September – a time of change. At the end of summer but before autumn has taken a hold, we witness the seasonal changes all around us as the leaves begin to change colour, the hedgerows are abundant with berries and the days are getting shorter. Yes, it’s now dark as we make our way home after the evening practice and there’s a chill in the early morning air. For some of our younger ringers it is a time of change in their lives – maybe a new school or college, starting a new job or off to university. To all our younger ringers moving on, I wish you all the best as you go forward on life’s journey.
I joined the recent LEBRF Open Day at Bradford Peverell after lunch owing to another morning commitment and had a wonderful afternoon and evening of ringing at a number of towers. It was good to meet ringers from as far apart as Manchester, Worcester, Norfolk and Surrey as well as many of our own members, many of whom were out to ‘grab’ some of the towers. It was encouraging to see a number of our newer ringers who were enjoying the experience of ringing on different bells than those they regularly ring. It was clear they were looking forward to the chance to ring at Sherborne Abbey even if with a little fear and trepidation! However, they were met there with a warm welcome and much encouragement from the local ringers which put them at ease. Thank you to the Dorchester Branch and all those involved in the organisation of the day which appeared to run very smoothly and raised a tidy sum for the fund.
Looking ahead, the Guild 8 Bell and 6 Bell Striking Competitions takes place on Saturday September 14th running from 2pm at Bishop’s Cannings and All Cannings. If your Branch hasn’t entered a team yet I would encourage you to do so, it is not too late! – entries to email hidden; JavaScript is required by Sept 7th. I look forward to hearing some enjoyable ringing.
Although November seems a long way ahead it is not too early to be thinking about Guild Quarter Peal Week which takes place from 2nd to 10th November. If you are just starting out on method ringing what better way to consolidate your learning than ringing a quarter peal. If you would like to attempt one, please do ask your Tower Captain or Branch Ringing Master to help you organise it. Last year we had over 70 successful QP’s rung including some 27 by the Devizes Branch who challenged themselves to ring a QP in each ringable tower in their Branch. Could your Branch set a similar challenge this year? Perhaps you would like to ring your first QP or maybe conduct your first one – if so, give it a go.
As summer fades into autumn I hope you will enjoy some ringing along the way, and please do keep sending your contributions, with photos, about your ringing adventures to email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Pat Davidson
Guild President
