Branch News
An Afternoon of Ups and Downs
Two very successful courses in Raising and Lowering in Peal during March have seen, in all, 8 students spending a whole afternoon being put through their paces. Each course had 4 students with 5 or 6 experts who patiently rang
First Quarter Peal
Congratulations are due to Sean Chapman of Thornford tower who rang his first quarter peal on Saturday 7th February at Maiden Newton. bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view Sean Chapman, Janet Collins, Sylvia Fowler, Andy Waring, Ian Tucker, Tim Collins
New Minor, Triples and Major practices planned
In response to members’ feedback some of our branch practices in 2026 will be focussed on triples and major methods and others on plain minor. We always welcome feedback and ideas from members and following the AGM at Beaminster and
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,
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 | Elizabeth Ferguson |
| LEBRF Trustee | Andy Waring |
