What happens when you mix a successful Scout event, enthusiastic local tower captains, a mobile belfry, and plenty of cake? You get a fantastic bellringing taster day, and you are all invited!
The spark for this event came after the Gloucester & Bristol Association ran a highly successful ringing session at a Scout event in Cirencester Park. Two of the Scout troops who expressed an interest in taking it further happen to live in our Salisbury Guild area: the 2nd Marlborough and the 1st Hilperton.
By pure coincidence, the 2nd Marlborough Scout Headquarters is just a few hundred metres away from Preshute Church. Seizing the opportunity, Preshute’s Tower Captain, Richard Metters, teamed up with the Scout Leader and church authorities to get a dedicated taster session in the diary.
A Huge Team Effort
We are also working closely with our neighbours in the Chippenham Branch of the G&B, who are currently working hard to build a new town band to ring at St Andrew’s and St Paul’s churches. St Paul’s has a brand-new youth group looking for activities, so the local vicar will be championing the event at upcoming Sunday services.
Matthew Higby’s famous ‘Peals on Wheels’ mini-ring has been booked for the day, funded by the Guild. It is always guaranteed to be a massive draw for complete beginners and seasoned helpers alike.
How You Can Help
The event is taking place on Saturday 5th September between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at Preshute.While it originally started as a youth and Scout initiative, age is no barrier—absolutely everyone is welcome! We would love to see a great turnout from across the Guild, as well as our neighbours over the borders in the G&B and Oxford Guilds.
We need your help to spread the word:
- Tower Correspondents: Please ask your local clergy to mention this event during Sunday services to encourage anyone interested in learning to ring to come along.
- Notice Boards: Please print out the event poster and display it prominently on your church notice board.
Let Richard Know You’re Coming
If you or your local youth groups plan to attend, please drop Richard Metters a quick line with your approximate numbers. His phone number is at the foot of the attached flyer. We want to make sure we have plenty of helpers on hand—and, most importantly, enough CAKE to go around!
See you there!
