This Friday 1st April is the branch 8 bell practice at Castor 1930h.

The special method will be Bristol. If you ring Cambridge or Yorkshire but you haven’t previously rung Bristol, you could decide to learn just 5th or 6th placed bell to reduce your homework.

If you ring Bob minor but don’t have 8 bell experience then the practice will be an opportunity to ring Bob major with support around you.

I look forward to seeing you there,

James

Dear Ringers,

Here is Helen’s latest update. Again there are dates for your diary and updates about on-going projects. So, have a read.

Best wishes,

Julie

To Branch Chairs, Secretaries & Treasurers, please forward to members.

I’ve been to a number of Guild and branch events in the last few weeks. In each case I have been impressed by a couple of things. Firstly, the enthusiasm of those who attended. In each case there was a good turn out, it seems that our members want to get out and to ring, which is really heartening. The second thing was the meetings that had cake; In two weeks I had a cupcake and millionaires shortbread, respectively. I’m not sure that cake does much for my ringing or, indeed, my waistline, but it has been rather yummy!

Guild news:
Some advance notice, the 23^rd April sees the Guild Spring Meeting, in the Kettering branch. Ringing at Stoke Albany (14:00) then the contest and ringing at Wilbarston (15:00). This will be followed by a brief business meeting before evening ringing at Brampton Ash. Names for tea to Jane Marsh by e-mail chairman@kettering.pdg.org.uk or by phone/text on 07708 376 524

Teams for the 6-bell striking contest should e-mail Simon Dixon, master@pdg.org.uk, to enter their team. Just to remind you that teams can be from a tower, benefice or group of towers that ring together.  You can ring call changes, doubles or minor; the piece should be at least 120 changes long. Additional details will be provided in the next update. It’ll be great to see you there.

CCCBR updates:
The School & Youth groups workgroup has issued an update. https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/03/18/schools-youth-groups-workgroup-update/

The President’s latest blog ends on a cliff hanger – what exactly did Charlie wear to school??? https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/03/16/presidents-blog-55/

Entries are invited for the 2022 Westley Award for Church Belfry Maintenance and Improvement, you can find out more here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/03/11/2022-westley-award-for-church-belfry-maintenance-and-improvement/

Dates for your Diary
You can check for details on the Guild’s events page for more details. https://pdg.org.uk/events

Towcester: 26^th March, 10:30 – 12:00 Potterspury. Special methods All Saints Doubles and Kent Treble Bob Minor.  

Peterborough: 1^st April 19:30 8 bell practice at Castor

Guilsborough: 2^nd April, 15:30 Scaldwell, with service, tea & meeting then from 18:30 Walgrave

Guild 10 bell: 12^th May, 10:30 – 12:30 location tbc. If you want to receive updates on this subject directly, please let the Guild Secretary know.  

Other ringing events
Saturday 26th sees the 3 eliminators for the National Twelve-Bell Striking Contest. One is being held at Bury St Edmunds and Towcester will be taking part. Draw is at 11, contest ringing from 11:30. Bury St Edmunds is a lovely place to while away some time, while listening to some of the best striking you’ll hear.

Seeing the weather forecast is currently sunny, it could be a good day out (no promises). See the links below for more information.

http://www.12bell.org.uk/

http://www.12bell.org.uk/…/uploads/2022/02/2022-Bury.pdf

The annual ART conference will take place on Saturday 7 May at Erdington Academy, Birmingham. ART are working with the CCCBR again, and the second day of the conference weekend will be hosted by the Tower Stewardship and Management Workgroup of the CCCBR. There is no need to be an ART learner or tutor to attend. For more details, and to register, see this link. https://ringingteachers.org/news/ART-Conference

With the Spring equinox now past, the long drag from winter is beyond us. Summer may seem a while away yet – it might be sunny but that doesn’t mean it’s warm – I’m not about to shed my jumper quite yet!! But there’s that promise of warmth and sunshine and that only makes things feel better. Hopefully it might entice you out and about.

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

Please could you let me know if you are interested in attending a striking workshop at Cotterstock on Wednesday 6th April at 7pm.

As previously, the idea will be to ring something well within your comfort zone with an experienced band, in order to focus on striking.

The intention is that everybody goes home with one or two things to think about and work on at their usual practice.

Let me know,

James

Dear Ringers,

Herewith Helen’s latest update.

Congratulations to the 3 winners of the 100 Club. Check out the website to see if you are a winner.

There are dates for your ringing diary, documents to read and a final thought on the possibility of towers following the the example set by Yardley Hastings St Andrews. Read on.

Best wishes,

Julie

Helen’s text starts:

To branch chairs, secretaries & treasurers. Please circulate to members. 

The start of March is the herald of Spring – and the Guild Management Committee meeting. It was a productive meeting, and we thank all those who put in the time to attend and discuss the issues and opportunities that the Guild faces going forwards. As to spring, the daffs are certainly out. How about trying to catch them in a photograph for the Spring months of the upcoming Guild calendar. You can send photos at any time, but they must be received before the beginning of September for the competition. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/anniversary-photo-competition

Guild News
Towcester Branch recently ran a focussed practice as a branch event, followed by a sociable lunch. It seems to have worked rather well. Read more about it here: https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/something-for-everyone

And the March 100 club draw was made. When will you be so lucky? You’ll need to join first. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/march-2022-100-club-draw

Dates for your Diary
You can check for details on the Guild’s events page for more details. https://pdg.org.uk/events

Guild 10 bell: 12^th March, 10:30 – 12:30 at Towcester. 
Kettering: 12^th March, 14:00 at Brampton Ash, with tea at the conclusion of ringing, then on to Dingley from 15:00 to 16:00. 
Daventry: 12^th March 15:00 at Great Brington. 
Culworth: 19^th March 15:00 at Culworth
Wellingborough: 19^th March. Surprise practice at Ecton 10:30 to 12:30. 
Wellingborough: 19^th March Branch Practice at Finedon at 19:00 until 21:00

Central Council news
The President’s latest Blog can be found here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/03/01/presidents-blog-54/

The Stewardship & Management Workgroup published an update. If you can’t really work out what they do from their title (it’s not terribly clear, is it?), hopefully this will help a little.  https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/02/25/workgroup-update-stewardship-management-workgroup/

And a final thought. Yardley Hastings St Andrew is ringing a peace bell every evening. They will ring 30 times representing the number of years Ukraine has been independent. This will be totally inclusive as they intend to invite villagers to chime. They will use a mix of bells and will continue for as long as the war goes on or are unable to sustain the ringing. Bells have been an audible signal of events both local and worldwide, with ringing as a signal of triumph and tragedy. It is suggested that you consult your incumbent to confirm if they think ringing for a political purpose is appropriate. 

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

Welcome to March! Our first Friday practice will be at Castor as usual this Fridayv at 1930hrs

As previously this practice will suit those that can methods on six but would like an opportunity on eight bells.

For my experienced support, and those that are learning surprise major methods, please would you come along having looked at Superlative SM. As usual Stedman will also probably feature.

See you there,

James

We will leave a donation at each tower so £3 each should cover this, please give it on the day.

Booked – non-ringing family members and friends are welcome to join us for tea at The Willow Cafe, Central Park, Peterborough – with its function room to ourselves!! – with weekend ‘free’ parking in Park Crescent (far side of the park) PE1 4DX and then walk into the park itself aiming for the centre (green grass ’roundabout’ with Weeping Willow tree) where The Willow Cafe is located.

Dear Ringers,

Here is Helen’s latest update. There are plenty of dates for your diary.

So, settle down with your cup of tea or coffee and have a good read, as yet again, it is not a good day to be outside!

Best wishes,

Julie

Helen’s text:

To branch chairs, secretaries & treasurers. Please circulate to members.

Hopefully, you, your house and your towers all survived the attentions of the storms Dudley and Eunice, and that Franklin, who is due on Sunday & Monday, does no more damage. The tower in Wells that lost the top of its spire didn’t come off best. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-somerset-60434329 Fingers crossed nothing like that happens.  

Accession ringing:
Thank you to every one of the 68 towers and over 240 ringers that took part in marking this. Certificates for towers are available, contact the Cathy Dixon, the Guild PRO to express your interest. pro@pdg.org.uk. The Jubilee weekend in June is just around the corner, get planning and let’s see if we, collectively, can celebrate that milestone in style.  

Guild News:
The entries for the Guild quiz were marked and the completely correct answers put into the hat for a draw. The winners and answers are available on the Guild website. https://pdg.org.uk/latest-news/guild-quiz-winners. Well done to the winners and all those who took part. Thank you to those who sold quizzes or forced them on friends and family.

The latest 100 club draw took place in February, with winners listed on the website. https://pdg.org.uk/?view=article&id=122:february-2022-100-club-draw&catid=2

The Guild Management Committee meeting takes place on 5^th March. Any views or items for discussion can be submitted through your branch chairs or the GMC representatives in your branch.

Dates for your diary:
This will be a regular item, featuring Guild events and branch happenings that are coming up in the next few weeks. You can check for details on the Guild’s events page for more details. https://pdg.org.uk/events

Guild 10 bell: Saturday 12^th March at 10:30 to 12:30 at Towcester. A chance to try ringing on higher numbers for those confident in ringing on 8 and to test out those method muscles for those with some familiarity on 10. Method range can extend up to Bristol and London Surprise Royal (on a good day, with enough people).

Towcester: Saturday 29^th February at 10:00 am. Meet at Pattishall for parallel practices at Pattishall and other towers.  

Rutland: Thursday 3^rd March at 19:30 at Oakham. Major and Triples practice.

Peterborough: Friday 4^th March at 19:30 at Castor. Branch 8-bell practice

Guilsborough: Saturday 5^th March at 15:30 at Cold Ashby, then from 18:30 at Kelmarsh.

Central Council news
Details of the annual Central Council meeting, to be held in person for the first time in 2 years, are being issued. Part of the weekend is open to all ringers. https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/02/07/2022-annual-meeting/

The President’s latest blog is available. https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/02/16/presidents-blog-53/

Heritage Open days can be a way of spreading the word about ringing and generating some positive engagement with the community – and you may find a recruit or two. Registration is open from 1^st March for the annual event in September. The Guild can help with publicity materials if you have a plan to try and open your tower.  https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/02/12/heritage-open-days-will-be-back-between-9-18-september-2022/

Hope you stay safe and warm. If the rhyme has February bringing the rain, while March brings breezes to stir the dancing daffodils, let’s hope that March doesn’t end up any more breezy than it has been of late. That would do more than simply stir the daffodils!

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 Ringers,

Here is Helen’s latest update.

Of particular interest is the paragraph on the Old Black Lion and St Peter’s. I have highlighted the parts of that paragraph where Helen would like your input in advance of the General Management Committee next month. The GMC takes place at 10am on Saturday 5 March at Bouverie Court.

There is also a general reminder that annual subs are now due. I understand from Andrew Christie, our Treasurer, that he has received two thirds of the 2022 subs already. So if you have yet to pay, this is a gentle reminder.

Best wishes,

Julie

Helen’s text:

To branch chairs, secretaries & treasurers. Please circulate to members.

It’s been good to see branches meeting and getting on with the business of planning the events for the year after a prolonged period of uncertainty. Should you want to see what is happening, check out the Guild’s events page for details of branch events. https://pdg.org.uk/events

Anniversary of the Accession

Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. If you were able to ring, please put it on Bellboard, linked to the event “70th Anniversary of HM the Queen’s Accession”,  or let me know. I aim to collect tower names and write to the palace by the end of the week.

If you rang for the accession, or the coronation, we’d like to hear from you, what did you do, what do you remember? Get in touch and we’ll happily talk to you about your memories.

Old Black Lion & St Peter’s

As you should be aware, there is a project in Northampton, taking in St Peter’s church and the Old Black Lion pub. The church is run by the Churches Conservation Trust, and they have leased the Old Black Lion pub, a former coaching inn, to run as a commercial venture to support the church financially. They have been working with the CCCBR to put in place a training facility in an old stable block of the pub. This will comprise an 8-bell simulator for training, which would compliment the 8 bells in St Peter’s church. As this is on our patch, we ought to plan to make use of it. What sort of training activity would you want to see, what would be valuable to ringers in the local area? This will be a topic at the Guild Management Committee next month, so please get your thoughts and ideas to the branch Chair, your GMC rep or to me. Your opinion really matters here.

Guild 10 bell practice

A date for your diary, the next 10 bell practice will be 12^th March at Towcester. It’s a chance to try ringing on 10 and to stretch those ringing brain cells a bit.

And I know that the Guild and branch treasurers would like me to remind you that your annual subs are now due. Get in touch with your branch treasurer for how to pay.

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

Our Branch funds have accumulated over £1000 and we are looking to disburse that money in the form of small grants to local towers. If you need to buy a new rope, stay, slider etc then you can apply for a small grant from the Branch funds to help towards the cost. There is an application process (a form to complete) and grants are capped at £100 per application. This grant is, for the time being, only available during 2022, and applications cannot be backdated to cover purchases made before Jan 1st 2022. Any enquiries as to what is covered, and for application forms, please contact me as Branch Steward at the following email address… nick.elks@gmail.com

Do remember this Friday is the monthly branch practice, 1930hr at Castor.

The special methods will be Double Norwich and London…. back by popular request!!

If you cannot manage these yet, don’t worry there will be opportunities to ring Plain Bob8/Little Bob8.

See you there,

James