On Monday 3rd August, five young ringers from three different branches (Devizes, East Dorset and Salisbury) ventured over the border into Hampshire for an outing. We received a warm welcome from the tower correspondents in the Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild and were delighted to welcome back William Bishop as a helper; William was a key member of the young ringers’ group when he was younger and has just graduated from university.
Our first stop was the lovely 9cwt ring of eight at Sherfield English. From there we travelled to Hursley, where we enjoyed a picnic in the park next to the church before ringing on the 13cwt ring of twelve. Finally, we rang at Bishopstoke, a ring of ten bells with a tenor weighing 11cwt.
During the day we rang call changes, plain hunt on seven, nine and eleven, plus some Grandsire and Stedman Triples for the more experienced.
A big thank you to all our willing helpers (including our Guild Master) who, on a very hot day, worked hard so that our young ringers could enjoy the experience of ringing on higher numbers of bells.
We will resume our Saturday afternoon practices in the autumn. All young ringers under 25 are welcome; for further information, please email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Hilary Child
