Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Guild’s ‘Firsts Week.’ Some 100 plus achievements are recorded on the website with such an amazing variety encompassing ringers who have been ringing only a few weeks to those ringing 50 years or more. Such ringing included ringing on 10 bells, ringing for Sunday service, standing bell at handstroke 16 times as part of ART scheme, 1st QP, 1st QP inside and 1st QP as conductor. A participant at the Essex Ringing Course recording a first touch of Grandsire Doubles and first plain course of triples. Doubles and doubles variations were a popular choice with Reverse St Bartholomew, Southrepps and Twineham Doubles among those recorded. Well done to everyone and a big thank you to all those ringers who participated or arranged and supported these achievements.
At the end of March, I was able to spend a most enjoyable and inspiring day at the Edington Ringing Centre, at an event organised by Sarah and Caroline with much help and support from Devizes Branch members and others. The day, inspired by a visit to the Mere Branch Ringers and Learners Social last August, aimed to bring together and support new learners in the Branch at the start of their ringing journey. All were kept busy throughout the day with sessions on rhythm, listening, bell handling, and ‘Peals on Wheels’ in the car park for any who wanted the challenge of a very light ring of bells. The day concluded with a Rounds Competition for all participants, much enjoyed by everyone. I have been lucky to be able to witness the work of the Devizes and Mere Branches at first hand but I know other Branches arrange activities for their new learners and a big thank you to you all for all that you are doing to ensure the art of bellringing continues into the next generation.
Saturday 9 May sees our Annual Guild Festival and AGM at Calne – let’s hope for a sunny Saturday just as we had last year at Canford Magna. The day starts with the 8 Bell Striking Competition at Bishops Cannings, full details of which can be found on the website at: sdgr.org.uk/guild-8-bell-striking-competition-2026. If you are reading this before 1 May it is not too late to enter a team! The Guild Festival is a time when the whole Guild can come together and what an opportunity we have this year for a ring on the recently augmented from 8 to 10 bells at Melksham (two trebles added), which were dedicated on 22 April by Bishop Andrew Rumsey, shortly to move to his new appointment at St Alban’s. Then on to Calne, again with 10 bells, so two opportunities for all levels of ringers to experience 10 bells especially if you have no such towers nearby to you. Do remember to book your tea tickets by Sunday 3 May – see details at: sdgr.org.uk/guild-festival-agm-2026/
The Young Ringers will be running a fundraising stall there, selling plants, preserves, craft activities and other items to help with travel and accommodation costs for their trip to this year’s RWNYC. Please bring your donations and support the stall by buying goods on the day (cash only). Staying on the subject of youth, May is the month when exams begin and I would like to wish all our ringers sitting exams the very best of luck.
Sunday 17 May is designated Bell Sunday, a day where the contribution of bells and Bellringers to the life of the Church is recognised. This being the nearest Sunday to St Dunstan’s Day (19 May), St Dunstan is known as the Patron Saint of Bellringers. As ringers we are encouraged to ring and engage with our local churches to help raise the profile of ringing within their communities. Whether you ring rounds and call changes, spliced surprise or just a single bell this is a chance for ringers to be seen, heard and celebrate.
For further information and resources see www.bellsunday.org
More details of Guild activities and other events can be found on the website www.sdgr.org.uk and please do keep sending your news to Andy to post on the website.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Calne on 9 May.
Happy Ringing
Pat Davidson
Guild President
