The Branch outing this year was to the Marlborough area on Saturday, 26th April 2025. We visited five different Churches during the day.
Our first was at Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey, a lovely ground floor ring of 6. This gave us a gentle start to the day and a chance to enjoy the sunshine.
As expected, it was busy in Marlborough but everyone found somewhere to park and we made our way to St. Mary’s Church to ring. Here, with 8 bells, was the chance to ring several triples methods including Grandsire as well as some Plain Hunt, Rounds and Call Changes.
The lunch break came next with some of the group having picnics to eat in the park by the river or at the next tower and others visiting suitable hostelries in the town.
The first tower for the afternoon was at Ogbourne St. Andrew. This is an interesting Church with 12th century origins and a round barrow in the Churchyard. The bells are not rung regularly and some of us found them rather challenging!
Then it was on to Ramsbury. Many of us had rung here before and enjoyed repeating the experience.
Our final tower was at Chilton Foliat. This presented another challenge for some – an anticlockwise ring of 5. After initial misgivings we all coped well and rang some doubles methods.
Our thanks to all the Churches we visited for allowing us to ring. Particular thanks are due to Albert who organised the trip. His careful planning and reconnoitring led to a very successful and enjoyable day.
The photo was taken at Chilton Foliat.
Liz Wrighton
