringing without the need for a full band of ringers, or teach your beginners far more efficiently. This workshop is recruitment and retention. designed for those with limited or no knowledge of ART Champions–to promote ART in their area, and simulators, and those who are considering installing one in help follow up people who attend teacher training their own tower, or using one in a nearby tower. The modules and those who enrol on the ‗Learning the morning session explains the various items of hardware Ropes‘ programme. available, and their advantages and disadvantages, and an opportunity to try the software. The afternoon session Following this Debbie Phipps (Tower Captain of goes into Abel in depth, taking people through the various Lytchett Matravers, pictured top right) gave a stages from ringing rounds, plain hunting and ringing a bell inside to simple methods. The majority of the presentation on ‗Recruiting Ringers whilst raising workshop will be spent in practical exercises, so that you money for tower repairs.‘ A few years ago she began should go away fully conversant with Abel/ how to use it. with four ringers (including herself) and showed us how through using the ideas from ART, as well as her The workshop can accommodate up to sixteen delegates, but early booking is advisable. To register and book: own initiatives, she now has a strong band of 16. https://events.bellringing.org/events/workshops. The cost Debbie shared lots of realistic ideas on how to nurture is £20 per student to be paid on the day. For more the ringers and help them to grow. Her analysis of information or advice contact the Guild Education Officer recruitment shows that links to the church and word at [email protected] or call 01225 791821.
Page 9
Young Ringers
Congratulations from Bishop ‗Young Ringers‘ Cycling Tour comes Nicholas to Dorset
From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): On hearing about our team Go Bellistic taking part in the RWNYC in Liverpool, I received the following from our Patron, the Right Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury: ―Many thanks for letting me know about the young ringers from the Diocese. I am glad to know they took part in the competition and it sounds as though they had a great day. It is so good to see such young ringers taking their place in the Diocesan Guild. God bless. + Nicholas”.
Guild Young Ringers Day in Bath
From Robert Wellen: The latest excursion by the young ringers of the Guild was to From (a youthful) Ruth Beavin: In 1972 the Revd. the historic city of Geoff Stickland started a cycling tour for young bell Bath. The day was ringers around towers in the Forest of Dean, staying warm and sunny, in Youth Hostels. Nowadays, anyone who feels up to quite a relief after the challenge of cycling an average of 30 miles a day some recent for a week and ringing at 5-6 towers each day is downpours. It was welcome to join. We no longer stay in hostels but Wednesday 21 stay the whole week at a centre, going out in a August 2019 and 12 circular route in a different direction each day. Revd. young ringers, family Tom Pelham, Curate at Canford Cliffs has now taken and friends (a total on much of the organising and since 2015 a group of party of 25) travelled us from the north of the Guild have joined the tour to Bath by train or (average are 50+)! This year, the tour was in our by car and park and ride. We all gathered at our first Guild and about 25 of us (though we did have 30 or tower, Bathwick, at ten o‘clock for an hour of ringing so people at various times as some people only came on this lovely ring of 10 bells. We rang lots of rounds, for a part of the week or a day) stayed at Bryanston call changes and plain hunt all day, and here we also School, Blandford. Here we had very comfortable had a touch of Grandsire Caters. Our party included accommodation, sumptuous food, and the use of their Pat and Ian Davidson and their two grandchildren brand new 25 metre swimming pool. Our total cycling (potential future young ringers?) who did their distance was approximately 150 miles and we rang at popularity no harm by handing out delicious chocolate 31 towers including the newly rehung bells at Child cake as we exited the tower! Then on foot to our Okeford, two four bell towers at Winterbourne second tower, Bath St Michael. We arrived with plenty Stickland and Winterbourne Zelston, and going along of time for the mandatory group picture and some to Blandford on their practice night, which they kindly refreshments in the cafe in the church. We then rang gave over to us for the evening. All abilities of both on these 8 bells for another hour (after a couple of ringing and cycling are catered for and although some goes at getting the back two up right!)-very nice; this of us aren‘t so young anymore, Hannah Simpson time adding Grandsire Triples and Plain Bob Major to joined us at the end of the week having just turned our achievements. Everyone had been issued with 18 and young Max Knight from Wimborne came for City Tour tickets so we then lunched and started the first time. There were a couple of barrels of beer ‗hopping on‘ and ‗hopping off‘ buses as we pleased, on tap during the week and one evening was the heading north to our afternoon ring at Bath Walcot traditional night of beer and hymn singing. Our last (Christ Church) at 3 p.m. Some of us had time for an night is always games, cheese, port and presentation ice cream and a look at the chandeliers at the of a tee shirt to the ‗Wally of the Week‘, which this Assembly Rooms before our final hour of ringing on year fell to me: I‘d lifted my rather heavy, old the fine 8 bells at Christ Church, adding Stedman fashioned, six gear bike, over a stile when I could Triples to our ringing. We then all headed off again by have just opened the gate next to it and wheeled it the City Tour bus to the Pizza Express for a well through. We had very good weather all week. Not too deserved meal and home. Many thanks to Molly, hot and mostly missing the showers at the end of the Philipa and Will for their hospitality at our three week. We are all waiting to find out where the tour towers and to Hilary Child for organising the ringing will be next year, but if you‘re a young ringer (or not so well. Everyone had a good time and it‘s so good to so young) and enjoy cycling, it‘s a great way to spend see the progress made by our young ringers since we a week. started these outings.
Page 10
Young Ringers
Young Ringers Everywhere! thought that the main points raised might be of interest to all those who From Hilary Child: Although a few of our practices are involved with younger ringers, over the spring and summer were specifically to whether that be at the individual tower prepare for the RWNYC in Liverpool, the majority of level or at the practices and outings them were practices open to all younger ringers, both which we arrange specifically for our from the East Dorset Branch and further afield. In younger members. April we visited Broad Chalke (8) and Fovant (6), with methods rung ranging from mixed Doubles to Plain In no particular order: Bob and Grandsire Triples. There was also plenty of Young ringers like to feel that they Plain Hunt and Call Changes. Go Bellistic Plus (some get plenty of ringing time during a of the RWNYC team plus some slightly older young practice and many like to be ringers) took part in the Guild 8 bell striking challenged and given new things to competition at Whitchurch Canonicorum in May as try. reported in the last Face to Face. May and June saw Young ringers will need to cut down us practising at Fordingbridge (8) and Wareham (10) on the amount of ringing they do in for the RWNYC and then at Cattistock (8) and the run-up to GCSE and A Level Charminster (10). During this particular afternoon we exams-and we need to not make an issue of this, also sent a band over to Evershot to take part in the but keep encouraging them when they are able to West Dorset Branch 6-bell striking competition and come. they were pleased to be placed 4th. The West Dorset Roughly half of young ringers are from non-ringing Branch Secretary (AKA Ed‘s mum!) reported back: families; it's important to build good relationships ―Everyone was very impressed with the team and and communicate clearly with all parents but how they got themselves organised.” Max called the perhaps particularly with the non-ringing ones. changes to give Alfie a break! As ever, please contact Young ringers are almost always dependent on me ([email protected]) if you know parents for lifts to practices and also have to fit in of any young ringers who might like to get involved with other family commitments; they aren‘t always with the group. Anyone in their teens (or younger) or in control of their own free time, unlike adults. twenties is very welcome. Safeguarding requirements present a challenge when organising lifts to practices. Email is a good way to communicate with many Well Done Lara parents-but the young ringers themselves are much more likely to engage with social media. From Robert Wellen: Very well Some of the young ringers spoke about some done Lara, a very promising Guild/ Association websites which either don't young ringer from the Devizes work well or which don't look appealing to a Branch, on ringing the treble to younger audience; online is the first place which the heaviest ring of eight in the young ringers will look for information (the SDGR world (Sherborne Abbey) during website does now have a tab at the top of the the Devizes Branch Afternoon home page which goes straight to the write-ups of Outing–on 3 August 2019 (full young ringer events, but we could do more with report on page 18). I was there this). to see it! Pictured is Lara with Young ringers might not talk about their hobby to Branch Ringing Master Chris their friends-either because they don't want to be Jenkins. seen as ‗odd‘ or because they like doing something different and don't want others to do the same! So Young Ringers–The Wider Picture hopes that young ringers might bring their friends along too might not be very realistic. From Hilary Child: On Sunday 8th September 2019 Young ringers‘ groups–the large size of many Tom Garrett and I spent the day at the Mini Guilds and Associations (including SDGR) makes Roadshow which was part of the Central Council the formation and operation of these challenging meeting weekend at Goldsmith‘s University in (do you have a young ringers‘ practice for London. One of the seminars we attended was on the everyone together, thus requiring some people to subject of young ringers‘ groups. Leading the session travel huge distances, or do you have a north and was David Pearson who is involved with the Guildford a south practice separately, for example?). Diocesan Guild Young Ringers group and he had When organising activities specifically for younger gathered half a dozen ringers from the south-east, all ringers, cake is important! Other activities can be under the age of 18, to give their views. No ‗magic good, but ringing should always be kept as the formula‘ emerged for recruiting or retaining younger major part of any session as that is the one thing ringers, but the session did show that the challenges which the young ringers have in common; they we face in doing this are pretty much the same aren't necessarily going to contact other members across the country–although it is fair to say that of the group in their free time or become friends several areas do have a larger ‗pool‘ of younger outside of ringing. ringers than the Salisbury Guild currently does. I
Page 11
Young Ringers
ART-Learning the Ropes Masterclass set the bar at a certain level, and we were then in a th critical mind-set of our own striking for the whole Birmingham: 7 September 2019 day. It encouraged us to talk to our tutors and ask for (As featured in The Ringing World-4 October 2019) help/ guidance. When we weren‘t ringing Arthur advised us to stand with our tutors, and discuss/ From Max: When my Dad analyse methods, striking and progress with our forwarded an email to me tutors. This close 1:1 style of tuition worked really letting me know that me well for me and my brother. It was great that we and my brother, Alfie, had were able to ring both plain courses and touches of been invited to an ART bell different methods that we wouldn‘t normally be able ringing Masterclass in to ring or achieve with our home band. Being able to Birmingham because we ring with such experienced ringers who can ring had completed the faultlessly and strike perfectly made it so much easier ‗Learning the Ropes‘ Level to try things I hadn‘t been able to do before. For the 5* the previous year in first time ever, I got to ring in 2018 I didn‘t know what to touches of Stedman Triples, think! I‘d heard that Grandsire Caters and Kent Birmingham is a city filled Treble Bob-which for me was with amazing bell ringers great and was the highlight of who take the hobby so the weekend. It was really seriously that there‘s even good to be able to make these Max, left, with his mentor, a School of Bell Ringing Ewan Hull. ‗steps forward‘ on the day, and incorporating multiple hopefully this can be towers in the teaching something I can carry on with process. Frankly I wasn‘t and build on. We also got to expecting it to be particularly special and thought it focus on our 12-bell striking in would be just like any other tower outing, simply with plain hunt, and ringing as a better ringers. I was delighted to discover otherwise. group on 16. Additionally, All the students who had passed LtR 5 in 2018 started ringing with such excellent Alfie, right, with his the day by meeting up. Once signed in, we were ringers has given me more mentor, Alistair Cherry. provided with a ‗packed lunch‘, told to look for the confidence, and has made me seats with our names on, and then issued with an think about what other things I ART organised folder setting out a schedule and can possibly do and achieve. Saying I got a lot out of plenty of information for the full day ahead. We were the experience would be an understatement. The day placed next to our assigned tutors, who would be finished with all 3 groups ringing on the 16 at St working closely with us for the day, trying to help us Martin‘s, receiving certificates and listening to closing in any way that they could to progress our ringing, to remarks and inspiring words from Steph and Arthur. make sure we got the best out of the weekend‘s We then all met up for dinner to chat over the day. activities. Right from the off, it was obvious that the The next day, Alfie and I rang in the Sunday morning organisers had spent a huge amount of time getting ringing at St Philip‘s Cathedral where we were made everything in place so that we would have a welcome. All of us students had been invited to join productive day. The meeting started off with the the Sunday morning ringing at the various Masterclass organiser, Stephanie Warboys, Birmingham towers (and participate in some hand- introducing herself to the group and setting out the bell ringing as well) and a number of quarter peals plan for the weekend. Stephanie then introduced our had been organised for those who could stay for the three group leaders for the day, being herself, Arthur whole day. I would like to say thank you to all the Reeves and Simon Linford, and the members of the helpers from Birmingham and elsewhere who all had Birmingham School of Bell Ringing who would be impeccable striking giving us the students the best assisting. Steph then walked us through a striking possible experience in progressing our ringing and a workshop where we saw 7 short clips of 6 bell ringing massive thank you to Steph who made this all recorded at St Martin‘s in the Bull Ring (picture possible through her fantastic organisational skills below). In each short burst there and patience. But most of all, I would love to say would be one or multiple ringers thank you to Alistair Cherry (Alfie‘s tutor) and Ewan making persistent striking errors, Hull (my tutor) because without them, we wouldn‘t each progressively harder to have been able to achieve what we were able to distinguish than the last. We achieve in just one day. students filled in some sheets where we had to determine which *Level 5-the final Level in the Learning the Ropes scheme, ringer(s) was making the error and Level 5 guides ringers up to confidently ringing methods and onto trebling to complex methods. what the error was, and our tutors would help us to gain a deeper Wow, what an amazing experience, well done Max understanding after we‘d made our and Alfie on all your work on achieving Level 5 and own judgements. I found that this for sharing your adventure with us. (Also, well done was a great way to start because it Dad, Matthew, for all your support for the boys).
Page 12
Young Ringers
Max and Alfie ‗Do Grandsire‘ THE EDINGERS
A Short History by Christine Purnell Part 1—The Early Years 2010-12
When The Edington Ringing Centre opened in January 2010, The Western Daily Press very kindly produced a four page feature detailing our recruitment drive at Easter. We were very fortunate that we managed to attract six youngsters. With much help from Patsy Thorn and many Branch members, they very quickly bonded and we held another ‗Open‘ session during the summer holidays of that year when we managed to welcome two more, a Jack from Bradford and a Jack from Melksham. Adam, Brodie, Elen, Emily, James, Katherine, Matthew and Sophie soon decided on the name ‗Edingers‘. After learning to handle a bell they moved onto Rounds and Call Changes quite quickly and we managed with help to ring all ten bells for ‗Nine Lessons and Carols‘ at Christmas. Sophie designed the Edingers‘ logo and her Pictured LtoR: David Haysom, Ian Tucker, Eleanor Wallace, Mum, Julia ordered a variety of sweat shirts and tee shirts. Robert Wellen, Max, Tim Rose (C), Alfie, and Matthew Pike The Sworder family (then living in Steeple Ashton) were after ringing a quarter peal of Grandsire Triples at very supportive and Robert especially, just back from Uni, Dorchester St Peter on Saturday 28 September 2019, a was invaluable during that summer. The Purnells and the first quarter of Grandsire for Max and Alfie. Thorns ran Car Boot Sales and Coffee Breaks on Ringing Courses, to raise money for the Outings and Christmas treats. One very kind Training Officer gave £100 to supplement our fund. Later we also had grants from the York 2020: Set to ‗Go Bellistic!‘ Ringing Centre Committee. 2011: During 2011 practices continued and some Edingers were ringing changes on five bells, we held our Hilary Child (our „team first outing–with Georgie and Dan manager!‟) has written: from Wylye joining in the ringing at The venue (York) is Southbroom (pictured left), Rowde going to be challenging and finishing with a BBQ and for us again, but I am very happy to organise a squad ringing at Edington. We also rang to go if people are keen. We can do some fundraising at ‗Piglet‘ and again to help with the cost of transport and Marston Bigot accommodation. The headquarters for the day will be d u r i n g t h e Christmas Holidays. Adam was "most York Minster (which will hopefully mean that there improved young ringer" in The Devizes will be the opportunity to ring there) and the Branch (pictured right with Gill our competition is going to be at All Saints, North Street Chairman), and rang his first quarter which are a 7cwt ring of eight, so quite different from peal. the heavier bells we had this year. 2012: Practices continued with two more lads joining us, Joe from Rowde and Matthew from Frome. Adam entered his first Striking Competition where we came fifth. A trip Caption Corner around the Benefice on St George's Day resulted in all
Many thanks to Alan three peals of bells being heard and a very enjoyable Bentley from Wimborne ‗grab‘ by many of our new young people. Tuesday May nd Minster for providing this 22 saw us ringing at Christ Church, Bradford as the family picture of a visit Olympic torch went by. Ella and Oscar were our new to Wimborne Model beginners that summer. On 28th May 2012, Adam (age Village (or is it?). The 14) rang his first peal for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee; it original caption was ―Oh was a very hot evening and we were all delighted when we Look, Granny, I can scored. An Outing was organised by Christine Purnell see Harry Blamire (pictured below left) to take the youngsters and helpers to pulling the tenor in to London to ring on Friday 27th July (the actual day of the Zanussi‖. (Zanussi is a opening of the Olympic Maximus method and Games), we rang at Harry is a Wimborne Edington before catching ringer, if you didn‘t the train to Waterloo, a know!) At the quiz after boat trip on the Thames the Six Bell/ Novice followed with ringing at St Striking Competitions our Olave's, Hart Street; then President judged that onto St Clement Danes ―Another Matthew before a Fish and Chips Higby mini-ring supper. We were joined project‖, a submission by two other Guild youngsters from Wylye. by Andrew Woolley, from Calne, was the winner. More Next Time
Page 13
And in Other News ...
Peal for a Local Hero 90th Great War Ringer
The following is an extract from a From Robert report by James Mercer Wellen: The (reproduced with his permission): 90th ringer On Saturday 27 July 2019, on the from the Dio- 128th anniversary of his birth, a cese of Salis- peal was rung on the bells of St bury known to Nicholas, Worth Matravers to have died in celebrate the remarkable career of The Great War Wing Commander Louis Arbon has recently Strange DSO, OBE, MC, DFC been added to (pictured left). Members of the the Central Council Roll of Honour. His name did not Strange family and local and appear in the Great War Memorial Booklet. On ringing military dignitaries attended a service to share the a peal at Corfe Mullen I noticed the plaque (pictured) story of Louis Strange‘s adventurous and eventful life in the church below the war memorial. He was not a and to rededicate a renovated churchyard memorial Guild member. The soldier is Lance Serjeant Percy in his memory. One of the many remarkable tales Horace James Ellis, Corfe Mullen, Corfe Mullen Parish told about Louis Strange, recalls his amazing Ringers. Died 02/08/1916 age 23. Dorsetshire combination of skill, bravery and luck. In May 1915 Regiment 1st/4th Bn. Commemorated at Baghdad Strange equipped his Martinsyde S.1 scout plane with (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. Born 3rd quarter a Lewis gun, mounted on the top wing above the 1893. Son of James Ellis and Elizabeth Ellis (née cockpit-a pioneering innovation of Strange‘s own Taunton) of Rose Farm, Broadstone, Dorset. At the design. Strange sought out the enemy to try out the time of the 1911 census, he was working as a new arrangement and attacked a German Aviatik two domestic gardener. He was a pre-war territorial -seater aircraft. In order to change the empty drum soldier serving with the 4th Bn Dorset Regiment. He on the Lewis, Strange had to stand up in the cockpit. went to India with his Battalion in 1914 and was one Immediately the machine flipped on its back, of the few chosen volunteers selected to reinforce the throwing Strange out of the plane, which went into a 2nd Battalion in Mesopotamia in 1915. He was taken flat downwards spin. Strange, hanging onto the Prisoner of War at the fall of Kut after months of ammunition drum of the Lewis gun, managed to siege. Born: Corscombe. Enlisted: Wimborne. swing back into the cockpit and kick the stick over to Resided: (1911 Census): Near Glendon, Corfe Mullen, right the aircraft only 500 feet above the ground. Dorset.
Strange rejoined the RAF in 1940 at the age of 49. Two Branch Tribute to Frank Too old for a regular commission, he became a pilot officer in the RAF Volunteer Reserve and as the Allies From Len Roberts fled northern France, he was posted to Merville as (picture: Elizabeth Aerodrome Control Officer, tasked with saving as Olkowicz): On much equipment as possible. As the enemy S a t u r d a y 3 rd advanced, he patched up a Hurricane, a plane August 2019 a deemed unfit to fly, with no armament and missing group of Mere instruments-a plane he had never flown before. He Branch members made it to the cockpit with the enemy about 100 travelled to Ab- yards away and took off. Ground fire forced Strange botsbury, in the to climb higher and higher, whereupon he fell prey to Dorchester eight Messerschmitts, which chased him almost at Branch, at the in- ground level through village streets and the vitation of boulevards of a grand chateau. Strange used all his Abbotsbury Tower to ring and attend a reception for skills and tricks to keep ahead of them until he got Frank Attrill (pictured centre) a former Mere Branch close enough to the naval ships at sea, which gave Member (and Treasurer). Frank has recently handed him covering fire. He returned the Hurricane, intact, over the Tower Captaincy at Abbotsbury to Matthew to England. The exploit earned him a bar to his DFC. Bakewell, one of the team that Frank taught to ring After the war Louis Strange lived and farmed in Worth after his move to the village from Bourton. In Matravers in Purbeck where he continued to pioneer recognition of the service that Frank has given to creative solutions to challenges, including a rocket- ringing, he was presented with a ticket for him and powered grass-drying machine. Eventually the his wife, Jan, to enjoy a tall ship sailing experience. privations of conflict took their toll and Louis Strange He was also presented with an Edinburgh cut glass died on 15th November 1966 at seventy-five years of crystal bowl, complete with a locally made wooden age. plinth which was suitably inscribed. Our thanks go to Abbotsbury members for inviting the Mere Branch The Peal was of seven Minor methods and was and for the wonderful reception they provided. conducted by David Warwick. James Mercer rang the treble.
Page 14
And in Other News ...
Outing to the Chew Valley 2019 view of the London skyline from the balcony. The room was From Nigel Pridmore: Saturday 31st almost full and Marcus gave an August 2019 was the Annual DCA excellent presentation, outing, this year to the Chew Valley. demystifying the perceptions 28 ringers, including two children, people have about the subject enjoyed a tour of six towers all around and how E.I. approach ringing as the Chew Valley (Butcombe, 6 bells, 6 a whole. With plenty of cwt, pictured left). Mostly members of questions coming from the SDGR, the attendees included 23 DCA audience the hour sped by. It members and five other ringers from was now time to stop for a bite Salisbury, Staffordshire and Sussex. to eat, we wandered outside, The second tower at Chew Stoke was of special note found a bench in the sun and sat because the 5th bell was the first bell cast at the down to enjoy our picnic Bilbie Foundry which was established in Chew Stoke overlooking College Green and itself. The Bilbie family were bell founders and the sound of the mini rings. It was now our chance to clockmakers and Edward Bilbie I (1666–1724) cast enjoy the three sets of bells which had been set up on this first bell in 1698. Everyone made their own the Green. Wandering over to the Charmborough arrangements for lunch with some going to the Stoke Ring (―probably the best light ring of bells in the Inn and others going to the Salt & Malt at Chew world– with a ¾ cwt weight tenor the heaviest Valley Lake. 19 ended the day at Whitstone's Fish & portable ring currently in existence‖) a regular at past Chip restaurant in Shepton Mallet. The day was made Ringing Roadshows, we teamed up with some other extra special as all were light six bell rings within just ringers and rang a touch of Plain Bob Minor. We also a couple of miles of each other. Thanks goes to Robin enjoyed hearing a group of youngsters from The Mears for his organisation of a memorable day. Lilliputters Guild being put through their paces ringing just rounds, back rounds and Queens but with Mini Rings, Insurance and ‗Don‘t instantaneous changes! We then moved on to the Dewbys Bells–8 bells, 22lbs and our first ever ring on Mention the War‘: Our Day at the these bells-an enjoyable course of Little Bob Major. CCCBR Mini Roadshow The third ring, also a first time, was the StallpitsBells- 6 bells, 6lbs (pictured above right)–these took a little From Pat and Ian Davidson: It more getting used to but we managed a good touch was quite a shock to the system of St Clement‘s Minor. Back inside to take a closer to have to get up on Sunday 8th look at the various stalls and exhibits including a September 2019 at the crack of colourful array of sallies from Avon Ropes, books and dawn and even more of a shock publications, handbells, simulators and training bells. to set foot outside in a A ring of training bells configured in an innovative temperature of 3c! Our ‗maypole‘ design attracted much interest and destination was the Mini Roadshow held as part of the amusement as people tried their hand at ringing Central Council of Church Bell Ringers 2019 Council them. We were persuaded by a familiar face from Weekend at Goldsmith‘s College, London. After a 50 Melksham on Matthew Higby‘s stand to try out the minute coach journey to circumnavigate engineering Standard Training Bell, ideal for works on the line we picked up the 07.46 train at teaching bell handling and with a Andover for Waterloo. A short bus journey later, and feel very like a tower bell. Just with Goldsmith‘s College now in our view, it was a time for a cuppa before heading case of ‗find the way in!‘ After being given rather off to the Main Hall to hear the vague directions by a gate keeper, who was there to final talk of the day–‗When the direct new students to their Halls, we were alerted to ringing had to stop……….‘, an the sound of bells so knew we must be close. Signage interesting and very entertaining was still in the process of being positioned but, once story of ringing during the spotted by an efficient steward, we were soon Second World War. It seems that directed to the welcome desk. A quick glance through not much ringing actually the programme and we had mapped out how we were stopped which was due to going to spend the day. First port of call was to hear confusion and also caused much one of the many speakers, Marcus Booth from confusion! This was brought to Ecclesiastical Insurance (E.I.), his talk entitled life by Steve Coleman with help from six readers. We ‗Insurance and Bellringing–All you need to know.‘ had had an enjoyable day and a chance to catch up Being responsible to the Guild (as Guild Treasurer) for with ringing friends from far and wide. After this we handing over some of its money to E.I., Pat thought it headed back to Waterloo Station for the train journey was her duty to go to this talk. Was she going to be home which, thankfully ran through to Salisbury. We any the wiser? It was a bit of a challenge to find the arrived back slightly weary and very glad that we had room, named for the day, the Avon Ropes Room. It parked the car (free!) in the Central Car Park ready was located on the third floor and on our way to for the final leg home. finding it we were able to admire the breath-taking
Page 15
Profile: Margaret Romano
I was born in Dublin in and eventually the vicar got his way but several June 1953 but we ringers went to ring elsewhere. I moved to North moved to England when Wingfield which has a ring of 8. Although I have no I was 2 years old. I was formal teaching experience I have taught many brought up as a Roman ringers over the years and had lots of fun doing it. Catholic so bells were Reluctantly, I took on the post of Branch Ringing never part of my Master because no-one else wanted to do it, but I upbringing. When I was didn‘t enjoy it! I got involved with some very good 14 some boys asked my handbell ringers who were very patient and friend to go ringing but encouraging and I have rung two peals of Plain Bob she didn‘t want to go on Major and one of Royal, (all on the tenors)! I also her own and asked me introduced a group of ringers from another tower to to go with her. She gave tune ringing on hand bells. They thoroughly enjoyed up three months later! it and became very enthusiastic and even acquired We started at St. Mary‘s, their own set of handbells. Guildford which at that time was a lumpy, anti-clockwise 6. There were In 1989 Pete and I decided to go our separate ways several other learners who had been learning for and I had more time for ringing again. I was invited some time and when I had a go at backstroke my into many peals at this time, often by Gordon Halls, instructor disappeared towards the ceiling, when an who‘s ambition was to ring a peal at all the 10s in the already weakened stay broke. I‘ve often thought that country (sadly, he passed away before achieving this most people would have given up at that point! After goal)! We used to go on ringing weekends–travel to a five months I was invited to go to the Cathedral and destination on Friday evening after work, ring two that was really where I learnt to ring. There were six peals on Saturday, another on Sunday morning, other learners, all around my age and we had lots of travel home in the afternoon and back to work on fun learning to ring together and becoming good Monday for a rest! friends, but over the years the others all gave up and I am the only one still ringing. When I started at the I never had a career as I never knew what I wanted Cathedral it was a new ring of 10 and I developed a to do, so I worked in a variety of offices, most of love of 10 bell ringing although I also attended many which were quite boring! In 1994 I decided I had a other local practices. I wasn‘t a particularly fast job I didn‘t care about and a house I didn‘t want, so I learner and it was years before I understood how to sold the house, resigned from the job, and returned listen to my bell and I rang with little or no South to live with my recently widowed Father in understanding of the jumble of sound up above. Guildford. The Cathedral had been augmented to 12 so I was able to do some 12 bell ringing, but I still In 1975 I moved to Salisbury and went to ring at St. prefer 10. I went on a long trip visiting my brother in Thomas‘s. There were lots of opportunities to go Japan and then on to stay with friends in Australia. ringing and I used to go to Amesbury on Mondays, St. That was a brilliant trip and I managed to ring at Martin‘s on Tuesdays, St. Thomas‘s on Wednesdays, quite a few towers. In 1995 I returned to Salisbury, Fordingbridge on Thursdays and Martin or Damerham rejoined St. Thomas‘s and when Pauline Champion on Fridays. I was young, unemployed and had no moved away I took over as tower captain and held family commitments, so I had plenty of time for that post for 18 years. I got a job at a Day Centre, ringing. I met Peter Wright at a practice at Amesbury working with adults with learning disabilities, which and in due course, we moved into a bungalow in was hard work but lots of fun as well. After that I Porton and rang at Middle Woodford. We got married worked with disabled people in their own homes and I in September 1978 and in 1979 we bought a house in retired in 2017. Salisbury and returned to ringing at St. Thomas‘s. In 1983 Pete got a job in Derbyshire so we moved to In 2001 I started a tune ringing handbell group at St. South Normanton where there is a ring of 6. The local Thomas‘s and we now have a group of experienced ringers weren‘t really interested in ringing and just people (including some non-ringers) achieving an used to ring on Sunday evenings but after a while I increasingly high standard. I also take part in two persuaded them to have a weekly practice. Then, one method ringing handbell groups and we have lots of Sunday, ringing was cancelled and no-one bothered laughs. to let me know, so I gave up on the local tower and went to ring at Chesterfield–back to 10 bells–that was My first Quarter-peal was treble to Grandsire Triples, good! There was a thriving band at Chesterfield and I in March 1970 at Guildford Cathedral and my first was enjoying ringing there and when the tower peal was treble to Cambridge Surprise Major at captain announced he was going to move away the Cranleigh in June 1974. To date I have rung 305 other ringers nominated me to replace him. peals and 484 Quarter-peals. I have been a Branch However, the vicar wanted someone who worshipped committee member for many years. I now have very at the church and he elected a ringer from another few family commitments and do as much as I can to tower who never even rang with us. This prompted a support local ringing. strike by the Chesterfield ringers and we even hit the national press. The tower was silent for some months Many thanks Margaret.
Page 16
Branch News and Features
to handbells session, run by Bob Purnell of the Calne Devizes Branch, ably assisted by David and Wendy Bishop (pictured left). Whilst those attending the listening skills workshop looked very studious when a Trying Something New! check was made during the afternoon, the handbell workshop produced great hilarity as those of us present tried to get to grips with the very different skills needed for handbell ringing. By the end of the afternoon progress was made in both sessions and some useful insights were gained. We even had a non -ringer present who got an introduction to how methods work on handbells. The ‗lapping‘ exercise was probably the most entertaining as we were unable to remember which way to pass the bells. More hilarity ensued during the evening when 12 of us stayed on for a Beetle Drive. There was much fast and furious throwing of dice and drawing of beetles. The Beetle Drive was won by Brian Vickers, after a deciding throw of the dice.
CALNE BRANCH BELL From Jane Ridgwell: You will probably be tired of RESTORATION 200 CLUB hearing that the Calne Branch is the smallest Branch Raise money for bell restoration and in the SDGR. This fact is our strength in some ways, maintenance and win cash prizes because we visit every tower in the Branch every year and everyone knows someone, if they go to a Each month there are prizes of up to £50, £30 and £10, Branch meeting. However it does mean that our with £100 bonus prizes, dependent on membership annual programme of meetings can get rather numbers. It‘s easy to join and costs only £2.50 per month monotonous, so we like to try something different (£30 per year) per share. Anyone over the age of 16 can from time to time. This summer has been no take part. After prizes and expenses, ALL profit will be made exception. In July we had our normal monthly available to Calne Branch bell restoration and maintenance meeting with ringing, afternoon and evening, tea, projects. Donations may also be made to the Llewellyn Edwards Bell Restoration Fund (LEBRF). service and raffle, visiting Yatesbury. There was also a successful quarter peal at Compton Bassett; we For more information about the 200 Club or to request an decided not to have open ringing there this year, due application form, please contact the promoter, Andrew to the very limited length of time that we are Woolley, using the contact details: (H) 01249 816260 (M) currently allowed to ring there. We are always made 07722 038262 email: [email protected] very welcome at Yatesbury, although there is only one Guild member there; HLM Valerie Goddard. Shortly after the Branch meeting at Yatesbury we were asked to go and ring for the RAF Yatesbury Devizes Association service on 11th August. The aim of the association is to preserve the memories and history of Devizes Branch ‗Event‘–6 July 2019 the RAF stations around Yatesbury and all who were Market Lavington and Great involved particularly those that gave their lives in the service of their country. Sadly the decision was made Cheverell that the service at Yatesbury would be the last, due to diminishing numbers of those who served there, From Julia Russell: On the afternoon of Saturday 6 able to attend. In August we agreed that we would July 2019, members of the Devizes Branch were have an evening meeting. We went to Broad Hinton joined by a number of visitors including Judith and we went on a Thursday evening as none of our Williamson, our Guild President, and Robert Wellen, Branch towers have a practice night on Thursdays. Guild Master, at Market Lavington. We enjoyed We would not have been surprised if the attendance ringing, from the ground floor, a variety of methods was low, due to holidays and the change of time for on the six bells. Our service was taken by Michael the branch practice. We were pleasantly surprised as Challinor, Lay Worship Leader from West Lavington, we had 18 ringers present and Hilmarton even who advised us that he very much enjoyed listening cancelled their own practice night to attend. They to the bells in the benefice and would miss them found the light bells at Broad Hinton a big change when he and his wife shortly move to Shropshire. We from their own bells and enjoyed the evening. were very grateful to ringer and organist Chris Bush September was also different because we decided to for accompanying our hymn singing. We then arrange some training workshops and have a social decamped to the ‗Old School‘ where we enjoyed a evening for our visit to Lyneham. Branch Training delicious tea and a raffle which raised £52 for LEBRF. Officer, Andrew Woolley, organised a listening skills This was followed by a number of presentations workshop, which he ran himself, and an introduction kindly made by Judith Williamson which included:-
Page 17
Branch News and Features
Striking Competition at Edington Ringing Centre where they also enjoyed afternoon tea! The competition, very efficiently run by Bob and Chris Purnell, has a handicap system whereby experienced ringers incur penalties dependent upon the number of years they have been ringing. The winners this year were Seend B Team with Seend A coming a very close second–picture of Seend ringers above (LtoR: Robert McGrane (photoshopped in!), Len Murray (TC), Alan Bryer, Ann Blake, Steve Johnstone, Rachele Taylor, Jeremy Parnell and Michael Taylor). Many congratulations to them all. Many thanks to Bob and Chris Purnell for organising a very enjoyable competition and to Julian Ferrar for judging.
Devizes Branch Afternoon Outing 3 August 2019
A personal account by Lesley Walford (Upavon): Saturday 3rd August had been looming as a ‗big day‘ for me for several weeks. I was thrilled to see that HLM certificates to Peter Bushell (pictured top left) Devizes Branch had arranged for us to ring at the and June Bushell (pictured top right); beautiful Sherborne Abbey–but was I up to it? As a Commendation to Lara (pictured top left) for being ringer of less than a year, I wasn‘t at all sure. I sent a nominated for the Guild Young Ringer of the Year quick email to Chris Jenkins, who assured me that all award; levels of ringers were welcome, but that I didn‘t have LtR Level 1 certificates to Lara (bottom left), to ring if I didn‘t feel ready. I was relieved by his Yasmin McKenzie (bottom right) and Paul Whiffin response, though still hoped I would be brave enough (bottom centre) (certificates were presented to to do it. We began in North Cheriton, five bells. There Sally Hutton, Graham Pruveuneers and Anthony must have been about a dozen of us, all appreciative Robson at a later date). All pictured with Judith. of this pretty village church, set very rurally with immaculately cut grass all around. The bells were Robert Wellen then gave a very interesting kind and easy to ring from the ground floor. I rang presentation about the Great War Memorial Booklet rounds then a few simple call changes and was happy focussing on the Devizes Branch ringers who lost with that. Other more experienced ringers rang much their lives in the Great War including the greatest more complicated methods but I was happy to listen losses-six ringers from Edington and five from and watch. The youngest ringer was Lara, who stood Bishops Cannings. We were very pleased that Robert on a box and gave of her best (see page 11). I was able to display the original painting by Helen admired her bravery in coming to a completely Chester (the front cover picture of the Booklet), strange bell chamber and just getting on with it. She which we all agreed was a very special and moving was by far the youngest ringer of our group and did tribute to all those who are featured. Our evening very well, with help and encouragement from Chris. ringing was at St Peter‘s Great Cheverell, six bells, Next we drove a few short miles to Charlton ground floor, where a variety of methods were rung Horethorne, eight bells. This was a church I had before a great thirst overtook the ringers who then driven past many times on our way to parents-in-law moved swiftly to ‗The Bell‘ next door! in Sherborne, so stopping to go inside was another bonus of the day. Here the bells were up steep Devizes Branch Rounds narrow steps and the ringing chamber was tiny. Some Competition: 20 July 2019 had to stand in the stairwell while waiting their turn and I made myself very small in a corner or behind From Julia Russell: On the afternoon of Saturday 20 someone else so that I could observe their ringing. July 2019, five teams competed in the Rounds We were joined by more ringers who had been
Page 18
Branch News and Features
Devizes Branch ‗Solo Striking Competition‘ 2019
From Chris Bush: The idea for a solo striking competition, using a ringing simulator as a judge, was the brainchild of Giles Wood. It was decided to have two rounds, the first of which would be an eliminator followed by a final for those qualifying. We were not aware of any other Branch, Association or Guild who had tried this before so it was very much an experimental event! We decided that the eliminator should be open delayed due to ringing for weddings in their home to anyone that could ring rounds. Doing some towers. Again, rounds and call changes were enough investigation on the web we discovered that for me, while various other methods were called and HawkEAR, as used at the National 12 Bell rung by others of greater experience. Competition, was freely available and was compatible with Abel so we thought we would use that in addition On to the beautiful town of Sherborne and the abbey to the Abel score which we planned to use. HawkEAR (eight bells, 46-0-5). I revelled in many happy can be downloaded from http://www.12bell.org.uk/ memories of time spent in the town, and I saw my hawkear/. The first round of the competition was held parents-in-law‘s old house, which they left behind in June where competitors were asked to ring rounds many years ago. Inside the abbey we wound our way for 2½ minutes. Each contestant was allowed up to up 80 steps to the ringing chamber–huge in two minutes practising with the simulator and once comparison with our previous two towers. Talking of they were ready the clock started and each rang for huge, the tenor had to be raised by three people, no the required time. We decided that they could start less! I have a video to prove it and have watched it the test during their practice ringing, as this would many times since. The bell always goes up ‗wrong‘ avoid that settling down period you get when you first however, so I followed Chris up to the bell tower and pull off. 2½ minutes seems like a very long time just watched while he pulled the clapper across to the ringing rounds and it is far more challenging than it ‗right‘ side with a purpose made clapper catcher (this sounds! All of the contestants found the exercise may not be the technical word for it!). The ringing from then on was wonderful to witness, and I feel Ringing very privileged to have been able to watch from close quarters while those around me made such a Simulators beautiful noise. Everyone took a rope and off they went, seemingly without any nerves at being in such From Chris Bush: an immense building in a completely new Having and using a environment. I was much encouraged, and took my ringing simulator turn slightly nervously on the number two bell, just installation in your tower can be a really useful rounds, but that was enough for me. I had done it, additional feature. It can be used to allow one person and was delighted to have rung in such a prestigious to practice learning to handle without annoying the place (Sherborne Abbey!!!!) I could neighbours, a team can silently learn a new method see that everyone else was just as or an individual ringer can practice a method .You thrilled as I was to be there. Chris can practice when you like and for as long as you like Jenkins made sure that all levels of or even run solo striking competitions! A simulator experience were happy in what they will help you get more practice at whatever stage you were doing and he and Chris Bush, are at. If you are interested in finding out more about the use of simulators see details of a simulator and others, made encouraging noises th and helpful comments which I very workshop to be held at Marlborough on 30 much appreciated. It was a big day for November 2019 on page 9. I attended the last a novice ringer, a thrilling day, a team simulator workshop held at Bryanston School in day, a happy day! An ice-cream January and found it well worthwhile. As a result of rounded off my day very very well, this course a couple of towers expressed an interest while others went on to find supper in in getting a simulator installed, so I investigated the town. Thank you Devizes branch systems and decided that the Liverpool simulator and Chris Jenkins for organising such Pictured: system was a cost effective and flexible system. So „Tenor Queen‟ a great day out. I will never forget it. far, I have built three systems and installed one, so if Ruth Beavin in anybody interested in the possibility of getting a Due to the number attending this full swing! Outing, we were able to donate a simulator installed in their tower, please do get in profit of £81 to LEBRF. touch via the editor: [email protected].
Page 19
Branch News and Features
Name Tower ABEL HawkEAR HawkEAR score % Faults Ben Trowbridge 9.0 98% 9 Kipling Giles Trowbridge 8.6 96% 20 Wood Chris Melksham 8.6 95% 26 Bush Anne Westwood 8.1 93% 41 Willis Julia West 7.5 92% 40 Russell Lavington Rob Trowbridge 7.2 88% 57 Quartley Hilary Corsley 4.3 80% 98 Jenkins useful. You knew that all the other computer- through the town was closed to traffic and many generated ringers would be ringing in exactly the historic buildings were open to the public, including right place so if there was a clip or a gap, that would the ringing chamber and belfry of the 15th century St be you! We gave ringers the option of changing the Peter‘s church. We had drummed up a few speed of the ringing and offered them any of the front volunteers, set up a table in the road outside the six at Edington to ring as the fourth bell in the church, with an old sheet enterprisingly painted with simulated rounds. On all metrics, the winner of the gold bells as a table cloth, a collection of handbells first round was clear but the idea was to take forward and a working model of a bell, kindly loaned by St the best ringers from the first round into the final. George‘s Fordington tower. We had made some We hadn‘t decided in advance how many places there plans, but having never hosted such an event, we would be in the final so we had to make this decision were not sure what the uptake would be. We rang at once the results were in. The best division seemed to 11.30 to announce the opening of the Heritage Day, be to take the top two thirds of the table. As we had then a couple of us came down to stand at the table. 21 entrants for the first round that meant places in the final were awarded to 14 ringers. The day of the We had planned five tours, on the hour every hour, final was set for the morning of 21 September. over the course of the afternoon, with a maximum of Having perused the list of entrants we asked them to ten people, no children under 8. Well...within about ring the treble to 120 changes of Plain Bob Doubles ten minutes, we had filled up the five tours and still (with the fourth bell observation). Again, they could people crowded around the table. Run up the tower– choose any of the front six bells at Edington. We ‗can we have more than 10 people on a tour?‘ So the allowed them to alter the speed of ringing and could numbers swelled to 15 or more. ‗Please, I‘d love to have a practice ringing two leads of Bob Doubles (two come up, but my son is only 6, and he‘s really keen, consecutive bobs). As we were moving at a leisurely having heard the bells!‘ Ok, fine. But still the crowds pace, some reviewed their striking using the Abel surged to our table. Run up the tower–‗Can we striking display before continuing to the competition squeeze more tours in, on the half hour too?‘ Fine, piece. We used the Abel score as the main determiner tower captain agreed to talk less, blurb was produced of position in the table, followed by the HawkEAR on paper which people could read while waiting. In percentage score and then HawkEAR faults, if there the end, we signed up more than 100 people to visit was a tie. The table above gives the results. the tower. When the visitors got up to the ringing Congratulations to Ben Kipling on topping the table! chamber, the tower captain, Will Haydock, gave a We hope to encourage entrants to enter again next quick talk about the history of the tower, explaining year to see if they can improve on their scores from the peal boards and demonstrating how the bells this year. If you would like to discuss the technical worked, including the difference between chiming and details of arranging a competition like this please actual ringing. He then gave everyone who wanted a contact me via the editor: [email protected]. chance first to swing and chime a bell, and then to ring a few backstrokes–in this he was ably assisted by Beryl Shuttleworth, Alastair Simpson and Eleanor Dorchester Wallace. After everyone had had a go, small groups were taken up to have a quick look at the bells in the ‗Crowds‘ for Tower Tours at St belfry. By about 1.30 we were running half an hour late–the obvious result of trying to squash an hour‘s Peter‘s, Dorchester tour into half the time with almost double the numbers–and as the afternoon wore on we never From Kate Forrester: Dorchester celebrated its rich managed to catch up and the people on the table history this year on Sunday 15 September 2019 by spent much time mollifying hordes of visitors holding a Heritage Open Day. The main street champing at the bit to get up the tower. But we also
Page 20
Branch News and Features spoke to people who had come down from the tower, and the reactions were overwhelmingly positive ‗It was worth the wait!‘ (music to our harassed ears), ‗It was brilliant, it‘s just another world!‘, ‗Your tower captain is fantastic!‘, and of a six year old boy, ‗He was transfixed from beginning to end!‘ At the end of the day, we rang again, with the last group of visitors still in the tower. Of course we have ideas for how we could make it all better and run more smoothly next time, but for a first attempt, we were pleased with how it went, and that over 100 people now have a new awareness and appreciation of what goes on in a church tower. And we have already had three new people turn up to our Monday practice!
East Dorset
Brownsea Bells Open Day Bob Doubles ring to raise funds for the Bell Restoration at Lytchett Matravers and also to gain Saturday 13 July 2019 experience ringing Bob Doubles which they were unable to get in their own towers. We started with From Alison Butler: After trepidation but were comforted to have around 6 some considerable helpers each month who gave up their time to join us planning and organisation and stand or ring depending on what we were doing. that involved consulting Over the 8 months we had the privilege of ringing with the National Trust with 21 experienced ringers. We rang at 22 East and The John Lewis Dorset Towers and tasted the local cuisine at 7 pubs. Partnership and the Coffee and biscuits were supplied by our ringers but churchwardens at St we were grateful for refreshments offered at one of Mary‘s Brownsea, as well the towers we visited. Our Grand Finale was on as eating cake and drinking coffee and more cake and August 3rd 2019 when we rang at both Lytchett more coffee whilst we were at the organising stage, towers giving our supporters a rest! This was followed we finally arrived at Brownsea off the 10 a.m. public by a lunch supplied by our ringers. We have had boat from both Sandbanks and Poole. We set up a great fun, forged friendships, benefitted from the new and rather lovely Gazebo in the church grounds: experience of some of our best East Dorset ringers, our HQ for the day! The SDGR banners were improved the ringing in two East Dorset towers and displayed in church, (three of our number were on raised a small amount for the bell restoration at one of the banners!) The risk assessment was logged Lytchett Matravers. The sum we have raised will be as fully updated and the fuel was in the locked metal funding one of the new clappers. But it is not all over, box!! The ‗Bell cam‘ was up and running. Fourteen Lytchett Minster will soon be starting the same idea members of the Brownsea band (just about focussing on a different method, Reverse Canterbury everyone!) swung in to action to provide timed tours –really to give our well suffering helpers a bit of a of the tower with a great talk about the history of change. Our thanks go to: Alan Bentley, Jack Pease, bellringing, bells at Brownsea and information about Gillian Richards, Ben and Rosemary Duke, Steff Smith how to ring and change ringing. We rotated around so -Cooper, Ross Bradley, Paul and Kathryn Tyson, Ed that we all gained a lunch break and time to babysit and Stella Warren, John Close, Phil and Trish the generator! Not something that everyone does on Stephens, Richard Picker, Hilary Childs, Kate Brice, a usual tower open day. We had a good response Alan and Alison Butler, Jane and Nigel Pridmore and from visitors to Brownsea who were interested in our Peter Basil Murdock-Saint. ancient art and threatened to visit a tower near them! Our donations will help with our sound proofing and “From a complete novice to being able to ring a plain course strengthened ties with the island community. We had of BD‟s is a journey that I feel I have been taking for many several National Trust workers up the tower as well years. Its been hard work, frustrating at times but as our own churchwarden and his wife. A great day completely rewarding and enjoyable. I‟m so very grateful to with perfect weather. Perhaps we may even do it have had the opportunity to be part of this project and again!!?! Thanks to all the Brownsea Team and Alan greatly appreciate all the advice from our willing helpers and Bentley and Kim Matthews. to Debbie for setting us the challenge!” Maureen Kirkham
“The Bob Doubles Challenge has been a great endeavour Sponsored Bob Doubles Challenge and I am so grateful to Debbie and Jack and all our helpers plus the intrepid band who have made it all possible. We ‗Completed‘ have had great fun, explored new towers and bells, the Dorset countryside and country pubs and improved our skills From Debbie Phipps: On a chilly December day last and gained confidence and enjoyed good company. A big year, seven Lytchett ringers began their sponsored thank you to everyone” Chrissie Hibbitt
Page 21
Branch News and Features
Bell Restoration ‗Underway‘ at Lytchett to try to find a narrower diameter and eventually by 4:50pm the tenor was being lowered. All finished by Matravers 6pm. Morning of Wednesday 20th. The transport was due to arrive at 9:30am so I thought I had time to From Debbie Phipps: After just clear away breakfast. As I drove down the hill under a year of grant towards the church I saw a vehicle with what applications, fundraising events appeared to be rather small bells on so decided the and talks, St Mary‘s Church transport had arrived with another load on. However, Lytchett Matravers have raised on closer inspection they were our bells–five of them just over £30,000 to begin the on already as the transport had arrived at 8:30. The process of preparing their bells th tenor however was too big to come out of the North for restoration. On Friday 16 door so preparations were being made to wheel it up August 2019, I as Tower Captain, a ramp and through the South door. It took five removed the first stay (pictured strong men to heave it out of the door and onto the left). Organised by our Steeple transport by 9am–closely followed by its headstock Keeper, Gordon Paterson, we had which had been removed the day before. The wheels a great ‗Clapper Team‘ who and all other parts were put onto the transport and by removed all the stays, sliders, 12:15 the church looked like we had never been clappers and wheels. On Monday th there. A few people had 19 August we were all set when gathered to see them off but Andrew Mills from Taylors arrived around lunchtime sadly, as it all happened so to dismantle the bells. Andrew had time for a quick quickly some missed the cup of tea and I made him a sandwich, as he hadn‘t excitement and now wait for eaten all day, but then he wanted to crack on. An their return before the end of early start by 8:30 on Tuesday 20th. A beam was the year. A huge thank you to placed on the ledges above the bells and across the Taylors for setting us on this exit to the roof so that the pulleys could be attached journey and to Andrew to this. Andrew got cracking setting up the pulleys (pictured right) for his skill while Gordon and John started unscrewing nuts. Bell and easy personality. 5 was the first one down as it was immediately above the trapdoor. By 9:20 the first bell was down with (PS: from Debbie “Bishop Karen [Bishop of Andrew guiding it to a safe position on boarding put Sherborne] can do Sunday January 26th 2020 for our on the Ringing Chamber floor. Our oldest Bell 4 Bells Re-dedication at 4pm”). landed just before 10 am. The third bell down was Bell 3 and 1 and 2 were still tucked inside the raised frame. Three bells safely down by 11am. Time for a Well Done Max on your First Peal short coffee break. Now some of the frame had to be dismantled to get at Bell 2 and Treble—these two From Robert Wellen: Congratulations bells were safely lowered to the ground by 1pm. Time to Max Knight, a member of the for lunch. Cathy and Viv were released to make the Wimborne Minster band and the East sandwiches but ensuring health and safety rules they Dorset Branch Treasurer, on ringing still wore their hats and made sure they had white his first peal on Saturday 28 bread for Andrew. We had a beautiful day so were September 2019, ringing No 3 to lucky to be able to enjoy lunch outside where we Grandsire Triples at Ringwood. The were joined by Ben who was on duty for the peal band came from the Minster and afternoon. Andrew knew we were going to have a was conducted by tower captain David problem with the tenor as it was going to be too wide Warwick. Max is one of our ‗older to pass through the frame where the fifth had hung. younger‘ ringers and is a great The headstock had to be removed but still no luck supporter of tower, branch and Guild despite tipping it events. He is pictured left receiving his slightly and pushing certificate as a nominee for last year‘s it with some hefty Ringer of the Year Award. boots! Nuts and bolts were removed from Marlborough the frame but then they had to get out the angle grinder. Get Well Soon Dorothy There was a lot of banging going on as From David Close: Dorothy Blythe fell during July, the frame was being and broke her left arm. It is still causing her some beaten into difficulties, preventing her ringing, but nevertheless submission to gain Bottom LtoR:–Gordon, Alec, Phil, she keeps a close eye on the ringing in Marlborough John. Top under the bell–Paul. an extra half inch. and the Branch. I‘m sure she was a ‗model patient‘ at The bell was turned the hospital given her years of nursing!
Page 22
Branch News and Features
Branch Outing to Test Valley Mere From David C l o s e : O u r Mere Branch Summer Social Branch outing last Saturday (5 From Michael October 2019) W i l l i a m s : returned to the Branch mem- Test Valley in bers gathered Hampshire, re- at Tisbury for visiting Upper their Summer and Goodworth Social event Clatford, but on Saturday th starting bright 20 July and early at 9.00 2019. Ringing at Thruxton, beforehand where work is was available currently under- during the afternoon before members gathered to way in the tower, and part of the hatch is unfixed, so partake of a most enjoyable ‗bring and share‘ supper. the bells were quite loud (to put it politely). We were A quiz to test the wits and memories of those only seven ringers for the day. After ringing at the present, put together by the Branch Secretary (me!), two Clatfords (only the original back six at was won by Christopher and Julie Sykes and also a Goodworth) we ‗retired‘ to the White Hart in raffle was available which raised funds to cover (well, Stockbridge for a well-earned lunch, with seemingly almost) the cost of the hall hire. After supper we were more bar staff than clientele. Perhaps we were just entertained by our very own Mike Durkee (pictured early lunchers, with two even sampling the desserts! centre with guitar!) who sang songs, written by Onto the first floor six at Stockbridge, to be met by himself and accompanied with his guitar, playing and Micki Nadal, who recounted her early ringing at singing to the great enjoyment and amusement of the Marlborough with her father and Don Lee. Rehung in whole company. 2016, and now with almost brand new ropes, (no springiness!) these bells are a very comfortable ring Mere Practice Honours Legacy of six. Something that felt like a treasure hunt took us up the River Test valley to Hurstbourne Priors, our second eight bell tower for the day, but again only ringing the back six to doubles and minor methods. Our final tower was St Mary, Bourne now rung from a gallery. By then we were all slightly suffering from a surfeit of ringing; nevertheless after touches of Bob Minor we were extremely pleased to be able to leave all but the tenor up ready for the Service ringing the next morning.
Other Branch News
From Julie Miles: Use of the simulator at From Maggie Durkee: In January 2019 the Mere bell Marlborough continues on ringers rang for the funeral of June Ireland, long-time the fourth Saturday of resident and supporter of the church of St Michael‘s each month with ringers Mere. She and her husband Ted were married there from other branches and in November 1958 and her father Leo Bagnall- Guilds joining us. We Oakeley who rang the communion bell each Sunday is have invested in commemorated in a plaque on the wall of the tower additional equipment to porch. Four months later we were delighted to receive enable us to offer practice a bequest in her will for the tower funds and as a sessions for ringers using their own laptops and thank you to her family we arranged to dedicate our headphones to further develop their ringing and monthly practice night (on Wednesday 7 August listening skills. Preshute recently celebrated 20 years 2019) to June‘s memory. Ringers from around the since forming a band for the Millennium. It was a area turned up to help us ring the 8 bells and June‘s great celebration with past and present ringers husband and sons came along to the church yard to gathering to ring before being joined by family to listen. There were 18 ringers in the tower and enjoy a fine spread (and beer of course!). We everyone had a chance to ring. This special practice remember Jim Griffin–Upper Chute (see page 29) and was announced on local social media and many local Stephen Hurd–Mildenhall. people enjoyed the fine ringing. Robert Sargant of
Page 23
Branch News and Features
Mere tower was presented with his Guild membership ART (Association certificate by Robert Wellen. of Ringing Teachers). Cur- Bring a Picnic and Ring rently in the Mere Branch From Pat Kennedy: there are two This great idea for an associate mem- August Saturday (10th) bers and one this summer encour- member of the aged new and experi- association. enced ringers alike to Level 1 Certifi- travel to Silton Church Pictured with the Guild President (first cates were and have a go at left) and tutors Michael Williams (third awarded to: Jo- ringing some of the left) and Len Roberts (second right) are sephine Brad- some of the LTR recipients. oldest bells in the ford and Elspeth county, and to meet Scott (Margaret other ringing members of the Mere Branch. Thanks Marsh); Corinne go to Len Roberts for organising the event and for Tucker (Melbury Abbas); Caroline Owen (Compton providing the drinks and fruit for the picnic. Abbas); Dylan Trevor (Fifehead Magdalen); James Kennedy (Maiden Bradley) and Catherine Pratley Our Visit to Imber (Marnhull). Level 2 Certificates were awarded to: David Hurrion (Sturminster Newton); Eddie Cox, Georgina Muir, Sue Todd (Zeals); Pat Kennedy (Maiden Bradley); Mary Wilson (Mere); Michelle Dimbleby (Bourton) and Caroline Owen (Compton Abbas).
Salisbury
Bishop and President at Licensing
From Pat Kennedy: With the opportunity to ring at a church which is seldom open to the public, Maggie Durkee, Mere Tower, (pictured third from right) thought it was too good an opportunity to miss, and gathered together a band of ringers, to make the short journey to Imber Church (see page 4). Thousands visited during the long open weekend (15- 19 August 2019) recently and were no doubt entertained by the tinkling sound of the bells. Many visitors arrived on vintage London buses which operated a shuttle service. The ringers found the bells to be very light to handle, all bells weighing under 3 LtoR: Annabel Elliott, Joe Charlesworth, Bishop Nicholas, cwt. Ringers from across the country who were Guild President Judith Williamson and Nick Claypoole. visiting Imber, joined the band and enjoyed an hour (Photo by Jo Pearce). of enjoyable but challenging ringing.
Presentation of LTR Certificates to From Nick Claypoole: The Bishop of Salisbury and the Guild President joined in the ringing prior to the Mere Branch Members Licensing and Installation of the Reverend Trudy Hobson as Priest in Charge of the Upper Wylye Valley From Len Roberts: LTR (Learning the Ropes) Team, which took place at Heytesbury on Monday certificates at Levels 1 and 2, completed this year, 29th July 2019. were presented by the Guild President Judith Williamson, to ringers from several different towers, Bells and Beer Evenings at the 28 September 2019 Quarterly Meeting held at
Maiden Bradley. In presenting the Certificates Judith From Albert Spreadbury: After a number of years of praised the commitment and dedication of both the poorly attended monthly Branch Practices, especially students and tutors in achieving these awards. The during the winter months, the Committee decided to LTR scheme is delivered nationwide by members of
Page 24
Branch News and Features
try something different in 2019. In Rounds Call Changes Method the spring and summer we held five ‗Bells and Beer‘ evenings with 1 Coombe Nadder Valley Downton an emphasis on the social side of Bissett ringing. I am pleased to say that 2 Fordingbridge Fordingbridge SAGOR these evenings, which were spread 3 Sarum St Coombe Fordingbridge across the Branch in order to Thomas Bissett involve more local ringers, proved very popular. Enford (The Swan) April; Stratford-sub-Castle (The competition and thank you David and Flick for giving Wheatsheaf) June; Coombe Bissett (The Fox and up time to come and be our judges. Following the Goose) incorporating the Branch Striking results the Bells and Beer element of the afternoon Competition, July; Stapleford (The Pelican) August; kicked in and people adjourned to the Fox and Goose and Fordingbridge (The Ship) September, were this for further refreshment and socialising. year‘s host towers. More ‗Bells and Beer‘ evenings are already being planned for 2020. Thank you to the host towers and to those ringers who supported the evenings. Cheers!
Salisbury Branch Striking Competition: Saturday 27th July 2019 at Coombe Bissett
Left: From the Coombe Bissett Rounds band: LtoR: Geoff Stephens, Charles May, Abi Bird. Right: Rosemary Pegrum receives Call Change trophy from Guild Master for Nadder Valley.
Quarter for Alice‘s Graduation
Downton band with Guild Master: LtoR: Tom Burslem and family, Bob Samuels, Robert Wellen, Rhoda Willson, Chris Caryer, Martin Willson, Liz Thornton.
From Chris Caryer: Ten bands entered this year‘s Competition which was a vast improvement on the last few years when it has been cancelled due to lack of support. It was a warm sunny afternoon when teams assembled for the draw, and following a short service conducted by Reverend Jenny Taylor, the Competition got under way, slightly delayed for The band in order of ringing: LtoR: Rosemary Pegrum, finding the judges a suitable position. During the Alice Nield, Ian Davidson, Patricia Davidson, Simon Ford, Competition members were able to enjoy David Whatley. refreshments in the church kindly provided by the Coombe Bissett ringers and following that assembled From Ian Davidson: A quarter peal was rung on for the results. The judges were David and Flick Friday August 16th 2019 at Compton Chamberlayne to Warwick of Wimborne Minster and David began by congratulate Alice Nield on her recent graduation congratulating all the teams and giving some very from Reading University. The footnote read: encouraging and helpful comments to each one. Flick ―Congratulations to Alice on her graduation from the then gave the marks and results. The placings in the University of Reading with a BSc in Food Science table above right. Sadly, the tenth team did not (First), also her 1st Quarter as conductor”. Alice and complete their touch so were not marked but still twin sister Sophie, aged 10,were taken to a practice received helpful comments. Congratulations to the one evening by their Mum, Helen, and following this winning teams and to all 10 teams that entered the Alice decided she would like to learn to ring. She
Page 25
Branch News and Features began having instruction from Max Symonds at Dinton in 2006. After learning basic handling Alice was encouraged to visit other towers in the area for their practice nights. She was a frequent visitor at Wilton, Stratford sub Castle, and Broad Chalke and quickly progressed. In 2009 she rang her first quarter peal at Damerham, the treble to Bob Doubles. Alice tells me she owes much to the late Denzil Kerley of Martin who taught and encouraged her so much and she was soon ringing quarter peals on inside bells. With a number of youngsters in the Salisbury Branch a monthly Young Ringers Practice was set up at Downton and Alice was a regular attendee. It was great to see Alice and also Georgie Barter, who was another of the original youngsters, at this ‗young ringers‘ practice recently. In 2015 Alice set off for studies at Reading University where she soon got involved with the local ringing scene and during term LtoR: Robert Wellen, Guild Master, with Anice and Brian Wright. time has been a regular Sunday service ringer. Alice has kept in close contact with her fellow ringers from the Salisbury area and whenever home has supported Salisbury Area Group of Ringers (SAGOR) attending the local practices, service ringing and rung for local tower practices within the Salisbury area to help weddings. We congratulate Alice on her graduation ringers progress. The aim of the group was to and wish her every success with her future career promote good striking and to encourage towers to (and ringing). partake in the Branch Striking Competition. Later, in 1994, regular monthly practices and three or four Brian Wright Honoured Saturday outings a year were organised. Eventually in October 1997 the present format of a monthly From Patricia Davidson: On Sunday 18 August 2019, Monday meeting came into being. These monthly at Evensong at Stratford sub Castle, Brian Wright Monday morning meetings, ringing at two towers and was presented with his certificate of Associate Life finishing with a pub lunch, have continued without a Membership (SDGR) by the Guild Master in break up to the present time and until recently Brian was the main organiser of this group. By now Brian recognition of his 60 plus years of service to and Anice had moved from Durrington into their bellringing. Prior to the service a Quarter Peal was present home in Roman Road and he joined the band rung. After the service the family wrote: ―Thank you at St Martin‘s in Salisbury in 1996 and held the post so much for all the preparation and care which you of Branch Assistant Ringing Master from 1997 to took to help organise and arrange last evening for 1999. In 2000 he became a member of the band at Dad. [We] were so pleased to have been there and it Winterbourne Earls, during the sixteen years he was was very good to see Mum and Dad enjoying here Brian held the post of Tower Captain for a themselves, happy memories”. number of years and helped teach a number of new It was in September 1952 that Brian first started out ringers. The bells at Winterbourne Earls were on his ringing journey. He was a member of the choir becoming more difficult to ring and as Brian regularly at Christchurch Priory in Dorset and the young choir joined the practices at Stratford sub Castle he joined boys there were invited to come up to the tower and the band there where he continued to ring until ill have a go at bellringing. In the Winchester and health forced him into retirement. At the heart of Portsmouth Guild Report for 1953 it reports that Brian ringing for Brian was Sunday service ringing and well was made a Junior Member. He was to meet his struck ringing. He was not a great lover of peal or future wife, Anice, in the belfry at the Priory and two quarter peal ringing. However he did ring in a Quarter years later in 1966 they were married there. Besides peal here at Stratford to mark his 75th birthday. ringing the bells on Sunday, Brian recalls ringing the bells at the Priory as a mark of respect on the day of Salisbury Branch Outing: Saturday, Winston Churchill‘s funeral in January 1965. The 28 September 2019—Taunton following year 1966 he rang for the Queen when she visited Christchurch, the first time a reigning monarch had visited the town. With a move to Wales in 1978, From Penny Ibbs: Departing from Salisbury Coach Brian did very little ringing-the nearest Church with Station, with a pick-up at Wilton, 22 of us were well bells was some distance away in the city of Bangor. on our way to Somerset before 8am. The weather 1983 bought Brain and Anice to Wiltshire and they was better than forecast, and enabled us to enjoy the settled in Durrington where Brian joined the local views of harvested fields and autumnal colours. After band and became a member of the Salisbury a brief pit-stop, we arrived at Pitminster (8) at 9:40, Diocesan Guild of Ringers. In 1986, keen to pass his to be met by three others who had travelled by car. Margaret Romano ran 45 minutes‘ ringing, on the experience onto to others, Brian along with two th others started a small group which they called The ground floor beside the C15 font, comprising mostly
Page 26
Branch News and Features
paced and varied outing. We departed for home around 18:30, just as the rain came down-thankful that it was our trusty driver Brett who had to brave the wet conditions-arriving back at Wilton at 8pm. West Dorset
Pebbledash Farewell in Lyme Regis
From Andrew Salisbury Branch Ringers outside the West Door of St Nicholson: I am sure James, Taunton (Photo by Marian Gentile) that many if not most of those ringers who have visited us over call changes and plain hunt, to suit our band of mixed the years will have abilities, ending with a plain course of Stedman wondered at the Triples. The Grade I listed church was delightful, with appalling ugly a beautiful ‗Fishers of Men‘ east window, flanked by pebbledash with which two tombs with well-preserved stone effigies of John the whole of the tower Coles‘ family. Negotiating narrow lanes, we passed and much of the porch heavy-laden orchards and gardens brimming with is covered. Records indicate that the tower was first Michaelmas daisies and white Japanese anemones as pebbledashed in the 1930‘s, though even then it must our coach took us back through Taunton to West surely have been something of an anachronism Monkton (8). Unfortunately, a road diversion especially given that the core of the tower dates from shortened our ringing time, but Pat Davidson ran over around 980AD. The Portland cement render which is half-an-hour of Grandsire Triples and call changes. the basis for the pebbledash is quite unsuited to such The ropes were less easy to control, and the very tall a building and over the years has become badly tower swayed alarmingly. Here we learned that crazed thus allowing rainwater to enter the fabric of ‗hunkypunk‘ is the Somerset name for a gargoyle. We the tower. As well as causing serious damage to the then travelled to St Mary Magdalene, Taunton (12), decoration of the south and west walls of the ringing where Chris Caryer called changes on the back 10 chamber, recently a good deal of the ceiling to the and on the full 12 bells, supported by members of the ground floor baptistery was brought down having resident band. The large ringing chamber was been badly affected by damp. It is therefore with accommodating, and displayed a great many peal great pleasure that we can announce that a major boards. We had a full hour to ring here, and programme of repair and renewal is due to start in appreciated the experience and challenge of ringing mid-September 2020 and if all goes to plan the work on 12 bells. The cathedral-like church was immense should be finished by the end of the year. The work and humming with visitors. Our lunch break was in will include the removal of all areas of pebbledash, Taunton, where several of us took refreshment at the which will be renewed in lime plaster. All excellent appropriately named Ring of Bells hostelry, which was news! Sadly, however, there is a sting in the tail; it convenient for our next tower: St James‘, Taunton has been decided that all ringing must cease until the (8), where Neil Skelton ran 45 minutes of call new plaster has had a chance to dry out and this is changes, Grandsire Triples and Stedman Triples on not likely to be much before Christmas at the very quite heavy-going bells. There were many peal earliest. The Lyme ringers will continue to practice boards, mostly from the ‘20s and ‘30s and one from together each Thursday, ringing at Axminster on the 1895, in the spacious ringing chamber. The church 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays and with other venues itself was very welcoming, with banners, information found for the other two weeks. Anybody planning to and lovely old stained glass windows. We went on to visit us during that period should make contact via Staplegrove (6), a ground floor ring in the porch, the tower secretary whose details may be found on where Jo Barter ran 45 minutes of plain hunt on 5, the Guild website. Bob Doubles, Cambridge and call changes on tricky odd-struck bells. The church was ornately decorated for harvest festival and had been tastefully First Peal for Nick and Andy refurbished within the last two years; some of the old pews had been fashioned to make the altar, and From Andy Waring: How do you celebrate your 40th there was a spectacular Tree of Life wrought iron birthday? For West Dorset Branch Chairman, Nick organ screen. Our last tower, Ilton (6), was also a Baker, it was to ring and conduct his first peal. On 19 ground floor ring. Roger King ran 45 minutes of July 2019 six ringers from West Dorset and Reverse Canterbury, Cambridge Minor, plain hunt on Dorchester branches of the SDGR rang 5040 surprise 5 & 6, Plain Bob Minor and call changes. In the minor at Nick's home tower of Buckland Newton, church, there was an interesting-if poorly maintained- consisting of an extent each of Ipswich, Bourne, window engraved by Laurence Whistler. Thanks were York, Durham, Beverley, Surfleet and Cambridge, in expressed to Pat Davidson for organising such a well- exactly 3 hours. As well as a first for Nick, it was also
Page 27
Branch News and Features
also took the opportunity to refurbish the tower ringing room which now looks very smart! Many thanks to all concerned.
Beaminster ‗Happy Events‘
From Roger Lake: Beaminster Tower Outing: on Wednesday 24th July 2019 we rang at Whitchurch Canonicorum [8], Chideock [6], Symondsbury [6] and Askerswell [6]. At various times 18 ringers took part The band pictured in the Gaggle of Geese pub immediately and a good time was had by all! following their successful peal. LtoR: Mark Symonds, Tim Phillips, Paul Cottingham, Andy Waring, David Marshall, Nick Baker. From Helen Day: The band at Beaminster were delighted at the birth of George Terence Merley to a first peal for Andy Waring (me!) and the first on an former Tower Captain, Harry Murley inside bell for Paul Cottingham. and his wife Clare. George, who arrived on the 26th August 2019, Happy Birthday Dennis joins a family of bellringers on his father's side. Harry's own parents, Julie and Andrew, F r o m A n d y met after both learnt to ring in Beaminster. ―Their Wari ng: O n eyes met across the tower and the rest is history!” Saturday 10th says Harry. All three of their sons learnt to ring as August 2019, boys, though Harry had to wait until he was 13 years w h a t h a s old, as he was, in his own words, "a little...excitable!" b e c o m e a Little George hasn‘t made it up the tower yet but is tradition was reported to be looking forward to listening and to continued in meeting everyone. celebration of Honorary Life Guild Festival and 8 Member, Dennis Fudge's 96th Bell Striking birthday, with a quarter peal at Leigh (where Dennis Competition 2020 is the Tower Captain) of eleven doubles methods. At 96, Dennis is the oldest actively ringing member in West Dorset, and we believe in the whole Guild. Many Saturday 9 May in the happy returns Dennis from us all. Mere Branch
Striking Competition at Gillingham in the morning. Good News from Corscombe Guild Festival at Mere in the afternoon.
Preacher: the Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey, the Bishop of Ramsbury.
Full details to be published later.
Please note the date in your calendar—the most important day in the Guild calendar!
SDGR CLOTHING
Is your SDGR clothing in need of replacement or maybe you have Corscombe Band LtoR: Beverley, Brinsley, Steve, been thinking about purchasing Elizabeth, Charles and Clive. Roger (took the photo so something new for yourself or new remains „unseen‟), we also have another member, recruits? All details of clothing Christopher. (including an order form) can be found on the Guild website, so do have a look as in the fairly recent past new colours From Roger Hallett: Corscombe now has new have been introduced as well as some additional bearings fitted to our six bell clappers which should items. Polo Shirts cost £15 and Sweatshirts cost see these working well for the foreseeable future. £17.50
Funds were provided by both the PCC and the bell Contact: Patricia Davidson: ringing team to ensure this could be done; the team [email protected]
Page 28
Obituaries
O Mighty God, the joy is ours Friday evening she would drive her To sound Thy welcome from our towers; father to the Horse and Jockey in And when, at least, Thou callest „Stand‟ West Lavington which is where she Let mercy rule at Thy right hand. met Mike in 1970. They were (Last verse of the hymn „O Mighty God, this earth is Thine‟ married on 2 October 1971 at written for the Guild by Canon C C Cox) Edington Priory Church. Mike organised eight ringers from Jim Griffin Wilton, Bratton and Longbridge (28 November 1934–16 June 2019) Deverill to ring Stedman Triples to celebrate their marriage. Dorothy From David Brown: We are and Mike settled in their new home saddened to hear of the death of in West Lavington, very close to Jim Griffin–formerly of The Old the Church. Almost from when they first met, Dorothy Hall, Chute Standen. The only boy would accompany Mike to the Wilton Monday in a large family of girls, Jim was practices and outings. Dorothy was often asked if she brought up in Thames Ditton, and could ring, to which she replied, ―No, I‟m just a after National Service joined the chauffeur so that Mike can have a drink.‖ Their son, London Fire Brigade. In his spare David, was born in 1972 so Dorothy was unable to time, Jim made things–working accompany Mike for a few years but later, in the steam engines, most things 1980‘s, she accompanied Mike to Edington where he mechanical, musical instruments was helping to teach a group of youngsters. On this (though he was not a musician). He served in the Fire occasion, when asked if she would like to have a go, Service until his retirement in 1989 when he came to she took the opportunity and decided that she would live in Chute. A city man so far, Jim embraced in fact like to learn. Pat Chapman taught her to ring Wiltshire country life–beating for the local shoots, bell at West Lavington where she regularly attended ringing at Upper Chute, volunteering at The practices and rang for services, wedding and funerals. Watercress Line, the Village Hall, making and She particularly enjoyed ringing on Remembrance mending things for his new friends and in the church. Sundays as she loved the sound of half-muffled bells. With his increasing circle of friends he helped sustain On 8 December 2000, Dorothy rang her first quarter the viability of the Hatchet, Cross Keys, Cricketers peal (treble to 1260 Plain Bob Doubles conducted by and Crown Inns. Jim rarely spoke of his time with the Derrick Bailey) at West Lavington in celebration of London Fire Brigade, except perhaps the challenges of their son David‘s marriage to Suzanne Taylor. learning to drive a powerful fire engine at speed Dorothy and Mike regularly attended the Devizes through London streets, laden with several tons of Branch annual outings. Of all the many holidays taken water and equipment. At his recent funeral, we by Dorothy and Mike, Dorothy‘s favourites were those learned a little more about a quiet hero, including the on Lundy Island. They initially went on a day trip to King‘s Cross Underground Station fire. Jim was there, Lundy organised by Anthony Lovell-Wood in May but we don‘t think Jim ever spoke about this. Jim 2000 where Dorothy rang the bells, but she and Mike Griffin–a great friend to many of us in Chute, and loved the island so much that they returned nearly 20 another lost to Alzheimer‘s. times, several times taking their grandson Ryan. Dorothy accompanied Mike to many of the SAGOR David Pitts meetings and although she didn‘t ring on these occasions she very much enjoyed the social side of From Anthony Lovell-Wood, Linda Jones and Peter these events and made many friends. Dorothy Dalton: David Julian Pitts a committed bell-ringer for worked as a Receptionist at St Patrick‘s Surgery in close on 30 years at St John's Tisbury died on 27th Littleton Panell which later re-located to the June 2019, aged 64. He could always be relied on to Courtyard Surgery in West Lavington. Due to her be present to ring for Sunday services, ringing work, she was known and loved by many people. She practice and special occasions, such as Remembrance retired in 2011 after 29 years service. Dorothy had to Day and weddings. David's other great interest was give up ringing in 2017 due to dementia and died on Morris Dancing, which he took part in for many years. 30 June 2019. Her funeral was held at West He would often surprise us with the depth of his Lavington on 18 July when the bells were rung half- general knowledge when chatting in the tower, which muffled before and after the service by ringers who was the result of taking part in pub quizzes over knew her well. Dorothy is buried within the sound of many years. He is greatly missed. the bells and we think of her when we are ringing. She is very sadly missed. Dorothy Peet (17 October 1941-30 June 2019) Frederick Sidney (Fred) Slatford (Vice President) From Julia Russell: Dorothy was born on 17 October (26 August 1927-29 July 2019) 1941 and raised in Edington where her father farmed at Priory Farm. When she left Trowbridge High School From the Tribute and Address given by the Reverend for Girls she joined her father on the farm, milking Anthony Longdon: People who are good and well liked cows and delivering milk around the village. Every
Page 29
Obituaries
are often referred to as being company of all the saints in heaven who have gone ―the salt of the earth‖. Well before. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in Fred was. He was a country glory. boy, born in Westbury, and brought up with his two Here are a few reminiscences from Eric Hitchins: In sisters Honour and Margaret 1942 four young choristers at North Bradley were in a loving Christian family ‗herded‘ up the tower by the tower captain, the late (sadly in his youth he lost his Percy Harding, who introduced them to bellringing. father who died from They were Frederick S Slatford, Donald E Lee, Tuberculosis). They lived in Laurence E Hitchins and me, Eric J Hitchins. Fred was North Bradley where his the eldest and I was the youngest. We certainly forbears and ancestors had started to learn with the bells tied and silent and been since the Middle Ages. probably rang open for the first time for the El Fred was a boy chorister for Alamein victory on 15 November 1942. What is some years in the parish church close to his home, certain is that we continued with the bells tied for but when his father taught him to ring, he became practices and open on Sundays until Easter 1943 hooked and from that time on bell ringing became a when the ringing ban was completely lifted. We all major part of his life. From North Bradley Primary progressed under Percy‘s direction and teaching and School, Fred attended Nelson Haden School. After in November 1943, at Seend, at the monthly meeting leaving school Fred worked for a time as an Inspector of the Devizes Branch of the Salisbury Diocesan for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Guild, we were elected members of the Guild, nearly Sometime later Fred joined Case and Sons in 76 years ago! Fred, Laurence and I rang our first Mortimer Street in Trowbridge where he met Doreen peal, Grandsire Doubles at North Bradley, on VE Day. his future wife. They were married in 1957 and lived It seems unlikely that when Percy introduced us to in Yarnbrook. Daughter Beverley came along in 1958 ringing that he could have anticipated such a ringing and son Peter in 1961. Fred was a loving husband future for us all. I rang in many more peals with Fred, and father and grandfather and the family home was notably his 100th tower peal, Grandsire Triples at a very happy one. Fred was a man of simple tastes: North Bradley, on 18 January 1958 and, for the holidays were inevitably spent in Dorset, often in a fortieth anniversary of Fred, Don, Laurie and me caravan at Bowleaze Cove, near Weymouth, or being made members of the Salisbury DG, Cambridge sometimes in Cornwall, where Padstow became a Surprise Major at North Bradley on 19 November favourite. Fred loved sport, mainly on television and 1983, which I conducted and all four of us rang in. he was also a keen gardener, but his greatest love, outside his family, was of course, bellringing. Fred From Robert Wellen: Fred was elected a Guild was a bellringer at North Bradley for around 70 years. member in 1943, he was Secretary of the Devizes To say he was accomplished is a gross Branch from 1948-1956 and General Secretary of the understatement. He was indeed a master of the art. Guild from 1967-1972. In 1993 Fred became an HLM He taught me to ring when I was 11 years old. He with 50 years‘ service and a Guild Vice President in had an incredible brain. On one occasion he was due 1994. According to PealBase: Fred rang 199 peals to ring a Peal of Grandsire Doubles at Sutton Veny, (including 1 on handbells) between 1945 and 1985. but shortly before it was due to take place found His first peal was at North Bradley; Grandsire Doubles himself one short, so he asked a novice ringer at the on 8 May 1945 (VE Day) conducted by Percival time, Jim Case, who had not even plain hunted on the Harding; Fred rang the fourth (see page 6). It was treble. He said to Jim, don‘t worry, you ring the treble also the first peal for Eric and Laurie Hitchins. His last and I will tell you each bell to ring over and when to peal was Yorkshire S Major at Melksham on 6 May lead. Now to do that and ring your own bell at the 1985, when he rang the treble, the band again same time for 5040 changes I find remarkable. [This included Eric and Laurie and was rung ―to mark the peal was rung on 28 February 1953]. If you go into 40th anniversary of the first peal by [Fred, Laurie and the bell towers in this area you will see many peal Eric] rung at North Bradley on VE Day 1945”. His boards on which Fred is named. He was a popular leading tower for peals was North Bradley (49), long standing officer of the Devizes branch and the followed by Trowbridge (22) and Melksham (17). He Salisbury Guild for some years. Fred‘s help, conducted 59 peals, including 15 of Grandsire Triples encouragement and sense of duty and loyalty, both to and 8 of Stedman Triples. Fred‘s funeral was held on his church, the branch and the Guild carried out with Thursday 15 August 2019 at West Wiltshire great skill, friendship and fun is exemplary. Fred was Crematorium surrounded by family and many ringing a true gentleman, a loving husband, father and friends. In the afternoon a quarter peal of Stedman grandfather and a great friend. Fred was sustained Triples was rung at North Bradley in his honour. throughout his life by his strong Christian faith which he upheld to the end. Whilst we mourn his passing Since when Eric Hitchins has written: “It is with with great sadness we can be comforted in the sadness that I wish to inform you that my brother knowledge that he had a long, happy and fulfilled life, Laurence E Hitchins passed away on Monday was much loved and respected by everyone, lived it September 30th at the age of 90. He learnt to ring in well and that he is now probably calling a touch of North Bradley in 1942 along with Fred Slatford, Stedman in that heavenly dwelling place in the Donald Lee and myself. He was a Sunday service
Page 30
Obituaries ringer there for 20 years and then at Melksham for another 6 years before moving to Gloucestershire. He ‘Just one Peal’ was elected to the Salisbury Guild in 1943 and was a In this new feature I will be member for 25 years. In Gloucestershire he joined asking leading peal ringers the G&B and was Tower Captain at Stroud for nearly resident in the Guild to recall 40 years”. A fuller obituary will hopefully follow. „just one peal‟ from all that they have rung and tell us Dennis George Chalk BEM (HLM) what makes it special. I start w i t h J o h n H u n t f r o m From Neil Skelton: The name of Shaftesbury, „D John Hunt‟ in the peal columns! Dennis Chalk and names of other Broad Chalke ringers who Persistence Pays Off learned to ring at about the I rang my first peal on 9th April 1958 and since then same time first appeared in the have built my peal total up to 2162. Robert has Guild Report for the year 1946 asked me to select ―just one peal‖ and tell a story however, he was not elected a about it–not easy! The inclination would be to go for Guild member until the one of the prestigious cathedrals or 12 bell towers I Salisbury Branch AGM at St have been to, but after much deliberation I have Thomas‘s, Salisbury on 23rd decided to choose my first peal, which was very January 1960. Thus at the time hard earned! I started ringing at St Ambrose, Bristol of his death he had been a during 1953 at the age of 13. The tower captain member 59 years but had been Charlie Baker taught me to handle a bell but my ringing 63 years. In those far mentors were Reg Hopper and later on Albert Tyler, off days it was not uncommon for names to appear in tower captain at Stephen Bristol. In my early years the Guild Report before election. At a Salisbury I kept a record of my quarter peals and peal Branch Meeting held at Enford on 16th July 1960 attempts, which I still have in my possession. This Dennis was awarded a Certificate on qualifying as a shows that in 1956 I was invited to ring a peal of Change Ringing Member of the Guild. To achieve this Grandsire Doubles at St Michael‘s Bristol–this lasted one had to be able to ring the treble unaided to 120 39 minutes and was stopped by the conductor half-pull changes on either tower or hand-bells. because he considered it to be below standard During his time as a ringer at Broad Chalke, Dennis (probably my fault). I had three more attempts that held the office of Tower Correspondent and Tower year, Grandsire Doubles (again), Grandsire Triples, Captain. On 5th August 1967 he rang his first and only and Kent Treble Bob Minor–all ended in miserable peal (Grandsire Doubles) at Broad Chalke, conducted failure. During 1956 there was only one attempt– by the late Reginald T. Jones. With the exception of Grandsire Triples at St Ambrose, which I was the conductor it was the first peal for the band which encouraged to conduct. We rang for 2 hours 15 included Neil Skelton. In 1960 Dennis joined the minutes then, alas, I got ahead of myself and called Woodfalls Band which won a number of national band a bob a lead too early in the 10th part of Parkers 12 contests and the Grand Shield in 1974. It was during part. There were five abortive attempts during 1957 1965 that Dennis, a peripatetic teacher of brass including another one of Grandsire Triples at St instruments and at the time on the staff of Wilton Ambrose. After 2 hours 46 minutes Vic on the 6th Middle School, founded The Wilton School Band, missed a dodge. Vic was a steady ringer but was which in 1970 became The Wilton and District Youth one of those who when he went wrong there was Band. It was well known in the Salisbury and Wilton nothing anyone could say or do to get him right. So area and played for numerous events. Dennis retired that fired up with less than 5 minutes to go. as conductor in 2007. He would have been dismayed Attempts for Grandsire Caters and Stedman Triples to learn that the band was formally dissolved in (2 hours 15 minutes) came to grief early in 1958. March 2019. However, a number of those he nurtured Then I was invited again to participate in the in the world of brass band music continue to play in regular first Monday in the month peal at St The Wilton Town Royal British Legion Band. Dennis Stephen‘s, Bristol. The method Grandsire Caters, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to composer Albert Tyler, conductor Reg Hooper, who music and education in 1987. Dennis‘s late wife, asked me to ring the 4th. There was no clock in the Mary, was organist at All Saints‘ Church, Broad ringing chamber so I had no idea of time; I just Chalke. She was not herself a ringer. Dennis is kept my head down expecting something to go survived by a daughter and son. Dennis died aged 90 wrong at any minute. But nothing did and after years on 5th September 2019. A service of what seemed an age I heard the magic words thanksgiving is to be held at All Saints‘, Broad Chalke ―That‘s all‖. It took some while for it to sink in–after at 2pm on Wednesday 30th October 2019. His funeral waiting for over 3 years and at the 13th attempt I has taken place. had rung my first peal–5021 Grandsire Caters in 3
hours and 12 minutes. Celebrations were called for, Nicki Tinkler adds: he made legendary lardy cake the and enjoyed in the usual manner at ‗The Naval recipe for which was a closely guarded secret! Volunteer‘.
Page 31
Obituaries
Peter George Martin (ALM) who will miss his sense of fun, willingness to help others and his little eccentricities like hoarding a From John Burrows: I have collection of rusting bicycles, a full sized model tiger, to report the death of Peter surf boards and all manner of items that he had no George Martin, aka ‗The use for, but could not bear to part with. Peter was Doctor‘, on 9th September particularly proud of his daughter (Belinda) and 2019, aged 81. Peter was grandson (Fred) and I‘m sure they will greatly miss the tower captain at Silton his expert advice regarding farming matters, even if Church, where he rang for they were a little out of date. 70 years. He always said that he only took up bell Lewis Frank Cobb MBE ringing at the age of 12 in (30 March 1938 to 11 September 2019) order to get out of some of the household chores, like From Julian Hemper: Lewis milking the cows, at his parents‘ smallholding. Over was born on 30th March the past two years Peter had become increasingly 1938 to Ernie and Jesse frail and his family and friends were all saddened to Cobb in Ringwood, watch him slowly deteriorate. It is therefore with Hampshire. Ernie was well mixed feelings that we heard that Peter had ‗Gone known in Ringwood, playing on‘, as he would have put it. Peter was very much a football and cricket for country boy and rarely ventured far from Silton. One many years in the local of his favourite quotes was ―I went on holiday once. It area. Lewis attended rained and I came home.‖ Apart from ringing, he schools in Ringwood before never seemed happier than when he was driving his joining Brockenhurst vintage tractor, especially when he could use it help County High School in others with jobs such as removing trees. It was also 1950. Later he would go on common to see him riding around the area on a horse to attend the Bournemouth and cart, until a car ran in the back and threw him Technical College to study in the Motor Industry, out onto his head. This accident affected his memory having been apprenticed as an Agricultural Engineer. and consequently he only felt comfortable ringing Lewis was a member of the Boys section of the tenor, where he maintained his last bell position by Ringwood Parish Church Choir and when his voice rope sight. His friends would often visit him at ‗The broke in 1952, he left the Choir and took up Silton Café‘ in the afternoon for tea and chocolate bellringing under the guidance of Bill Cheater. He got digestive biscuits, sitting in front of the wood burner on well and rang his first Peal at Ringwood–Stedman with a large saucepan of ‗rabbit stew‘ on the top (it Triples-on 28th July 1954. Not describing himself as a was actually just full of water to prevent the stove sportsman, whilst in the Choir at Ringwood, Lewis from overheating). There we would watch cowboy played football for the New Forest Choirs League and films on TV. Once again, his memory loss came into also cricket in the Ringwood Boys Cricket Team. Back play as the films were well known to his visitors, but in the Tower, he went on to be elected Deputy always seemed new to him. Another programme he Ringing Master in 1959 holding the post for several enjoyed was Doc Martin, from which he awarded years as well as being the Honorary Secretary of the himself the sobriquet ‗The Doctor‘ on account of the Christchurch and Southampton District of the common surname. I first met Peter shortly after Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of retiring down here in Dorset. After a busy working life Ringers. He was elected to the Ancient Society of I was becoming bored and he promptly said to my College Youths in May 1959. During his years as wife ―Why don‟t you send him to bell ringing.‖ And so Deputy Ringing Master, he assisted with a lot of began a 10 year friendship where we worked together teaching and during such a training session at on both bell ringing and farming activities. A second Lymington, he met Elizabeth and later they were accident with a horse and cart left him with a married on 13th May 1967 at Lymington Parish shattered ankle (oh how he loved to tell people the Church. After their marriage, Lewis and Elizabeth gory details of that one). This made it difficult to moved to Swindon, when Lewis was appointed as climb the stairs at some towers, but did not stop him Transport and Plant Officer at Swindon Borough helping to rehang the bells at Zeals and Stourton Council. They joined the ringing band at Christ where his skills in securing heavy objects safely made Church, Swindon, with Lewis taking up the positions him a valuable asset at ground level when hauling the of Deputy Ringing Master as well as Tower and Bells bells up and down the towers. Although he spent Inspector and Advisor for the Diocese of Gloucester much of the day on a tractor or working on his and Bristol. Their first child, Bernard, was born in allotment, he was always careful about his 1968, followed by twins Lee and Janette, in 1972. The appearance. A tie was always worn, except in July offer of the position of Assistant Director of and August, and a comb kept in the top pocket of his Operations (Transport) at the Metropolitan Borough of shirt to ensure that his hair was never out of place. Wigan saw the family move to Lancashire. After a Peter always tried to get people interested in ringing brief spell in Ghana during 1977, the family settled in and enjoyed teaching beginners. His passing is not Crediton, Devon in 1978 before moving again to only a loss to bell ringing, but especially to his friends Bristol in 1981. Lewis took up the position of Virger at
Page 32
Obituaries
St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, a post he held until 1992. As well as ringing at St. Mary Redcliffe, Lewis and A Devon Song Elizabeth found themselves heavily involved in music (not a hymn) and together with the Director of Music at the time, they founded the St. Mary Redcliffe Academy, a (Provided by Michael and Claire concert choir consisting of 130 mixed singers. Their Dillistone) debut Concert was broadcast by BBC Radio. An invitation to become the Port Chaplain and Chief One day in October, neither Executive Officer of the Mission to Seafarers, a drunken nor sober, missionary society within the Church of England, saw O'er Broadbury Down I was another move in 1992, this time to Dar es Salaam in wending my way, Tanzania. Lewis saw his work here very much as a When I heard of some ringing, partnership with Elizabeth and together they oversaw some dancing and singing. many improvements to the facilities and buildings of I ought to remember that Jubilee the Centre including installing new generators and day. digging boreholes to ensure a constant supply of fresh water. They were visited in 1998 by HRH The (chorus) Princess Royal when she re-opened the Centre after T'was in Ashwater Town, the bells the major works were completed and in 2003, Lewis they did sound, was awarded the MBE in the Queen‘s Birthday They rang for a belt and a hat laced with gold, Honours List. This was for services to the Mission of But the men of Northlew rang so steady and true, Seafarers in Dar es Salaam and to the British that there never were better in Devon I hold. community in Tanzania and he visited Buckingham
Palace in October of that year to receive the award T'was misunderstood, for the men of Broadwood, from The Queen. Lewis had expressed surprise at the gave a blow on the tenor should never have been. Award as he said his work would not have been But the men of Northlew rang so steady and true, possible without the efforts and support of Elizabeth. A difficult matter to beat them I ween. Lewis and Elizabeth returned to the UK late in 2003 to enjoy a well deserved retirement, settling in Devizes. They of Broadwood being naughty, then said to our After a break of almost 13 years, Lewis took up party, ringing again at Bishops Cannings in 2006, where he We'll ring you a challenge again in a round. also took up the post of Church Warden. He took to We'll give you the chance at St Stephen's or his renewed ringing life with great enthusiasm, Launceston, organising many practices, advanced practices, The prize to the winners being a note of five pound. quarter peals and peals, as well as encouraging and developing a local band. It would not be at all unusual When the match it came on, at good Callington. to receive a lengthy phone call from him at the dead The bells they rang out o'er the valleys below. of night and such calls became legendary amidst Then the old and young peoble, the hale and the much consternation! Lewis rang 216 Peals for a total feeble. of 21 different Societies and innumerable Quarter They came out to hear the sweet bell music flow. Peals. He had organised a Peal at Bishops Cannings this year to mark his 60th year of Membership of the T'was at Callington Town, the bells they did sound, Ancient Society of College Youths, which sadly he had They rang for a belt and a hat laced with gold, to cancel due to ill health. A quarter peal of Grandsire But the men of Northlew rang so steady and true, Triples was rung that there never were better in Devon I hold. at Bishops Can-
nings on Sunday Those of Broadwood once more, were obliged to 29th September give o'er. 2019, the eve of They were beaten completely and done in a round. his funeral in the For the men of Northlew pulled so steady and true Church, by a That no better than they in the West could be band comprised found. of ringers with
whom he had T'was in Ashwater Town, the bells they did sound, probably rung the They rang for a belt and a hat laced with gold, most with over But the men of Northlew rang so steady and true, the last few years that there never were better in Devon I hold. (pictured left).
LtoR: Ursula Osmond, Jenny Hancock, Rest in peace The picture is of the church tower of Ashwater Julian Ferrar, Jenny Jones, Mark Lewis, we will (St Peter ad Vincula), Devon (6 bells, tenor 8 cwt)- Robins, Ruth Plumridge, Clive miss you very as featured in the Chorus! Hancock, Julian Hemper. much.
Page 33
Branch Business Meetings
Branch Business Meetings (and Christmas Events) October 2019 to January 2020 Sat 19 Oct 14:30-20:00 Marl Branch AGM Milton Lilbourne Sat 16 Nov 15:00-17:00 WD AGM & Ringing South Perrott
Sat 16 Nov 19:00-22:00 Sal Branch Meeting and Skittles Downton Club Branch Annual Meeting & Sat 7 Dec 14:30-19:00 Mere Motcombe Carol Service Mon 9 Dec 19:30-21:00 Marl Christmas Branch Practice Chiseldon Joint Carol Service Devizes/ Sat 14 Dec 15:00-20:00 Dev/Calne West Lavington Calne Branches Sat 14 Dec 15:00-20:00 Dor Branch Carol Service Charminster Sat 21 Dec 14:00-16:00 WD Branch Practice & Mince Pies Bradpole Sat 4 Jan 14:30-20:00 Dev Branch AGM Devizes Sat 11 Jan 15:00-20:00 Calne Branch AGM Lyneham Sat 11 Jan 14:00-20:00 ED Branch AGM Wimborne Minster Sat 25 Jan 14:30-20:00 Sal Branch AGM Sarum St Martin For Full Details of all Branch Events see the Guild Website or contact your Branch Secretary
Your New Guild General Secretary: Last Few Vicki Rowse GREAT WAR
Pictured after ringing a Peal MEMORIAL of 5040 Plain Bob Minor, BOOKLETS conducted by Bob Purnell, at her home tower of Fovant, Still Available on 2 August 2019 ―arranged For Sale and rung to celebrate [her] being elected Hon General Buy one for Secretary of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild”. yourself, a friend or for your tower. Channel Islands
From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): Some of you Guild website: https://sdgr.org.uk/ may have seen the reports of the recommendation great-war-memorial-booklet/ that the Channel Islands should move Dioceses from Winchester to Salisbury. If this happens, it will not be before the end of 2020 and could have E-mail Guild Master: implications for our Guild and the LEBRF. Officers [email protected] are in contact with the Winchester and Portsmouth Guild and Bishop Nicholas and we will continue to At Branch AGMs 2019-2020 monitor the progress of this proposal: https:// www.salisbury.anglican.org/news/a-new- relationship-with-the-channel-islands £5 a copy
Face to Face is the acknowledged Newsletter of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers First published in 1975, the publication is now produced three times a year and circulated free to all affiliated towers throughout the Guild, as well as going to various other bodies. On the Guild website: https://sdgr.org.uk/face-to-face/ Compiled and edited by Robert Wellen Tel: 01747 825131 E-mail: [email protected] Guild Hon Gen Sec: Vicki Rowse Tel: 01722 714877 E-mail: [email protected] Webmaster: Ian Mozley E-mail: [email protected] Guild website: https://sdgr.org.uk/ Printed by Imprint Graphics, Shaftesbury Telephone: 01747 850707 No copyright infringement is intended with the use of any text, images or graphics used in this publication.
Page 34