It seems that, after the wonderful weather we have had over the past few months, the summer is slowly coming to an end with the amount of day light decreasing daily. 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. As you will know from my previous ‘Pieces’ if I am not out ringing somewhere I will be in the garden and it has been wonderful this summer to have been able to enjoy so much time outside (anything is better than housework!). Despite the lack of rain, and yes as I write this we are still waiting for any significant rainfall in this part of Wiltshire, there has been a bumper harvest of fruits and now the apples, plums and pears are ready for picking. Ian and I have probably enjoyed the best sweetcorn ever – what can be more delicious than a cob, picked, immediately plunged into a pan of boiling water or onto the barbecue and served with some garlic butter?
Now my thoughts turn to ringing! On Saturday August 9th I had the pleasure of attending a social afternoon at St James Shaftesbury where all the learners from the Mere Branch met together for an afternoon of ringing followed by tea and chatter. For some this was the first time they had rung away from their ‘home’ tower. Speaking over tea all the learners said how much they had enjoyed the afternoon and, whatever level they were at, how supported they felt by those leading the afternoon’s ringing.
Over the following weekend many towers participated in the National Commemoration of Victory over Japan by ringing at 6.30pm on the Friday or whenever able to – thank you to all those ringers who participated.
A very successful Open Day in aid of the LEBRF was held on Saturday August 16th with almost £1900 raised to help support bell restoration within the Guild. Ringers enjoyed wonderful weather, a variety of bells and the glorious Dorset countryside. Do have a look at the report on the Guild website if you have not already done so. A big thank you to members of the West Dorset Branch who helped organise a most successful day.
Looking ahead to the month of September the Guild 6/8 Bell Striking Competition will be held on September 27th in the Salisbury Branch – all the details are to be found on the website. Following on from the very enjoyable and successful Novice Competition held in July it would be good to have an encouraging number of entries from all Branches. If you haven’t yet put in a band do think about it. There is still time to practise between now and the day. The deadline for entries is Friday 19th (entries to email hidden; JavaScript is required) I look forward to seeing many of you there for what I hope will be a pleasant afternoon for members from all parts of the Guild.
It is really encouraging to hear from David Hacker that the two ART M1 Day Courses, at Seend on September 20th and Preshute in March 2026, are both full. An indication that members are interested in learning more about teaching and hopefully recruiting and teaching new ringers. I understand that David promised those who attended the ART Day Course at Seend last October a catch-up morning where they could discuss any problems they had encountered, re-visit some of the Module 1 elements and share experiences of teaching with others. This event will be at Seend on 18th October from 10.00 to 13.00 and is advertised on the website . In addition, I hope some of the teachers will take their students along so they too can share their experiences of learning and if they feel the ART scheme is a useful way to learn.
Any member who might be thinking about trying teaching is welcome to go along and discuss the ART system and ethos. Please email David if you would like to attend at email hidden; JavaScript is required
Although November seems a long way ahead it is not too early to be thinking about Guild Quarter Peal Week which takes place from 1st to 9th 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 almost 60 successful QP’s rung. Why not challenge your Branch to ring a QP in each ringable tower in the Branch? 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
