Guild Striking Competitions Report

In the early afternoon ringers started arriving at the village church of St Mary’s Shrewton from far and wide across for the Guild 6 Bell Striking Competition. Some did manage to find themselves at St Mary’s Maddington just down the road, and had to quickly check the map for the correct location!

There were mixed emotions as the teams assembled ready for their turn to ring but signs of relief as they emerged from the tower and were ushered round to the front porch of the church for the obligatory team photo, their ringing over. Some of the local ringers, led by Jo Barnes, provided tea and biscuits inside the church; very welcome on what was a rather cold and grey afternoon.

There were seven entries and the ringing was judged by Pip Dillistone from Dorset. After they had rung the bands travelled to the Wyndham Hall in Amesbury, opposite the church where the 8 Bell Competition was taking place. It was disappointing that there were only two teams entered for this competition. Once all were assembled in the Hall the ‘Ringers Tea’ began. Thank you to all who contributed to the fine spread. Thank you also to Liz Wrighton and her team of helpers for setting up the Hall and refreshing us with copious cups of tea and coffee. Liz had also provided one of her ‘word searches’ to help while away the time for those arriving early at the Hall.

After all were welcomed to the hall and all who had worked hard to make a successful afternoon thanked it was time for the results to be announced. The President introduced the 8 Bell Judge Rhoda Willson (Downton, Romsey Abbey), who had been assisted by her husband Martin, and she made some encouraging comments about the ringing by the two teams. In a closely fought contest Wimborne Minster emerged as the winners and Bradford on Avon as the runners-up. David Warwick received the Trophy on behalf of the Minster team.

Pip Dillistone then gave some encouraging comments about the afternoon’s 6 bell ringing and stressed the importance of congratulating all who had taken part, recognising the difficulties of managing the odd-struckness of both the treble and tenor bells. The West Dorset team were announced as winners and Nick Baker received the trophy on behalf of the team. The full results can be seen here along with the team photos. All in all, an enjoyable and successful afternoon and thank you again to all the participants. I look forward to seeing more 8 bell team entries next year!

Pat Davidson
Guild President