There will be no branch practice this Friday at Castor. There will be a development quarter peal instead.

If you would like an eight bell quarter peal opportunity then please let me know.

James Thorpe

It would be good to see you all this Friday at the branch practice.

As usual plain and little bob will be available with the special method being DOUBLE NORWICH C B, including in spliced if we have the ringers to do it.

See you there,

James

Seems autumn has arrived all of a sudden. Last Saturday I went for a walk in 100 Aker wood and caught the sun; this Saturday I went for walk wearing my anniversary sweatshirt and multiple layers. Time to consider digging out the rope warmers, radiators and woolly jumpers again.

Publicity materials

At the recent GMC meeting, it was suggested that it would help towers to have a range of publicity materials and case studies available to draw on. These would aim to provide ideas and approaches to different scenarios, be they a local group tower visit, an open day, recruitment drive, advertising ringing and so on. If you have something that you have used in your tower, please get in touch, we’d love to be able to share it.

Volunteers

Also at the recent GMC we discussed the output of the branch re-organisation committee. One of the actions arising was to form two committees, one to review how the Guild manages membership, the second how we manage banking and finance. We’re looking for volunteers for both of these committees, if you have something to offer, please get in touch.

Movement for Good

Benefact (formerly Ecclesiastical) are running their Movement for Good draw again in December, so there’s plenty of time to nominate the Guild for a change to win £1000. Which would make our treasurer happy. Link here for you to fill in. Previously we’ve put these grants into the Training fund. https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=258271&ct=heritage_arts

PDG100

This week, the first order of our anniversary jigsaw puzzles arrived – and many of them are already making their way out to purchasers. You can order your puzzle via centenary@pdg.org.uk. 500 pieces are £15 while the 1000 piece versions are £20. All details can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/centenary-year-merchandise We’ll try and arrange delivery within the Guild, through the branch & tower networks, at no additional cost. Postage is an extra £3.50.

We still have some calendars, get yours while stocks last – we’re not going to re-ordering these. The calendars, feature 14 different churches across the diocese, these are £5 each.

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. 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. Posters to follow shortly.

Diocese news

In case you missed it, the next Bishop of Peterborough was announced as Bishop Debbie Sellin. She is currently Bishop of Southampton and has been acting Bishop of Winchester for the last few years. Enthronement in early 2024, we’ll keep you posted on dates. It will be a good opportunity for ringing across the diocese to welcome her. She started her ministry in children & youth work.

CCCBR news

The president’s latest blog is here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/10/13/presidents-blog-85/

From 2016 there were a significant number of performances rung of method using methods named for Julie McDonnell. After the recent newspaper article and report in the Ringing World there have been those calling for the CCCBR to change the names of these methods. Tina Stoecklin wants to canvass opinions on the topic, including from those who rang in these performances. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/10/10/when-is-the-right-time-to-rename-a-method/ Get in touch with her if you have an opinion to share.

Last update I told you about the promotional videos produced by the CCCBR. One of them had a revision, and the link changed. They are both available here:

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 bell Practice Saturday 11^th November 10:30 Higham Ferrers. This is Remembrance day and the bells will be half muffled.

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

Towcester Branch Quiz night with fish & chip supper. Saturday 28^th October 5:45 Ringing, 7:00 meeting followed by Quiz. Cold Higham.

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 3^rd November 7:30 Castor

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 4^th November 3:00 Yelvertoft

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 8^th November 7:30 Braunston

See you at an event soon.

Thanks

Helen

The branch 8 bell practice is on Friday 6th October 7-30pm at Castor.

Plain and/or little bob will be on offer for those making progress from 6 to 8 bells.

Cambridge and Yorkshire are usually on offer and I have had a request to ring LONDON surprise major so if you ring this please have a look at it beforehand ready.

See you there,

James

This is a reminder that this Friday 1st September will be our monthly branch practice at Castor, 1930h

Please come for a chance to ring on eight bells. Novices, experts and all of us in between are welcome.

For surprise ringers lets focus on the core favourites of Cambridge, Yorkshire, Superlative.

I hope you all had a good summer break, time to get back at it!!

James

With nowhere near enough ringers coming, the practice is CANCELLED.

Apologies to the person who said they would come 😂

James

This Friday there is a Castor village event that means open ringing will not be possible. I have tried unsuccessfully to get permission at another tower (Pboro St Mary’s, Thrapston and Stamford) but unfortunately they cannot accommodate us.

We can however ring at Castor using the simulator equipment.

Please let me know if you will be coming so I can reassure people that we are quorate.

Hopefully people will be happy to support this branch event and we will ring LITTLE BOB (rather than plain bob) if you are inexperienced on eight. In addition to the usual surprise major methods being available could my experienced helpers revise GLASGOW – and particularly 4th place bobs with the hope that we might ring a BOB COURSE.

Please let me know,

James

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

Looking forward to seeing many of you for branch ringing at Bulwick on Wednesday.

Methods!

If you only ring one surprise minor method it is probably Cambridge and you are most welcome

If you want an alternative to Cambridge, then perhaps think about revising Norwich.

If you ring a few surprise minor methods, what about revising the Cambridge six: Cambridge Primrose Bourne Hull Ipswich Norfolk.

If you are a show off and want a challenge, think about London and/or London below methods like York/Lightfoot/Rossendale

If you are really only there for the chat in the pub afterwards then don’t let any of the above put you off!

James

It was great to see so many of you at the Guild AGM yesterday. I’m sorry to say that there were no other nomination for Secretary, so you’re stuck with me for another year. Thanks to Culworth branch for the arrangements and for magic-ing up the fabulous weather and an excellent tea in the marvellous (HS2 funded) village hall.



Guild AGM

In a very productive meeting, all officers were returned to their posts, with the exception of the Safeguarding Officer, where John Beresford has stepped into the role, alongside his role for his benefice. We have a vacant post for Youth Ringing officer. This is one post that doesn’t have a long history, so the incumbent could shape this as they see fit. Get in touch to discuss further.

There was a vote in favour of a change to the rules, these will be posted to the Guild website shortly once we’ve updated the Charity Commission. Thank you to the committee that undertook this, it’s not an easy task.

And the plans for the 100th anniversary were revealed. We’ve been working hard to try and provide a range of ringing and non-ringing opportunities. Events are listed on the website for 2024, we’ll have more details up soon. You can see our special logo which has been added to the footer of this mail – get used to it, you’ll be seeing a lot of it.

As to merchandise, mugs with the logo are currently available for £5 from the PRO (pro@pdg.org.uk), and clothing is available to order via the attached order form. Again, more to follow as we approach the anniversary, including calendars and a special anniversary jigsaw.

Finally, we elected Graham & Bridget Paul as Honorary Life Members of the Guild, honouring their service to ringing in the Northampton area for many years. Congratulations to both. We’ll present your certificates at a later date.



Ridgman trophy

The Guild is hosting the Ridgman Trophy on Saturday 17th June. This is a 10 bell striking competition for guilds and associations that border the Ely DA. This year it is being hosted at Towcester, with ringing from 10 to ~ 2:30 and results at about 3pm. The Towcester ringers are laying on some refreshments; bacon rolls from 9:30, tea/coffee soft drinks & cake through the day. It’s a chance to listen to what should be some good striking on an excellent ring of bells (OK, I might be a little bit biased here). And (fingers crossed) the weather gods look to be smiling on us, so should be a good day. Do pop along and support your local team.



Guild Newsletter

The Coronation edition of the Guild newsletter is now available. It can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202306.pdf and paper copies will be making their way to towers shortly. It’s an excellent record of an awful lot of ringing.

Next edition due for circulation at the Summer Festival, print deadline the end of August. Any items for inclusion to the newsletter editor, newsletter@pdg.org.uk

The newsletter editor is also looking for an assistant to help with collating the incoming news items and producing the magazine. Talk to Jonathan if you feel you can help or would want to learn more.



CCCBR news

The president’s latest blog is available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/06/09/presidents-blog-80/

There’s also an appreciation of volunteers in Volunteer’s week. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/06/09/thank-you-to-all-our-volunteers/ Ringers are invariably volunteers, some step forward and take on further responsibility, be that at tower, branch, Guild or national level. Maybe take a minute to say thank you to those people who volunteer and make your ringing life more fulfilling. Or consider how you might volunteer your time or expertise further.



Dates for the Diary

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

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



One change and one new event. Wellingborough now start at 6:30 on Tuesday and Peterborough are socially ringing Surprise later in the month.

Wellingborough Striking contest Wilby Tuesday 13th June 6:30 Wilby

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Thursday 15th June 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 17th June 10:30 Orlingbury

Daventry Branch Meeting Saturday 17th June 3:00 Whilton 6:30 Norton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 17th June 7:30 King’s Sutton

Towcester Branch Practice Thursday 22nd June 7:30 Greens Norton

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

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

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

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



Hope you have enjoyed the rather flaming June and have welcomed or dodged the rather large raindrops we had this afternoon (your opinion possibly depending on if you are a gardener or BBQ-er!).



Thanks

Helen