ANNUAL REPORT AND NEWSLETTER OF THE

ANCIENT SOCIETY OF COLLEGE YOUTHS

SPRING 2005

several peals and a golf day (organised by Simon Linford). Chris Kippin continued his tradition of arriving on foot by making the considerable trek from Peterborough to York. Saturday saw general ringing at several York towers (including the Minster) followed by a Business Meeting at St Olave’s Church Hall, where we were welcomed by distinguished local Member David Hull. The highlight of the weekend was the dinner in the Mallard Room of the National Railway Museum. The display of famous steam and diesel locomotives, including “The Mallard” itself, provided a splendid backdrop for the meal, which was enjoyed by around 90 members and guests. The evening was rounded off by an assault on the five barrels of “Old Guzzler” which had been laid on for the occasion.

The Master, Colin Newman, is poured the first pint of College Youths Ale at the Red Herring The year since the last Newsletter has been another extremely busy one and has seen the Society go from strength to strength, with a few changes in the process. At the time of finalising last year’s Newsletter, preparations were under way for the final of the National 12- Bell Striking Contest at St Mary-le-Bow. The Society had not hosted the Contest since 1979 and was determined to put on a first-class show. Our chosen pub (the Red Herring) had been supplied by Fullers with copious quantities of “College Youths Ale” and had arranged for the sound of the bells to be piped into the bar, so that those present could drink and listen at the same time. Meanwhile the band had been practising hard on these challenging bells. Hopes were high for a home Chris Kippin in his element at the victory, especially since statistically it was our turn (the National Railway Museum in York Society having won previously in 1980, 1986, 1992 and 1998). The Out of Town Practice is a recent innovation which has become a regular feature in the Society’s calendar. On the day our spirits were further raised when Unfortunately last year’s practice (at Reading in August) was Birmingham (widely seen as our main rivals) were drawn affected by a violent thunderstorm and flash flooding in the first, in the “graveyard slot”. However, they clearly hadn’t area, which disrupted the roads and public transport and read the script and produced a sparkling piece of ringing prevented many members from getting there in time. which, despite our best efforts, we were unable to match. So, However, the event was much enjoyed by those who for the fifth time in the last 9 years, we had to settle for managed to attend. second place - beaten by a better team on the day, but pleased that it had been a great occasion. We are hoping to go one A successful August Bank Holiday weekend of peals better in this year’s contest at Towcester on 25th June, having around the Midlands, organised by the Junior Steward (Stef successfully negotiated our eliminator at Solihull in March. Warboys), was followed by the Society’s Peal Weekend in September. Only 13 peals were scored, down on recent The next big event was the Country Meeting in July, years, with a number of attempts being lost. The overall based in York. The weekend began in normal style, with number of Society peals rung during the year was 194, again Page 1 down from our record total of 217 in 2003. However, there 1956 and Treasurer from 1969 to 1981, so his record is proud were some notable performances, in particular the peals of indeed. Unfortunately Stan’s health has deteriorated and he 50,400 Surprise Minor and 729 Spliced Treble Dodging is now living in a care home in Norfolk with his wife Wyn. Minor rung by the Cambridge handbell band. Their Our best wishes go to them both. achievements are celebrated later in this Newsletter. Last and by no means least, the November meeting saw One of the changes which occurred last year was the Phil Rogers stand down as Secretary. Phil took over the role location of the Anniversary Dinner. As noted in previous at a time of great change and uncertainty for the Society, Newsletters, the price at the Chartered Accountants’ Hall had following the debate over whether to admit women and the become prohibitive and so it had been decided to move the ultimate rule change. He has worked tirelessly for the Dinner to the Thistle Tower Hotel, next to Tower Bridge. Society over the last 6 years, and his wisdom, integrity, The venue had been identified by Janet Hill, whose father efficiency and humour have played a big part in its success (Trevor Bailey) is a Society member and who has done so during that time. He is a very hard act to follow, as I am still much to assist with arrangements for recent Society events finding out. through her business, Reservations 2000. It has the We were delighted to be able to mark Phil’s retirement advantage of being much larger (it allegedly holds up to 450 with an informal dinner in his honour in February, organised people, although we are unlikely to test this in the immediate by Colin Newman. Over 60 members and friends sat down future), as well as being very competitive in cost terms - thus to an excellent meal in the spacious and recently-refurbished allowing us to hold the 2003 ticket price. Hop Cellars, just down the road from Southwark Cathedral. As is now customary, the weekend began with a series of A musical record of Phil’s time in office, composed specially peal attempts, of which no fewer than 10 were scored. The for the occasion, was performed in “barber’s shop” mode by Dinner itself was a grand occasion, with only one or two a group of singing members (plus a guest). John White, the minor teething problems which should be sorted out this year. first Master with whom Phil served, paid tribute in more Unfortunately one of our planned speakers (Mark Regan) had traditional style and presented Phil with a bottle of vintage to drop out at short notice, but Robin Hall proved a more than port as a token of thanks from those present. able replacement and proposed the health of the Society in Another welcome change in recent months has been to the masterly fashion, including Biblical references to various acoustics at Cripplegate. A team of volunteers, under the Past Masters. The other speakers included Peter Mullen, direction of David Town, has fitted Rockwool to the walls of Rector of both St Sepulchre and St Michael Cornhill, and the bell chamber and installed a sound lantern above the George Bush, Rector of St Mary-le-Bow. We were also bells. The result of this work has been a dramatic treated to a mesmerising display of Minor on handbells by improvement in the internal clarity of these glorious bells. the record-breaking Cambridge band. We are most grateful to David and his band of helpers for The November business meeting saw Colin Newman their efforts. hand over the reins as Master to Simon Linford. Simon is a Currently the Officers are occupied with the Review of very well-known ringer who has taken part in many of the Roles and Responsibilities, which was instituted following a Society’s finest performances in recent years, including debate at the September meeting. The Review was prompted conducting the peal of “all the work” 67 Spliced S Major in by concerns that the role of the Secretary had grown to the 2002. He is very much an “ideas man” and has great plans point where otherwise strong candidates, particularly those in for his year as Master, many of which are featured elsewhere full-time employment, might be deterred from standing. in this Newsletter. The top table was joined by Chris Kippin, However, it has expanded into a wider examination of the our new Junior Steward, who also needs no introduction. We roles of the Officers individually and as a body, and of what have been fortunate the membership as a whole expects of the “top table”. The in recent years to group (chaired by David House) has consulted widely with have a stream of members from London, elsewhere in the UK and overseas, high-quality and is due to report its findings to the May meeting. candidates come forward and we very On a happy note, I am delighted to report that Dr John much hope that this Owen (a Society member resident in the USA) has kindly trend will continue. offered to donate a set of 12 handbells to the Society. John is planning to be at the May meeting, when we will be able to November also thank him in person for this most generous gift. saw Chris Rogers elected as a Trustee So the Society remains in excellent heart, and 2005 in place of Stan promises to be another busy year. We are always pleased to Mason, who has see members from outside London at practices and other retired after many Society events; if you let us know in advance that you are years of coming, we may even be able to fit you into a Special distinguished practice. For my part I regard it as a huge privilege to have service. Stan was been elected to serve the Society, and I hope to be able to live up to the standards set by my distinguished predecessors. Phil Rogers receives a token of Master of the appreciation from John White. Society in 1955 and John Hughes-D'Aeth

Page 2 MASTER’S MESSAGE 2005 THE HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE Not many Masters start their year in office by getting YOUTHS married. The Society helpfully provided one of its practice venues for the service, the handbell ringers during the signing of the registers, its Tuesday night pub for the reception, four rings of 12 to create a wall of sound from church to reception, the organist, the vicar, and of course the bride! It was a great start to the year. At Tuesday night practices I have concentrated on giving members the opportunity to ring methods beyond Bristol. Having a focus method each couple of months has been successful in bringing these methods within reach – so far we have focused on Phobos, Orion and Zanussi - and we are starting midweek peals to consolidate progress further. A recent visitor to practices, who had attended regularly some years ago, noted two significant differences since he last came; that the average age had dropped considerably, and that the number and variety of methods rung has soared. Indeed, some weeks the average age has seemed to be in the early thirties, and there is a good spirit among those A new edition of “The History of the College Youths” is attending. I hope and believe that Tuesday night practices are being produced. It comprises Bill Cook’s original edition much more welcoming to visiting members than they once from 1987 (with all known errors corrected) now brought were. up to date with a new chapter by Jim Phillips. With the addition of pictures and illustrations, some of which are in I set myself a target before the year began of ringing good colour, this handsome new edition is bound to be a book peals with as many different members as I can, particularly that every member will wish to possess. away from London. This has been very enjoyable and I have met and rung with many members with whom I have not rung Copies may be ordered in advance at a discount rate of: before. It is easy to have a London perspective on the £15 before 1st July. Society, but ringing Society peals around the country has Thereafter copies will be £20 each brought home to me how much members enjoy being involved in Society activities. Copies may be ordered (with cheques payable to ASCY) from: At the top end of the scale, the Society is at the forefront of pushing back boundaries. The handbell achievements are Dickon Love, 10 Wharton Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 3LF beyond many people’s comprehension. Cyclic spliced See the Society web site for more details. maximus, 16 bell ringing, multi-spliced surprise major – we lead in many fields. My personal focus is still on 100 all the work Major, which is now tantalisingly close. I am also looking forward to ringing peals on four of the City 12s on the same day with the same band. Many of the ringers who take part in the final of the National 12 Bell Striking Contest are members of the Society – sometimes it is most of the top few bands! But only 12 ringers formally represent the Society. I have introduced two new competition initiatives this year. The first was a practice night competition against the Cumberlands, with test pieces on 6 and 12 at a Southwark practice, and 8 and 10 at a Shoreditch practice. This involved 36 of the most regular Tuesday night members, although at the time of going to press the result was unknown! The second new event is the competition at Evesham – more about this on page 11. Each Master hopes to build on what has been achieved before, perhaps putting a bit of their own spin on the traditional activities. Colin handed over a very strong base, and I hope to do the same. Meanwhile I am enjoying it immensely, although if I had planned to do slightly less I would be getting more sleep! Simon Linford Simon and Eleanor Linford on their Wedding Day.

Page 3 RAISING THE BAR: MINOR ON HANDBELLS “MAGIC BLOCKS” – THE KEY TO RINGING 729 METHODS Philip Saddleton first came up with the idea of a ‘Magic Block’. This is based on a change of work over the treble at every half lead and a change of work below the treble at every lead end. When you think about this, you realise that the ringer does not have to react immediately to any change in work, merely the next time they pass the treble. The compositions are constructed this way and the ringers unashamedly ring them this way. A feature of all extents rung on this plan so far is that 2nds is always made at the lead end and 5ths at the half lead. There are no calls, and no trivial variations, so Cambridge is rung, but not Primrose or Ipswich, or any Philip Earis, Andrew Tibbetts and David Pipe methods which differ only by the place made at the lead end or half lead. In recent years the Society’s handbell territory has largely been confined Essentially use is made of the feature that one may to higher numbers. Stedman Cinques at Cornhill Vestry is staple fare and substitute a lead of one method into a course of another long lengths of Bristol Maximus and London Royal have added a touch throughout an extent as long as the same bell is pivot of prestige. each time this is done and does the same work. For However, a glance at the peal columns over the last twelve months will example, in Cambridge, you can ring Beverley or reveal that handbell peals of Minor have suddenly become commonplace. Surfleet each time the tenor is 3rds place bell, even Andrew Tibbetts, Philip Earis and David Pipe have been double- though the work below the treble generates a different handedly responsible for this change in the Society’s peal ringing set of changes from Cambridge. The overall effect is that the extent is true. The bells still meet the treble in landscape. Over this last year, these three have pushed the boundaries of exactly the same place, merely the work in between is change-ringing to a quite remarkable degree, and in two different different. This concept is key to Magic Block directions. composition. On October 2nd 2004 they recaptured for the Society the record for the Magic blocks take this principle to the extreme by greatest number of changes ever rung by ringing 50400 Treble Dodging changing the under and over works every lead. The key Minor in 70 methods, surpassing by some distance the two peals of is that one must ring the same group work whenever a 40320 Plain Bob Major that had held that record for many years. To ring given bell is pivoting either at the lead end (2nds) or half that many changes at all is remarkable, but they rang methods that lead (5ths). A group is defined by the order in which the bells pass the treble; e.g. for below works, 2nds place demand high levels of concentration, and at a quality level that was bell can meet the treble only in 3 different positions in simply mind-blowing. Guests at the 2004 Anniversary Dinner were moving from under work to over work at the end of the treated to the band ringing a short touch of Spliced Minor, displaying the lead: 4-5, 3-4 and 2-3 (since 5ths is always made at the same relaxed panache that had been the hallmark of their record peal. half lead). The 4-5 group includes Cambridge, Beverley, Moving on from that achievement, this prolific triad decided to Surfleet and Carlisle; the 3-4 group includes Kelso, concentrate on some serious multi-method stuff. Over a relatively short Kent and Oxford (but with 5ths at the half lead); the 2-3 space of time they built up their method count with a series of peals, group includes Westminster, Allendale and London. The culminating on January 12th 2005 in a peal of 19440 Spliced Treble only requirement to generate a true extent is that each working bell pivots 6 times at the lead end and 6 times Dodging Minor in no fewer than 729 methods – astonishingly, rung after at the half lead and that each time this happens, a a day’s work. specific work of the same group is rung. A large proportion of peals of Minor rung in large numbers of methods Because there is no lead end change of over work and achieve a high count by ringing sets of methods which only differ by the no half lead change of under work, the work when the places made at lead end and half lead. Not so the 729 method peal in treble is in 3-4 is constant throughout an extent – either which all the ‘grids’ are different (the ‘grid’ being defined by the place 2nds is made, 5ths is made, or wrong place 5ths and notations excluding the lead end and half lead). David Pipe’s article gives then 2nds are made. There are 18 ‘legitimate’ above and more technical background to the concepts used in these compositions. below works for the methods where 2nds or 5ths is made when the treble is in 3-4 and 9 when wrong place It’s interesting to consider how this band has come together and why 5ths then 2nds are made. Combining all above and they are such an effective team. The conductor Andrew Tibbetts was below works for each of these gives 18*18+18*18+9*9 introduced to ringing Minor on handbells by his father and Bernard = 324+324+81 = 729 methods. Taylor, before going up to university where he met Philip Earis. These The secret is to do it by observation rather than two rang many peals of Minor with Jon Hetherington and Robert learning a random sequence of 60 over and under works. Johnson among others, but it was only after Philip met David Pipe at a If one can spot which bell is going to make 5ths at the dinner just over a year ago that the three started ringing together and with following half lead or 2nds at the following lead end, such effect. then this will determine the group of the method to be Clearly all three are supremely talented, and equally clearly Andrew’s rung, so one associates an over and under group with each working bell and conducts accordingly. One can phenomenal conducting is a major factor in their success. However, the use the same basic composition throughout a peal but band is much more than that. Philip’s boundless enthusiasm and energy generate hundreds of different methods by varying (he was once described as a puppy on Red Bull) is vital, and David’s which work within a group is used in each extent. determination and professionalism completes the jigsaw. Together they Simple enough in theory, but much more difficult in are a remarkable unit. Their next project is already in the planning stages. practice, and to date only one person has conducted Prepare to be astonished yet again. Robin O. Hall peals on this plan. David J. Pipe Page 4 FORTHCOMING EVENTS

UK05 TOUR AND COUNTRY MEETING 2005 368th ANNIVERSARY DINNER The Society has visited many countries on ringing tours in The Anniversary Dinner will once again be held at the recent years - Canada, the United States, Australia, New Thistle Tower Hotel (close to Tower Bridge) on Saturday Zealand - and has enjoyed the hospitality of local 5th November. members. This year it is the turn of the UK members to The general view was that last year’s Dinner was a play host. great success and that the food and drink were of excellent The UK05 tour will be attended by between 20 and 30 quality. We have taken steps to avoid a repeat of the poor members normally resident outside the Society’s home service and congestion at the bar before the Dinner, country. The two weeks either side of the Country including a second bar (serving real ale only) and a wine Meeting weekend (late August bank holiday) will see the pre-ordering facility. touring party first exploring the south of England from a The date of course falls on the exact 400th anniversary Reading base, including attending the Society’s Tuesday of the Gunpowder Plot, and we are planning some night practice at St Paul’s. The base will then shift to fireworks of our own to mark the occasion. Continuing Nottingham, taking in the Midlands and of course the with this year’s Southwark theme (see pages 10-11) Canon Country Meeting itself. The last part of the tour will be Andrew Nunn, the Sub-Dean of Southwark, has agreed to based in York, including a trip to Edinburgh and ringing at be our principal guest speaker. York Minster. As last year, the seating plan will consist of round The Master is co-ordinating the arrangements, with tables of 10. Members are invited to make up their own assistance from local members organising particular days tables and to encourage “occasional” and prospective new or just supporting the ringing. We hope that as many members to join them. members as possible will participate when the visitors are in their area. There will be general ringing, quarters, peals, Accommodation at the Thistle Tower and other hotels social events and a chance to provide support and in the area is available at competitive prices through opportunity for Society members who do not have as much Reservations 2000 (see below for details). access to ringing as those of us who live in the UK. The Country Meeting weekend will involve the usual PEAL WEEKEND mix of peal attempts, golf, general ringing, Business Chris Kippin writes: Meeting and dinner, this year at the Park Plaza Hotel in As the Master will be busy organising the UK05 tour and Nottingham. Accommodation is at a premium (the event the Senior Steward will be similarly occupied arranging clashes with the Ashes test match at Trent Bridge), but the Society's presence at the Ringing World Roadshow, I Reservations 2000 (see below) have block booked a have agreed to co-ordinate this year's peal day. In an number of hotel rooms for the use of Members. effort to involve more members, I am trying to arrange a The full UK05 programme and details of the Country peal attempt in every English county, as well as in Wales, Meeting are on the Society's website. Please contact the Scotland and overseas. The logistics of this are Master if you would like to be involved. interesting, given the distribution of our membership, and will require a lot of co-operation. So far we have an organiser for almost all the areas OUT OF TOWN PRACTICE involved and I am very grateful to those members who In recent years we have started holding one of our Tuesday have agreed to do this, particularly those who volunteered night practices outside our usual area of the City of before being asked! I am in the process of sending lists London and Southwark. of local members to the organisers to help them find We are intending to hold another Out of Town Practice potential bands. this year, on 27 September at Guildford Cathedral. Please If you would like to take part in a Society peal that day come and join us if you can. - the 'day' usually expands to a weekend including the Friday evening and Sunday - and you haven't yet been approached by your local organiser, please get in touch ACCOMMODATION FOR SOCIETY EVENTS with me on [email protected] or phone We have arranged special accommodation rates for the me 01256 381308 or at and I will make your interest Country Meeting and the Anniversary Dinner with known. Reservations 2000, a company run by Janet Hill, daughter This is a good opportunity for members to take part in of Society member Trevor Bailey. For details please a Society activity and to promote the Society. I do hope contact Reservations 2000 on 020 8547 0601, quoting the members will support it enthusiastically. Society, or obtain an online booking form by e-mail from I am still short of an organiser for Derbyshire - any [email protected] or the Society’s Web Site. offers?

Page 5 THE 194 PEALS RUNG IN 2004/2005 Information compiled by Philip Saddleton, Peal Recorder

Date Tower Method Cond Date Tower Method Cond 12/11/03 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Stedman Cinques SAC 21/5/04 (H) Coventry, 12 Cecily Road TD Minor (7m) AJWT 15/11/03 Sevenoaks, Kent, S Nicholas Spliced S Major (8m) JBK 22/5/04 Banbury, Oxon, S Mary London No.3 S Royal JC 19/11/03 S Sepulchre without Newgate Bristol S Maximus AJG 22/5/04 Amersham, Bucks, S Mary Cambridge S Maximus JBK 19/11/03 (H) S Michael, Cornhill (Chancel) Stedman Cinques JRJ 29/5/04 Lincoln Cathedral Stedman Cinques ROH 20/11/03 St David's Cathedral Cambridge S Royal JC 29/5/04 Glasgow Cathedral Stedman Caters DPH 22/11/03 S Giles, Cripplegate Cambridge S Maximus MJU 30/5/04 Escrick, N Yorks, S Helen Palgrave All. Maximus DJP 22/11/03 Bristol Cathedral Bristol S Major MJH 30/5/04 Whitehaven, Cumb, S James Zanussi S Maximus JSW 24/11/03 Sutton cum Lound, S Bartholomew Lincolnshire S Major CPT 30/5/04 Edinburgh, Loth, S Cuthbert Bristol S Royal MJH 29/11/03 Malvern Link, Worcs, S Matthias Stedman Caters BHT 31/5/04 Wakefield Cathedral Bristol S Maximus DGH 29/11/03 East Grinstead, W Suss, S Swithun Bristol S Maximus JC 31/5/04 Carlisle Cathedral Stedman Cinques PNM 29/11/03 South Croydon, Surrey, S Peter Spliced Maximus (6m) JSW 5/6/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Spliced Maximus (5m) JNH-D 6/12/03 S Sepulchre without Newgate Spliced Maximus (6m) JNH-D 9/6/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques PABS 7/12/03 Walworth, Surrey, S Peter Spliced S Major (21m) AJG 12/6/04 Evesham, All SS & S Laurence Grandsire Caters ACB 13/12/03 Leeds, W Yorks, S Peter Bristol S Maximus JSW 12/6/04 Wolverhampton, S Peter Cambridge S Maximus TPE 19/12/03 Willesden, Middx, S Mary Spliced S Major (23m) SJLL 13/6/04 Ballymena, Antrim, S Patrick Bristol S Maximus DGH 20/12/03 Ambleside, SS Mary the Virgin & Anne Lincolnshire S Major PDH 13/6/04 Birmingham, S Martin Stedman Septuples PNM 26/12/03 Manchester, the Town Hall Ariel S Maximus JSW 16/6/04 Walkden, Lancs, S Paul Grandsire Triples GRB 27/12/03 Bishop's Stortford, Herts, S Michael Grandsire Caters AMB 19/6/04 Wandsworth, Surrey, the Holy Trinity Spliced S Major (4m) IJA 28/12/03 S Lawrence, Jewry Spliced S Major (8m) AJG 19/6/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Stedman Cinques PNM 28/12/03 Birmingham, S Martin Stedman Septuples RWP 23/6/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques PNM 29/12/03 Oxford, S Thomas the Martyr London No.3 S Royal JC 23/6/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Spliced TD Minor (147m) AJWT 29/12/03 Oxford, S Mary Magdalen Cambridge S Royal AWRW 3/7/04 Newport, IoW, S Thomas the Apostle Cambridge S Maximus NB 30/12/03 Great Tew, Oxon, S Michael & AA Spliced S Major (8m) RIA 3/7/04 Lancaster, Priory of S Mary Bristol S Major JB 1/1/04 S Paul's Cathedral Bristol S Maximus SJLL 4/7/04 Carisbrooke, IoW, S Mary Goldsborough S Royal JHF 2/1/04 York, S Laurence Cumberland Row D Major DGH 14/7/04 Armitage, Staffs, the Campanile Stedman Triples DJP 3/1/04 Hoar Cross, Staffs, the Holy Angels Surprise Minor (7m) PDH 14/7/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques DCB 11/1/04 Shoreditch, Middx, S Leonard Spliced S Major (101m) SJLL 15/7/04 Escrick, N Yorks, S Helen Cambridge S Maximus ND 16/1/04 Dundee, Tays, S Mary Cornwall S Major MJC 16/7/04 Northallerton, N Yorks, All Saints London No.3 S Royal DJB 16/1/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Spliced S Minor (41m) AJWT 16/7/04 York, S Wilfrid Stedman Caters CHR 17/1/04 Aberdeen Cathedral Spliced S Major (8m) RL 16/7/04 York, S Martin le Grand Double Norwich CB Major ACM 17/1/04 Aberdeen, S Mary of the Assumption Yorkshire S Major RL 24/7/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Spliced Maximus (6m) DJP 18/1/04 Edinburgh, Loth, S Cuthbert Spliced S Royal (4m) MJC 31/7/04 Dublin, S Patrick Bristol S Maximus JSW 19/1/04 Stirling, Cent, the Holy Rood Minor (7m) CJB 4/8/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques PNM 22/1/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques JNH-D 7/8/04 Worcester Cathedral Stedman Cinques MWJR 24/1/04 Worcester Cathedral Stedman Cinques DEH 10/8/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Spliced TD Minor (258m) AJWT 26/1/04 (H) S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside London S Major Silent 18/8/04 (H) Twickenham, Middx, 19 Court Way Cambridge S Minor DCB 27/1/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary London No.3 S Royal CJD 21/8/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Spliced Maximus (6m) JSW 1/2/04 Walworth, Surrey, S Peter Spliced S Major (23m) AJG 27/8/04 (H) Birmingham, Flat 20, 66 Newhall St Doubles (6m/15v) SMA 3/2/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary London No.3 S Royal RL 28/8/04 Monks Kirby, Warks, S Edith Brickyard Cottage S Major JSW 7/2/04 Easton Neston, Northants, S Mary Spliced S Major (4m) RIA 28/8/04 Solihull, W Mids, S Alphege Yorkshire S Maximus JB 11/2/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques DCB 28/8/04 Moulton, Northants, SS Peter and Paul Stedman Cinques PNM 14/2/04 Tewkesbury, Glos, Abbey Spliced S Major (8m) BHT 28/8/04 Leicester, S Margaret Cambridge S Maximus AJG 18/2/04 Wrington, Som, All Saints Stedman Caters ASB 29/8/04 (H) Birmingham, S Martin (Belfry) Spliced TD Minor (17m) AJWT 21/2/04 Northallerton, N Yorks, All Saints Cambridge S Royal PR 29/8/04 Birmingham, S Martin Stedman Septuples RWP 21/2/04 Bermondsey, Surrey, S James Spliced S Major (18m) IJA 29/8/04 Aston, W Mids, SS Peter and Paul Bristol S Maximus ROH 28/2/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary Stedman Caters SAC 29/8/04 Lockington, Leics, S Nicholas Yorkshire S Maximus MAC 29/2/04 Birmingham, S Martin Phobos S Maximus SJLL 30/8/04 Melbourne, Derbys, SS Michael & Mary Cambridge S Maximus MJH 29/2/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Spliced S Maximus (4m) RIA 30/8/04 Stourbridge, W Mids, S Thomas Bristol S Maximus RIA 2/3/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary Spliced S Royal (14m) RL 30/8/04 Tamworth, Staffs, S Editha Spliced S Royal (4m) PNM 6/3/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Spliced Maximus (6m) JNH-D 30/8/04 Worcester, All Saints Stedman Cinques JSW 6/3/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Stedman Cinques PNM 31/8/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St TD Minor (21m) AJWT 13/3/04 Wells Cathedral London No.3 S Royal DPH 1/9/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Grandsire Doubles PNM 17/3/04 Dublin, Christ Church Stedman Cinques ASB 4/9/04 Oxford Cathedral Spliced Maximus (6m) JNH-D 20/3/04 Hurstbourne Priors, Hants, S Andrew Stedman Triples ROH 4/9/04 Rothwell, Northants, the Holy Trinity London No.3 S Royal JC 20/3/04 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Spliced Maximus (6m) JSW 5/9/04 Carisbrooke, IoW, S Mary Spliced S Royal (8m) RL 3/4/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Spliced Maximus (7m) JNH-D 7/9/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary Bristol S Royal RL 4/4/04 Walworth, Surrey, S Peter Spliced S Major (23m) SJLL 7/9/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St TD Minor (30m) AJWT 12/4/04 Bristol, S Mary the Virgin, Redcliffe Bristol S Maximus JC 11/9/04 Kensington, Middx, S Mary Abbots London No.3 S Royal RIA 12/4/04 Mancetter, Warks, S Peter Doubles (4m/3v) SMA 18/9/04 Truro Cathedral Yorkshire S Royal PCR 13/4/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Minor (21m) AJWT 18/9/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Cambridge S Maximus JMT 14/4/04 Carshalton, Surrey, All Saints Superlative S Major JWH 18/9/04 Port Sunlight, Mers, Christ Church Spliced S Major (6m) PDH 15/4/04 Leicester, S Mary-de-Castro Stedman Triples JP 18/9/04 S Michael, Cornhill Stedman Cinques MJU 17/4/04 Willesden, Middx, S Mary Spliced S Major (23m) IJA 18/9/04 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Stedman Cinques DJB 18/4/04 Birmingham, S Martin Spliced S Fourteen (4m) SJLL 18/9/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary Yorkshire S Royal RL 24/4/04 S Lawrence, Jewry Spliced S Major (8m) AJG 18/9/04 Withycombe Raleigh, S John Evan Ironbridge S Royal MECM 24/4/04 S Paul's Cathedral Stedman Cinques JAA 19/9/04 St Buryan, Corn, S Buriana Spliced S Minor (14m) BHT 27/4/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Spliced TD Minor (70m) AJWT 19/9/04 Zennor, Corn, S Senara the Virgin Minor (6m) PCR 28/4/04 Llandaff Cathedral Cambridge S Maximus JC 19/9/04 (H) Marazion, Corn, Glenleigh Hotel Yorkshire S Major PCR 1/5/04 Bristol Cathedral Bristol S Major RCK 19/9/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Spliced S Major (23m) JNH-D 2/5/04 Shoreditch, Middx, S Leonard Bristol S Maximus NJB 19/9/04 Swindon, Wilts, S Mark Mudgley S Major WB 2/5/04 Clun, Salop, S George Bristol S Royal BHT 21/9/04 St Kea, Corn, All Hallows London S Major JAA 3/5/04 Brecon Cathedral Stedman Caters DPH 25/9/04 Saffron Walden, Ess, S Mary the Virgin Spliced Maximus (6m) DEH 4/5/04 (H) Westminster Abbey Stedman Cinques DCB 25/9/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Cambridge S Maximus BHT 4/5/04 Alloa, Clack, S John Evan. Bristol S Major JMJ 25/9/04 Manchester Cathedral Bristol S Royal CJP 5/5/04 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Stedman Cinques SAC 28/9/04 Purbrook, Hants, S John the Baptist Surprise Minor (8m) RL 6/5/04 Haddington, E Loth, S Mary Stedman Triples CFM 28/9/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St TD Minor (17m) AJWT 7/5/04 Paisley, Strath, S James Cambridge S Major RIA 1/10/04 (H) Coventry, 12 Cecily Road TD Minor (8m) AJWT 8/5/04 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Stedman Cinques PNM 2/10/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Stedman Cinques DJB 13/5/04 Lockington, Leics, S Nicholas Bristol S Maximus JC 2/10/04 Croydon, Surrey, S John the Baptist Yorkshire S Royal DRL 15/5/04 Drayton, Norf, S Margaret Surprise Minor (7m) AMB 2/10/04 Ballymena, Antrim, S Patrick Spliced Maximus (6m) DEH 15/5/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Stedman Cinques DJP 2/10/04 (H) Coventry, 12 Cecily Road TD Minor (70m) AJWT 15/5/04 Hanslope, Bucks, S James the Great Spliced S Major (8m) PNM 3/10/04 Preston, Lancs, S John the Evangelist Cambridge S Maximus DGH 18/5/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St TD Minor (28m) AJWT 3/10/04 Walworth, Surrey, S Peter Spliced S Major (23m) AJG 19/5/04 Abergavenny, Monm, S Mary Stedman Caters ASB 9/10/04 Market Drayton, Salop, S Mary Shoesmith Hall S Major DGH 20/5/04 Brecon Cathedral Cambridge S Royal JC 9/10/04 Grantham, Lincs, S Wulfram Spliced S Royal (4m) JNH-D Page 6 Date Tower Method Cond Date Tower Method Cond 10/10/04 Birmingham, S Martin Spliced Sixteen (3m) JSW 5/11/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Cambridge S Maximus DER 10/10/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Cambridge S Maximus AWRW 5/11/04 S Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside Stedman Cinques SWP 16/10/04 Newport, Gwent, Cathedral Bristol S Maximus JC 6/11/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Stedman Cinques DJB 16/10/04 Newbury, Berks, S Nicholas Cambridge S Royal BFLG 6/11/04 Croydon, Surrey, S John the Baptist Yorkshire S Maximus FRS 19/10/04 Bishopstoke, Hants, S Mary Nova Delight Royal RL 6/11/04 Oxford, S Thomas the Martyr Spliced S Major (8m) CJP 19/10/04 (H) Twickenham, 19 Court Way Grandsire Triples SJFM 6/11/04 Twickenham, Middx, All Hallows Bristol S Royal RL 23/10/04 Towcester, Northants, S Lawrence Stedman Cinques DEH 6/11/04 South Croydon, Surrey, S Peter Bristol S Maximus DGH 23/10/04 Bristol, S Stephen the Martyr Miele S Maximus SAC 6/11/04 Southwark Cathedral Bristol S Maximus PJS 27/10/04 (H) Cornhill Vestry Stedman Cinques DJS 6/11/04 (H) S Olave, Hart St Plain Bob Major BHT 30/10/04 S Sepulchre without Newgate Spliced Maximus (12m) JNH-D 6/11/04 Wandsworth, Surrey, the Holy Trinity Bristol S Major TMP 1/11/04 (H) Cambridge, 12 Victoria St Spliced TD Minor (317m) AJWT 7/11/04 Reading, Berks, S Laurence Spl. Cinques & Max (2m) JSW 5/11/04 S Giles, Cripplegate Bristol S Maximus SAC 9/11/04 Aston Clinton, Bucks, S Michael & AA London No.3 S Royal JHF

Peals rung at 109 Towers, led by: Year to November: London, St Sepulchre without Newgate 8 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 Bishopstoke, Hants, St Mary 7 Sixteen 1 6 2 1 1 London, St Giles, Cripplegate 7 Septuples 3 1 Towcester, Northants, St Lawrence 7 Fourteen 1 1 Birmingham, St Martin 6 Sextuples 1 London, St Mary le Bow 6 Maximus 50 67 57 37 28 16 16 20 27 30 Ten handbell peals were rung at 12 Victoria St, Cambridge, Cinques & Max 1 1 2 1 and eight in Cornhill Vestry. Cinques 20 25 22 14 15 12 10 10 9 18 Royal 30 28 29 23 25 12 10 12 16 15 355 Members took part, led by: Caters & Royal 1 1 Caters 9 9 12 14 20 11 5 10 7 7 Total Tower Hand Major 37 43 52 50 27 21 13 19 31 19 Rung Cond Rung Cond Rung Cond Triples 5 4 7 8 9 6 4 2 9 5 35 11 27 8 8 3 Paul N Mounsey Minor 6 8 5 6 5 3 3 4 7 32 4 32 4 David J Baverstock Doubles 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 31 10 31 10 James Clatworthy Total Tower 164 193 188 156 130 84 61 74 104 106 28 7 28 7 Andrew J Graham 27 27 David J Dearnley Sixteen 1 26 6 26 6 Simon J L Linford Fourteen 1 1 25 11 14 Philip J Earis Maximus 2 1 5 6 1 1 25 25 Stephanie J Warboys Cinques 9 12 7 9 9 11 15 14 8 2 25 25 Victoria J M Halliwell Royal 3 4 1 25 2 25 2 Andrew W R Wilby Caters 3 3 2 1 2 3 2 2 3 24 24 Eleanor J Linford Major 3324 1 12 24 21 3 Paul L Carless Triples 1 1 1 24 24 Alan D Flood Minor 15 1 1 23 1 23 1 John M Thurman Doubles 2 1 22 1 22 1 Philip Rogers Total Hand 30 24 18 19 15 20 20 18 13 6 21 4 7 4 14 David J Pipe 21 3 21 3 Robin O Hall Total 194 217 206 175 145 104 81 92 117 112 21 21 Gwen Rogers 21 21 Peter L Furniss

21 11 21 11 John S Warboys 20 1 20 1 Tudor P Edwards 20 1 20 1 Nigel J Bailey Philip Earis rang the most changes in the year (259,156) followed by David Pipe 20 20 Susan L Apter (238,858) and Andrew Tibbetts (203,440). MEMBERSHIP PROPOSALS Society. Failing this, support for the candidate from other members in the local area will be helpful. Candidates and We welcome proposals for new members, either in person their sponsors are encouraged to be present at their at a Business Meeting or by letter or e-mail to the election meeting if possible, but we recognise that Secretary. Proposals should be accompanied by the full distance will rule this out in some cases. postal address (including post code) of the candidate. Every new member is entitled to receive a copy of the The Rules state that candidates should be over the age Society’s History on his (or her) election. To mark the of 14, not members of the Cumberlands, have rung at publication of a new edition of the History (see page 3) least a quarter peal in a standard method and be “suitable the membership fee is to be increased from £25 to £30 for st persons who will uphold the traditions and standards of all candidates elected after 1 July 2005. the Society”. In practice potential members will usually have achieved much more than this, since membership of RINGING ROADSHOW 2005 the Society is rightly seen as a privilege accorded only to ringers who have reached an excellent standard or who In a new initiative, the Society will be represented at the otherwise command respect in their local area. Phil’s Ringing Roadshow at Newbury on Saturday 10th excellent article on page 9 of last year’s Newsletter September. Details are still being finalised, but the plan provides more details of what is expected. is for our stand to display some of the Society's property and records, present the Society's rich history It is always useful to have advance notice of and generally to act as a showcase for the Society to a membership proposals, so that further enquiries can be wider audience. The stand will also provide a focus for made if necessary. Ideally at least one of the sponsors Members attending the Roadshow, so if you are there should be a long-standing and active member of the please come by and see us. Page 7 NEW MEMBERS

The following were elected and welcomed as new Members in the year to November 2004:

Christopher Jarman of Wellington, New Zealand Wendy Bishop of Swindon William P Nash of Ilmington, Warwicks Adam R Crocker of St Albans Martin J Cansdale of Abbey Wood, London Peter Thorn of Great Hinton, Wilts John A Cater of Sutton on the Hill, Derbys Ian J Carey of Fareham, Hants Karen Lebon of Benenden, Kent Benjamin J Carey of Fareham, Hants Susan J Rothera of Chelmsford Andrew P Digby of Exeter David R Forsythe of Walkden, Lancs Clare L Stagg of Plymouth David A C Matthews of Tytherington, Glos Simon J Reading of Sheffield Richard A Horne of Dunstable, Beds Judith M Reading of Sheffield Robin Shipp of Redcliffe, Bristol Alan G Reading of Sheffield Mark R Eccleston of Birmingham Geoffrey C Hill of Lamerton, Devon Norman R Mattingley of Truro Susan E Sparling of Neston, Cheshire Catherine E Hughes-D’Aeth of St Albans Alan J McBurnie of Hollesley, Suffolk Alison L Edmonds of York John D Keates of Haddenham, Bucks Ian M Staves of Northallerton Matthew J Jones of Denton, Manchester Edward P D Colliss of Botley, Hants Christine Broadley of Mottram-in-Longdendale

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OBITUARY

The following are the Members to whom tribute was paid at Society Business Meetings in the year to November 2004:

Christopher C Clarke of Deddington, Oxon, elected 1965 William J Hall of Burton-on-Trent, elected 1992 David W Beard of Elloughton, Yorks, elected 1948 Peter Rock of Low Worsall, N Yorks, elected 1959 John McDonald of Birmingham, elected 1960 Rev Robert Southwood of Newton Abbot, elected 1988 William J Root of Birstall, Leics, elected 1974 Stephen Rich of York, elected 1986 Patrick I Chapman of Daventry, elected 1954 Vernon J Benning of Knockholt, elected 1943 A Hubert Eplett of Newquay, Cornwall, elected 1955 William E Court of Mold, elected 1948 Victor Savage of Paulton, Som, elected 1948 Richard C Stevens of Roche, Cornwall, elected 1962 Michael V Powell of Hereford, elected 1971 Colin H Ward of Kapoi, New Zealand, elected 1985 John F Goodall of Bishops Stortford, elected 1949 Gordon Benfield OBE of Little Downham, elected 1961 Stewart F W Kimber of Beddington, elected 1954 Geoffrey J Gammon of Gosport, Hants, elected 1952 Clive G Bryant of Stowey, Som, elected 1966 Cyril A Wratten of Cheltenham, elected 1955 Michael R Thomas of Cowbridge, elected 1965

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MILESTONES

We congratulate the following Members who celebrated 50 years’ membership in 2004:

Clifford A Barron Bernard Ongley J Richard Castledine Raymond I F Parsons Albert H Hinton F Eric Roberts Derek Jewell Gwilym G Salmon Stewart F W Kimber John Waters

Sadly Stewart Kimber died during 2004.

Congratulations also to Harold V Frost who achieved the even greater distinction of 70 years’ Membership.

We were very pleased that Bernard Ongley and Eric Roberts were able to attend the 367th Anniversary Dinner last November. Other Members present with over 50 years’ membership included John Gipson (57), Michael Chilcott (56), Brian Threlfall (55), Philip Hudson (54), David Kingston (53), Jim Phillips (52), Chris Johnson (51), Basil Jones (51) and Ian Taylor (51).

Page 8 and she seems to have been the first lady ONE OF THE NINE member. It was not until nearly ten years Chris Pickford explores the biography and ringing career of an Edwardian later that she rang her first peal, and the lady member of the Society distinction of being the first woman to ring a peal for the Association went instead to Miss K.C. Thatcher of Clent – whose sister was also a ringer – in December 1905. Mabel rang her first peal – Grandsire Triples – at Oldswinford on 18 February 1907. By the end of 1909 she had rung in 11 peals for the Association, one of these being the peal of Minor in 7 methods on 21 December 1909 commemorated on a peal board in the tower. The board states, “This is the first PEAL in seven methods in which a LADY has taken part”. Martin Fellows recalls that Jack Bass, a member of the 1909 Wollaston peal band, spoke of Mabel as a capable ringer, adding that “you had to watch your mouth” – no bad th language! – when she was around. The wedding of Rebecca Mabel Gilbanks and William Robinson on 27 Jan, 1910. In fact, the peal of minor in seven The name Gilbanks has been familiar to me for ten years or methods was, perhaps, not her most noteworthy performance. so, since Heather first introduced me to her younger brother All her peals were on an inside bell, and they included Phil who lives in Gilbanks Road at Wollaston, near Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Bob Major, Grandsire Stourbridge. Imagine my surprise, therefore, on coming Caters and – in October 1909 – Stedman Caters. Her peals across the name of Miss R.F. Mabel Gilbanks of Wollaston were rung at Wollaston, Oldswinford, Selly Oak, the when indexing the College Youths’ membership records. “pepper-pot” at Tipton, Dudley “Top Church”, Chaddesley Since we now live in the area and ring regularly at Wollaston, Corbett and Brierley Hill. it seemed appropriate to try and find out a bit more about one of the Society’s early lady members. She is not known to have taken part in any more peals after Rebecca Frances Mabel Gilbanks – to give her full name - 1909. On 27 January 1910 she married William Robinson, was the fourth of the nine women elected to membership of the secretary to an insurance company in London and a man the Society between 1891 and 1919. She joined the Society in 13 years her elder. She doubtless moved to London, but 1907. Unfortunately there are no clues to indicate how she whether she continued to ring under her new name of Mabel came to be proposed for membership, as the minutes for 1907 Robinson I do not know. are missing. The only other local member at the time was Despite her obvious ability, she doesn’t feature in either Emanuel H. Evans of Stourbridge, elected in 1905. Morris’s History & Art or in the recent history of the Ladies Mabel was the daughter of the Rev. George Gilbanks, the Guild. Maybe this is because she drifted away from ringing first Vicar of Wollaston, who held the living from the after an initial spate of enthusiasm when she was in her opening of the church in 1860 until his death in 1913. She thirties. At least we can now see that she was a notable figure was the seventh of the Vicar’s eight children, born in 1869. in her day, and clearly a lady we should be proud to The family hailed from Lamplugh in Cumberland and in remember as a former member of our Society. 1901 Mabel was staying with her relatives at Holme Cultram Acknowledgments: I am (or Abbey Town) in that county where her uncle was vicar grateful to a number of and her elder brother George – later Vicar of Ratby and people who have helped Groby in Leicestershire – was curate. Another brother was with the preparation of Rector of Great Orton. this article, and especially to W. Stewart Wollaston is a suburb of Stourbridge, right on the western Gibson (Peal Secretary, edge of the Black Country and the Midlands conurbation. Worcestershire and Open countryside lies to the west. It still likes to think of Districts Association) itself as a village, and the church and former school – striking who kindly extracted a Victorian buildings in blue engineering brick with stone great deal of information dressings – are at the centre of the community. The six bells from the Association (by Warners) were installed in 1865 and from the 1880s the records for me. Martin tower was home to a strong and active local band. To quote a Fellows, David Beacham recent history of the parish, “Bells are no use without people and Pat Burrage to ring them, and Wollaston has benefited from generations (Wollaston History of dedicated ringers”. Group) also provided information and helped to It was with this band that Mabel learned her ringing. She complete the story. Wollaston Church (in the 1860s). joined the Worcestershire & Districts Association in 1898, Page 9 SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL - THE JIM PRIOR BELL by Michael Uphill Although not officially a Society tower, the Society has enjoyed a continuous connection with the bells of Southwark since its formation in 1637. The first “long length” of which we have any account was when, on November 18th 1684, the Society rang, on the six largest bells of the old octave, three 720s – Oxford TB, College Single and Oxford Bob. This was the first time that so many changes had been rung “without stopping”. Six members of the Society repeated the performance (in period dress) at a great celebration 300 years later. Inspired by that success, Mark Regan sought permission to attempt a peal on the back six and Cambridge Minor was successfully rung, by the Society, on 25th April 1987. This is just one of the Society’s many accomplishments at Southwark over the years. Others include: • The first peal on the old 8 bells – Bob Triples, conducted by Benjamin Annable in 1730. • The opening of the new 12 in 1735. • The first peal on the 12, also in 1735 – 8008 Grandsire Cinques, which stood as a record for more than 200 years. • The first peal of Treble Bob Maximus in 1758. • 7008 “Tripple Bob 12-in” in 1784. • Peals of Superlative and Cambridge on the back eight, to both of which Henry R Newton rang the tenor in 1904 and 1924 respectively.

One of the Society’s most famous performances at regular peal ringing was possible. Of the first 100 12-bell Southwark was the “incorrect” peal of 12675 Stedman peals rung in London after the war, about 80 were at Cinques rung on Whit Monday 1923, which was later found Southwark. to be false. The bells were then on plain bearings and even The Society no longer has the lion’s share, but still more difficult to ring than they are now! 75 years later, on th receives at least one invitation each year to attempt a peal at May 25 1998, 12 members rang a true version (composed the Cathedral. This year’s will be arranged by the Master on and conducted by Paul Mounsey) to put the record straight 1st October, in conjunction with Mike Chilcott’s “Friends of and to honour the memory of those who had achieved the the Elderly” Centenary Peal Day. original feat. The Provost (now Dean) dubbed it “The Big Ring” and used it to raise £9,500 in sponsorship for the This year also sees the centenary of the Diocese of Southwark and the inauguration of St. Saviour’s as its Cathedral’s Education Centre. Over 200 ringers visited the th Cathedral during the day to listen to the ringing and enjoy the Cathedral. To mark these anniversaries and also the 125 refreshments that were on offer. One of those who came was anniversary of the Surrey Association, which covers most of the Diocese of Southwark, a celebration has been planned on the late Frank Darby, then 92, who had similarly listened to th the original “peal”. Members helped him to get his car Saturday 14 May, in which the Society has been invited to started as he left! participate in recognition of its long-standing links with Southwark. The occasion will include the dedication of the From 1839 until 1894 the Society’s Headquarters was at Jim Prior Bell – a new sharp second which will give the the King’s Head in Winchester Street, within sight of the Cathedral a light octave for occasional use. Cathedral. Charles Dickens attended a Society practice at Southwark and a meeting at the King’s Head, the account of Jim is remembered with great affection by all who were which was published in his magazine “All the Year Round” connected with the Society up to the time of his death in of February 27th 1869 and has been reproduced several times 1994. He served the Society twice as Master (1951/2 and in the “Ringing World”. An extract appears in Nigel 1959/60), as Hon. Secretary for 17 years from 1965-1982 and Pointer’s excellent book “The Bells of Southwark”, which as a respected elder statesman thereafter. was published on the occasion of the “Big Ring” referred to Jim had been connected with Southwark through various above. strands of his ringing life, particularly that post-war period During the period after the Second World War, when when so much of London’s 12-bell ringing was centred there ringing was being re-established, Southwark played a major (and, indeed, pre-war when, at one time, he was the youngest role in the peal-ringing life of the Society, and indeed of all to have rung Southwark tenor to a peal). After his retirement London’s 12-bell ringers. After the bells were rehung in from the office of Secretary, he joined the Southwark band 1947 (having been lowered to the Cathedral floor as a and remained a member until his death. On occasions when precaution during the bombing raids that destroyed so many it was necessary to ring the “front” eight, Jim would of our City towers), monthly peal attempts were allowed of comment on how terrible they sounded with the “flat” which the Society arranged six each year. For a time, with second. Cripplegate and Bow bells destroyed and all the other 12s Following his death, the Southwark ringers discussed the (including St Martin’s and Shoreditch) in need of attention in idea of installing a sharp second in his memory. The one way or another, Southwark was the only twelve where Cathedral’s approaching centenary acted as a spur to getting Page 10 the scheme off the ground and thoughts turned towards fund- Past Masters of the Society will ring the dedication touch. raising. Hilary Small came up with the idea of The Society’s senior Past Master, John Chilcott, who commissioning a local artist to produce a new painting of the conducted peals for both the Golden Jubilee and the 75th Cathedral to be used for the production of a limited edition anniversary of the Diocese, accepted an invitation to call this print. Sales of the prints to date have raised almost half of touch some time ago and has confirmed that, despite his the cost. Copies are still available! The Society has recent illness, he still intends to do so and thus complete a contributed £1000, received with much gratitude. To date, 30 unique “treble”. Others will then be invited to ring in further of Jim’s fellow Past Masters have supported the project, as touches. The service will be followed by a buffet reception have many other members of the Society. The Southwark in the Cathedral Refectory and adjacent Millennium ringers are indeed grateful for this support. Courtyard. The Jim Prior bell will be dedicated at a service of Choral Southwark ringers hope to welcome many Past Masters, Evensong on 14th May. Prebendary Brooke Lunn, a Past members of the Society and members of Jim Prior’s family in Master of the Society, will give the address and the Dean will and around the Cathedral on 14th May. dedicate the bell. At the conclusion of the service, senior

FROM THE LIBRARY by Jim Phillips Many ringers over the years have kept peal books or diaries, provided that a competent umpire be in the tower. Mr Barden but there is none more fascinating than the peal diary of J R disagreed with the proposition as also did Mr Hewitt. Messrs Haworth, elected Master of the Society in 1851. Number 48 J E Davis and Garrard supported the proposition. 10 voted in his records is headed College Youths Society and is quoted for and 2 against.” verbatim: The entry in the CY peal book reads: “On Saturday June “On Easter Monday, April 5, 1858 a peal of Steadmen 3rd 1922 in Three hours and twenty four minutes at the Cinques, consisting of 8551 changes, was attempted at St Cathedral Church of St Mary a peal of Kent Treble Bob Saviours Southwark. But after ringing 6 hours 10 minutes, Minor. 5040 changes on Seage’s apparatus. Performers John the person bringing the candles caused the party to get out. Holman Treble, Robert J G Thom 2, Thomas O’Hara 3, Nearly 8000 changes was rung. It was to beat the 8448 Edwin Astley 4, Albert E Wreaks 5, Joseph E Sykes 6, Steadman Cinques rung at Painswick. It was done (in 1861) Walter N Ashby 7, Noel North Tenor. Conductor Joseph E at St Michael’s, Cornhill (see peal 58). Tenor 52 cwt. Sykes. Umpire Charles Willingate.” Performers Treble H Haley, 2 R Jameson, 3 C Goozee, 4 G The peal appeared in the Ringing World of 9th June 1922 Dagworthy, 5 M Wood, 6 W Green, 7 J R Haworth, 8 J with the footnote: Rung with Seage’s apparatus affixed after Dwight, 9 H Wood, 10 J Bradley, 11 G Musket, Tenor J meeting short for Grandsire Triples, in honour of the birthday Horton. Conducted by H Haley.” of His Majesty King George V, and as a birthday compliment An intriguing event took place at Glasgow Cathedral on to Noel North. First peal of Minor for ringers 1-5 and first Saturday 3rd June 1922, but first we should look at the peal for 7 and 8. This was the first peal on the bells, in the minutes of the CY meeting of May 30 1922: County and of Minor in Scotland. “The Secretary read a letter from Mr J E Sykes regarding It is of interest that the ringers of 7 and 8 were elected in ringing a peal on Seage’s apparatus. The Treasurer thought the tower, the elections being ratified at a subsequent Society that a peal rung on Seage’s apparatus should be allowed if meeting. Seage’s apparatus was the mechanical equivalent of there was a competent umpire in the tower. Mr Winney today’s electronic simulator. It was operated by a device on stated that he had every confidence in Mr Sykes. Mr Horton the headstock triggering a wire running down to a ‘handbell’ stated that the Bath and Wells Association some years ago in the ringing room causing the handbell to strike. Full condemned such a peal on a ‘silent’ apparatus at Christ details including diagrams are given on page 160 of the 1982 Church, Bath. Ringing World. A Seage’s apparatus was installed at The Treasurer proposed and Mr Winney seconded that Crawley in 1880 and refurbished in 1916. A quarter of under the exceptional circumstances at Glasgow Cathedral, a Superlative was rung on the Crawley installation as recently peal on Seage’s apparatus will be recognised by the Society as 18th January 1980.

ASCY 12-BELL COMPETITION AT EVESHAM It was while I was playing golf with Ricky Shallcross that the other in each round. This provides a bit more ongoing idea for a College Youths 12 bell competition was hatched. interest, as well as making it easier to judge, with only two With so many of the bands in the National 12 Bell Contest pieces of ringing to compare each time. The target of eight being comprised largely of members of the Society, and teams was easily achieved, and with hindsight I know I could nuclei of members around the country, I thought that it would have found more. So, if the competition is repeated, we will provide the opportunity for regional or local CY bands to take have to change the format! part in a competition which could be just as high quality as 21st May should see a feast of high quality 12 bell the ‘National’, if not higher. ringing, and also a great social occasion with over 100 With the glorious bells of Evesham booked for Saturday members taking part. And of course, a Society band will 21st May, I set about recruiting bands. I wanted to try a win! knock-out format, with pairs of bands competing against each Simon Linford Page 11 PRACTICE SCHEDULE 2005 CORRESPONDENCE Practices are normally advertised in the last Ringing World Please send to the Secretary, John Hughes-D’Aeth, 9 of each month and on the Society’s Web Site. Falstaff Gardens, St Albans, Herts AL1 2AL. Tel 01727 863470. E-mail: [email protected]. Items for the May 3: P 10: B* 17:N 24:G 31:N web site should be e-mailed to the Webmaster, Dickon Jun 7: C 14: G* 21:B 28:S Love ([email protected]). Jul 5: B 12: C* 19:G 26:N Aug 2: P 9: B* 16:G 23:P 30:S ASCY ON THE WEB Sep 6: N 13: C* 20:B 27:O The Society’s website is at http://ascy.org.uk. The website Oct 4: P 11: G* 18:N 25:S gives regular updates on Society activities as well as Nov 1: P 8: B* 15:G 22:S 29:B contact details for Members, Society peals back to 1968 Dec 6: P 13: C* 20:B 27:G and much other information. Pictures of Society events

are particularly popular. B = St Mary-le-Bow N = St Sepulchre, Newgate

C = St Michael, Cornhill P = St Paul’s Cathedral SOCIETY E-MAIL NEWS SERVICE G = St Giles, Cripplegate S = Southwark Cathedral O = Out of Town, Guildford The Society maintains an e-mail news service, which is * Denotes Meeting Night free to Members. Subscription is via the web site or by The normal venue for Business Meetings and post-practice sending an e-mail request to the Secretary or the drinks (except when the practice is at Southwark) is The Webmaster. Members are encouraged to subscribe to the Counting House, 50 Cornhill, London EC3. announcement group and to provide their e-mail address for inclusion on the website list (which, following a recent SOCIETY OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS 2004/5 spam attack, has been re-configured and is now hopefully spamproof). Master Simon J L Linford

Secretary John N Hughes-D’Aeth NEWSLETTER FINANCE Treasurer Andrew N Stubbs Senior Steward Stephanie J Warboys This Newsletter is made possible by the contributions Junior Steward Robert C Kippin made by members. Total production and postage costs of Librarian A James Phillips last year’s Newsletter were £997.38 and members’ Trustees David E House contributions totalled £802. We are very grateful to the Christopher H Rogers many Members who contributed. This year’s production costs are likely to show a Peal Recorder Philip A B Saddleton considerable increase from last year, since the previous Webmaster Dickon R Love special rate for printing is no longer available (incidentally, this would have been the case even if Phil TOWER SECRETARIES had remained as Secretary!). We would therefore St Mary-le-Bow: Mark Regan, 8 Greenhill, Bath Road, particularly welcome donations from those who have Worcester, WR5 2AT. Tel 0797 1573688 chosen not to contribute in the past. We regret that it is not E-mail: [email protected] possible to acknowledge donations individually, but they St Michael’s Cornhill: Tony Kench, 75 Little Britain Apt are very much appreciated. 51, London EC1A 7BT. Tel 020 7796 2656 In order to save costs in future, it has been suggested E-mail: [email protected] that the Newsletter could be published in electronic (pdf) format to those who wish to receive it in this form St Giles Cripplegate: Gwen Rogers, 193 Lennard Road, (recognising that not all members will be willing or able to Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1QN. Tel 020 8778 6308 do so). We would welcome your thoughts on this E-mail: [email protected] suggestion and whether you would be happy to receive a St Lawrence Jewry: David Baverstock, Flat 3, St George pdf (rather than a paper) copy. in the East, Cannon Street Road, London E1 OBH. Tel 020 8980 0562 MAILING LIST E-mail: [email protected] If you know of any members who are no longer in touch St Sepulchre: Katie Town, 43 Weavers Way, Camden, with the Society, please let us know. Thanks to all those London NW1 0XF. Tel 020 7387 0810 members who have identified “lost members” and sent in E-mail: [email protected] their details.

PEAL FEES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The peal fee remains £1.50 per rope and should be forwarded to the Secretary or Treasurer within 2 months, A big thank you to those who have helped to put this together with details including composition. Advance Newsletter together, including all the contributors, Dickon notice of peals is given at Society Meetings if advised in Love (technical support), Chris Rogers for arranging time. The Society’s Peal Book, which was about 7 years printing and the envelope stuffers. Your efforts are very behind, is currently being written up to date. much appreciated.

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