SALISBURY DIOCESAN GUILD OF RINGERS NEWSLETTER

Spring 2020 Number 158

In this issue:

HONOURING SECURING From the 1 OUR PAST Master OUR FUTURE Guild News 2

LEBRF and ‘Great War Lytchett Restoration 8 News

Picture’ to Matravers Recruitment 9 Hang in are and Education Restored Young Ringers 11 And in Other 13 News ...

Profile: 15 Len Roberts

Branch News 16

Calne 16

Devizes 17

Dorchester 19

FULL DETAILS INSIDE East 21

Marlborough 23

Mere 24

Salisbury 25

West Dorset 26

Obituaries 30

Branch Business 34 Meetings

Deadline For Next Issue: 1 July 2020—[email protected]

JACK‘S WEST COUNTRY OUTINGS Pictures (Jack Pease Photography, except where indicated) and Reports of Two Outings provided by Jack Pease, Ringing Master of the East Dorset Branch.

Buckfast Abbey is one of the West Country‘s hidden gems. The Central Tower, the highest in at 158ft (48m). A band attempted a quarter here on Sunday 2nd February 2020. The ringers were drawn from four of the branches of the Salisbury Guild (East Dorset, Dorchester, Salisbury and ). Ringing up commenced immediately after reaching the ringing room due to time constraints, and it was soon time to catch hold. Jack had organised the band to attempt a quarter peal of Triples on the back eight. Everyone was nervous but pulled together to ring what was, for the majority, an excellent quarter. This is even more impressive when the band don‘t ring together and some of the band are not used to bells of this weight. It was excellent practice for all. 1,288 changes of Grandsire Triples was scored in 62 minutes, and the bells were rung straight down afterwards, with a cracking hum all the way down.

Below top: Buckfast Abbey, Devon on the morning of the quarter peal. Below bottom: The band in the quarter: Front row, R-L: Vicki Rowse, Sue Barrance, Tim Phillips, Will Haydock, Back row, R-L: David Barrance, Nick Baker, Jack Pease (C), Richard Harrison (Photo: Paul Hext/Jack Pease).

Above left: The 163ft high tower of St Mary Magdalene dominates the county town of Taunton. Above right: The Minster Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ilminster glows in the evening sun. Middle right: The 11th (at Taunton). Bottom: Panorama (by Peter Simpson) just before ringing commenced at Taunton.

15 January 2020: St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton: the perfect venue for a very special training course. Five learners from Lytchett Matravers, Lytchett Minster and Winterborne Whitechurch were accompanied by thirteen experienced ringers from other towers in the East Dorset, Dorchester and West Dorset Branches, as well as from the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association and the Guild of Devonshire Ringers.

In the afternoon a band attempted a quarter of Plain Bob Major at Ilminster, which was scored in 54 minutes. Whilst quite brisk for these bells, most of the ringing was of a very high quality, especially considering the band don‘t ring together and it was on bells most of them didn‘t know. All of Visit: https://eastdorsetbranchbellringers.squarespace.com/ for the band were very impressed with the sound of the bells. more information and wonderful pictures.

From the Master

As a rule I don‘t take much notice of ‗ringing chatter‘ at a national level. I read with interest what ‗ball is rolling‘ in the letters column of The Ringing World; I don‘t subscribe to e-mail lists or ringing social media. However two ‘news stories‘ have aroused my interest recently, although I would be the first to admit that I have not thoroughly researched or read up on either. The first was some loose talk of ‗winding up territorial societies‘ (like ours) and the second was all this Blue- Red-Black Zone business (no idea what I‘m talking about-read on!) On the first, I hope that you, dear readers and Guild members will allow me, your Master, an occasional diversion from my moderated and measured language in this column and say, as far as our beloved Guild is concerned: ―Over my dead body!‖ Well that feels better! But seriously, I realise that this proposition comes from a genuine concern that associations like ours are not serving their members. I can only speak for our Guild: it is of course true that our Guild is not perfect; we have areas where we could improve or do things better (what organisation hasn‘t?) and we all know the challenges that we all face on recruitment, keeping tower bands going, training and communication. But nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of this old Guild of ours (and all its eight Branches) and how it helps keep ringing going across our and most of all for the friendship and fellowship that we have together; we mustn‘t lose that. And I still believe, even in our rural patch, that we as a Guild (and its Branches), supported by organisations such as ART, can today offer anyone who has the talent and wants to progress, the best opportunity to do so of any generation. And so this Zone business—this has come from an analysis of ringing from the new President of the Central Council, Simon Linford, which categorizes ringers as either in the Blue Zone-roughly handing a bell to Kent (90%)-the Red Zone-Cambridge Minor to simple methods on 12 bells (9%) up to the Black Zone-the ‗elite‘ you might say, Bristol Maximus upwards–you can work out the percent yourself; and importantly the transition (the ringing equivalent of ‗social mobility‘) between these zones. My reflection, you might be surprised to hear, is on Black Zone ringers, who in our Guild are predominately, but not exclusively, centred around Wimborne. First we should value and appreciate this talent and dare I say it, not resent it. Also (and again I can only comment on what I have seen in our patch) over the last few years I have had the chance to get to know some of our ‗Black Zone‘ ringers and (we may be lucky in our elite!) they ‗give back‘ at so many levels, encouraging and helping other ringers in and around their towers and in the life of their Branches and the Guild—not to mention supporting the advancement of young ringers. And I might add a further reflection: this analysis should surely not only be understood in absolute terms: if you can ring Cambridge in an area that is predominately ‗rounds and call changes‘ you might be perceived in the same way as a ‗Black Zone‘ ringer would be in the generality of ringing. Whatever else we do, for the future of ringing in our Guild, we must embrace (perhaps literally-safeguarding permitting!) our ‘Black Zone‘ ringers. Robert

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Guild News

New Ringing Members 2019 Mere David Banham (Gillingham) Angela Page (St Peter‘s, Many thanks to Branch Secretaries Lionel Clarke (Stalbridge) Shaftesbury) Sophie Eden (Chilmark) Robert Sargent (Mere) for providing the details of Ringing Carol Feast (Gillingham) Frederick Shotter (Kington Members elected to the Guild in Paul Feast (Gillingham) Magna) 2019. (Arranged below by Branch Delia Lord (Stourton Caundle) Kate Smith (Melbury Abbas) Greg Lowe (St James, Lenka Stokes (Mere) and alphabetically) Welcome All! Shaftesbury) Corinne Tucker (Melbury Abbas)

Calne Salisbury Sam Brown (Hilmarton) Paul and Karen Jordan (Bromham) Heather Coutts (Sarum St. Julian Grant (Chitterne) Thomas) Ted Last (Coombe Bissett) Alan Frost (Sarum St. Thomas) Cathie Turner (Durrington) Clare Golden (Ebbesbourne David Brown (Rowde) Tatiana Rhodes (Trowbridge) Wake) Maeve Gogarty (Corsley) Steve Roberts (Hilperton) Ian Greatwood (Hilperton) Antony Robson (Westbury) West Dorset Anita Grooby (Upavon) Della Sheppard (Hilperton) Hilary Jenkins (Corsley) Jess Sheppard (Hilperton) Louise Boty (Yetminster) Janet Robinson (Bradpole) Yasmin McKenzie (Westbury) Debbie Stott (Unattached) Andrew Joliffe (Yetminster) Richard Thomason () Phil Meats (Hilperton) Aisling Wagstaff (Southbroom) Cheryl Moore (Upavon) Lesley Walford (Upavon) Mark Newbery (Hilperton) Andrew Weeks (Upavon) Safeguarding Update Graham Preuveneers (Bratton/ Paul Whiffin (Edington) Edington) Jane Wildey (Steeple Ashton) From Alan Butler (Guild Safeguarding Officer): Dorchester Safeguarding, properly Ian Bishop (Puddletown) Harry Little (Dorchester) observed, protects the Valerie Cheeseman Robert Mears (Puddletown) vulnerable and enriches (Piddlehinton) Courtney Moon (Piddlehinton) Georgina Collington Tia Moore (Piddlehinton) the experience of all. (Piddlehinton) Deane Parr (Stratton) Safeguarding does not Kate Forrester (Dorchester) Susan Payne (Piddlehinton) need to be at the Rose Hill (Stratton) Les Seamark (Wyke Regis) f o r e f r o n t o f o u r Peter Holtom (Stratton) Anthony Smith (Piddlehinton) Rebecca Howard (Piddlehinton) Daniel Smith (Piddlehinton) thoughts, but it should Herbert Hudson (Piddlehinton) Rosie Stead (Piddlehinton) underpin our actions and reactions to one another. To John Hudson (Piddlehinton) Harry Steven (Piddlehinton) that end Safeguarding is promoted across the Guild Bronwen James (Piddlehinton) Clive Thurtell (Dorchester) Timothy Jeanes(Piddlehinton) Julian Wardlaw (Piddlehinton) and should be an agenda item for each branch Paul Johns (Piddlehinton) business meeting, as it is for the Guild Executive. Is it on your agenda personally as a ringer and on your East Dorset branch business meeting agenda? Who do you know Coralie Anstee (Shroton) Sarah Kelsey (Winterborne who has completed C1 and C2? Hopefully you can put Agnes Brooke (Wareham) Whitechurch) your tower captain and ringing master in that Andrew Burton (Winterborne James Lawrence (Child Okeford) category straight away! I am pleased that 23 people Kingston) Ann Manning (Lytchett took part in a C2 training session held at Market Stephen Chisman (Lytchett Matravers) Minster) Don McQueen (Lytchett Lavington in the autumn. Jonathan Whiter of the Jeanette di Marti (Brownsea) Matravers) Salisbury Diocesan Safeguarding team led the session Richard Earl () James Mercer (Worth Matravers) (pictured above). C1 is available on line, as well as Abigail Essex (Iwerne Minster) Dorothy Mower (Shroton) Andrew Essex (Iwerne Minster) Sarah Pelham (Brownsea) through the Guild or the Diocese and I hope you are Jackie Fuggle (Wareham) Mike Quinlan (Wareham) availing yourselves of these opportunities. Once you Kim Garwood (Lytchett Minster) Charlotte Read (Okeford have completed the e-learning experience print Judy Gillett (Tarrant Keyneston) Fitzpaine) yourself a certificate, and let me know you have done Rhiannon Godfrey () Emma Rushbrooke (Lytchett Caroline Gould (Wareham) Matravers) it. We will then have some idea how many towers Teri Joynt (Wareham) Rosie Sandell (Spetisbury) across the Guild have somebody who is C1 aware. Rita Walder (Child Okeford) 2020 brings with it changes to Safeguarding Marlborough promotion and training. This has recently taken place with C1 and C2 as the content has been evaluated Archie Gardner (Preshute) Nan Rebbeck (Milton Lilbourne) and developed. I will be attending updating courses in Mark Gardner (Preshute) Mike Winterbourne (Upper February and will disseminate further information as Leanne Gordon (Pewsey) Chute) and when available. In the meantime planning is in place to hold a C1 training session somewhere in Dorset. The date will be published in the next edition of Face to Face. As well as promoting Safeguarding in the Guild I also act as a verifier for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you wish to have this level of clearance then please contact me to start your registration. Email: [email protected].

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Guild News

Quarter Peal Week 2019: Quarter aged 14: 1. A birthday compliment to Alexander Smith on his 14th birthday. 2-10 November Tuesday 5 November All Cannings, . 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Robert From David Warwick (Peal Wellen, 2 Rosie Lock, 3 Chris Bush, 4 John Mead, 5 Peter Secretary): 47 quarters were Bushell (C), 6 Richard P Heath. Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. (Holy Trinity). 1344 Plain Bob successfully rung during the Triples (Composed by Jack R Pease): 1 Graham Findley, 2 week (a small drop compared Sarah J Quintin, 3 Claire O'Mahony, 4 Harriet Feilding, 5 with 2018), being 30 of Doubles, John A Sealy (C), 6 Richard P Heath, 7 Christopher Bush, 8 7 of Minor, 5 of Triples, 4 of David W H Godwin. Birthday compliment to Chris Quintin. Major and 1 of Cinques. Five Bradford Peverell, Dorset. 1280 Lindum Surprise Major: 1 ringers achieved their first Timothy F Collins, 2 Patricia M Garrett, 3 Richard W Ellis, 4 quarter: Robert McGrane, Jean Beryl M Shuttleworth, 5 Bill Day, 6 Robert D Crighton, 7 Harkett, Ed Henderson, Ellen and Toby Ransome. 11 Laurence H Turner, 8 Thomas R Garrett (C). First in the other firsts in the method and/or stage were also method: 3, 7. First in the method as conductor. Chirton, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Helen Parkin, achieved. Devizes was the leading branch (25), 2 Mark J Sadler, 3 Patricia Davidson, 4 Richard P Heath, 5 followed by Salisbury (7) and West Dorset (6), Robert Wellen (C), 6 Chris Bush. Dorchester (4), East Dorset (3) and Calne (2). Marden, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Julia Russell, (Arranged by date and alphabetically). 2 Christine Purnell, 3 Victoria Sadler, 4 Robert Wellen, 5 Robert J Purnell (C), 6 David W Hacker. Saturday 2 November Upavon, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Patricia Great Cheverell, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Julia Davidson, 2 David W Hacker, 3 Mark J Sadler, 4 Richard P Russell, 2 Robert Purnell, 3 Clive Hancock, 4 Jeremy Davies, Heath, 5 Chris Bush (C), 6 Robert Wellen. 5 Chris Bush (C), 6 Patrick Stayt. Wilton, Wiltshire. 1260 Doubles (2m): 1 Ellen Ransome, 2 Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire. 1272 Cambridge Surprise Minor: Alison Orchard, 3 Martin J Corry, 4 Orchard, 5 Neil 1 Christine Purnell, 2 Jenny Hancock, 3 Chris Bush, 4 Robert Skelton (C), 6 Toby J Ransome. First quarter: 1 (mother of J Purnell, 5 Julian N Ferrar, 6 Matthew R T Higby (C). For All 6) and 6. Martin is grandfather of 6. [See page 26]. Souls Service. Wednesday 6 November Sunday 3 November Cattistock, Dorset. 1250 Pudsey Surprise Major: 1 Susan M Potterne, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Julia Carter, 2 Patricia M Garrett, 3 Beryl M Shuttleworth, 4 Russell, 2 Richard Heath, 3 John New, 4 Julian Hemper, 5 William R H Haydock, 5 Richard W Ellis, 6 Michael J Peter Bushell (C), 6 Chris Bush. For morning service. Dillistone, 7 Gareth R Evans, 8 Thomas R Garrett (C). Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob , Wiltshire. 1274 Plain Bob Triples: 1 Christine Doubles: 1 Allison Bucknell, 2 Ruth Plumridge, 3 Hester Purnell, 2 Chris Bush, 3 Patsy Thorn, 4 David Orledge, 5 Wall, 4 Steve Bucknell, 5 Daniel Knight (C), 6 Victoria David W Hacker, 6 Peter Baker, 7 Robert J Purnell (C), 8 Sadler. Rung for the All Souls Service. Clive Hancock. Wishing Richard Iles a speedy recovery. Salisbury, Wiltshire (St Thomas). 1280 Lincolnshire Stratford sub Castle, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Surprise Major (Composed by Richard I Allton): 1 Patricia Penelope Ibbs, 2 Patricia Davidson (C), 3 Alison Clayton, 4 Davidson, 2 Alison Orchard, 3 Margaret Romano, 4 Martin J Carol Higgins, 5 Margaret Romano, 6 Ian Davidson. In Corry, 5 Robert Wellen, 6 Neil O Skelton, 7 Nigel Orchard, 8 memory of Harry Brockway, Tower Captain here, who Chris Caryer (C). For evensong and in fond memory of Harry passed away recently. Also welcoming Alison as the new Brockway, Tower Captain at Stratford sub Castle, died Tower Captain. 1st away from cover: 1. 100th together: 2 & 3.10.2019. 5. Trowbridge, Wiltshire. 1260 Doubles (4m): 1 James Urchfont, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Minor: 1 John Watson, Vingoe, 2 Giles Wood, 3 Brian Coward, 4 Julian Ferrar, 5 2 David W H Godwin, 3 Clive Hancock, 4 Brian Dark, 5 Chris Jenkins (C), 6 Veronica Newman. On the middle 6. Richard P Heath, 6 John A Sealy (C), 7 Graham Findley. Rung for Evensong. Rung with tenor behind and bell 2 of the 8 omitted.

Monday 4 November Thursday 7 November , Dorset. 1280 Plain Bob Major: 1 Sylvia Fowler, Damerham, Hampshire. 1260 Plain Bob Minor: 1 Mary 2 Sue Barrance, 3 Susan M Carter, 4 Harry Murley, 5 Roger Melbourne, 2 Christine Leahy, 3 Liz Thornton, 4 Patricia V Smith, 6 Andy Waring, 7 David Barrance, 8 Gareth R Davidson (C), 5 Ian Davidson, 6 Chris Caryer. First of minor: Evans (C). In memory of Bernard Gildersleve, ringer at this 2. tower for many years. [See page 32]. Southbroom, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Linda Market Lavington, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Gaiger, 2 Jill Hamilton, 3 Chris Stirland, 4 Alistair Hale, 5 Andy Hatcher, 2 Richard Heath, 3 Chris Bush, 4 Barrie Chris Jenkins (C), 6 Louise Dennis. Chesher, 5 Peter Bushell (C), 6 Clive Hancock. Wylye, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Jo Barter, 2 Sturminster Newton, Dorset. 1296 Beverley Surprise Clare Singer, 3 Andrew Howes (C), 4 Nick Claypoole, 5 Minor: 1 Mark D Symonds, 2 Jan Keohane, 3 Jonathan Anthony Bainbridge, 6 Dan Barter. A Salisbury Branch Godfrey, 4 Paul Cottingham, 5 Tim Phillips, 6 Nick Baker (C). Quarter Peal. This quarter peal was supposed to be on the West Lavington, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Minor: 1 Julia newly re-hung bells at Codford St Peter, but the re-hang Russell, 2 Clive Hancock, 3 David W Hacker, 4 Julian was not quite finished. Hemper, 5 Robert J Purnell, 6 Chris Bush (C). In memory of Miranda Harris of West Lavington who was tragically killed in Friday 8 November South Africa. Askerswell, Dorset. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Jane Westwood, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Robert P Pridmore, 2 Robin J Mears, 3 Paul Cottingham, 4 R Nicholas McGrane, 2 Anne Willis, 3 Christine Purnell, 4 Helen E Lawrence (C), 5 Nigel Pridmore (1st Qtr inside). 6 Lionel P Barker, 5 Robert Purnell (C), 6 Karen V McGrane. 1st Clarke. Remembering the Fallen on Remembrance weekend.

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Guild News

Fordingbridge, Hampshire. 1260 Doubles (3m/2v): 1 Mary Orchard (C), 8 Tom Burslem. Half muffled for Remembrance Melbourne, 2 Ian Davidson, 3 Roger King, 4 Patricia Sunday evening service. Davidson (C), 5 Rev Canon Gary Philbrick (C), 6 Mike Sherborne, Dorset. 1260 Grandsire Triples (Composed by Ireland. Most m/v: 3 & 5. Rung half muffled for Sgt. Albert P Wakley): 1 Margaret Saunders, 2 Helen Remembrancetide. Hitchins, 3 David Fifield, 4 Jonathan Godfrey, 5 Nick Baker Holt, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Minor: 1 Vicki Rowse, 2 Ruth (C), 6 Jan Keohane, 7 Tim Phillips, 8 Mark D Symonds. Rung R Beavin, 3 Richard P Heath, 4 Clive Hancock, 5 Russell half muffled for Remembrance Sunday and in memory of Chamberlain, 6 Chris Bush (C). In loving memory of Beatrice William Berry. 50th quarter together: 1 & 5. May Lambert, special friend of 2. Swanage, Dorset. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Matthew Seend, Wiltshire. 1260 Doubles (2m): 1 John Sealy, 2 John Pike, 2 Alfie Pike, 3 Eddie Dicken, 4 Max Pike, 5 David A Stott, 3 Ruth R Beavin, 4 Clive Hancock, 5 Chris Bush (C), Haysom (C), 6 Adrian Rutter. Rung half-muffled in memory 6 Len Murray. of Geoff Coffin who passed away on Tuesday 24th Westwood, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Jean September 2019. Geoff was for many years a ringer and Harkett, 2 Anne Willis (C), 3 Graham Findley, 4 Chris past tower captain here at St Mary's, Swanage. Rung for Purnell, 5 Richard Heath, 6 Francis Hewetson. First quarter Evening Prayer on Remembrance Sunday. treble. To congratulate Katy Willis, daughter of 2, on Westbury, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Chris obtaining her PhD. Jenkins (C), 2 Clive Hancock, 3 Bill Clark, 4 Peter Baker, 5 Jenny Hancock, 6 Alan Newman. Rung half muffled on the Saturday 9 November front six for Remembrance. Bratton, Wiltshire (The White Horse Ring): 1260 Doubles , Dorset. 1311 Stedman Cinques (2m): 1 Benjamin D Kipling, 2 Julian Hemper, 3 Sarah (Composed by David House): 1 Kathy Bentley, 2 Trish Quintin, 4 Chris Bush, 5 Chris Jenkins (C), 6 John Sealy. Hitchins, 3 Rosemary Duke, 4 Hilary Child, 5 Graham Duke, Devizes, Wiltshire (St Mary): 1260 Plain Bob Minor: 1 Ruth 6 Alan Bentley, 7 John Riley, 8 Flick Warwick, 9 Harry Plumridge, 2 David W Hacker, 3 Peter Bushell, 4 Richard P Blamire, 10 Robert Child, 11 David Warwick (C), 12 Max Heath, 5 Robert Wellen, 6 Chris Bush (C). A 6th birthday Knight. Rung half-muffled for Evensong on Remembrance compliment to Noah, grandson of treble. Sunday. First of Stedman Cinques: 1. Mappowder, Dorset. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Jane Willis, Wool, Dorset. 1260 Mixed Doubles (2m): 1 Alan Brown, 2 2 Liane McGhee, 3 David Marshall, 4 Andy Waring, 5 Nick Bini Miles, 3 Phil Miles, 4 Tony Burt, 5 Julian Newman (C), 6 Baker (C), 6 Baxter McGhee. First quarter inside: 2. Jim Holmes. Rung for the village Remembrance service. North Bradley, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Doubles: 1 Rev Anthony Longdon, 2 Elaine Diment, 3 Veronica Newman, 4 Brian Coward, 5 Chris Jenkins (C), 6 Julian Hemper. In Devizes Branch ‗Quarter Peal Week memory of the fallen. Challenge‘ Rowde, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Jill Hamilton, 2 Russell Chamberlain, 3 David W Hacker, 4 Chris Jenkins From Chris Jenkins (Branch Ringing Master): Over the (C), 5 Michael Cornwell, 6 Richard Heath. First Quarter past few years our branch efforts for quarter peal inside: 5. week have been consistent but with only a few Stratton, Dorset. 1260 Doubles (5m): 1 Margaret Saunders, 2 Jan Keohane, 3 Paul Cottingham, 4 Mark D attempts and sometimes only one or two successes. Symonds, 5 Tim Phillips (C). Whilst it‘s not a point-scoring exercise, a quarter peal Yetminster, Dorset. 1260 Doubles (3m): 1 Paul is a great way to cement a method in one‘s mind, or Cottingham, 2 Jan Keohane, 3 Mark D Symonds, 4 David indeed gives an opportunity for someone to try Fifield, 5 Tim Phillips (C), 6 Margaret Saunders. 70th something that they would not normally do. In this birthday compliment to David. 75th Quarter: 6. branch we are very fortunate to have members with a wide range of abilities, so this year it was time to Sunday 10 November spice things up a little and make good use of our Bishops Cannings, Wiltshire. 1260 Grandsire Triples: 1 Jennifer C M Hancock, 2 Julian N Ferrar, 3 Ruth Plumridge, 4 experienced ringers. This year I proposed that we try Julian J Hemper, 5 Ruth Beavin, 6 Christopher D Jenkins, 7 to organise a quarter peal attempt in every ringable Robert J Purnell (C), 8 David W Hacker. Rung half muffled in branch tower...cue the next few weeks of madness! honour of Remembrance Day. The same band rang a peal at The branch currently has 31 ringable towers, this tower on 31st December 2018 in honour of the five excluding Imber (limited access), so organising this ringers of this who lost their lives in WW1, specifically was going to be a tough one! Having later contacted remembered today when the peal board was dedicated three other committee members, namely Richard during the morning service. [See page 17]. Heath, Julia Russell and Chris Bush, I then split the Bromham, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Karen Fletcher, 2 Linda Drummond-Harris, 3 Christine J Sworder, 4 branch into areas and gave them each a block of Stephen Pardoe, 5 David P Sworder (C), 6 Chris Farnsworth. towers to organise quarter in. The idea was to Rung for the Service of Remembrance. approach each Captain with a proposed date and then Child Okeford, Dorset. 1260 Doubles (1p/1m): 1 Richard W get a band together using as many able and willing Owen, 2 Malcolm H Corry, 3 Philip A L Rioch, 4 Richard W local ringers as possible and, if required, making up Ellis, 5 Robert D Crighton (C), 6 Ann Corry. Rung half the remainder from a list of ‗core‘ ringers who would muffled to mark the centenary of the 2 minute silence and of potentially be available in the day time and evenings. the dedication of the village war memorial. In some cases, it meant that some ringers were Corsley, Wiltshire. 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: 1 Marion Moldon, 2 Liz Attenborough, 3 Rodney Cross, 4 Peter Baker, ringing in four quarter peals a day. I swear some 5 Michael Attenborough (C), 6 Ed Henderson. First Quarter: days my ears were burning! At close of play on 6. Rung half muffled for Remembrance. Sunday 10 November, out of the 28 planned Salisbury, Wiltshire (St Thomas): 1260 Stedman Triples: 1 attempts, a remarkable 25 were scored. I am Margaret Romano, 2 Patricia Davidson, 3 Liz Thornton, 4 thankful to everyone who stepped in at the last Neil Skelton, 5 Alison Orchard, 6 Chris Caryer, 7 Nigel minute to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible. My extended thanks to Julia, Richard and Chris for all

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Guild News their hard work in booking the attempts in their Five Peals in Guild Peal Week allocated towers and organising their bands. The comments and feedback I have received so far have 2019-20 been very positive. Whilst we may not do something on such a large scale next year, I do hope it has Gussage All Saints, Dorset. All Saints. Friday, 20 given some ringers who would normally shy away December 2019 in 2h 43m (8). 5040 Doubles (11 from branch activities a bit of a confidence boost and methods in 42 extents: 1-2 Grandsire (2 callings), 3- a bit of encouragement to try something different, get 6 Reverse Canterbury, 7-10 St Nicholas, 11-14 involved and ultimately have an end goal to work for. Winchendon Place, 15-18 St Remigius, 19-22 Everyone who took part should be very pleased and Huntley, 23-26 Plain Bob, 27-30 St Simon, 31-34 St proud with their efforts. Thank you and well done!! Martin, 35-38 St Osmund, 39-42 Eynesbury (4 callings of each)). 1 Christopher D Jenkins (C), 2 Robert J Purnell, 3 David W Hacker, 4 Robert Perry, 5 Ringers Feature in ‗Renewing Hope‘ Thomas R Garrett. Advent Calendar , Dorset. St John the Evangelist, Surrey Road. Friday, 27 December 2019 in 3h 1m From Robert Wellen (Guild (16). 5088 Spliced Surprise Major (8m: 736 Master): the bell ringers of Superlative, 704 London and Rutland, 608 the Diocese of Salisbury Cambridge, Pudsey and Lincolnshire, 576 Bristol, 544 featured in the Diocesan Yorkshire with 120 com and atw.) Composed by Noel on-line ‗Renewing Hope‘ J Diserens. 1 Lucy S Warwick, 2 David A Warwick (C), Advent Calendar on 15 3 Felicity S Warwick, 4 Graham A Duke, 5 Harry E December 2019. The Blamire, 6 Benjamin D Constant, 7 Nigel R Woodruff, Reverend Carol Peters- 8 Adam S Greenley.1750th peal: 4. King, from the Diocesan W i m b o r n e Communications Team, Minster, Dorset. St asked for details of how Cuthberga. Satur- many bells would ring in day, 28 December the Diocese at Christmas (not an easy question to 2019 in 3h 35m answer!) from which this article was requested: ―it (29). 5035 Spliced would be lovely to feature our bellringers in our Stedman Cinques Advent Calendar of stories. I think most people would and Bristol say that it is so important hearing the bells for a Maximus (2539 traditional Christmas, so we would love to put a story Stedman and 2496 in the Calendar‖. Under the headline ―Ding Dong Bristol with 7 Merrily on High‖ (what else-not my title by the way), changes of method). Composed by Mark R Eccleston. the wording was as follows, as provided by me: 1 Rosemary J Duke, 2 Benjamin D Constant, 3 Lucy S Warwick, 4 William T Bosworth, 5 Felicity S Warwick, The bell ringers of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of 6 Graham A Duke, 7 Daniel J Page, 8 Adam S Ringers turn out every Sunday of the year to joyfully Greenley, 9 David A Warwick (C), 10 Anthony P ring the 1578 ringable bells in the towers of the Matthews, 11 Harry E Blamire, 12 Nigel R Woodruff. Diocese, in towns and villages; from towers with 3 or 200th peal together: 5 & 6. First Spliced Stedman 4 bells, up to a few with 12 bells. However, ringing at and Bristol for the Guild (Pictured: Band in ringing Christmas time is always special. For a start, ringing order, front row right to left, back row left to right). over the Christmas period, for Carol Services, Cattistock, Dorset. St Peter and St Paul. Monday, 30 Christingles, Midnight services, on Christmas morning December 2019 in 2h 49m (13). 5024 Spliced and on New Year‘s Eve means that the bells are rung Surprise Major (5m: 1120 London, 1088 at a different times than normally, and probably more Superlative, 1024 Cambridge and Pudsey, 768 Bristol often, and are hopefully noticed by listeners as with 103 com and atw.) Composed by Albert J heralding something special. Like ringing for Pitman. 1 Patricia M Garrett, 2 Patricia M Hitchins, 3 Remembrance or on Easter Sunday (after the ringing Felicity S Warwick, 4 Graham A Duke, 5 Robert D silence of Holy Week) there is a special feeling when Crighton, 6 Thomas R Garrett, 7 Nigel R Woodruff, 8 ringing for the great events of the National/ Christian David A Warwick (C).50th together: 2 & 4. year, and a special effort is made to ‗make the , Dorset. St Peter and St Paul. ringing good‘. It is also a time to cherish the social Wednesday, 1 January 2020 in 3h 2m (19) 5088 side of ringing–that special bond that is formed in this Spliced Surprise Major (4m: 1728 London, 1152 team activity. Bands of ringers who ring locally may Cambridge and Superlative, 1056 Bristol with 122 have a Christmas party; branches of the Guild hold com and all the work.) Composed by Richard G Carol Services; and cold ringing chambers are Crosland. 1 Graham A Duke, 2 Robert C Kippin, 3 warmed up with decorations and the occasional mince Felicity S Warwick, 4 David A Warwick (C), 5 Harry E pie. Happy Christmas from the Diocese‘s Bell Ringers! Blamire, 6 Ian Roulstone, 7 Nigel R Woodruff, 8 Claire F Roulstone. 250th peal together: 4 & 7. 250th peal (Followed by a contact for anyone interested in taking for the Guild: 3. up ringing).

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Guild News

‗Great War Picture‘ to go on Display last edition). The picture should be hung in the Museum in the Spring of 2020 and I hope to arrange in Salisbury a modest event at the Museum soon after so that Guild members can, with the and Helen present, welcome the picture to its new home.

(Probably) First Salisbury Guild Quarter Rung at Exeter Cathedral

Left two pictures: Private John Frederick Pike Lawes and Right two pictures: Lance Corporal William John Wheeler. (Both from the Wiltshire Regiment). (Contemporary pictures (reproduced by permission Edington Priory Church)-first and third-alongside representations in Helen‘s Picture-second and fourth).

From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): Readers will remember that this picture (entitled ‗Ringers Remembered‘) was commissioned by the Guild and painted by Westbury artist Helen Chester, to appear on the front cover of the Great War Memorial Booklet. The actual picture (dimensions 120cm x 93cm) first appeared in public at the Guild Festival in May 2019, From David Warwick: We rang an SDGR QP at Exeter since when it has been ‗on tour‘; visiting a branch Cathedral-probably also a first for the Guild. Chris event in all eight of our branches, as well as other Jenkins rang the tenor (the second heaviest ringing events, such as the dedication service at Bishops bell in the world!). Exeter, Devon. Cathedral Church Cannings for a peal board on Remembrance Sunday of St Peter. Sunday, 5 January 2020 in 57m (72). (see page 17). Thanks to ‗master craftsman‘ David 1287 Stedman Cinques, Composed by Lucinda Close it was safely carried in its own carrying case, Woodward. 1 Trish Hitchins, 2 Hilary Child, 3 Lucy just about fitting in the back of my car! Having Warwick, 4 Graham Duke, 5 Flick Warwick, 6 Philip explored a number of possible venues for displaying Rioch, 7 Jack R Pease, 8 Robert Child, 9 David the picture, it was the Trustees of the Rifles Warwick (C), 10 Harry Blamire, 11 Nigel Woodruff, 12 Christopher Jenkins. (Pictured: Band in ringing order and Wiltshire Museum (‘The Wardrobe‘), in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury (https:// (clockwise starting front right)). www.thewardrobe.org.uk/) who made the offer that the Guild has accepted. (Amongst the ringers Two Further Ringers from the Guild commemorated in the picture are three soldiers from the Royal Berkshire Regiment and sixteen from the who Died in the Second World War Wiltshire Regiment (including the two actual likenesses above). I am particularly happy that the From Robert Wellen (Guild Master): In addition to the picture will be displayed in our Cathedral city. Mr eleven ringers featured in the last edition (pages 5- 6), Yvonne Cairns, who does research for Alan Regin, Tony Field, Trust Manager and Curator said: ―The Trustees feels that, given the links to Wiltshire the Steward of the Central Council‘s Roll of Honour, Regiment soldiers, and the specific link to the two has recommended that a two further names be added named in the front ranks, it is of interest and would to the Roll for our Guild (from possible further names not look out of place in The Wardrobe. There is no submitted by me). They are: objection to your request that it might be displayed for easy access for public viewing (specifically in the Signalman Leon Malcolm Day . ground floor hallway)‖. Wareham. Died  Ownership of the picture will remain with the Guild. 12/12/1943, aged 22. Son of Walter  The Guild may, by arrangement, remove it for a specific event. Thomas Day and The Trust does not guarantee to display the Mabel Kate Day of  Wareham. F Owen picture in The Wardrobe in perpetuity, therefore it Day (his brother) and will be displayed for a set period of time, Leon M Day rang in a local band peal in 1935 renewable by mutual consent (initially two years). (pictured peal board in Wareham ringing room). He In December 2019 the picture was returned to Helen th to be preserved, framed and for the final touches to was born 8 May 1921 in Wareham. He died at the 96th General Hospital, Algiers, North Africa. He be added (including a 90th image—see page 14 of the

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Guild News appears on the Naval Memorial at Portsmouth and on the Wareham War Memorial. He was a signalman on HMS Cuckmere which was hit by a U-boat on 11th December 1943.

Ross Robertson (a former Wareham Tower Captain adds): I can‘t really remember much about Mrs Day [Leon Day‘s mother and also a ringer] she rang occasionally on Sundays when I first started in 1955. She died on 23rd Dec 1974, aged 92, and a largely From Vicki Chapman CCCBR Public local band rang a peal of Grandsire Caters in her Relations Officer (edited): On 8th memory. It was the first peal for the Tenor ringer May 1945, the news the nation had Bernard Bishop, for 40 years. Unfortunately it was been waiting for arrived. The War in Europe was later found to be false but none of us dared tell over. Bells across the country pealed, tugs on the Bernard! The board also states that Mrs Day was a Thames sounded their horns and planes victory ringer for 25 years. A peal on 29th Dec 1962 for rolled overhead. At 7pm on 8th May 2020, bells are Judith‘s and my wedding by an all local band also invited to ring across the nation again in celebration states a compliment to Mr & Mrs Walter Day for their of 75 years of peace, along with paying tribute to Diamond Wedding on 24th Dec. It also states that Mrs the millions that either died or returned home Day is a former ringer at this tower. wounded during or after the war in Europe ended, along with remembering those civilians at home Corporal John Peter Plantard, Corfe Mullen. Died that went through so much while loved ones fought 02/05/1944, aged 26. 2nd Bn Dorsetshire Regiment. and died overseas, and those still in conflict with the Son of Etienne Jean and Agnes Elizabeth Mary Japanese until VJ Day on 15th August 1945. The Plantard of Corfe Mullen. Buried Kohima War aim is to involve as many bells as possible to mark Cemetery, India. Recorded as tower member at Corfe this important anniversary. To register go to the Mullen from 1934. From 1937-39 ‗J Plantard‘ shown RINGING OUT FOR PEACE page of the VE Day 75 as tower correspondent at ‗Wareham Road‘. website–www.veday75.org–and register your involvement as soon as possible. All those taking part will be able to print a copy of the General Certificate of Grateful Recognition as a reminder of GUILD their involvement in VE Day 75.

CALENDAR The Central Council encourages all ringers to: 2020 respond as they see fit, taking into account the wide variety of local circumstances. Ringing open at 7pm

(local time wherever you are in the world) is the

ideal and recommended option, but any time that 21-29 March: Guild Firsts Week afternoon/evening, and indeed throughout the weekend of events planned, is also supported. 15 April: Guild Young Ringers Day Bellboard has an Event link –https:// bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=11043–for you 25 April: Guild Teaching and Learning Day to record your ringing on the day so that it can be collated for print in The Ringing World.

9 May: GUILD FESTIVAL at Mere–Guild Eight (From Robert Wellen: it would also be good to have Bell Striking Competition at Gillingham pictures and reports for the next Face to Face please— deadline and e-mail as on front page). 15 August: Guild Open Day for LEBRF–Calne/ Marlborough Branches YOUR NEW REVISED

19 August: Guild Young Ringers Day 2020 HANDBOOK AND 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

5 September: Guild 6 Bell/ Novice Striking From Ben Duke: Having now taken over Competitions–Stratford sub Castle, followed by from Julian Newman as Report Editor, I Fish and Chips and a Quiz will be making some changes to the layout in the next Guild Handbook and Report. I am also planning to include some new features aimed at the less 31 October–8 November: Guild Quarter Peal experienced ringers in order to try to make it more of a Week day-to-day reference. It will be available at the Guild Festival on the 9th May and everyone who has paid their subscription for this year is entitled to one so: 24 December–1 January: Guild Peal Week LOOK OUT FOR YOUR COPY Check the Guild Website for Details. (Pictured 2019 Handbook and 2018 Report)

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LEBRF and Restoration News

Archdeacon created it. So on 28th October 2019 the bells were rededicated at a commissioning service led by the Archdeacon and the Revd Trudy Hobson, rector of the Upper Wylye Valley Team (pictured right). The bells were sprinkled with Holy Water and touched with Oil of Chrism. It was for me, and for all of the 50 or so who attended, a very moving event. I feel we have launched the bells on their next century of cheerful service.

Lytchett Matravers: From Debbie Phipps: St Mary‘s Church has been without its bells for 3½ months. They were taken to John Taylor & Co Bell Foundry in Loughborough to be From Robert Wellen: Anne Wardell (LEBRF restored and have new fittings Administrator) has prepared the above diagram to made. During this time 24 willing show what the LEBRF has done throughout the whole volunteers cleaned, painted, of 2019. Below are reports from some of the towers restored and made refreshments so receiving grants mentioned above. that the and frame were completely prepared for the bells to be rehung. During this time Corsley: From Marion we found 4 cracks in the frame which were quickly (Maz) Moldon: Our bells are dealt with by Taylor‘s. All was prepared and early on back! With the vital work a chilly November morning the bells were returned. done including removal, Before they were taken off the transport, Rev welding four cracks in the Stephen Partridge gave a short service to ‗Welcome treble, replacement of the bells‘. It was just PERFECT including the reference broken and worn items and to 'Save me O God' which is inscribed on our 5th bell. the original timber We welcomed over 30 visitors to see the bells before headstocks and tuning all they were hoisted up into the . [Continued on the bells, the re- page 22. A report on the re-dedication on page 23]. instatement of our bells was completed on 20 June 2019. Wonderful! Now they are South Wraxall: Christopher Thornhill: The PCC has just like a new peal and we are gradually getting used resolved to pursue the full restoration of the bells to to the new feel and weight of them. Matthew Higby . We have received offers of grants and his team did a superb job and they sound terrific. from the Keltek Trust and the LEBRF, and sponsorship See picture of bell No. 5 on its journey up to the for one of the bells. belfry. Codford St Peter: Warminster: Heather From Anthony F. McCombie writes: The Bainbridge: With Minster bells have been only one setback, out for longer than caused by the expected, but this is discovery of a crack partly due to a crack in in the crown of No. 4 the tenor which was bell, the programme found once they reached took five months the workshop. The PCC Warminster bells prior to from shipment to refurbishment. Photo Paul has decided that they Loughborough in McCombie can afford to have the The first ring on the newly dedicated June to the first ring bells tuned, which will bells, 24th November 2019: LtoR: Jo of the reinstalled cost an extra £3.5K. The Pearce, Anthony Bainbridge, Nick bells on 24 th PCC has been really good about raising extra money Claypoole, Tom Thornton, Andrew November 2019. for the tenor repair and this has taken the pressure Howes and Ray Aldis. The question arose off the ringers. as to whether our bells had ever been baptised. There is no record, SAVE THE DATE: either in documents in the church or, so far as we can 15 AUGUST 2020 gather, at the Wiltshire History Centre, of any Guild Open Day for the LEBRF previous work on our bells during 400 years. It Calne and Marlborough seemed appropriate therefore to recognise the Branches completion of this project with a special service and Details on Guild website later this year.

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Recruitment and Education

Teaching and Learning Today Teaching and Learning Day-―Vision th From David Hacker (Education Officer): One of the -The Way Forward‖-25 April 2020 biggest challenges we are faced with as ringers is the retention of new recruits. In 2018 we elected 123 A new name, a new approach to our Annual Training new members, a large proportion of these through Day. This year in conjunction with the Dorset the Ringing Remembers campaign, but I doubt if we County Association and the Association of Ringing have managed to keep all 123 ringing. The world Teachers we are offering a day full of advice and today offers so many activities for the public to take information on matters that can affect us all in our part in, it is not surprising some of our recruits move ringing as well as theory and practical sessions in off in other directions. Learning to ring is a long-term important ringing subjects. The day will be based at commitment, the basic handling and starting to ring Coombe Bissett. Below is a brief outline of the with others is the tip of the iceberg, it must be a programme planned for the day: daunting task for a learner to see a book of methods 09-30 to 09-45: Registration, welcome coffee and when they can barely plain hunt. We have an introduction. opportunity again this year to involve our learners in 09-45 to 10-15: Presentation, Q & A and discussion: special ringing with the 75th Anniversary of VE Day ―What is ART and what can it do for YOU‖: Speaker (see page 7). This will also give the opportunity to Lesley Belcher (Chair of ART). print certificates as a reminder of involvement in VE 10-15 to 10-45: Presentation ―Recruitment and Day 75. Therefore, I urge you to seek out any of your Retention‖: Speaker Clare McArdle (Birmingham learners who may have fallen by the wayside and School of Ringing). bring them back into the fold to ring with you and 10-45 to 11-00: Coffee/Tea: Information tables on those recruits who have stuck at it for this special Insurance, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Guild anniversary. Our Guild Training Day, or as it will be merchandise, ART, DCA, LEBRF. known this year, ‗The Teaching and Learning Day‘, on 11-00 to 12-30: Theory workshop: ―Foundation Saturday 25th April is taking on a completely new skills‖: Speaker Paul Lewis (ART Tutor) AND/ OR format. Gone are the full day courses in a particular Theory workshop: ―Raising and Lowering in Peal‖ method or ringing related task and instead we are Coombe Bissett tower AND/OR Theory workshop: putting on a day of inspirational presentations, along ―Rope Maintenance‖. with a series of theory workshops and some practical (Delegates swap over 11-45; delegates will be given two workshops. There will lots of time for audience workshops to attend depending on choice on application). participation and discussion to share personal 12-30 to 13-15: Networking Lunch: Information experiences. The speakers are coming from far and tables as above. wide and are experts in their field. It will be a full day 13-30 to 15-30: Practical workshops: ―Foundation based at Coombe Bissett Village Hall and the Skills‖, ―Up and Down‖, ―Plain Hunt to Plain Bob and registration fee will include a buffet lunch. SO DON‘T Grandsire‖, ―Simple conducting‖ MISS IT! The programme for the day is outlined (Delegates to select in order of preference at time of opposite and is advertised on page 1 and on the Guild application, we will do our best to accommodate first website at https://sdgr.org.uk/teaching-and-learning- choices but may need to select some second choices for day-25th-april-2020/. The time of year is coming Health and Safety reasons). again when plans are made for summer fetes and 15-45 to 16-00: Coffee/Tea: Information tables as fairs. These are a good opportunity to publicise above. ringing and to use the Saxilby Simulator to give the 16-00 to 17-00: ―Looking to the Future‖: selected general public a short taster session. We also have panel, Leslie Belcher to chair, Questions, Answers publicity banners (for indoor use) which are proving and general discussion. very popular. All of this equipment is available for members to borrow and can be booked through me at CLOTHES STALL AT TRAINING AND LEARNING DAY [email protected].

helped by me, the local organiser, as well as Len ART Module 1: Teaching Bell Roberts (who took charge of the housekeeping as well Handling comes to Edington as contributing his experience as a teacher) and at lunch by Ruth Beavin from Trowbridge, who supplied From David Hacker: On and served a splendid buffet lunch. The day started Saturday 12th October with a welcome and introductions over a cup of coffee 2019 six potential new and biscuits and then we all made our way up into ringing teachers met at the ringing room for the first presentation by Paul Edington to take their first ―Teaching a skilled activity‖. Paul was soon able to steps towards teaching engage the delegates. We then moved on to the first new recruits bell ringing. of the practical sessions, ―The basic components‖. For They came from Dorset this session the delegates were paired up, one of the and Wiltshire with one pair acting as the teacher and the other the new travelling from Essex. The tutor for the day was Paul learner, an opportunity for delegates to share ideas Lewis, who had travelled from Shropshire and he was and experiences and to see the need to adapt to each

Page 9

Recruitment and Education

learner‘s way of understanding teachers, however, had other ideas, and persuaded me to and learning. Our next session persevere. I‘m glad I did. I hope they are too! I‘ve been was a practical, ―Joining both learning now for about a year and a quarter. Until recently strokes together‖ which tested that‘s only been at practice times, but I was just about the communication skills good enough to take part in ringing for the abbey between teacher and learner. Christmas services. And on New Year‘s Eve I achieved the This was followed by another goal I‘d set myself the previous New Year–our first living in Sherborne to help ring out the old year and ring in the presentation, ―Becoming a – new. The glass of fizz that followed tasted particularly good teacher ‖, which explained good! At the time of writing, I‘m only at the stage of the skills of observation and progressing from rounds to call changes. Every new level communication and the is a challenge, particularly so for me. But with such relevance of positive feedback. Our next practical encouraging mentors and fellow ringers, including the session, after lunch, was ―Teaching ringing up and lovely people I‘ve recently met at Bradpole, I‘m daring to down‖. This time we moved the delegates round so think that it might not have been such a mad idea after they were paired with another person. Paul then gave all. a presentation, ―Solving handling problems‖, which Anonymous Musings emphasised the importance of spotting small handling What has worked: Having a patient, empathetic teacher errors in the early stages as well as discussing who understands your way of learning and knows how/ different techniques for correcting errors. This was when to push the boundaries. Visiting other towers is very followed by the final practical session, ―Solving important, to gain experience and confidence. Regular common handling problems‖. After refreshments, it practice, and support in working out how to improve your was ―And Finally‖ which was a summary of what we weaknesses. Talking with others who are at about your had experienced during the day and what we had to level, to see what‘s worked for them. Finding a good ringer do next in our role as teachers. Some delegate in your tower who is on your wavelength, to ask ‗silly‘ things. Learning theory (rather than feedback comments: ―Thank you; an excellent day. What hasn‘t: watching in practice). Suits some, but not me. Being Breaking down elements of handling I found to be baffled by jargon. Experienced ringers being too ‗clever‘ to very helpful in all areas of teaching and learning‖. look at the bell they‘re following–doesn‘t help learners with ―Really happy with this course. It's given me call changes. Callers (or helpers) not being clear/loud confidence to start teaching a new learner. Thank enough. Highs: First QP, 3yrs after starting ringing. Good, you‖. Although everyone was tired after a long and rhythmic ringing, when the tower ‗hums‘. Lows: active day all agreed it was a well run and informative Accidents. Bad temper in the tower, from experienced course; thank you Paul for making it so interesting. ringers frustrated by learners‘ mistakes. Frustrations: Being old, and just not being able to remember things! Being told you‘re wrong (rather than being told how to Learners‘ Corner correct it). Making a mess of things. Struggling with rope sight. Light bulb moments: Plain hunt course at If you have recently taken up ringing I Bradfield, one year after starting ringing. Understanding would like to hear from you the importance of counting places. Observations: There‘s ([email protected])—Face to Face is just as no shame in practising what you can do, well, rather than much for you as anyone else! What has worked for you? having to push on to the next stage. Even ‗older‘ learners What hasn‘t? Highs, lows, frustrations, light bulb might like to be praised occasionally. No one minds being moments—share with fellow learners and help our corrected, but do give learners a chance to correct teachers. Here are three initial contributions. themselves before they feel ‗picked on‘.

Taking up bell ringing at your age? On the Annie‘s ‗Not All at Sea‘ When Ringing! heaviest ring of eight in the world? You must From: Annie Longstaff: Over the be mad! last three years I have been circumnavigating the globe with From Julia Roles: ―Why now?‖ I‘m often asked. What made my husband in an Oyster45 Sailing me so much as consider learning to ring in my retirement Yacht, and since June this year years, having never even been into a bell tower before? It returned back to . Having was during our years in Canada, on a trip back to the UK, sung in churches and cathedrals that we paid a visit to York. The minster bells happened to over the years, I thought it would be ringing, and that wonderful sound, reverberating be a marvellous opportunity and around the ancient city, became inextricably linked in my privilege to have a go at the grand mind with the country of my birth. The seed of wanting to old art of bell ringing. I contacted participate had been sown, but the opportunity didn‘t arise ART who put me in touch with my until several years later. York has its minster, and nearest teacher, Alan Bentley. It Sherborne has its abbey. What better place to fulfil this was Alan‘s warm and welcoming e- ambition than the magnificent abbey that dominates the mail which encouraged me firstly town where we chose to settle on our return to this to visit the tower at Wimborne Minster and then to country? Teaching an old dog new tricks is never easy, continue with a weekly one-to-one hourly lesson learning particularly when that old dog has a visual impairment the ropes. My one-to-one sessions with Alan went well and that means just catching the sally is a challenge in itself. he certainly put me at my ease and is an excellent, patient After my first few lessons, and a few miss-catches, I teacher. I now attend practices at Ringwood on became so nervous that I decided to give up. Bellringing Wednesday evenings and, although very much a newbie, I had been worth trying, I thought, but wasn‘t to be. My am enjoying the experience.

Page 10

Young Ringers

‗Allsorts‘ at Bradpole! chance to ring Rounds on 12 several times, with Plain Hunt on 11 for the more experienced. We hope to be From Sue Carter: On able to repeat this event next year. Saturday 26th October 2019, five young ringers Young Ringers Celebrate Annabel‘s plus parents and 17th Birthday supporters braved foul weather for a jolly From Hilary Child: On afternoon of ringing in Saturday 30 the cosy surroundings of November 2019 six Bradpole Ringing Centre. young ringers from It being half term some LtoR: Annabel, Baxter, Connie, the Dorchester and William. Missing-Lewis! youngsters were away. East Dorset branches The method they all met for an afternoon chose to practise was PB of ringing at Doubles and we rang several touches and plain Piddlehinton and Winterborne Kingston. Both rings of courses with good striking and rhythm. Joined by 6, the bells were easy to manage (although they parents we progressed to ringing on eight, practising clearly have some very tall ringers at Piddlehinton!) 'Diminishing rounds' in preparation for Remembrance and ringing included Rounds, lots of Plain Bob Day, ringing by listening alone and bell control Doubles, Plain Bob Minor and Cambridge Minor. We exercises. Liquorice Allsorts, Minstrels and Haribos were pleased to welcome Rosie to a practice for the fuelled the ringing and we had a refreshment break. first time. She has been learning at Piddlehinton for This was followed by a Fish and Chip supper at Longs just a few weeks and ‗took ringing for the first time at on Bridport. Luckily the weather improved before we a tower other than her own‘ very much in her stride. left for home. By the time we reached Winterborne Kingston we were grateful to be able to put the kettle on and Well Done Young Ringers on First make mugs of tea and hot chocolate–as well as enjoy Quarters some cake in honour of Annabel‘s 17th birthday. We obviously had to sing ―Happy Birthday‖ too, which I‘m sure she appreciated! Many thanks to Richard Ellis and Kate Brice for welcoming us to Piddlehinton and Winterborne Kingston respectively and to the adults who came along to support the younger ringers (Tom and Sarah looked very festive in their Christmas jumpers).

Queen Elizabeth‘s School Students

First Picture: Constance (first left) from the Dorchester Ring for their School Carol Service Branch who rang the treble to two Doubles methods at at Wimborne Minster Upwey on 3 November. Second Picture: Robert (aged 14) (second left) from the Devizes Branch who rang the treble to From Hilary Plain Bob Doubles at Westwood on 4 November. (Also well C h i l d : O n done to Toby from the Salisbury Branch (see page 26) for th his first quarter at Wilton on 5 November). Wednesday 4 December 2019 four students from QE (the Young Ringers Ring on 12 Church of Eng- land secondary From Hilary Child: On Saturday 16th November 2019 school in Wim- nine younger members of the Salisbury Guild met up borne), supported by some Wimborne ringers, rang for a practice at Wimborne Minster and we were on the front 8 bells prior to their school carol service pleased to welcome for the first time Holly, who is which was taking place in the Minster. Ellie, Hannah learning to ring in Bournemouth, along with her dad, and Tom, who have all been learning to ring as part Adam, who is also a ringer. We rang for just over an of an ‗after-school club‘ initiative, rang Rounds and hour on the front 8 (Tenor 8cwt) and the ringing Call Changes. Ellana, who learnt via a similar scheme included Rounds and Call Changes, dodging practice, several years ago, was able to join the adults in Plain Hunt on 7, Grandsire Triples and Stedman ringing Plain Hunt on 7 and Grandsire Triples as well. Triples. Some additional helpers timed it well, arriving They were encouraged to ring well by the message just in time for refreshments before supporting the and, perhaps more importantly, the box of chocolates younger ringers to ring on 10 and 12. An excellent sent up the tower by one of the more senior (non- bob course of Grandsire Caters was rung with several ringing) members of the congregation. Norma‘s young ringers in the band and everyone had the baking was instrumental in the success of the

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Young Ringers augmentation project in 2012 and she has continued to support the ringers ever since. Thank you Norma! THE EDINGERS

A Short History by Christine Purnell Ringing and ‗All That Jazz‘ Part 2-Into Our Stride 2012-2015

th From Hilary Child: 25 2012: 8th September 2012 saw our first January 2020 saw 11 Module 1 ITTS (Association of Ringing young ringers gather to Teachers) Course at Edington with Ella ring at Corfe Castle and and Beth as students. Ella and Patsy Worth Matravers, both Thorn were the first Student and Teacher lovely 6-bell towers in the to gain ART certificates in the SDGR on 8th December 2012. Pictured right, Patsy Purbecks. We were being presented with her Teachers pleased, but also certificate by Pip Penney. Beth and Paul surprised, that Ciena and soon followed, taught by Gill and her mum had travelled all Richard. We were lucky that some new the way down from youngsters from Rowde joined our group, encouraged and Trowbridge to join us for transported by Richard Heath (also ITTS Module 1 the first time. At Worth trained). Paul, Mattie, Annie and Maddie came along we were met by the regularly and Paul especially made very good progress and eventually became joint Young Ringer of the Year at the Parish Priest, Revd James Guild AGM in 2015. During this autumn we received a visit Mercer, who is himself a from Trowbridge Rotary Club members–they were very ringer. Both he and the Churchwarden (no chance of impressed with our Training Centre and very encouraging a lock-out here!) were delighted to see and hear their to our Young Edingers. bells being rung by so many young people. Ringing 2013: By this time we were supporting Sunday Service ranged from Rounds and Call Changes to Plain Hunt ringing and regularly making sure that bells were heard for on 5, Plain Bob Doubles and Minor, Stedman Doubles Church and National and Cambridge S Minor. Those not ringing were Festivals. A belated Christmas treat took us Ten entertained by William and Alfie playing the organ Pin Bowling, followed by a (hymns and classical, but also a bit of jazz). After the bring and share supper at obligatory group photo (with Baxter out of sight as Christie Miller Sports Centre usual) everyone wended their way home, looking in Melksham (pictured left). forward to meeting up again on Leap Day (29th We also joined in the February) at Martinstown and Bradford Peverell. Branch Skittles evening and came 4th in the Rounds Competition at Seend. Eight Edingers rang to celebrate the birth of Prince George. Later that year we had a trip to Bath where we were welcomed by the Abbey ringers and taken up onto the roof of the Tower; our youngsters particularly enjoyed this. At the Branch AGM The Edingers GUILD YOUNG RINGERS DAY were awarded The Charles Andrews Trophy. 2014: Easter of this year saw us once again teaching Wednesday 15 April 2020 several new ringers: Joccoaa, Anona, Alex and Hannah. We very much enjoyed joining the Bath & Wells young Ringing at Chilcompton ringers at (12 Bells) Horsington for Midsomer Norton their afternoon practice. Later (12 bells) in the year Beckington (8 Bells) Matthew, Jack

Visit to the SOMERSET AND DORSET RAILWAY and A d am from North PIZZA at Pizza Hut, Frome Bradley and H i l p e r t o n https://sdgr.org.uk/young-ringers-day-somerset-bells-and joined us. Our -railways/ Outing with Contact: Robert Wellen on [email protected] seven young ringers was to The Ringing Road Show at Newbury, ringing at on the way and on the way home. During quarter peal week RWNYC in York Katherine rang her first quarter peal on treble to Bob Doubles. Ice skating was the chosen Christmas treat and Saturday 4th July greatly enjoyed by all young ringers. During the year 2020 seven Edingers collected 12 Learning the Ropes certificates and were continuing to improve their ringing. From Hilary Child: Good news-we have enough people At the end of this year "Wiltshire Life‖ magazine featured a interested to enter a Guild team. At the moment we have three page article advertising The Edington Ringing Centre some people who are definitely up for it and some who are and Bell ringing (pictured above). a bit undecided, as well as a couple who would rather be reserves. https://rwnyc.ringingworld.co.uk/ Final Part Next Time 2015-2018

Page 12

And in Other News ...

Neil‘s Italian Adventure ringing towers. At Montegaldella, with a relatively slender tower some of the bells swing out of the open From Neil Skelton: A windows. I did ask one of the local ringers whether chance remark to Ian any of the clappers came out. He said that good and Wendy Campbell of maintenance and regular inspections of the clappers Exeter Cathedral that I had, thus far, prevented this happening! Our day of had not rung at Ypres ringing south of Verona saw us ringing at Quaderni led to an invitation to (6), Custoza (9), Bagnolo (6), Tormine (5), join them and a party of Dossobuono (9) and Alpo (6). Our final day en route 38 ringers and friends for home took us to St George‘s Memorial Church, for the bi-annual ringing Ypres , Belgium. Here we re-acclimatised ourselves to ringing with ‗normal‘ bell ropes and sallys. This I have tour of Italy organised th by Stephen Pettman of logged as the 5,465 tower at which I have rung Felixstowe. On 11th bells. Over many years of ringing I have been on a October 2019 we boarded the coach to Harwich for number of ringing tours. This tour was certainly quite the overnight boat to the Hook of Holland. We then different to anything else I had experienced. It travelled through Switzerland and the Gottard Tunnel became clear that to ring on Italian bells good into Italy for a two night stay in Reggio Emilia. It was handling and a sense of balance is essential, here and on the following day at Lucca where the especially as in most towers the ropes fall in a very local ringing systems were demonstrated. In these close circle with very little space between the ringers. towers the ropes are attached to levers and the bells rung up to the balance in the bell chamber. Being Wimborne Ringers Join Ringing directly in the path of large bells was disconcerting, Tour to the USA however, for the Italian ringers this method of ringing held no fears with one ringer standing on the bell From Ben Duke and David frame taking hold of the bell in the ‗up‘ position. At Sparling: Near the end of the church of St Peter and Paul, Torre Maina and October 2019 a group of 16 Gorzana we were given a demonstration of the so- ringers met at Heathrow to called Bolognesi system of ringing which is not embark on a 2-week tour dissimilar to that at Lucca but is restricted to ropes encompassing parts of the attached to levers where it is possible to ring the bells Carolinas and Georgia. Six of to the balance. Although a number of the visiting the group were Wimborne party were allowed to swing the bells as far up as was ringers: David and Flick possible, we left it to the local ringers to demonstrate Warwick, Trish and Eric ringing up to the balance at which point an ‗Italian Hitchins and Ben and Recital‘ was performed. This is a set of changes rung Rosemary Duke, while the according to local custom. Day six saw us travelling remainder of the party to the Veronese six-bell towers in the Valpolicella included people from various region where we rang at Cerna, Vaggimal (pictured parts of the south and east above: a good example of bells swinging out of the of England. Most of the participants had enjoyed tower openings), Ronconi, Marano di Valpolicella, similar tours before but it was David and Flick‘s first Maria di Arbizzano and Arbizzano St Peter. At all visit to the U.S.A. Our route was a well-tried one, these towers the bells are hung with wheels but starting in Raleigh, N. Carolina which can be reached neither stays nor sliders. The bells are well tucked up by a direct American Airlines flight from London, into their headstocks and counterbalanced which proceeding in a circular fashion via Hendersonville makes them quite easy to ring up to the balance and NC, Atlanta and Marietta GA, Augusta GA and hold them in that position. Only once did a member of Charleston (pictured: St Michael‘s Charleston) SC the party let a bell go over the balance. The heavy back to Raleigh for the return home. While the ropes, about one inch in diameter, are soft but intention was largely to ring peals, the tempo was a without sallys. Once acclimatised it is quite easy to little more leisurely than some past tours I have ring half-pull changes as we did at all of the towers. taken part in and there was plenty of time for sight- On the seventh day we rang at Staro (6), seeing. We were very pleased to join the local Zermeghedo (6), Rampazzo di Camisano (6) and practices and we also helped out with some funeral Montegaldella (12). The bells at Montegaldella are and wedding ringing en route. And so in summary we heavy with a tenor of thirty-three hundredweights but drove nearly 1,500 miles, visited 9 churches and which on account of the hanging of the bell is easy to scored 15 out of 16 peals! We received the warmest handle once in the ‗up‘ position. It was the only bell of welcomes wherever we went. We were especially we encountered with a type of stay. As at all of the honoured to have Reverend Robert Fain, Rector of the Italian towers and especially here the ropes do not Church of the Good Shepard, Augusta join us for fall clockwise from treble to tenor but to English dinner at a local restaurant (that he had ringers fall in a random sequence, though to the recommended but never previously visited!) and even Italian ringers this suits their method of ringing more honoured when he served us Champagne after concertos. However, all of the bells on which we rang both our peals there! are tuned to the diatonic scale as in most change-

Page 13

And in Other News ...

‗Icon John‘ is 80! moulds and the casting of the No 6 at nearby Stourton, one of the last bells cast by them. I then From Janet Ranger-Dennis: John moved on to details of the making and fitting of Big Coleman (aka ‗Icon John‘ (pictured Ben followed by brief details of other named bells in left)) will need no introduction to Britain, ‗Great Paul‘ ‗Great George‘ etc. We then those of you who have rung with him looked at a few details of the largest bells in the world or received an icon, or painted stone from the great bell of Dhamazeedi 327 tons, made or some other gilded item concerning around 1400 AD to the ‗Vox Patris‘ bell made for bell ringing! John lives in Maiden Brazil recently, at over 50 tons, it will be the largest Newton, near Dorchester, so a band swinging bell in the world. I then tried to explain the of his friends met there on his actual difference between chiming and circle ringing and birthday (Saturday 21 December demonstrated on a bell model and again had a 2019) to ring a celebratory Quarter Peal of, aptly for timeline to show how circle ringing developed and the time of year, St Nicholas. John met us at the became very popular as a secular pursuit and the church and rang a bell up before going downstairs to unruly behaviour in the 1700‘s that gave ringers a a Coffee Morning in bad name. I explained about methods and call the church where he changes and showed a brief example of six bells was able to hear our changing from rounds to Queens, Titums and back. ringing. Afterwards The last part was a history and details of Mere bells. we were invited to John‘s home for Peal to Honour the Brave refreshments and to Pictured Quarter Peal Band in receive a surprise gift From James Mercer: A peal of order of ringing LtoR: Janet as a keepsake of the Surprise Minor (7 methods) was Ranger-Dennis, Will Haydock, event. He had rung at Worth Matravers on 9 Eleanor Wallace, Andy Waring, previously prepared January 2020, with me ringing Alastair and Juliet Braidwood. small wooden plaques the treble, in memoriam to the for each of us, 36 officers and men whose lives depicting a gilded bell were lost in the wreck of the SS and the bell number, weight, key, church, method Treveal at Chapman‘s Pool, near and date. He was obviously confident that we would Worth Matravers, Dorset, on achieve the Quarter, which we did! From Robert 9th/10th January 1920 and in Wellen: A month earlier at the tribute to the courage of the West Dorset Branch AGM on 16th rescuers Frank Lander and The November 2019 at Pictured: The ship‘s Revd Horace Piercey. The Treveal , our own officers on the deck was a newly built steamship of Guild President, Judith of the SS Treveal. 5,200 tons owned by the Hain Williamson (a living Steamship Company from St icon!) (pictured left Ives in Cornwall. Its master was with John), was Captain C. Paynter, who also hailed from St Ives. The presented with an icon of St Peter Treveal carried a crew of 43. The vessel was on the (pictured right). last leg of its maiden voyage, which had taken it to the Far East. It struck the south-eastern edge of the A Brief History of Bells and Bell Ledges close to Chapman's Pool. Just Ringing after nine o'clock in the morning the Captain sent his last message to the Coastguard -‖For God's sake send

us assistance!‖ Just two local men were on the beach From Mike Durkee to offer assistance-the Revd Horace Piercey, the (Tower Captain at curate from the church in Worth Matravers and a Mere): On 7 January young fisherman, Frank Lander. They had responded 2020 I gave an to the boom of the Treveal's distress rockets. With illustrated talk to the disregard for their own safety they waded out in the Mere Historical Society angry sea in a brave attempt to help the few on a brief history of exhausted survivors back to the beach. A short time bells and bell ringing. I later they were joined by some other local people, began with the earliest known bells from China, including two women. All told just seven seamen ‖Zhong‖ bells that can date back as far as 500BC, were rescued, one of whom was a 15 year old cabin (pictured a ―‖, a set of tuned Zhong bells boy. Only 20 bodies were finally recovered. In the from 433BC). These pre-date cast and tuned bells in end just two unidentified seamen were buried in the Europe by almost 2000 years. I showed a timeline of churchyard of Worth Matravers. The shipwreck bells up to the introduction of tuned bells to Europe resulted in the death of 36 officers and men, including around 600AD. I then explained the make up of a bell Captain Paynter. Piercy and Lander were awarded and it‘s main parts, followed by slides and a short bronze medals by the Royal Humane Society. video taken at Whitechapel foundry showing the

Page 14

Profile: Len Roberts

I was born in what was persevered. In June 2012 I rang for the Olympics, my a rural village on the first ‗public‘ performance, not that I was in anyway outskirts of the Borough ready, but was told I was needed, and after many of in the forties shouts of ―pull it Len‖ managed to struggle through and left school as soon my first attempt at ‗flying solo.‘ In 2013 I was elected as possible, starting a member of the Mere Branch and so began my work aged sixteen as a association with the SDGR. December 2014 saw my dairyman, earning the election to the Branch Committee and 2015 as Guild princely sum of £4 17s Executive Representative, a post I still enjoy. In 2017 6d for a fifty-four hour I was elected Vice Chairman and in 2018 rather week. Five years later unexpectedly elected Chairman. In 2019, aware that after attending college I Mere Branch was hosting the 2020 Festival and AGM, was still earning little, I was re-elected Chairman. so got a job with the Milk Marketing Board as During the short period that I have been ringing I a milk recorder, earning have taken an interest in the Learning the Ropes better money travelling throughout Dorset visiting Scheme (LTR) organised by the Association of Ringing farms recording milk yields, unfortunately it included Teachers (ART). After discussions with ART members working in a parlour owned by the Chairman of the and support from Zeals Tower, I decided to apply for Board. I will leave the rest to your imagination, but it a place on the Module 1 course held in October 2017. necessitated turning a hose on the samples and me. Following much initial apprehension and doubt I found that my previous training, although in a totally Soon the work was taken over by new fangled different sphere, was of great benefit and settled in to computers and our jobs were becoming part-time enjoy the course. I took the required exam and was occupations. Seeing the ―writing on the wall‖ I relieved to pass with ‗flying colours‘, with teaching purchased a mobile fruit and vegetable round requiring the preparation of lesson plans and keeping complete with a Commer van, and after a couple of records of progress. Having myself learnt only years took a lease on a shop in Broadstone. Some recently I found to be a benefit, recalling only too twenty years later and I had taken on another shop vividly my own experiences. Next followed the specialising in floristry, during this time becoming the assessment of a practical session by an ART assessor, longest serving President of the local Chamber of after which I was pleased to be awarded Associate Trade and the first Chairman of The Dorset Membership of ART. In June 2018 I plucked up Association. In the early nineties it was time to make courage to attend the ART Module 2F Course. After a change, sell the business and move back to North completing the course and exam, I had to Dorset, followed by a period at Canford Magna. Since demonstrate an ability to plan and deliver a practice 1984 I had enjoyed successfully teaching City and session with a mixed band of ringers. I was fortunate Guilds Literacy and Numeracy, and from 1997 worked in being able to complete this with our group of as a healthcare assistant and cook during the day. In ringers known as the ‗Tuesday All Sorts‘, who won the July 1997 I suffered a near fatal road traffic accident, Guild Novice Competition later that year. Following my car being hit from the rear by someone driving at another successful assessment I was awarded full 100mph. The result was a significant brain injury; membership of ART. During participation in the affecting amongst other things my speech, short term scheme I am pleased to say around twenty memory and ability to sequence. In 2007 having certificates have been awarded, with participants relinquished night work as a security officer, licensee working towards levels 1, 2 and 3. Currently we have and teacher, I purchased a property in Kington Magna only one ART Member myself, and two Associate nearer my day job. Members within the Branch, but very much hope that this will increase. I recently became an ART Patron as In 2011 I took semi-retirement, and watching the I believe passionately it is the way forward in ringing one Sunday at Kington Magna, a ringer recruiting and retaining new ringers, alongside approached asking if I was interested in learning to improved communication. ring and had I ever rung. I replied that the only experience I had was chiming a bell many years ago, I retired completely in 2019, allowing more time for but that my Grandfather used to ring at Canford my other interests of walking, cooking and gardening. Magna and I enjoyed listening to bells. This was of However over the last year my balance has been course a big mistake, because the following Thursday none too good and coupled with arthritis and mindful saw me in a state of panic holding on to the tail end of safety, it is not so much ―choose a bell Len‖ as of a rope with absolutely no idea what was going to choose a wall to lean against! However I hope to happen, except that I had to pull it back down after it continue to ring to the best of my limited ability for as went up! Thus began a long and difficult path, due long as I can, and to support the art of ringing, even largely to my memory and sequencing difficulties, in if only to provide the coffee and cake. learning to handle and ring a bell. I was on the verge of giving up, but reluctant to admit defeat and keen Thank you Len, who with colleagues from the Mere to prove that I could still learn something new, and Branch, will be busy hosting the Guild Festival in May. with support and encouragement from other ringers I

Page 15

Branch News

Calne Ringing–A Calling or

Vocation?

AGM and a ‗Cooked Tea‘ I seem to have From Jane Ridgwell: The Calne th been thinking Branch AGM was held on 11 about calling or January 2020 at Lyneham. The vocation recently attendance was good, with nearly 40 in several different ways. It made me wonder how people present at some point of the many ringers think of their ringing as a calling or day. Maybe the attraction was the vocation. I suspect many ringers just think of Lyneham bells, or maybe it was the ringing as an enjoyable hobby, a way to continue an promised of a cooked tea? The local old tradition, a chance to meet people, even an ringers (and their wives) had obsession. I do however think that ringers who ring obviously worked hard to prepare for services play an important part in the worship of jacket potatoes, chicken curry, the church and as such ringing could be considered vegetable chilli and a range of cakes a vocation or calling. The dictionary definition of –it was all delicious and very vocation is: a strong feeling of suitability for a warming on a cold, windy day. It particular career or occupation. The Church of was good to see a number of England defines vocation as: Vocation means what inexperienced ringers at the you are called by God to be and do. For some, this afternoon ringing session and for is a specific calling to ministry. For others, it could them to get a chance to ring on mean serving God through faithful discipleship in different bells, with different people everyday life. There are, of course, many ringers and to gain confidence in a who would not consider themselves to be Church supportive environment. The service was led by the of England, or in fact any religion at all. The fact is Revd Rachma Abbott. Rachma‘s address focussed on that most bells are in churches the role of bellringers in calling people to church and and their main purpose is to summon people to in announcing the work of the church to the wider church or at least inform people that a church community-ringers giving generously of their time service is taking place. The lectionary readings for whether they are Christians or not. Tea was a great at least two Sundays in January talk about Jesus event in the Church Hall, where we all had the calling his disciples, including the verse from opportunity to warm up and socialise. There was a Matthew 4 ―Follow me, and I will make you fish for raffle, with many prizes, for the Branch Bell Fund. people‖ and so this is also a traditional time to look The raffle raised £87 and nearly everyone went home at vocations. On Sat 18th Jan, wearing my Lay with at least one prize. The formal AGM started after Worship Leader hat I was at an exploring vocations tea and the chair was taken by Branch Chair Michael day for the diocese of Salisbury where we looked at Moore. We covered the election of Branch Officers, the range of vocations to which one may called in events for the year, officers‘ reports, including our local churches. I now realise that bell ringing accounts for 2019, and some miscellaneous items. was not specifically mentioned but a range of other Most Branch Officers were elected unopposed and en roles were. I know from our band of ringers that bloc with the exception of the Branch Treasurer and many ringers are also taking an active role in the one Committee Member. Edward Spearey was elected churches where they ring, and indeed in other to fill the vacancy for Treasurer. There continues to churches, but have you considered whether God is be a vacancy for a committee member. Dave Davidge calling you to do more than ring for Sunday– (pictured above left) has been Treasurer since 1998 important as that is? and Mary Davidge has been a committee member for over 10 years; both had decided to stand down. In Elaine Leighton is a Ringer and Guild Member at view of long service to the Calne Branch, Mary was Hilmarton in the Calne Branch and Lay Worship nominated for the status of Associate Life Member. Leader in the Benefice of Lyneham and Woodhill. The meeting agreed to nominate David for election as Honorary Life Member of the Guild, as he has held a valuable role in the operation of the Branch and Guild for over 20 years. Both were thanked for their CALNE BRANCH BELL excellent service to the Branch and their support for RESTORATION 200 CLUB Branch events and Avebury tower. Raise money for bell restoration and maintenance and win cash prizes

For more information about the 200 Club or to You Can Receive a Personal request an application form, please contact the promoter, Copy of Face to Face Andrew Woolley, using the contact details: (H) 01249 816260 (M) 07722 038262 email: £8 a year (three editions)-£12 by post [email protected] Contact the [email protected]

Page 16

Branch News

so far so good. From then on I spent all my mental Devizes energy on not letting my mind wander, concentrating on my rope sight and time just flew by until about 2 hours into the ring. I suddenly realized that I was First Peal: Satisfying but ‗Never ravenously hungry which told me that I must be coming close to running out of energy. ―I can‘t fail Again‘! now not after all this time, I will just have to keep going!‖ Keep going I did even though I lost my balance a few times with tiredness. Chris kept checking if I was OK but I was determined not to give up. I can tell you there are no words better in the English language when you are ringing a peal than ―That‘s all!‖, I‘d done it! I‘d rung a peal! I was pleased as punch and realized just how important it was that I succeeded. If you have half a wish to try a peal, go for it! Honestly, it is very satisfying to succeed. However, my first thought was accurate. Never again!

Pictured Left Peal Band LtoR: Maz (1), Julian Ferrar (6), Bob Purnell (2), Chris Jenkins (C) (5), David Hacker (3) New Members from Upavon and Julian Hemper (4). Pictured Right: Maz receiving her First Peal Certificate from Guild President Judith Williamson From Julia Russell: Pictured at the Branch AGM. are our two new members from Upavon, Cheryl Moore (left) and Andy Weeks From Marion (Maz) Moldon: I have been ringing now (right), who were elected at for 8 years and have been told for a long time I ought our branch meeting in to try and ring a peal. ‗Hmmmm‘, I thought, ‗I don‘t October. Welcome to them know about that?‘. It sounds like an awfully long time both. to stand and ring, concentrating all the time with no chance to visit the toilet or quench my thirst. Will I ever manage it? What happens if I have to call a halt Peal Board Dedicated after 2 odd hours? What about wasting everyone‘s time? I decided I just had to try, if only for my own From Robert Wellen: On 31 satisfaction. It would be a once in a lifetime attempt, December 2018 a Peal of succeed or fail I would never do it again! I am the Grandsire Triples was rung at Tower Captain at Corsley and we have just had our Bishops Cannings ―in memory of ring of 6 bells refurbished (see page 8). Chris Jenkins, the five ringers from the village our Branch Ringing Master, asked me if the Devizes who died in WW1‖. On Branch could attempt the first peal on the bells since Remembrance Sunday 2019 (10 they were rehung. ―Of course!‖ I thought. Then I read November), during morning ―Do you think you would be up for ringing in it too?‖ service, a Peal Board was Time to bite the bullet, so I said I would love to, dedicated to commemorate that adding that I hoped I would not make it fail! The date event. Julian Hemper spoke and was set for October 25th 2019. From then on every the Great War picture by Helen time I rang I imagined being in the middle of this peal Chester was on display. In the trying to picture how it would feel. Gradually the time evening the peal band rang a half muffled quarter trickled away until there were only two weeks left. peal (see page 17). An added poignant note was that Now came the real thoughts. I will have to get up Lewis Cobb, who died in September 2019, had been nice and early to ensure I am totally awake, have instrumental in arranging this dedication. some breakfast beforehand, not drink for an hour before, definitely not panic as that would use up Joint Devizes and Calne Branch energy and I will not have any to spare. I am prone Carol Service to panic if things go wrong so before the peal, I kept ringing all the things I am trying to learn and each From Julia Russell: On the rather wet, windy and cold time I got lost, as one does, I made a point of not afternoon of Saturday 14 December 2019, a good panicking. It really was good practice. The day came! number of ringers from the Calne and Devizes No turning back now! We duly assembled in the branches were blown into West Lavington to ring. A tower, a wonderful band, so kind to give their time wide range of ringing took place from rounds to for me knowing that there was no guarantee of Cambridge Surprise Minor to ensure all abilities were succeeding. A quick revisit to the loo and off I went catered for. We were delighted to welcome Robert ringing the treble to a combination of Bob Doubles Wellen, our Guild Master, who enjoyed ringing with and Grandsire Doubles. I‘ll tell no lies, it was hard. our group of young ringers, one of whom has only Fine for the first half hour, settled in to good rhythm,

Page 17

Branch News

recently returned to the fold. (Upavon) and Nick Weeks (Seend) (pictured middle We were very pleased to left receiving their new member certificates from welcome Ruby Eyles (HLM) Judith Williamson, Guild President (centre)). We were and her son, Stephen. Ruby, also delighted to carry out the following who is now in her early 90s, presentations: First Peal Certificate to Marion Moldon, became a member of the Corsley (see page 17); First Quarter Peal certificates Devizes Branch in 1943 when ringing re-started towards the end of World War II. Ruby was presented with a 75 year membership certificate by Robert Wellen (pictured above) and enjoyed meeting a number of members, some of whom she either used to ring with or whose parents she rang with. We were very grateful to the Revd Tony Longdon, a ringer at North Bradley, for leading our Carol Service and to Chris Bush, accomplished organist as well as ringer, for playing to (LtoR pictured the organ. Although rather nervous, our newly above with formed choir led by Marian Moyes played a Robert Wellen: compilation of well known carols. The wonderful Ed Henderson, ‗bring and share tea‘ was devoured by many hungry Jean Harkett ringers who required plentiful cups of tea to wash it a n d y o u n g all down! Our raffle was very well supported and ringer Robert); raised £130 for the LEBRF–many thanks to Len, Alan ART Level 2 and Ann for all their hard work selling tickets and Certificates to drawing the raffle. Those who still had the energy G r a h a m stayed on for further evening ringing. Preuveneers and Jean Harkett (pictured above left) (Level 1 Devizes Branch AGM: Saturday 4 certificate for Donna Mountford and Level 2 for Lara Mountford, Antony Robson and Paul Whiffin); Novice January 2020 in Devizes Rounds Trophy to Len Murray on behalf of Seend (pictured above centre). The Fred Slatford Memorial From Julia Russell: Shield for the 6-bell Striking Competition was The afternoon presented to David Hacker on behalf of Melksham by began with ringing Bev Slatford (pictured bottom left); the Trophy for at The Blessed Vir- highest placed 6 bell tower in the 6 bell Striking gin Mary Devizes where a good num- ber of members successfully mounted the rather steep spiral stair- case up to the ringing chamber and rang a variety of methods, rounds and call changes. We then walked across town to St John‘s Devizes for our service which was taken by the Revd Robin Stevens. During the service we remembered those we had lost during 2019. The service concluded with a magnificent rendering of the ‗‘ by organist Chris Competition was Totney. After a delicious tea which raised nearly £130 presented to Sheila for LEBRF, and a raffle which raised £157, we Quintin on behalf of commenced our Annual General Meeting. Anne Willis, Westwood (pictured our Chair, welcomed all members and guests to the above right); the 8 Bell meeting. A very special welcome was given to Bev Striking Competition Slatford, who had joined us to present the new Fred Shield presented to David Slatford Memorial Trophy to the winners of the Hacker on behalf of Branch 6 bell Striking Competition. There was a total Melksham (pictured left of 63 attendees. Bill and Pam Clark of Westbury, who with Judith Williamson); both have 50 years membership, had requested long Solo Striking Competition service certificates instead of Honorary Life –shield presented to Giles Wood on behalf of winner Membership. We elected seven new members: Ben Kipling. The Norman Knee trophy for the most Jacqueline and Felix Byrne (Holt), Andrew Lanham- improved band during 2019 was presented to Cook, (Bradford on Avon), Sue Roberts (Hilperton), Veronica Newman on behalf of Trowbridge (pictured Claire O‘Mahony (unattached), Viccie Palmer overleaf top left); and the Charlie Andrews Trophy

Page 18

Branch News

(Chairman‘s award) was presented by German Dugout in the basement. Day One of our visit Anne Willis to Richard Heath (pictured concentrated on the northern section of the British below right) for his six year service as line. We visited the imposing Thiepval Memorial, the Branch Treasurer. The original 6 bell preserved trenches of the Newfoundland Park, the striking competition almost untouched landscape of the Sunken Road and shield (pictured finally Serre. Day Two of our tour included a fantastic below) which was tour of Thiepval Wood, our guide not only being a presented to the Dorset man but a bell ringer (albeit lapsed). Needless Branch in 1967 by to say, he received strong words of encouragement to the Ringing Masters take up ringing again! Very sadly neither Hope or at the time, has George survived the War, they were both killed in now run out of space for further action during the Third Battle of Ypres in October winners and will be put on display 1917 when 11th (Northern) Division took part in the in the ringing chamber of Devizes battle of Broodseinde Ridge. Whilst George has a St John. During the course of the meeting we very grave, Hope‘s body was never found and he is pleased to elect Jean Harkett as our new Treasurer remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery at Passchendaele. and Veronica Newman as our Publicity Officer. Richard Heath, who stood down as Treasurer, Wyke Regis Ringers Go Walking! resumes his role of Vice Chairman alongside his role of Assistant Ringing Master. All other officers were re- From Les Seamark: A elected. Those of us who had any energy left, then good day was had by made the short journey to the ringing chamber at St Wyke Regis bellringers John‘s (thankfully a lot fewer steps than St Mary‘s) to and friends in October ring a variety of 8 bell last year. Michael methods, plain hunt on 7 Dillistone organised and rounds. Thank you very yet another successful much to Liz Merritt for walking and ringing making all the arrangements outing between and ensuring the day ran Shroton, Stourpaine smoothly. You would never and Child Okeford (where this picture was taken) with have guessed that there was us ringing at all three churches. Twelve intrepid a Christening in the Church ringers enjoyed the six mile round trip on a typical prior to our Service and a English day of sun, wind and, later in the day, some Birthday Party in the Hall light rain. For the keenest walkers (or the maddest prior to our tea and AGM! ones), there was the pre-ring walk scaling the ascent of Hambledon Hill. After the gruelling 45 degree gradient to the top we were rewarded with the most Dorchester fantastic views. As the day progressed we also walked along the North Dorset Trailway, an old disused Upwey Ringers (and Friends) railway. One pair of walking boots died so we ended Somme Battlefield Tour up binding the soles up with strong black tape. No piggy back rides or stretchers required. The day From Andrea ended with a well earned pint and pub grub at the Jacob: On 26th Saxon Inn, Child Okeford. September 1916 following a First Peal Certificate for Harry Little preliminary bombardment the From Janet Ranger- 11th (Northern) Dennis: On Monday 20 Division attacked January 2020 our Guild German held Master, Robert Wellen positions on the Thiepval Ridge. The 33rd Brigade (pictured left), attended a successfully took all of their objectives however the practice night at St 34th Brigade were held up by the strong German Peter‘s, Dorchester and defence of Mouquet Farm. One hundred and three whilst there he surprised years later ten Battlefield Tourists visited the site of Harry Little (pictured this battle to remember and pay their respects to centre) by presenting him Hope Brake a ringer from Upwey in the 34th Brigade with a First Peal and George Fisher of the 33rd Brigade, the uncle of Certificate. This was Tony Fisher (our Branch Secretary) from Wyke Regis. preceded by myself Our billet for the trip was a very comfortable self (pictured right) presenting Harry with his Certificate catering cottage in Guillemont which came with not of Membership of the Dorchester Branch of the SDGR only extensive battlefield views but its very own -so a double surprise for Harry! The peal concerned

Page 19

Branch News was rung at St Peter‘s on 30 October 2019, exactly Regis‘s was used by the one hundred years to the day after a peal rung at St Dorset Sinfonia, which was due to Peter‘s as a ―Memorial Peal to those men of the give a concert which included Salisbury Guild who gave their lives in the Great ‗Pictures at an Exhibition‘ by War‖. The 2019 peal was the same method and Mussorgsky. Our ‗D‘ handbell was composition as that in 1919 (Grandsire Triples—Holt‘s deemed the correct pitch to be rung Ten Part)-Harry rang No.4 and congratulations should in the piece and, apparently, it fitted also go to Will Haydock (Tower Captain) for very well into the performance, so Matthew Bakewell conducting the peal, his first as conductor. (who is in the orchestra and a ringer at ) tells me. Alan Brown–70th Anniversary Birthday Quarters for Pete: From Claire Dillistone: Pete Willis celebrated his 90th birthday on From Bini Miles: Alan started 6th December 2019 and two quarters were rung in ringing at Holy Rood, Wool in the celebration at Buckland Newton. The first was summer of 1949, a whole 70 Coleshill Surprise Minor, which was rung on his years ago!! He was recruited birthday (when Pete and wife Jane were away) and from the choir as some of the was a ‗first‘ for all the band, and the second, on regular ringers had gone into the Saturday 14th December was Cambridge Surprise army and Fred Precey needed Minor with Pete‘s wife, Jane, ringing the treble. Nick some new recruits. Fred Baker (Tower captain at Buckland Newton) writes: eventually taught three of the Pete learnt to ring in the Midlands in his youth but young boys to ring, and although hasn‘t rung for at least 65 years! We chose Coleshill they could only do rounds and Surprise Minor as Pete was born and learnt to ring in call changes, they came out of Coleshill, Warwickshire. school to ring for Prince Charles‘ Carol Service at Charminster: From Tony first birthday in the following November. Alan has Fisher: On 15th December 2019 ringing before the been a loyal member of both the church and the service started, unusually, at 2.30pm so that tower for all this time and in recent years has Charminster's lovely ring of 10 could be enjoyed for expanded his ringing repertoire to Spliced Plain/ Little an hour and a half. About thirty (memories vary: one Bob Minor, Kent and Treble Bob to Surprise Minor. estimate puts it as high as forty) ringers and their Last Sunday (24 November 2019) he rang the treble friends and relations, children and grandchildren, to a quarter peal of Cambridge Minor to attended the service of five lessons and carols, led by commemorate his 70 years at Wool Tower. Revd Mark Phillips. As usual, Michael Dillistone played the organ. Afterwards, we enjoyed a mince pie and a Branch News ‗Round Up‘ cuppa, provided by the Charminster ringers. From Robin New Year‘s Eve in Puddletown: Mears: Pictured are Branch AGM in Dorchester: From Tony Fisher: LtoR: Nigel Pridmore, On 12 October 2019 some two-dozen ringers, Robin Mears, Emma including the Guild Master, enjoyed themselves in Hughes, Paul Posser, relays for an hour in Dorchester St Peter's ringing- Jane Pridmore, Mary chamber before the service. The Branch Ringing Brice, Tom Woodland Master was indisposed, so the ringing was run and Maria Gutteridge. brilliantly by Andrea Jacob. The service was led by the E i g h t r i n g e r s Vicar, Revd Claire McClelland, and Michael Dillistone enjoying a party in played the organ. A fine tea followed, prepared by St tower after new year's ringing. Peter's ringers and organised by Janet Ranger- Quarterly Meeting at Wool: From Tony Fisher: Dennis. At the Branch AGM, seven new members th were elected, the Treasurer declared the Branch On 11 January 2020 the bells at Wool were rung for solvent and the Branch committee was unchanged. an hour before the service, ranging from simple rounds to Cambridge Surprise. Wool's Vicar, the Revd Ringing for Armistice Day 2019: From Claire Carol Langford, led us in worship in a Celtic Dillistone: Three quarters were rung half-muffled in evensong, and, as usual, Michael Dillistone played the the Dorchester Branch on Armistice Day 2019. One at organ. A really magnificent tea was provided by the Maiden Newton, which was Grandsire Doubles, the local ringers, led by Jan Alford. second at Martinstown, being Plain Bob Minor and the The business meeting which third was Plain Bob Doubles at Puddletown. The followed was uncontentious; quarter at Puddletown was rung to remember those eight new members were from the parish who lost their lives in the First World elected. War (of which there were 21) and the Second World Stratton New Members: War (of which there were 7). This quarter was also the first for Paul Cottingham as conductor and the From Janet Ranger-Dennis: I first inside for 14 years for Robert Newton of Hilton. attended the practice night at Stratton on Wednesday 29 Handbell For The Sinfonia: From Claire January 2020 to present Guild Dillistone: In November last year, one of Wyke Membership Certificates to

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Deane Parr and Peter Holtom (and Rose Hill-absent Hodgson, Jack Pease, Kim Matthews, Gillian Richards on the evening). I was accompanied by Robin Mears and Paul Tyson who, with great patience, put us right (Ringing Master); we were made very welcome and it when we strayed from the infamous blue line. Our was a good practice for all ten ringers present. thanks go to them all. (Pictured previous page: LtoR: Deane Parr, Janet Ranger-Dennis and Peter Holtom). Wimborne Take On the South West News from Abbotsbury: From Claire Dillistone: Abbotsbury has a band of eight ringers and one probationer. Matthew Bakewell, the current tower captain, took up the Exercise in May 2017 under the tuition of Frank Attrill, who was then the tower captain. The band now hold regular practices on Saturday mornings, and after several years absence the bells are once again heard ringing for services. The band is now working on plain hunt. Michael Miners (the steeple keeper) helps out on occasion, as does the tower captain of Litton Cheney, Harry Lenthall-Berry. Some of the ringers also go to Bradford Peverell, where Janet and Tim Collins have been helping them individually. An entry in the Dorchester Branch minutes of the quarterly meeting held in July 1980 reads: ―Abbotsbury tower had been The Wimborne band in ringing order, clockwise from front struck by lightning causing some damage to the right: Treble Lucy Warwick, 2 Hilary Child, 3 Rosemary masonry and one bell wheel and the church had been Duke, 4 William Perrins, 5 Flick Warwick, 6 Ben Duke, 7 advised to fit a lightning conductor‖. Philip Rioch, 8 Robert Child, 9 David Warwick (C), 10 Harry Also from the Dorchester Branch Minutes: Blamire, 11 Nigel Woodruff, Tenor Alan Bentley. From Claire Dillistone: In 1969 Frank Stedman of Wyke Regis, 95, was thought to be the oldest ringer From David Warwick: Wimborne entered a band for in the country, despite major operations and a long the recently inaugurated South West 12-Bell spell in hospital. The bell from Pokeswell church (near Competition (first held in 2018) at South Petherton Preston) was to be sold to Broadmayne Church which on Saturday 12th October 2019. Eight bands took already had one bell. part in the competition, representing St. Mary Redcliffe Bristol, St. Stephen's Bristol, Cirencester, East Dorset Chilcompton, Exeter Cathedral, Llandaff and Monmouth DA, Truro and Wimborne. The test piece was a specially-composed two-course touch (264 Lytchett Ringers-Here We Go Again! changes) of Grandsire Cinques, judged by Ben Carey (Portsmouth Cathedral) and Tom Hinks (Bromley). From Maureen Kirkham: The Wimborne team was drawn to ring first on the After a successful and day, and the judges commented: ―This was a good fun few months learning start to the day with some strong ringing especially at Bob Doubles, the the end of the touch. Nevertheless, there was an Lytchett Ringers, unsettled feel to the overall rhythm of the piece which currently ‗an all girl did detract from what we felt could have been an band‘ from Lytchetts even more competitive piece of ringing‖. We were Minster and Matravers, awarded a score of 72%, placing us in 4th position have set themselves a behind Exeter (90%), and the two Bristol teams new challenge to learn (82% and 80%). We look forward to improving with Reverse Canterbury. We have organised four more practice ahead of the 2020 competition. Saturday morning sessions ringing in towers across the East Dorset and Dorchester Branches, followed by This Cartoon a well earned pub lunch. We hope to raise funds for and that Lytchett Minster Tower in the process to repair the on Page cracked no 5 bell. What a great start 2 were we had on our first session on 5th spotted October 2019. We visited three on the towers-Poole, Oakdale and Sacred ringing Heart, Bournemouth and we all room made progress. All that hard work wall on a recent and fun also raised an amazing ringing £33.70. Of course our progress outing would not have been possible to Som- without the support of Alan Bentley, erset. Ross Bradley, Tracey Davis, Nick

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Branch News

Lytchett Matravers Ring Out Again for Advent

From Debbie P h i p p s : [continued from page 8] Gordon Paterson our (the John Lewis ex-Thames Police boat) through the Steeple Keeper jetty at Sandbanks, we redeployed to the Royal Motor positioned the Yacht Club and the island organised a ‗big boat‘ to get last clapper to us all over. We managed a couple of touches of be put in, and I, Grandsire Triples, some ‗fab‘ call changes and lots of as Tower Cap- plain hunt on seven. A great start to Christmas!! Photo on vehicle: Back Row LtoR: Viv tain, attached Endecott, Ann Manning, Debbie Phipps, the bolt at 10 Helen Gorman. Front Row LtoR: John past 12 on East Dorset Branch AGM at Marsh, Nina Sen, Mike Kimber, Emma November 15th! Wimborne Rushbrooke, Gordon Paterson. All bells were now hanging From Cathy Neyland: The East Dorset Branch AGM ready for all the fittings to be put in during the next was held this year at Wimborne Minster on Saturday couple of weeks. Ropes were attached and other 11th January 2020. The Tower was very full for the fittings in the next few days followed by another big ringing beforehand with many people having their clean up. Our new headstocks are made first experience of ringing on twelve bells. There were of metal so we had six elm headstocks plenty of methods to join in as well as rounds and call to recycle. We are thrilled and grateful changes for the less experienced. The Church Service to Hayden Crumpler who has used one was taken by the Revd Andrew Rowlands and Judith of them to create a very professional Williamson (Guild President) read the lesson. David new spider (pictured right) and also Warwick was the organist. Thanks to Rosemary Duke other turned items to be sold. We were and her team from the local band for providing an grateful to have an experienced band of excellent tea for over 50 people in the Church House. ringers to do a test ring and were In addition to the Training and Treasurer‘s Reports, thrilled with the way the bells now ring most of the Tower Reports were submitted and sound and we believe the outcome beforehand so that copies could be put on each of the is all that we had had planned for. We had our first tables, providing some light reading whilst members practice on Friday 29th November 2019, followed by were having their tea. At the business meeting, Ben our first ring for the morning service on the first day Duke, our Chairman, welcomed everyone especially of Advent and then for our Christingle service in the Judith Williamson (Guild President) and Pat Davidson afternoon. Though we are nestled in the valley just (Guild Treasurer). He then invited members to stand outside the village we were pleased to see on the to remember Janet Fawcett (HLM Canford Magna) village Facebook page that the bells were heard and who died in December. We enjoyed by several people in the village. We would elected 20 new members to like to thank John Taylor & Co for implementing this the Guild and presented First project, and in particular Andrew Ogden (‗Oggy‘), Quarter Peal Certificates to their bell-hanger, who was able to head off back to Sarah Millar (Lytchett Loughborough knowing he had done a great job-we Matravers) and Hazel Harlock are hugely grateful to his expertise for carrying out (Winterbourne Stickland) and the work with such professionalism and for a First Peal Certificate to Max supervising some of our own ringers to assist with the Knight (Wimborne Minster) work (a once in a lifetime experience thoroughly (pictured left ‗thumbs up‘ enjoyed by all). We would also like to thank the with the Guild President). It support team who were always on hand to provide was reported that Gill Curlett refreshments and lunches and taking on the other (who had been co-opted as admin jobs necessary for a successful project. All in Training Officer in the summer) had run courses with all a great team effort by ringers and non-ringers a band of experienced helpers/tutors. The Branch alike and an experience that brought a lot of people Striking Competitions were held on 8th June at together. [Rededication report on page 23]. Spetisbury (6). Branch practice attendances have generally been very good. There were outings to A Little Choppy! some of the country‘s heaviest and most prestigious bells, including Guildford Cathedral, Winchester From Alan Butler: We are just on the way back across Cathedral, Buckfast Abbey and Exeter Cathedral. Ten Poole harbour from the Brownsea Island carol service. practices for young ringers were held during the year. Last year the weather cancelled a visit to the island Turnout was consistently good. The Treasurer (Max entirely but this year, having nearly blasted Costello Knight) presented the accounts for 2019 and reported

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Branch News that the balance was 25% down on the previous year, which reflected payments for the Young Ringers‘ events, the website, and for two new publicity feather flags. The flags were on view in the meeting room and are available to be booked for Branch events via the Treasurer. Kathryn Tyson (Hon. Sec.) had given notice that she was standing down from the Committee and was presented with a bouquet of flowers and thanked for all the work she had done over the last seven years of service. The rest of the Officers were elected unopposed including me (Cathy Neyland) who was elected as the new Hon. Sec. The raffle during the meeting raised £82.85 for the LEBRF.

Bishop Karen Re-dedicates Lytchett Matravers Bells

From Debbie Phipps: On a damp Sunday afternoon (26 January 2020) we welcomed 108 adults and 6 children to our service to re- dedicate our bells. The Service was conducted by LtoR: Matt Riddell (Churchwarden), Right Revd Karen Debbie Phipps (Tower Captain), Bishop Gorham, Bishop Karen, Revd Stephen Partridge (Vicar of Sherborne. Our of Lytchett Matravers) and Terry Vicar, the Revd Well done‖. To which a reply came from one of our Streeter (Taylor‘s Bell Foundry). Stephen Partridge church members: ―It had put together was a really moving a special service and joyful service of starting with Ding Dong Merrily on High which got the rededication of the congregation in a celebratory frame of mind. The bells to a packed bells were formally handed over church. Yes! the by Terry Streeter of Taylor‘s Bell cakes were yummy Foundry to Stephen who then too, well done everyone‖. May our bells ring out for passed the rope to Bishop Karen many years to come to welcome people to our for her blessing and to dedicate church and give joy to those who are listening. the bells to the ‗Glory of God‘. Bishop Karen then passed the rope to Matt Riddell the Churchwarden Marlborough and then to me, the Tower Captain. Rounds were then rung by the Lytchett Band. Amongst our From Robert Wellen (as Editor): Unfortunately I have congregation were officers and not received any news items from the Marlborough members from across the Salisbury Diocese Guild of Branch this time, which is a shame. I know ‗with my Ringers. Also present were representatives from some Master‘s hat on‘ that the Branch is alive with activity of the Grant bodies who made this project possible as I had the pleasure of attending the Branch AGM on and also individual donors. Jack Pease expertly Saturday 19 October 2019 held at Milton Lilbourne, organised the ringing during the afternoon. Our with another chance to ring on these wonderfully church volunteer refreshment ladies (helped by some restored bells. The meeting went well and since then of the ringers) produced a delicious tea following the the Branch has published a full programme of events service. Bishop Karen tweeted at the end of the day for 2020, including branch practices, meetings and Enjoyable afternoon rededicating the bells of ― simulator training. Branch members please let me Lytchett Matravers. Great team effort to complete have reports of your activities to share with the rest project and continue to make a joyful noise unto the of the Guild for next time, either through a Branch Lord. The bell biscuits and bell cakes were good too. Officer or directly to me (e-mail on the front cover).

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‗Just One Peal‘ Mere In this feature leading peal ringers resident in the Guild are asked to recall ‗just one Skittles Evening at Kilmington peal‘ from all that they have rung and tell us what makes it F r o m P a t special. This time it‘s the turn Kennedy: On of ‗Susan E Smith‘, a ringer at Frid a y 25 th Wimborne Minster and a former Guild Master, who October 2019 has rung a total of 1,285 peals to date. Mere Branch bell ringers Lucky Thirteen swapped bell ropes for skittle The peal that I have chosen was my 13th, unlucky balls for an for some but not for me. My first peal at the age of enjoyable and sociable evening and to raise money 15 was in 1961 at my home tower of Fareham, for the LEBRF charity. Thanks go to the many who Hampshire on the newly augmented ring of 10 and turned out on a very stormy and wet night and to this was followed by two more in 1962 and nine in those who donated raffle prizes, 1963 of which four were on a young persons cycling bought tickets or made donations. and youth hostelling holiday. Methods I had rung in Thanks also to the hosts at the Home the peals were a mix of Plain Bob, Grandsire, Kent Guard Club who provided the excellent and up to 7 minor. Having finished school that year supper and the ‗putter-upper‘. A I left Fareham for a job in Greenford, Middlesex. On cheque for £145 was presented by the nights when not at College I went to a number of Guild President to Anthony Lovell– local practices, however after a short period I Wood, Branch Member and Chairman moved lodgings to Sudbury Hill which was within LEBRF (pictured right), bringing the cycling distance of Harrow Weald where there was a total amount donated by the Branch so light ring of 8 bells. Here I found an experienced far in the year to over £720. band capable of ringing the standard eight Surprise Major methods of which I knew Cambridge and a Carols and AGM at Motcombe couple of others. Progress was rapid and I was expected to learn a method a week. Then one evening a short time later I was asked to ring in a touch of spliced in the standard eight surprise major methods which I declined on the basis that I had never rung a bob in Bristol. To which the response from John Mayne, a member of the band was ―he would see about that‖. The next thing I knew a few weeks later was that I was asked to ring in a peal of Bristol on the 15th February 1964 at Knebworth in Hertfordshire. Little did I know at the time how From Pat Kennedy: The Annual Branch Carol Service experienced the other ringers would be having followed a well-attended AGM at St Mary‘s Church, already rung over 3000 peals between them, so it Motcombe, where around forty people enjoyed was perhaps unremarkable that my 13th peal and singing carols and listening to readings read by Guild first of Surprise was successful. Following my 13th Officers and Branch Members. The collection raised peal I continued to ring peals in the London area for £113 of which £60 was donated to Crisis, the charity a couple of years and then depending on where in for the homeless and the residue donated to St the country I was working the number of peals I Mary‘s, Motcombe. Mince pies and low alcohol mulled rang varied, increasing rapidly whilst living in wine was enjoyed after the service and the raffle Birmingham, Kent and West London. raised £47 for Branch funds. Alan Jeffs, who has relinquished his long-held post of Assistant Ringing Master, was presented with a gift of a garden clock Set Touch for the Guild 8 Bell Competition on and thermometer by Guild President Judith 9 May at Gillingham: 168 Grandsire Triples Williamson (pictured right above) as a token of the gratitude of the Branch for his many years of service. 234567 752634 – Full rules of the Competition: https:// ‗All Ringing Together‘ 467352 – sdgr.org.uk/striking-competition-rules/ 436275 From Len Roberts: Following discussions after a 423567 Repeated twice recent Quarterly Meeting, it was suggested by (Call 7 in and out of the hunt 3 times) members that a change of name may increase attendances at our Branch Practices; some having

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Branch News

thought it was only for experienced ringers to practise for competitions. Various key words were suggested including, ‗together‘, ‗all‘, ‗everyone‘, ‗all abilities‘ and ‗helping‘. As a result a ‗brain storming‘ session of committee members and others was organised producing a total of thirty-five possibilities! These were then whittled down by a process of elimination to five, most of the acronyms such as ‗ToTs‘ (Together on Tuesdays), being the first to be eliminated, with just one ‗Mere Heart‘ (Mere Helping Every Ability Ring Together) the only remaining acronym in the final five. Others on the ballot paper were ‗Merely Pulling Together‘, ‗Ring Around Tuesday‘, and ‗Ring Around Mere‘, with the winner by a definitive majority being ‗All Ringing Together‘, the name chosen by a majority vote, by the fifty three Branch Members who returned their ballot papers, which had been distributed in person with the highest number being eleven ringers and the and by e-mail to all members. Thought was also lowest three. Across the fifteen practices 24 individual given to the format of practices, with introductions ringers have benefitted by attending. The average and a ‗Coffee and Discussion‘ session being number of helpers for each practice has been 6.5 with introduced. A file of over fifty ringing resources was the highest number being nine and the lowest five. also made available, and proved to be very popular. With consistent high ratios of helpers to students it Our first ‗All Ringing Together‘ monthly practice was means that this practice has been able to help ringers held in January and the result was very encouraging to progress in the methods and areas for with eighteen Branch Members of varying abilities development that they want. Moving forward into attending, with feedback being extremely promising 2020 it has been decided to move the practice away and complimentary. However we shall not ―rest on from Broad Chalke on alternate occasions. This will our laurels‖ because it is still very much work in offer the students a variety of towers to ring at and progress, for as with anything, there is always room hopefully encourage ringers new to ‗Penney Practice‘ for further improvement. to join us whether as helpers or students. It is a practice where everyone is welcome. If you require any further information, please contact Nicki Tinkler on [email protected]. Dates and venues for Salisbury 2020 are on the calendar on the Guild Website. Mary Melbourne (Branch Secretary) adds: the Salisbury ‗Penney Practice‘ 2019 and Looking Branch is very grateful to Nicki for organising helpers Forward for these practices and sending out reminders to students on each occasion.

From Nicki Tinkler: A practice was created a Salisbury Branch Meeting and few years ago by the Skittles Evening much missed Malcolm Penney. It was From Ian Davidson: After intended as an having held the Skittles elementary level Evening in the northern practice–from call reaches of the Branch for changes to Triples, and the past two years, it was was it was held every third Thursday at Broad Chalke decided to move south again (pictured above). Since Malcolm‘s death in December in 2019. Instead of the 2017 the practice has been renamed the ‗Penney traditional venue of the Martin Club, Downton Sports Practice‘ in his memory. 2019 has been the second and Social Club was chosen. So, on Saturday year of running the practice without Malcolm. It November 16th 2019, the usual weekend following works because we have a small, but loyal, band of Remembrance Sunday, 42 members and spouses in helpers who take turns to run the practice. The seven teams representing at least seven towers practice list has a mailing list of around 50 students ‗battled it out‘ for the coveted Branch Trophy. Half from across the Salisbury Branch and beyond. During way through the evening a break was taken for a 2019 there were fifteen Penney Practices. An average finger buffet supplied by Mrs Janet Newman from of 7.5(!) students have attended on each occasion Fordingbridge. This was followed by a short Branch

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Meeting before the skittling continued. At the end of Competition and to Downton who won both the the evening, after three rounds of skittles, Amesbury Branch and the Guild 6 bell method competitions. were declared the winners, with a total of 109 Coombe Bissett and Nadder Valley were also followed by Stratford sub Castle in second place presented with certificates for winning the Branch (103) and Wilton third (98). Peter Banting Rounds and Branch Call Changes competitions (Amesbury) was the highest scorer following a ‗skittle respectively. Mike Ireland (Fordingbridge) was -off‘ with David Clayton (Stratford) after they both congratulated on having rung for over sixty years scored 23 and Robert Plaskett (Downton) took the with Bob Plaskett (Downton), after learning to ring booby prize (score withheld to save embarrassment!) together as teenagers at Downton. Thanks were expressed to Mary Melbourne for arranging the evening and to Pat Davidson (and me!) Very Well Done Toby (and Mum!) for keeping the scoreboard in order.

Salisbury Branch AGM at St From Nigel Orchard: Pictured is our young Martin‘s, Salisbury ringer Toby (centre) and his Mum, Ellen, From Ian Davidson: The last of the round of Branch (right) receiving their AGM‘s took place on Saturday January 26th 2020 at F i r s t Q u a r t e r Salisbury St Martin. The afternoon began with open certificates from Neil ringing when all levels were catered for up to and Skelton (left). During including Yorkshire Surprise Major. This was followed Guild Quarter Peal by a Eucharist, as is usual at our AGM, presided over Week (see page 3), by Father David Fisher, the Rector of St. Martin‘s. Toby and Ellen rang Two rousing hymns from the Guild Service Book were together at Wilton to sung, accompanied on the organ by me. During the each get their first Intercessions three members who had passed away quarter; Toby on the during the year were remembered, namely Harry tenor and Ellen, on the Brockway (Stratford sub Castle) who was the Guild treble. Both rang very Financial checker, Dennis Chalk HLM (Broad Chalke) well. Neil Skelton called and Mary Harper (Unattached). After the service the quarter and was members moved to the adjacent Church Hall to enjoy present in St Thomas‘, a ‗high tea‘ consisting of sausages, various green and Salisbury ringing chamber (Toby and Ellen‘s home rice salads and potatoes followed by fruit salad or tower) to present them both with their certificates. cheesecake. This had been prepared and served by Well done! ladies of St Martin‘s tower. At the business meeting that followed, attended by some 40 people representing 12 towers, Albert Spreadbury (Branch West Dorset Chairman) welcomed everyone including Guild Officers. Chris Caryer (Branch Ringing Master) reported on the past year‘s ringing activities and A Year in the Life of ... encouraged more people to attend Branch practices. He mentioned the Branch Striking Competition which From Tim Phillips: To mark various successes, but was well supported in 2019 and said he hoped for also to demonstrate what is possible with more entries this year. This was echoed later in the determination and proper support, I have written this meeting by Robert Wellen when he asked for more article. It would be fair to say that 2019 was an entries in the Guild Novice Competition. Louise Gay excellent year in our part of the West Dorset Branch. (Branch Treasurer) reported that Branch finances Some of us rang 100 quarters or more, and two of us were in good shape, albeit there was a lower balance have rung their first peal with another ringing his first than the previous year due to the £1000 loan to the inside. But those bald statistics mask a succession of LEBRF having now been gifted, as agreed at the last events that has enabled our group to make real AGM. The accounts were adopted by the meeting. All progress. In reality, these achievements were laid on existing officers and committee members were re- foundations started a two or three years ago. elected and the Branch programme for 2020 was Enthusiasm grew in the core group based at agreed. The following new Ringing Members were Sherborne and, under the guidance of our conductor, elected–Paul Yeo and Gordon Bishop (Downton), Nick Baker (WD Branch Chairman), and with support Maureen Frost (Sarum St Martin) and from from David Marshall and Paul Cottingham from Probationary to Full Members–Sue Dyer, Suzanne Dorchester Branch, we began to ring some of the Price and Sue Smith (Coombe Bissett), Adam more familiar Surprise Minor methods, with Elphinstone and Mark Van Beiren Donck (Breamore), admittedly varying success at times. Perseverance Lisa Harris, Toby Ransome and William Ransome and encouragement saw us move forward to a point (Sarum St. Thomas), Janie Mann and Dawn Hackett where a challenge was laid down to mark Nick's 40th (Bowerchalke). Certificates were presented to the birthday with a peal of seven Surprise Minor methods, Branch 8 bell team who won the Guild Striking which he would call. After one quarter, it became

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clear that several ‗Conundrum‘ of Tower of us could be free on Friday after- From Andrew Nicholson: After decades of being the noons. A perfect cause of visual distress to all those with any opportunity to ring sensitivities with regard to historic buildings and their more quarters was treatment, me included, the sight of 1930s seized. After the pebbledash to the outside of our fine Saxon tower has first one the ques- finally become a thing of the past. The pebbledash tion was innocently has been stripped from both the tower and the porch posed (well, and replaced by lime plaster. As is so often the case maybe not entirely At the West Dorset AGM at South with such projects, stripping the old pebbledash innocently), what Perrott on 16 November 2019, revealed a veritable can of worms, ranging from very Judith Williamson (President) shall we do now?- poorly executed past repairs to a range of dressed presented First Peal Certificates to the café in Cerne stone quoins and other openings which had been left Nick Baker and right Andy Abbas was open walled up over the centuries. Of particular surprise Waring, for the ‗July Peal‘. and they serve was the discovery of a large opening on the south cream teas! side of the tower immediately below the ringing Thanks to Jan chamber window which had been faced up in brick Keohane, we‘ve now rung 20 ‗Cream Tea Quarters‘. prior to the pebbledash being applied but with a huge Strange that Margaret can remember every scone but void left open behind it and supported by some very doesn‘t remember any of the ringing! By January decayed ancient timbers. Both the date and the 2019, and ‗the July peal‘ was looming ever closer and function of this opening are unclear, though a very the focus was firmly on the methods. Firsts Week saw early drawing of that side of the building hints at us ringing Firsts Week Delight Minor and, having been something being inside the void, perhaps a statue, the first band to ring it, we were able to name it. In which at that time was still open to the elements. The early May, a diversion to the new ring at St George‘s proportions of the opening do not, however, sit well Memorial Chapel in Ypres followed, where we became with the idea that it was originally a statuary niche. the first band from the Guild to ring quarters there. Interestingly, walled up openings have been By June, and now pretty familiar with the seven discovered to all four sides of the upper part of what methods chosen for the peal, we had moved to some is now the ringing chamber which are almost certainly of the 6ths place equivalents as well as Carlisle and sound openings dating from the time when this was Appleby Surprise. The peal was scored in late July the bell chamber; we know that the tower was and was celebrated in the pub in Buckland Newton heightened in around 1506 when the current bell immediately afterwards. It never ceases to amaze me chamber was added. The walled-up openings are how much ringing is organised over a beer! Next, clearly very early, that on the south side being cut moving away from ‗Cambridge above‘, we began to through, and thus earlier than, the current ringing pursue the Norwich group. Some excellent ringing chamber window which is C12th. A church is known ensued, helped by the great music generated by so to have stood on this site since the C8th though it is many dodges in 5-6. In the background, some of the unlikely that the work recently discovered is quite quarters rung at included that early. Research will continue with the hope that Cambridge, Yorkshire and Rutland Major, with Nick further light will be shed on the conundrum which is turning in the tenor. Full of (let's hope not misplaced) the tower of Lyme Regis Parish Church. Sadly all the confidence, we booked a peal at the Abbey in extra repairs have added nearly £30k to the cost of November 2020, where we hope to ring Cambridge the work. The bells at Lyme have been silent since with a localish band. 2019 continued with Sandiacre, September while the work to the tower has been Cunecastre and Westminster all scored, but one undertaken. It is hoped that the new lime plaster will highlight in the latter part of the year was Coleshill have cured sufficiently to allow ringing to resume at Surprise rung at Buckland Newton in celebration of the end of January. Those wishing to visit us will be Pete Willis's 90th birthday (see page 20). To crown it made most welcome! all, Jan's 100th quarter this year was scored at Buckland Newton on New Year's Eve, not that we were cutting it fine! Some of us have now rung 19 of ‗Merrily On High‘: Sherborne the ‗standard 41‘, so 2020 should see us ringing a Ringers ‗Front Page‘ of The few more. But we could not have reached this level Sherborne Times without help, determination and opportunity. But most of all, the lack of blame when things don't go to From Tim Phillips: So how did this come about? It plan, and the encouragement given by so many started over a year ago when I asked The Sherborne people have stood out. Another ambition is to ring Times to feature our new book on the Bells of quarters in every one of the 126 ringable towers with Sherborne Abbey. Subsequently I persuaded them to four bells or more in Dorset. We are already more publish an article written about the man behind the than half way there! Of course, sometimes things recasting of the Sherborne tenor in 1933, who was an don't go to plan. An attempt for a peal of Cambridge old Shirburnian, one Major John Hesse who, with Major with three of us in it came to grief after a bell Guild Master, Canon Carew Cox, was a prolific peal slipped a wheel. Too bad! We'll try again soon. ringer in the area. The article was published in

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Branch News

September, supportive teaching has meant shortly after she has worked up towards being which they ap- a Sunday bell-ringer and has proached me to only recently rung for a see whether we wedding‖. In fact, the Abbey is would agree to famous for having the heaviest be featured in rings of eight bells anywhere in their December the world. Bell-ringers from all 2020 issue. Jan over the country visit Sherborne. Keohane, Nick As John Cawood, who has been Baker and Jane tower captain for the last three Williams (one of years, says, ―You get a huge buzz out of producing a our newer re- good sound together. It‘s physically challenging and cruits) met their not easy‖. It is quite clear that Sherborne‘s bell- feature writer lo- ringers are a passionate bunch and welcoming of cally, and their newcomers. ―After all,‖ says Jan, ―the Abbey is our photographer local parish church so everyone is welcome‖. visited the Abbey in October to West Dorset Branch Training take the pictures. Programme: 1 and 2 of 8

What follows is an edited extract from the article. F r o m S u e Above is the front cover and below some of the Carter: During accompanying pictures. We are grateful to the Editor the first six of The Sherborne Times for his assistance: images m o nt h s o f credited to Katharine Davies; text credited to Jo 2020 we are Denbury, both courteous permission of The r u n n i n g a Sherborne Times). To view the full article online: s e r i e s o f https://issuu.com/sherbornetimes/docs/ monthly, pro- st0072_december_2019_issuu gressive train- ing sessions It‘s a familiar soundtrack LtoR: Mike, Julia, Val, Sue, Phillip and aimed to help Sally at the Handling Update course. to the English ringers through countryside. Sherborne‘s a range of bells have been heard topics. The first th for longer than most was on January 4 2020 and was a Handling Update with bells rung at the to iron out individual problems, practise changes of Abbey since medieval speed and improve striking skills. Six students times. Traditionally the attended from five different towers and experienced bell-ringers stood at the three hours of one-to-one tuition, using the excellent ‗transept‘ of the church but, in 1858, a ringing facilities at Bradpole Ringing Centre. Initially we took chamber was built for them and we no longer see the a video clip of their ringing and together identified ropes dangling the 100-feet drop to the floor. Instead certain ‗glitches‘ to concentrate on. For some of the the bell-ringers climb the 77 steps of the narrow problems the expertise of several teachers was spiral staircase to their chamber. As Jane Williams shared allowing ideas to be expressed in different says, ―Each time I do it I feel I am walking into ways. They watched slow motion videos of parts of history‖. Jane is a recent recruit; she joined the group handling such as the sally/backstroke transfer and three years ago because she wanted to learn rope shortening as well as watching a bell on the something new and meet new people. ―What I didn‘t monitor actually being rung in real time to see the realise is how incredibly complicated it is.‖ ―Everyone effect of the balance point, rope length alteration and is incredibly supportive,‖ says Jane. Nick Baker is the speed. After a coffee break they changed bells and ringing master at Sherborne Abbey. When I ask what tutors, some practised dodging, others following a makes a ringing master, Nick laughs. ―Patience!‘‖ he bell changing speed and then they all rang rounds says. It was Jan Keohane, who is now the group‘s together and tried following by using rhythm and secretary, who taught listening only. Real progress was made. This course him. Jan herself began was oversubscribed which confirms that there is ringing in the late 1960s indeed a need. In West Dorset we are fortunate to in Devon. ―I was in my have some very experienced and enthusiastic teens and a friend at teachers, some ART trained, others not, but they all school started, so I have a wealth of information and ideas to impart. joined her -ringing Next came Raising and Lowering–revisiting basic skills .‖ Bell st is clearly addictive. Jane on Saturday 1 February 2020. Seven students (from agrees that ―the five different branch towers) attended a course, again

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Branch News

at the Bradpole Ringing Centre. Council's guidance was equally Each was allocated a personal ambivalent. However, in 1952, the teacher. Initially we watched a editor, then a ringer at Guildford, real bell on a monitor being rung said that they rang fully muffled bells up and down, noting at what every day for Evensong. And other point the handstroke develops towers rang peals and quarters of and why the course, some fully muffled, some half second part of muffled and some open. It is clear a r a i s e that we should have a way to requires a lot distinguish between the death of of energy. Prince Philip and the Queen, and we have chosen to They then do this by half-muffled ringing for the Prince and fully observed an muffled for the Queen. We will also not practice experienced during the period between the Queen's death and her Above: A hive of activity and ‗Networking‘ ringer raising funeral, whereas we will during the same period for over a well earned coffee break at the and lowering Prince Philip. All of which is now described in our Raising and Lowering. a bell and agreed Plan. If other towers would like to speak to practised the me about this before they make their own skills of chiming, rope adjustment, taking coils and preparations I would be happy to share our the different ways to start a raise and finish a lower. experiences and plan. I can be contacted on: This was an intensive session and at the end of it [email protected]. there was quite a bit of fatigue and a few blisters!

Three Towers and a Flop!

From Andy Waring: Following the success of last year's experimental ‗Three Tower Tour‘ we decided to repeat the exercise on Saturday 18 January 2020 with a tour of three towers in the neighbouring Dorchester branch-St Peter's, Dorchester (8); Frampton (6) and Stratton (5)-followed by Supper and Skittles at the Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton. The ringing ranged from rounds through to Surprise Major and a very satisfying day was had by all. Sylvia Fowler did us proud with an excellent supper and Mark Symonds wowed all present with his ‗Dorset Flop‘ skittles technique (pictured above).

Sherborne Abbey Agrees Ringing Arrangements for Death of Senior Royal

From Tim Phillips: The ringers' plan for marking the death of a Senior Royal has been finalised and approved by the Vicar of Sherborne, the Revd Canon Eric Wood. There has been no official guidance from the Palace, as far as I am aware, but civic plans have SDGR CLOTHING been in place for some time. As for Central Council Is your SDGR clothing in need of replacement or maybe Guidance, they do have some limited help available you have been thinking about purchasing something new online from Kate Flavell, who is the Publicity Officer. for yourself or new recruits? All details of clothing But, in just the same way as our Vicar did, they (including an order form) can be found on the Guild largely leave it up to individual churches to make website, so do have a look as in the fairly recent past new their own plans, and of course everyone's colours have been introduced as well as some additional items. Polo Shirts cost £15 and Sweatshirts cost £17.50 circumstances are different. In putting our plan together, we tried to establish what happened in Contact: Patricia Davidson: [email protected] 1952, when King George VI died, and indeed earlier on the death of his father. Looking online at The CLOTHES STALL AT TRAINING AND LEARNING DAY Ringing World archive, it seems that the then Central AND GUILD FESTIVAL

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Obituaries

Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our was a member of their societies for many years. pleading. Let us find in your Son comfort in our Volunteering on the Swanage Railway led to him sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live training as a Signalman, working voluntarily on both through this hour. Make our faith strong through the Swanage Railway and his beloved West Somerset Christ our Lord. Amen. Railway. Geoff was interested in all things Dorset: he was Secretary of the Dorset Men, belonged to Dorset Geoff Coffin Clock Society, and the Dorset Building Group. He (21 June 1953-24 September 2019) loved reading about and exploring the beautiful coast and countryside either on foot, by car or on his From Michael Coffin (Brother): treasured racing bike. Family was of huge importance Geoffrey Charles Coffin was born to Geoff. As well as a loving husband, father and at Poole General Hospital on 21 brother, he was a proud grandfather and family June 1953, the first born of three gatherings were always filled with his laughter and his sons of Bernard and Beryl Coffin, sense of fun. Geoff had a strong faith and took many who lived in Sturminster Marshall lay roles in the churches to which he belonged–this and worked at the local United included server, lesson reader, intercession leader, Dairies factory. He started school youth group leader and PCC member. His Service of in his home village and then aged Thanksgiving on 16 October 2019 was a wonderful 11 went to Lytchett Minster school. celebration of his life with 270 friends and family Geoff left school, aged 15, and was filling St Mary‘s, Swanage. In addition, the Swanage employed by Bowmaker Finance railway ran its services that day with a floral tribute Company, performing a variety of roles over the next on the front of the engine in Geoff‘s honour. Quarter 35 years. At age 51, Geoff took early retirement and peals at five churches (Swanage, Pilton, Sturminster for a short time worked in Swanage Heritage Centre Marshall, Dorchester and Wyke Regis) were rung in before becoming a full-time Recruiter for the National his honour in the weeks following his death. It would Trust at Corfe Castle. In 2011 Geoff, with symptoms have made him smile. of early-onset dementia more apparent, retired to spend the quality time he had left with his family and Laurence E Hitchins friends. In 1970 Geoff developed an interest in (1928–2019) bellringing which he continued throughout his life, firstly at Sturminster Marshall where he was Tower From Eric and Trish Hitchins: Captain, then in Dorchester and then finally, when he Laurence died in Horsfall moved to Swanage in 1985, where he was also Tower House, Minchinhampton on Captain and organised the celebrations for the September 30th 2019 just 13 Centenary of the bells in 1988. He rang his first days before his 91st birthday. quarter peal and first peal in 1971 with Ross His funeral took place on Robertson and in total that year they rang 42 quarter Tuesday October 15th at Holy peals together including one on Christmas Day. Trinity, Stroud and was well Ross‘s wife, Judith also featured in many of the attended by friends, family quarter peals and in total she and Geoff rang 137 and local ringers. Laurence quarter peals together. During his time in was a Wiltshire man, born in Sturminster, Geoff organised a number of annual bell Bradford on Avon. The family soon moved to live in ringing outings to Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Trowbridge in order to care for his elderly Wiltshire which became a social highlight of the grandmother and he had a happy childhood there village calendar and included many non-ringers who growing up with his older sister Rene and younger went for the day out and the prospect of the brother Eric. He started at Trowbridge Boys Grammar traditional visit to a pub on the way back. The School the month that WWII was declared in 1939. highlight of these outings was a visit to Somerset in After leaving school he was conscripted into the army 1977 which combined the bellringing with a trip on for two years National Service and served with The the West Somerset Railway, another of Geoff‘s Royal Ordnance Corps in the Far East, mostly in passions, all for the total cost of £2.50! Bellringing Singapore. On demob he went into the building was also responsible for bringing Geoff and his wife industry, where he spent all his working life. Initially, Bridget together. They first met at quarterly meetings he joined a local building company in Trowbridge of the (then) Wimborne Branch of the Guild in 1975. where he learnt the trade. He progressed to become Geoff was a lifelong chorister, singing in choirs at a qualified Quantity Surveyor and then a Company Sturminster Marshall, Fordington and at Swanage, Director involved in building private housing estates where he loved to be able to sing with Bridget and his in many parts of the country. His last employment daughters Elizabeth and Julia. He also sang with the was with Pegasus Retirement Homes as a project May Day Singers, Purbeck Village Quire, The Durnford manager where he worked into retirement. Laurence Drovers Barbershop Group and, for a short time, The and Eric became choirboys at North Bradley near Arts Club Choir and the Swanage Choral and Operatic Trowbridge and were subsequently invited to learn to Society. Steam Railways were a lifelong passion. ring. They, along with Fred Slatford and Donald Lee, Train spotting at Bailey Gate as a child started his were taught in 1942 by Percy Harding, who had the interest in the Somerset and Dorset Railway and he foresight to train new ringers in anticipation of the

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Obituaries wartime ban being lifted. Laurence continued as a as tower captain. Harry was an accomplished ringer Sunday Service ringer at North Bradley for 21 years, who took part in nineteen quarter peals. His first was until 1963 and then at Melksham for a further 6 in 1984 at Fovant and was a retirement compliment years, before moving to Gloucestershire. There he to the vicar, previously vicar at St Paul‘s, Salisbury. rang at Cheltenham for about 5 years and then at The last was in August 2019 shortly before his death. Stroud for over 36 years. He was Tower Captain at He was a wonderful tower captain, nurturing Stroud for 25 of those years, only giving up beginners and pushing the rest of us to progress at reluctantly due to ill health in 2012. The many kind our different skill levels. He created a great messages his wife has received from ringers who atmosphere where no-one got shouted at. You knew progressed under his guidance illustrates how highly you had made a mistake when Harry started to smile. he was regarded in the Stroud area. Laurence, Eric Monday night practices were fun occasions which and Fred all rang their first peal on VE Day, May 8th everyone looked forward to. The warmth Harry 1945, 5040 Grandsire Doubles, conducted by Percival exuded led to the Stratford Tower having eighteen Harding at St Nicholas, North Bradley. He was elected members in the last SDGR report. His love of to the Salisbury Guild in 1943 and to ASCY in 1957. Stratford and the St Lawrence Community was Laurence rang 181 peals, notably 99 for the Salisbury cemented when he trained and became a lay worship Guild, 40 for the G&B and 5 peals for the ASCY. He leader at St Lawrence Church. He felt privileged to rang 24 twelve bell peals and was particularly proud take services and spent many hours visiting people in of a non-conducted and silent peal of 5019 Stedman their homes. As a lay worship leader he took a bell- Cinques at Trowbridge in 1970. His last peal was on ringers evensong on 18 August 2019 at which the January 30th 1988, 5039 Grandsire Caters at St Guild Master presented Associate Life Membership of Laurence, Stroud. In his retirement Laurence the Salisbury Guild to Brian Wright, a stalwart of thoroughly researched and compiled A History of the Stratford and many other towers. Prior to taking the Bells and Frame; Ringers and Peals; Clock and service Harry was part of the band that rang a of St Laurence Stroud 1629–2006. Laurence‘s quarter peal for Brian. Harry was nothing if not health had been declining for several years and he versatile! As noted above he was a talented was wonderfully cared for at home by his wife until composer; some of his music was performed at his needs made it necessary for him to move to a Canterbury Cathedral and at his memorial service in Nursing Home, where he was again wonderfully St Thomas‘, Salisbury. Harry couldn‘t have composed looked after for well over a year. He leaves his wife his final moments better. In the afternoon he was Brenda, three sons and two grandsons, sadly none of tower captain ringing for our village school Harvest whom are ringers! A life well lived; may he rest in Festival. He died in the evening conducting a peace. favourite carol at a choir practice in a church with his nephew at the piano, surrounded by friends. A peal Harry Charles Brockway took place at Stratford organised by his dear friend, th Pat Davidson, on 11 October 2019 which honoured (14 September 1943–3rd October 2019) both Harry and his predecessor, David Todd. He will From Jim Platt: Harry was leave many a space in a meeting, on an organ stool, born and worked in conducting a choir, rolling a ball, shouting at a Salisbury all his life. His football match, delivering a homily, singing a bass Christian beliefs were line or ringing the tenor bell. central to his existence and were most often expressed Irene Skinner (HLM) through his music. He (7 September 1931-13 October 2019) played the piano and the Church organ and taught From Janet Ranger-Dennis: A both and he sang as well as Service of Celebration for the life composing. Beside his of Irene Skinner (nee Pitfield) music he was a loyal fan of Salisbury Football Club, a took place on Tuesday 29 October Queen‘s Scout and scout leader, a member of 2019 at the Church of St John the Salisbury Organists Association, a member of various Baptist, Bere Regis. Ringing took bowls clubs and a keen bell ringer. Harry‘s ringing place both before and after, career started at St Paul‘s in Salisbury, where he was followed by refreshments in the also organist and choir master. He joined the Guild in village Scout Hut. Rene lived in 1970 and rang at St Paul‘s until the bells became Bere Regis for all of her life, unavailable for ringing. In 1998 he joined the learning to ring the bells in the Stratford sub Castle band where David Todd had just village church in 1954. She was created a new peal of six bells for the millennium. taught by her father who rang in the same tower Harry introduced his family to ringing at Stratford– from 1943 to 1969. She rang for the Millennium, and son Robert, daughter Stephanie, niece Helen and in 2004 was made an Honorary Life Member of the nephew Richard. The 1999 SDGR report lists five Salisbury DG for 50 years of continuous service. She Brockways as members of Stratford tower. He was had ceased ringing quite a number of years ago as deputy tower captain to David Todd for a number of age caught up with her. The photograph was taken in years and when David died in 2017 willingly took over 2000-ringing-in the New Year.

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Obituaries

Bernard R Gildersleve (HLM) September 1932 in Gillingham (Died 31 October 2019, aged 93) and moved to nearby Kington Magna when he was four years From Julie Swain (friend): I old, where his parents ran a farm. knew Bernard from the age of He worked on the farm on leaving 16 when I lived with him and school. At the age of eight he Myrtle for 3 years. My parents started to ring handbells and at moved up to Cumbria from the age of ten he moved on to Beaminster where my father had tower bells. In both cases he was been a priest. My relationship taught to ring by the Reverend with Bernard lead on to him Llewellyn Edwards. He is pictured giving me away at my wedding right in 1956 at the retirement of in 1998. Here is some Frank Llewellyn Edwards as Vicar information about Bernard: of Kington Magna. He rang at Brought up in Kent, had one Kington Magna until 1971 when he married Ann and brother, Alan. Bernard used to holiday in Beaminster moved to Tisbury, at which point he started work at with Myrtle and they decided to retire here because Salisbury Hospital, where he remained until his he loved it so much. They kept Bearded Collies and retirement. At Tisbury he was a loyal Sunday service you would often see him in the front garden with the ringer and took part in both Branch and Guild dogs pottering around. Bernard groomed them daily activities. There is some uncertainty as to when he and they were always immaculate. They later rescued first joined the Guild, but his membership can be a springer spaniel and also had a Blue Merle collie. He established with certainty on his move to Tisbury, doted on his dogs. He worked in the Tax Department which means he was a Guild member for at least 48 of Hoares Bank, Fleet Street, London, the oldest years. He was part of the ‗roving‘ Wilton band, during privately owned bank in England (founded in 1672). the time when those bells were unringable, and rang He loved this job and attended the yearly pensioner there regularly following their restoration in 2000. He lunches for many years after his retirement. He had a was of invaluable help to nearby Hindon as they built real sense of pride working for the bank and was a up a band. He rung a number of quarter peals over loyal employee. Bernard loved classical music and he the years and, in his quiet way, always reminded us and Myrtle were avid fans of the Proms, particularly quite rightly of the importance of good striking; the Last Night of the Proms. They would both sing something that was clearly taught to him at an early along together and bob up and down! They also loved age. Failing health made it difficult for him to ring for Glyndebourne and attended the Opera on numerous service in latter years. He was made an Honorary Life occasions. Bernard's love of music also lead him to Member of the Guild in 2008. Prior to the funeral join choir at Beaminster Church, this was in addition service at Tisbury, attended by many Guild members, to being a keen bell ringer at the church. Bernard also a half muffled quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles was had a love of steam trains and was incredibly rung, followed by the tenor being tolled 87 times. knowledgeable about them. He would travel on them whenever he could and used to go to Loughborough Maurice Edward Dingley to the Great Central Railway. Whilst in Loughborough, (4 April 1931-25 November 2019) he would also visit the Bell Foundry. Again, he was extremely knowledgeable about bells. He would love From Christopher Sykes: In December 2019, we rang talking about his interests and sharing what he knew. a quarter peal at Donhead St Mary before the However, the main love of Bernard's life was Myrtle. Thanksgiving Service for the life of Maurice Dingley. He adored her and nothing was ever too much effort He was Captain of the Ringers, together with his wife if it made Myrtle happy. He was a true gentleman. Joyce, from 1990 to 1995. He continued to ring until From Robert Wellen: According to PealBase Bernard 2010, when he retired from ringing as Deputy rang a total of 24 peals between 1980 and 2000, Captain. Joyce and he were regular, reliable and including Grandsire Caters and Stedman Caters at dependable ringers, be it for Sunday Services, Lyme Regis (both in 1988) and inside to Cambridge S weddings, funerals or thanksgivings. As members of Royal, at Beaminster in 1996. He was a member of the church, they have seen the role of bells as an the Ancient Society of College Youths and rung one important part of church life. When they moved to peal for them. He also rang numerous quarter peals nearby Charlton, both Maurice and Joyce worked and and in 2004 was made an HLM of the Salisbury Guild. meeting people was limited to weekends. One of their A quarter peal was rung by a West Dorset band at neighbours heard that Maurice had been in the Scouts Beaminster on 4 November 2019 ―in memory of ever since he had joined as a Cub, and was an Bernard Gildersleve, ringer at this tower for many experienced Group Scout Leader. He took over the years‖ (details on page 3). local troop and re-invigorated it. One Sunday, at the Scout Parade at St John‘s, he was approached by Richard Arnold (HLM) Tower Captain Noel Mary Ward, who suggested he take up bell ringing. ―Hand bells?‖ asked Maurice. From Anthony Lovell-Wood: Richard Arnold died on ―No, church bells‖, she replied, ―it‘s an excellent way 13th November 2019, aged 87. He was born on 14th of getting to meet people.‖ It sounded a good idea to Joyce, and so, in 1984, they found themselves at St

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Obituaries

Mary‘s, being taught how to Minimus to Surprise Maximus. He conducted 121 handle half a ton of bell, by Jack peals. He was a member of the Ancient Society of Edwards. By the end of the College Youths and rung 5 peals for them (his leading year, they were regularly society was the Kent CA with 383 peals, followed by ringing for Sunday services and the Salisbury DG with 109 peals). were elected as members of the Salisbury Guild. In those days, Donald Ernest (Don) Byfleet the ringers read a large ‗menu‘ (1927-2019) card set up on an easel in order to ring the changes. Maurice From Michael Dillistone: Donald and Joyce were part of the Ernest (Don) Byfleet was for most of group that wanted to learn his life a keen Morris dancer, and . It was difficult to make progress only took up ringing in 1985 when without a resident method ringer in the band despite he was close to retirement. Along their best efforts. In 1990, Noel Mary retired as with his 13 year old grandson Captain, and they were elected as joint Tower Joseph, he was introduced to All Captains. In 1994, Joyce also took on the duties of Saints tower, Wyke Regis in 1985 the Tower Correspondent, until they both stepped by one of the local ringers. There he down from these roles in 1995. Looking back over his was hooked, and continued ringing 25 years of ringing, Maurice commented that he had long after his grandson moved away always enjoyed the exercise. He felt that learning to from the area. It was not long ring from the cards had made it harder to learn before he become assistant steeple keeper, and was method ringing, but he appreciated learning call involved with the removal and subsequent re-hanging changes. His great pleasure had been ringing the of the bells in 1988-89. He rarely ventured to other tenor, providing the steady rhythm for the changing towers, but did on one occasion give a talk on bells to build on. Among the highlights of Maurice‘s bellringing to the Woman‘s Fellowship of another local ringing career were listening to the quarter peal rung church, without the aid of a model but with the help specially for the christening of their grand-daughter of some home-made diagrams. He rang regularly on Megan in January 1997; ringing to commemorate the Sundays and for weddings, and was a stalwart at the death of Princess Diana in September 1997; ringing a Tuesday practice until he was forced by shoulder quarter peal at Donhead in September 2001, the first problems to stop at the age of 80. of four in total; and ringing in the national commemoration of Trafalgar 200. Peter Bamford Nutter (26 September 1929-4 January 2020) Melvyn Hiller From Ian Woodhead: Peter was a From Roger Smith: I was Cambridge graduate who gave of asked by Wendy Carnell and his time to many aspects of Keevil David Barrance if I could village life. Peter served on the provide some information village hall management about Melvyn. I talked to committee in the 1980s and 90s, David Ellery, who gave me looking after the finances. He took some information but both part in many events to raise £9000 David and myself were hazy for repairs to the village hall roof. about exact dates. I have He served Keevil church as PCC included a photo of the first peal that Melvyn rang at treasurer and as a bell ringer. Bradpole, with other notable names! Melvyn started When it was discovered in 1997 that it would cost ringing at Bradpole in the early 1960s, he was taught £22,000 to refurbish Keevil‘s bells, Peter was a by Bert Swaffield. In 1965/66 Melvyn went to Culham natural choice to look after the finances. He learnt to College, Oxford. This was for training as a teacher. ring in 1986 and continued to do so until a shoulder His first job was in Maidstone, Kent. Here his ringing operation prevented this some ten years ago. progressed, he rang many Peals. He came back to However he still attended the tower of an early Bridport in 1982/3 and lived with his parents, and morning, advising and correcting our mistakes. When started ringing at Bradpole. At this time Melvyn I visited him in hospital, he said to me how much he became interested in Doubles methods/variations, had enjoyed bell ringing, the outings and the suppers and myself and Ivan Andrews and latterly David that followed. Peter was a very kind and thoughtful Ellery rang many Quarter Peals with him. Melvyn also man and would always help those less fortunate than wrote a publication on a Collection of Doubles himself. He completed The Telegraph crossword every Methods. He stopped ringing in 1995/6 partly day. His other interests included cooking, repairing because of worsening Diabetes. From Robert Wellen: dry stone walls and opera. He had also taken up At a Guild level Melvyn served as Salisbury DG Peal Italian language courses in his later years. Peter died Secretary from 1987-91 and Report Editor from 1990 peacefully on 4 January, aged 90, and will be very -91. According to PealBase Melvyn rung a total of 637 sadly missed by the ringers and villagers of Keevil. peals between 1964 and 1991 at every stage from

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Branch Business Meetings

Branch Business Meetings February to July 2020 Sat 29 Feb 14:30-19:00 Mere Quarterly Meeting Stalbridge Fri 6 Mar 19:30-21:00 Mere Tower Captain/ Correspondent's Meeting Zeals Upper Chute/ North Sat 14 Mar 14:00-16:00 Marl Branch Practice & Business Meeting Tidworth Sat 14 Mar 17:00-21:00 Sal Quarterly Meeting and Quiz TBC All Cannings and Bishops Sat 4 Apr 14:30-20:30 Dev Branch Event with Business Meeting Cannings Sat 18 Apr 14:00-19:00 ED Quarterly Meeting Bournemouth St John Sat 18 Apr 15:00-20:00 Calne Calne Branch Practice and QBM Yatesbury Branch Striking Competition (Business Sat 25 Apr 14:30-20:00 Dor Upwey Meeting) Sat 20 Jun 14:30-19:00 Mere Quarterly Meeting (and Branch Striking Comp) Zeals Holt and Bradford Sat 4 Jul 15:00 Dev Branch Meeting (Christchurch) Sat 11 Jul 15:00-20:00 Calne Calne Branch Practice and QBM Compton Bassett (TBC) Sat 18 Jul 14:00 Marl Business Meeting TBC For Full Details of all Branch Events see the Guild Website or contact your Branch Secretary.

2020 Guild Festival and AGM Saturday 9th May at Mere (BA12 6DS)

Guild 8 Bell Striking Competition at Gillingham (SP8 4AW) (Tenor 24-1-12 in Db)

Provisional Programme of Events

From 09.30 The Guild 8 Bell Striking competition, St Mary‘s, Gillingham.

10.30-11.30 Open tower at St Margaret‘s, Chilmark (SP3 5AS) (G/F 6 Bells Tenor 12-3-24 in F).

11.15-12.15 Open tower at St James, Shaftesbury (SP7 8HG) (6 Bells Tenor 8-0-4 in F#).

12.00-13.00 Open tower at St Michael‘s, Mere (BA12 6DS) (8 Bells Tenor 23-0-0 in D).

11.00- 13.00 Demonstrations and displays at St Michael‘s Church including icon painting by John Coleman, rope splicing, floral displays, hand bell ringing, and video displays. Other attractions, Shaftesbury Town Silver Band, Model Railway Exhibition, Grand Raffle. Nearby attractions include Hillbrush museum, café and gift shop and N.T. Stourhead.

13.00 Lunch (fish and chips, bread and butter with tea or coffee) served in The Grove Building, Church Street, Mere (BA12 6DS). (Opposite the church). Tickets £5 purchased in advance from the Guild Treasurer Pat Davidson (contact details below).

14.00 AGM in The Lecture Hall, Salisbury Street, Mere (BA12 6HA). AGM preceded by Striking Competition Results and Presentations at 14.00 prompt (Guild Clothing and Book Stalls).

16.00 Festival Service at St Michael‘s Church conducted by Reverend Carol Green with an address by the Right Reverend Dr , the .

17.00 High Tea in The Grove Building. Followed by the LEBRF Grand Raffle Draw and entertainment. Tickets for tea £5 purchased in advance from Guild Treasurer (contact details below).

18.30-19.30 Open ringing at St Michael‘s Church.

NB: Tea/coffee, cake and biscuits will be available throughout the day at The Grove Building and prior to the AGM in The Lecture Hall, with donations to the Young Ringers‘ RWNYC expenses. Tea and lunch bookings via Guild Treasurer Pat Davidson ([email protected]). Further details from Mere Branch Secretary Michael Williams ([email protected]) or Guild Secretary Vicki Rowse ([email protected]).

The above programme is provisional and subject to final confirmation.

For Latest Updates see the Guild Website (https://sdgr.org.uk).

Face to Face is the acknowledged Newsletter of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers First published in 1975, the publication is now produced three times a year and circulated free to all affiliated towers throughout the Guild, as well as going to various other bodies. On the Guild website: https://sdgr.org.uk/face-to-face/ Compiled and edited by Robert Wellen Tel: 01747 825131 E-mail: [email protected] Guild Hon Gen Sec: Vicki Rowse Tel: 01722 714877 E-mail: [email protected] Webmaster: Ian Mozley E-mail: [email protected] Guild website: https://sdgr.org.uk/ Printed by Imprint Graphics, Shaftesbury Telephone: 01747 850707 No copyright infringement is intended with the use of any text, images or graphics used in this publication.

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