Branch News
West Dorset Striking Competition and BBQ
Our Striking Competition this year clashed with several weddings and events which unfortunately limited the number of entries. However, despite the small number of teams we all had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A big thank you to Hawkchurch ringers for
Bridport Bell Restoration Success
The restoration of the bells at St. Mary’s church in Bridport has been satisfactorily completed. The bells were fully recast in 1924, and still ring today as a well rounded octave, but now with upgraded bearings, wheels, and clappers they
West Dorset Ringer of the Year
When Tim took up ringing again in 2020, he would happily admit that his ringing was somewhat rusty and, having not rung since the early 90s when he learnt on a medium weight ring of 6 in Winchester, he found
Young Ringer of the Year
2025 Young Ringer of the Year was awarded to Bobby Ashton and announced at the Guild AGM. Below are the nominations written by Tower Captains of Evershot and Beaminster, Gareth Evans and Harry Murley. Bobby was presented with the Young
Calendar
Towers
Local conditions can affect ringing times greatly so you are advised to contact the tower first if you are planning to visit.
For full tower details including contact information visit the relevant tower page.
About us
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Whether you are a branch member, visiting the area on holiday, or even possibly moving to this lovely part of Dorset, we will be glad to see you at one of our events. You will see from our calendar that we hold practices, normally on the third Saturday of each month, and we arrange the occasional social activity, striking competitions, outings, business meetings with short service (and excellent teas following).
We also have a fine Ringing Centre at Bradpole that welcomes ringers of all abilities, details of which will be fully listed separately. Again there is always a warm welcome.
Our Branch was formed at a meeting held at Bradpole in October 1910, previous to which we were a part of the Dorchester Branch. A total of 43 members were listed the following year, representing 12 towers while, over the years some few towers have moved into or out of the Branch for geographical reasons, the total of ringable towers presently number 35. The biggest increase being the addition of ten towers from the old North Dorset Branch in 2001 – thus increased membership and a much larger Branch area to administer, but the addition of some fine towers including Sherborne Abbey.
Committee
| Chairman | Nick Baker |
|---|---|
| Vice Chair | Mark Symonds |
| Secretary | Sylvia Fowler |
| Treasurer | Andy Waring |
| Ringing Master | David Barrance |
| Deputy Ringing Masters | Tim Phillips Chris Kingdon |
| Training Officer | Sue Carter |
| Publicity Officer | Andy Waring |
| LEBRF Trustee | Andy Waring |
