On Monday 1st July, following the ordination to the priesthood of our curate Belinda West in Salisbury Cathedral, a quarter peal was rung on the bells of St Mary’s, Stalbridge.
As well as being a celebration of Rev’d Belinda’s priesting, this was a very noteworthy achievement for the Stalbridge ringers as it was the first quarter to be rung by a completely local band for 50 years and was also the first quarter to include local women ringers. In addition, it was the first quarter of Plain Bob Doubles by one of the ringers and the first quarter called by the (very anxious!) conductor without the security of a second conductor able to add in any inadvertently omitted calls.
Apart from a few blisters, the quarter went off very well and included some lovely striking. A great achievement all round.
Helen Hitchin
Stalbridge TC
