It’s been a busy couple of weeks, and the surprisingly good weather continues, although the spots of rain last weekend did worry us as the start of the Ridgman trophy contest.

 

Contest reports

The last few weeks have seen striking contests locally and nationally. The Ridgman Trophy is organised for guilds & association that border the Ely diocese (roughly) and is held in rotation. The Peterborough Guild last hosted in 2016, so it was probably approaching our turn again. This year it was decided to host at Towcester, on the back 10, 7 teams entered, and Essex emerged victorious. Fuller report available on the Guild website, the Ridgman Trophy site has not yet been updated with band or winners’ photos. . https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/ridgman-trophy-day

 

Wellingborough branch held their branch striking contest, which was held at Wilby and won by Rushden. Striking contests happen at all scales of activity.

 

And the weekend just gone saw the National 12 bell striking contest held in Sheffield. It was also live streamed for those unable to make it, or who want to listen to the test pieces again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIPuta5XCuQ Birmingham rang first and were awarded the Taylor trophy. They start at ~1:08 into the live stream. Its interesting to watch the bells through the touch as well as listen to it.

 

Other news

The Churches Conservation Trust has launched its annual awards for churches. It’s an opportunity to celebrate churches and their importance to community. Nominations need to be in by the 23^rd July and more details can be found on their website. https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/impact/awards/awards2023

 

In 2014, Ropley church, in Hampshire, was badly damaged by fire. The Alton & Petersfield District in the Winchester & Portsmouth Guild are organising a Fundraising Open Day on the 30^th September to help raise funds to restore the bells.

If a tower grabbing day is your thing, they would be very grateful for your help!

https://www.wpbells.org/open-day-for-ropley/

 

Guild AGM

For those that are interested, I have deciphered my scribblings and the minutes of the Guild AGM are available on the website. Any comments or corrections to me please. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/agm-2023-minutes

 

Also announced at the AGM was the calendar of events for the Guild’s 100^th anniversary. These are listed on the Guild website. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100 We’ll be asking for expressions of interest and advance bookings for some events, so get these in your diaries soonest.

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 8^th July. 10:30 Rothwell.

Guild Intermediate Practice Saturday 8^th July 7:30 Weedon Bec

 

Peterborough Social Surprise Minor Practice Wednesday 28^th June 7:30 Bulwick

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 1^st July 3:00 Great Oxendon, 6:00 East Farndon

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 5^th July 7:30 Braunston Focus Surprise

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 7^th July 7:30 Castor

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 15^th July 10:30 Irthlingborough

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 15^th July 2:30 Wollaston

Culworth Branch Half yearly meeting Saturday 15^th July 3:00 Charwelton

Daventry Branch Meeting Saturday 15^th July 3:00 Newnham

Kettering Branch Practice Saturday 15^th July 3:30 Burton Latimer

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Thursday 20^th July 7:30 Uppingham

Towcester Branch Striking contest with North Bucks Saturday 22^nd July Time & location tbc

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd July 7:00 Collingtree

 

There, that’s enough for this week. With the longest day past, it’s the start of the run into Christmas and 2024. What a cheery thought!

 

Thanks

Helen