Dear all, Helen’s latest update below:

It was great to see so many people at the Summer Festival last weekend. Over 70 people attended part of the day. It was, I admit, maybe a bit warm for ringing, but it was perfect for sitting in the Chantry House garden listening to someone else ring. Well done to all the teams that entered, the judges were most complimentary about the standard achieved. And congratulations to Towcester on both winning the trophy and hosting an excellent tea. Clearly a branch of many talents! 

Full write up available on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/a-sunny-summer-festival

PDG100

With the last of the Guild’s event in 2023, our thoughts turn to 2024 and our 100^th anniversary. 

You may have seen the merchandise available to celebrate at the Summer Festival and at various branch events. There are calendars, featuring 14 different churches across the diocese, these are £5 each. There are mugs (also £5) and clothing with the anniversary logo (prices from £11. And there is a jigsaw puzzle of a painting the Guild has commissioned from talented Thrapston artist, Sarah Pendred. It’s a fabulously busy image and will be available in 500 (£15) and 1000 pieces (£20). All details can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/centenary-year-merchandise and orders can be placed through centenary@pdg.org.uk

We’re also taking expressions of interest in the events for the 100^th anniversary, mainly so we can make sure there’s enough birthday cake to go around. Mail interest to centenary@pdg.org.uk. The first event is at Peterborough Cathedral on Sunday 14^thJanuary. Ringing at the Cathedral from 2pm, then choral evensong in the Cathedral at 3:30. The Biship of Brixworth, as patron of the Guild, will give an address. And there will be a reception in one of the transepts afterwards. With cutting of a birthday cake, but maybe not 100 candles! 

All the events can be found on the website https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100 and we’ll update with more details as we get closer. 

We’re also aiming to have a piece of ringing dedicated to the anniversary in each tower in the diocese. More on that later on.  

Young Ringers Practice & Pizza

One to get to your young ringers. On 23^rd September, Daventry branch are hosting an event for young ringers (from 10 to 25 ish). It’s an opportunity for younger ringers to meet and ring with other young ringers outside of their tower/branch. While organised by the Daventry branch, all young ringers are welcome. This is at Daventry tower and will start at 3:00. Donations are invited towards the costs of refreshments & pizza. Please spread the word to your younger ringers. Ringing will be run by Miles Baker, with support from DBS checked adults in the branch. The previous event was a success, and this should be just as good. I’m tempted to lie about my age and sneak in…

Parents are welcome to stay or to leave their offspring, whichever they feel more comfortable with. 

Any queries to Justin Baker ringing_master@pdg.org.uk

CCCBR news

The CCCBR annual meeting was held the first weekend in September. That saw a change in President, with Tina Stocklin taking over. Her first blog is available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/09/15/presidents-blog-84/

The meeting discussed the change in number of representatives (which was rejected), and a survey for Ringing 2030 initiative. It may take some time to be distributed, but please fill it in when you see it. It’s important to know where ringers are and what they are ringing in order to know how to progress. 

Finally there have been some promotional videos produced. They are available to share, so please consider using them in your next open day or recruitment opportunity. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/09/05/recruitment-and-promotional-videos-go-live/

While we are sharing ringing PR, this piece from the National Churches Trust might be worth bookmarking and sending to those wanting a general introduction to ringing. https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/explore/story/ringing-changes

Ringing for a charity walk

Between the 22^nd September & 8^th October a group are walking from Staffordshire to Kent to raise awareness of Papyrus, a charity that works to prevent youth suicide and support the bereaved. They are passing through our area between 26^th & 28^th September, the route takes them between Yelvertoft, West Haddon, Long Buckby, Great Brington, Duston, Hunsbury and Collingtree. If you are able to ring around this time, or place information in a pewsheet the group would appreciate that support.

Dates for the Diary

Guild Plain Bob Practice Saturday 14^th October. 6:30 Desborough

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Tuesday 19^th August 7:30 Oakham

Young Ringers Practice & Pizza Saturday 23^rd September 3:00 Daventry 

Culworth Branch 8 bell Practice Saturday 30^th September 7:30 King’s Sutton

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 4^th October 7:30 Cottesmore

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 6^th October 7:30 Castor

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 7^th October 3:00 Brixworth, 6:00 Maidwell

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Thursday 19^th October 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 21^st October 10:30 Yardley Hastings

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:00 Irchester

Daventry Branch Meeting Saturday 21^st October 3:00 Litchborough

Kettering: Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 3:30 Barton Seagrave

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:00 Church Brampton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:30 Evenley

Seems the Summer Festival was a last hurrah of the summer weather. Ho hum. Looking on the bright side, I might finally get some wear out of my anniversary fleece!

See you at a ringing event soon. 

Thanks

Helen