Well, what a lovely couple of weekends we’ve had! Last weekend had rather too much ringing, I went on an outing and was involved in a tower tour at my home tower. We have far too many stairs to be running up & down them that many times in a morning.

Then this weekend I’ve been to Peterborough where the branch rang for Evensong at the Cathedral. Great to see so many people being stretched outside their comfort zone, ringing on different bells and higher numbers. Superb enthusiasm and some excellent successes. There are even more stairs there, at least I only had to go up them the once – I begin to see how ringing can keep you fit.

 

Guild AGM

One final reminder that the next Guild event is the AGM on the 10th June. Names to tea to me by the Thursday 7^th please. secretary@pdg.org.uk

The timetable for the day is as follows:

2:00 Ringing at Greatworth

3:30 ringing at Marston St Lawrence for Service at 4:00

Tea in Marston St Lawrence village hall followed by AGM at 5:30 pm.

Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.

The AGM is open to ALL members, it is your chance to elect the Guild’s officers and have your say on what is going on. If you have any items to raise, or just have a question, please get in touch. Of interest is a nomination for Honorary Life Membership to be voted upon.

All the details can be found on the Guild website: https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/agm-2023

 

CCCBR news

The first Bell Sunday received some interest from some churches across the diocese. Interest was possibly muted by the efforts for the Coronation the week before. The CCCBR has announced that next year Bell Sunday will be 12^th May, thus avoiding Pentecost. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/06/03/bell-sunday-2024-12th-may/

 

Diocese reports Coronation Ringing

The efforts for the Coronation feature in the Diocese’s monthly mailing, and the item is also available on the website. https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/coronation-ringers-make-memories-.php Makes a nice change for there to be pictures of smiling ringers – we seem to be a pretty camera shy bunch as a whole! Final tally of performances to appear in the next newsletter.

 

Ridgman Trophy

The draw for the Ridgman trophy was made at Towcester on Friday and I can’t tell you what the ringing order is. What I can say is that ringing will be between about 10:00am & 2:00pm on Saturday 17^th June at Towcester. The Ridgman Trophy is a regional striking contest held on 10 bells and is open to Guilds and Associations that border the Ely Association. Quite a large trophy is on offer. Should be a good opportunity to listen to some good ringing. https://ridgmantrophy.elyda.org.uk/ Let’s hope the run of good weekend weather continues!

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild AGM Saturday 10^th June. Culworth branch. Open Ringing at Greatworth from 2pm. Ringing and Service at Marston St Lawrence from 15:30. Tea and Meeting (at 17:30) in Marston St Lawrence Village Hall. Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.  

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

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

 

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 7^th June 7:30 Cottesmore Focus Plain Bob Minor & Stedman

Wellingborough Striking contest Wilby Tuesday 13^th June 7:30 Wilby

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

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 17^th June 10:30 Orlingbury

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

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

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

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

 

Hope to see lots of you next weekend. You know, someone else could always volunteer to be secretary, then you wouldn’t have to hear from me so often…

 

Thanks

Helen

Looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow for evensong service ringing. We are meeting at 2pm outside to West door.

The code for the barrier is now needed to gain access to the precinct by car. You will need it on arrival if driving. The current code is: 0605

See you there,

James 07763876883

It is the branch practice this Friday, and I hope to see many of you.

The practice will suit those who would like to move on to Bob Major after becoming confident at Bob Minor. If you have managed Bob Major previously, think about looking at Little Bob as a next step.

The special surprise method will be Glasgow in support of the small Glasgow project we have had locally recently!

If Glasgow seems a bit much, why not come along having looked at Double Norwich, a perennial classic.

See you all there!

James

Dear all, please see the latest update from Helen.

Seems that summer might be on the way, it’s been a beautiful weekend. 

Guild AGM

The next Guild event is the AGM on the 10th June. The timetable for the day is as follows:

2:00 Ringing at Greatworth

3:30 ringing at Marston St Lawrence for Service at 4:00

Tea in Marston St Lawrence village hall followed by AGM at 5:30 pm.

Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.

Names to tea to me by the Thursday 7^th please. secretary@pdg.org.uk

The AGM is open to ALL members, it is your chance to elect the Guild’s officers and have your say on what is going on. If you have any items to raise, or just have a question, please get in touch. 

All the details are available on the website . https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/agm-2023

CCCBR news

The President’s latest blog is available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/05/18/presidents-blog-79/

There is a new page available aiming to provide guidance on belfry projects. Produced by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers Stewardship & Management Workgroup, offers advice to anyone who is considering a project to install bells or undertake restoration work on a bell installation. It will evolve with new information as it becomes available. https://belfryprojects.cccbr.org.uk/

Ridgman Trophy

On Saturday 17^th June, the Guild is hosting the Ridgman Trophy at Towcester. This is a regional striking contest held on 10 bells and is open to Guilds and associations that border the Ely Association. Quite a large trophy is on offer. Should be a good opportunity to listen to some good ringing. https://ridgmantrophy.elyda.org.uk/

Coronation Ringing

A fortnight later, there have been no new entries to Bellboard from our area in the last few days, so I’m hoping that means that everyone has added their ringing. We now have ringing at 199 towers and featuring over 900 people. That’s almost three quarters of the towers in the diocese. Excellent effort by all concerned. 

The ringers at St Mary’s Peterborough, Great Oxenden & Rothwell each rang and named a new method to mark the occasion. In the 13 peals and 27 quarters there were a number of notable achievements. At Nassington and Great Oakley the first peals since augmentation were rung and at Aynho the first peal in the tower since 1955 was rung. 

First Peal: Hilary Hardie (Nassington) & Deborah Bray (Castor) 

First Quarter: Josh White (Earls Barton), Garth Ratcliffe (Bozeat), Andrew Green (Bozeat), Paul Szyszka (Ryhall), Howard Murphy (Cold Ashby)

First Quarter away from Cover: Rachael Szyszka (Ryhall)

First Quarter Inside: Helena-Katie H Scholes (Ryhall) & Ethan Szyszka (Ryhall)

First Quarter of Minor: Lynda Jaycocks (Lubenham

First Quarter of Triples: Sue Webster (Uppingham) & Ian Bell (Uppingham)

First Quarter of Major: Jane Robinson (Cathedral)

First Quarter of Surprise: Janet Donaldson (Saddington)

First Quarter as Conductor: Thomas Saunders (Uppingham)

Dates for the Diary

Guild AGM Saturday 10^th June. Culworth branch. Open Ringing at Greatworth from 2pm. Ringing and Service at Marston St Lawrence at 15:30. Tea and Meeting (at 17:30) in Marston St Lawrence Village Hall. Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.  

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

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

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 2^nd June 7:30 Castor

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

Peterborough Branch Cathedral Ringing Sunday 4^th June Meet outside the West Door at 2:00

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 7^th June 7:30 Cottesmore Focus Plain Bob Minor & Stedman 

Wellingborough Striking contest Wilby Tuesday 13^th June 7:30 Wilby

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 17^th June 10:30 Orlingbury

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

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

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Wednesday 21^st June 7:30 Oakham

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

Hoping that the Bank Holiday weekend turns out nice, which would be a bit of a surprise. 

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

Telephone: 01832 735 266

Dear friends, the branch has the opportunity to ring for Cathedral evensong on 4th June.

Come and ring your cathedral bells!

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 let me know that you are planning to come.

James

Dear all, please see the latest Guild update, below from Helen.

As promised in the last update, this time the news mainly revolves around the Coronation ringing and advance notice of the Guild’s AGM. 

Coronation Ringing

With entries taken from Bellboard a week after the event, there has been ringing at 170 different towers in the diocese, involving over 900 different people. That’s an excellent effort. Many firsts were scored – first open ringing, first 1/8th peal, first quarter, first peal by ringers and on the bells. Well done all! You’ll remember that for some time to come. David Loake, Doug Holloway & Paul Hutton were ringing for their second Coronation. 

If you’ve not posted to Bellboard, please do so and let me know, so that I can include your ringing in the letter to the Palace. 

There is a certificate available from your Bellboard entry (the gold pdf option), or, if you prefer, there is a Guild one available. Let Cathy Dixon know and she can arrange to get that to you. pro@pdg.org.uk

You can see some of the band pictures, and a tower list, on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/coronation-ringing-summary

You might also like to have a look at this piece, featuring ringers from Rutland & Peterborough Cathedral: https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/england/experiences/news/inside-the-bell-ringing-community-of-the-uk  There are some great images, well done to all involved.

Guild AGM

The next Guild event is the AGM on the 10th June. The timetable for the day is as follows:

2:00 Ringing at Greatworth

3:30 ringing at Marston St Lawrence for Service at 4:00

Tea in Marston St Lawrence village hall followed by AGM at 5:30 pm.

Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.

Names to tea to me by the Thursday 7^th please. secretary@pdg.org.uk

The AGM is open to ALL members, it is your chance to elect the Guild’s officers and have your say on what is going on. If you have any items to raise, or just have a question, please get in touch. 

Parking in Marston St Lawrence is limited, and so parking has been arranged in the field south of the church. See the website for a map. https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/agm-2023

The meeting will include a proposed change to Guild rules, the details of which can also be found on the website. The minutes of the meetings for approval are in the same location. 

An agenda will be posted once I’ve written it! 

Dates for the Diary

Guild AGM Saturday 10^th June. Culworth branch. Open Ringing at Greatworth from 2pm. Ringing and Service at Marston St Lawrence at 15:30. Tea and Meeting (at 17:30) in Marston St Lawrence Village Hall. Evening ringing at Moreton Pinkney.  

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 11^th July. 10:30 Rothwell. 

One cancellation to report, Rutland’s 8 bell practice at Uppingham on Thursday has been cancelled due to an Accession day service. 

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 20^th May 10:30 Mears Ashby. 

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 20^th May 2:30 Bozeat

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th May 7:30 Sulgrave

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 2^nd June 7:30 Castor

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

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 7^th June 7:30 Cottesmore Focus Plain Bob Minor & Stedman 

Wellingborough Striking contest Wilby Tuesday 13^th June 7:30 Wilby

If your church incorporated bells into their service for Bell Sunday, do let us know. https://bellsunday.org/ It will be interesting to know what the uptake might be. 

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

Telephone: 01832 735 266

Dear friends, the branch practice is this Friday, 1930hrs, at Castor.

On this busy weekend of ringing, please could you email me to let me know that you are intending to attend and support this practice.

Many thanks,

James jfthorpe@gmail.com

Dear all, please see below Helen’s latest update. I meant to send this out earlier in the week!

Lovely to see everyone at the Guild’s Spring Meeting at the weekend. I’d seen a weather forecast earlier in the week that predicted it would be awful, so it was quite nice to see a pleasant, if slightly blustery, spring day. The clouds scudded along overhead and decided not to rain properly. Thanks to Wellingborough branch for laying on a great event and an excellent tea. Thank you to all those towers that did enter. It takes courage to put yourself forward for that sort of scrutiny. The Judges reported that they listened to nothing but good ringing all afternoon and you should all be proud of yourselves. Congratulations to Towcester, who disturbed the judges’ pencils the least in their piece and won the trophy. Thanks to Sue & Garry Mason for judging. 

At the meeting the 100 club draw was made, the raffle raised £94 for the BRF and a BRF grant was awarded to Harrington to rehang their 6 bells and repair their frame. 

The day concluded with a busy evening ringing at Orlingbury before a sizeable contingent finished up in a local hostelry. 

CCCBR news

The President’s latest blog https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/04/21/presidents-blog-78/

While we are in contest mode, there is a National Call Change competition, to be held on 3^rd June. This is in the style of a Devon Call Change contest, with raise, ring 60 on thirds and lower all being part of the test piece. This is not in Devon, but on the front six at St Mary’s Mosley, with other ringing in the area planned for the day. More details can be found here: https://nccc.cccbr.org.uk/

Guild News

The Guild’s 2022 Annual report is now available, with a fetching sunshine yellow cover. These are being distributed to branches for sending to officers and towers. If you want one, they are available from me at £2, including postage.

The Guild newsletter is also available in hardcopy. These will be distributed to towers. If there is a location in your town/village that would appreciate a copy, as positive publicity and outreach, please let me know and we can factor that into the print numbers. It has been added to the Guild website, and is available to read here: https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202304.pdf

Coronation Ringing

Towers should have received a pack of promotional materials. There are 2 posters, one a general information poster and one to advertise any specific ringing at each tower. There are some additional posters available, or you can print one from here: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/coronation-ringing-posters

We’ve received a message from Northamptonshire’s Lord Lieutenant’s office asking if there is ringing planned across the County. I have responded in the affirmative! If you know when you are ringing, please let me know, so that I can pass on some specific details. I have already said that we will let them know of what ringing was performed after the event. In which case PLEASE make sure that you add your ringing to Bellboard and that you link it to the Guild event. https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=16512 That way we’ll be able to find them all to save for posterity. 

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 bell practice Saturday 13^th May 10:30 Towcester

Guild AGM Saturday 10^th June. Culworth branch. Open Ringing at towers in the afternoon to be confirmed very shortly. Ringing and Service at Marston St Lawrence at 15:30. Tea and Meeting (at 17:30) in Marston St Lawrence Village Hall. Evening ringing at Greatworth. 

Culworth Branch 8 bell Practice Saturday 29^th April 7:30 Brackley

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 5^th May 7:30 Castor

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Monday 8^th May 7:30 Ryhall Focus Plain bob & Grandsire. 

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

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 20^th May 10:30 Mears Ashby. 

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 20^th May 2:30 Bozeat

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 20^th May 7:30 Sulgrave

The next update will be after the Coronation, so I hope that all goes well on this event that, for a majority of us, is the first in a lifetime. 

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Happy Easter one and all. A little less busy this week. That’s what happens when there’s a reduction in ringing in Holy Week. Still no timing for the Coronation service, although those in the know are expecting 11:00 or 11:15.

 

Movement for Good

Benefact group are again running their “Movement for Good” campaign. There are 3 draws, to be made in June, September and December, with up to 420 charities being drawn to be awarded £1000. The Guild has been successful twice before, all it needs is you to nominate us. The more nominations, the greater our chance of success. A nomination now enters us into all 3 draws.

https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=258271&ct=heritage_arts&i=1680708604-46815.jpg&utm_source=holiday+card&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=M4G2023card&utm_id=M4G2023card

More details on what to do can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/movement-for-good-2023-nominations-open

 

Guild Spring Meeting

A reminder that teams for the 6 bell striking contest at the Spring Meeting need to be with Simon Dixon (master@pdg.org.uk) by the 15^th April. This opportunity to ring and meet friends includes the 6 bell striking contest for the Weaver shield. If your tower or group wishes to enter a team, the rules and past winners can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/events/competitions

 

Dates for the Diary

Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 22^nd April. 14:00 Open Ringing at Mears Ashby, 15:00 Contest at Orlingbury.

Guild 10 bell practice Saturday 13^th May 10:30 Towcester

 

One change to report this week, Wellingborough’s practice on 15^th April has had to be changed to Grendon, due to clapper issues at Bozeat.

 

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 12^th April 7:30 Braunston. Focus Surprise

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 15^th April 10:30 Ecton Special Methods Annable’s London, Allendale & Alnwick.

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 2:30 Grendon (change from last mail)

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 3:00 Weedon Bec including service, tea & meeting

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 7:30 Chipping Warden

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 18^th April 7:30 Oakham

Kettering Tower open for the Spring Meeting Saturday 22^nd April 2:00 Cransley

Culworth Branch 8 bell Practice Saturday 29^th April 7:30 Brackley

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 5^th May 7:30 Castor

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Monday 8^th May 7:30 Ryhall Focus Plain bob & Grandsire.

 

Guild Website

The webmaster & I took advantage of the nice weekend and got out to take some pictures of churches that didn’t yet have an image on the website. If you have an image of a church with no picture, please send it on. Or even you have a better image than the one we’re using; we’d be happy to receive those too.

And finally…

Tinwell, in Rutland, are returning a crucifix rescued from a French town in WW1. Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-65201597

 

That will do for today.

Helen

Dear all, Helen’s update below:

It’s as if everyone’s been waiting to release ringing related news in one week! There’s lots to read and digest  – let’s crack on!

Bell Sunday

This month’s diocesan mailing included information about “Bell Sunday”. This is an initiative from the CCCBR, working with the CofE, to encourage churches to recognise their bells and bellringers. Planned to be an annual event on the Sunday nearest St Dunstan’s day, this year it is Sunday 14^th May. There’s a webpage with ideas for hymns, readings and other elements that could be incorporated into a service. https://bellsunday.org/ Please support your incumbent if they propose incorporating such elements into a service. 

The diocese is keen to put out a news item to support this, for which I need your help! In order to bring some examples and human interest to an item, it would be good to have the perspective of a church that has increased worship as a result of bellringing, or a bellringer for whom bellringing has made a big difference in their lives – perhaps bringing them to faith. With photographs, if possible (which, I am well aware, may well be a stumbling block!) Please get in touch to discuss further. 

CCCBR news

The President’s latest blog. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/03/30/presidents-blog-77/

The SWM Group is looking for a new leader. The initials stand for Stewardship & Management (not sure that makes the remit much clearer). If that’s your thing, more details can be found here https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/03/29/stewardship-and-management-workgroup-workgroup-leader/

What do you give someone who has everything? I’d say that Ferrero Rocher never disappoint (hint hint), but not everyone agrees. A ringing experience voucher might be what you are looking for. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/03/29/give-the-gift-of-experience/

Old Black Lion

There has ben progress on the Old Black Lion, with the ground being broken at the site (and a celebratory beer being drunk). Items on the BBC and the CCT websites as well as other local press and interested parties. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-65092776

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/what-we-do/news/building-works-begin-at-historic-northampton-pub.html

Coronation Ringing

I’m sure that branches and towers are planning their ringing for the Coronation – or will be once there’s a confirmed time for the ceremony. 

Once the ringing has taken place, please enter the details on BellBoard – if you are unsure of how to do this, you can join the training session on Saturday 8^th April. As well as the global coronation link, please also link to the PDG specific event https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=16512 that has been set up. We will use this to collate ringing across the Guild for the event to record for posterity. 

Guild Spring Meeting

A reminder that teams for the 6 bell striking contest at the Spring Meeting need to be with Simon Dixon (master@pdg.org.uk) by the 15^th April. This opportunity to ring and meet friends includes the 6 bell striking contest for the Weaver shield. If your tower or group wishes to enter a team, the rules and past winners can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/events/competitions

Dates for the Diary

Guild Spring Meeting Saturday 22^nd April. 14:00 Open Ringing at Mears Ashby, 15:00 Contest at Orlingbury.

Guild 10 bell practice Saturday 13^th May 10:30 Towcester

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 12^th April 7:30 Braunston. Focus Surprise

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 15^th April 10:30 Ecton Special Methods Annable’s London, Allendale & Alnwick. 

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 2:30 Bozeat (Correction: time wrong in last mail)

Daventry Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 3:00 Weedon Bec including service, tea & meeting

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 15^th April 7:30 Chipping Warden

Rutland Branch 8 bell Practice Tuesday 18^th April 7:30 Oakham

Kettering Tower open for the Spring Meeting Saturday 22^nd April 2:00 Cransley

Culworth Branch 8 bell Practice Saturday 29^th April 7:30 Brackley

And finally…

The Peregrine Falcons nesting in Higham Ferrers tower have laid their 4^th egg and the chicks are expected to hatch in late April You can see what they are doing through the webcam. https://ashgrovehealth.co.uk/falcons/

That will do for today. 

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

Telephone: 01832 735 266