As we approach Remembrance Day, it is time to remember which way to put the muffles on. No, I’m no help there. I really enjoy ringing half muffled but can’t remember if they go opposite the garter hole or not. 

Hoping your muffles didn’t slip and that they all go on the right side (or all on the same side, at least). 

It’s interesting how often half muffled ringing is noticed for being different, even if the public struggle to articulate what is different. Thanks to all those people going up to put the muffles on and take them off again. 

CCCBR Recruitment session

The CCCBR Recruitment workgroup is holding a session on recruitment & Training. You can sign up through this page https://cccbr.org.uk/2025/10/30/recruitment-development-ringing-2030-briefing/

Trustees Week

This week is Trustees week, as organised by the Charity Commission. https://trusteesweek.org/ The 5 members of the Executive are also trustees of the charity, meaning that we bear responsibility for the operation of the charity and its financial position. As of the AGM you will be looking for a new trustee, as I have decided to stand down as Secretary. It has been a rollercoaster of a time in the position, but it is time for me to take a break.  

Safeguarding Sunday

The diocese is advertising Sunday 16^th November as Safeguarding Sunday. This is run by Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity. This year the emphasis of the campaign is ‘Action Speaks Louder’ – encouraging churches to not just talk about safeguarding but to take positive action. The campaign is now in its 7th year. https://safeguardingsunday.org/

Towcester Branch Dinner

Towcester branch holds a dinner each year, and I have been asked to welcome members to the next edition, on 29^th November at the Boat in Stoke Bruerne. Tickets are £40 per person to include a 3 course meal and wine. More information from John Pardoe, branch secretary on secretary@towcester.pdg.org.uk

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 8^th November. 10:30 – 12:30 Daventry

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 10^th January. 10:30 – 12:30 Rothwell

And Branch events. 

Kettering Branch Practice Saturday 8^th November 2:00 Wilbarston

Peterborough 8 bell practice Friday 14^th November 7:30 Castor

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 15^th November 10:30 Earls Barton

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 15^th November 2:30 Bozeat

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 15^th November 3:00 Chacombe, 6:30 Cropredy (Oxon)

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 15^th November 3:00 Byfield, 6:30 Cropredy (Oxon)

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 20^th November 2:30 Thrapston

Towcester Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd November 10:30 Wicken

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd November 2:30 Abington

Daventry Branch Quiz Night Saturday 22^nd November 7:00 Daventry Band Hall

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday  6^th December 3:00 Welford

I saw a recent Instagram post of ringing in our area where the efficiency of the heaters was remarked upon. May your heaters all be working to their utmost as the year closes in and the temperatures take a tumble… Or may you be able to ring in many many layers!

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

Come and ring your Cathedral bells!

Dear Branch Members,

We have the opportunity to ring for the Cathedral evensong on Sunday the 23rd November, just a few of weeks away.

This is an event that is inclusive of all levels, abilities and ambitions. The intention will be to have enough experienced support to allow those less experienced on higher numbers, to ring.

Meet at 2pm outside the west door.

Please can you email me secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk if you are planning to attend. 

Best regards

Debs

Guild Newsletter

The Guild newsletter has been circulated to branches, so should be appearing at a tower near you. It is also available to read online here: https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202509.pdf

Remember copy for the next edition to be sent in by the end of the year. We are also looking for a new Newsletter Editor, as Jonathan Stuart has said in this edition that he will be standing down. Do get in touch to discuss what is involved. 

Stedman Training course

The Culworth branch is hosting a training seminar on Stedman. It will be given by Robert Wood on Saturday 8^th November at King’s Sutton from 2:30, with an opportunity to put theory into practice afterwards. Ringers from other branches are welcome. There will be no charge, but donations for refreshments are welcomed. More details are on the website: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/stedman-training-seminar

Benefact Arts and Culture Draw

Benefact are running a special subject focussed draw for Arts and Culture, which we fall into. Please click the image below to enter the Guild int the draw for the chance to win £5000. 

Future Dates

At the F&GP this weekend we discussed the Guilds future events. 2026 is almost finalised, 2027 has dates identified. After the popularity of the social events in 2024 we have increased the number of events the Guild is supporting, with a Quiz on 14^thFebruary 2026, and then 13^th February 2027. An Open day (which will cover a smaller area than last time!) on 8^th May 2027. And looking even further ahead, we’ve decided to have a dinner on a 5 yearly basis, so get the 13^th October 2029 in your diary now! 

Ringing World News

The Ringing World has sent out an update of their activity in the last few months. It has been attached.

Remember to order your diary or calendar before stocks run out. The shop can be found here. https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/rw-shop.php

CCCBR news

The Recruitment & Leadership workgroup is looking for some admin support. More details here. 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 8^th November. 10:30 – 12:30 Daventry

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 10^th January. 10:30 – 12:30 Rothwell

And Branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 16^th October 2:30 Wadenhoe

Rutland 8 bell Practice Thursday 16^th October 7:30Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 18^thOctober 10:30 Mears Ashby

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 18^thOctober 7:00 Irchester

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 18^th October 3:00 Nether Heyford, 7:00 Upper Boddington

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 18^th October 3:00 Nether Heyford, 7:00 Upper Boddington

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 25^thOctober 7:00 Church Brampton

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 1^stNovember 3:00 Yelvertoft

Kettering Branch Practice Saturday 8^th November 2:00 Ashley, 3:15 Wilbarston

Peterborough 8 bell practice Friday 14^th November 7:30 Castor

The Daventry & Culworth afternoon ringing at Badby has been moved to Nether Heyford as the bells are not yet back in the tower. 

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

Summer Festival 

Saturday’s Summer Festival went off really well. Peterborough branch organised everything, even the weather stayed dry for the afternoon. Teams from Daventry, Guilsborough, Kettering, Peterborough, Towcester & Wellingborough entered and were marked by Keith & Marilyn Brown. Towcester were judged the winners. A report is here:  https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/summer-festival-2025  and team photos are available on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/summer-festival-2025-team-photos. Let me know if you want a copy for your local news, parish mag etc.  

Guild Newsletter

The Guild newsletter will be coming round shortly. It has been held up at the printers. Expect to see it soon!  

Guild Quiz

The Guild’s paper quiz is now available. Set by Simon & Cathy Dixon, it features a variety of question styles. Loads of entertainment for a whole £1. Not ringing related, so suitable for sale to friends, relatives, random strangers etc etc etc. Paper copies are being distributed to branches, electronic ones can be bought from the Secretary. 

Recruitment & Training Officer

At the Summer Festival meeting, the role of Recruitment & Training Officer was filled. Liz Reading & Nich Wilson had both been nominated. They, their proposers & seconders addressed the meeting before a vote was taken. In a very tight vote, Nich was elected. Thank you to both candidates for standing. 

The Guild remains in need of a PRO to make a full compliment. The Secretary would welcome the help! 

CCCBR news

The CCCBR Annual meeting took place last weekend. The membership was increased to £1 per Guild member from next year, up from 40p this year. At the Summer Festival Nick Elks spoke about a couple of projects, Ringing 2023, the Publications and the Library. You can contact any of the reps for a fuller update. on cc_reps@pdg.org.uk. 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 8^th November. 10:30 – 12:30 Daventry

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 10^th January. 10:30 – 12:30 Rothwell

And Branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 18^thSeptember 2:30 Weldon

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 20^th September 3:30 Everdon, 7:00 Aynho

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th September 4:00 Marston St Lawrence, 7:00 Aynho

Thrapston Branch Practice Wednesday 1^st October 7:00 Titchmarsh

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 4^thOctober 3:00 Maidwell, 6:00 Creaton

Peterborough Minor practice Sunday 5^th October 2:30 Wansford

Peterborough 8 bell practice Sunday 12^th October 2:00 Peterborough St Mary

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 16^th October 2:30 Wadenhoe

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 18^thOctober 10:30 Mears Ashby

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 18^thOctober 7:00 Irchester

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 18^th October 3:00 Badby, 7:00 Upper Boddington

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 18^th October 3:00 Badby, 7:00 Upper Boddington

The Towcester event for 27^th September has been cancelled. 

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

August has mostly gone. I went on holiday, and the weather was remarkably good. And it even held for a rather atypical sunny bank holiday! September sees a rather fuller diary than August, as branches get back after their summer break. 

Summer Festival 

The Summer Festival is just around the corner. Peterborough branch have arranged a busy afternoon. 

*  Open ringing at 2:00 Yarwell and 3:00 Wansford. 

*  4:00 Castor for contest and tea 

*  6:00 business meeting, followed by evening ringing at Castor.

Team entries need to be with Jim Bence by the 6^th, on master@pdg.org.uk & Rules for the contest can be found on the website: https://pdg.org.uk/forms/8_Bell_competition.pdf

Names for tea with any dietary requirements to Deborah Bray on secretary@peterborough.org.uk

There’s a poster for you to print for your tower available on the Guild’s website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/2025-summer-festival  

It is one of the better looking trophies in ringing, so do try and come along to compete, or just for the day out!

See you there. 

Guild Newsletter

The end of the month is the deadline for items for the Guild newsletter. Do pass on anything that may be of interest to Jonathan Stuart on newsletter@pdg.org.uk Items welcome form towers and individuals – let us know what you have been up to! 

Funding opportunity

Benefact Group are still running their Movement For Good awards. The next round of draws takes please in September, so please take a few minutes to nominate us. https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=258271&ct=heritage_arts#nominateACharity

CCCBR news

The CCCBR Annual meeting takes place the first weekend in September. The details and meeting papers can be found here: https://cccbr.org.uk/about/annual-meetings/2025-annual-meeting/ If you have any opinions on any of the items, you can comment to our representatives ahead of the meeting via e-mail on cc_reps@pdg.org.uk. Our representatives will be giving an update at the Summer Festival meeting. 

One topic will be the Ringing 2030 Business Plan, which is available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2025/08/06/ringing-2030-business-plan-released/

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 13^th September. 10:30 – 12:00 Kettering

Guild Summer Festival Saturday 13^th September. Ringing at Yarwell & Wansford, Contest and evening ringing at Castor.

And Branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 4^th September 7:30 Islip

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 6^thSeptember 3:00 Sibbertoft, 6:00 Welford

Peterborough 8 bell practice Friday 12^th September 7:30 Castor

Kettering Branch Practice Saturday 13^th September 10:30 Geddington

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 18^thSeptember 2:30 Weldon

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 20^th September 3:30 Everdon, 7:00 Aynho

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th September 4:00 Marston St Lawrence, 7:00 Aynho

Seeing its August, several branches are having a summer break, hence the shorter than usual list of events. See you, come rain or shine, at a ringing event soon!

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

Hi everyone,

Our branch is delighted to be hosting the Guild Eight-Bell Striking Contest at St Kyneburgha, Castor, on Saturday 13th September.

During the contest, we’ll be providing tea in the Cedar Centre for our guests and competitors. To make this a success, we’d be very grateful for help with providing some refreshments.

The items we’re looking for are:

• Sandwiches
• Sausage rolls
• Savoury snacks
• Cakes
• Scones with jam and cream

If you’re able to help by baking/making any of these, it would be greatly appreciated. Please could you get in touch with me via secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk

Many thanks in advance.

Best Regards

Debs

My goodness, we’ve had some very much needed rain in the last week. Hopefully it hasn’t found its way into places it shouldn’t. It making its way into my water butt is most welcome, the tomatoes have been rather thirsty of late. 

Young Ringers competition

This week’s Ringing World has devoted half the edition to the RWNYC, including several photos of the Daventry band. Have a look at a copy, if you get the chance. They look both very smart and smiley. 

Social Event Saturday

Saturday sees an event at Whilton tower, they are having a day of Bells, BBQ & Beer on 26th July 12.30pm – 4pm. Ringers are welcome to come and ring,  as well as partake of the other B’s on offer. There will be a cake stall, which doesn’t begin with B but is a big bonus in my opinion. Bands can book a slot, or just come for the open ringing. Tutors will be on hand to give people a try at ringing and it’s hoped that the village will get involved in the event. There’s a poster available to advertise the event on the Guild website.

https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/whilton-bells-bbq-beer

See you there! 

Guild Training

The next Guild Second Saturday Session is an open Stedman practice, to be held at Pattishall on 9^th August 6:30 pm. This will concentrate on this most majestic of methods (yes, I’m a fan). You can expect doubles and triples to be rung, and both touches and plain courses.  

Branch training

Culworth branch are holding a training seminar for Saturday 26th July from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. It will be held in Lois Weedon village hall. The subject is ‘Starting to learn and ring methods’ and the speaker is Robert Wood who presented a very successful session last year on Plain Hunt and Plain Bob. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend – this invitation is extended to other branches of the Guild. There is no charge, but voluntary contributions toward refreshments will be accepted. Please contact Andrew North (secretary@culworth.pdg.org.uk) for further information.  

CCCBR news

The youth ringing elements of the Ringing 2030 project are offering 3 student places for 6 to 8 weeks over the summer. This would be to support and create content for the new University Ringing and Young Ringers Hub websites and the school lesson plans project. This is open to young ringers aged between 18 and 30 and there are three summer honorariums, each set at £2000, available across three work packages. Each are envisaged to take 6-8 weeks each, assuming working half time (18 hours per week). Information and guidance will be provided to support the successful candidates. 

Expressions of interest can be sent to andrea.haynes@cccbr.org.uk.  Please include your name, your availability to start, a brief summary of your experience or interest and which project you are interested in. More details on the website: https://cccbr.org.uk/2025/07/09/young-ringer-for-ringing-2030-summer-honorariums-2025

Booking for the CCCBR’s annual meeting in September, taking place in Sheffield, has opened. Details can be found here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2025/07/10/central-council-weekend-5-7th-september/ You don’t need to be a CCCBR rep to attend any part of the weekend. 

Summer Festival

Advance notice that the Summer Festival is on the 13^th September, contest is being held at Castor, in the Peterborough branch. Branches wanting to enter should get their entry to the Master, Jim Bence, by the weekend before. Please remember to include any time restrictions for the team. Rules for the contest can be found on the website: https://pdg.org.uk/forms/8_Bell_competition.pdf

Dates for the Diary

Guild Stedman Practice  Saturday 9^th August 6:30 Pattishall

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 13^th September. 10:30 – 12:00 Kettering

Guild Summer Festival Saturday 13^th September. Ringing at Yarwell & Wansford, Contest and evening ringing at Castor.

And Branch events. 

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 2^nd August 3:00 West Haddon, 6:00 Long Buckby

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 7^th August 7:30 Twywell

Peterborough 8 bell practice Sunday 10^th August 2:00 Peterborough St Mary

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 16^th August 3:30 Hellidon, 6:30 Woodford Halse

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 16^th August 4:00 Sulgrave, 6:30 Woodford Halse

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 21^st August 2:30 Stanion

Seeing its August, several branches are having a summer break, hence the shorter than usual list of events. See you, come rain or shine, at a ringing event soon!

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

Well that made quite a change. We went into Sunday service ringing with overcast skies and came out to find water falling from the sky – how very odd! Goodness, the garden needs it. And it spiced the Grand Prix up nicely, so a win all round. It’s certainly taken the edge of the heat, which I can’t complain about. 

Young Ringers competition

Pleased to be able to report that our youth team came 6th of 11 in the method ringing at the Ringing World Youth Striking Contest. They rang at Egbaston St Barnabas, Mosely St Mary, St Martin in the Bullring, St Paul’s Jewellery Quarter & Solihull. Well done to Grace, Matthew, Freya, Kaiden, Flynn, Sahib, Zac and everyone who supported them in their efforts. 

Results on the Bell board front page https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/. 

National 12 bell striking contest

While we’re on striking contests, the National 12 bell striking contest was held the previous weekend at Bristol. And Bristol ran out the winners. There is a broadcast of the day available here. All 7 hours of it. https://www.youtube.com/live/TO9ptIFX67c

Bristol rang 4^th, starting at 1:00 pm. But as any of the bands will be producing some of the best ringing you’ll hear, it is worth a listen. There’s also plenty of interesting chit chat between the test pieces. 

Social Event – date for the diary. 

Whilton tower are having a day of Bells, BBQ & Beer on 26th July 12.30pm – 4pm. Ringers are welcome to come and ring,  as well as partake of the other B’s on offer. Bands can book a slot, or just come for the open ringing. Tutors will be on hand to give people a try at ringing and it’s hoped that the village will get involved in the event. There’s a poster available to advertise the event on the Guild website.

https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/whilton-bells-bbq-beer

Bells on display at Greetham

Greetham bells have been away on holiday to Taylors at Loughborough but are ready to come home. The bells will return in July.

Before being rehung in the tower they will be on display in the church on:

Saturday 12th July 12noon – 5pm
Sunday 13th July 12 noon – 5pm
Monday 14th July 6pm – 7pm

All welcome. 

Branch training

Culworth branch are holding a training seminar for Saturday 26th July from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. It will be held in Lois Weedon village hall. The subject is ‘Starting to learn and ring methods’ and the speaker is Robert Wood who presented a very successful session last year on Plain Hunt and Plain Bob. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend – this invitation is extended to other branches of the Guild. There is no charge, but voluntary contributions toward refreshments will be accepted. Please contact Andrew North (secretary@culworth.pdg.org.uk) for further information.  

CCCBR news

As you’ll be aware, the CCCBR has been planning to increase fees for affiliated societies, based on their membership. This has increased from 20 per members and is due to be increased to £1 per member at this year’s meeting. This poses a problem for some societies, particularly those that doe not have a subscription model, such as university and themed societies. There has been discussion ongoing about how to manage the subscription for these societies. There is an open meeting to be held on the 14^th & 17^th of July by Zoom. Details here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2025/07/02/membership-categories-open-meetings/

Summer Festival

Advance notice that the Summer Festival is on the 13^th September, contest is being held at Castor, in the Peterborough branch. Branches wanting to enter should get their entry to the Master, Jim Bence, by the weekend before. Please remember to include any time restrictions for the team. 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 12^th July. 10:30 – 12:30 Higham Ferrers. 

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 12^th July. 10:30 – 12:00 Kettering

Guild Summer Festival Saturday 13^th September. Ringing at Yarwell & Wansford, Contest and evening ringing at Castor.

And Branch events. 

Peterborough 8 bell practice Friday 11^th July, 7:30Castor

Kettering Branch Practice Saturday 12^th July, Weldon 2:00, Corby 3:15. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 17^th July 2:30Woodford

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 19^thJuly 10:30 Ecton

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 19^th July 2:30 Grendon

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 19^th July 3:00Norton, 7:30 King’s Sutton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 19^th July 4:00Middleton Cheney, 7:30 King’s Sutton

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 2^nd August 3:00 West Haddon, 6:00 Long Buckby

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

As you will have seen from the Guild Secretary’s last Update of 16th June the post of Recruitment and Training Officer remains open for Nominations. Anybody wishing to stand for this post would need to be proposed and seconded in writing (email is fine) to the Secretary prior to the day of the Summer Festival on 13th September.

Following requests for more information I have put together a Note giving the background to the creation of this new post and a bit more about what might be involved.    This is also available on the Guild website.

I have attached my Note together with the original Role description.

On behalf of the GMC we hope that you will seriously consider taking on this opportunity to shape the future of ringing across the Guild.

Alistair DonaldsonPresident
Peterborough Diocesan Guild

Calling all fun-loving people to support St. Marys Peterborough charity fundraiser evening, 7pmstart, on Saturday 28th June, of hilarious table-top pig-racing with raffle and interval refreshments (please bring your own drinks and glasses unless you wish to wash-up at the end of the evening!). See attached poster. Tickets from Diana are just £6, email:- diana_cherryfields@yahoo.co.uk please, so we know how many to cater for, thank you.

Sadly St. Marys has no car parking of its own but there is a reasonable fairly large one behind (roundabout exit before church from ringroad side) the church which takes card and, on a good day, cash!

I hope to see you all there supporting a good cause and to have fun amongst super company,

thank you.

from

Diana