Our final practice of 2025 was on Saturday 6th December in the Mere branch. Seven young ringers from across the guild attended and we were pleased to welcome William for the first time. Firstly, we rang at Donhead St Mary – after tackling the wooden spiral staircase and the trapdoor. Following plenty of ringing and some rescuing of sleepy butterflies (so they didn’t get stood on) we moved on to Motcombe where we enjoyed refreshments before ringing, with several homemade cakes on offer.
At both towers we rang call changes (confidently called by Annabelle, Chris, Esther and William), plain hunt on five, Plain Bob Doubles and Grandsire Doubles. At Motcombe, we finished by ringing rounds facing outwards – a very good listening exercise for the young ringers and the helpers alike!
Coincidentally, Annabelle (Corfe Mullen, East Dorset branch) and Daniel (Holt, Devizes branch) both reached the milestone of ringing at 50 different towers by ringing at Donhead St Mary. Ringing at Motcombe set them on their way to the next 50!
Many thanks to Christopher at Donhead St Mary and to Richard at Motcombe for making all the arrangements for us to visit.
As ever, if you know of any young ringers who would like join us at our Saturday afternoon practices and on our school holiday outings, please get their parents/carers to get in touch with Hilary – email hidden; JavaScript is required
