On Saturday 18th May around twenty members of the Mere Branch moved over the border into East Dorset Branch for a mini outing. The first tower on the itinerary was Holy Rood at Shillingstone, a ground floor ring, with a tenor of 15-2-9 cwt. All present were given an opportunity to ring call changes and methods. At Shillingstone a short break was held to accomplish a very important task, that of presenting our Ringing Master Nick Dallison with his very well deserved Guild Ringer of the Year Award. Our Guild VP and Branch Training Officer Judith Williamson presented the Award and Certificate and offered congratulations on behalf of the Guild. Mere Branch Chairman Len presented a card and expressed congratulations and appreciation for all that Nick does, on behalf of all Branch Members. A toast was proposed and a celebratory cake was cut and enjoyed by all.
Having managed to miss the thunderstorm, our next stop was at Durweston and the church of St Nicholas with a tenor of 9-3-12 cwt. where we were joined by ringers from Stalbridge. Here again all present were able to ring a variety of methods, in addition to rounds and call changes.
Our final tower was at Fontmell Magna and the church of St Andrew, with a tenor of 13-3-2 cwt. Here both methods and call changes were again rung, an interesting tower with a very noticeable sway when ringing was in progress. This was a phenomenon that some of our newer ringers found a little disconcerting, particularly those that had never experienced it before. Having spent an hour at St Andrew’s, again dodging the showers, we gathered at the Fontmell Pub for a few drinks.
The outing was a huge success and very much enjoyed by all who took part. Methods rung during the morning included: Plain Hunt on Five, Grandsire Doubles, Plain Bob Doubles, Plain Bob Minor and Cambridge Surprise Minor. In addition Rounds and Call Changes were also rung at each venue, thus affording opportunities for ringers of all abilities. Enormous thanks go to Nick for the arrangements and for organising the ringing, also to Martin, Judith and Michael for their assistance. We now look forward to our Branch Outing on 13th July, which I am sure will be equally successful.
Len Roberts
Chairman Mere Branch
