With a sigh of relief, I can start with the report on last weekend’s AGM. It all went rather well, with an excellent tea. 

 

Guild AGM

It was great to see around 70 of you at the Guild AGM on Saturday last. 

All the officers proposed were duly elected. Sorry, that means you’ve got me as secretary for another year. We are lacking a PRO and a Youth officer. If you feel you could assist, do get in touch. 

A summary of the meeting can be found on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/2024-agm-summary

Congratulations to Ian Willgress on being elected a Life Honorary Member of the Guild for his service to the guild. 

 

John Beresford, as Safeguarding Officer, gave a summary of the current situation with the diocese. The current recommendations are available on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/documents/20240608_PDG_Safeguarding_Guidance.pdf Any questions, please get in touch with John on safeguarding@pdg.org.uk.  

 

Guild day out at Stanwick Lakes

Saturday 13^th July sees our next PDG100 event. This is at Stanwick Lakes. We have a location near the visitor centre where we will have the Maplestead mini ring available and the Guild training bell set up. These will be available for ringers to try and for the general public to introduce them to bellringing. We’ll also have some ringing themed activities and crafts for the youngsters. Branches have been asked to provide some people to assist, but we’ll be pleased to see you at any time of the day. 

This is one of the busiest days of the year at Stanwick Lakes, so there should be plenty of people to talk to and raise awareness of ringing and what goes on upstairs. 

 

A poster for the next two events is available for you to put up in your tower.  https://pdg.org.uk/Events/2024_JulyAugust_poster.pdf

 

Guild’s centenary Dinner

Tickets are on sale for the Guild’s Centenary dinner. To be held at Ketting Park Spa Hotel on Saturday 12^th October, 6:30 for 7:15pm. Tickets are £45 per person. We have a fine array of speaker lined up, and are delighted that Bishop Debbie has accepted our invitation to speak. To register interest and get details of how to pay, contact centenary@pdg.org.uk.  Formal dress, so a chance to break out that posh togs and long frocks for a change. Who will you not recognise when not in their usual polo shirt & jeans! 

 

CCCBR News

The President’s blog is available. https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/06/14/presidents-blog-93/

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10-bell Practice  Saturday 29^th June. 10:30, Towcester. 

Guild Day Out Saturday 13^th July all day Stanwick Lakes

 

And Branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 20^th June 2:30Wadenhoe

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 20^th June 7:30 Uppingham

Towcester Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd June 10:30 Wappenham

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd June 7:00 Brafield on the Green

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 29^th June 7:30Aynho. 

Rutland Branch practice Thursday 4^th July 7:00Great Casterton

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 5^th July 7:30 Islip

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 6^th July 3:00 Great Oxendon, 6:00 Kelmarsh

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 16^th July 7:30 Oakham

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 18^th July 2:30Thrapston

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 20^thJuly,  10:30 Wilby

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 20^thJuly 2:30 Stanwick

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th July, 2:00Wadenhoe, 3:30 Stoke Doyle

Daventry: Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th July 3:00Whilton, 6:30 Great Brington

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th July, 7:30Charwelton

 

If the recent Guild Open day has whet your appetite, there is one next month in the Southern District. Details can be found on their website https://eacr.org.uk/districts/s/southern-district-open-day.html

 

Helen

Cracking on with the item at the top of my current to-do list, it’s the AGM on Saturday. It’s taking up a lot of my attention! 

 

Guild AGM

Final reminder of the AGM details. To take place on Saturday 8^th June in Moulton. 

Open Ringing at Harlestone at 2 pm and Pitsford at 3 pm.

Ringing at Moulton at 4 pm, for the service at 4:30 pm.

This will be followed by tea in the church hall and the AGM at 5:45 pm. There will be evening ringing afterwards. 

All are welcome to the AGM, names for tea to me on secretary@pdg.org.uk by 5^th June please. 

 

The minutes of meetings in the last 12 months to be approved at the meeting can be found on the website, as can the agenda. https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/agm-2024

Nominations for officers need to be made in writing, if you want to propose anyone for any Guild role, get your nominations in soonest. 

 

Guild’s centenary Dinner

Tickets are on sale for the Guild’s Centenary dinner. To be held at Ketting Park Spa Hotel on Saturday 12^th October, 6:30 for 7:15pm. Tickets are £45 per person. We have a fine array of speaker lined up, and are delighted that Bishop Debbie has accepted our invitation to speak. To register interest and get details of how to pay, contact centenary@pdg.org.uk.  Formal dress, so a chance to break out that posh togs and long frocks for a change. Who will you not recognise when not in their usual polo shirt & jeans! 

 

CCCBR News

There’s a request to ring to mark the 80^thanniversary of D-Day on 6^th June, Not ringing at the time of the landings, the request is to ring at 6:30 pm, if possible. 

 

The CCCBR AGM arrangements are being made available, This year it is in Exeter. The CCCBR is looking for nominations for trustees. All the information can be found on the website. https://cccbr.org.uk/about/annual-meetings/2024-annual-meeting/meeting-papers/

 

Other news

In other local news, the Ridgman Trophy is being held at Biggleswade on the 8^th June. This is a 10 bell striking contest for Guilds that border the Ely DA. We hosted last year in Towcester. The Guild is not entering this year, due to the clash with the AGM. Anyone is welcome to go along to listen and there will be cake/light refreshments available in the Chapter House. The contest starts at 10 am

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild AGM Saturday 8^th June Harlestone 2:00, Pitsford 3:00, Moulton 4:00, service 4:30 then tea. AGM 5:45 then evening ringing at Moulton. 

Guild 10-bell Practice  Saturday 30^th June. 10:30, Towcester. 

 

And Branch events. 

Rutland Branch practice Wednesday 5^th June 7:00Braunston

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 7^th June 7:30Islip

Wellingborough Striking contest, Tuesday 11^th May,  6:30 Mears Ashby

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 15^thJune 10:30 Irthlingborough

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 15^th June, 3:30Cottingham

Daventry: Branch Practice, Saturday 15^th June 3:00Badby, 6:30 Eydon

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 15^th June, 6:30Eydon

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 20^th June 2:30Wadenhoe

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 20^th June 7:30 Uppingham

Towcester Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd June 10:30 Wappenham

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 22^nd June 7:00 Brafield on the Green

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 29^th June 7:30Aynho. 

 

See you Saturday!

Helen

I must start by thanking everyone who helped out in any way at last week’s Open day. It seems to have gone very well. Even the weather played ball. There were approaching 100 people visiting towers across our area over the course of the day and all the feedback has been most complimentary on the bells, the organisation and the people helping out. Thank you all. 

 

Guild AGM

Just a reminder of the AGM details. To take place on Saturday 8^th June in Moulton. 

Open Ringing at Harlestone at 2 pm and Pitsford at 3 pm.

Ringing at Moulton at 4 pm, for the service at 4:30 pm.

This will be followed by tea in the church hall and the AGM at 5:45 pm. There will be evening ringing afterwards. 

All are welcome to the AGM, names for tea to me on secretary@pdg.org.uk by 5^th June please. 

 

Also to remind you, all Guild officers are elected each year at the AGM. While almost all officers are willing to stand again, that should not prevent someone coming forward who wants to take on a role. All the officers’ job descriptions are available on the website, alongside the current position holder. https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/officers

One role where the current holder is standing down is PRO. If you know of someone who has a talent for communicating ringing to the wider world, do get in touch. We’re more than happy to talk about what is involved. 

 

CCCBR News

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers is actively supporting the National Volunteers Week (3-9 June 2024) and would like some examples of people who volunteer their time through ringing.  There are more details on their website.  https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/05/18/volunteers-week/. 

 

The President’s blog https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/05/17/presidents-blog-92/

 

And a reminder that nominations for the Westley award for bell maintenance closes at the end of the month. https://cccbr.org.uk/about/workgroups/stewardship-and-management/westley-award-2024/

 

There’s a request to ring to mark the 80^thanniversary of D-Day on 6^th June, Not ringing at the time of the landings, the request is to ring at 6:30 pm, if possible. 

 

Old Black Lion project

The project at the Old Black Lion has taken a turn since the new year. The CCCBR has decided that the change in scope of the building use means that they are no longer able to support the use of the stable as a National Ringing Centre. The money that has been allocated has been re-directed to the ringing 2030 project. That means that the money to support the set up of the ringing centre is no longer available. The Guild is not in a position to move this forward itself, but would consider supporting if someone felt able to come forward and manage the project, apply for grants, liaise with the CCT and OBL etc. This will be on the agenda at the AGM. If someone has the time, skills and enthusiasm to try and move this forward, please get in touch with Chris FitzGerald, who has been the Guild’s main contact on the subject. He can be e-mailed at treasurer@pdg.org.uk.  

This does not affect the sound control at St Peter’s which is managed and funded separately. 

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild AGM Saturday 8^th June Harlestone 2:00, Pitsford 3:00, Moulton 4:00, service 4:30 then tea. AGM 5:45 then evening ringing at Moulton. 

Guild 10-bell Practice  Saturday 30^th June. 10:30, Towcester. 

 

And Branch events. 

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 21^st May 7:30 Oakham

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 23^rd May 2:30Wadenhoe

Culworth Theory Session Saturday 25^th May 10:15Brackley church hall. 

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 1^st June 3:00 Spratton, 6:00 Cottesbrooke

Rutland Branch practice Wednesday 5^th June 7:00Braunston

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 7^th June 7:30Islip

Wellingborough Striking contest, Tuesday 11^th May,  6:30 Mears Ashby

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 15^thJune 10:30 Irthlingborough

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 15^th June, 3:30Cottingham

Daventry: Branch Practice, Saturday 15^th June 3:00Badby, 6:30 Eydon

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 15^th June, 6:30Eydon

 

If you are short of reading material, I seem to have taken over The Ringing World again this week, with an article on the Spring meeting and the new Centenary Trophy. It could be interesting – or a cure for insomnia, I leave that one up to you. 

 

Thanks

Helen

We seem to have had a reasonable bank holiday so far, although the weather’s not looking quite so good for tomorrow – but that’s just typical! Hope you’ve been able to make the most of it. Having got the Spring Meeting done, we’re moving on to the next few Guild events. 

 

Guild Open day

Saturday sees the Guild’s Open day. 30 towers across the Guild are open according to a timetable, towers from A (Aynho) to Y (Yarwell) and across all 10 branches of the Guild. There are a range of interesting, unusual and rare towers or recent augmentations to tempt you out. £2 per tower or £20 for a day ticket. These are available in advance by e-mailing centenary@pdg.org.uk or at the first 6 towers. Cash on the day please. 

https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

 

Guild AGM

The Guild’s AGM is planned for Saturday 8^th June. It was planned to be in Northampton town centre, visiting the 4 town centre churches. Unfortunately, Northampton town took no account of this and have decided to hold the town carnival that day. That closes roads across the centre, making the plan unworkable. There has been a rearrangement and the plan for the day is now as follows:

Open Ringing at Harlestone at 2 pm and Pitsfors at 3 pm.

Ringing at Moulton at 4 pm, for the service at 4:30 pm.

This will be followed by tea in the church hall and the AGM at 5:45 pm. There will be evening ringing afterwards. 

All are welcome to the AGM, names for tea to me on secretary@pdg.org.uk by 5^th June please. 

 

CCCBR News

The Westley awards for maintenance close at the end of the month. https://cccbr.org.uk/about/workgroups/stewardship-and-management/westley-award-2024/

Bell Sunday is the 12^th May this year. You can link your ringing to the event, if you do any special ringing. https://bellsunday.org/

There’s a request to ring to mark the 80^thanniversary of D-Day on 6^th June, Not ringing at the time of the landings, the request is to ring at 6:30 pm, if possible. 

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild Tower Open day Saturday 11^th May. Tower Open day across the Guild. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

Guild AGM Saturday 8^th June Harlestone 2:00, Pitsford 3:00, Moulton 4:00, service 4:30 then tea. AGM 5:45 then evening ringing at Moulton. 

 

And Branch events. 

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 18^thMay,  10:30 Mears Ashby

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 18^th May, 2:00Rushton, 15:15 Geddington

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 18^thMay,  2:30 Ecton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 18^th May, 6:30Croughton

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 21^st May 7:30 Oakham

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 23^rd May 2:30Wadenhoe

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 1^st June 3:00 Spratton, 6:00 Cottesbrooke

Rutland Branch practice Wednesday 5^th June 7:00Braunston

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 7^th June 7:30Islip

 

Hope to see you on Saturday. 

Helen

Dear Members,

We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us for the minor bell ringing social last Wednesday and to extend our apologies for any inconvenience caused by the lighting issue. However, it provided us with a good opportunity to ring our blue line and showcase our adaptability!

A big thank you to the members of the South Lincs and Rutland branch who joined us, as well as a special acknowledgment to hosts Sue, John, and Jerry from Easton on the Hill.

Branch outing

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce our next event on Saturday the 18th of May. We’ll be visiting three towers around Kings Lynn, including the Kings Lynn Minster and Wisbech, both with 10 bells. We’ll kick off the day at 10 am in Gaywood. Lunch arrangements will be left to individuals, with plenty of options available in the town center, including numerous pubs and cafes. Alternatively, The Walks park offers a lovely spot for a spring picnic – weather permitting!

Further details about the event will be shared closer to the date. We’re eagerly anticipating another memorable day of ringing and fellowship!

Warm regards,

Deborah Bray (Branch Secretary)

---

Monday update, with lots of news from the weekend. 

 

Guild Spring Meeting

Saturday was an excellent day. Guilsborough branch did a superb job of hosting, laying on the most spectacular tea I think I’ve ever seen and even organising some spring-like weather. The 21 teams that entered is the most we’ve ever had, 12 teams rang call changes at Guilsborough and 9 teams rang methods at Cold Ashby.  

There was a packed church at Cold Ashby for the results, with Towcester taking the Weaver Shield for the method ringing contest while Pattishall were the first winners of the Centenary Trophy for call changes. 

Results and photographs of the winners and their teams can be found on the website, https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/spring-meeting-results

A full report will follow. We have photos of each band, drop me a mail and I can send yours over to you. If there was a prize for most original pose, Cransley would have taken that by a country mile! 

 

Newsletter

The April edition of the Guild newsletter was distributed in paper form, expect to see one coming to a tower near you soon. Also available to read online. https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202404.pdf

There’s lots of different items, including a welcome from Bishop Debbie. 

The next edition will be for the September Summer Festival, print deadline is end of August. Items can be sent in at any time to newsletter@pdg,org.uk

 

Annual Report

This is also being distributed, one copy for each tower. This year’s is a lively green cover. If any members want a copy, they are available for £2 to members (including postage). Get in touch and I’ll get one out to you. 

 

CCCBR News

2 blogs from the President on the same day. 

President’s blog #91

President’s blog #90

 

The CCCBR is looking for a new adviser on bell complaints. Robert Wood has dealt with such enquiries for some years and has decided to stand down. They are looking for someone with relevant experience and knowledge of UK Environmental Legislation. Anyone wanting more information should contact Alison Hodge alison.hodge@cccbr.org.uk

 

Bell Sunday is 12^th May this year, see what your incumbent has planned and let them see the resources available on the CCCBR website for ideas on how to include ringing in your service. https://bellsunday.org/

 

100th Anniversary

It was excellent to see PDG 100 clothing out in force at the weekend. There’s still a chance to get yours before the year is out… Also mugs and puzzles still available https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/centenary-year-merchandise

The next 100^th anniversary is the Open day. A chance to ring at towers across the Guild from A (Aynho) to Y (Yarwell). Towers are open for 1 hour, with start times from 09:00 to 18:50. Cost £2 per tower or £20 for a day ticket, available in advance from centenary@pdg.org.uk All details on the website: https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

  

Bells on Sunday

Starting their 900^th anniversary, the bells of St Kyneburgha’s church, Castor features on Sunday 14^th April at 5:43 am. You can listen again via BBC sounds using the link below. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001y7y9

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild Tower Open day Saturday 11^th May. Tower Open day across the Guild. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

Guild AGM Saturday 8^th June Hosted by Northampton branch. 

 

And Branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 18^th April 2:30Wadenhoe

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Thursday 18^th April 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  10:30 Rushden

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 2:00Great Oakley, 15:15 Weldon

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  2:30 Yardley Hasting

Daventry Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 3:00Preston Capes for ringing service, tea & meeting, 6:30 Moreton Pinkney (joint with Culworth)

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th April, 6:30Moreton Pinkney (joint with Daventry)

Peterborough Young Ringers group Sunday 21^stApril, 4:00 Nassington

Peterborough Minor Social Wednesday 24^th April, 7:30 Easton on the Hill

Rutland Branch practice Wednesday 1^st May 7:30Cottesmore 

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 3^rd May 7:30 Islip

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 4^th May 3:00 Lilbourne, 6:00 Crick

 

After all that, I’m going for a nice sit down!  

Helen

April has arrived, and with it, we hope, Spring is on its way. Particularly with the name of our next Guild meeting.

 

Guild Spring Meeting

Saturday sees the Guild’s Spring meeting, including the 6 bell striking contest. There’s been a record entry this year, such that the call change bands will be at Guilsborough from 2 pm and the Method ringing bands at Cold Ashby from 3 pm. Spratton will be open for general ringing from 2pm to 3:30. The tea, meeting and results will all be at Cold Ashby, followed by evening ringing.  

There’s a handy map of Cold Ashby with locations of the village hall and parking locations. As Cold Ashby is a small village, please share transport, where possible, and park with consideration for the residents. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/spring-meeting-arrangements

Guilsborough branch have the catering well in hand, it should be an excellent day. See you there. 

The Centenary trophy has been collected; you’ll have to turn up on Saturday to see it. Will your band win it first? 

 

Bells on Sunday

This will feature the bells of St Kyneburgha’s church, Castor on Sunday 14^th April at 5:43 am. Or, if that’s a little early, you can listen via BBC sounds using the link below. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001y7y9

Dates for the Diary

Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 13^th April. 6 bell contest at Cold Ashby from 3 pm. Parking information on the website: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/spring-meeting-arrangements

Guild Tower Open day Saturday 11^th May. Tower Open day across the Guild. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

 

And branch events. 

Thrapston Branch Practice Thursday 18^th April 2:30Wadenhoe

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Thursday 18^th April 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  10:30 Rushden

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 2:00Great Oakley, 15:15 Weldon

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  2:30 Yardley Hasting

Daventry Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 3:00Preston Capes for ringing service, tea & meeting, 6:30 Moreton Pinkney (joint with Culworth)

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th April, 6:30Moreton Pinkney (joint with Daventry)

Peterborough Young Ringers group Sunday 21^stApril, 4:00 Nassington

Peterborough Minor Social Wednesday 24^th April, 7:30 Easton on the Hill

Rutland Branch practice Wednesday 1^st May 7:30Cottesmore 

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 3^rd May 7:30 Islip

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 4^th May 3:00 Lilbourne, 6:00 Crick

 

See you Saturday!

Helen

If there is a season for everything, then it seems like spring brings striking contests as well as spring flowers. After reporting the results of the Midland youth contest last time around, this time it’s the turn of the Towcester band to be congratulated for a respectable 5^th place finish (of 8 teams) in the 12 bell eliminator contest at Reading yesterday. They don’t qualify for the final, but there’s a silver lining there – no need to locate Chilcompton! 

 

Spring Meeting

If it is striking contest season, then the Guild diary follows suit. The next Guild event is the Spring Meeting on 13^th April, which includes the 6 bell striking contest. The new trophy is taking shape, still no pictures, that would spoil the surprise. There’s plenty of time to get your band organised, entries to Simon Dixon by Saturday 6^th April, master@pdg.org.uk. As a reminder, the rules are here https://pdg.org.uk/forms/6_Bell_competition.pdf  and there’s a poster here https://pdg.org.uk/meetings/Spring_Meeting_2024_poster.pdf

I know the Guilsborough branch are getting their ducks in a row for the tea, a range of scrumptious goodies are in the planning. Hope to see you there. 

 

Guild Newsletter

The next Guild newsletter deadline is the 31^st March, for distribution at the Spring Meeting. Any news or items of interest can be sent to Jonathan Stuart, the newsletter editor, newsletter@pdg.org.uk. What have you done recently that would make a good item to tell your fellow ringers about? The recent issues have had a wide range of interesting items, but we can only do that with your contributions. 

 

CCCBR news

An update on Bell Sunday, which this year takes place on Sunday 12^th May. It’s an opportunity for the church family to recognise the impact that bells can have on the community. There are resources to help here. https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/03/16/bell-sunday-12th-may-2024/

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 13^th April. 6 bell contest at Cold Ashby from 3 pm. Teams to the Master (master@pdg.org.uk) by the 6^th April. 

Guild Tower Open day Saturday 11^th May. Tower Open day across the Guild. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

 

And branch events. 

Rutland Branch practice Thursday 4^th April 7:00Great Casterton

Thrapston Branch Practice Friday 5^th April 7:30 Islip

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 6^th April 3:00 Scaldwell, 6:00 Brixworth. 

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Thursday 18^th April 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  10:30 Rushden

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 2:00Great Oakley, 15:15 Weldon

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 20^thApril,  2:30 Yardley Hasting

Daventry Branch Practice, Saturday 20^th April, 3:00Preston Capes for ringing service, tea & meeting, 6:30 Moreton Pinkney (joint with Culworth)

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th April, 6:30Moreton Pinkney (joint with Daventry)

 

And with that I will leave you to debate what to do with yourself in the ringing desert (or so I mean dessert?) that is Holy week. Opportunity to Spring clean the ringing room? Or have a social evening? Whatever you do with it, have a happy Easter. 

 

Thanks

Helen

 

In my last update I did suggest that ringing quarters on leap day was a once in 4 year opportunity. Little did I realise that some of the Peterborough branch were already ahead of me. Elaine’s Leap day escapades  https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18475 saw 7 attempts and 6 successes scored. I particularly like the genesis of the idea, take from the first footnote: “From an expanded idea over a beer and making the most of the extra day.”  In my experience many ideas can trace their origin to a beer! Quarters were also scored at Uppingham & Rushton. Well done gang. 

 

Bishop of Peterborough. 

The Diocese has a new Bishop, with Bishop Debbie being enthroned on Sunday 3^rd. The service can be viewed again through YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_dIaRbOIkw If you rang to welcome Bishop Debbie, there is a bellboard event you can link to, or let me know and I’ll collate all the ringing to send to her. The bellboard event is here: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18494

 

Guild Spring Meeting 

Next month sees the Guild’s Spring meeting and 6 bell striking contest. This year we are introducing a change. The existing Weaver Shield will be awarded to the best method ringing band, while there will be a new Centenary trophy that will be awarded to the best call change band. The contest remains largely unchanged, it’s one competition and two trophies rather than two independent competitions. The rules can be found on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/forms/6_Bell_competition.pdf. Entries to Simon Dixon on master@pdg.org.uk by 6^th April. 

This aims to encourage those bands that are more confident ringing call changes with a shiny trophy incentive to enter. Good striking is, after all, what ringing should be about, regardless of the complexity of the ringing. 

The contest will be held at Cold Ashby, with the call change element potentially being held at Guilsborough, depending on the number of teams that enter. With ringing at Spratton from 2 pm and contest and tea at Cold Ashby it should be a good day out, regardless of if you come away with a trophy or not. 

 

Fund raising opportunity

Benefact group is drawing their next Movement for Good grants from 18^th March. Charities nominated stand the chance to win £1000. The Guild can be entered into the draw using the link below. 

https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=258271&ct=heritage_arts#nominateACharity

The more entries, the more chances we have to win, so get your clinking fingers out. Nominations run to the end of the year so nominating us now enters us into draws across the rest of the year. 

 

Young Ringers.

We understand that a team of young ringers from the Daventry branch represented the Guild in the Midland young ringers striking contest, held in the vicinity of Loughborough yesterday. They came a highly creditable 3^rd in the call change competition. Impressive, especially as it was their first contest and some of the band only started learning in October. I’m told that there is an item being prepared to appear in the next Guild newsletter. Well done team. 

 

Midlands Young Ringers striking contest

9 March 2024

Oaks in Charnwood, Leicestershire.

Call change ringing contest

1 Derby 91%

2 Nottingham 90%

3 Peterborough 86%

4 Birmingham 81%

5 Coventry 51%

 

CCCBR news

The CCCBR is again working with Westley group to promote steeple keeping. The Westley award aims to recognise those who are new to steeple keeping or making a significant impact. Nomination information can be found here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/03/03/2024-westley-award-nominations-now-open/

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 13^th April. 6 bell contest at Cold Ashby from 3 pm. Teams to the Master (master@pdg.org.uk) by the 6^th April. 

Guild Tower Open day Saturday 11^th May. Tower Open day across the Guild. https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/open-day

 

And branch events. 

 Wellingborough Surprise Practice, Saturday 16^thMarch,  10:30 Orlingbury

Kettering Branch Practice, Saturday 16^th March, 2:00 Burton Latimer

Daventry Branch Practice, Saturday 16^th March, 3:00 Bugbrooke for ringing service & tea, 6:30Kislingbury

Wellingborough Branch Practice, Saturday 16^thMarch,  7:00 Higham Ferrers

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 19^th March 7:30 Oakham

Towcester Branch Practice, Saturday 23^rd March, 10:30 Greens Norton

Northampton, Branch Practice 23^rd March, 7:00Harpole

Rutland Branch practice Thursday 4^th April 7:00Great Casterton

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 6^th April 3:00 Scaldwell, 6:00 Brixworth. 

 

March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. I’m hoping that having come in laden with water it leaves us in sunshine. That might be rather optimistic, but one can but hope. See you at the Spring Meeting, by which I hope to have seen some spring sunshine! 

 

Thanks

Helen

Please see below details for six bell striking contest to be held at the Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 13^th April at Cold Ashby from 3 pm.

As part of the Guild’s centenary, we are going to make a change to the Guild’s 6 bell striking contest, to take place on Saturday April 13^th. In order to encourage band with less experience, we’re going to introduce a new, Centenary Trophy. This will be awarded to the highest placed band ringing call changes. The current Weaver Shield will be presented to the highest placed method ringing band. This aims to encourage bands that might feel they might not produce their best ringing while ringing methods to enter a band. Good striking is important no matter the complexity of what is being rung and well struck call changes are a challenge for all bands. I went to see the maker this afternoon and it is going to be an impressive piece that will look good in any tower. No pictures, that would spoil the surprise. There’s plenty of time to get practising…  

If you have a band/tower to enter please send direct to the Ringing Master (master@pdg.org.uk) by the 6^th April. Alternatively, if you’re interested in participating and joining a band or tower, please reach out to our Branch Ringing Master (ringing_master@peterborough.pdg.org.uk), Assistant to Ringing Master (deputy_ringing_master@peterborough.pdg.org.uk), and Secretary (secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk). We’ll endeavour to coordinate bands or towers for your involvement in this event.