Branch News
West Dorset’s ‘Mince Pie’ Practice
West Dorset topped off another busy year of practices with what is affectionately known as the ‘Mince Pie’ practice. Held at the Bradpole ringing center, the local band and volunteers did a grand job keeping everyone well supplied with tea,
Listening Course
Following on from the first Listening course last year, Sue Carter and David Barrance took things up a level by pitting ringers against the Bradpole Training Centre’s simulator to help hone their listening skills and improve striking accuracy. Two courses
‘Pies for Peals’ Fundraiser
The Shipton Gorge Band pulled it off when they were delighted to welcome both village and ringing friends to their fundraising ‘Pies for Peals’ dinner held in the village hall. A choice of delicious pies with accompanying vegetables, followed by
West Dorset AGM Report
There was a great turnout for the 2025 AGM on the 15th November, this year held at Beaminster. The afternoon started with a service in the church taken by Revd Chris Luckraft who is also one of the local ringers and
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 |
