On Saturday September 16th ringers from across the Guild gathered at Warminster and Sutton Veny for the Guild 8 Bell, 6 Bell and Novice Striking Competitions. In recent years the 8 and 6 Bell competitions have been held on separate occasions and a return to the combined format proved to be a successful and enjoyable afternoon get-together for members, both for those taking part and for those coming along to support their teams.
The proceedings kicked off at 2pm at Sutton Veny there being 7 teams entered in the 6 Bell and 5 teams in the Novice Competition. With fewer teams in the 8 Bell competition, just 5, ringing started at Warminster at the later time of 3.20pm for the first team. Whilst the judges at Warminster made themselves comfortable in the corner of the car park ready for the ringing to commence a team of helpers, mainly from Warminster with help from Len Roberts, were busy setting up the back of the church with tables and chairs ready for tea. Ringers from Sutton Veny soon began to arrive to join those assembling at Warminster with ready supplies of tea and coffee available to all. As 5pm rapidly approached the rear of the church was filling up, the tables set up for members contributions to the ‘Bring and Share’ Tea were filling to overflowing and to the relief of the 70 or more gathered the President announced that tea could begin! In her welcome the President thanked all for making the afternoon what it had been – participants, supporters, helpers, the Incumbent, PCC’s and ringers of Sutton Veny and Warminster, the Warminster members for help with arrangements and teas, Kathryn Tyson, our Guild Secretary, who had done the bulk of the organising of the day and time keeping etc at Sutton Veny, also Judith Williamson for timekeeping at Warminster and the judges, Will and Maggie Willans (8 Bell) and Ray and Susan Haines (6 Bell and Novice).
Being presented for the first time at the Striking competition was the new 8 Bell Trophy. Prior to the pandemic it had been brought to the attention of the Executive Committee that there was only one space left for a Branch name on the current trophy and it was agreed to have a new trophy produced. It was felt this would be a very fitting memorial to the late Ivan Andrews HLM VP who passed away in January 2019. Ivan was President from 1995 to 2001 and for many years edited and produced the Guild Newsletter – Face to Face. An approach was made to Martin Willson, a ringer at Downton nr Salisbury, and he agreed to produce a design, following which he was given the go ahead to produce a new Trophy for the Guild. This kept Martin very busy during lockdown and it was a pleasure to call upon Martin on Saturday to hand me the Ivan Andrews 8 Bell Striking Competition Trophy to present and thank him on behalf of the Guild for all his work. A small token of the Guild’s appreciation will be given to Martin. Those members who knew Ivan will be pleased to know that I have been in touch with his widow, Wendy, and son, Tim, both of whom were touched by this tribute. I will be visiting them later in the year with the Trophy for them to see.
To while away the time while the Judges were preparing the results, members were invited in teams of up to 4 to participate in ‘Viv’s Great Bells of England Quiz’ Three simple rules: applied.1) No Cheating 2) No googling 3) No phoning-a-friend. Thank you to Viv Enticott (Lytchett Matravers) for providing us with this challenging and entertaining quiz. With a possible maximum 54 points the cleverest of the teams amassed 43.
At last it was time for the judges to begin – what we had all been waiting for.
First Will and Maggie presented the 8 Bell result and, Will explained his points system for faults based on a tried and tested system. The challenge of a heavy ring of bells with a short draught did present its problems and unfortunately two of the teams were unable to complete their test piece of ringing. However, Will was quick to praise the good leadership and perseverance in encouraging these two to carry on as far as they did. Well done to all the ringers and congratulations to Bradford on Avon (Devizes Branch) for coming first. To much applause the new Ivan Andrews 8 Bell Trophy was presented to Sarah Quintin, representing the team.
Following on Ray and Susan Haines commented on the entries in the 6 Bell Competition and awarded first place to Wimborne Minster (East Dorset) John Riley received the Trophy on behalf of the team. Commenting on the Novice entries Ray said there was little to choose between the teams but awarded first place to Pewsey Vale (Marlborough Branch). Anne Wardell received the Trophy on behalf of the team.
In conclusion I would like to congratulate all those ringers who took part and hope you will take encouragement from the judges’ comments. It was especially pleasing to have 5 Novice teams entering, one team consisting mainly of ringers who have only been learning since February. I know from experience how nerve-wracking it is taking part – not wanting to be the one to let the team down. I hope you will be encouraged along with others to take part again next year, never so bad once you have got the first time over and know what to expect.
I hope all those who were there agree it was a very enjoyable and successful afternoon. I heard several comments along the lines of how lovely it was to see members enjoying a Guild event in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Pat Davidson, Guild President
