On Saturday 25th April the Mere Branch held their annual striking competitions in conjunction with a Members Meeting. Beautiful sunny weather allowed for the five bands to gather outside at St James’s in Shaftesbury. The judges; Ross Robertson and his son, Simon, sat patiently in the shade in anticipation.
Up first were the two novice competition teams. ‘Merely Six’ mentored by Nick Dallison, and the ‘Tuesday Allsorts’ mentored by Judith Williamson. Both novice teams had some ringers making their striking competition debuts alongside some who rang in last year’s competition. The quality of the ringing from both teams was a marked improvement on last year’s competition which was very pleasing to hear. Two very closely matched performances.
The change ringing competition teams then followed. ‘Sturminster Newton’ were up first ringing call changes. Second up were another ‘Tuesday Allsorts’ team who also rang call changes. Finally, it was the ‘Stalbridge’ band’s turn and they rang Grandsire Doubles.
After our service and tea, Ross and Simon very kindly gave their verdicts. The novice competition was very closely contested with the ‘Tuesday Allsorts’ winning score of 62% just beating ‘Merely Six’ with 59%. Well done to all of our novices for two fine performances.
The change ringing competition wasn’t quite so closely fought. ‘Sturminster Newton’ coming in first place, followed by the ‘Tuesday Allsorts’ and ‘Stalbridge’.
Ross presented both winning teams with the competition shields, which will be sent off for engraving. As a thank you, Ross was presented with a gift voucher.
Thank you so much to all of the teams for a fine early afternoon of ringing supporting the branch; to Rodney Atwood who led our service, and James Smith for playing the organ. And lastly a thank you to the St James’s band for hosting us and providing a delicious afternoon tea.
Nick Dallison
Mere Branch Chairman
