The Carlisle Diocesan Guild Ringers' Newsletter

Mary Dodd - an AppreciationKerbeck Fell Ponies. Some of her final years were Issue 22 spent at this lovely spot. A final job was at the Outward Bound Mountain Summer 2012 Mary was introduced to ringing at School at Eskdale, very often staying in Eskdale Egremont Parish Church in about 1955. for the weekend. Whilst there, she joined the If you or your tower have any ringers at St Paul's Irton, where she became a items of news, photos or articles Her initial training was by Alf Eilbeck, real support in their efforts on these difficult for the next newsletter, please then the tower captain. send them by email to the Editor: . [email protected] She was an enthusiastic learner and very soon Mary was invited to join the small fund-raising joined the Sunday service band. On practice committee to install the bells at St James Dates nights, they were often joined by Harold Wilson, Whitehaven. She worked on the committee with Graham McKay and John Haile, of St Bees. October 6th 2012 great enthusiasm and was delighted to join the Dinner, Middle Ruddings, The ringing bug must have bitten deeply as some dedication service of the original ten bells. It was Braithwaite. Speaker of her early were at rather 'difficult' at St James that, along with a few very old Mike Rodger. towers; she was a member of the band which, in friends, she rang what was to be her last quarter January 12th 2013 1976, rang the first and only at Silloth. peal. The band were described as the 'Golden Guild Ringing Meeting - She was also a member of the band attempting Workington Oldies'! to ring five peals in a day. Unfortunately the In her final years she was carer for Henderson Feb 2nd 2013 attempt had to be stopped when, in the fifth following his serious stroke. It seems unfair that Guild Training Day, Hensinham peal, the ringer of the tenor collapsed! she should be struck by her final illness so soon March 2nd 2012 Mary had a number of jobs. Starting at the after his death. Western Branch AGM Wigton District bank in Egremont, she worked for a vets Her funeral service was at Lamplugh Church practice, and at Border Engineering, where she Tuesday March 12th which was attended by many old friends and Eastern Branch AGM Penrith met Henderson Dodd, later to be her husband. ringers from far and near. She finally settled at Fell Dyke, Lamplugh, where, April 20th 2013 The funeral bell was tolled by John Haile. Guild AGM - Kirkby Stephen with her daughter Christine, she establised Rest in peace, old friend Mary. (Jack McTear) Western Branch dates 2012-13 Training Workshops

Mon 10th Sept Wigton 7:30pm Wed 10th Oct Cockermouth 7:30pm The workshops held so far in 2012 have been well supported by students and helpers. The March Tue 13th Nov Hensingham 7:30pm event was held at Greystoke where the objective was to ring the treble to touches. The students Mon 10th Dec Workington 7:30pm coped well with ringing the treble to touches of Plain Bob and St Simon‘s Doubles where the order Fri 11th Jan Whitehaven 7:30pm of the bells is less predictable. In May Doubles was the focus at Workington. This Sat 2nd Feb Training Day, Hensingham practice concentrated on ringing bobs in simple touches. We had hoped to be able to offer triples Thu 21st Feb Arlecdon 7:30pm Sat 2nd March Wigton Western Branch AGM but were short of helpers. Raising and lowering has been an annual feature since the training Mon 11th March Irton 7:30pm workshops were introduced. Wigton was the location for the June workshop where this year we ran a session for students wanting to learn how to lead up and down. Eastern Branch dates 2012-13 In the February newsletter it was announced that the workshops will be held on the same day as Thursday 23 August Thursby NB 7 – 8.30pm the monthly surprise practices, earlier in the day at a different venue. Wed 19 September Greystoke Tuesday 16 October Penrith Monday 19 November Appleby The proposed programme is: Saturday 2 Feb Training Day Hensingham Tuesday 12 March Penrith Eastern Branch AGM July 21 Bob Minor Saturday 20 April Kirkby Stephen Guild AGM September 15 Stedman

Surprise Practices October 20 Bob Doubles November 17 Treble Bob, Kent/ Cambridge February 16 Reserved for follow up, overflow from previous sessions including Saturday 15 September Saturday 20 October the training day. Saturday 17 November Saturday 15 December Venues have yet to be fixed, the July and February events will be at an eastern branch tower and Saturday 19 Jan 2013 the rest probably in the west. Saturday 16 February Student numbers are limited at these workshops so that each student can be given individual Saturday 16 March coaching. For the continued success of these events we depend on support from the more email [email protected] experienced ringers in the area. for confirmation/location, if visiting ringers or you are not already on his CC list. Further details will be sent out by email nearer the date of each workshop. It would help with organisation if students and helpers could give me a provisional indication of interest and From the General Secretary: availability.

We now have around 100 members receiving Guild Don‘t forget the simulators are available for groups or individuals to practise on tied bells, messages by email. If you are not one of them and would like to be included, please contact me at Finally, if these workshops aren‘t what you or your tower needs please get in touch and we‘ll try to [email protected] Likewise, if you wish your help name to be removed from the list. As far as Gareth Evans possible, communications are sent as blind carbon copies in order to reduce the likelihood of spam. Hazel Kathryn Hall 15/09/1960 - 25/04/2012 Readers of last year‘s annual report may have become aware of Hazel‘s diagnosis and subsequent treatment for Breast Cancer. It was with sadness that her courageous, selfless battle came to an end in the April of this year, but on reflection, a chance for us all to celebrate the life that she had. Mum learned to ring in the early 2000‘s, soon after Lorna One of Mum‘s favourite events was the Guild Striking and I did, in the summer of 1999. Despite being married to a competition. As well as ringing in the Brampton squad, ringer, Mike, since 1984, and having many ringing-friends she enjoyed renewing friendships with Guild members from the family‘s former Parish Church (St Elisabeth‘s, whom she saw less frequently. It was wonderful to see Harraby) she managed just over 15 years before giving in her at the 2011 contest, which I judged, at Hensingham. and taking it up. As she progressed from handling into Despite being diagnosed with Breast Cancer beforehand, rounds and Call-Changes, the then Brampton band will and the imminent treatment of chemotherapy looming remember various entertaining exchanges between her and (which didn‘t prevent her determination to ring for Dad, comparable to the “don‘t teach your wife how to drive” Sunday‘s during the latter half of 2011), she thoroughly analogy. Such instances were short-lived though, and enjoyed the day. This was sadly the last striking reflected her determination to try and strike her bell competition she attended as, after her cancer‘s return in correctly. Ken Siddle (Brampton) expressed his admiration of March 2012, just over a month later, she had peacefully her ability to keep Dad at bay, and herself unaccountable, left us. when the ringing, very occasionally, began to sound like the Mum‘s service of thanksgiving was a wonderful occasion, proverbial dogs‘ dinner. which focused on the celebration of her life through her Whilst not being a high-high profile ringer, Mum developed a faith in the Lord. The half-muffled bells of St Martin‘s solid competence at trebling to various Doubles methods - were rung by the Brampton band and four close family something of which she enjoyed the challenge as her friends prior to the Service, and afterwards, by members rope-sight developed through the years. Mum rang a total of of the Carlisle Diocesan Guild as Hazel left St Martin‘s for 25 Quarter Peals, her first being Plain Bob Doubles, July the final time. 13th, 2003, and final being March 6th, 2011. A particularly The family extend their thanks and good wishes to all special Quarter Peal was the first of several which contained ringers who sent messages of sympathy and condolence, all four ringing Halls: Mum, Dad, Lorna and I. and to those whom attended Hazel‘s special day. It was Importantly, Mum enjoyed the social side of ringing. This indeed a sad time for both the family and the Brampton ranged from knees-ups hosted at various Brampton ringers‘ band. However Mum would be delighted that ringing still homes, right through to sitting out of touches on practice continues there, owing to the support and kindness that night in order to catch-up with members of the Brampton existed prior to, during and after her departure…. what a band. sense of hope there is for the future. Stephen J Hall York, St Wilfrid. Wednesday, 2 May 2012 in 48 minutes (18cwt) York, St Wilfrid 1265 Stedman Caters Sunday, 29 April 2012 in 47 minutes (18 cwt) 1. Jennifer H Backhouse Brampton, St Martin. 1296 Plain Bob Caters 2. David G Hull Sunday, 29 April 2012 in 43 minutes (9cwt) 1. Richard J Horton 3. Helen M Beaumont 1320 Plain Bob Doubles 2. Jacqueline A Ward 4. Ryan Mills 1. Ken J Siddle 3. Paula J Horton 5. Sophie E Palmer 2. Eric Griffiths 4. Ewan G A Hull 6. Judith M Hartley 3. Katy M Van Den Berg 5. Guy S Ward 7. Stephen J Hall (C) 4. Stephen J Hall 6. David G Hull (C) 8. David A Leese 5. Michael Hall (C) 7. Ryan Mills 9. Timothy P Bradley 6. John Hopkins 8. Owen H Winter 10. Simon P Hartley Rung open & in thanksgiving for the life of Hazel 9. Timothy P Bradley In thanksgiving for the life and work of the conductor's Kathryn Hall RGN, 1960 - 2012, who lost her fight 10. Helen M Beaumont Mum, Hazel Hall (1960-2012). May she rest in peace against cancer on 25th April 2012. In thanksgiving for the life of Hazel Hall. Found: this old photo, somewhere online, accompanying a newspaper article, dated 22nd Oct 2009 Carlisle Diocesan Guild Young Ringer‘s Award

This year's Young Ringer‘s Award has gone to Zoë Martin who rings at Workington. Zoë, whose grandfather, Eric, is also a Workington ringer, has been ringing for around three years although she is only 12. In the last year she has moved from Call Changes and Plain Hunt to ringing touches of Bob Doubles and she has attempted a quarter peal. Zoë has been enthusiastic about ringing from her first lesson and she is always willing and cheerful in the tower. She is a musical girl who plays the flute and also enjoys ringing tunes on .

Zoë received the cup and book token, which are given in memory of Leslie Boumphrey, during the service at the Guild AGM which, this year, was held in Workington. The presentation was made by Guild President, Ven. Dr Richard Pratt.

Wendy Graham

Headlines: "Bell-ringers will have to choose which bells to save" "The choice between preserving old bells and preserving old buildings"

Photo: A woman gets carried away while bell-ringing at St Cuthbert's, near Penrith, 1961 ( Getty Images) Does anyone recognise the legs ? Central Council Meeting

The 115th Annual Meeting of Central Council was held over the long holiday (Queen's Diamond Jubilee) weekend in Chester, appropriately based at the Queen's Hotel. As usual this incorporated the AGMs of The Ringing Foundation and The Ringing World. Kate Flavell, the current president, did a very good job to keep the business moving along and the main meeting (held on 4th June), which started at 9.30 a.m., finished around 4.30, much earlier than most years. One innovation which helped this was that The Ringing Foundation (the organisation set up to put resources into the people side of ringing) held its AGM on the previous (very wet) afternoon, in the Chapter House of the Cathedral. The Ringing Foundation is now actively supporting ITTS, a scheme through which those who wish to teach ringing can attend courses and work with a mentor, eventually achieving a certificate which gives them membership of the Association of Ringing Teachers.

There were just three motions before Central Council, none of which will impinge greatly upon most ringers. It was agreed that those newly elected to the Council (who do not become members officially until the start of the main meeting), should be allowed to vote at meetings held earlier in the weekend, such as the AGM of the Ringing Foundation. It was also agreed that peals rung on dumb-bells or simulators, with a normal number of ringers, ringing as they would in a compliant peal except for the lack of external sound, should become part of the statistics recorded by the Peal Records Committee, although still classified as 'non-compliant'. This, however, would not apply to peals rung by a single ringer, the other bells being computer generated, or 'rung' by pressing keys on a computer or any other similar 'peal'. In the third motion the wording of the Public Relations Committee's remit was altered slightly, the effect being that in future complaints would be dealt with by the Tower Stewardship Committee, not Public Relations.

The conference ' for the Future', held last November at Wellesbourne was commented upon. Numbers of ringers, especially those under 30, are lower than they were and all Guilds and Associations were asked to discuss recruitment and retention. It was pointed out that all areas are different so there is no general panacea, that numbers of churchgoers have fallen greatly and that more older people are coming forward to learn and should be encouraged. There was considerable interest in the contribution by Tony Furnivall, a North American member, in which he described how he had persuaded schools in New York to allow the equivalent of our Sixth Formers to learn ringing as a Physical Education option, something which could possibly be emulated in this country. John Harrison said he had devised a variety of bell based exercises linked to most National Curriculum subjects, at various levels. These are available on the internet: google 'Wokingham bells' to find them.

Most of the rest of the meeting consisted of reports from the numerous committees and elections of new members to these. The Public Relations Committee announced that there is going to be another Ringing Roadshow which will be held at Newbury Racecourse on either 6th or 13th September 2014.

The Ringing World AGM stated that, although subscriptions are still falling slightly, finances are in a better state. It has become necessary to make General Manager, Chris Darvill, redundant and he was thanked for all his hard work, as was Jackie Roberts who retired from the board after ten years. It is now possible to subscribe to an on-line version of The Ringing World and anyone can post news, peals etc on Bellboard.

After four years I resigned from the Education Committee but Duncan Walker remains a member of it. I showed my willingness to serve Central Council through a committee by standing for the Biographies Committee but was not elected. Wendy Graham "We rang for the celebratory service on the Sunday Bellringing for the Queen‘s Diamond Jubilee morning, then for a civic service in Penrith in the evening. The St Bees ringers also worked hard over the Jubilee: Firstly, the 'Proms on the Crease': Bells rang all over the world to celebrate the They also rang again from 10-11 p.m. to celebrate the This was part of the official jubilee celebrations, but took place Queen‘s Diamond Jubilee and Cumbria was not left lighting of a Jubilee beacon on the tower roof on Monday on 19th May, a few weeks before the actual Jubilee weekend. out. Although only a few churches have a set of 4th June. It was good that 4 learners were able to take This was a "proms" concert in the school sports hall adjacent bells hung for change ringing, just 25 in North and part in ringing. to the church in the afternoon. Revellers were welcomed by West Cumbria, most rang to congratulate the the bells. Queen at some point over the Jubilee Weekend. It really was a busy weekend for them because, to finish and then the Jubilee weekend: off the celebrations, a peal of Bob Major was rung at St "We rang at 2.30 pm on the Monday for 30 minutes as an The River Pageant in London was led by a barge with a Penrith on Tuesday 5th June This was the first peal on the introduction to the St Bees 'Variety show' which took place in ring of eight bells on it and all churches along the route bells for almost 30 years and was warmly received by the the memorial Hall adjacent. This welcomed villagers to the rang their bells so it was suggested that all over the church and local population despite the deafening sound show. " country bells should ring around 3 o'clock as the Queen of Penrith bells in the immediate vicinity of the church! set off along the Thames. "Members of the congregation came to the church after Of course, others took the full week to do their we had finished to congratulate us on our success and celebration ringing: Jack McTear, Tower Master at St James, Whitehaven is provide us with refreshments." no stranger to 'royal ringing' as he rang for the Queen's In Cleator Moor there was general ringing (after losing a Coronation in 1953 (at Workington, as St James did not Carlisle Diocesan Guild Quarter peal of Cambridge Major) in the evening on Thurs June at that time have bells) and he has celebrated numerous Penrith, Cumbria St Andrew 7th. royal occasions since by bellringing. This time the Tuesday 5 June 2012 in 2h 55m (19cwt) Whitehaven bells rang a quarter of Plain Bob Triples on 5056 Plain Bob Major At Hensingham there was much rejoicing at success (at the Sunday 3rd June, from 3-4, prior to the 'Songs of Praise' Arranged: Duncan G Walker 4th attempt) in ringing a quarter peal of Bob Doubles, and this service in St Nicholas Gardens. 1 Sally C Walker was to celebrate three special 60ths !!! 2 Kathryn M Nye 1. Eleanor Perrott Workington ringers rang for the Queens Jubilee on the 3 David M Jones 2. Ed Perrott, 1st inside Sunday afternoon before going home to watch another 4 S David Speechley 3. Chris de Cordova much wetter procession. 5 Matthew D Hetherington 4. Gordon Gray 6 David H G Hawkins 5. Richard Last (C) Among those ringing that Sunday morning were Carlisle 7 Duncan G Walker (C) 6. Soo Gray, 1st quarter Cathedral and the newly re-furbished bells at Orton. 8 Julia R Cater Rung to celebrate the 60th birthdays of Chris de Cordova and The ringers of Shap rang for their service as did those of 1st Major 3 Soo Gray, and the Queen completing 60 years on the job! Irton and Hensingham. Rung to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Although it needed 4 attempts, the ringing in the final attempt On the actual Day itself, Tuesday June 5th, a number of was very creditable and it was obvious a good bit of learning towers, including Orton and the Cathedral rang for 30 and consolidation had taken place, and all were well- satisfied! minutes in the morning, to coincide with the service at St Paul's, whilst St Mary's, Wigton rang later in the Irton ringers rang call changes, plain hunts and Grandsire evening. And ringers at Hensingham lost a quarter!! doubles for a special Jubilee service held on the 10th June Crosthwaite, Keswick rang Queens and other call Sadly, Greystoke didn't ring for either of these special changes; "A member of our congregation rang with us occasions! "We're very short in numbers and find it very for a few minutes as he had rung at the time of the difficult to gather a team, when some of our numbers already Queen's Coronation." ring in other towers. We would have loved to have taken part."

Penrith ringers seem to have gone to town for the So, bells and ringers in the Guild did what they could to Jubilee! They were involved in ringing for several events celebrate this special occasion, and thoroughly enjoyed in the church over the Jubilee weekend. doing it! Well done to all, including any who didn't let us know they had rung! Carlisle Diocesan Guild Striking Competition 2012

This year the Striking Competition was held at St Andrew's Church, Thursby. Following a fire a few years ago the church had to be totally refurbished and most of the band there have taken up ringing since the fire so it was good to have them compete this year with the longer established towers. It was a rather cold and wet afternoon but competitors could wait in the church, or wander outside in brighter periods, while the judges, Simon Gay and Tina Stoecklin from Glasgow were incarcerated in the boiler room which was at least dry, if a mite musty. Despite the fact that some of the usual entries from the West were away on a ringing trip, nine teams entered. After the usual splendid bring and share tea (what a lot of egg sandwiches and chocolatey items!), the judges said that they had enjoyed listening and there was a deal of commendable ringing before Tina commented on each team and Simon gave the results.

For the third year running Penrith A came out on top. This year they rang Little Bob Minor and Sally Walker accepted the trophy on behalf of the team. Our thanks are due to the Thursby ringers who welcomed us so warmly and to the organisers, especially our secretary, Susan Sewell, who made out all the certificates in her beautiful handwriting.

Results Team Faults 1. Penrith A 24 2. Cockermouth 28 ½ 3. Carlisle Cathedral 32 ½ 4. Wigton Saints 34 5. Penrith B 36 6. Thursby A 37 ½ 7. Wigton Sinners 38 8. Workington 39 ½ 9. Thursby B 74

Wendy Graham Hot on the heels of the Queen's Jubilee Whitehaven. They didn't quite manage to persuade the sun to shine, but at least kept the rain away. celebrations, came the Olympic celebrations! Whitehaven ringers rang as the Olympic Flame entered the town. And First the Olympic Flame.... then went to see it!! This did not actually pass many of our towers, but where it did, some were able to ring. Then ... "" - Friday 27th at 8:12am

20th June Appleby, Penrith Carlisle This strange idea - to ring loudly and quickly for 3 minutes at some 21st June Carlisle, Wigton, Aspatria, Workington, Whitehaven, dreadfully early time of day was not initially taken seriously by many Cockermouth, Keswick ringers, but in the end, it seems quite a few towers had ringers that could not resist, even if only for the laugh! Appleby ringers were joined by Shap ringers to ring 'Five Rings doubles' as the Olympic Flame went through. Aspatria a bell was heard ringing at 8:12 am

Penrith ringers rang for the whole time the Olympic flame in Penrith on Irton ringers report that they ran for ten minutes and then after a two Wednesday 20th June minute break for a further fifteen minutes!

Carlisle ringers rang call changes on all 12 at the Cathedral as the Olympic St Bees did well with publicity! flame entered the City until it had passed through to Bitts Park, approx "We rang at 08.12. There were 9 ringers, and the Vicar of St Bees led a 15 minutes. short service Olympic prayer and meditation. We were broadcast on Radio Cumbria, along with Carlisle Cathedral and Dent. We received a Workington complaint from a resident (Jokingly, I think) that we were two seconds When the detailed route for the Olympic flame was published it was clear late in starting but we pointed out that we have a clock synchronised to that St Michael's was well situated to join in the flame relay. We were the NPL standard time signal which is accurate to 1 second in 2,000 also fortunate that the convoy was stopping in town for lunch. This years, and the complainant did not take into account the speed of sound. meant that ringers would be able to ring and then be at the roadside Good to know we have a fan club!" further down the route to cheer it on its way. The Cathedral ringers rang for 3 minutes by partly raising 9 bells and On the day we took advantage of the live streaming to follow the then lowering them (leaving out the 2nd) and were on Look North, progress of the Olympic flame through Flimby before starting to ring as border TV and Radio Cumbria! the runners set off by Tesco. We rang as the relay made its way round three sides of the church and headed off to lunch at Stainburn school. Hensingham The bells were audible on the live streaming and were mentioned by the 7 ringers turned out to make a noise loudly and as fast as possible for reporter describing the progress of the relay. three mins. We figured the best fit was to start to ring up, get them halfway and jangle, continental style then haul them down! We did this Helen and Pat made a second contribution to the parade when after and had great fun! lunch they got the crowd in the mood calypso style, playing steel drums as the Olympic flame passed St John's church before it headed off for Shap "We chimed the bells at 8.12am for 3 minutes." Penrith also rang in the evening, prior to the opening ceremony, on Appleby ringers also chimed their bells for three minutes Friday 27th July. "We rang a QP of bob triples, then rang some 5 rings And we have been told they rang at 08:12 at Orton triples afterwards. All Saints Church Cockermouth. "We rang for the Olympics on the Friday We were delighted that 4 of our learners were able to take part in morning." Jubilee and Olympic ringing. At Crosthwaite, Keswick 5 bells were" tolled" for 3 minutes between 8.12am & 8.15am to make a noise!

Breaking Out of the Mould - The Olympic Bell Part 2 The Olympic Bell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d_USV1vSCo The casting of a special bell to ring to open the Olympics was also of interest to many ringers. Ron East has sent photos and youtube links. The London 2012 Olympic Bell Arrives Home http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT4RpvNRM_8

Bradley Wiggins rings it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5sVJxL8l-8

For those of you interested in the Olympic bell statistics Weight: 22 tons 10 cwt 3 qtr 24 lbs Diameter: 130 inches or 10 feet 10 inches Note: B (hum note 123.5 Hz) Behind-the-scenes at the Foundry Part 1 London 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ6MM3eW_Pk&feature=relmfu Prince of Wales' Visit to Wigton

On 3rd April Wigton was honoured by a visit from the Prince of Wales. I do not recall any royalty coming to Wigton for a great many years so this seemed quite special. 2012 is the 750th Anniversary of Wigton receiving a Market Charter and this was the reason for the visit. However, one of the sights the Prince was scheduled to see was the three commemorative windows commissioned by Melvyn Bragg and installed in St Mary's Church in 2009 and we were asked to ring the bells before and after his visit to the church. All the Wigton ringers, apart from recent recruits, took part and we were joined by three regular visitors, from Carlisle Cathedral (David Horne), Thursby (Peg Eastwood) and Aspatria (Susan Sewell).

Lord Bragg's intention was that these windows should “bring the town into the church” and, designed by local artist, Brian Campbell, and crafted by local firm, Alex Haynes, they depict scenes and events in Wigton.

The day did not dawn fair. Quite a crowd had ventured out to be buffeted by strong winds and dampened by horizontal sleet. At least we were warm and dry in the ringing room. The Prince arrived at the Fountain (a monument where Wigton's two streets meet) and walked up the street to the Youth Centre speaking to the waiting Wigtonians all the way and, to the delight of two of us ringers who are also members (Mary Snape and me), making an unscheduled call at 'The Fountain Gallery', a co-operative run by local artists. We were to start ringing when the Prince left the Youth Centre and our Tower Master, Martin Snape, who kept popping out to see if it was time yet, had asked David Horne to conduct Call Changes which could easily run into rounds because, he said, “It can‘t take him more than two minutes to walk from there to the church.” The signal came and we started to ring. Around ten minutes later Martin said, “He‘s at the gate,” and we prepared to stand, then, “No, he‘s talking to those waiting on the other side of the gate.” His Royal Highness, to everyone's admiration, just ignored the foul weather and took time to chat with all his well-wishers. Eventually he did enter the church and we went down to stand in our allotted place. After viewing the windows Prince Charles was introduced to representatives of various church groups. While we were waiting his equerry spoke to us and seemed interested to hear our bells were new for the Millennium and then told us his wife was a ringer. The Prince shook hands and had a word with each of us. He asked some how long they had been ringing and commented that it was quite an art which, he thought, it would take him a long time to learn. He also said, “I think bells are just the best,” and told us he was looking forward to hearing us ring again. His final remark was, “I hope you are going to ring for the Jubilee,” which we assured him we were.

By the time he left St Mary's he should have been heading on to his next stop so we thought, once again, it would be a short ring. However, it was about 40 minutes later that we received the message he was leaving the town. We were impressed by the time he spent talking to Wigton people. We were also impressed by our own ringing! We had felt it best to go for something simple and had kept to Call Changes. Maybe it was the occasion, or the extended time, or the right combination of people, but it was the sprightliest, best-struck piece of ringing we had done in a long time. Wendy Graham

Back: Wendy Graham, Pat Parkes, David Horne Front: Peg Eastwood, Lyn Poole, Mary & Martin Snape, Mary Huntington, Peter Shingler. Also: Susan Sewell Plans for a ringing simulator at Penrith Robert Hawkins’ retirement

The Penrith ringers are planning to install a In April, Robert Hawkins retired as simulator, similar to those already in use at the Penrith’s tower captain after 37 years Cathedral and Workington. The Guild has of dedicated service. generously agreed to provide a grant and the Penrith ringers are currently raising money to To show their appreciation of this meet the outstanding costs. It is hoped that the phenomenal achievement, the simulator will be installed within the next 1-2 months, providing a venue suitable for Guild and Penrith ringers presented Robert with Branch training events as well as for teaching an engraved whisky decanter (and local learners the basic skills of bell handling something to put in it, of course!) at more quickly and effectively. the annual tower meeting.

And last but not least .... bell projects in Cumbria Ron East is busy restoring a ring of 10 at Finsthwaite and a service bell at Great Orton and says there nothing new to report about Silloth!

Cleator Moor Update: St James' Church at Barrow had a very successful open Due to the uncertainty of the future for this church - and the other expensive to weekend in June. Here is a short section from a summary from maintain ones in the group parish, it has Geoff Pullin who is heading up the project. been decided to hold fire on any potential projects for the time being. Meanwhile, the Hello everyone! volunteers for the new band were reduced somewhat when two decided it was not for I have arrived home and unloaded the car of the paraphernalia after a fascinating weekend at the St James’ Tower Open them but those remaining are doing very Days. I reflect on the wonderful team spirit and welcoming approach that everyone took. I remember with a smile being advised to hold the event in the Summer as people don’t like coming out in bad weather! Despite the storms on Friday I well, rang for their first service in August was delighted that John Woodcock MP came along and gave us strong support, as did the Mayor of Barrow, Wendy Maddox, and are very keen. Arlecdon practices being on Saturday – once officially and later in ‘civvies’! suspended over the summer has freed some ringers to come and ring there All visitors were asked to record their visit on sheets which included questions about the project, how they might support the project and views on clock chimes: instead, a great help to the learners. The - 114 people provided an entry for us. 104 of these graded the project. Of these 98% said it was ‘Very good’ and congregation are pleased to hear their bells 2% ‘Good’. There were no ‘OK’ or ‘Bad’ ticks. again, though the neighbours might not be - 25% of the total were prepared to learn to ring including the Mayor, 6% were prepared to help with DIY work and after such a long silence!! 5% with guiding events in the future. All the comments recorded were very positive.