SALISBURY DIOCESAN GUILD OF RINGERS NEWSLETTER
Summer 2018 Number 153 GO BELLISTIC!!
In this issue:
From the 1 President
Guild News and 2-9 Features
And in Other 10-11 News ...
Great War 12-15 Commemorations
Thought of the 15 Day
Young Ringers 16-20
Recruitment and 21-23 Education
Profile: Flick 24-25 Warwick
Branch News and 25-39 Features
Calne 25-26
Devizes 26-30
Dorchester 30-31
East Dorset 31-32
‗OUR TEAM‘ IN THE RINGING WORLD NATIONAL YOUTH CONTEST Marlborough 32-35
Mere 35-37
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Patron of our Salisbury 37-39
Guild, writes exclusively for us on ‗Ringing West Dorset 39 Remembrance‘: Obituaries 40-44 ―The ringing of church bells calls people to worship in which Branch Calendars we give thanks for the creation and redemption of the world August-December 45-46 God loves. Giving thanks for everything and remembering 2018 God‘s love make for peace. It is the work of God for which Armistice and church bells ring out in remembrance.‖ Ringing 46 Remembers
Deadline for next issue: 14 November 2018—[email protected]
From the President
I want to start by thanking everyone for the kindness and understanding shown to me since GUILD 6 BELL and NOVICE John‘s death. I received over one hundred cards STRIKING COMPETITIONS 2018 and letters, the majority of which came from bell ringing friends. They were a real comfort to Saturday 1 September me and my children and something of a surprise 2018 as John was not a ringer. He would describe himself as a very proud ringers' cheer leader. Zeals (BA12 6NL) Several quarter peals were rung in his memory and he would, as I was, been really touched by the kind thought. Thank you all. Team entries to be notified as early as possible –at the latest by 10 am on Saturday 25 August The Guild Festival this year was held in the 2018 to [email protected] Calne Branch and our thanks go to all their There will be ‗light‘ refreshments from 2.30 p.m. at members who worked tirelessly to make the day the Village Hall (BA12 6NY) and after the results such a huge success. This year, for the first members are invited to stay on for time, we held the Eight Bell Striking Competition FISH AND CHIPS and a QUIZ on the Festival Day and we were delighted to welcome teams from across the Diocese (see https://sdgr.org.uk/guild-6-bell-2018/ pages 3 to 4).
We have two more Guild events planned this year, firstly the Six Bell and Novice Striking Competitions on 1st September at Zeals. Both Robert and I hope that you will support these events with as much enthusiasm as you showed for the Eight Bell Competition. Zeals, being in the centre of the Guild, will help with the MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR GUILD travelling for all and again (as in the Eight Bell) MEMBERS BRINGING TO A CLOSE we will publish ringing slots beforehand. We are OUR COMMEMORATION OF planning a Fish and Chip Supper and Quiz to round the day off. Please encourage as many RINGERS WHO DIED IN THE GREAT teams as you can, both Novice and more WAR experienced to enter (full details opposite). Saturday 22 September 2018 at Salisbury You will remember that in 2014 we attended Cathedral Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral and then held a short service remembering all those ringers Afternoon Ringing (All welcome): from the Diocese who were killed in the First 1pm-1.45pm: Stratford sub Castle 5 cwt (SP1 3LL) World War. In the four years since, in most 2.15 pm-3.30pm: Wilton 8 cwt (SP2 0DL) cases, so far, we have followed this up by 4pm-4.45pm: Coombe Bissett 10 cwt (SP5 4PA) ringing (or other commemorations) on or about Cathedral Evensong at 5.30 p.m. followed by the hundredth anniversary of each death. On Memorial Service led by the Right Reverend Nicholas nd Saturday 22 September we, as a Guild, will Holtam, the Bishop of Salisbury, at which the again attend Evensong in the Cathedral. Our Memorial Screen will be re-dedicated Patron, the Bishop of Salisbury, has agreed to conduct a short service of rededication of the Additional words added: A.D. 2018 ―Commemorating Memorial Screen following the re-gilding of the the sacrifice of all ringers throughout the Diocese Guild Badge and the addition of new words. who fell in the Great War 1914-1918‖ After the service a Reception and refreshments Reception and Refreshments will be held in Sarum College just across from After the service at Sarum College, across the Green the Cathedral. In the afternoon towers around from the Cathedral, tickets for this to be the City will be open for ringing and there will be purchased by 2 September from your Branch a peal attempt at St. Thomas‘s. I hope we will Secretary or by contacting Pat Davidson see many of you at this event (see flyer ([email protected]) (Limited availability) opposite). https://sdgr.org.uk/guild-cathedral-evensong/ Judith
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Guild News and Features
New Guild Publicity Material ‗available soon‘
Guild Calendar 2018
OPEN DAY for LEBRF Saturday 18 August ‗The Stour Valley Stomp‘ Guild Young Ringers Day Wednesday 22 August Bus and Pizza in North Wiltshire
Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data Saturday 25 August Protection Seminar Broad Chalke
GUILD SIX BELL/ NOVICE STRIKING COMPETITIONS Saturday 1 September followed by Quiz and Fish and Chips Zeals Belfry Maintenance and Steeple Keeping Saturday 8 September Edington Ringing Centre Cathedral EVENSONG attended by GUILD Saturday 22 MEMBERS to mark the September end of the centenaries of ringers who died in From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): The Great War New display material in the form of pull up Listening Course ‗banners‘ will be approved this summer and will then be available for members to use. These will Saturday 3 November Edington Ringing replace the old rather tired material for putting Centre up on the display boards (these boards will still Saturday 3 November be available for you to add your local to Sunday 11 Quarter Peal Week information). Our thanks to David Hacker, our November Education Officer and in particular Graham Findley, a ringer from Bradford on Avon (and a graphic designer), for working on these. There Monday 24 December are at least four banners proposed, the first to Monday 31 Peal Week (above) Bell Ringing—The People, the second December Bell Ringing—The Places, the third Bell Ringing— Take Part and the fourth Bell Ringing— Fundraising (LEBRF).
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Guild News and Features
Guild meets ‗in good heart‘ in 2018 Guild 8 Bell Striking Bromham Competition Results Team Branch Faults Ringing From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): Order The Guild Festival and AGM in 2018 were held 1 WIMBORNE East 19 6 on Saturday 12 May in the Guild‘s most MINSTER Dorset northerly and smallest branch: the Calne 2 SALISBURY Salisbury 47 4 Branch. And they did us proud! For the first time BRANCH our Guild 8 Bell Striking Competition was held 3 CALNE Calne 47.5 1 on the morning of the Guild Festival and it BRANCH attracted the best field of teams in many a year, 4 MELKSHAM Devizes 48 2 with eight teams entering from seven of our eight branches. The competition was held on the 5 MERE Mere 76.5 5 ‗challenging‘ bells at Calne (providing a musical BRANCH backdrop to the ‗Duck Race‘ in the town that 6 WESTBURY Devizes 88.5 3 morning). The judges were Paul Feast and 7 WEST West 128 8 Mervyn Arscott from the Bath and Wells DORSET Dorset Association. The BRANCH results are opposite. 8 DORCHESTER Dorchester 134 7 Teams could ring a BRANCH test piece of 168 PB
Triples or call changes Before the AGM started we welcomed Councillor and all the teams rang Peter Paget, Chairman of Bromham Parish the test piece. The Council, and his wife Ann. Peter spoke briefly results were delivered and both joined us for our service and tea. The at Bromham. Many Master then opened the AGM, held in the Social congratulations to Centre in Bromham. It was attended by Wimborne Minster, approximately 90 members from all eight the clear winners, after a sparkling branches. He noted that the Guild was in ‗good performance. Well heart‘. Three years ago he had said that he was positive and confident about the future of done also to all the ringing and of the Guild. Today, he was even other teams that more so: why: because of the commitment, the entered. Towers had dedication, the achievements and the sheer 8 Bell Striking also been open during hard work that he saw everywhere he travel Competition: LtoR: the morning for around the Guild. He commented that it is hard Judith Williamson ringing and workshops to judge the here and now. Today is often (President) and David had been held on rope compared unfavourably with yesterday; but he Warwick (Wimborne splicing and there asked members to consider that we might be Minster) were daylong displays on church clocks and living through a ‗golden age‘ for the Guild, despite all the challenges we face: he then went the Guild Library. on to list our achievements. He welcomed Allan Keen (and Margaret), down from Yorkshire. Also Richard Lee (son of the late Don Lee). Congratulations were offered to Eric Hitchins and Fred Slatford, two of our Vice Presidents, who each celebrate 75 years Guild membership this year and to another VP, David Hacker, who will celebrate 60 years membership later this year. A message of best wishes was also read out from Ivan and Wendy Andrews.
The Master then moved the meeting through the agenda: business done included: the presentation of the Guild Ringer of the Year The rope splicers–getting knotted! Awards–the junior award to Charlie–who received the new Don Lee Trophy from Don‘s
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Guild News and Features
Associate Membership to Wendy Andrews, exceptionally awarded for life to a ―non-ringer who has supported the aims of the Guild‖; a small rule change on subscriptions; agreement to the Guild‘s new GDPR Privacy Notice and consents; the election of Ruth Plumridge as a Guild Vice President and the re-election of Robert Wellen as Guild Master for a further three year term.
After the meeting a wonderfully uplifting service was held in the nearby parish church, led by the Rector, the Reverend Ruth Schofield. John Iles played the organ magnificently and the sermon was preached by the former Bishop of Truro, Bishop Bill Ind–with props! The subject was the nature of intercession–we are all linked-we pray for others and thereby pray for ourselves; we ring for others and thereby for ourselves. The Young Ringer of the hymns were really sung out: Let Bells Peal Forth Year: Charlie (above) followed by Oh Worship the King, all glories with David Hacker above and finally Christ Triumphant ever and Richard Lee. reigning. The choir sang the anthem King of All Ages (Paul Isom). The intercessions were led by William, one of our young ringers, and his Dad Ian, and included the names of Guild members who have died in the last year. Adult Ringer of the Year: (above right) LtoR: After food for the soul it was back to the Social Judith Williamson (President), David Hacker (Education Officer), Joint Winner: Maz Moldon. Centre for tea; and what a tea. Sandwiches, cakes, fruit and gallons of tea: what else could Below right Joint Winner: Debbie Phipps. you ask for to end a wonderful day for the Guild. It was a great team effort by the Calne Branch, son Richard and the joint winners of the adult our hosts, so thanks go to all the branch who award Marion (Maz) Moldon from Corsley and made us so welcome, but in particular Ruth Debbie Phipps from Lytchett Matravers Plumridge and Jane Ridgwell (Branch Chairman (commendations were and Secretary), at Calne Andrew Woolley, and also given to adult at Bromham Linda Drummond-Harris and nominees Jenny Moore, Dennis Powney. Just two comments received Nikki Wall and Simon from members the day after: ―we had such a Kewley); financial wonderful day yesterday and will remember the reports and an tea for a long time‖ and ―I feel that the Guild is agreement to keep in as healthy a state as I have seen it in the s u b s c r i p t i o n s nearly 40 years I have been a member.‖ unchanged for 2019; a g r e e i n g a n e w ‗Firsts‘ in Firsts Week top 300 procedure for Guild education grants; From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): Honorary Life another successful event!! A total of 301 Membership for Peter individual firsts claimed between 21 and 29 a n d S a l l y C a t e s April, ranging from the more conventional to the (Salisbury Branch), Paul more ‗inventive‘, from the more elementary to Ruth Plumridge (new Cumberland the more mind bending; all adding to the Vice President) (right) (Gillingham) and for 50 enjoyment of the week. Good to see that a with Judith Williamson years membership John number of towers entered into the spirit of the (President). Harris (Sherborne) and event (Lytchett Matravers, Wimborne Minster, Andrew Lee Corsley, Hampreston, Beaminster to mention (Marlborough);
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Guild News and Features
just a few). It was planned quarter peal day at Bratton, which also good that houses a ring of 6 bells. Six quarter peals were ringers from all achieved one after another with an hour‘s lunch ei gh t b ra n ch es in the middle supplied by Dusty‘s wife Sian. In participated. Some total, 12 ―firsts‖ were achieved with two of the even travelled locals ringing there first quarter peal! An overseas to get enjoyable day was had by all and a big thank firsts. As always, you to all the ringers who came to make up the First touch Double Bob thanks are due to bands. All that remains now is for the rest of the Minor at Maiden Newton: those ringers who local ringers to achieve their first quarters by LtoR: Roger Smith, David may not have the end of the year. Barrance, Sue Carter, recorded ‗firsts‘ Sylvia Fowler, Ann Medley, themselves, but Full First Week results on the Guild website: Sue Barrance. helped others to do https://sdgr.org.uk/firsts-week-2018-results/ so, by organising and assisting. Celebrating 100 Years of the RAF– Should just also Upavon, Wiltshire mention ‗Super Tuesday‘ with 71 From Julia Russell: The construction of Upavon firsts and the all day Airfield (a grass airfield) began on 19 June 1912 marathon of on an elevated site about 1.5 miles east of quarters at Bratton! Upavon village, near the edge of Salisbury Plain. First Quarters: John It was originally created for Richardson and pilots of the military and Quarter of April Day with 7, 6, 8 cover and four naval wings of the newly firsts at Fordingbridge: LtoR: Ian (treble), formed Royal Flying Corps Simon Daykin, Roger King, Pat Davidson, Gary and became home to the Philbrick, Mary Melbourne, Mike Ireland, Ian Army Central Flying School. Davidson. Captain Godfrey M Paine, RN, became the first Commandant, with Major Hugh Trenchard (pictured Mark Noble – well done. In total 23 quarters and left in uniform of Royal one peal were linked to the week. Flying Corps) being his assistant. Bratton ‗6 in a day‘ in Firsts Week! Trenchard later became the Chief of Air Staff From Rusty Hartley: In September last year I and subsequently became known as the "father made the daring decision to relocate to Wiltshire of the Royal Air Force". On 1 April 1918 the from South Devon. Moving to a village let alone Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force a county where I knew absolutely no one was and Upavon became RAF Upavon and the RAF very daunting to say the least. I have been a Central Flying School, the centre of training of bell ringer for over 20 years and on the first all RAF flying instructors. It also became the Sunday after relocating I headed to Edington administrative headquarters of the RAF. Upavon Priory to see if there was any Sunday service is therefore known as the ―birthplace‖ of the ringing. All of the bell ringers were so welcoming RAF. As a result of major reorganisation of the and have really made me feel at ease, especially entire structure of the Royal Air Force in the Dusty Millier the tower captain. The main thing early 1990s, RAF Upavon became surplus to that has struck me with the local band is their requirements, and the RAF was to permanently enthusiasm and their personal desire to improve withdraw from Upavon. their ringing capabilities. As a New Year‘s resolution, I thought it would be an amazing On 4 April 2018, a Quarter Peal of 1260 Doubles achievement for the local band to achieve their was rung at Upavon to celebrate the 100th year first quarter peals by the end of the year. After anniversary of the formation of the RAF. finding out the Guild holds a ―First‘s Week‖ I jumped at the chance to get involved. With the help of Chris Jenkins the Devizes branch ringing master, Saturday 28th April arrived with a
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Guild News and Features
Ringing across the Guild for the RAF Centenary
Rung on Easter Day to celebrate the Resurrection and to 5040 Plain Lyneham commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the formation of the Bob Minor Royal Air Force. 1 April Brownsea 1320 Plain Rung to celebrate Easter Sunday, and to commemorate the 2018 Island Bob Doubles centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force 1260 Doubles Rung on Easter Sunday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wool (3m) the formation of the Royal Air Force. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the formation of the 2 April 1260 Doubles RAF on 1st April 1918. Andy Miller wishes to be associated with this Yatesbury 2018 (1p/2m) quarter peal to mark the 50th anniversary of the day he joined the RAF (1st April 1968). 4 April 1260 Doubles Rung to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the formation of Upavon 2018 (3 m) the RAF 1320 Rung to mark the centenary of the formation of the RAF on 1 April 5 April Cambridge Chilmark 1918. This village was the home of RAF Chilmark from the 1930s 2018 Surprise until 1995. Minor
commented on radio that as we cross the May 25th threshold they were looking for ―commitment to moving forward, not looking for perfection‖. Well thanks to the herculean effort put in by our Guild Master Robert, the SDGR can be proud to consider itself to be one of the organisations that have certainly made that commitment. It now falls upon the Branch Secretaries and individual Tower Brownsea Island Band: Correspondents to take the process forward with LtoR: Lydia Butler, Katie the completion of the various Consent Forms. Child, Charlie Martin, There are a few queries that have arisen in this Matthew Child, Rob respect, one being that it is ironic that so much Child, Hilary Child. Chilmark Band: The information is being sought from ringers, far band in front of the more than ever before, all in the name of Data RAF Ensign: left Protection. However that misses the point (seated) Neil Skelton, altogether, this is the opportunity for the then LtoR: Judith individual to ‗take back control‘ of where their Williamson, Ross information is used by others, and accordingly Robertson, they only need to provide, on the forms, that Christopher Sykes, which they are content to do so for the purpose Robert Wellen and of communications within the Guild, Branch and Patricia Davidson. with the LEBRF.
Another suggestion is that as we are members of, and pay subscriptions to, a voluntary Data Protection organisation, then we have deemed to have (GDPR) across the consented, and the whole exercise is Guild unnecessary. Don‘t Robert and I wish that to be the case (it would have saved a lot of time and effort), but the guidance notes from the ICO are From David Close: The Guild‘s Privacy Notice quite specific in that ‗there must be a positive and consent forms were agreed at the Guild opt-in–consent cannot be inferred from silence, AGM in May and are now on the website: pre-ticked boxes, or inactivity. It must also be https://sdgr.org.uk/data-protection-policy/. The separate from other terms and conditions, and ‗launch‘ date of 25th May for the new General you (the organisation) will need to have simple Data Protection Regulation came and went, but ways for people to withdraw consent‘. did anybody notice? The head of the ICO
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Guild News and Features
Guild Subscriptions Explained (we hope)!
From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): At the Guild Salisbury Guild comes third in 2018 AGM rule 5.2.1 was amended to read: Tewkesbury Shield ―Subscriptions fall due for payment on 1 January each year, or on election for a member joining after 1 January in that year. No member shall pay more than one subscription in any calendar year. Where a Member is elected after 1 October their subscription shall cover the following calendar year and during that period no member shall pay more than one subscription.‖ (new wording in bold). David Close has produced the table above (with Pat Davidson (Guild Treasurer)) to assist Branch Officers and members to tackle this brain teaser! THINGS TO RING FOR IN 2018: cccbr.org.uk/things-to-ring-for
Centenary of women getting the vote LtoR: David Warwick (C), Nigel Woodruff, (A Ladies peal?) Robert Child, Harry Blamire, Graham Duke, Tom 300th anniversary of first peal of Grandsire Garrett, Felicity Warwick, Mariko Whyte, Hilary Triples (26 August) Child, Rosemary Duke.
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Guild News and Features
Ringing for the Royal Wedding–19 Office service operates on a county basis, not a May 2018: HRH Prince Harry to Diocesan one.
Meghan Markle Among the archives I will keep in the library is a copy of Guild returns for the 1972 Central Council survey. It makes most interesting reading, not only for the technology used, and I hope I will be able to write a Face to Face article Sat Buckhorn 5040 Cambridge Surprise Minor on this survey. Please contact me at 19 Weston (First peal on the bells for 88 [email protected] if you want to see a May years) copy of your own tower‘s return, but be aware Fri Fordingbridge 1260 Doubles that not all towers responded to the survey. 18 (Grandsire & Plain Bob) May Recent acquisitions to the Library include four Sat Potterne 1260 Grandsire Doubles volumes of 18th and early 19th century 19 May Bishops 1260 Grandsire Triples newspaper cuttings on bells and bell ringing Cannings published by the Friends of the Central Council Sun Wareham 1260 Grandsire Triples Library and donated by the Guild, and an 20 interesting bundle of books kindly donated by May the Whiting Society. These include books on Wed Preston 1250 Lincolnshire S Major 23 Welsh and Scottish bell founders which offer an May interesting insight into part-time bell founding. Mon Sturminster 1260 St Martin‘s Bob Doubles On order are another volume of newspaper 28 Marshall cuttings and a set of DVD‘s of The Ringing World May from 1971 to 2000. Sat Corfe Castle 396 Call Changes 19 (Sixty on Thirds) Ivan Andrews has very kindly donated all his May Chiseldon Rounds and Call Changes ringing and church history books to the library. Burton Call changes rung at 1 pm by Duplicates are offered for sale at a market price, Bradstock six ringers and proceeds will be donated to the LEBRF. Ian and Margaret Mozley have donated some Guild Library Report previous editions of Dove and some educational books. Many thanks for all donations. A list of From Anne Willis second-hand books follows this article. This (Guild Librarian): All includes a lot of back copies of Guild reports, the books have been and Branch Secretaries may be interested in catalogued and Ian working up a run of reports for branch use. Mozley is preparing Please contact me if you wish to borrow a book. the catalogue for the Finally I would like to thank the Guild Executive website. Education for their financial support of the Library. books are at the Edington Ringing Excess books: For Centre, and the remainder in my study. The Sale archives and the audio-visual material still await attention. When sorted most of the archives will Please apply to the Guild be deposited to the relevant Record Office. Librarian at the e-mail Dorset records including branch records for given above. Prices have Dorchester, East Dorset, old North Dorset and been calculated after West Dorset branches at Dorchester; Guild consultation with Amazon records, plus Calne, Devizes, Marlborough, Mere and other second hand and Salisbury branch records at Chippenham. book websites. Postage The material will be on loan, not donated, so and packing are extra, that the Guild retains ownership and control. though it may be possible Records will be kept in far better conditions than to arrange delivery. All my attic study can provide. The library proceeds to the LEBRF. catalogue will state where material is located. Please remember that our excellent Record
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Guild News and Features
Bell Books below mark this occasion. Please let me know and I (Church History Books will be listed for sale in will collate a report. The e-mail below has been the next edition): sent to him: ―on behalf of the Salisbury Andrews, Ivan. Heard but not seen in west Diocesan Guild Of Ringers, this is just a brief e- Dorset; Activities of the West Dorset Branch mail to congratulate you on your appointment 1910-2010 (pamphlet) £1. as Dean of Salisbury Cathedral and to welcome Cocket, Mary. Bells in our Lives. David & Charles you back to the Diocese. We are a very active 1973 (hardback). £2.50 (two copies). Guild and although our Cathedral does not have Cook, William T. The Society of College Youths a ring of bells we very much value and 1637-1987 (hardback). £15. appreciate the links that we have forged with Dalton, Christopher. Bells & Belfries of Dorset our Cathedral and the clergy of the Diocese. On part 1 (softback). £20. your appointment you will be a Vice-Patron of Dalton, Christopher. Bells & Belfries of Dorset our Guild. I am sure that there will be ringing part 2 (softback). £20. across the Diocese and on 9 September to Dalton, Christopher. Bells & Belfries of Dorset welcome you to your new post.‖ part 3 (softback). £20. Eisel, John. The Bells of Hereford Cathedral Vice President‘s Quarter to welcome (pamphlet). £5. Ruth ‗to the club‘ Ingram, Tom. Bells in England. Muller reprint 1969 (hardback). £5. Keeley, Roger. A Century of Changes; the SDGR 1882-1982 (softback). £1. Morris, Ernest. Towers & Bells of Britain. Robert Hale 1955 (hardback) £25. Morris, Ernest. History & Art of Change Ringing. Chapman & Hall (hardback), very tatty. £1. Ringing World—facsimile of first issue. £1. Sanderson, Jean (ed). Change Ringing, the History of an English Art, vol 1 (hardback) £20. Sanderson, Jean (ed). Change Ringing, the History of an English Art, vol 2 (hardback) £20. Sanderson, Jean (ed). Change Ringing, the History of an English Art, vol 3 (hardback) £20. SDGR Ringing 2000; a record for posterity of LtoR: Vice Presidents Neil Skelton, Bob Purnell, ringing carried out in the Diocese of Salisbury on st Chris Purnell, Ruth Plumridge, David Hacker, January 1 2000 (pamphlet) 50p. Robert Wellen, Anthony Lovell-Wood, Ross SDGR The Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers Robertson. 1882-2007 (pamphlet) 50p. Shepherd, Edgar C. The Sound of Bells (hardback) with EP record. £10. From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): At Stedman, Fabian. ed Sharpe, Fred. Tintinalogia; the AGM in May, Ruth Plumridge was elected a The Art of Ringing (hardback) 1970 reprint of Guild Vice President (see page 4). To celebrate 1668 edition. £12. this Ruth arranged a band of fellow VPs to ring a Walters, HB. Church Bells of Wiltshire. quarter peal of Grandsire Triples at Melksham Kingsmead reprint 1969 (hardback). £60 (two on Tuesday 10 July 2018. Before and after the copies). quarter we were fed and watered by the Walters, HB. Church Bells of Wiltshire. generosity of the Purnells. Kingsmead reprint 1969 (hardback). £75. XYZ Bells & Bellfounding. Kingsmead reprint of The Stour Valley Stomp 1879 edition (softback). £15. (otherwise known as the LEBRF
Open Day) A new Dean of Salisbury Cathedral 18 August 2018
From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): A new from Stourton to Ringwood Dean (Canon Nick Papadopulos) will be installed on Sunday 9 September 2018. I hope that Check the website for full up-to-date details: bands across the Diocese can arrange ringing to https://sdgr.org.uk/lebrf-open-day-the-stour-valley- stomp/
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And in Other News ....
Thoughts on the Central Council Ladies Guild National AGM Meeting 2018
From Andrew Howes (one of our five representatives on the Council): This year‘s Central Council meeting was held at From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): It is not Lancaster University customary for mention to be made in this over the second bank publication of the activities of other Guilds and holiday weekend in Associations. But I feel that mention must be May. Prior to this made of the National AGM of the Ladies‘ Guild meeting all which this year was held in the Diocese of representatives were Salisbury on Saturday 16 June. I had the given various papers to read following last pleasure of being invited to represent the year‘s decision to reform and bring more up to Salisbury DG and many Salisbury Guild date the Central Council. The reform of the members, including our President and Guild Council has long been overdue, as it is seen as a Treasurer were there, ‗with different hats on‘. body that really has no connection to the There was ringing in the morning on a route average ringer that rings in the SDGR area for from Stourton through Gillingham to practice night and Sunday service; it was rather Shaftesbury, with a service at St John‘s church, seen as just making rules for peal ringers. Charlton with tea at the Remembrance Hall. The uplifting service was led by the Reverend When the Council was formed in 1892 it was fit Richard Warhurst. I joined Christopher Sykes for purpose but in this modern age it was just (Captain at Donhead St Mary) for ringing with too unwieldy as it had 15 committees with views the non-Ladies whilst the meeting was going on, on everything. The vote for reform and adopt before returning to the Hall for a ‗magnificent the revised rules of the Central Council was tea‘. The theme of the arrangements was the passed by a landslide with 162 members centenary of women‘s suffrage and this was present, 137 for the motion, 8 against and 10 reflected in the colour scheme and a special abstentions. A total of 85% in favour. I cake. personally feel that this is a new beginning for the CCCBR, our international representative Order, Order! body on bell ringing, despite a determined and well argued attempt by the ‗old guard‘ to have From 7 June: Mr Philip further consultation and delay the decision. Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): To ask the right hon. Member for There seems to be a new spirit to not just take Meriden, representing the Church the vote forward but to implement it and make Commissioners, what steps the it a bottom up change for the average ringer Church of England is taking to right up to the Council. We now have promote bell ringing. streamlined the process and have just five working groups not fifteen committees. Dame Caroline Spelman: Mr Speaker, in case you are looking for a new hobby that will build There are still some things that seem very odd on your already excellent level of fitness and to me especially with methods as I am a bit ‗old mental alertness, you need look no further than school‘. The standardising of peals to 5000 bell ringing. Churches are always looking for changes on seven or more bells. This means new volunteers to whom they can show the that peals of Triples can be 5000 changes and ropes. not the standard 5040 as we all know now. Mr Speaker: I am most grateful to the right Jump changes are now allowed so you can move hon. Lady for her advice. I have been to the your bell more that one place at a time. church in Lillingstone Lovell—to mention just However I am sure that all these will become one location in my splendid constituency—where standard in the future to the new modern there are some very enthusiastic and capable ringers that are coming along in our area. Let bell ringers. Maybe other invitations will be the new work begin. forthcoming.
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And in Other News ....
Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): But there are bats in that belfry. An Ode to Ringers Mr Speaker: There may be bats in the belfry; I do not know. The hon. Gentleman is chuntering from a sedentary position. Whether he does so When GO is called we don‘t depart with the advantage of knowledge of the matter At STAND its time to sit is a divisible proposition. Our HUNT does not involve a fox Mr Hollobone: In contrast with bell ringers in By BLOWS no one is hit churches in most other countries in the world, in this country, bell ringers can change the order in ROYAL for us involves no KINGS which the bells are rung, thus allowing for great Though QUEENS there may be found creativity and the creation of wonderful different No one is tempted to revolve sounds. It is a startling fact that 95% of all the When comes the call GO ROUNDS churches in the world where that is possible are located in England. Is not now the time to celebrate this wonderful part of English heritage When striking we are hard at work and unique contribution to church music? And balance you have to feel Dame Caroline Spelman: My hon. Friend has Five courses do not make a feast done a good job of presenting the significance of But just a quarter peal bell ringing in our culture and its wider impact across the world. That significance is recognised A single ringer may be spliced by the Church of England, and the Central A SPLICED one still unwed Council of Church Bell Ringers has promoted a And we shout to someone BOB campaign called ―Ringing Remembers‖, the It may be Joe or Fred purpose of which is to recruit 1,400 new bell ringers in honour of the 1,400 who lost their lives in world war one. The endeavour will be to When leading wrong we may be right ring the bells of churches throughout the land When IN were not at home on the centenary of the Armistice this year. Delight may bring us all to grief Mr Speaker: I gather, by the way, that bell SURPRISE may well be known ringing is quite a strenuous business; it is not to be underestimated by colleagues. So if you watch at our task Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The And hear the words we call wonderfully historic Anglican church, St Mark‘s There‘s only one you‘ll know and love in Newtownards in the heart of my constituency, The merciful THAT‘S ALL has a working belfry. Does the right hon. Lady believe that there is an acceptable level of Copied from in the ringing chamber at St funding to help with the upkeep of such towers Nicolas, Upper Chute (supplied by David Close). and their bells? If not, will she apply pressure on the Government to ensure that there is? Dame Caroline Spelman: I had the great privilege of ringing a bell in a Church of Ireland Church spires to boost digital church, and I congratulate the hon. Gentleman connectivity in rural areas on highlighting the significance of bell ringing in his constituency. If hon. Members have in their Government Press Release (February 2018): constituencies churches that are in need of ―Church spires across the UK will be used to grants or funds for the restoration of bells—time boost digital connectivity in rural areas following is short before the centenary of the Armistice— an agreement between the Government and the the ChurchCare website has grants available to Church of England‖: https://www.gov.uk/ repair and restore bells. Other sources of government/news/church-spires-to-boost-digital funding are also available—indeed, a grade 1 -connectivity-in-rural-areas listed church in Castle Bromwich secured funding from English Heritage. Grants are available, and Members should assist their 6-9 and 13-16 September churches in securing them so that they may be 2018 part of the great occasion of the centenary of the Armistice. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ (not in Hansard ...And now back to Brexit!)
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Great War Commemorations
Remember ‗Ringing Remembers‘ things would work, but soon settled into productive teaching. By the second session things settled well until a local newspaper reporter and photographer arrived giving both teachers and learners the additional trauma of being interviewed whilst trying to comprehend information and practice movements.
Friday started according to plan and the next group arrived full of determination to ‗get it right‘ but today the distraction came in the form of a television crew bent on filming and interviewing for Belgian national news. Despite an enormous camera, floating about an already overcrowded compact ringing chamber, operated by a cameraman determined to take From Vicki Chapman (Ringing Remembers shots of everything from ropes and sallies Project Coordinator) (May 2018): The Ringing disappearing through holes in the ceiling to feet Remembers campaign is gathering momentum rocking in rhythm to the bells, amazing now, but we are still a way off our target of th headway was made. To everyone‘s amusement 1,400 new recruits in time for ringing on 11 the TV report was shown that day during the November for the Centenary of the Armistice. In sport section of the news. order to assist with promotion of the campaign in your area, as well as finding other resources On Saturday lunchtime Alan Regin, a trustee of on the CCCBR website, you can now order the ‗Bells of St George Ypres‘ charity, gave an copies of the Ringing Remembers A3 poster, and informative talk on the history behind the art of the leaflet at https://a100.cccbr.org.uk/order/ change ringing which was ably interpreted for Don‘t forget to make sure that your learners are the local learners and visitors alike. Sunday, a registered at https://a100.cccbr.org.uk/register/ day of rest. Sightseeing could now be on the in order to be included in the 1,400 and to agenda visiting four cemeteries. We were receive their special badge nearer the time (see extremely fortunate to have Alan Regin with his the latest on the back page). extensive knowledge of both the cemeteries and the fallen bell ringers buried and remembered Experience of a Lifetime in Ypres there. At Tyne Cot Memorial, Plain Hunt was 15–20 February 2018 rung on the Ypres hand bells in remembrance of all those ringers who fell. What an honour to be From Marion Moldon: St George‘s Memorial part of that! Church was built after the First World War. The new bells have been transported to and hung in In the evening after attending the very moving the tower as the first ring of change ringing bells Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, teachers in Belgium. A local band needed to be taught to and pupils gathered to chat about the ringing ring and on 15th February 2018 a party arranged and take the rare opportunity to socialise. The by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) enthusiasm of these budding bell ringers was a went over to begin the process and I (Tower joy to behold. Monday, the skills continued to Captain of Corsley) had the honour to be one of grow. Tuesday, the fifth and last day, another the teachers. A mixture of ART teachers at television crew arrived to do a feature for a different levels of experience, 15 pupils who children‘s programme. With eight teachers and ranged in age from 20 to 70, some who spoke a 16 pupils throughout five days of concentrated little English and many of whom spoke none, striving the new band of bell ringers now have and a very light ring of bells proved a challenge the foundations to progress through the planned to all. Teaching comprised three periods of two subsequent sessions of teaching over the next hours each per day for five days with up to six few months and ring these beautiful bells at pupils at each session. Given the ringing Ypres for many years to come. chamber is only 11 feet square it was all a little challenging! For the history of St George‘s Memorial Church follow: The first session on Thursday started quite www.greatwar.co.uk/ypres-salient/town-ieper-st chaotically with everyone a little unsure of how -georges-church.htm
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Great War Commemorations
Ringers Remembered the Arras Memorial, France and also on the Edington War Memorial. His name also appears From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): on the Bell Ringers‘ Memorial in the Bell Since my last update in February the following Chamber.‖ Edington, Wiltshire. 23 March 2018, ringers who died in The Great War have been Quarter Peal of 1260 Grandsire Doubles. commemorated: Rung on the front 6 in memory of Lance Corporal William John Wheeler on the 100th Corporal John Henry Shave (Sturminster year anniversary of his death in the Great War. Marshall) Died: 17 February 1918. Sturminster Marshall, Dorset. 18 February 2018. Quarter Private Ernest Bridle (Poole) Died: 12 April Peal of 1918 Doubles (1p/3m/2v). Arranged 1918. Poole, Dorset. 6 April 2018. Quarter by Jack R Pease. 1918 changes rung half Peal of 1260 Plain Bob Triples. Rung on the muffled to mark 100 years since the death of back eight in memory of Private Ernest Sydney Corporal John Henry Shave of this village, who Bridle of Poole, to mark 100 years since his died in action on 17th February 1918. death aged 23 on 12th April 1918. Additionally, he was also a loyal ringer of this tower, and we remember his contribution. Lance Corporal William Alfred Painter (Dorchester (St Peter)) Died: 21 April 1918. Private Leonard Drewett (Edington) Died: 12 Dorchester, Dorset. St Peter. 21 April 2018. March 1918. From Julia Russell: ―Leonard Quarter Peal of 1260 Grandsire Triples. Drewett was born on 13 December 1890. Prior Rung half-muffled. Recreating, on the 100th to enlistment he worked as an Asylum Assistant anniversary, the half-muffled Grandsire Triples at the Wiltshire County Asylum. He enlisted on rung on Sunday 29 May 1918 to commemorate 12 January 1916. In 1917 it appears that he the death of L/C William Alfred Painter, ringer at suffered an epileptic fit whilst in France and was St Peter‘s Dorchester (also see page 30). returned to England. In 1918 he was declared ―Permanently Unfit‖ and on 12 March 1918 he Colour Sergeant Russell Laurence Poole died, his cause of death being put down to (Devizes (St John)) Died: 8 May 1918. From epilepsy. He was buried at Edington. He is Julia Russell: ―Russell Laurence Poole enlisted in commemorated on the Edington War Memorial Devizes. He was killed in action on 8 May 1918, and also on the memorial to bell ringers in the aged 20. He was a ringer at St John‘s, Devizes Bell Tower. On 12 March 2018, Diana Siggers, (and most likely at St Mary‘s too) and was listed Christine Purnell, Dusty Millier, Mark Noble and in the Guild Reports for 1914-17 and in the Roll John Richardson rang a variety of methods at of Honour in the report for 1918. Following an Edington to commemorate the 100th anniversary article published in the Devizes Gazette & Herald of his death.‖ announcing commemorative ringing for Colour Serjeant Russell Poole on the centenary of his Private Arthur John Marsh (Preston) Died: 21 death and asking for any possible family March 1918. Preston, Dorset. 21 March 2018. members to make contact, BBC Radio Wiltshire Quarter Peal of 1250 Superlative Surprise invited Richard Heath of St John‘s Devizes to Major. Rung in memory of Private Arthur John take part in an interview on their Breakfast Marsh, who died 100 years ago today. He was a programme on the day of the ringing.‖ Devizes, member of the Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Wiltshire. St John. 8 May 2018. Quarter Peal Battalion. Private Marsh was also a bell ringer at of 1260 Stedman Triples. Rung to mark the this church. The Marsh family rang at Preston passing of Colour Sergeant Russell Lawrence throughout the 20th century. Poole, a Devizes ringer, killed in action on 8th May 1918, 100 years ago today. Lance Corporal William John Wheeler (Edington) Died: 23 March 1918. From Julia Following on from this ringing various members Russell: ―William was born in 1891. The parish of the family were in touch. Simon Mares: ―Had newsletter reported that William was on active he lived Russell would have been by my Great service with the Wiltshire Imperial Yeomanry in Uncle. Of my generation I am one of two September 1914. In May 1918 it was reported siblings. John has six children. None of us live in that William had been missing since the great Devizes, but a number of John's children are/ battle of 21st March. By 1919, his death on 23rd were bell ringers. I was passed the newspaper March 1918 or some subsequent date was article after sharing some family pictures with officially assumed. William is commemorated on my grandson's school as part of a project they are doing about WW1.‖ Karen Lewis: ―I would
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Great War Commemorations like to add my thanks; it is very touching to Anniversaries in remainder of 2018 and hear that he is still remembered in Devizes. I January 2019 am the granddaughter of Harold Poole, Russell's brother. I remember visiting Devizes with my Captain (Q‘master) 26 July dad; we visited Victoria Road and looked at the William Warminster Devizes 1918 war memorial to find Russell. ‖ Michael Poole: ―I Charles too would like to add my thanks to those Strong expressed by Simon and Karen. I am a lapsed Private W T Wimborne 26 August East Dorset ringer from Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Many years Bennett Minster 1918 as tower captain, branch ringing master and Sergeant Hazelbury 26 August very active ringer until about 1993. I have only Thomas Dorchester Bryan 1918 rung on a few occasions since. Perhaps one day Drake I‘ll venture up the tower again. Anyway, thanks Private Frederick 27 August for the quarter peal, and maybe one day I‘ll Charminster Dorchester brush up my Stedman and ring at Devizes in the Charles 1918 Northover footsteps of Russell Poole. ‖ Private Harry 27 August Chilmark Mere Private Albert Thomas Collins (Litton Robert Moore 1918 Cheney) Died: 1 June 1918. Died aged 32. Private 11 Dorsetshire Regiment. Commemorated at Thomas Whitchurch West Dorset September George Canonicorum Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. Born 1918 and baptised at Puncknowle, Dorset. One of ten Taylor children; at the time of the 1911 census, he was Private Harry 08 October Bromham Calne working as a farm labourer. From Wendy Firrell: Barter 1918 ―we have not been able to arrange any ringing Private 19 October today. However, the Church will be floodlit Joseph Leigh Dorchester 1918 tonight in memory of Private Collins, so we will William New be honouring him. ‖ Private Sturminster 25 October Sidney James East Dorset Marshall 1918 Private Seth Suter (Silton) Died: 12 June White 1918. North Bradley, Wiltshire. 13 June 2018. Quarter Peal of 1264 Plain Bob Major. Gunner Richard 26 October Stoke Abbott West Dorset Dedicated to the memory of Private Seth Suter, George 1918 a ringer from Silton in Dorset and a member of Meech the Salisbury DG. He died on 12 June 1918, age Sergeant 03 Lytchett 31 in Ireland. Six members of this band were (RAF) C W W East Dorset December Minster due to ring a quarter yesterday at Silton but this Speck 1918 had to be cancelled due to work on the church. Private Frederick 08 January Hilton Dorchester Recently we have been informed of two ringers William 1919 from Warminster who died in the Great War, Samways neither of whom were Guild members Lance Bombardier 09 January (Warminster was not affiliated to the Guild at Loders West Dorset that time). Both have been added as non-Guild Leslie Albert 1919 Clark members to the Roll of Honour: Private Frank Tucker Died 23/05/1918 age 29. Army Service Rifleman Thomas 19 January Edington Devizes Corps. Commemorated at Esquelbecq Military James 1919 Cemetery, France. At the time of the 1911, Blagden census he was working as a domestic coachman. He is remembered on War Memorials in Warminster and Monkton Combe and Captain Territorial Force before the outbreak of war, and (Quartermaster) William Charles Strong at some time he, was posted to India. Died 26/07/1918 age 46. Wiltshire Regiment. Commemorated at Madras 1914-1918 War See back page for the latest advice on Memorial, Chennai, India. He was an accountant Ringing for the Armistice Centenary and by trade and was head clerk at the Longleat Ringing Remembers. Estate Office. He was a member of the
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Great War Commemorations
Details of commemorative ringing to Robert Wellen at [email protected] The poetry of the First World War makes us cautious of glib language. There was sacrifice but there was also the shocking waste of life. We remember ―lest we forget‖ the costliness, the suffering and
Ringing Remembrance the waste of war.
The ringing of bells marks great In 1925 a fancy dress ball was planned to occasions: Sunday service ringing on the take place in the Albert Hall on Armistice first day of the week proclaiming the Day as a tribute to the great deliverance resurrection; a royal wedding (and for the of the First World War. Dick Sheppard, couple getting married every wedding is the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields 1914- royal); the ringing of bells to celebrate 27, wrote to The Times declaring this, the peace at the end of war; half muffled "not so much irreligious as indecent". The bells and a single tolling bell to ball was cancelled and a Service of commemorate the dead. Remembrance took place with a congregation of 4,000 including the King, The remembrance of war raises difficult Queen and Prime Minister. It became the questions for us, as it did for our basis of the annual Service of predecessors a hundred years ago at the Remembrance. Sheppard wrote on the end of the 1914- 18 ―war to end all wars‖. cover of his service sheet, "Pacifism must There were a few ‗thankful villages‘ where be written into this". everyone who went to war returned-just one in this diocese, Langton Herring in The remembrance of ringers from our Dorset. Diocesan Guild who died in the Great War
should lead us to a rededication that
In Westminster Abbey on Armistice Day takes every opportunity to seek peace. th 11 November 1920, in the presence of That is especially significant in Salisbury the King they laid to rest the body of a this year when we have found ourselves British warrior brought from France and at the centre of international news after a unknown by name or rank to lie among military grade nerve agent was used on Kings. The inscription on the tomb of this two Russians, a defector and his unknown warrior commemorates the daughter. many who gave their life for God, King
and country, loved ones, home and The ringing of church bells calls people to empire and for the sacred cause of justice worship in which we give thanks for the and the freedom of the world. creation and redemption of the world God loves. Giving thanks for everything and
The Cenotaph in Whitehall and war remembering God‘s love make for peace. memorials in every parish mourned the It is the work of God for which church dead individually and collectively. Many bells ring out in remembrance. memorials were a crucifix depicting the life-giving suffering of Christ and +Nicholas Sarum commended sacrificial love. They reflected the country‘s sadness and pride The Right Reverend Nicholas Holtham is and made visible the human cost of war. Bishop of Salisbury and Patron of our Guild.
In foreign fields the graves of He is a ringer himself and, if time permits,
unidentifiable bodies were marked will always ring with bands when visiting ―Known unto God‖. (see page 30) (contact his PA beforehand).
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Young Ringers
East Dorset Young Ringers and Mums, Dads, friends, family, supporters and friends assistants (a final party of just under forty) on our Guild Young Ringers Day for the Easter Holidays. After two successful trips to Dorset venues last year it was time to head to Wiltshire and we were delighted to welcome some newcomers this time, who soon made friends with those who have attended before. The ‗southerners‘ gathered at Gillingham to take the minibus north, ably driven by ‗our man behind the wheel‘, Christopher Sykes, whilst the ‗northerners‘ made their way by car to our first tower, Great Cheverell. Everyone got to know each other and what they could ring at this nice ground floor ring. Hilary Child, supported by Sue Picture: Jack Pease Carter, organised the ringing. Off then to ‗the big city‘, Devizes and our ring at Southbroom. A th From Hilary Child: On Saturday 24 February few glints of sunshine, but still rain! Colin Smith, 2018 a very successful young ringers‘ practice the local tower captain, really welcomed us all was held at Wareham. We were warmly with hot drinks and a warm church as Sue and welcomed by the Tower Captain, Phil Stephens, Hilary operated a conveyor belt system up and and the Wareham ringers and everyone enjoyed down the narrow and steep stairs to the ringing ringing on these lovely bells. There were 12 chamber of these younger ringers present, aged 11 to 25, and we lovely bells. An were able to ring on 6, 8 and 10 bells; several impromptu concert ringers rang Plain Hunt on 9 for the first time. was struck up by During the afternoon, six of the Ringing World some young National Youth Competition squad were able to ringers downstairs practise Call Changes on 8–with a couple of on the drums and others filling in to make up the band. Thanks to piano (pictured Ed and William for travelling from their own left) as others branches to join us at this practice. rang upstairs. In the afternoon we Water, Water everywhere–but this all headed to didn‘t dampen the enthusiasm of Devizes Town our Young Ringers Wharf for a two hour trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal (more water!) on the wide beam boat ‗The Kenavon Venture‘. The friendly crew had been tipped off that a group of bell ringers were coming on board and were very welcoming to us all and even employed a few ringing terms along the way. There were some heavy showers still as we made our gentle journey along the canal, but gradually, oh miracle, the sun started to come out! Back on land we headed to our final destination: Edington. We enjoyed an hour of ringing on the ten bells, joined by Chris Jenkins Young ringers, family and friends on the wharf the local Branch Ringing Master and Judith Williamson, our Guild President (with salad!). in front of ‗our boat‘. Some of the ringers who will compete in the RWNYC in the summer practised their test piece. From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): On Afterwards we all tucked into a wonderful Wednesday 4 April 2018, after what seemed like barbecue prepared outside (cooked outside in forty days and forty nights of rain, it was still the evening sun!) but eaten in the Priory. We raining as 14 young ringers from the West thanked the Priory for waiving its usual booking Dorset, Dorchester, East Dorset, Devizes and fee, indicative of the Priory‘s longstanding Calne Branches of the Guild headed out with supportive attitude to ringing. Thanks were
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Young Ringers
expressed to our minibus driver Christopher and to Guild Young Ringers Day Chris Purnell, Julia Russell ‗Bus And Pizza‘ in North Wiltshire and helpers for the barbecue. As a thank you to me, I was presented with a thank you (pictured left) from the young ringers and friends! A good day for all–next one in August!
nd Wednesday 22 August 2018 Young Ringers‘ Trip Ringing at Seend
The following is an account of the above trip No. 49 Bus to Avebury for Lunch, ‗Exploring the given by James and Sam, two young ringers Stones‘ and Ringing from Avebury, it was published in the June edition of The Upper Kennet News: The young Bus back and Ringing at Bishops Cannings ringers‘ trip is a trip that, as it says on the tin, is Finish with Pizza in Devizes for young ringers. This is an opportunity to visit many churches, ring and maybe take part in https://sdgr.org.uk/young-ringers-day-august- other activities. Firstly, we visited Great 2018/ Cheverell. It was a ground floor ring which was a new experience for me. Next we went to St. James‘ church in Devizes. This was another new experience, however slightly odd as this tower was extremely small. Added to this when you sat down you could sometimes feel the tower sway. All in all though, the bells were good and we had fun ringing. Whilst we were at St. James‘ we could also have some beverages like tea or coffee, which was nice. Then we came Wimborne Young Ringers Feature in down through Devizes on a short walk to the canal for a narrow boat trip. The boat trip was a Country Life cool new thing for us to try out since we had never been on a canal boat before. The staff on The following is an extract from an article in the the boat were very kind and entertaining and we 24 April 2018 edition of Country Life (copyright) thank them greatly for their hospitality. After entitled: Learning the ropes: the new breed of the canal boat we went to Edington Priory which church bell ringers: The elegant twin-towered was the first tower I had ever been up which Wimborne Minster in Dorset has been especially you had to pass over the roof to get into the successful in attracting younger ringers and, ringing chamber. Whilst inside the ringing every Tuesday evening, several teenagers chamber not many of us actually wanted to ring ascend the 72 twisting stairs for the weekly because of the immense weight of the bells. My practice session. Jack Pease, now 18, has been ringing since he was five years old brother and I being ringers at St. James‘ church –‗I had to in Avebury which have notoriously light bells, stand on a table to start‘–and Katie Child, also 18 and studying for A levels, is a third- weren‘t exactly fond of trying to ring any heavier bell than the number two. The tenor bell generation bell-ringer whose parents ring for the at the tower was huge and made the whole Minster, too. Admitting that some of her friends room vibrate and, if it wasn‘t for sound proofing, are rather curious about her hobby, ‗especially we would all be deaf. After ringing we had a when I took a boat to Brownsea Island just to barbeque which was very tasty due to the kind ring bells‘, Katie is hoping to go to Oxford people who cooked it. The trip was a worthwhile University, where the opportunities for bell- experience and we are very thankful to Robert ringing are some of the best. Wellen of Gillingham for organizing the trip. Conversely, 19-year-old Max Wright, assistant steeple keeper at the church, only started
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Young Ringers ringing last year. ‗I‘m quite musical anyway, which has helped. Apart from breaking a stay four months in, it‘s going well,‘ he says with a smile.
‗Thirteen is the best age to start–before that, children don‘t have the strength to control the bells,‘ explains David Warwick. Every Wednesday afternoon, he and some of the other ringers run an after-school class for a group of Year 9 and 10 music pupils from Queen Elizabeth‘s School, Wimborne. Starting with just the highest, ‗lighter‘ eight bells, the class has progressed from a period of silenced bells at the beginning of the year, where the sound is replicated on a computer, to Plain Hunt, its first basic change-ring method.
‗It‘s good to do something different with no exam at the end of it,‘ points out Martha Tribe, one of the pupils. Fellow student Derry Sowinski agrees: ‗I‘m getting the hang of it now and find it quite therapeutic.‘ To start with, even tying The Salisbury Guild Team and Reserves the ends of the ropes can be challenging, but ‗once you‘ve learnt, it‘s like doing your shoelaces,‘ notes Olivia Sharpe. They did us Proud!
Read the full article: http:// ―I was really nervous, but actually the test piece www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/learning- for the competition was one of the most exciting ropes-new-church-bell-ringers moments of the day. I made some great new friends and really enjoyed ringing in so many Young Ringers demonstrate at interesting and famous towers‖ (young ringer). Kingston Maurward Open Day th From Hilary Child: On Saturday 7 July 2018 From Robert Wellen the England football team got through to the (Guild Publicity Officer): semi-final of the World Cup for the first time As part of the Kingston since 1990. And a group of ten young ringers Maurward (Dorchester) and supporters from the Salisbury Guild College Open Day on travelled to London to take part in the Ringing Sunday 24th June 2018 World National Youth Contest (RWNYC) with 21 there was ‗mini ring‘ on other teams–the first time that the Guild has site and Hilary Child was been able to enter a team since the competition asked to organize some started in 2011. Leaving behind the green local younger ringers to churchyards of Dorset and Wiltshire and the help give demonstrations beaches of Swanage, Weymouth and Lyme to the public. This was a Regis, they enjoyed a memorable but sweltering join Dorset County day in the capital. Association/ ART event and Jane Pridmore (DCA Rewind to January this year, when a call went Training Officer) wrote out to young ringers in the Guild to see if we afterwards: ―what a fantastic day we had, lots of could put together a team. We needed eight interest in ringing from toddlers through to older participants and could also have two reserves. It adults. Amazing how many knew little or looked promising, so we took the plunge and nothing about ringing and were fascinated to filled in the application form. We then tried to find out more‖. organise as many practices as possible, fitting them in around football, tennis, horse riding, cricket (one broken finger, three weeks before
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Young Ringers the competition), music events, Duke of We didn‘t get through Edinburgh expeditions, part-time jobs–and the to the final in the small matter of the Conductor‘s GCSE exams. In afternoon, so were the end we managed about eight practices, but able to carry on it wasn‘t until the last few that the whole team running around rang together. The first couple of attempts at visiting towers until the test piece of 160 rows of Call Changes the results at 6pm. (including Queens and Whittingtons) were a bit The judges gave very chaotic but, fuelled by biscuits, cake and more positive and recently ice lollies, confidence grew and it all constructive started to come together. It was difficult to find comments to all the suitable towers to practise at–ideally we needed teams and Go a 10cwt ring of 8 (not many of those around Bellistic! (SDGR) (the here...). Big thanks to the Tower Captains at shirt logo pictured above) were pleased to be Preston, Wareham, Fordingbridge and Wimborne awarded a C grade (grades went from A for the for allowing us to use their bells. winners down to D-). Full results at: http:// rwnyc.ringingworld.co.uk/rwnyc2018-results/ On competition day itself, we We were also relieved not to need the comment had been drawn to ring at which a couple of teams got: ―well done for Cubitt Town (pictured left) on making it through to the end!‖ The two winning the Isle of Dogs. It was here, teams–Sussex Young Ringers (Call Changes) in July 1912, that the first all- and Oxford Diocesan Guild (Method ringing)– ladies‘ peal was rung; there were both from our heat, so we felt we had is an enormous peal board in done well (especially since we were one of the the ringing room with all the youngest teams in the competition–average age details. There were eight 14). After everyone had been presented with teams in our heat, some their medals, it was announced that next year‘s ringing Call Changes and competition would take place in Liverpool! some doing Method ringing. We were fourth to ring, after My personal thanks to having a team photo taken on the steps outside. Matt Pike, Robert The ringing room was like a sauna! We had 15 Wellen, Judith minutes in which to practise, adjust ropes Williamson and Sue (several knots needed, but no boxes) and ring Carter for all their the test piece. The adults weren‘t allowed to support throughout. give any advice at all, so the team really was on Thanks also to Tom its own. There were one or two minor blips, but Garrett, Chris Purnell all went pretty much according to plan and and Anthony Lovell- everyone felt relieved to have finished. You can Wood for joining us on hear an extract from the team‘s test piece at: the day and to Pat https://sdgr.org.uk/rw-national-youth-contest/ Davidson who organised the lovely polo shirts so The group then split into two and went off to that we really looked like a team. And finally ring at various other towers. Between us we many thanks to all the young ringers in the managed to ring at 7 out of the 8 towers, squad and their parents and grandparents including the rings of (ringers and non-ringers) for committing to this 12 at Southwark event–it wouldn‘t have happened without you. Cathedral (pictured right four ‗on their Treble: Alfie (East Dorset Branch)–Assistant way to Southwark Conductor Cathedral‘) and St 2: William (Dorchester Branch) Magnus-the-Martyr, as 3: Annabel (Dorchester Branch) well as ―the Great 4: Ian (Salisbury Branch) Bells of Bow‖ (12 5: Ellana (East Dorset Branch) bells, Tenor 41cwt). 6: Ed (West Dorset Branch) For several of the 7: Max (East Dorset Branch) young ringers this was Tenor: Lewis (West Dorset Branch)–Conductor the first time they had Reserves: Rhiannon and Katie (both East Dorset ever rung on 12 bells. Branch.
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Young Ringers
Some more quotes: of ringing you need look no further than the face of a young ringer to lift your spirits. I am sure ―They certainly exceeded most expectations, that thanks were expressed on the day, but on conquering the challenge of unfamiliar bells, the behalf of Judith and myself and the rest of the pressure of competition, and, of course, the Guild, I want to put on record our sincere heat! They proved that, although the Guild has thanks to Hilary for all her hard work in relatively few young ringers compared with managing our team. She now needs the other regions, those we do have, despite their waistcoat(!); as she and Gareth Southgate both youth and inexperience, can compare very manage two talented young teams with great favourably with others in their age group. We potential. Back in the Spring of 2016 I wrote ―I can be proud of them!‖ (supporter). also look forward to our Guild soon entering the National Young Ringers Striking Competition, ―The day in London, whilst being exhausting and building on the ‗clusters‘ of young ringers that I very hot, gave the youngsters the chance to try have so enjoyed visiting‖. Now we have and I ringing a good assortment of different bells in am confident that our Guild will continue to build towers they are unlikely to visit in the normal on what we have achieved so far in nurturing course of events‖ (supporter). the new generation of ringers in our Diocese.
―It was so great to see a Salisbury Guild team entering and they should be really proud of their ringing…..if they all stick with it they could be the ones to beat in a few years…‖ (competition organiser).
―I think when it all comes together on the day it is really inspiring‖ (competition organiser).
―According to Google Maps Timeline I only walked 4 miles–somehow it felt a lot further at the time!‖ (supporter).
―I was pleased that all the changes went OK, Question: Are you a young ringer and there were no disasters. I think we rang as who would like to join other well as we had, especially on new bells, and in young ringers? the heat‖ (young ringer). Question: Are you an adult who would like to start a young ―The whole day was really tiring but all good; I ringers group in your area? managed to ring in 5 towers as well as our competition tower, and everyone was friendly Please be in contact: [email protected] and he can get you in and helpful. I hope we can get a team to go to contact with Hilary, Sue or Chris for help and advice! Liverpool next year‖ (young ringer).
From Pat Davidson (for the Salisbury Branch newsletter): What is even more pleasing is that Cartoon Corner by Barbara Martin one of the eight team members was Ian who Caption: ‗The tenor drops‘ (Robert Wellen) rings at Damerham and Martin, having started to learn there just over two years ago. Being an avid football fan not only did he miss out watching England playing Sweden live on Saturday afternoon but also gave up the Colombia game the previous Tuesday evening to attend a team rehearsal at Wareham. That‘s dedication for you! Congratulations and well done from the Salisbury Branch, Ian.
From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): Well what a wonderfully inspiring report of a remarkable day. If you ever feel depressed about the future
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Guild Education Report Safeguarding where all those attending received their C1 certificate. The afternoon session covered Health and Safety and Ideas for Recruitment, all presentations were very well received. A further Seminar is planned for Saturday 25th August 2018 (see page 22) and the website.
Other courses which we will be running this year are on Saturday 8th September, Belfry Maintenance, there will be an opportunity for those attending to hear from experts things we Left: cream tea at Tisbury and right: should look out for in bell installations and how safeguarding at Yetminster. to take simple remedial work to keep bells and fittings in good order, as well as the visiting towers to see installations with metal and From David Hacker (Guild Education Officer): wooden frames as well as both ball and plain Our Training Day held in April was another bearings (see page 22) and the website. success, 28 students took part, with 8 tutors and a further 45 helpers. The courses we ran On Saturday 29th September we will host a ART covered a wide range of subjects and all were Module 2C Day Course to be tutored by Les well supported. Our most popular course was Boyce from Devon. This course is aimed at ―Moving on to simple touches of Plain Bob those who have attended a Module 1 and having Doubles‖, we had such a large number of taught a new learner the basics of bell handling applicants we had to split the group and use two and introduced them to ringing with others in towers to accommodate everyone. Other rounds and maybe call changes want to move courses were ―Improve your Surprise Major‖ on to introducing their learners to methods in which concentrated on Yorkshire S.M., ―Kent easy to learn stages (see page 22) and the and Oxford Treble Bob‖ which gave students the Guild/ ART websites. opportunity to practise treble bob and to try Kent and Oxford, ―Doubles Variations–move on We will be running another Listening Course on from Plain Bob‖ which was based around the St. Saturday 3rd November. The aim of the course is Simons group of methods and ―Change ringing to improve striking your bell by listening to its on handbells‖ which gave students the sound within the peal of bells you are ringing. opportunity to expand their knowledge of hand Some of the main problems we will hope to bell ringing. address are:
Hearing your bell amongst the surrounding The day was split into two sessions of two hours each, one in the morning and one early bells. afternoon with a short lunch break. At the end Identifying poor or uneven striking and of the day all were invited to partake of a cream trying to rectify this in ―real time‖. tea at Tisbury which included a short debrief Dealing with an odd struck bell. session where we asked for both positive and Throughout this course, the tutor and helpers negative comments. The feedback we have will be happy to assist in addressing individual received so far has been overwhelmingly problems with listening. Again, see page 22 and positive. We will look at all of the feedback to the website. help us in the planning of our next training day which we will be holding on Saturday 30th March New procedures agreed for Guild 2019, more details later in the year. Many ‗Education Grants‘ thanks go to the tutors and their helpers for giving of their time and deliver such excellent From David Hacker (Guild Education Officer) and courses, to the incumbents for allowing us to Pat Davidson (Guild Treasurer): At the Guild use their bells, to those who organised and AGM in May a new system was agreed for served the tea and to the students for their administering Guild Education grants. The Guild attendance. will now offer financial assistance to individual
members or to branches towards the cost of We held another Seminar in April, this time at training on a case-by-case basis from a Yetminster. The morning session was maximum total amount available each calendar
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year which shall be agreed at the preceding Guild Guild Courses—2018 AGM. These grants will be Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data allocated on merit across Protection Guidance Seminar the Guild and there will be Saturday 25th August 2018 no caps on the amount at Broad Chalke Village Hall (SP5 5DN) that can be given to any (www.broadchalkevillagehall.co.uk)
one Branch. Applications 10-15 Registration Tea and coffee available for grants should be made 10-30 Welcome and introduction to branch committees 10-35 Safeguarding presentation (all those attending will using the application form receive a C1 Certificate) on the website: https:// 12-35 Lunch (Bring your own packed lunch, microwave available, drinks provided) sdgr.org.uk/download-forms/ 13-15 Health and Safety presentation 14-15 Short break Tea and Coffee available Branch committees will consider each 14-30 Presentation and guidance on the new Data application, taking account of its benefits to the Protection Regulations 15-00 Question and Answers/ Summing up individual or branch, and if agreed shall pass it to an administration sub-committee of the Guild If you are involved in running practices and general ringing Executive for approval and payment. The role of or recruiting and teaching new recruits, tower maintenance the sub-committee will be to determine the or storing member‘s personal data these seminars are essential and will give you guidance on how to comply with amount payable for each application from the important regulations. total fund and to arrange for payment. This new Please ensure that your tower is represented. procedure comes into force immediately for the remainder of 2018 with a total of £750 being Belfry Maintenance & Steeple Keeping On Saturday 8th September there will be a Course on Belfry available with a further maximum of £750 being Maintenance and Steeple Keeping starting at 10-00 am at available in 2019. the Edington Ringing Centre. During the day there will be the opportunity to visit towers in the area to look at Branches should continue to consider charging different installations and learn of the different maintenance issues that can confront us. something for training within the Branch and note that Branch Funds are there to help Listening Skills Course towards training costs. These grants will be Saturday 3rd November 2018 10-00 am to 4-30 pm available in addition to what branches pay for Edington Ringing Centre training from their own funds. Tutor: Christopher Jenkins, Devizes Branch Ringing Master Tips and advice on: Listening to your bell For the purposes of guidance, these grants Improving your striking could be given for: What is an odd struck bell? and more
Residential Training Courses. For all the above courses contact the Guild Education Officer ART courses either run in our Guild or at [email protected] 01225 791821 – Application forms are available from the Guild website: elsewhere. https://sdgr.org.uk Support to Branches to run a course– particularly for instance a course open to a number of Branches and bringing in outside tutors.
Transport and or subsistence costs. Bring in an outside tutor/ helpers for a Branch run course. Any other training activity or initiative that ART Training Course, Module 2C the sub-committee considers worthy of ―From Rounds to Methods ‖ support. Edington Ringing Centre on Saturday 29th September. This is a full day course. The transition from Plain Hunt to Plain Bob Doubles and Plain Bob Minor is broken down into Guild e-mail addresses several simpler, shorter steps, making the jump into change Change of e-mail address for a Branch officer or ringing both more gradual and understandable. The theory tower correspondent? If so, please inform Ian Mozley sessions turn the spotlight on developing leadership skills. our webmaster immediately at Contact: [email protected] [email protected] so that the @sdgr or request a place using the booking form on the ART address continues to function. website: www.ringingteachers.org.uk
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Recruitment and Education
More on ‗Engagement with the How to talk about Ringing Public‘ From Elva Ainsworth (PR Officer, Oxford From Robert Wellen (Guild Publicity Officer): We Diocesan Guild): We had a very successful participated in this survey and our Guild‘s views workshop on PR which I organised with Mark were reported in the Autumn 2017 edition. Regan. It was an enjoyable and useful session Since then Sue Hall (the coordinator) has said: with great reviews and generated the attached ―hundreds of ideas were sent in; many were handout–great tips from someone very variations of similar ideas, and there experienced in handling and managing the were also some fresh and unusual media. ones. They included: National/ global- scale ideas-for the Central Council (CCCBR) and ideas suitable for towers, branches and Guilds-put into the Engaging with the Public leaflet. Thank you for contributing your ideas to the leaflet, and I hope that you will find it useful‖. See the full leaflet: https:// cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2018/02/ CCCBR_Engaging_with_the_Public_1- 1.pdf
To complement our own new Guild publicity banners (see page 2), see https://cccbr.org.uk/services/pr/ publicity/ for a range of bright and attractive new publicity material.
SIMULATOR TRAINING
Coming in 2019
The Guild (led by David Hacker, our Education Officer) is working with the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) to put on a Training Day in the new year (in the Guild area) based on ART‘s Simulator SDGR CLOTHING Look Gorgeous! and New Technology Day: —
http://ringingteachers.org/news/conference/ Is your SDGR sweatshirt or polo shirt in simulator-day need of replacing or maybe you have been thinking about purchasing a new one? All Details are still being worked on so if you use a details of clothing (including an order form) simulator in your tower, or are thinking of getting can be found on the Guild website, so do one, keep an eye out for more details in the autumn have a look as in the fairly recent past new colours have Face to Face and on the Guild website. In the been introduced as well as some additional items. Polo Shirts cost £15 and Sweatshirts cost £17.50 meantime if you have any questions please contact:
[email protected] Contact: Patricia Davidson [email protected]
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Profile: Flick Warwick
Questions asked by Wimborne; they were impressed by what I had Robert Wellen. rung (in my teenager ringers' diary) but I had to learn everything from scratch again, although Personal background actually ringing the bell came back very easily. I –born, brought up, persuaded Rex Tubbs from Witchampton to family life, career- come along with me the first time as I was so where, when and why nervous. I was quickly welcomed into the started ringing: My Wimborne Minster band under the leadership of childhood was spent John Bramley, became a regular Sunday Service in Ashtead. At the ringer and started to ring peals for the Dorset age of eight, my County Association with Mick Hobbs and Tim younger brother was Collins. At this point, I was a single mum with invited to join the two young children, so ringing opportunities had church choir and the to be carefully organised around family choirmaster looked at demands, although I was very fortunate that me and suggested I Nancy Bramley was a very willing baby-sitter. I join the Bellringers! I was also very grateful to another Wimborne was ten years old at ringer, Neil Garrard, who as Head of Planning at the time, and had to the Borough of Poole, offered me a temporary stand on a box; one of the other ringers part-time job as Planning Officer which later complained that the ringing chamber was became permanent. I met David, who had turning into a nursery. At that time, not all joined the Minster band a year after me, in the ringers were keen on encouraging young people tower at Wimborne and we discovered that we to ring, and I was not always made to feel were the only two members of the Society of welcome in the tower. He became known as Royal Cumberland Youths in what was then a 'Enemy', and I usually went home once he'd tower (and area) dominated by College Youths. arrived in the tower on practice night. Within a We went on our first date to a Cumberland couple of years, other young people joined the practice at St. Martin's in the Fields, and got band and I met people from neighbouring married at the Minster two years later. Having towers to go on outings and ring quarter peals twins and breast cancer curtailed my ringing all over the country, saving up my pocket activities for a while, but I then got elected as money and wedding fees to spend weekends Tower Captain and my peal ringing escalated as away. I rang my first peal in 1966, treble to a Susan Smith was driving us all towards her peal of minor at Limpsfield, Surrey. My mother 1000th peal which she achieved in 1997. had to give me a dose of brandy before the peal as I was so nervous and didn't know any of the Your peal ringing career–how many rung– other ringers in the band. I was fourteen at the highlights–why do you still do it! Leading female time. By the time I left home to go to university peal ringer for the Guild I think?: I have rung in Bournemouth I had rung about thirty six 535 peals to date, including 216 for the peals, including one of Stedman Caters and 8- Salisbury Diocesan Guild which to my surprise Spliced Major, mainly for the Guildford Guild. makes me the leading lady peal ringer for the Guild. Highlights include peals on some of the How your ringing career has developed. Did you best twelve-bell towers in the world such as St. find ringing easy or was it hard to progress–do Martin's in the Fields, Bow, Southwark you still find it easy/ hard–you always look Cathedral, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide effortless!: Once I arrived in Bournemouth, Cathedrals and the Swan Tower in Perth. I never again I was not made to feel welcome at a local thought that I would be able to ring a peal of tower, and this made me give up ringing for Bristol Maximus, but having twelve at Wimborne sixteen years, during which time I became a has enabled me to practise regularly, and I first Planning Officer, working for Bournemouth achieved a peal in this method at Wimborne in Borough Council, married and had my first two 2016, along with my youngest daughter, Lucy. daughters. It was hearing Winchester Cathedral Being competitive and a team player by nature bells, purely by chance, one Sunday afternoon (I was captain of my school hockey and netball that inspired me to get back into ringing. I was sides), I have enjoyed taking part in striking living in Ferndown at the time and was invited competitions, despite always being very to go along to Witchampton by a friend of a nervous. I was very chuffed to be chosen to be friend. At one practice night I met Hilary and part of the SDGR team for the Tewkesbury Alison Garrard who suggested I try going to Shield, and winning the competition two years in
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Profile: Flick Warwick/ Branch News and Features a row has been a particular highlight of my ringing career. Entering the National 12-bell Calne competition was very stressful and scary, and I cannot say that I enjoyed it, but it was a great experience and I wouldn't have wanted to miss A Guild Festival and ‗all that‘ it. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of my ringing recently has been our trips away for weekends of peal ringing to different parts of the country, and especially being invited to go on a five-week peal ringing tour of Australia.
Targets still to be achieved?: I would like to be able to ring some more advanced Spliced Surprise Maximus, as ringing eight-spliced Surprise Major has always been a favourite, and I'd like to work towards achieving a peal of 23- Spliced Surprise Major. Although I sometimes call touches at Wimborne, I have only conducted one quarter peal (a very long time ago), and Just a small number of the team involved in the feel I ought to develop this aspect of my ringing. catering on THE DAY!!
Other hobbies, pastimes etc–I know you are involved with the Minster?: Since retiring from From Jane Ridgwell: 2018 in the Calne Branch full-time work, I have become more involved has been dominated so far by the Guild Festival with other aspects of the Minster, including and AGM and preparations for this event. Our helping with the mother and toddler group, Branch AGM at Heddington in January reminded flower-arranging and helping to run Christmas us of some excellent catering skills in that tower Cards for Good Causes in the autumn. I also and they were immediately recruited to help out volunteer for Neighbour Car helping take elderly with the Guild AGM tea. The Branch AGM saw no and infirm residents to doctor/ hospital changes of officers, everyone staying in post to appointments etc. I keep fit by walking our two make sure that the AGM went well. In February Labradors every day and attending a weekly there was a good attendance at Calne, with Pilates' Class, and I am still mum to four everyone enjoying the challenge of ringing those daughters and wife to David! bells and March saw our annual visit to Avebury. Two of our junior members went on the Young Your reflections on the state of ringing in Ringers‘ Day in April and greatly enjoyed their day out. They also wrote a report about the day general–how it can progress–Wimborne tower‘s for the local parish magazine (see page 17). We success–lessons for other towers: I am glad that attitudes towards young ringers have changed usually have a Branch outing in May, but this since I learnt to ring, and it is now generally year, due to the Guild AGM taking place at acknowledged that they are the future of Bromham in May, we decided to have our outing ringing. It is a shame that young ringers tend in April, which was ably organised by Ruth not to be interested in meetings and we still Beavin. We visited Nettleton, Grittleton and need to attract more young people into our Alderton in the morning. Then on to hobby. Wimborne has been very fortunate in Malmesbury, Brinkworth and Great Somerford in having a number of experienced ringers move the afternoon. Fortunately this coincided with into the area, all of whom are very committed to ‗Firsts week‘, with a number of our members, the Sunday Service ringing, but we are mindful including our youngest member, age 11, able to of the need continually to recruit and refresh the claim a ‗first time on a ringing outing‘. The visit band, and we are currently running an after- to Brinkworth resulted in a ‗first‘ for the Calne school club from our local senior school. Each Branch as first visiting ringers following the year we open up the tower for the Minster Fair rehanging. Andrew Woolley went a little further in June and give talks and demonstrations. I am at the end of Firsts Week, travelling to Ypres in very lucky to ring on fabulous bells with a group Belgium to ring on the newly installed bells at St of ringers who I consider my friends, and we get George‘s Church there. Andrew managed to a lot of fun out of our social activities too. claim a ‗first quarter peal outside of the UK‘ whilst he was there. As May moved closer the Many thanks Flick. weather improved and our thoughts turned from
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Branch News and Features planning the Guild AGM, Guild Festival and 8 bell Striking Competition; to actually putting those Devizes plans into action. Anyone not able to attend in person was requested to provide a cake! Many of our members gave practical help for at least Branch Skittles Evening part of the day, making sandwiches, moving furniture, making coffee, selling raffle tickets On the evening of 3 and many other tasks to make the day run February 2018, much smoothly. There are full reports of the day ringing took place at elsewhere (pages 3 to 4), but as a small branch, Westbury including we were very pleased to have as many hands Plain Hunt on 7, Call available as possible. A few last minute worries, Changes, Grandsire mostly concerning availability of parking and the Triples, Stedman day arrived. Gallons of tea were drunk and Triples, Little Bob Major many of us went home with a doggie bag of and Yorkshire Surprise cake. Amazingly, by 6.45pm the hall was Major. We were cleared and everything packed into cars to go to delighted that Robert our respective homes. The bells of Bromham Wellen, Guild Master, rang out across the village until 7.30pm and the was able to join us. day was declared a great success. We really did This was followed by a appreciate the kind comments from those who few beers, supper and had taken part, but most of all thanks to all our an exciting Skittles Calne Branch members for their support with all competition battled out the preparations and with events on the day. by 36 skittlers at the Conservative Club in Westbury. Winner of the CALNE BRANCH BELL RESTORATION 200 CLUB Skittles trophy was Peter Thorn of Melksham (pictured left) with Orla, also of Melksham Raise money for bell restoration and (pictured right), winning the wooden spoon for maintenance and win cash prizes the lowest score. Many thanks to Chris Jenkins Each month there are prizes of up to for organising another very successful evening. £50, £30 and £10, with £100 bonus prizes, dependent on membership Commemorating the 100th numbers. It‘s easy to join and costs only £2.50 per month (£30 per year) Anniversary of the Representation per share. Anyone over the age of 16 of the People Act 1918 can take part. You don‘t have to be a member of the Calne Branch. Family and friends can join. Enrol as an individual, tower or group. The 200 Club is registered under the Gambling Act 2005 with Wiltshire Council. There are 200 shares available and each 200 Club member can subscribe to one or more shares. A draw will be performed each month to select the prize winners. A unique number between 1 and 200 will be allocated to each share. For every 50 shares sold, about £750 per year will be raised towards bell restoration and maintenance projects. As of 1st January 2018, the 200 Club has 42 subscribers holding 65 of the shares and there is one prize of £50 and one prize of £30 each month. After prizes and expenses, ALL profit will be made available to Calne Branch bell restoration and maintenance projects. LtoR: Sarah Quintin, Debbie Stott, Jenny Donations may also be made to the Llewellyn Hancock, Ruth Beavin, Ruth Plumridge, Rusty Edwards Bell Restoration Fund (LEBRF). Hartley, Chris Purnell with Karen McGrane at the For more information about the 200 Club or to front. request an application form, please contact the promoter, Andrew Woolley, using the contact details: (H) 01249 816260 (M) 07722 038262 email: From Julia Russell: This important Act gave [email protected] some women, and all men, the right to vote. It was a significant milestone in the hard-fought
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Branch News and Features suffrage campaign, which continued until all Place Team Method Faults Comments women won the right to vote under the same 1 Bradford- Grandsire 18 Good pace, terms as men in 1928. Pictured the band that on–Avon Doubles one blip, peal rung a Quarter Peal of 1288 Grandsire Triples at speed of 2 St John‘s Devizes on Tuesday 6 February ―to hrs 55 mins. celebrate the centenary of the Representation of 2 Melksham Bob 26 Good start, Doubles leading the People Act.‖ variable, fast pace, peal Branch 6 & 8 Bell Striking speed 2 hrs 54 mins. Competitions 3 Westbury A Grandsire 29.5 Pace rather Doubles too fast with From Julia Russell: Our Branch Striking middle bells struggling at Competitions were originally scheduled for 3 speed. Peal March and were subsequently postponed due to speed 2 hrs snow drifts and freezing temperatures. It was 44. therefore with some trepidation that we all 4 ‗Surprise Grandsire 40 Leading Band‘ Doubles variable, peal travelled to Devizes and Rowde on the morning speed 2 hrs of 17 March 2018 with snow flakes softly falling! 54. Thankfully this didn‘t deter any of the 5 Westwood Call 42 Good start, competitors and it all went ahead as planned. Changes became a bit ragged and slower in the The 8 bell competition took middle. 3 hr place at St John‘s Devizes peal speed. between two teams– 6 Westbury B Grandsire 43 Rang too fast Melksham and Westbury. It Doubles and struggled to was very ably judged by get a good Julian Hemper who reported rhythm. 2.44 that the standard of ringing peal speed. was excellent and both team‘s home towns should to the judges, David be very proud of the ringing Sworder (Calne Branch) and they hear on a Sunday Steve Bateman (St Mary m o r n i n g . T e a m 1 , Redcliffe), who were ably Melksham, rang the ‗Guild assisted by Mrs Sworder and Touch‘ of Plain Bob Triples. Mrs Bateman. The judges They started cautiously but 8 Bell Competition were extremely thorough, settled down well, ringing winners-Westbury, recording and re-listening to with good rhythm and very presented to Peter each piece before making good tenoring. They coped Baker (left) by their final judgement. admirably with the odd- Robert Wellen struckness of the 5 and 7 (Guild Master). The full results were as but became unsettled in the tabulated above. middle of the piece. They Congratulations to the scored 12.5 faults. Team 2, winning team of: 1 Anne Westbury, rang Grandsire Triples. They had very 6 Bell Competition Willis, 2 Harriet Feilding, 3 good rounds at the start and finish although one winners-Bradford, Phil Gaisford, 4 Ian Mozley, bell failed to stand (but no penalty was presented to Anne 5 John Sealy, 6 Sarah incurred). The rhythm and speed was very Willis (left) by Quintin. good, the leading was excellent and it was a Robert Wellen delight to listen to. They scored 11 faults. (Guild Master).
Congratulations to the winning Westbury team:-
1 Sara Honor, 2 Anne Willis, 3 Sarah Quintin, 4
Richard Heath, 5 Clive Hancock, 6 Peter Baker, 7 Chris Jenkins, 8 Tim Mozley. Branch Meeting–14 April 2018
From Jane Shewring: Our April Branch Meeting Six teams entered the 6 bell striking competition th which was held at Rowde. We were very grateful was held on Saturday, 14 April at
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Branch News and Features
Southbroom, Devizes. It was the most beautiful Quarter Rung for Bishop of day, warm and sunny, with ringers making the Ramsbury most of the sunshine by sitting outside the Church after their ringing. From rounds and call changes to various change ringing methods, by From Julia Russell: A Quarter Peal of 1260 all standards of ringers, the bells rang out from Grandsire Triples was rung at Devizes St John the Tower during the course of the afternoon. on Sunday 15 April 2018 ―as a retirement We were very pleased to be joined by Robert compliment to the Right Reverend Dr Ed Wellen, our Guild Master, and visitors from Condry, Bishop of Ramsbury and Vice Patron of Oxfordshire. The dynamic Rev Dr Keith Brindle the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers‖. led the Ringers‘ Service ably assisted by organist Carol Osborne. Rev Brindle announced Branch Outing to Exeter-2 June that he knew very little about bells and bell 2018 ringing, however he had certainly done his homework and gave us a sermon that held our interest and attention. He took us through a condensed history of Church Bell Ringing from early handbells calling people to worship around 400 AD to the modern day. After the final hymn and prayers, the ringers enjoyed a substantial tea provided by the Southbroom band. This was
From Giles Wood: It was a good day at the start of June for the Devizes branch outing, the weather warm and increasingly sunny as the day progressed, and by afternoon it was cloudless. Our coach picked us up at Seend, Melksham and Westbury, and headed towards Exeter, stopping off on the way at Combe St Nicholas, which provided not only the essential Pictured left—new Members—LtoR: Pam Wort, facilities and a break for the coach driver, but Giles Wood and Colin Plant. Pictured right- also tea and cake. The ringing here, as for most Robbie (left) and Charlie (right) receiving LTR of the day, was pre-planned in immaculate Level 2 certificates from Chairman Anne Willis detail. We were all given lists showing when, (centre). what and where we were to ring. This worked very well, providing well balanced bands with followed by the Branch Business Meeting when ringing that was still respectable even when a new members Clare Singer (Longbridge piece didn't come round, and leaving everyone Deverill), Giles Wood, Pamela Wort and Colin feeling that they had had a fair turn. Plant (Trowbridge) were elected. Robert and Charlie were presented with Learning the Ropes From there we continued to Exeter, ringing first (LTR) Level 2 Certificates and presentations at the light and easy going 10 at St Marks. were made to winners of the Branch striking Some had rung there when they were an 8, but competitions (see previous article). The evening not since their augmentation in 2006, when they continued with ringing at Bishops Cannings became Devon's lightest ring of 10 just a couple when a variety of methods were rung on these of years after the installation of the slightly lovely bells. Our grateful thanks to Colin Smith heavier ring on Lundy Island. The coach and the Southbroom band for hosting a very dropped us off in the centre of Exeter, leaving successful meeting. us to sandwich our lunch in between some extra ringing at the flighty six at St Petrock, the second lightest six in Devon, and the
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Branch News and Features
"DenMisch" simulator. This is a ring of 10 due to the weight of the bells (Westbury are too Saxilby simulators, similar to the one at heavy for me for that long). I learned to ring 8 Edington, installed at Exeter Cathedral School in years ago in 2010 when I joined Falmouth Uni in 2015 and named after their donors Denis and Cornwall and they were looking to put together Mischa Thompson. Great fun. After everyone a University band to help the local tower in had had a ring on them our host, Ian Campbell, Mabe. I joined as a bit of a laugh and to see showed us some of the more entertaining what it was like, picturing the iconic scene from options, first setting the bells to sound like the Mars Bar adverts where the Monks go flying Exeter Cathedral-the closest we got to ringing up the tower! But I soon got really into it and the actual Cathedral bells just 100 yards away- ended up ringing at a different tower every and then to other sounds such as sheep and night and attending the Simulator Practices at train whistles. Gwennap every weekend. I then moved to Wiltshire and life got in the way of ringing and On to St David's after lunch, where the Red sadly I didn't ring for over 3 years until Arrows flew past as we rang. They didn't stick Westbury Tower had an open day as part of around as long as we did. A good ring of eight, Westbury Festival and my husband forced me to but no match for our final tower, the speak up and say I was a ringer. The team there magnificent 25 cwt eight at Heavitree. These welcomed me with open arms and encouraged bells would be in any shortlist for the best in the me to come along to their practice night the world, not only do they sound superb but they following Tuesday and get back into it. I took also go exceptionally well too. There was more them up on their offer and here I am a year and tea and cake on offer in the church, courtesy of a half later. It has taken me quite a while to get Heavitree's handbell ringers. back to where I think I was at when I left Cornwall, and I have once again got the bug! For our mid-way stop off on the way home we Sadly though, my ringing is due to take another visited Palmers Restaurant in Yeovil where 4 year hiatus as I have just been offered a job ringing circles became onion rings and place in Cyprus and am going there to live for 4 years! bells became plaice and chips. Thanks are due No bells!!! to Julia Russell for organising the day, to Rusty Hartley for organising the towers in Exeter and Ringing a peal was something I had always to Bob Purnell, the mastermind behind the intended to aim for, and due to my impending ringing plans. move this achievement had to be fast-streamed a little earlier than I probably would have Ringing My First Peal planned. I spoke to Peter Baker, my Tower Captain, and Chris Jenkins, Branch Ringing Master, and together they organised a band for me, booked the tower and off we went! Before we started I had all the normal nerves...... would I need a wee ...what happens if I mess it up ....will 3 hours feel an awful long time...will my arms hurt? But I was lucky to have such a fantastic, supportive group of people around me who settled my nerves before we started, and I felt excited to begin. (After my fifth wee) we started ringing and before long the peal was in progress! To be honest, at some points it did feel as if I had been ringing for hours and hours, and I was waiting for that all too familiar LtoR: Thea, Bob Purnell, Richard Heath, Peter 'THAT'S ALL' to come, but at other times I Baker, Chris Jenkins (missing Robert Wellen!). realised I had been ringing without really paying attention for quite a while, and my hands were just sort of doing it without much effort! The Thea Mackie-Harrison (Westbury Tower): I rang other members of the band were very my first ever peal on Saturday 23rd June 2018 at supportive throughout, shouting encouragement Rowde. I normally ring at Westbury Tower on a and putting me right if I looked vaguely lost so Tuesday night and often on a Monday at that we didn't go wrong and this really helped Corsley, but Rowde was picked for the occasion me make it through. After 2 hours and 46 mins,
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Branch News and Features the call finally came that signalled the end, and I let out a sigh of relief! I was ecstatic to have Dorchester managed it without messing it up! And could barely speak until I'd had a sit down to recover. I counted 11 (yes 11!) blisters on my fingers, News from the Dorchester Branch but all I could think about was the fact that I had managed it! From Claire Dillistone: The Branch quarterly meeting and striking competition was held this After a rest (and a pint at the pub!) I was just year at Martinstown on Saturday, 14th April so pleased with the sense of achievement. I 2018. Our judge was Tim Rose. Tim learnt to know many people seem to fall into either two ring at Wyke Regis, aiming to be able to ring categories...the ones who have done too many with his grandfather to celebrate the Millennium. peals to count and can‘t get enough of them, This he achieved and has gone on to greater and those that have rung one and that‘s enough things, ringing handbells now too. 6 teams for them, but I think at the moment I don‘t fall entered and the victors in the competition were into either! I certainly wouldn‘t rule out another Charminster. At the business meeting that one, and I don‘t think it felt as long as I was followed, two young ringers from Upwey were scared it was going to, but I feel like I might elected to the Guild, namely Constance and have earned that four year rest for now! Alex. Both are making great strides in their ringing abilities. On Friday, 4th May a quarter Rowde, Wiltshire, St Matthew. Saturday, 23 June was rung at Martinstown as a 90th birthday 2018 in 2h 46 (11). 5040 Doubles (1-10 Grandsire compliments to Elizabeth Bridger, a ringer at the 11-14 Plain Bob 15-24 Grandsire 25-28 Plain Bob 29- church: 1416 Kelsoe Surprise Minor. Two 38 Grandsire 39-42 Plain Bob. Grandsire-10 callings, quarters were rung at St Peter‘s Dorchester in Plain Bob-4 callings): 1 Thea Mackie-Harrison, 2 memory of Lance Corporal William Alfred ―Joe‖ Robert J Purnell, 3 Robert J Wellen, 4 Peter N Baker, Painter of the Dorsetshire Regiment who died in 5 Christopher D Jenkins (C), 6 Richard P Heath. First France on 21st April, 1918 aged 28. William was Peal-1. First peal for 11 years-6 . Rung as a temporary a bookbinder with Longmans of Cornhill, farewell compliment to the ringer of the treble as she Dorchester. He is buried in Etaples Military leaves us to work in Cyprus for four years. Cemetery near Boulogne. His name also appears Presentation by the Bishop of on the main Dorchester memorial, the war Salisbury at Steeple Ashton–2 July memorial cross outside St Peter‘s and on the SDGR Dorchester Branch memorial inside St 2018 Peter‘s. A quarter of Grandsire Triples was rung on the anniversary of his death. This was conducted by Beryl Shuttleworth of St Peter‘s. On Tuesday, 29th May a quarter of Grandsire Triples was rung half-muffled, recreating the half muffled Grandsire Triples rung on 29th May, 1918. A bell ringing simulator has now been installed at Wyke Regis, funded by a bequest from the late Jenny Morris, a past member of the band and well-known local ringer. Several ringers are now being taught using the simulator.
Preston and Wyke Regis Outing 2018 From Michael Moore: Prior to the Institution Service of Reverend Oliver Learmont as Vicar of From Tom Garrrett: The annual Preston and North Bradley, Southwick, Heywood and Steeple Wyke Regis outing took place on Saturday 21st Ashton on 2 July 2018 at Steeple Ashton, the April. The day was spent in an area between Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtham, enjoyed Honiton and Crediton in warm sunshine. The ringing with the band and was delighted to towers visited were Kentisbeare (6), present ART Level 2 certificates to Petra Brown Payhembury (6) and Whimple (6) in the (pictured left) and Beryl Francis (pictured right). morning, with a picnic at lunch time at Killerton Gardens. In the afternoon, we visited Stoke
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Branch News and Features
Wimborne at the National 12-bell Competition
Canon (6), Whitchurch Canonicorum (8) and Symondsbury (6). A variety of ringing took place throughout the day, from rounds and call Front row LtoR: Rosemary Duke, Jenny Herriott, changes to Surprise Major. In the evening most Trish Hitchins, Hilary Child, Flick Warwick, Nigel of the group enjoyed a well-earned meal of fish Herriott. Back row RtoL: Jack Pease, Ben Duke, and chips at Long‘s restaurant in Bridport. Many Robert Child, Harry Blamire, Nigel Woodruff and thanks to Maureen and Alan Frost for organising David Warwick. (photo by Richard Jarvis) the day and we send them best wishes in their new home. From David Warwick: The Wimborne band East Dorset entered the National 12-bell Ringing Competition for the very first time this year. A squad of seventeen ringers was assembled from High Sheriff of Dorset rings his first the home team and those regular visitors who join us for our advanced practice every 3rd Quarter Peal Tuesday of the month, and we had some extra practices during the early months of the year. 19 teams entered the competition, the first round being held at three separate towers on Saturday 24th March 2018. The test piece was a half-course of Cambridge Surprise Maximus-268 changes-which took approximately 12 minutes to complete. Our practising was enhanced by Hawkear technology (similar to cricket‘s Hawkeye) which measures precisely the accuracy of the striking of each bell from a microphone placed amongst the bells, and used by the judges to assist their observations in the competition. We were drawn to ring at Southwell Minster where we were allocated a LtoR: Sue Bosworth, Malcolm Corry (C), John single practice during one snowy weekend in Young, Bob Crighton, Ann Corry, Mike Warren. January-a fine ring of twelve bells which are hung anti-clockwise to add an extra challenge. On the day we were drawn last, following teams from Bristol, Guildford, Oxford, Melbourne and From Bob Crighton: On 23 March 2018 John Norwich, gave a good account of the test piece, Young celebrated the end of his tenure of office but came fifth and were therefore not able to as High Sheriff of Dorset 2017/18 by ringing his proceed to the final in Cambridge in June. A first Quarter Peal (at his first attempt) at his great experience which will enable us to mount home tower of Durweston. a stronger challenge next year!
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Bournemouth St. John‘s Ringing construction which resembled a crown which Outing 2018 was originally used to hang chickens for plucking. Our ringing had improved a bit by now as we rang Grandsire & Bob Triples. Botley (6 From Penelope Samuel: On Saturday 12 May, a bells 7 cwt). By now the rain had set in but in party of 17 ringers from Sacred Heart, St. the small ringing chamber we rang our last John‘s, St. Peter‘s, Christchurch Priory & programme of the day. Canford Magna, plus some WAGS, set off for our annual ringing outing. This year the towers we By all accounts we had a most enjoyable outing visited were in the Meon Valley, which is a very although our ringing has been known to be a lot beautiful part of Hampshire. As is our custom, a better! With thanks to all those who contributed different person was appointed at each tower to to this report. conduct & another to write a short account of our activities. Tichfield (6 bells 12cwt). This was the day of the annual village fete so there was a Quarter for Debbie Phipps lot of hustle & bustle going on in the church as teas were being prepared. The ringing chamber was entered by an outside stone staircase which led into a small chamber. The rope mats were circular with bell motif with the word Taylor inscribed which I hadn‘t seen before. Paul conducted us as the bells were rung up & we rang Grandsire Doubles, call changes, Reverse Canterbury & Bob Minor. Wickham (6 bells 9cwt). There was no-one to let us in, but a kindly churchwarden found the vicar who had a key. We found out the next day, that the reason we hadn‘t been expected was that the website, Clockwise from front right:-Stella Warren, through which the booking had to be made, was Debbie Phipps with her certificate, Vicki Rowse, not working. The 9 cwt six were a pleasure to Jack Pease (2016 Junior Winner), Ed Warren, ring, although access via a steep wooden Chris Jenkins (2016 Adult Winner). staircase and narrow hatch in the floor was somewhat undignified. Shedfield (8 bells 13 cwt). The tower originally held 6 bells, cast by Taylors. Two more were added in 1941 & rang From BellBoard: On 28 May 2018 a Quarter Peal for the first time to celebrate the victory in the of 1260 St Martin‘s Doubles was rung at battle of El Alamein in 1942. We rang our usual Sturminster Marshall ―to congratulate Debbie repertoire of Grandsire, call changes & plain Phipps on jointly winning the SDGR Guild Ringer hunt before ringing down & repairing to a of the Year award for 2017. Rung with the Adult nearby hostelry for lunch. Lunch at the Rising Winner for 2016 (Chris) and conducted by the Sun, Swanmore, was a delicious leisurely affair Junior Winner for 2016 (Jack)‖. (Also see page accompanied by much chatting & laughter. A 4). rendition of Happy Birthday was sung to mark Richard Samuel‘s birthday. Marlborough
Swanmore (6 bells 7 cwt). This church was just down the road from the pub. Hung in 1984, the Milton Lilbourne and Pewsey Bells ring of 6 bells allowed us to ring Stedman and Bob Doubles, rounds and call changes-Jan From Chris Wardell: We have now raised all the ringing 'away from home' for the first time! An money necessary for the complete re-hang of attempt at Kent Treble Bob Minor was made. Milton‘s bells on a new steel frame. Our bells are We did enjoy the bells. Bishops Waltham (8 scheduled to come out in September, and the bells 8 cwt). This was an open light church with works will take around 3 months to complete. a beautiful stained glass window. The man who There had been no ringing in St John‘s, Pewsey let us in was keen to point out the wall plaque for a couple of years, and so early this January with 3 canon balls which dates from the time of the Milton Lilbourne band decided to ring there Oliver Cromwell (1640). The 8 bells were a for Sunday services when times didn‘t clash with ground floor ring. The spider was a wrought iron our own. We totally underestimated the thanks
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Branch News and Features we would receive from both the congregation News from the Branch and the clergy: ―It‘s great to have our bells back!‖ These thanks were the spur to try and From Dorothy Blythe: Bad weather was forecast recruit a new band. My wife Anne designed and but the Branch Meeting at Aldbourne on the 17 had printed onto March 2018 did go ahead and all were able to weatherproof get home safely before snow fell in the evening. canvas, two After a slow start ringing progressed well during banners each 6ft x the afternoon as more people arrived. Ringing 2ft which we was followed by tea and cakes in the church. A displayed in splendid selection of cakes were prepared by Pewsey. Another Sheila Evans, Beryl Gilligan, Valerie Hood and underestimation–this time by me, just how Aldbourne‘s new recruits, all were thanked for many people would express an interest. To our this very welcome hospitality on such a cold delight, these banners prompted 13 people to day. make contact! Even more fortunately, four of the recruits had rung before. Our next problem Election of New Members: Pewsey: Andrew would be how do we organise the teaching of Fisher, a ringer from Kent who has recently ringing to the moved into the village. Barbara Dalton, Emma other nine Tilstone, Pat Draper, David Townsend. Milton recruits, totally Lilbourne: Sally Anne Vesey-Thompson, a new to this art? returned ringer who lives in Burbage. Ogbourne How are the new St George: Welcome also to Robert Liddington recruits coming who elected in 2017 but somehow was missed along? Well…VERY off the list in the last issue. Apologies. well! Five are now Probationary Members: Pewsey: Tina Tomson, ringing well- Gillian Cooke, Denise Yelverton, Sid Tailby. struck rounds and Milton Lilbourne: David Proto, Oakley William are starting to Sharpe. ring on Sundays; three more are getting there, and we have had Tower News: Everleigh: We are waiting for one retiree due to tennis elbow! We are now warmer weather to replace the wheels. moving on to call-changes and the necessity for Shalbourne: The tenor is still out of action, so the new ringers to develop a second brain in far it has not been possible to remove the order to keep up with the information overload. remains of the clapper. Mike Holt to arrange They are facing up to the challenge and loving with David Close to try a ‗large–long spanner‘ to it. In fact, that goes for me too. Some thoughts see if that shifts the nut, if not all will need to be from one of our latest recruits: ―I rang a lot as a done by Whites. Savernake: More sound- teenager and loved it: the physical high, the proofing is needed between the bells and ringers mathematical patterns, the camaraderie, the and they have applied for a Faculty as is outings, cycling to far away towers, and not necessary. No timescale known. Milton least, the money earned from weddings and Lilbourne: Chris Wardell reported the money funerals. Such rewards! It was a fabulous few had been raised and all was in readiness, they years. Then of course one goes off to university were waiting for final permission to start the and life gets too busy. When I heard that restoration. Taylors are to undertake the work Pewsey was looking for new recruits, I was too and also retune the bells commencing in nervous to attend at first. As a pensioner I September, they are fully committed to another thought I was too old. How wrong I was. With project until then. lots of encouragement and after the terrible nerves of the first few rings, the joy came Best wishes were sent to Amanda Burch who is flooding back and I am now part of a hugely recovering from surgery. On 23 April 2018 we enthusiastic new band. It‘s just fabulous‖. had our usual St George‘s Day Ringing at Ogbourne St George & Preshute, and on 23 May I‘d like to take this opportunity formally to thank 2018 a visit to Chilton Foliat was greatly the Milton Ringers (also known locally as The enjoyed. Some ringers did get to the Guild Rilton Mingers) who have, without fail, turned Festival at Bromham, a very special day. up throughout the winter, to support the new learners. A huge ‗WELL DONE‘ to the new ringers of Pewsey as well, you‘re doing great!
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Branch News and Features
Long Service in Marlborough Branch recent times and due to ill-health Allan has not rung he has remained a member of the Guild for a continuous period of 58 years. He had travelled down from Yorkshire with Margaret Manby to attend the meeting. In presenting Allan with his certificate the Guild Master paid tribute to Allan‘s continued commitment to the Marlborough Branch and the Guild, despite his move to Yorkshire. He joined all members present in welcoming him ‗back home‘ after his recent illness. Allan spoke of the ‗honour‘ he felt back in 1960 at being elected a Guild member, an honour which he still feels today, and of his affection for the Branch and Aldbourne as his ‗home tower‘.
From Alison McFee: From Dorothy Blythe: Colin Wilkins, HLM, Geoffrey Findlay, ALM, Chiseldon (pictured third from left back row Ramsbury (pictured above): On Saturday 3 March 2018, Colin left with Alison): Wilkins had been ringing at Chiseldon for 60 Geoffrey moved to years, and a member of the Guild for 58 years. Ramsbury in 1981 and A small celebration was planned to mark this was soon persuaded to milestone but the British weather intervened. take up bell ringing by The beast from the east caused heavy snow and the combined efforts of the road between Marlborough & Chiseldon was John Tollyfield and Len blocked for 4 days, this meant that only the Foote. He was taught th Chiseldon ringers could be there. On Monday 5 to ring by Ronny Price March at the end of the Chiseldon practice Colin and quickly became a very valued member of was presented with a card and gift by Dorothy the Holy Cross ringing team. He very much Blythe. He was very surprised and sends special enjoyed his time as a ringer and in particular thanks to the Branch. taking part in this very old and unique English tradition as well as contributing to village life. From Robert Wellen Geoffrey also arranged the Holy Cross Open (Guild Master): Allan Tower days and took great pleasure in showing Keen, HLM–50 years: visitors around the ringing chamber and bell At the Marlborough tower. Sadly Geoffrey had to retire from ringing Branch Spring Meeting about 18 months ago but he was pleased to held at Aldbourne on have been able to ring for 35 years and thanked Saturday 17 March, the Guild for all their support over the years. Allan Keen was Geoffrey was made an Associate Life Member on presented with his Fifty the 17th March at the Spring Branch Business Years Membership Meeting, he was later presented with his certificate (eight years certificate and a Guild Badge. He is very thrilled LtoR: Robert Wellen late!) as he will to receive this award and thanked the (Guild Master), achieve 60 years Marlborough Branch. Margaret Manby, Allan continuous Keen, David Close. membership in 2020. Nancy Remembered Allan was elected a member in January From Tom Otley: On a 1960. He remained a Wednesday evening in member of Aldbourne until 2000 and then is autumn 2017, the listed as a ringing member under Charminster ringers at Mildenhall from 2001-03. He is then listed as an met at the church to unattached member of the Marlborough Branch plant fritillaries in from 2004 until 2011 (he became an HLM in memory of Nancy 2007). Since 2012 he has been listed as a Ramsden. After a member of the Aldbourne tower. Although in
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Branch News and Features toast to her memory a bitter wind soon drove us trust for the villagers. On April 23rd 1810–St inside to warm up on the bells, a privilege not George‘s Day–the foundation stone was laid. afforded to the fritillaries-they had to stay Two years later the Chapel was built and was rooted to the spot. Pictured are, LtoR: Tom open for divine service, finally being consecrated Otley, Clive Scholefield, Henry Pritchard, Lyn in August 1813. Back to today, Mrs Bourton had Goodwill, David Sherratt and David Fishlock. learnt to ring some years ago and then also taught her four sons-aged from late teens to St Peter‘s Church, Marlborough early twenties-to ring as well. How very well planned–a ‗homemade‘ team of ringers! From Allan Keen: It is exactly 50 years since the eight bells of St May Day for LEBRF Peter‘s Church, Marlborough, were sold as part of a scheme to From Michael Williams: Thanks all those augment St Mary‘s bells to eight. I involved on Monday 7 May 2018 with running have memories of ringing at St the bell ringing demonstration at Stourton–it Peter‘s when ringing resumed was really successful and raised £225.00 for the briefly in the 60‘s, the bells were LEBRF (£50 in donations and £175 in teas!) not very tuneful, and the church was to be made redundant. The The Mere Branch suffers a team was under the leadership of a College Breakdown! pupil, Richard Inglis. At that time St Mary‘s had a distinguished Curate ringer in the person of the late Rev Roger Keeley, and of course, the band at St Mary‘s was under the inspirational leadership of Alf (recently retired Town Crier) Johnson. When St Peter‘s bells were installed in 1831, the two smallest bells were the gift of the vicar, Rev E Williams. In celebration of the occasion he gave a lavish Christmas Dinner for the parishioners at nearby Bridewell Street. Local people formed a trust to save St Peter‘s Church and it is now a popular visitor centre, the church tower is open to visitors at certain times or by arrangement. Christopher Sykes (with spanner in hand) and Mere the breakdown mechanic (a lapsed bell ringer from Lyme Regis). Bourtons at Bourton!
From Michael Williams: On Sunday 6th May 2018 a group of ringers who were holidaying in the Chalke Valley area arrived at Bourton in Dorset to ring. What was unusual though was that the family‘s name was also Bourton and that there was a connection via the father‘s predecessors to the village and that it was believed that the family, at that time, had been involved in the building of the church which had been built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. At a dinner to celebrate that event, on 25th October 1809, it had been decided to build a Chapel for the population of Bourton, a Committee of twelve men was chosen and From Robert Wellen: The 2018 Mere Branch money was raised by public subscription. The outing on 26 May was to Taunton and land was bought by John Jeans the Publican of surrounds. Organised by Christopher Sykes, the Red Lion for the sum of £5, to be held in who also drove the minibus. Nothing unusual
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Branch News and Features there! But due to mechanical failure, the day From Michael Williams: On a lovely summer took quite an unusual twist, which bizarrely evening on Friday 1st June 2018, the Mere made it more memorable and somehow branch held their striking competition at enjoyable (although not for poor Christopher on Stourton. Two teams were able to compete and his mobile to the AA on a bank holiday in the end it was the combined team from weekend!) Our Chairman, Sheila Porter explains Gillingham & Motcombe (‘the Gillimots‘) who in her own poetic way: won with runners up the team from Sturminster Newton. Our thanks to Andrew Howes of Wylye On a dull misty morning we set out from Mere; for coming over to judge the competition for us. over t‘ward Taunton the view was not clear. North Petherton our first stop Six bells 19cwt; Honorary Life Membership then on to Rowbarton to 2cwt!!! presentation to Paul Cumberland These proved a challenge but we managed quite well; then on to lunch at the Old Wishing Well. Well fed and watered-now we‘re in for a shock; our bus has no steering and is now in dock. The AA is called but they will be hours; so it‘s Shanks‘s Pony for us to the rest of the towers. Now the churches of Taunton are quite far apart; when you have to walk there for the sake of your art. But the twelve bells of St Mary‘s was well worth the trek; pleased with ourselves we moved on to the next. From Michael Williams: On Monday 11th June Holy Trinity and a round of six was all we could 2018 the Mere Branch was pleased to be able to manage; present Paul Cumberland of Gillingham with his with the bus still unfixed the next tower was Honorary Life Membership certificate at a missed. reception held at St Mary‘s, following an evening So there we waited with coffee and ice cream; of ringing there (with some of his friends from served by a kind lady in the park on the green. the Salisbury Branch). Many thanks to Wendy At last two taxis to convey us home; Horne for the marvelous eats! Paul has been our spirits undaunted we‘re ready to roam. ringing for nearly 63 years having learnt to ring …...AGAIN PLEASE CHRISTOPHER! at Cranborne where he was elected a member of the Guild in 1962. He went on to ring at Martin Mere Branch Striking Competition where he learnt more advanced methods and then at Coombe Bissett where he taught his two sons to ring.
Moving to Wilton, where the bells were unringable, he maintained his ringing by travelling to other towers in the area until the Wilton bells were back in operation and he learnt to ring his favourite method of Stedman Doubles. He was Tower Captain there for seven years before moving to Gillingham in 2005– back to an 8 bell tower (having started at the 8 bells of Cranborne). Paul held the post of Tower Captain at Gillingham for eight years and also supports the ringing at Kington Magna. He has The winning team with the competition shield- assisted at many towers when they were short LtoR: Robert Wellen, Paul Cumberland, Alan of ringers, rung numerous quarter peals, Jeffs, Esme Dunn, Richard and Hilary Poole. encouraged many new ringers and contributed much to the Guild over the years.
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The certificate was From Michael Williams: On Saturday 23rd June presented to Paul 2018, at Kington Magna, the Mere branch held by Guild President, one of the most successful summer socials we Judith Williamson have had for some years, with almost 60 people following an taking advantage of a beautiful summer introduction from evening. There was ringing during the afternoon Guild Master Robert at the nearby church, Wellen who also Pimms on arrival, a lovely read out messages buffet supper and two lots of congratulations of entertainment–Joe Rose from Ron West of who played keyboard & Coombe Bissett and sang and then our own from Mike Penny of Mike Durkee from Mere Cranborne who had (left) who played guitar been unable to and sang some of his bell- attend in person. ringing songs to us! Especial thanks to Len Presentation of Learning the Ropes Roberts for allowing us to Level 1 Certificates invade his garden and to all those who helped with the catering and brought food.
Salisbury
Bob Plaskett is Maundy Recipient
From Rhoda Willson: Downton is a village about 8 miles south of the cathedral city of Salisbury. It has a fine Left: Liz Bailey with the Reverend Graham ring of eight bells Perryman at Zeals and Right: Tim and Dawn which are still rung for Wilton with the Reverend Richard Priest (centre) Sunday morning at Buckhorn Weston. service and twice a month for practice From Len Roberts: The first students in the Mere night. Bob Plaskett Branch to complete their LTR Level 1 in Bell was born in Downton Handling were recently (in June) presented with and has lived there their certificates together with their Guild ever since, although Membership Certificates at their respective his employment took churches. The Trevor family received Guild him further afield (as far as Salisbury District membership certificates from the Reverend Hospital). During his life in the village the Richard Priest at Fifehead Magdalen (not church has been a constant presence and Bob pictured). has taken a full participating part in the life of Branch Summer Social the church. As was traditional he was christened there, joined the choir at an appropriate age, moved up to the tower when his voice broke and later on became part of the team who deliver the communion on a Sunday morning. In addition to Sunday attendance, Bob has been a regular behind the scenes helper at the annual church fête, the goose fair and other church activities. Before the care of the surrounding graveyard was handed over to the local council Bob was part of the team who kept it trim and
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Branch News and Features tidy (and did a better job of it too!). the grey matter The quiz was won by the team from Downton who took home (?) a box of In recognition of all that Bob has done for the chocolates as their prize. These were passed local community and in particular for the church around and all consumed on the evening! Thank in Downton, he has been selected to be one of you to Jane for leading the service, Vicki Rowse the recipients of this year's Maundy Money from for organising the quiz, Louise Gay for keeping the Queen at Windsor. When the letter arrived the scores and Andrew and June Howes for advising him of his selection he just could not making all the local arrangements. believe it. Although Bob only rang call changes for many years, he has recently taken the huge Retirements at Coombe Bissett step of tackling Plain Bob Doubles. He is making good progress with this, but, as many older From Ian Davidson: Two members of Coombe people do, finds that remembering new things Bissett tower have retired in recent months does not come as easily as it used to. Bob is partly due to the rather challenging flight of always there on a Sunday morning and always steps up to the ringing chamber! The first of attends the practice nights. Regrettably he no these is Brian Childes. Brian started to learn at longer feels able to ring quarter peals (at least Wylye in 1984 (along with Chris Baughan who on the Downton bells) so the rest of the Sunday still rings at Coombe Bissett). Interestingly, he service band met early on Palm Sunday (25 says, whilst at Wylye he went to a Striking March 2018) to ring a quarter peal as our way of Competition that was held at Coombe Bissett. In saying congratulations on being chosen as a 1988 Brian moved to Cobham in Surrey and Maundy Money recipient. Bob joined us in the continued to ring there on the eight bells at St ringing chamber to listen, watch and count the Andrew‘s. After a few years his job changed and places that some of the working bells were for five years his ringing was just for Sunday ringing in. service, as he was away during the week. He moved to Coombe Bissett in 1996 and began to make some progress in method ringing under the guidance of Ron West.
Second is Eric Macey. Eric started ringing, under his father‘s watchful eye at Tisbury, around 1948 at the age of twelve. The only method that was rung there, led by Tower Captain Tom Stevens, was Grandsire Doubles and generally on the same bell! His was usually the fourth. Eric rang his first quarter peal at Barford St Martin on Coronation Day in 1953. His ‗largest‘ ring was on 10 at St James‘, Poole around the same time. Eric‘s ringing ‗career‘ was essentially put ‗on hold‘ during his time in the RAF but, QP Band LtoR: Bob Samuels, Chris Caryer, Tom soon after settling in Homington in 1983 he Burslem, Rhoda Willson, Liz Thornton, Martin joined the Coombe Bissett band and expanded Willson his repertoire to include a few more methods. He has visited dozens of towers and rung around 20 quarter peals. His only 8 bell quarter Branch Meeting and Quiz inside was Grandsire Triples at Broad Chalke on the occasion of the late Queen Mother‘s 100th From Ian Davidson: Salisbury Branch held a birthday on August 4th 2000 although he also quarterly meeting, service and quiz at Wylye on rang the tenor, also at Broad Chalke, to 14th April 2018. Following the service in the Grandsire Triples in 2005. His last quarter peal church, led by Reverend Jane Shaw, we was in January this year at Coombe Bissett, in adjourned to the village hall for a short business memory of Malcolm Penny, that included five meeting. Following this seven teams tower members. representing towers from across the Branch enjoyed a short four round quiz with a break for Thank you to them both for the years of devoted a wonderful bring and share supper. Quizzers ringing for Sunday services at Coombe Bissett supplied their own drinks, which helped lubricate and their support for Ron and the band.
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Branch News and Features
‗Celebration of Ringing‘ day
West Dorset
Question and Answer Session with ‗the Brains Trust‘ or not!: Robert Wellen (Guild Master), Sue‘s Afternoon Tea Andrew Howes (Central Council Rep), Albert Spreadbury (Branch Chairman), Judith Williamson (Guild President), Patricia Davidson (Branch Ringing Master)
From Ian Davidson: Due to a decline in interest for a Striking Competition in the Salisbury Branch the committee considered other ways to get members together for a ringing event. So it was that on 7 July 2018 a ‗Celebration of Ringing‘ day was held at Broad Chalke. Unfortunately, when the date was selected, it was not realised that so many other attractions would be taking place the same day–England playing in World Cup quarter final, F1 British Grand Prix weekend, Wimbledon Tennis, From Helen Day: numerous fetes and weddings amongst them, Beaminster Ringers presented Sue Philp with not to mention the heatwave!–so the attendance was somewhat disappointing. We a garden voucher were very pleased to welcome some ringers following her retirement from the Calne and Mere Branches to boost from regular ringing numbers. An extensive programme had been (received right from Ed). arranged covering call changes, doubles and Friends gathered at triples sessions, a Question and Answer session Maiden Newton (courtesy with the Guild President and Guild Master of Sylvia Folwer). Sue amongst the panellists, hand bell tune ringing will be missed in (pictured above right) and a few brain-teasers Beaminster and West for the idle moments. All who attended had an Dorset after many years enjoyable, rewarding day and some commented of ringing, teaching, and serving on the West Dorset Committee. that those who didn‘t come missed a good opportunity for improving their ringing Face to Face distribution and use capabilities. Thank you to all who helped to On the website (in colour!): https://sdgr.org.uk/face-to- make this a successful event and especially face/ and a printed copy for every tower. Nicki Tinkler from Broad Chalke who made all Announce its arrival, don‘t just bury it on the table! Make a the local arrangements. We will certainly circulation list, so all get to see it who want to. When consider holding a similar event in the future. everyone in the tower has read it, why not display the printed copy in the body of the church and/ or use it when welcoming new ringers.
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Obituaries
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the original volunteers (although her future husband Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were was). By the time the band had its first AGM in dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth January 1946 she was listed as being a Full and believeth in me shall never die. John 11, 25 Member, so it was probably during early 1945 -26 when she started learning to ring. Ena progressed well, ringing her first peal in Ena Moore (HLM) November 1948 for the birth of Prince Charles. 5 May 1924–27 November 2017 If you go up to the ringing chamber at Steeple Ashton you will see two more peal boards with Ena‘s name on, and for all three of those peals she rang the second which was probably her favourite bell in the tower. During September 1959, just after Steeple Ashton bells were returned to the tower after being recast by Taylors, she and George got married quietly in the Church at 8am, with just two witnesses, the vicar and no bells! She rode her bike to the Church that morning with her mac over her dress. By getting married at that time, they had made the inscriptions of the names of the tower ringers on the new tenor bell out of date even before it was dedicated; her name of Ena (Ena seated on the right) with the Steeple Bennett had, of course, been succeeded to that of Ena Moore. Ringing then became a family Ashton band in 2007 modelling the Guild‘s 125 year anniversary clothing. pursuit. Ena rang regularly on Sundays at Steeple Ashton and in later years at Keevil as well. She enjoyed going out ringing to other From Michael Moore: Ena Bennett was born on towers, be that on outings or branch meetings. 5th May 1924, the seventh child of eight to On her 80th Birthday she was persuaded to ring Louisa and Albert Bennett, at her childhood every bell in the tower to rounds. Of equal home on Common Hill, Steeple Ashton. Ena delight for her, a few years earlier in 1996, she attended Steeple Ashton School, leaving at 14 was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the years of age to enter into Domestic Service in Guild. After breaking her wrist in December the same way as her older sisters had done. She 2008, she found it difficult to ring and gave up then ventured briefly into factory work at being on the end of a rope, but would still go Staverton, working on a canning line (now around to towers to listen to the bells and see Cereal Partners). Aged 17 she returned to as many ringing friends as she could. During the Domestic Service after the death of her father, last three years of her life she suffered a stroke who was killed whilst working at Lyneham and was reliant on others to move her around, Airfield in January 1942. By the 1950‘s she had but still had good humour. Prior to her funeral become a cook at a girls hostel in Trowbridge she rested overnight in her beloved church and and remained there until after her marriage in was buried in the churchyard as the bells rang. 1959 to George Moore (who lived only four Her wake was in the form of a Ringers Tea doors up the road). They moved into a new something she had always enjoyed, especially bungalow in 1961 at the rear of the Garage and (tinned) salmon sandwiches. Engineering business she helped to run with George. After George‘s death in 1988, Ena Malcolm Penney (HLM) continued living in the bungalow with her son Michael until her death on 27th November 2017, From Nicki Tinkler and Mary Melbourne: On aged 93. At her funeral on 9th December it was December 7 2017 our Salisbury Branch Ringing said that her favourite view in the village (and Master and friend Malcolm Penney sadly lost his probably the world) was looking across the battle with cancer and passed away. Malcolm fields to Steeple Ashton Church from her kitchen started ringing in his early teens being taught window. Ena had a love of bell ringing that with some of the other village lads by Dennis would last over 70 years. When a new band of Chalk. In those days bell ringing was often ringers was formed at Steeple Ashton in October popular with teenagers who needed something 1944 she was not recorded as being one of the to ‘keep them out of mischief‘ when there was
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Obituaries
not a TV in every home and missed, but the respect and love in which computers were an invention Malcolm was held was demonstrated by the of the future. With a few short number of ringers, friends and family who breaks Malcolm continued attended his funeral in Broad Chalke–over 200 ringing throughout his life and filled the parish church with ringing before the became tower captain at service by the local band and open ringing Broad Chalke in the early afterwards. In the hall afterwards a fine spread 1990‘s. Over the years he had been prepared and all those who knew taught a huge number of Malcolm knew that he would have approved. At people to ring bells. Whatever ringers‘ teas whatever he couldn‘t eat at the people‘s standard of ringing time he took home with him. Likewise, when Malcolm was always eating in a pub he could always finish any chips encouraging, motivational, patient, kind and that might have been sent back to the kitchen made ringing fun. He rang in and conducted and wasted. Malcolm, our Ringing Master, Tower peals and quarter peals all over the country. Captain, friend and mentor rest peacefully Most ringers can tell you how many of these where the striking is always perfect. they have achieved but not Malcolm. When once asked he said, ‗I don‘t really know but this will Graham Elmes (HLM) be my third quarter today.‘ It is known that 7/11/1943-24/12/2017 since March 2003 he rang in 687 successful quarter peals, the last one on July 17th 2017. He From William Perrins also rang 45 peals in his lifetime, the first of and Tim Collins: Bon which was in 1996 and the last on April 22nd vivant, raconteur, 2017. Although his peals and quarters included myrmicologist and numerous triples and surprise methods Malcolm generally good bloke, loved nothing more than calling doubles and the Graham Elmes died many possible variations. Malcolm was never peacefully on judgmental, always patient with never a cross Christmas Eve with word. In bell ringing when things went wrong he his wife Jenny and never sought to blame anyone even when a their two daughters, quarter peal had been lost in the last few Lizzie and Rosie, by changes. He was a loyal supporter of both his side. This followed Branch and Guild events and over the years had some years tussling organised many Branch Practices, Outings, the with cancer which Annual Skittles evening, Striking Competitions suddenly became and helped people achieve a ‗first quarter‘ in the more aggressive in the latter half of 2017. Guild‘s Quarter Peal Week. He ran a very Graham lived his whole life in Wareham. Having popular Branch practice at Broad Chalke on a been educated at Swanage Grammar School, he Thursday morning where ringers from all over joined the Scientific Civil Service before taking A the area came to improve their ringing. This levels. He answered an advert in the local paper practice has now been named the Penney for a lab assistant at the Furzebrook Research Practice as a tribute to Malcolm‘s dedication to Station of the Nature Conservancy in Purbeck. ringing and teaching ringing. In 1994 Malcolm This enabled him to convert his childhood was appointed Ringing Master for the Salisbury interest in creepy-crawlies into a successful Branch, an acknowledgment of his skills in bell professional career. He was encouraged to ringing, and he held this post until his death, complete his A levels at Poole College and then some 23 years. In 2016 he was made an obtained a bursary to study for a BSc in Zoology Honorary Life Member of the Salisbury Diocesan at Queen Mary College, London. Returning to Guild of Ringers in recognition of his valuable Furzebrook, Graham's subsequent researches service to the Branch and Guild. Having lived in led to him becoming a world expert in myrmica, the village of Broad Chalke all his life, Malcolm a type of ant. During his career he obtained was involved in many more activities than just both a PhD and a DSc for his work and he bell ringing. To mention just one–Table Tennis. retired as a Senior Principal Scientific Officer by For over four decades Malcolm inspired both merit. Graham had been a server at Lady St young and old to take up a sport he loved both Mary's before being tempted into the tower. He coaching and advising. He was a true unsung was taught bell handling by Ross Robertson and hero in both the community at Broad Chalke and rang his first peal, Grandsire Triples at Wareham in the ringing community. He will be sadly conducted by Arthur V Davis of Christchurch, on
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Obituaries
20th August 1962. His first as conductor, by Jenny. Through all the years, peal ringing or Grandsire Doubles at Wareham, followed on not, Graham has been a strong supporter of 29th December 1962. Very soon Graham's twin local ringing at Wareham and the surrounding sisters Ruth and Mary had become accomplished region. He was captain at Wareham for several ringers (as did youngest sister Sara a few years terms and he has always been strongly later). Opportunities improved when he began supported by Jenny. He was elected as an attending Ringwood practices in 1965. Under Honorary Life Member of the Salisbury Guild in the eye of Ron Marlow, who fixed up his first 2010 for his ongoing commitment. He was peals of Cambridge and Yorkshire Surprise. In elected a member of the College Youths in 1969 the same year, by answering a RW advert for and rang 68 peals for that Society. Graham was peal ringers, Graham met George Bonham, a natural gentleman. His ability to recall and whose peal tours he attended for several years. embellish ringing anecdotes provided This in turn led Graham to meet Philip Mehew, amusement for all. Graham's company was not George Thoday, Andrew Wilby and Patrick easily forgotten. He lived his life to the full. Cannon amongst many others. With Graham Graham died content that he had done his best one was immediately on equal terms socially. and that he was well loved. Any side would be lightly ridiculed, any pomposity pricked. About this time Graham From Jenny Elmes: ―I spent his three years at London University would like to thank the where he made contact with Bob Dennis, Roger ringing fraternity who Bailey and John Pladdys (before Stedman took have been amazing over). Back in Dorset, Graham was an instigator with peals, quarters, of the Purbeck Youths, a socially connected attendance at the group of ringers formed in 1965. For ten years service, messages and or more the Society met in Wareham over the donations. It was all New Year holiday to ring peals and renew very uplifting for me to friendships. Graham was also a keen rower at see that Graham was Queen Mary College. He was a social member of so well thought of.‖ Wareham Rugby Club and he spent several Graham Elmes East holidays on Chris and June Brown's yacht, Window Illumination pulling ropes as required. Good ale was his Fund: ―I have just preferred tipple. Graham was a juryman of the received the total and list of donors, which, Wareham Court Leet, an ancient society combined with the takings at the church established to maintain high standards in the thanksgiving service, have now just topped town's hostelries. Each November, all the pubs £3,000. We can now go ahead with our project. in town are visited during a festive week. Fines, This will make a very fitting memorial to usually in liquid form, are meted out where Graham for posterity, and we are necessary. Graham was an enthusiastic ale delighted.‖ (Further donations in memory of taster and carnitor (meat taster) for much of his Graham can be made via Jenny—use the life. Graham's peal ringing was put on to the Wareham tower e-mail: [email protected]). back burner after he and Jenny were married on June 4th, 1977 at Freshford, Somerset. They Gilbert Harris made their home in Ropers Lane, Wareham, within a stone's throw of Graham's childhood From Claire Dillistone: Gilbert Harris of Wyke residence. Daughters Lizzie and Rosie completed Regis took up ringing in his early seventies as a the family and they became the happy focus of way of coping after the death of his wife. He Graham's life. Following retirement, Graham came with a stubborn determination to succeed returned to peal ringing, mainly in tandem with and never gave up despite many his "little brother" and resident conductor Tim discouragements. Usually the first to arrive at Collins. Together they rang peals in far-flung practices, he was always there for Sunday west country towers as well as occasional forays ringing, always there for weddings, and thanks farther afield to such places as Barrow-on- to a lifetimes experience in catering could Humber. In total he rang 1352 peals, of which always be counted on for an unusual and often he conducted 17. The last was of Doubles on the foreign-sounding contribution to ringers‘ teas. newly augmented five at Margaret Marsh in His slightly eccentric appearance, with shoulder- January 2017. His last ring was during a tower length white hair and a penchant for dark suits, outing to ground floor rings around the New was belied by a gentle manner. His sense of Forest, specially organised in August for Graham
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Obituaries humour rarely failed, but his patience was often 1971, where he learned to ring the bells–having tested by the unruly behaviour of his bell-rope. since taught dozens of others to ring. He had His efforts to quell this, which met with mixed been Tower Captain there for some 35 years, up success, could always be counted on to liven up until his death, and was instrumental in the an otherwise dull practice–such as the time refitting of the bells in recent years. After he when he fumbled the sally, fell backwards and retired he continued to work at Holten Heath sat on a lady ringer‘s lap while miraculously still giving Guided Tours of the site; he was very holding the tail end. Gilbert died in March 2018 much involved in recording it's history, at the age of 77 after a fall which left him with a subsequently making presentations to local severe head injury. We miss his ringing, but he groups and societies, and even appearing on the left us an example of perseverance, humility TV programme South Today. John will be and above all loyalty. May he ring in glory. lovingly remembered and sadly missed by so many locals, not least because of his John England involvement with the church, the school, the 14 March 1935–11 March 2018 village carnival, Scouts …. etc. to name just a few! To quote from a condolence card ―It is From Janet Ranger: A difficult to think of any aspect of Bere Regis life Service of Thanksgiving that he was not in some way involved―. There and Celebration for the was half muffled ringing before the Service by life of John Chamberlain the Tower Band, followed by Open Ringing for England took place in all afterwards. Our thoughts & prayers are with Bere Regis on Tuesday 3 Mary and her family. April 2018. John died suddenly and Sylvia Dodge (HLM) unexpectedly in his home just 3 days before his From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): Sylvia 83rd birthday; the church Dodge who was an HLM at Melbury Osmund. was packed with more She died on 7 March 2018. Her funeral was than 300 people–family, held at Melbury Osmund on Thursday 22nd friends and villagers who March. The Guild Master attended. Ivan were all still in shock at Andrews said: ―Sylvia Dodge was one of the the loss of this kind and generous man who had long serving members of the Branch who I knew time for everyone and ―did so much for so and rang with so many years ago‖. A quarter many‖. Canon Charles Masheder officiated; he peal was rung at Melbury Osmund on 16 April in described John in five words–a talker, a doer, a her memory. thinker, a contributor and an encourager. John was born in Poole and had one sibling, Margaret Derek Beaufoy who was 8 years older. He left school aged 16 and got a job at the Royal Naval Cordite Factory From Neil Skelton: I have just learned of the at Holton Heath, studying in the evenings for a death of Derek Beaufoy of South Petherton. He BSc in Chemistry at Bournemouth College, was in a care home and had been suffering from where he also played hockey. At 18 he was dementia for a number of years. Derek was a called up for National Service and spent two member of Enford, Wiltshire and with the then years with the Grenadier Guards; being an new band of ringers at Enford was elected to accomplished violinist he was a great asset to SDGR membership on 21st April 1956 at their Band. He returned to Holton Heath but was Compton Chamberlayne. It was at Enford on then transferred to the Royal Naval Propellant 29th September 1956 he and five other Factory in Caerwent where he continued his members of the Enford Sunday Service band studies, finally gaining his BSc in Chemistry. rang their first peal (Grandsire Doubles) which During his time in Wales he took up golf (when Derek conducted. He moved away in about he stopped playing he had a handicap of 10!), 1961. and met his future wife Mary at a dancing class in the Kings Head Hotel. In 1966 he returned to (Arthur) George Heath (HLM) Holten Heath (working in the Admiralty 30.05.1925–27.04.2018 Materials Laboratory) with his wife and 2 year old daughter Carolyn; his son Andrew was born From Julia Russell: George Heath and his late the following year. He moved to Bere Regis in wife, Pat, were very loyal members of the
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Obituaries
Urchfont Band. George was tower captain for 21 the current Mere Branch Chairman (Sheila years (1958 to 1979) and remained a member Porter) and two previous Chairs (Christopher of the band until age forced him to give up but Sykes and Keith Woodward). he kept a keen interest right up until the end, very recently teaching members of the band the Dave Marsh theory of Grandsire Doubles. Latterly he also started two hand bell teams, one in Urchfont From Heather McCombie: Dave Marsh, faithful and one in Market Lavington, which have since ringer and former Tower Captain at Warminster, merged and now meet in Urchfont. George rang died on 31st May 2018 at the age of 85. He was a number of peals including Grandsire Triples at born in Longbridge Deverill and on leaving Urchfont on 27th Feb 1968 and Bob Minor at school joined the Navy in order to see the world Great Cheverell in 1963. Following a private beyond Longbridge. It was during his Navy days cremation, on 21 May 2018 a Thanksgiving that he met his wife Vera; theirs was a very Service was held at Urchfont, after which a happy marriage, and they had two sons. Dave Quarter Peal of 1288 Grandsire Triples was rung started ringing in the early 1980s, following in his memory. George will be remembered as a Vera‘s lead, learning to ring at Longbridge very popular, friendly and knowledgeable ringer before returning to his home parish of who was always willing to help and always Warminster. He took to it easily and very soon cheerful. A number of other Quarters were rung started teaching, a role he continued until his locally in memory of George including 1259 retirement from ringing at the age of 80. In Grandsire Caters at Trowbridge on 2 May and 2001 he took over as Tower Captain, on the 1260 Stedman Triples at Holy Trinity Bradford death of John Horton. He excelled as a teacher on Avon on 3 May. of bell ringing. His calm, gentle manner was completely non-threatening to learners, and he Peter Treseder (HLM) was utterly self-effacing. His reliability was 1935-2018 legendary; he would never miss a practice, always keeping to Naval time and arriving 15 From Robert Wellen: minutes early ‗because the ship couldn‘t wait for Major Peter Arthur you‘. Over the years he was also a great help Treseder (Royal and support to Corsley tower. The bells at Signals, retired) died Warminster were rung half muffled before his on 16 May 2018 after a funeral service on 18 June and rung open short illness, aged 83. following the service in celebration of his life. Peter came from Anglo- As a ringer and as a person, he gave us a Irish background and shining example to follow and will be very sadly he had a distinguished missed. army career. He also loved country pursuits Colin Matthewman most notably shooting and fishing, frequently From Robert Wellen: Colin in Ireland. He also Matthewman was a valued loved his garden at Sunday service ringer at Church Rails on the hill Gillingham for nearly behind the church at twenty years until he East Knoyle. He and his late wife Jane learnt to stood down as Guild ring when they retired to the village in the member and active ringer 1990s. He was a much valued and loyal member in 2010. He was also a of the local band. He was also a much loved ringer at nearby Silton. He member of the Mere Branch, serving as Vice lived in Mere for many Chairman and then Chairman from 2000 to years and died on Friday, 2006 and was for sometime a Guild Belfry 1st June 2018. A devoted Inspector. In 2014 Peter was made an HLM of family man he was also a the Guild. The church at East Knoyle was packed very keen and proficient sailor, often returning for a Service of Thanksgiving for his life on 29 to the belfry with a fine tan after a sailing trip. A June 2018 after which his ashes were interned ‗celebration of his life‘ took place on 18th June in the churchyard. A quarter peal was rung at Mere Parish Church. Ringers from Gillingham immediately after the service; the band included attended the service.
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Branch Calendars: August—December 2018
Wed 1 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley Wed 3 Oct 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley August Sat 6 Oct 08:00-21:30 Sal Outing tbc Mon 6 Aug 14:00-15:30 Sal Methods Practice Fordingbridge Sat 6 Oct 09:00-17:30 Marl Outing tbc Tue 7 Aug 19:30-21:00 Marl Minor Practice Marlborough Branch Business Bratton and Sat 6 Oct 15:00-20:30 Dev Beginners' Meeting Edington Wed 8 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev Edington Practice St Martin's, Mon 8 Oct 14:00-15:30 Sal Triples Practice Thu 9 Aug 10:30-12:00 Sal Penney Practice Broad Chalke Salisbury St James, Tue 9 Oct 19:30-21:00 Mere Branch Practice Fri 10 Aug 19:30-21:00 Mere Branch Practice Donhead St Mary Shaftesbury
Sat 11 Aug 14:30-16:30 Dor Branch Practice Milton Abbey Thu 11 Oct 10:30-12:00 Sal Penney Practice Broad Chalke
Sat 11 Aug 15:00-20:00 Calne Branch Practice Broad Hilton Sat 13 Oct 15:00-20:00 Dor AGM Bere Regis Practice and Sat 13 Oct 15:00-20:00 Calne Lyneham Mon 13 Aug 14:00-15:30 Sal Triples Practice St Martin's Salisbury Business Meeting
Wed 15 Aug 19:00-19:45 Marl Branch Practice North Tidworth Mon 15 Oct 10:30-14:00 Sal SAGOR tbc
Beginners' Wed 15 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev Edington Tue 16 Oct 19:30-21:00 Dev 8 bell Practice Bishops Cannings Practice Fri 19 Oct 19:30-21:00 Sal Practice (tbc) Stapleford Wed 15 Aug 20:00-21:00 Marl Branch Practice Upper Chute
10/12 bell Sat 20 Oct 14:00-19:30 ED Quarterly Meeting Witchampton Sat 18 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev Trowbridge Practice Tower Captains' Sat 20 Oct 14:00-17:00 Dev tbc Mon 20 Aug 10:30-14:00 Sal SAGOR tbc Meeting Sat 20 Oct 14:30-16:00 Marl AGM Marlborough Branch Practice Tue 21 Aug 19:30-21:00 Mere Donhead St Mary (Minor methods) 10/12 bell Sat 20 Oct 19:30-21:00 Dev Trowbridge Tue 21 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev 8 bell Practice Melksham Practice Branch Practice Tue 23 Oct 19:30-21:00 Mere Donhead St Mary Wed 22 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley (Minor methods)
Elementary Wed 24 Oct 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley Thu 23 Aug 19:30-21:00 Sal Downton Practice Elementary Open training on Thu 25 Oct 19:30-21:00 Sal Downton, Salisbury Sun 26 Aug 14:00-16:00 Marl Marlborough Practice simulator The Home Guards Beginners' Fri 26 Oct 19:00-22:00 Mere Skittles evening Wed 29 Aug 19:30-21:00 Dev Edington Club, Kilmington Practice Open training on Sun 28 Oct 14:00-16:00 Marl Marlborough Thu 30 Aug 10:30-12:00 Sal Branch Practice Broad Chalke simulator
Thu 1 Thu 30 Aug 19:30-21:00 Sal Practice Salisbury St Thomas 10:30-12:00 Sal Penney Practice Broad Chalke November
Tue 4 Open Twelve Bell 19:30-21:00 Marl Minor Practice Marlborough Sat 3 Nov 19:00-21:00 ED Wimborne Minster September Practice Beginners' Wed 5 Sep 19:30-21:00 Dev Edington Mon 5 Nov 14:00-15:30 Sal Methods Practice Fordingbridge Practice
Sat 8 Sep 14:30-18:00 Mere Quarterly Meeting Hindon Tue 6 Nov 19:30-21:00 Marl Minor Practice Marlborough
Sat 8 Sep 15:00-20:00 Calne Branch Practice Yatesbury Sat 10 Nov 15:00-20:00 Calne Branch Practice Bremhill
Mon 10 Sep 14:00-15:30 Sal Triples Practice St Martin's Salisbury Mon 12 Nov 19:30-21:00 Mere Branch Practice Stourton
Mon 10 Sep 19:30-21:00 Mere 8 bell Practice Gillingham Wed 14 Nov 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley
Sat 17 Nov 15:00-18:00 WD AGM Bridport Mon 10 Sep 19:30-21:00 Dev Branch Practice Seend Meeting and Sat 17 Nov 19:00-22:00 Sal Lake Club Wed 12 Sep 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley skittles
10/12 bell 10/12 bell Sat 15 Sep 19:30-21:00 Dev Trowbridge Sat 17 Nov 19:30-21:00 Dev Edington Practice Practice
Mon 17 Sep 10:30-14:00 Sal SAGOR tbc Mon 19 Nov 10:30-14:00 Sal SAGOR tbc
Tue 18 Sep 19:30-21:00 Dev 8 bell Practice Edington Tue 20 Nov 19:30-21:00 Marl Branch Practice Ramsbury
Thu 20 Sep 10:30-12:00 Sal Branch Practice Broad Chalke Tue 20 Nov 19:30-21:00 Dev 8 bell Practice Westbury
Striking Thu 22 Nov 10:30-12:00 Sal Penney Practice Broad Chalke Sat 22 Sep 15:00-18:00 WD Shipton Gorge Competition Elementary Open training on Thu 22 Nov 19:30-21:00 Sal Downton, Salisbury Sun 23 Sep 14:00-16:00 Marl Marlborough Practice simulator Sat 24 Nov 14:30-18:00 Mere Annual Meeting Donhead St Mary Tue 25 Sep 17:00-18:30 Sal Branch Practice tbc Open training on Elementary Sun 25 Nov 14:00-16:00 Marl Marlborough Thu 27 Sep 19:30-21:00 Sal Downton simulator Practice Stratford sub Tue 2 Mon 26 Nov 19:30-21:00 Sal Branch Practice 19:30-21:00 Marl Minor Practice Marlborough Castle, Salisbury October Page 45
Branch Calendars: August—December 2018/ Armistice and Ringing Remembers
Tue 4 19:30-21:00 Mere Branch Practice Sturminster Newton December Cenotaph to mark the centenary of the Armistice later this year. Descendants, family Tue 4 Dec 19:30-21:00 Marl Minor Practice Marlborough members and the public are invited to apply to Wed 5 Dec 19:30-21:00 Dev Surprise Practice North Bradley take part in ‗A Nation‘s Thank you-The People‘s Procession‘ on Sunday 11 November 2018. At Sat 8 Dec 14:30-16:30 Dor Carol Service Puddletown the same time, people are being encouraged to Calne and ring bells around the world, as the government Devizes Branches Royal Wootton Sat 8 Dec 15:00-20:00 Calne Joint Carol Basset is seeking to replicate the spontaneous Service outpouring of relief that took place in 1918. As Mon 10 Dec 10:30-14:00 Sal SAGOR tbc news of the Armistice spread, church bells, which had fallen silent across the UK during the Wed 12 Dec 19:30-21:00 Marl Branch Practice tbc First World War, rang out in celebration. Thu 13 Dec 10:30-12:00 Sal Penney Practice Broad Chalke
Ringing & Mince From Vicki Sat 15 Dec 14:00-16:00 WD Bradpole Pies Chapman: As at 10/12 bell Sat 15 Dec 19:30-21:00 Dev Trowbridge the date of writing Practice (July 2018), there Branch Carol Sat 15 Dec 15:00-17:00 Mere Zeals Service are a total of 854
Practice (minor new recruits registered on the Ringing Tue 18 Dec 19:30-21:00 Mere Donhead St Mary methods) Remembers database at https:// St John's Devizes Tue 18 Dec 19:30-21:00 Dev 8 Bell Practice a100.cccbr.org.uk/register/. A HUGE thank you (tbc) to everyone who has worked hard in recruiting Open training on Sun 23 Dec 14:00-16:00 Marl Marlborough simulator and training these ringers. There‘s still time to recruit and teach. Send us an update of how For up to date details of Branch and Guild events students that have been passed to you are check the calendar on the Guild website. progressing. For Guild events listed in this edition see page 2. Posters & Leaflets: You can order a supply directly from https://a100.cccbr.org.uk/order/ Latest Advice on Armistice Day Funding Available: There is a small amount of funding available to support recruitment and Ringing and Ringing Remembers training events for Ringing Remembers. You can apply for this, in advance of your event, by From Vicki completing the application form at https:// Chapman (Central a100.cccbr.org.uk/apply-for-funding/ C o u n c i l ) : T h e Department of Ringing in the Salisbury Guild for the Digital, Culture, Armistice Centenary and the progress of Media & Sports Ringing Remembers recruits h a v e n o w announced plans for the International Moment Please let Robert Wellen as the Nations says ‗Thank you‘. Bells in ([email protected]) know of the ringing countries observing GMT are invited to ring at that you do to mark the centenary of the Armistice. 12.30hrs GMT on 11 November 2018. Also please send stories of ‗Ringing Remembers‘ From the Government Press Release (12 July): recruits—perhaps in their own words-how they got on BELLS TO RING OUT AND 10,000 TO MARCH and did they ring for the Armistice? PAST THE CENOTAPH AS THE NATION SAYS ‗THANK YOU‘. Ten thousand members of the These will be collated for the next edition of Face to public will be invited to march past the Face (deadline 14 November) and the website.
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: Anthony Lovell-Wood, 7 Snows Hill, Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RY Tel: 01747 871121 E-mail: [email protected] Joint Webmasters: Ian Mozley and Robert Wellen 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 images or graphics used in this publication.
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