Winter 2013 Number 139

From the President 1

Guild News 1

Letters 2

Education & Training 3

Guild Striking Competition 4

Quarter Peal Week 5

Birthdays & Anniversaries 8

Aldbourne Tower Historical Book 9

Ringers’ Plea from Seend 9

Calne Branch News 10

Devizes Branch News 10

Dorchester Branch News 12

East Dorset Branch News 12

Marlborough Branch News 13

Mere Branch News 14

Salisbury Branch News 14

West Dorset Branch News 14

Calendar 16

From the Editor 16

Inside this issue:

Face to Face

Newsletter

Salisbury Diocesan

Guild of Ringers

Young Edington ringers at Devizes Branch Rounds Comp., p10

Deadline for the Next Issue

Final Deadline: Jan 27th

f2f@sdgr.org.uk

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Young Ringers

First quarter peals for 15 & 16-

year-olds: pages 5, 15

Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Page 1

Guild News

Rapidly approaching four-score years I have recently undergone a

new experience and probably aged even more in the process! I have

undergone the ritual of "downsizing" and moving house. It is I think

the biggest and most stressful upheaval I have ever encountered -

the preparation for sale, including keeping not only the house, but

also the garden immaculate, the sale itself, (luckily agreed in 5 days);

then clearing out un-necessary furniture, parting with old and treas-

ured items and finally having everything transferred to our new

home. I thought that was the end of my trials, but not at all. For

weeks we have lived in what can only be described as warehouse

conditions with large cardboard cartons everywhere, decisions

about positioning furniture etc, finding that one built-in wardrobe

was missing and that I needed a degree in technology to understand

all the controls for the over sophisticated equipment that we en-

countered.

You can understand, perhaps, why I have not been seen at so many

branch meetings recently and I apologise, especially to the Calne

Branch whom, apart from the Open Day in August, I have not man-

aged to visit this year. With the exception of the Calne Branch, I

have managed to attend all the other AGMs, some in January and

others, like Marlborough and Dorchester, which take place about

now. At the time of writing those of West Dorset and Mere also

happen in a few weeks time.

It is always encouraging to find that members are willing to take up

the challenge of Branch Office when existing officers feel that they

need a break or think that it is time for someone with fresh ideas or

approaches. Sally Jenkins and Matthew Pike have risen to the chal-

lenge of Vice Chairman and Ringing Master respectively in East Dor-

set following Vernon Hunt and Susan Smith, David Close accepted

nomination as Chairman in the Marlborough Branch following

Ursula Osmond's 12 year leadership, and after a 20 year break Claire

Dillistone has taken up the reins of Secretary again from Mavis

White in the Dorchester Branch. Many thanks to the retiring officers

and to their successors, all of whom give their time so freely to for-

ward the work of the Branch. I just hope that the new experiences

of those taking up new posts are not as stressful as my down-sizing,

and that one day they may feel able to offer their skills at Guild

level.

Neither the Guild nor the Branches should become complacent but

should always be thinking of better ways of doing things. The new

Integrated Teacher Training Scheme being used by some branches

and advocated by our Education Officer, David Hacker, is one such.

The Sussex County Association have given much thought to their

future, and those of you with computers might find it informative to

look at suggestions made by their working party, which can be found

by typing:

A Vision for SCACR

into your internet search machine. It is a fascinating read.

I don't know when you will be reading this so I wish you all a Happy

Christmas but if that is past then Every Good Wish for 2014.

Ross

From the President

SDGR Clothing Is your SDGR sweatshirt or polo shirt in need of replacing,

or maybe you have been thinking about

purchasing a new one?

If so, now is the time to buy!

All the details of clothing (including an order form)

can be found on the Guild website

so do have a look as new colours have been introduced

as well as some additional items.

NOW AVAILABLE Royal Blue 4" square embroidered logo badge.

For sewing onto own clothing, rucksack, bag, etc.

Not yet on the website but available to order

in the same way as clothing items.

Also available from Guild Bookstall. Price £6

Patricia Davidson:

December 23rd - 31st: Guild Peal Week

‘Face to Face’ is the acknowledged Newsletter of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers.

First published in 1975, the publication is now produced four times each year

and circulated free to all affiliated towers throughout the Guild, as well as to various other bodies.

Compiled and Edited by Michael Bailey

Guild Hon Gen Sec: Anthony Lovell-Wood

Website Manager: Teresa Goatham

www.sdgr.org.uk

Page 2

Guild News

The following items have been added to the Guild Library shelves

and acknowledgements have been sent to the donors:

“The First Hundred Years” (The Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of

Change Ringers) by Michael Horseman. (Neil Skelton), “Bellringing”

by Ron Johnston. (Carole Dean, Corfe Castle) and “Parish Churches

before the Reformation” by Mackenzie E C Walcott, BD., FSA.,

(withdrawn from the CC Library and purchased by the Guild on the

instigation of Anthony Lovell-Wood).

Timothy Andrews, Guild Librarian

Library Update

Sadly the old computer finally gave up the ghost after many years of

faithful work; it was many years old and it had been causing prob-

lems for some time and had made for difficult, frustrating working.

The switch over to a new (personal) model meant that the equally

old printer was of no use, and then there were some weeks of delay

through problems in the resetting up of the e-mail format and web

site. I am now, however, up and running but apologies to those of

you who perhaps have tried to contact me and were unable to do so

through August and September.

Having said this, can Branch Secretaries please continue to advise

me of the deaths of all members (year 2013) so that a comprehen-

sive list is collated for inclusion in the next Guild Report, and an early

notification ensures that, whenever possible, an officer representing

the Guild attends the service.

Also I have been asked to continue maintaining a list of all new

members elected through the year (as in past years) for listing in

Face to Face. Can Branch Secretaries and other correspondents,

please note.

My e-mail address remains the same.

My grateful thanks, Ivan Andrews

Please contact me

Letters to the Editor

As many of you have probably heard I had a stroke on Feb 20th. I

am now in a wheelchair. I am no longer able to ring or drive, but

managed to go to the Devizes Branch Barbeque; also the meeting at

Keevil.

I would like to thank all those who sent me best wishes and all those

who visited me for the three months that I was in hospital. My spe-

cial thanks go to Ruth Beavin and Chris Purnell.

In the Spring edition of Face to Face an article appeared with refer-

ence to Private W A Sanders, a ringer at Shipton Gorge who sadly

lost his life in World War One.

His name was not recorded in West Dorset Branch records, neither

was he listed in the Central Council Great War Memorial Book. Mr

Alan Regin (CCCBR Library Steward) has now confirmed, however,

that this name has been added “with honour” to the above Bell

Ringers' Memorial Book. Additionally, following a subsequent visit

by Alan to Ypres (Menin Gate Memorial) he confirms that Private

Sanders is listed thereon.

On a recent visit to Dorset Alan tells me that he came across a small,

hand-carved, memorial to three ringers from Preston (Weymouth)

who also died during the Great War. Their names are: Private Ar-

thur John Marsh, Private Henry Arthur Miller and Private William

Read*.

Also, and as a result of my original article, three further names have

come to light. Mr Chris Bellars, who read the article, has forwarded

the names of three ringers from Fontmell Magna, previously not

listed. They are: Second Lt Humphrey Osborn Springfield, Lt-Sgt

Sydney Shute and L/Corp Victor George Merrifield – all parish ring-

ers. Both Alan and Chris Bellars have considered the three were

unlikely SDG members*

We will, no doubt, remember all those of our number who gave

their lives during the Great War as we commemorate, shortly, the

anniversary of the start of WWI.

* I have checked the SDG Roll of Honour 1914-18 and confirm that

of the 53 names recorded, the above named ringers are not in-

cluded.

Gillian Lucas, Devizes

The LEBRF Trustees met at the Hinton Hall, Tisbury on October 27th.

Grants were awarded to Bere Regis, Calne, Derry Hill, Hampreston,

Heddington, Little Bedwyn and Savernake.

The 2013 Open Day in the Calne and Marlborough branches raised

over £900 with Gift Aid still to come. Many thanks to David Chan-

dler and Ken Webb for all their hard work. The 2014 Open Day will

be in the Dorchester Branch on Saturday August 17th

All enquiries, monies and forms pertaining to Gift Aid should now be

sent to the LEBRF Administrator Jo Barter

The next meeting of the Trustees will be on 9th February 2014.

Applications for grants are invited; the form can be downloaded

from the Guild website, http://sdgr.org.uk/guild/bell-restoration/

lebrf or is available from Jo. Please remember that grants may be

possible for work to towers, including surveys related to ringing.

Anne Willis, Admin Secretary to the Trustees

LEBRF News

Ivan Andrews, West Dorset

Page 3

Education & Training As I sit down to write we are in the midst of Quarter Peal Week and I

hope that you are as encouraged as I am with people attempting

their first Quarter Peal. No doubt, as with me, not all have been

successful, but the experience that has been gained by our learners

is tremendous. They are to be congratulated for their efforts not

only in their Quarter Peal attempt but also for the work they have

done to reach this standard, as are the members who have spent

their time teaching and assisting these learners to progress. Hope-

fully these achievements will encourage other learners to push for-

ward to being ready for their first Quarter Peal.

The Intensive Teacher Training Scheme (ITTS) continues to be suc-

cessful in the areas that have embraced it and use it for teaching

learners through the “Learning the Ropes” programme. We had

another group of members who attended their first module of ITTS

as either teachers or mentors at the end of August just over the

border into the Bath and Wells DA at Rode and we have a Module 1

running at Bromham in November for nine members of the Calne

Branch and two from the Bath and Wells DA If any member wishes

to learn more about ITTS please speak to your Branch Training Offi-

cer or contact me direct and we will point you in the right direction.

It is pleasing to see several of those who set out on ITTS as either

teachers or mentors just over a year ago now achieving accredita-

tion as members of The Association of Ringing Teachers.

In October we were hosts for an ITTS Mentoring Workshop which

was held at Melksham and was led by the Chairman of The Associa-

tion of Ringing Teachers, Pip Penny. Thirteen people took part in

the day mostly members of our Guild but there were some from

further afield, one travelling from Derbyshire to attend. This was a

pilot workshop where Pip gave us various presentations on the role

of the mentor within ITTS, the delegates gave thoughts and ideas

back and the result is a half day course which has been put together

and is available for presentation to those needing support and guid-

ance in the mentoring role.

Recruitment still poses a big challenge but there are positive results

from some events that have been held. In September the ringers at

St James, Southbroom, Devizes held a very successful open day. The

church was extremely well decorated with floral arrangements for

their Harvest Festival. Tea, coffee and cakes were available all day.

They had organised tower tours and visiting bands to ring their bells,

together with the display boards and the Saxilby Simulator for those

wanting to have a go at ringing a bell. Advertising had been very

well organised for the event throughout the town as well as in the

local paper and on the local radio. The end result was a steady

stream of people all day with continuous interest from visitors in the

simulator and nine people signing up to take things to the next

stage. If you would like to book the simulator and the display mate-

rial for an event please contact me and we will put your date in the

diary. The Association of Ringing Teachers has Recruitment and

Retention as its main theme at its conference day next March to be

held at Earlswood, Nr Chepstow. You do not need to be a member

of ART to attend; full details can be found on their website

www.ringingteachers.co.uk.

I am now putting together the details of The Guild Training Day

which is planned for April 26th 2014, based at Tisbury; see separate

notice. I am in the process of asking for towers for us to use on the

day and finding the tutors to run the courses. I will be arranging for

full details of the day and how to sign up for a course to be available

on the Guild Website, www.sdgr.org.uk early in the new year as well

as being circulated to Branch Secretaries and Branch Training Offi-

cers, book early to avoid disappointment as places on courses will be

limited.

Finally may I remind you all that the time is fast approaching when

Branches need to nominate candidates for the Most Improved

Ringer Award. As always there will be two awards, the junior award

for candidates who are under 19 years of age on December 31st and

the adult award. Each Branch may make one nomination for each

category, the closing date for nominations will be 28th February

2014 and the winners will be decided by the Education Committee.

Please send nominations to me, I hope that you will be able to sub-

mit a candidate for each award from your Branch.

David Hacker

SALISBURY DIOCESAN GUILD OF RINGERS

GUILD TRAINING DAY – APRIL 26th 2014

Offering the following courses:

Beginners – improve your rounds, move on to simple changes

Plain Bob Doubles – plain courses and touches

Plain Bob Minor – ring and lead without a constant cover bell

Stedman Doubles – master the Stedman Principle

Basic Conducting – be more than a “Bob Caller”

Change Ringing on handbells- a basic introduction to the mysteries of this art.

The day will be based in the Tisbury area,

Registration and coffee at 10.00

Morning sessions 10.30 to 12.30, Lunch 12.30 to 13.45

Afternoon sessions 14.00 to 16.00, Debrief and tea 16.15

More details and how to register in the new year.

Page 4

Highway Code for Ringers

Bells need tuning

Late for Peal attempt

Frame bonded to

lightening conductor

Tower with flag pole

Compiled by David Godwin, Bradford on Avon

2013 Guild Striking Competition The Guild Striking Competitions took place on Saturday 26th Novem-

ber, a cold but generally pleasant day although some rain did add to

the variety. The 8 bell competition took place on the fairly demand-

ing bells at Gillingham, ably judged by Brian Bladon from Swindon.

The standard was good and Brian gave a well presented review of

how each band performed.

Silton was the venue for the 6 bell competition and a good after-

noon’s ringing took place. Margaret Chapman and Simon Edwards

from Marston Bigot in Somerset were responsible for the judging.

Once again they did a thorough job and presented the results well.

Simon is a young lad and gave a very good description of each

band’s performance.

The Silton ringers provided a rolling tea through the afternoon and

did a magnificent job, for which I would like to thank them very

much. There was plenty of food, and it was delicious.

Tom Garrett

The results were as follows:

8 Bell Competition at Gillingham

Judge - Brian Bladon

Congratulations to:

East Dorset Branch on achieving First Place, 8 faults

1) Rosemary Duke 5) Angie Jasper

2) Susan Smith 6) Harry Blamire

3) Hilary Child 7) Ben Duke (C)

4) Flick Warwick 8) Robert Child

Dorchester Branch on achieving Second Place, 14 faults

1) Trish Garrett 5) Nick Foggon

2) Julian Newman 6) Tom Garrett

3) Chris White 7) Nigel Woodruff (C)

4) Michael Dillistone 8) Niall Simpson

Calne Branch on achieving Third Place, 27 faults

1) Hester Wall 5) Chris Taylor

2) Michael Moore 6) Ken Webb

3) Ruth Plumridge 7) Andrew Woolley (C)

4) Chris Bush 8) Edward Spearey

6 Bell Competition at Silton

Judges - Margaret Chapman and Simon Edwards

Congratulations to:

Wimborne on achieving First Place, 12 faults

1) Rosemary Duke 4) Felicity Warwick

2) Susan Smith 5) Ben Duke (C)

3) Hilary Child 6) Robert Child

Salisbury Branch on achieving Second Place, 17 faults

1) Alison Orchard 4) Neil Skelton

2) Malcolm Penney 5) Nigel Orchard (C)

3) Margaret Romano 6) Andy Teed

West Dorset on achieving Third Place = 23 faults

1) Christine Green 4) Nick Baker

2) Sue Carter 5) Gareth Evans (C)

Jan Keohane 6) Delie Perry

Hampreston on achieving Third Place = 23 faults

1) Linda Jasper (C) 4) Ross Bradley

2) Tom Harris 5) Laurie Turner

3) Jack Pease 6) Mike Jasper

Royal Wootton Bassett on achieving Fifth Place, 32 faults

1) Hester Wall 4) Ken Webb

2) Ruth Plumridge 5) Chris Taylor (C)

3) Michael Moore 6) Andrew Woolley

Charminster on achieving Sixth Place, 38 faults

1) Mavis White 4) Julian Newman

2) Nigel Woodruff 5) Christopher White (C)

3) Adam Kepple 6) Niall Simpson

Preston on achieving Seventh Place

1) Trisha M Garrett 4) Nicholas J. Foggon

2) Thomas R Garrett 5) Nigel R. Woodruff (C)

3) Adam Kepple 6) Michael J Foggon

Page 5

Quarter Peal Week 2013

A total of fifty one quarters were scored during the week, including

six members ringing their first quarter: Philip Harrison, Paul Brown,

Joe Ayris, Kenneth Muhumuza, Fiona Grant and Doug Miller.

Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset. 2 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Triples:

Delie Perry 1, Judith Williamson 2, Ivan Andrews 3,

Pat Davidson 4, Ross Robertson 5, Christopher Sykes 6,

Robert Wellen (C) 7, Mark D Symonds 8.

Rung for Jo Kemp to celebrate her own personal joy.

Symondsbury, Dorset. 2 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Minor:

Mark D Symonds 1, Pat Davidson 2, Christopher Sykes 3,

Delie Perry 4, Judith Williamson (C) 5, Robert Wellen 6.

First minor: 1.

Melksham, Wilts. 2 Nov, 1260 Stedman Triples:

Christine Purnell 1, Trish Hitchins 2, Jenny Hancock 3,

Eric Hitchins 4, David Hacker 5, David Kelly 6,

Bob Purnell (C) 7, Patsy Thorn 8.

Arranged to celebrate 70 years’ membership of the Salisbury Guild

for Eric Hitchins.

Lyneham, Wilts. 2 Nov, 1290 Grandsire Doubles:

Phillip Harrison 1, Hester Wall 2, Jeanette Ferris 3,

Michael Moore 4, David G Seymour (C) 5, Jenny Moore 6.

First Quarter: 1.

Chideock, Dorset. 2 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Doubles:

Judith Williamson 1, Pat Davidson 2, Ross Robertson (C) 3,

Christopher Sykes 4, Robert Wellen 5, Ivan Andrews 6.

900th Quarter: 5.

Trowbridge, Wilts. 3 Nov, 1259 Grandsire Caters:

Christine Purnell 1, Margaret Chapman 2, Ruth Beavin 3,

Jenny Hancock 4, Brian Coward 5, David Hacker 6,

Bob Purnell (C) 7, David Orledge 8,

Philip Gaisford 9, Julian Hemper 10.

1st Caters: 3

Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. 3 Nov, 1280 Plain Bob Major:

Michael Moore 1, Hester Wall 2, Mavis Drewett 3,

Morley Bray 4, David J Whipp 5, Ruth Plumridge 6,

Andrew K Woolley (C) 7, Gordon L Belcher 8.

Rung prior to the All Souls service. First of major: 1 & 2.

Milton Abbey, Dorset. 3 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Lizzy Barnes 1, Jenny Elmes 2, Janet Collins 3,

Graham Elmes 4, Tim Collins (C) 5, Rosie Rand 6.

Especially arranged by Lizzy Barnes and Rosie Rand, to mark the 70th birth-

day of Graham Elmes. Lizzy and Rosie are daughters of Jenny and Graham

and neither has rung changes for more than 15 years.

Marlborough, Wilts. 3 Nov, 1344 Grandsire Triples:

Steve Lowman 1, Dorothy Blythe 2, Mike Clark 3,

Maureen Tarbox 4, Jenny Jones 5, David Close 6,

Mark Robins (C) 7, Chris Barnes 8.

For All Souls Service.

Devizes, Wilts, St John. 3 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Liz Merritt 1, Jill Hamilton 2, Anne Sculley 3,

Derrick Bailey (C) 4, Richard Heath 5, Paul Brown (Age 15) 6.

First Quarter: 6. First Quarter on the bells: 3 & 5

Bratton, Wilts, The White Horse Ring. Sun 3 Nov, 1273 Grandsire Triples:

Chris Jenkins 1, Nick Bowden 2, Tony Fortin 3,

Andy Mead 4, Sam Shead (C) 5, Julian Hemper 6,

Margaret Chapman 7, Claire O'Mahony 8.

1st Quarteron all 8 bells, 75th Q: 1.

Lytchett Minster, Dorset. 4 Nov, 1260 Stedman Doubles:

Helen Day 1, Tricia Stephens 2, Phil Stephens 3,

Angie Jasper (C) 4, Mike Jasper 5, Vernon Hunt 6.

1st of Stedman: 1

Hilmarton, Wilts. 4 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Bernard Harvey 1, Catherine Mealing-Jones 2, Jane M Ridgwell 3,

Ken A Webb 4, Andrew K Woolley (C) 5, John Henly 6.

1st Quarterfor over 48 years: 1, 1st Quarterinside: 2.

Edington Priory, Wilts. 4 Nov, 1260 Doubles (Plain Bob & Grandsire):

Joe Ayris (Age 16) 1, David Hacker 2, Ruth Beavin 3,

Bob Purnell 4, Chris Jenkins (C) 5, Keith Ayris 6.

First Quarter: 1.

Edington Priory, Wilts. 4 Nov,

1260 Doubles (720 Grandsire; 480 PB; 60 Stedman):

Christine Purnell 1, Patsy Thorn 2, Richard Heath 3,

David Hacker 4, Bob Purnell (C) 5, Paul Brown (Age 15) 6.

Bremhill, Wilts. 4 Nov, 1260 Doubles(2m) (780 Grandsire 480; Plain Bob):

Kenneth Muhumuza 1, Jane M Ridgwell 2, Andrew K Woolley (C) 3,

Bob Mustow 4, Ken A Webb 5, Pauline Webb 6.

First Quarter at 1st attempt: 1.

Aldbourne, Wilts. 4 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Triples:

Colin Woodley 1, Marc Hart 2, Sheila Evans 3, Mike Clark 4,

Terry Gilligan 5, Colin Mynett 6, Darran Ricks (C) 7, Chris Barnes 8.

Dedicated to Wally Palmer, an Aldbourne stalwart who has died.

Yatesbury, Wilts. 5 Nov, 1260 Doubles(5m/1p) (60 Stedman; 120 St Simons

St Martins; 360 Plain Bob; 240 Reverse Canterbury; 360 Grandsire):

Jean Carey 1, Linda Drummond-Harris 2, Jane M Ridgwell 3,

Edward A Spearey 4, Andrew K Woolley (C) 5.

To celebrate the significant birthday of Jan Watson, friend of ringer of 4.

Most methods: 3 & 4.

51 Quarter Peals Recorded

Quarters Scored

East Dorset 12

Calne 9

Devizes 9

Marlborough 8

Dorchester 4

Salisbury 4

West Dorset 3

Mere 2

Methods Rung

Doubles 30

Triples 11

Minor 4

Major 3

Caters 3

Details of the Quarter Peals Rung

Page 6

Worth Matravers, Dorset. 5 Nov, 1260 St Martin's Bob Doubles:

Carole Dean 1, Mike Jenkins 2, Angie Jasper 3,

Mike Jasper 4, Phil Miles (C) 5, Sally Jenkins 6.

First in method: 2.

Westbury, Wilts. 5 Nov, 1344 Plain Bob Triples:

Antony Fortin 1, Clive Hancock 2, Bob Purnell 3, David Hacker 4,

Julian Hemper 5, Peter Baker 6, Chris Jenkins (C) 7, Philip Gaisford 8.

Remembering John Scull. First in method: 2 & 7. £8.

Ogbourne St George, Wilts. 5 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Doubles:

Sheila Evans 1, Darran Ricks (C) 2, Terry Gilligan 3,

Colin Mynett 4, Mike Clark 5.

In memory of Peter Stibbard who died five years ago today.

Bryanston, Dorset. 5 Nov, 1280 Yorkshire S Major:

Susan Smith 1, Rosemary Duke 2, Bill Day 3, David Rake 4,

Robert Wellen 5, Richard Ellis 6, Laurence Turner 7, Graham Duke (C) 8. £4.

Broad Hinton, Wilts. 5 Nov,

1260 Doubles(2m) (780 Grandsire; 480 Plain Bob):

Bernard Harvey 1, Linda Drummond-Harris 2, Jane M Ridgwell 3,

Gareth Bennett 4, Andrew K Woolley (C) 5, Ken A Webb 6.

Rowde, Devizes. 5 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Joe Ayris 1, Jenny Hancock (C) 2, Morley Bray 3,

Ruth Beavin 4, Richard Heath 5, Keith Ayris (Age 16) 6.

1st Quarter on the bells: 1

Swanage, Dorset. 6 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Minor:

Martin Wickham 1, Rachael Rutter 2, Sally Jenkins 3,

Linda Hough 4, Matthew Pike 5, Eddie Dicken (C) 6.

1st Quarter of Minor: 1. 1st in Minor as conductor: 6.

Sturminster Newton, Dorset. 6 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Sheila Porter 1, Judith Williamson (C) 2, Michael Williams 3,

Alan Jeffs 4, Robert Wellen 5, Jonathan Wyatt 6.

Stratford sub Castle, Wilts. 6 Nov,

1260 Doubles (2m) (480 Grandsire; 780 Bob Doubles):

Ian Davidson 1, Ted Haines 2, Patricia Davidson (C) 3,

Sue Reynolds 4, Malcolm Penney 5, Brian Wright 6.

Rung to celebrate 60 years of ringing for Brian Wright (1952 - 2012), now in

his 61st year; and also a 75th birthday compliment to him. Rung by members

of SAGOR (Salisbury Area Group of Ringers), of which Brian is a founder

member, to mark the 400th tower visited recently by the group.

Preston, Dorset. 6 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Minor:

Lynda Clegg 1, Patricia Garrett 2, Christopher White 3,

Alan Frost 4, Thomas Garrett 5, Nigel Woodruff (C) 6.

1st Quarter of Minor: 1. £3.

Marston Bigot, Somerset. 6 Nov, 1250 Cambridge S Major:

Patsy Thorn 1, Margaret Chapman 2, Christine Purnell 3,

David Hacker 4, Peter Thorn 5, Peter Baker 6,

David Orledge 7, Bob Purnell (C) 8.

Bere Regis, Dorset. 7 Nov, 1296 Surfleet S Minor:

Patricia Garrett 1, Teresa Dunstone 2, Thomas Garrett 3,

William Haydock 4, Nigel Woodruff 5, John Schmidt (C) 6.

Chiseldon, Wilts. 7 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Charlotte Woodley 1, Colin Wilkins 2, Mike Clark 3,

Colin Mynett 4, Colin Woodley (C) 5, Chris Barnes 6.

Rung as a birthday compliment to Colin Wilkins.

Wylye, Wilts. 8 Nov, 1260 Doubles (2 m) (720 Grandsire; 540 Plain Bob):

Fiona Grant 1, June Howes 2, Andrew Howes (C) 3,

Nicholas Claypoole 4, Roy Mills 5, Neil Fox 6.

Rung half muffled in memory of the fallen in all fields of conflict. Also for the

95th anniversary of the ending of the first world war. First Quarter: 1.

Wool, Dorset. 8 Nov, 1260 St Nicholas Bob Doubles:

Mike Jenkins 1, Kate Brice 2, Christopher Smithies 3,

Angie Jasper (C) 4, Tim Kettle 5, Richard Picker 6.

Rung for Hampreston Quarter Peal Day. 1st in method: 3 & 5.

Winterborne Kingston, Dorset. 8 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Doubles:

Mike Jenkins 1, Richard Picker 2, Carole Dean 3,

Kate Brice 4, Brian Dean (C) 5, Paul Tyson 6.

Rung for Hampreston Quarter Peal Day. 1st Quarter of Grandsire: 2.

Damerham, Hampshire. 8 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Doubles:

Jackie McFadden 1, Louise Gay 2, Vicki Rowse 3,

Patricia Davidson 4, Malcolm Penney (C) 5, Ian Davidson 6.

Birthday compliment to Louise. 1st in method: 2.

Canford Magna, Dorset. 8 Nov,

1260 Doubles (4 m) (All Saints; Grandsire; Plain Bob; Reverse Canterbury):

Vernon Hunt 1, Angie Jasper 2, Paul Tyson 3,

Ross Bradley 4, Mike Jasper (C) 5, Richard Picker 6.

Rung for Hampreston Quarter Peal Day. Most methods: 3

Aldbourne, Wilts. 8 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Triples:

Terry Gilligan 1, Sheila Evans 2, Mike Clark 3, Colin Woodley 4,

David Close 5, Colin Mynett 6, Marc Hart (C) 7, Chris Barnes 8.

Rung half muffled.

Hilmarton, Wilts. 9 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Pauline Webb 1, Catherine Mealing-Jones 2, Elaine Leighton 3,

Ken Webb 4, Andrew Woolley (C) 5, Doug Miller 6.

Rung half-muffled for Remembrance. First Quarter 6.

Fovant, Wilts. 9 Nov, 1260 Doubles (4 m, 6 var, 1 Principle) (120 Grandsire;

120 Reverse St Bartholomew; 120 All Saints Place; 120 Reverse Canterbury

Pleasure; 120 Clifford's Pleasure; 120 Southrepps; 120 Plain Bob; 120 April

Day; 120 Kennington; 120 Seighford; 60 Stedman):

Joanne Woodget 1, Simon Ford 2, Vicki Rowse 3,

Malcolm Penney (C) 4, Christopher Woodget 5, David Whatley 6.

Codford St Peter, Wilts. 9 Nov, 1260 Doubles (3 m) (240 Reverse Canterbury

Pleasure; 720 Plain Bob; 300 Grandsire):

Anthony Bainbridge 1, Vicki Rowse 2, Andrew Howes 3,

Nicholas Claypoole 4, Malcolm Penny (C) 5, Tom Thornton 6.

Rung half muffled in memory of the fallen in all fields of conflict.

1st Quarter on the treble: 1.

Wool, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1260 Stedman Doubles, All 10 twin single 120s:

Anthony Burt 1, Bini Miles 2, Jane Wilkins 3,

Jim Holmes 4, Phil Miles (C) 5, Alan Brown 6.

Rung half muffled for the Remembrance Day service, the 95th anniversary of

the Armistice and 60 years since the end of the Korean war.

Quarter Peal Week 2013

Page 7

Jim and Mary Burry were entertained by 50 bellringers, family and

friends at the King's Arms on the occasion of Jim's 90th birthday.

Tributes were paid to Jim and his father for their many years as

tower captains and bell ringing in All Cannings and district. Jim was

elected, some years ago, to honorary life membership of the Salis-

bury Diocesan Guild of Bellringers, as a recognition of his significant

contribution to the art of ringing. He was a regular member of a

monthly band that met at Avebury and records show at least 23

peals of surprise minor by the band.

A tribute of a quarter peal on the All Cannings' bells was rung earlier

in the morning (See photo: At front from left: Patsy Thorn, Jim Burry,

Sophie Leary. At back from left: Eric Gay, Peter Griffin, John Mead,

Bob Purnell (C)). A full peal tribute will be rung on All Saint's Day.

After the gathering the bells were exercised and particular pleasure

was given that Marion and Martin Moyes, who donated the new

treble augmented in 1994, were present to ring.

John Mead, Tower Captain

Celebration At All Cannings

Wimborne Minster, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1263 Stedman Caters:

Matthew Child 1, Graham Duke 2, Hilary Child 3, Susan Smith 4,

Rosemary Duke 5, Felicity Warwick 6, Harry Blamire 7,

David Warwick (C) 8, Robert Child 9, John Riley 10.

Rung half-muffled for Evensong on Remembrance Sunday. Also remember-

ing James Smith (father of 4), Michael Hamilton (father of 6) and Brian War-

wick (father of 8) all of whom passed away close to this date.

1st of Stedman Caters: 1. £3.

Wareham, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1274 Plain Bob Triples:

Phil Stephens 1, Jenny Elmes 2, Sally Harrison 3, Trish Stephens 4,

Graham Elmes 5, Bill Day 6, Graham Duke (C) 7, Tim Salter 8.

Rung after the Remembrance Day Service to mark the wreath-laying cere-

mony. 800th quarter in the tower.

Swanage, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Triples:

Tim E Rose (C) 1, Sally Jenkins 2, Jill Harris 3, Rachael Rutter 4,

Sas Watson 5, Eddie Dicken 6, Matthew Pike 7, Martin Wickham 8.

Rung half muffled for the Town Remembrance Service.

Swanage, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1320 Plain Bob Doubles:

Sally Jenkins 1, Mike Jenkins 2, Eleanor Wallace (C) 3,

Eddie Dicken 4, Matthew Pike 5, Mike Pitman 6.

Rung half muffled for said Evensong.

Pewsey, Wilts. 10 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Amanda Burch 1, Pat Cotton 2, Ursula Osmond 3,

Jenny Jones 4, David Close (C) 5, James Montefiore 6.

Rung half muffled for Remembrance Sunday service.

Marlborough, Wilts. 10 Nov,

1260 Grandsire Triples, Comp. by Sgt Albert P Wakley:

Karen Dobie 1, Dorothy Blythe 2, David Close 3, Colin Woodley 4,

Mark Robins (C) 5, Mike Clark 6, Colin Mynett 7, Mike Holt 8.

Rung half-muffled on Remembrance Sunday.

Kingston, Dorset. 10 Nov, 1259 Plain Bob Caters:

Carole Dean 1, Sas Watson 2, Linda Jasper 3,

Eddie Dicken 4, Brian Dean 5, Mike Jasper 6,

Eleanor Wallace 7, Angie Jasper 8, Tim Rose (C) 9, Mike Pitman 10.

Rung half muffled for Remembrance.

Calne, Wilts. 10 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Triples:

Jane M Ridgwell 1, Morley Bray 2, Ruth Bray 3, David Seymour 4,

Chris Bush 5, Bob Mustow 6, Andrew Woolley (C) 7, Ken Webb 8.

Rung half-muffled for Remembrance Sunday. Also to mark the visit of Lord

Carey of Clifton, former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bromham, Wilts. 10 Nov, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Linda Drummond-Harris 1, Jenny Holiday 2, Laura Amor 3,

Steve Pardoe 4, Gareth Bennett (C) 5, John Card 6.

Rung half-muffled for the service of Remembrance.

Aldbourne, Wilts. 10 Nov, 1260 Grandsire Doubles:

Sheila Evans 1, Mike Clark 2, Terry Gilligan 3,

Colin Mynett 4, Marc Hart (C ) 5, Chris Barnes 6.

Rung half-muffled for Remembrance Sunday; also in particular memory of

George Newman.

David Warwick

Quarter Peal Week 2013

Jim Burry - 90th Birthday

Page 8

Eric J Hitchins – 70 years membership of SDGR In 1942, Eric Hitchins, along with his brother Laurie and two other

youngsters, Fred Slatford and Donald Lee, were taught to ring at St

Nicholas North Bradley by Percy Harding, a very experienced ringer.

This was at a time when bell ringing was only allowed on ‘special

days’ and practices were few. When the ban on ringing was lifted in

1943, the four young ringers became members of the Salisbury Dio-

cese Guild of Ringers.

Over the 70 years of his membership, Eric was Honorary General

Secretary from 1972-78. He became an Honorary Life Member in

1993 after 50 years of ringing and is also a Vice-President of the

SDGR. One of his major achievements was to stabilize fund raising

for the Llewellyn-Edwards Bell Restoration Fund.

Since that time and despite a move to Norwich, Eric has continued

to support the Guild and we are delighted that he and his wife are

planning to move back to the Salisbury Diocese area.

At the Devizes Branch meeting on 2 November at Warminster, Eric

was presented with a certificate for 70 years membership of the

Guild by Tom Garrett, the Guild Master.

Julia Russell

Nonagenarian Congratulations

Dennis G Fudge, of Leigh celebrated this milestone on the 10th Au-

gust by ringing in a quarter peal specially arranged for the occasion.

Leigh, Dorset. 10th August 2013, 1290 Plain Bob/Grandsire Doubles:

Stephanie Fripp 1, Sue I M Philp 2, Dennis G Fudge 3,

Alison Robertson 4, Gareth R Evans (C) 5, Jan Keohane 6.

Birthday compliment to 3.

Dennis is a well-known and respected member of the West Dorset

Branch who was first listed in the Guild Report for 1958/9 and so

was elected as an HLM in 2008 under the 50-year Rule. Records

suggest that Dennis has been tower correspondent ever since the

early 80s, and through the years has fully supported the ringing ac-

tivities around him and at neighbouring towers especially. He was

foremost in the setting up of the Launch of the Parish Bell Appeal

and the eventual restoration of the bells at Leigh in May 1996. For-

merly Leigh tower was listed under the Dorchester Branch but was

transferred to West Dorset in 2008.

Hearty Congratulations, Dennis from all your fellow ringers and

friends! Dennis has since rung in a further quarter peal for another

90-year old member! (See below)

Irene Barrett, of Toller Porcorum is the second member to reach this

magnificent milestone. Her birthday was on the 22nd October when

various ringers, friends and neighbours met in Toller on the actual

day to celebrate the occasion. Two days later, on the 24th a quarter

peal was rung by ringers from Bradpole – a tower Irene has been

associated with for a considerable number of years.

Leigh, Dorset. 23rd October 2013, 1260 Doubles (7M):

Delie Perry 1 , Sue I M Philp 2, Alison Robertson 3,

Dennis G Fudge 4, Gareth G Evans (C) 5, Alex Butler 6.

90th Birthday compliment to Miss Irene Barrett.

Toller Porcorum, Dorset. 24th October 2013, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles:

Paula S Biss 1, Wendy Carnell 2, Susan M Carter (C) 3,

Christine Green 4, Ivan L Andrews 5, Peter Carnell 6.

90th Birthday compliment to Miss Irene Barrett.

Irene learnt to ring at Burstead, Surrey in 1982 and belonged to the

Surrey Association and the RAF Association. Moving to Toller Por-

corum in 1986 Irene was ringing at the local tower within a week of

arrival and joined the West Dorset Branch two years later. Through

the succeeding years Irene rang for most days of the week at

neighbouring towers, especially at Bradpole, Beaminster and Toller

and for Sunday services, also handbells at Cattistock. For a period

Irene held the position of Branch Ringing Master. She rang one peal

at the age of 77 and has accumulated 191 quarter peals.

Irene sat at the tower throughout the quarter peal and was per-

suaded to ring the treble afterwards – which she did in fine style! A

party was held at Redcot afterwards, the home of Wendy and Peter

Carnell, and this included a specially made '90' birthday cake. Con-

gratulations, Irene, from all your fellow ringers and friends.

What an achievement to attain the age of 90 and still be a regular and active ringer!

l-r: Peter Carnell, Susan Carter, Irene Barrett, Wendy Carnell,

Ivan Andrews, Paula Biss, Christine Green.

Page 9

Aldbourne Tower Historical Book

Aldbourne – the Home of the Hand Bell & Crotal Bell

Terry Gilligan, a ringer at Aldbourne for over 50 years (on and off!),

has produced a book about the famous Aldbourne Bell Foundry, and

history of the village ringers. It is an important book for Aldbourne,

and by association for the Branch and Guild. Many Guild towers will

have an Aldbourne cast bell and ringers may well be interested in

their origin.

The book has brought together a lot of already published, but frag-

mented research, as well as his own and also goes deeper into the

casting of hand bells and crotal bells. Indeed, since it was published,

we have seen an increase in value of Aldbourne crotal bells, particu-

larly those cast by the Wells Foundry (a Wells no 30 was recently

advertised at £545). The book is good Guild history, and a non-profit

making publication. In fact if there were to be any profit (very

unlikely), it will go to the Aldbourne tower.

If you would like to get your hands on a copy, the cost is £10 (£12.50

p&p) please email me with your details:

Terry Gilligan

Mrs Stella Strawbridge, a ringer ever since 1942, attained her 90th

birthday on Friday 15th November, and had arranged to spend a few

quiet days in Sidmouth around the significant day in order to avoid

any particular attention. However, her fellow ringers had other

plans!

And so it was that local ringers and those from neighbouring towers

met at Fordington St George on the previous Tuesday, to celebrate

this forthcoming birthday. Dorchester Branch Chairman, Janet

Ranger, had set up a table of various snacks and a range of non-

alcoholic drinks and, afterwards, the surprise appearance of two

home-made '90' birthday sponges complete with a candle on each.

This display, festooned with decorations and a birthday balloon, and

the appearance of ringers not normally associated with the tower,

naturally came as an utter Surprise to Stella. Local Vicar, the Rever-

end Fiona Hall, then joined the company in time to join with the

singing of 'Happy Birthday', and this was followed by the obligatory

taking of photographs and the blowing out of the candles by Stella.

The remainder of the evening was taken up with much jovial conver-

sation and actual ringing when Stella confidently took the treble to

Grandsire and Bob Doubles.

In brief: Stella learnt to ring on silenced bells in 1942 whilst at New

College, Oxford. She also learnt handbell ringing and later joined the

Oxford Diocesan Guild rendering good support to that Guild over the

ensuing years. In 1965 Stella (and her now late husband, David)

moved to Compton Abbas, and moved to Bridport in 1984, ringing

regularly at Symondsbury and attending practices at Bradpole and

Beaminster. Stella now lives in a Retirement Home in Dorchester

and continues to ring at Fordington tower (with the 50-odd steps)

and nearby Upwey.

A further well-known active ringer reaches their 90th birthday be-

fore Christmas: Basil Dent, Burton Bradstock [18th December]. We

hope to say more in the next Face to Face, but everyone sends their

congratulations and all good wishes.

Ivan Andrews

Nonagenarian Congratulations

The Ringers’ Plea From Seend, the Cleeve, Inmarsh and Sells,

There are not enough ringers to sound the church bells.

The methods and rounds, the bob and call changes,

Are threatened by silence which then rearranges

The wedding, the memoriam and Sunday prayer,

All hark to the tower but there’s nobody there.

With ropes hanging limp and the belfry dumb,

Holy Cross is still hoping the faithful will come.

So have you the gleam of an urge to pull

On a striped coloured sally all comfy of wool?

Your name held in history for ringing a peal

For calling the villagers on Sunday to kneel?

Then ring my bell, I’m at number two,

Show that you’re willing to be part of the crew.

Learn a skill and a joy which bucks all the trends

And wherever you go you will always meet friends!

Page 10

Branch News

In the Calne Branch we continue to hold regular monthly meetings

on the second Saturday of each month. Ringing is arranged to cater

for those present and visitors are welcomed. We always have a

service and follow with tea and evening ringing.

Our August meeting also included our new 'fun and informal' striking

competition which was won by the team from Royal Wootton Bas-

sett. The service at this meeting was taken by Kathryn Miller, an LPA

from Calne, and singing was unaccompanied. The meeting in Sep-

tember started in Compton Bassett and then we moved to Yates-

bury for the service, tea and evening ringing. We are grateful to

David Parks who played the organ for our service.

The October meeting was in Hilmarton and the service was taken by

Revd Alison Way, who is also a ringer, and had harvest as its theme

as the church was decorated for the parish harvest festival the next

day. This meeting also included a business meeting at which three

new members were elected: David Throup, Steve Morris and Kim

Clifford.

We had a training morning at Avebury on Oct 26th and another is

planned for Nov 23rd.

Triples practice at Calne continues on the first Friday of even months

and Surprise practice at Heddington on the third Friday of every

month. Visitors are welcome at all these practices although it may

be wise to check with the website before travelling.

Elaine Leighton

Calne Branch News

This year we returned to Holy Cross, Seend, 6 bells ground floor – 14

-2-5 in F – for our annual Rounds Competition. The bells have an

interesting history. By 1553 the tower had only three bells. It is

known that four of the present six, including the treble, were cast in

1636 by Roger I Purdue of Bristol. The fifth bell was cast in 1793 by

Robert and James Wells of Aldbourne. In 1880 Mears and Stainbank

of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry cast the present treble bell and

recast one of Purdue's 1636 bells. In 1912 Taylors of Loughborough

recast Purdue's tenor bell. It should be noted that between 1764

and 1833, £115.13s.3d was paid out for beer for the bell ringers!

The competition, which was hotly contested by six teams, was

judged by Julian Ferrar and Julian Hemper. It should be noted that:

each team had at least one Quarter Peal (inside) ringer resulting in

penalties before ringing commenced; there were a number of penal-

ties for not standing a bell at first attempt and unfortunately one

team incurred penalties for not ringing for the prescribed length of

time. This meant that the scoring was extremely close with the final

results as follows:

First: Seend (86 points) (Ruth Beavin, Janet Gudge, Rachel Taylor,

Sarah Chard, Mike Taylor, Len Murray)

Joint Second: Steeple Ashton and Westbury (83 points)

Fourth: Edingers C (82 points)

Joint Fifth: Edingers A and Edingers B (81 points)

Congratulations to the Seend team, who were the defending cham-

pions! Well done also to the Edingers A Team, who are all aged 16

and under and pictured on the front cover as follows (L-R): Joe Ayris,

Paul Brown, Katherine Whiffen, Adam Hiscocks, Sophie Russell and

James Barker.

The competition was followed by the Summer Barbeque which was

again held at The Barge in Seend Cleeve. This year the weather was

excellent and we could all enjoy our delicious meal whilst seated

beside the Kennet and Avon canal. The water was very busy with

numerous barges arriving and leaving during the evening. The mo-

bile hairdressing wide-beam canal boat on the opposite bank cer-

tainly received a lot of interest!

Many thanks to Gill MacDonald for organising the competition and

the Barbeque and to the Seend band for providing very welcome

refreshments and delicious cakes during the competition.

Julia Russell

Devizes Branch – Rounds Competition and Summer BBQ – 6 July 2013

On the warm and sunny afternoon of Saturday 5 October, 17 mem-

bers met at the Church of St John the Baptist, Chirton, 6 bells,

ground floor: 10-3-9 in A. Chirton is an ancient village; the name

itself is Saxon for ‘Farm by the Church’. The Church was consecrated

on St John the Baptist’s Day in 1170, extended in both the 14th and

15th centuries and restored in 1850 by William Butterfield. In 1709

there were three bells in the tower. Between 12 July and 22 August

of that year, they were taken down and recast into five bells, the

work being carried out at Aldbourne by the Corrs foundry. In 1959

the peal was augmented to six by the addition of a new treble,

founded by John Taylor & Co.

Although these bells are rather challenging, we rang rounds and call

changes, Bob Doubles, Cambridge and London. We were delighted

to be joined by our Hon Guild Secretary, Anthony Lovell-Wood, and

his wife Christina. Our service, which focussed on St Francis of As-

Devizes Branch Meeting – Chirton and Urchfont – 5 October 2013

Church of St John the Baptist, Chirton

Page 11

Branch News sisi, was taken by Rev William Lang, also a bell ringer. This was fol-

lowed by a delicious tea provided by the ladies of Chirton, which was

then followed by our Business Meeting.

Evening ringing followed at St Michael & All Angels, Urchfont; 8 bells

ground floor, 19 cwt in D. The earliest part of this church is the

chancel arch, built in c1220. The tower was built in the late 15th

century. There were four bells in 1553. The earliest surviving bell,

the treble, is possibly 14th century. The tenor was founded by John

Wallis of Salisbury in 1610. Of the other bells, three are of a 17th

century date (William Purdue of Salisbury); two are 18th century

(Abraham and Abel Rudhall, Gloucestershire) and the sixth was

founded by Charles & George Mears of Whitechapel in 1848. The

peal was overhauled in 1900 by Mears and Stainbank.

We rang a variety of methods including Stedman Triples, Cambridge

and, of course, rounds and call changes. We all agreed that it had

been a very interesting and challenging day!

Julia Russell

On the windy and wet afternoon of Saturday 2 November, 25 mem-

bers met at the Church of St John the Baptist, Horningsham; 6 bells,

16 cwt in F. When Sir Robert de Vernon, Lord of Horningsham, built

this church in 1154 he picked a beautiful setting. At the time, the

nearby water source would have been an important factor. Today,

visitors enjoy a picturesque view of Longleat House and Safari Park.

The only part of the church surviving from the 12th century is the

perpendicular tower, and even this has undergone some restora-

tion. The church has been virtually rebuilt twice, the first alterations

taking place in 1783 and further changes in 1843. The latter in-

volved enlarging the church and took a year to complete. The older

building had room for only 400 people. The population figure in

1841 was 1290, so the church was too small. The new church could

accommodate 700 people. This was important, as at this time all

Lord Bath’s tenants were expected to attend church every Sunday.

The church continued to thrive until the Second World War, having a

team of bell ringers and a choir. It was in the 1950s that sadly the

situation started to change; the ringers, choir and congregation

gradually disappearing.

Five of the peal of six bells were founded in 1743 by William Cockey

of Frome. The fourth bell was founded by Charles and George

Mears in 1848. Unfortunately the bells and frame are in need of

substantial work and fund raising will commence as soon as a plan

for the work is realised. Although very challenging, we rang a vari-

ety of methods including Bob Doubles, Reverse Canterbury, Sted-

man, Bob Minor, Plain Hunt and rounds. We were delighted to be

joined by a number of visitors including Eric and Trish Hitchins, who

are members of SDGR but currently live in Norwich.

Our service, taken by Rev Alison Wadsworth, had a ringing theme

and was very enjoyable. We then travelled to The Minster Church of

St Denys in Warminster where we enjoyed a very welcome tea pro-

vided by the Warminster band. After tea, Tom Garrett, the Guild

Ringing Master, presented Eric Hitchins with a certificate to com-

memorate his 70 years membership of the Guild (see separate arti-

cle).

The Minster church of St Denys is the oldest church in Warminster.

It stands near the site of the original Saxon church and was exten-

sively rebuilt during the 11th, 15th, and 19th centuries.

There were five bells and a Sanctus bell in the church in 1553. Two

of these bells survived until the 19th century, the old 3rd and 5th of

the peal of six, which remained until 1881; one had an inscription

naming it Giles, and the other, cast in London circa 1410, was called

Gabriel. The remainder were variously recast in the 17th and 18th

centuries by the Lotts of Warminster and other bell casters. The

Lott’s bell foundry operated in Warminster from around 1610 to

1710. In 1707 a Richard Lott recast the tenor bell for £46.00, how-

ever in 1737 a new tenor bell was required which was supplied by

Abel Rudhall of Gloucester.

In 1879 the peal had not been used for many years. It contained

two medieval bells, both cracked, three 18th century bells, one of

them broken, and one bell of 1805. All except the tenor of 1737

were recast in 1881 by John Warner & Sons, and two new bells,

given by G J Vicary, were added to the peal.

We all enjoyed ringing a variety of methods including Stedman Tri-

ples, Plain Bob Major, Bristol, Plain Hunt on 7 and Plain Bob Triples.

It had certainly been an eventful afternoon and evening.

Julia Russell

Devizes Branch Meeting – Horningsham and Warminster – 2 November 2013

Church of St John the Baptist, Horningsham

Pip Penney, the Chairman of ART (Association of Ringing

Teachers) presented Patsy Thorn with her final certifi-

cate, she is now a fully qualified ISST Teacher.

Page 12

Branch News

This year’s Annual General Meeting was held at Long Bredy on 12th

October on what turned out to be a beautiful autumn afternoon.

Perhaps the sunshine worked its magic, or perhaps it was the lure of

the famous Long Bredy food which coaxed so many ringers out but

whatever the reason it was lovely to see so many in attendance.

Following open ringing, a short service was lead by the Rev Bob

Thorn who gave a very interesting talk on the works recently carried

out to the tower to stop water ingress and the hard work fundraising

which the ringers had collectively contributed towards. During the

service the organ was played by Michael Dillistone.

A truly magnificent tea was then served at the village hall where we

were treated to an open fire to keep us warm, and copious, delicious

food with a waitress service ensuring a continual flow of tea and

coffee.

Prior to the commencement of the AGM a minutes silence was held

in memory of Jenny Morris who had passed away since the last

meeting. During the AGM which followed one new member was

elected, Jane Nicklen from Upwey. The majority of the Branch Offi-

cers were returned unopposed with Janet Ranger as Chairman,

Treasurer Neville Wood, Vice Chairman/publicity officer and assis-

tant ringing master Andrea Jacob, Ringing Master Chris White and

assistant ringing master Wayne Hunter. However this year Mavis

White resigned from her role of secretary which she has held for a

number of years and Claire Dillistone of Wyke Regis was elected as

the new secretary.

The branch was reminded that the carol service will be held at Up-

wey on the 14th December where a warm welcome awaits together

with mince pies and other refreshments for the final meeting of the

year.

Andrea Jacob

Dorchester Branch News

The East Dorset Branch Quarterly Meeting was held on 12th October

at Tarrant Keynston whose ringers provided an excellent cooked tea

with truly delicious crumbles for pudding. Attendance was a little

less than usual, but the ringing beforehand on the lightweight 5 (6 ¾

cwt) and afterwards at Spetisbury (6, 17cwt) was enjoyable. Three

new members were elected by the meeting: Genevieve Hakimzedah,

Jillian Wilson, Kevin Oakly – all from Winterborne Whitechurch/

Stickland. The proposed increase to Guild subscriptions was dis-

cussed. Although it was generally felt that the sum was not at all

exorbitant, some members queried what they actually got for their

money, and whether electronic distribution of the newsletter could

save on costs.

It was agreed that the Committee would consider a request from

Hampreston for a donation towards the £8,000 needed to repair the

14 inch crack in the No. 5 bell. The bell cracked during a touch of

Plain Bob Doubles on a practice night when the tower captain was

away on holiday. For those present the only indication of such a

disaster was a sudden difficulty in hearing all the bells. The bell

dates from 1738 and there is no question of having it recast. Ham-

preston is an active tower with very popular practices offering

teaching and mentoring to ringers from many neighbouring bands.

The standard of ringing is such that their band came third in the

recent Guild striking competition. To leave one bell unringable for

any length of time is not to be contemplated. The possession of a

simulator means the cracked bell can be tied and rung for practices

with the other bells open, but Sunday ringing is continuing only on

the five sound bells. The band and the Branch are keen for the re-

pair to take place as soon as possible and fund-raising is going ahead

vigorously.

Kathryn Tyson

East Dorset Branch News

When Paul Tyson became Tower Captain at Canford Magna he

formed the ambition of reviving the ringing of Canford Doubles in

the tower.

Although some of the current tower members had rung Canford in

the past, it had not been attempted for some time and, without

anyone to stand by or conduct, it took many months of practice

before Paul felt able to fix a date for a quarter peal attempt. This

took place on his 60th birthday when four ringers from Canford

Magna practice nights, supported by friends from Hampreston suc-

cessfully completed only the third quarter peal of Canford Doubles

to be rung in the tower.

A variation of St James’ Doubles with a plain lead of Reverse Canter-

bury for a bob, Canford Doubles was named by the boys of the Can-

ford School Society and rung for the first time in 1983 in a quarter

peal of doubles 11m/v conducted by Simon Robertson. It was taken

from the list of un-named variations listed in the Central Council

book "Doubles Collection" published in 1980 and the name accepted

East Dorset Branch - Canford at Canford

L-R: Angie Jasper 2, Joe Baldwin 6, Paul Tyson 4,

Mike Jasper 1, Kathryn Tyson 3, Chris Smithies 5

Page 13

Work is suspended at present as we wait for a response from the

Church Buildings Council. We have asked them to reconsider their

advice that we should not tune our listed third bell, and have just

received approval from David Knight for us to tune the bell. Mean-

while we are continuing to raise funds for the extra £4,900 needed

to replace our old wooden frame with a metal installation. We

heard last Sunday that The Llewellyn Edwards Bells Restoration Fund

have awarded us an additional sum. Several other funding applica-

tions are due to be decided soon.

A fortnight ago our PCC formally accepted the gift of an additional

bell from the Keltek Trust. The Trust, which operates nationwide

but is based in Wiltshire, has offered us for no charge a 1708 bell

that comes from the parish church of Allesley in the West Midlands.

This fifth bell would become our new treble and can just be accom-

modated in the new metal frame. Our bell-hanger, Matthew Higby,

has generously offered to fit it free of charge.

Bill Yates, Little Bedwyn

Marlborough Branch - Little Bedwyn Bells Restoration

Branch News after publication in The Ringing World.

The names of the original Canford School Society band may be of

interest to Guild members. They included Tim Blizzard Barnes, Peter

G C Ellis, Christopher New and Simon Robertson. The six were com-

pleted by Frank Grenfell, a physics teacher, and John Bramley, long-

time Wimborne ringer.

Kathryn Tyson

Canford Magna, Dorset, Dedication Unknown.

Tuesday 29 October 2013 in 44 min (9-2-24) 1260 Canford Doubles:

Mike Jasper 1, Angie Jasper (C) 2, Kathryn Tyson 3,

Paul Tyson 4, Christopher P K Smithies 5, Joseph Baldwin 6.

60th birthday compliments today to Tower Captain Paul Tyson

and Canford ringer David Bishton.

1st in the variation: 3, 4 and 5. Circled the tower to quarters: 2

The AGM was held on Saturday 19 October 2013 at Chiseldon. It

was well attended and after ringing in the afternoon the service was

taken by the Rector, Rev Roger Powell, with Christine Honychurch

playing the organ. Afterwards we all headed towards the lovely

church hall close by, which was built in 1980 and designed by Colin

Wilkins, one of the local ringers. Tea was organised by Diane Le-

wens, a non-ringer, and she produced a wonderful spread. 22

branch ringers, 3 visitors, 3 non-ringers attended, and 10 Branch

towers were represented.

The meeting followed, and after the minutes and matters arising

were dealt with the following new members were elected:

Victoria Paminter of Aldbourne.

Roy Raymond of Chiseldon.

Peter Nancarrow who is now ringing at Preshute was welcomed

back to Branch & Guild.

Reports followed, for Ursula Osmond, Chairman, and Neil Hall,

Treasurer it was their last report as they both stood down from of-

fice. Both were thanked and presented with a gift, for the long

terms of office they had undertaken in the Branch.

The Branch Officers elected were: Chairman, David Close; Vice Chair-

man & Publicity Officer, Mike Holt; Branch Secretary, Dorothy

Blythe; Treasurer and LEBRF Trustee, David Chandler; Ringing Mas-

ters, Gemma Holt & David Close; Training Officer, Pat Cotton; Com-

mittee Members, Karen Dobie & Jenny Jones.

Members were told by Guild Officers that the Guild Subscription

would need be raised and towers were asked to discuss the propos-

als.

We were reminded of forthcoming events in 2014, especially the

Ringing Roadshow at Newbury on 6 September and the Stedman

Tercentenary on 16 November, and even further ahead the Magna

Carta 800th Anniversary on 15 June; wow, yet another busy year

ahead.

On a more sombre note 2014 is also the 100th anniversary of the

start of the First World War.

In 2014 the Branch has its own reasons to celebrate. The AGM will

be held at Everleigh and Collingbourne Kingston, the six bells of

Everleigh were cast in 1814, and three of the bells at Collingbourn

Kingston were cast in 1614.

Dorothy Blythe

Marlborough Branch AGM

As a lot of LEBRF attendees will know, St Katharine’s tenor clapper

broke when it was being raised in the morning of the Open Day.

This did disappoint a few people but no-one could have foreseen

this happening as it was just metal fatigue. I took the clapper up to

White’s of Appleton and they used this as a template to re-forge

another one. In a matter of weeks the new clapper was fitted and

the tower is again fully operational.

I would like to take this opportunity of saying a big ‘thank you’ to the

LEBRF for their generous donation towards this project. As most

people will know, there is always something to be done regarding

the maintenance of the bells, wheels etc. and it’s nice to know that

help is at hand when needed.

Diana Mortlock

Marlborough Branch - St Katharine' Savernake

Page 14

Branch News

This was held on the evening of Friday 25 October at the Vicarage

School Room at Gillingham. The Quiz was arranged by Robert Wel-

len, assisted by Frank Attrill as scorer.

Around thirty people attended and we were grateful for a good con-

tingent of support from the Salisbury Branch which made the eve-

ning viable. A marvellous bring and share supper 'emerged' as peo-

ple arrived and disappeared in double quick time in the interval.

It was a close contest, with the winning team coming from Don-

head/ Tisbury. The event, with a raffle that was well supported with

prizes, raised £123.70 for the LEBRF.

Robert Wellen, Mere Branch Secretary

Mere Branch Quiz and 'Bring and Share' Supper

Hilary Gladding rang at her daughters wedding at

Mere on 7th September.

Lots of ringers turned up to support Hilary on

this special day.

Jenny Lucas

The inscription on the Memorial Bell reads:

“AD PIAM MEMORIAM VIRORUM

CONFORDIENSIUM QUI PRO PATRIA

SUA VITAS SUAS DEDERUNT

IN BELLO MAGNO.

MCMXXXIX - MCMXLV.”

We rang for our Remembrance Sunday British Legion service at Cod-

ford St Peter, and a quarter peal rung half-muffled the evening be-

fore.

Anthony Bainbridge, Codford St Peter

Salisbury Branch - The Codford Memorial Bell

Bradpole Ringing Centre now has a new committee. Plans for taking

the Ringing Centre forward are currently being developed. New

bookings have been taken and courses have already started. More

are planned into the new year as follows:

Stedman doubles

Plain bob doubles

St Simons/St Nicholas

Plain Bob Minor

Introduction to method ringing

Little Bob Minor

First Stages of Conducting

We plan to circulate course information initially to the West Dorset

Branch. If after 2 weeks there has been insufficient take up within

the Branch, we will extend the advertising to other branches and

surrounding areas.

Fliers advertising Ringing Centre activities and facilities are now

available and will have been distributed to Branch Secretaries.

Bradpole Ringing Centre website will be updated as soon as we can

manage it!

All enquiries to Wendy Carnell, Bradpole Ringing Centre Co-

ordinator

Wendy Carnell

West Dorset - Bradpole Ringing Centre

Bradpole Ringing Centre

Welcomes all Ringers!

Improve your ringing without offending the neighbours!

8 bell ground floor ring

15cwt easy-going bells

Simulator and Abel software

Help available with setting up and using the simulator

Closed circuit TV

Audio/visual equipment

Whiteboards

No charge – donations welcome

Toilet, Kitchen

Disabled access

Come to a tutored course to develop your ringing

Bring your band to practise – help available if needed

Book BRC with a group of friends to enjoy ringing together

Book BRC for your own use to practise using Abel on the simulator

Join the Thursday morning fortnightly ringing group –

all welcome – encouragement and support freely given

Look for course advertisements and other information

in your Tower and/or contact

Page 15

Branch News

We are so pleased that John Lee, a ringer at Hawkchurch, has made

such a good recovery following the dreadful car accident he was

involved in whilst travelling to a ringing practice at Ilminster last July.

John returned to his home in September having been a patient at

Frenchay, Yeovil and Axminster Hospitals and is now in good spirit

and ringing again: in fact, when I spoke with John whilst preparing

this short article, he was preparing to attend a further ringing course

on the 9th November.

Despite living where he now does on the Devon/Dorset border, John

will admit that he is a Warwickshire man at heart, and places such as

Castle Bromwich, Rowington and Boldmere stir many happy memo-

ries. Boldmere, particularly, is where he sang as a choir boy – fol-

lowing in the tradition of his father who was head chorister in Cov-

entry Cathedral. John's late wife came from Coventry and often

recalled the devastation she witnessed during the bombing of that

city during WWII.

John served in the RAF during National Service, and through the

ensuing years has endeavoured to maintain contact with those with

whom he met during that period.

It was also at that time that John first became aware of a place

called Hawkchurch; apparently, it is believed RAF Navigational Train-

ing used the church tower as a 'trig' point, and this eventually influ-

enced John and his wife to settle in a cottage on the opposite side of

the road facing this very church.

Ever since arriving in the village John has been a member of the

church choir, and he became a regular and faithful ringer in his

tower. Today he remains a well known and respected member in

many towers across a wide area.

A quarter peal of Doubles rung at Elsham, Lincs on the 22nd Septem-

ber was specially organised at John's request in memory of Don

Charlwood OAM, author of an autobiographical book on his flying as

a navigator on Avro Lancaster Bombers in WWII. The footnotes of

the eventual quarter also included the following details: “Also rung

with the band's best wishes to John recovering from a serious acci-

dent”.

Ivan Andrews

West Dorset Branch - John Lee

Congratulations to the WD Branch team who were awarded joint

third place at the Guild Striking 6-bell Competition held at Silton in

October. Last year West Dorset came seventh, so well done!

The Guild Open Day saw a sizeable contingent from West Dorset

attending this year and an enjoyable day was had by all – and lots of

new towers too!

Congratulations to Bradpole ringer, Lucy Taylor, who at 15 rang her

first quarter peal 'inside' to a quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles in

July. Lucy is now ringing triples and the treble to surprise minor

methods.

Congratulations, also, to Elizabeth Skinner, tower captain at Bridport

and a regular ringer at Bradpole practices, on ringing her first quar-

ter 'inside' at Bradpole on 6th November. (Rung during Guild Quar-

ter Peal Week)

Hawkchurch Bells Restored

A Service of Thanksgiving for the restoration of the bell frame and

tower was held at the Church of St John the Baptist on Sunday 23rd

June. The bells rang out before and again after the Service, having

been rung first by local members and then by visiting ringers from a

wide area. Guild and Branch Officers attended.

The overhaul has made the bells, which were noisy and difficult to

ring, a delight and the new sound-proofing a vast difference in the

ringing chamber.

A set of new ropes has since been supplied and fitted as a result of a

generous donation of £500.00

Chideock Update

The recently restored and augmented bells at St Giles, Chideock

were until recently rung from the ground floor; now, however, a

ringing chamber has been installed on the first floor of the tower

making room for further alterations to the church downstairs.

Bridport Tenor

The 21-2-16 tenor bell at St Mary's Church, Bridport is now causing

difficulty no longer. It always seemed difficult to raise on the correct

side. Now with the fitting of an alternative (wooden) clapper the

problem is alleviated.

Outings

The month of September seems to be a very popular month for

tower outings. Bridport ringers and friends decided to visit Somer-

set, ringing at Martock, Long Sutton, Drayton and Somerton with a

fine pub lunch at The Rose & Crown, East Lambrook.

West Dorset Branch - News

Peter Carnell, Sue Philp, Ivan Andrews, Elizabeth (first inside),

Susan Carter, Wendy Carnell.

Page 16

Calendar of Guild and Branch Events 2013/2014

From the Editor [Next Deadline January 27th 2014]

My thanks to all who have contributed to this edition, especially

David Warwick for compiling the Quarter Peal records.

Thanks

The next edition will be published in February 2014, after the Guild

Peal Week, so I hope there will be plenty to report.

In the Next Edition

Contact Me

Forthcoming Events

December 23rd - 31st: Guild Peal Week

April 26th 2014: Guild Training Day

Saturday 6th September 2014: Ringing Roadshow at Newbury Racecourse Will all Branches please leave this date clear of any events so that all ringers have the chance to attend. Anthony Lovell-Wood

SAGOR = Salisbury Area Group of Ringers - Monthly Monday morning meetings, ringing at 2 towers, followed by a pub lunch. Transport can be arranged for those in Salisbury area. 2nd Thursday each month, Surprise Practice, Salisbury St Thomas. 1st Monday each month. Advanced Practice, Broadchalke and Fordingbridge alternately. All Salisbury Branch extra practices are listed on the Guild Web. 3rd Fri Heddington Surprise Minor Practice 19.30. 3rd Sat Trowbridge 10/12 Bell Practice.Tower door locked at 19.45 PROMPT 4th Week each month, Surprise Practice, Devizes Branch. 4th Sat each Month, Advanced Practice, Bishops Cannings. Note: For more details or if planning to travel any distance it is advisable to check with a Branch Officer before hand. Dates, corrections etc. for the calendar to Dorothy Blythe

Branch News Bradpole also decided to head for Somerset, visiting the towers of

Chedzoy, Ashcott, Woolavington and Cossington, with an excellent

meal at The Crown, Catcott. Thank you to tower captain, Peter Car-

nell, for planning and organising a most enjoyable day.

Other outings were surely organised around the Branch but the

details have not been submitted.

Ivan Andrews

Saturday 19th July 2014: Guild Striking Competition

Corsley (6 bell) at 16.00, Warminster (8 bell) at 16.30

Results and refreshments at Warminster

Guild Peal Week 23rd to 31st December 2013.

2014 January

Sat 4 Devizes Branch AGM 3.00 to 8.30 TBA

Sat 11 East Dorset Branch AGM 2.00 to 7.00 Cranbourne

Sat 11 Calne Branch AGM 3.00 to 8.00 Royal Wootton Bassett TBC

Sat 18 West Dorset Branch Practice 2.00 to 4.00 Netherbury

February

Sat 15 West Dorset Commemorative Meeting Bradpole

Face to Face now has a Twitter account. If you follow it on

@sdgr_f2f you will receive information about the next issue, as well

as general bellringing news.

Twitter

Michael Bailey

Email: f2f@sdgr.org.uk

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and enquiries)