The annual April 8 bell striking competition for the Channel Islands Branch was held on 26th April 2025 at St Peters in Guernsey.
It was very well attended by ringers from across the islands, Jersey arrived on the Friday and Alderney across the week (unfortunately 2 Alderney ringers were thwarted at the last by fog and Aurigny). Many came to an extra practice and QP at Town Church on Friday evening, and some even braved the seas on a ringers swim on Sunday morning. (not compulsory if you’re visiting the islands but you will be encouraged…..), as with all ringing events, trips to the pub on Friday evening, and a sensational lunch and tea were all partaken of.
The ringing kept up all day, with many firsts rung and the opportunity was taken to ring more complex pieces and really test ourselves. These included: a Quarter peal of our new CI Little Triples method, Touch of Stedman Triples, 3-leads of Bristol Major, 3-leads of London Major, Spliced Bristol/Superlative/Yorkshire, Touch of Primrose minor, Grandsire Caters, Plain Bob Caters, Double Norwich (which came round!), Yorkshire Royal, Touch of Stedman Caters, lots of 10-bell ringing for those who don’t usually have the opportunity and a Quarter Peal of Plain Bob Royal to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the bells (with 3 firsts).
Further ringing at Forest while the QP happened meant that doubles ringers got a chance to really hone some skills including ringing and trebling to new methods such as all changes, plain hunt on 5, St Simon’s, Grandsire Doubles, Primrose, Double Court and Double Oxford.
As always the competition was a great success with Guernsey taking home the win this time, in a very tight competition, expertly judges by Stephen and June Rossiter.
The scores were :
Guernsey = 83 faults
Jersey = 89 faults
Alderney = 90 faults
The next competition will happen on 6th September in Alderney, with an online meeting to follow the next weekend.
Jennifer Hill
Channel Islands Branch Secretary
