Annual Striking Competition Results and Report

Summary of the day from the Guild President

On Saturday September 14th on a glorious late Summer’s Day, ringers from across the Guild gathered at Bishop’s Cannings and All Cannings for the Guild 8 Bell, 6 Bell and Novice Striking Competitions.

The proceedings kicked off at 1.40pm at Bishop’s Cannings, although there were fewer teams entering than in the 6 Bell Competition an earlier start time was necessitated by a previously booked visiting band of ringers. Whilst the judge made himself comfortable in the car park of The Crown Inn next to the church the first of the 5 teams began their ringing. Meanwhile ringers were assembling at All Cannings for the start of the Novice Competition at 2pm with 2 teams in the Novice Competition and 7 in the 6 Bell Competition.  Having completed the ringing at Bishops Cannings the ringers then made their way to All Cannings to listen to the ringing there and enjoy a cup of tea in the church.  In the meantime, the Village Hall at All Cannings was being set up to await the members contributions to the ‘Bring and Share’ Tea. Slowly the hall filled up and as the last team to ring made their way to the Hall a sumptuous array of food awaited. The President in her welcome thanked all for making the afternoon what it had been – participants, supporters, helpers, the Incumbent, PCC’s and ringers of Bishops Cannings and All Cannings, as well as Kathryn Tyson, our Guild Secretary, who had done the bulk of the organising with assistance from Martin Ostler and the judges, Matthew Higby (8 Bell) and Robert Perry and Nicki Lang (6 Bell and Novice).

With the assembled onlookers anxious to hear the results, the judges began giving their deliberations. Matthew Higby for the 8 Bell Competition, complimented all the teams on their ringing giving some helpful and encouraging comments. Congratulations to West Dorset for coming first – David Barrance received the trophy on behalf of the winning team. It was pleasing to see the Trophy go to West Dorset for this is the Branch where Ivan Andrews, the dedicatee of the Trophy resided and rang for many years. 

Following on Robert Perry and Nicki Lang commented on the entries in the 6 Bell Competition and awarded first place again to West Dorset, David Barrance again receiving the Trophy on behalf of the team. Commenting positively on the Novice entries, first place was awarded to the Team from Sherborne Abbey, West Dorset Branch; Dylan Hartley received the Trophy on behalf of the team.  A clean sweep by the West Dorset Branch – well done! With the presentations over the afternoon continued with tea and chatter.

In conclusion I would like to congratulate all those ringers who took part and hope you will take encouragement from the judges’ comments. It was good to see the Marlborough Branch entering a team in the 8 Bell Competition after many years absence.  A number of ringers told me that this was their first time ringing in a Striking Competition, I know from experience how nerve-wracking it is taking part – not wanting to be the one to let the team down. I hope you will be encouraged along with others to take part again next year, never so bad once you have got the first time over and know what to expect.

I hope all those who were there agree it was a very enjoyable and successful get together for members from all areas of the Guild.  

Pat Davidson
Guild President