Seven out of the eleven ringers at the Church of St Mary, St Cuthberga and All Saints in Witchampton are still novices and, with support from the Wimborne Minster ringers, we have been able to hold regular practices, often twice a week, which everyone involved enjoys.
We were asked to host the December branch practice and also host the Carol Service. This was a brand new venture for us and we willingly agreed to do so. For several this was the first branch practice they had experienced.
Attended by almost 40 ringers, it was a dynamic and fun event kicking off with bellringing, before Rev Suzie Allen conducted a carol service. Thereafter everyone retired to enjoy some seasonal refreshments, including mulled wine, in the Witchampton Village Hall.
With ringing at all levels from rounds and call changes through to the London Surprise Minor, the ringing catered for all whilst Jack Pease efficiently shepherded the various groups through. When all the ‘new’ ringers arrived in the church at the same time they were delighted that Jack invited them up to ring as a band. Never backwards in coming forward they were glad of the opportunity to prove themselves well and truly part of the ringing fraternity in East Dorset.
Hopefully meeting so many different ringers from different towers has given the new band a taste for joining in future branch practices as they occur. Rev. Suzie led an excellent service with a variety of uplifting carols which had to include Ding Dong Merrily on High, sung with gusto by everyone present. The bell ringers from Witchampton certainly enjoyed hosting so many ringers and we wish you all a successful New Year.
I have included a photo of Mr. Nemog, our resident gnome. He has cheerfully joined us for every practice for the last couple of decades, smiling down from his lofty ledge in the ringing chamber and he gets decorated every Christmas. He’s definitely part of the gang.
