Spring Meeting

Thanks to the Rutland branch for hosting the Spring Meeting last month. The glamour added by asking the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland to attend and present the prizes was inspired. Although it was a tad windy and the fabulous feather hat nearly took off more than once!

Congratulations to Peterborough Cathedral, who retained the Weaver Shield and to Welland Valley Benefice, who won the Centenary trophy for the first time. 

Guild AGM

The Guild’s AGM is being held on 13th June in the Wellingborough branch. The timetable for the day is as follows:

• 2.30 – 3.30: Open Ringing at Bozeat, Easton Maudit and Rushden towers
• 3.30 – 4.30: Ringing at Irchester
• 4.30 – 5.00: Service at Irchester conducted by Rev Debbie Smith-Wilds
• 5.00 – 6.00: Tea in the church
• 6.00 : AGM followed by more ringing at Irchester

Names for tea to Jenny Ball on secretary@wellingborough.pdg.org.uk please include any dietary requirements. 

All details are on the Guild’s website: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/agm-2026 The agenda and minutes of past meetings will be added ahead of time.  As the Guild report has not been issued yet, due to problems in production, the GMC report and accounts will also be added to this page, to ensure that the meeting can accept these at the AGM. 

This year sees a large number of posts vacant. There is currently no Youth Officer, Report Editor or PRO. The Master, Secretary Training officer and Newsletter Editor are standing down. There are role descriptions on the Guild website, but these are always open to discussion and alteration, depending on the preferences of the potential role holder. See here for the current holder and role. https://pdg.org.uk/homepage/officers Some roles lend themselves to being shared, and that is always a possibility. Have a chat with someone about it if you might be interested.

Nominations have to be made in writing to me ahead of the meeting, e-mail counts as in writing. Nominations cannot be taken at the meeting itself.  

Newsletter

The next edition of the Guild newsletter is now available. The physical copies were circulated at the Spring Meeting, so should be making their way to your tower. It is available electronically on the Guild website: https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202604.pdf

The next print deadline for the next edition is 24th August. Jonathan is standing down from the post of Newsletter editor, if this is something you think you can do 3 times a year, get in touch with him to find out more.

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

Dear Members

Please note that we have changed our bank account from Lloyds to The Co‑operative Bank. Lloyds informed us that our existing account would be closed, and that the only option for remaining with them would be to move to a business account, which would incur charges. As we do not generate enough income to justify paying bank fees, the committee reviewed alternative providers. The Co‑operative Bank was identified as the most suitable option, and this decision was formally approved at a committee meeting.

Please see below the new bank details:

The Co-operative Bank

Name on account: Peterborough Branch of Bellringers

Account no: 67509845-00

Sort code: 08 92 99

If you need any further information please contact one of the committee.

Best Regards
Debs

Hilary Hardie: chairman@peterborough.pdg.org.uk

Steve Brown: treasurer@peterborough.pdg.org.uk

Deborah Bray: secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk

Dear Bellringers

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of ringing and good company. This session is ideal for anyone who wants to build confidence or transition to Minor methods, whether you’re wanting to try plain courses, stretching into touches, or exploring new methods. We’ll work together at a steady pace, with plenty of guidance, opportunities to ask questions, and space to try things out without pressure.

Expect a relaxed atmosphere, constructive coaching, and a chance to strengthen skills alongside experienced ringers and others who are learning too.

Time: 2pm
Date: Saturday 9th May
Location: St John the Baptist Church, Barnack, Stamford, Main St, Stamford PE9 3DN.

If you could let me know if you are planning on coming it would be much appreciated.

Best Regards

Debs

secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk

The next Guild 10 bell practice is on Saturday 9^th May at Peterborough Cathedral between 10:30-12:30.

All ringers are welcome to attend and will be looked after where possible from rounds and call changes to surprise royal method ringing.

Special method for the morning will be  Ardessie Surprise Royal  ( Swindon with a different front work )

The cathedral has a policy of strict numbers in the tower, PLEASE would you let me know in advance if you are hoping to attend.

Please meet at 10:20 around the Cathedral shop area for access to the tower.

Best wishes

Jim

Jim Bence

07807 561277

Guild Ringing Master

Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

Apologies everyone, unfortunately we need to cancel this Sunday’s social as several key people are unavailable.

Apologies, we are cancelling this event tomorrow.

Join us this Friday the 13th for an evening of ringing on the lovely 8 bells at St Kyneburgha, Castor.
Whether you’re polishing methods, building confidence, or just fancy a good ring in good company, you’ll be very welcome.

🕰 Time: 19:30 to 21:00
📍 Location: St Kyneburgha, Castor
🎶 Focus: 8‑bell ringing (all levels encouraged)

Let’s fill the tower with sound and keep the superstition at bay with some excellent ringing. Hope to see you there!

Best Regards

Debs

Dear Members

Please find attached a poster, a set of the guild six bell striking competition rules and the note below from our Ringing Master Jim Bence.

Message:

The Spring festival six bell striking competition will be held in the Rutland branch on Saturday 11^th April starting from 3pm.

Braunstone will be hosting the method ringing competition whilst Brooke will be hosting the rounds and call changes competition.

Please would you familiarise yourself with the rules as these have been updated since the last competition.

If you are ringing in both competitions, please would you let me know asap so that I can arrange a suitable time slot.

If you have any issues you wish to discuss with me, please feel free to reach out.

I look forward to receiving a bumper list of towers for the competition which I must receive no later than Friday 3^rd April.

More details will follow from the Guild secretary in due cause.

Best wishes

Jim Bence

07807 561277

Guild Ringing Master

Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

Dear Members,

Please find attached a poster for the next guild 8/10bell dedicated practice.

I have decided to mix things up a little and introduce an 8-bell practice which will alternate with the 10-bell practice on the odd months of the year.

For those who don’t have the opportunity very often to ring on 8 bells, please come along and have a go. Ringing will range from rounds and call changes through to surprise major and may even include some simple surprise variations which can be learnt on the day.

If you would like to practice a specific method, please would you let me know in advance so I can make sure we have the support required.

Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Best wishes

Jim

Kind regards

Jim Bence

07807 561277

Guild Ringing Master

Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: www.pdg.org.uk

Hello everyone,

Just a quick reminder that our first branch event of the year — the Surprise Minor Social — is happening this Sunday, 15 February, at St Mary’s Church, Peterborough, from 14:00 to 15:30.

The 3 surprise methods are Cambridge, Primrose and Norwich.

You don’t need to be an expert to take part. If you’re interested in trying a surprise method, this is a great opportunity — there’ll be plenty of support, encouragement, and friendly guidance throughout.

We’d love to see as many of you there as possible. If you’re planning to come along, please drop me an email at secretary@peterborough.pdg.org.uk.

Best Regards

Debs