I know lockdown is making lots of things difficult, but I can’t help but think there is something to be said for able to attend two different branch AGMs on the same day, all from the comfort of your own home, cup of tea in hand. Technology still can’t fix it so that I could attend two different meetings at the same time, but I’m sure someone is working on that. So far all the branches that I’ve been able to attend have had a successful AGM, and I hope that those still to do so are equally as successful. 

And, being the beginning of the new year, I’m sure the Guild and branch treasurers would want me to remind you that subs are now due. Contact your branch treasurer for details of how to pay within your branch. 

Guild Updates

Just a reminder that the 2020 Guild Quiz remains available. Entries are due in by the end of the month, so there’s still time to enter. Available from your branch, or from Guild Secretary (secretary@pdg.org.uk). Quizzes are £1 each, and contain 100 questions to amuse, bemuse and confuse. 

Mental Health

January can be hard on people’s mental health. This year may be even worse with the added pressures of lockdown hanging over us. With that in mind, the diocese marked the 17^th January as Wellbeing Sunday. There are resources available to help take stock and maybe boost your mental health. That’s also where ringing can help, by staying in touch with fellow ringers and having something to focus the brain on. Try learning a new method or reading on some theory of ringing. There’s plenty of information out there if you wanted to explore a topic further. See the article in CrossKeys for more support. https://crosskeysmag.org.uk/?p=4410

Training Times

Test your knowledge of plain hunt with this quiz from ART. https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/191535699118495

Next comes dodging some tips on how to dodge in a non-dodgy way. https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/191537699118295

Local Knowledge

The Guild has had an enquiry from a lady trying to trace her Great Grandfather. He served in the Police force and was stationed across the county, including Kettering, Oundle, Paulerspury, Daventry and East Haddon, Northampton, Pottersbury and Naseby. He retired from the police in 1931.  In the newspaper cutting she has, he is described thus: “While at Naseby he was well known as a bellringer.” If anyone has any information that may be relevant, you can leave a reply on her blog, or contact me and we’ll get the information to her.  https://tonilouiseabram.wordpress.com/2021/01/15/albert-edward-william-clarke/

I’m always amazed at what delights are hidden in so many of our churches. This gem is in Stowe Nine Churches. https://www.facebook.com/nationalchurchestrust/posts/5664448826913908

Your next lockdown project?

Looking for something to keep you busy in the latest lockdown? This Lego based video could be the creative spark you’ve been looking for. https://youtu.be/6d-np6zYRqM

It’s a maths/art mashup, try creating a 4th order permutahedron and how funky can you make it look? See here for what one is and how to create it. https://youtu.be/iK5b_rww7mo

Central Council Updates

The President published his latest blog. https://cccbr.org.uk/2021/01/13/presidents-blog-25-2/  Along the same lines, I’ve finished the Christmas cheese mountain, but still  have sprouts left (much to Mr Secretary’s disgust). 

ART and the Central Council have published edition 2 of their Survival & Recovery newsletter. It is attached and also available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Survival-Recovery-Newsheet-Issue-2.pdf

Puzzle corner

There are a number of methods named after hills in this selection of treble bob minor methods. Can you navigate your way around them and scale the heights of success? https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/230517878553610

A number of ringers were asked to describe common ringing terms. What might they be trying to describe in this word cloud? https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/227011495570915

Can you fill in the blanks in the number sequences? The missing rows are indicated by stars. https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/226296245642440

I hope to see some more of you over the next few weeks at the remaining Guild AGMs. 

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

It was very good to see so many of you yesterday at our virtual AGM. I do hope it won’t be too much longer until we can actually meet in person. This current lockdown combined with rather terrible weather seems interminable to me and probably to many of you too.

If you would like to read the minutes of the meeting, or if you weren’t at the meeting but would like to know who is on the new committee, please do have a look in the downloads section of the branch website

petbells.org.uk/downloads

where you can find the minutes.

all best wishes

Sylvia

(retiring branch secretary)

Thank you to everyone who has enquired about payment of 2021 subs.

The ongoing covid restrictions are causing some difficulty in making arrangements for payment of subs. The new Treasurer is looking at ways to enable secure electronic payment.

Further information will be provided as soon as possible. Watch this space!

Angela (Retiring Treasurer)

Don’t forget the Branch AGM is tomorrow 16th January at 2pm. If you would like to attend please contact Hilary in order to receive your ZOOM log in invitation. You can contact her on

hilary.hardie@btinternet.com

All the AGM documents ( annual report, accounts, minutes of the last AGM) can now accessed in the downloads section of the Branch website.

petbells.org.uk/downloads

This year we have a shortened and simplified meeting and the short agenda is on my previous post. Items for AOB are welcome. Please send them to me at

sylviaupex@hotmail.com

Hoping to “see” you tomorrow.

Sylvia

The accounts for approval at the AGM can be seen in the downloads section of the website:

https://petbells.org.uk/downloads/

The accounts though somewhat light in content due to the lack of events taking place during this very difficult year, should be self explanatory, however I will answer any questions at the AGM.

I very much hope that things will improve sufficiently in 2021 to allow ringing to resume, and that members will be able to get together again.

Best wishes to you all.

Angela Whiteway

Treasurer

Just a reminder that the AGM will be held on Saturday January 16th at 2pm

If you would like to attend the AGM please contact Hilary to receive your Zoom invitation and log in. You can contact her on

hilary.hardie@btinternet.com

Please note that there is an AOB section on the agenda but if you know you are going to raise a subject in this part of the meeting it would be really helpful if you let us know first so we can allow time for this. Please send your AOB subject/question to me

sylviaupex@hotmail.com

prior to the meeting.

Many thanks

Sylvia

Peterborough Branch of the Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

Agenda for AGM to be held January 16^th 2021 at 2pm via ZOOM

1. Welcome from the Chairman

• Annual report from the ringing master

• Approval of accounts for 2020

• Election of new members

• Discussion and planning of events for 2021

• Election of Branch officers:

               Chairman

               Ringing master

               Events organiser

               Secretary

               Treasurer

                Steward

                Press correspondent

                Guild management committee representative

                Committee members ( up to 3)

                100 club organiser

                Examiner of accounts

• Any other business

Firstly, let me wish you a happy new year and hope that 2021 is an improvement on 2020. I’m not sure it could be worse, but that strikes me as tempting fate, so I won’t be saying that, clearly! Hopefully we’ll be able to keep in touch and keep our spirits up through the darker months of the year. 

Guild Updates

We’re aware that there are Ringing Room sessions going on in towers and some branches, as well as across the wider ringing community. If there is anyone who would like to move on to surprise minor or major methods (for example) or to try quarters, the Guild can work to put like-minded people in touch and arrange sessions. If you’re looking to move on and need some support to do so, get in touch with the Master or Secretary to express your interest. E-mail sjdixon07@btinternet.com or secretary@pdg.org.uk

The PDG 12 days of Christmas

Over the holiday’s the Guild Secretary has been rather generous and sent everyone a full 12 days of ringing related presents. Enjoy!

. On the First day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … A Ringing World bumper copy. 

This year’s Christmas edition of The Ringing World is a three week bumper sized copy, featuring a number of seasonal puzzles. If you’re a Guild member, or follow the Guild’s Facebook page you can send in your completed nonogram. Right answers received by the end of January will go into the hat for a prize. 

Available online you can buy one issue : https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/issues.php

Or you can subscribe here: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/subscribe

·         On the Second day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Two ringing Robots

https://youtu.be/7XbW8z3lqW8  And a pair of Firman helpers to keep Rosie & Richie on the straight & narrow. 

·         On the Third day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Three bells on Bob’s Tail ring.

https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/211509463787785 OK, someone may have got their carols crossed at this point.

·         On the Fourth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Four running ringers. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1690816540928646 or https://www.classicfm.com/composers/handel/music/handbell-hallelujah-chorus/

The Halleleujah chorus for 4 handbell ringers – it is worth a watch. And a nice sit down after all that exertion!

·         On the Fifth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Five old bells.

I am saying nothing whatsoever about the age of the ringers. 

·         On the Sixth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… …Six-ty on thirds

Rung at Plympton St Maurice, Plymouth, Devon

·         On the Seventh day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Seven mini sallies 

Avon Ropes make ropes of all sizes, from full size tower bells to mini rings. They also make light pulls that make excellent talking points in the guests’ bathroom. https://www.facebook.com/AvonRopes/posts/4632811623426634

https://www.avonropes.co.uk/

·         On the Eighth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Eight standard methods

In this case a touch of spliced surprise major.

·         On the Ninth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Nine Tailors tolling

It’s the quintessential ringing novel. And available on YouTube in 4 episodes. Episode 1: https://youtu.be/_rMnsy8fp5I

·         On the Tenth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Ten different branches

·         On the Eleventh day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Eleven colours twining

An especially composed touch of Stedman Cinques used as a pattern for a baby blanket square. https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/211565580448840

·         On the Twelfth day of Christmas, my Guild Secretary gave to me… … Twelve bells a-ringing

The glorious bells of Towcester being given a thorough workout by the Birmingham band.

Central Council Updates

The Central Council issued an update on its reform consultation. Changes will be afoot, it remains to be seen  what changes there will be and what impact they will have on ringing and its organisation.  https://cccbr.org.uk/about/reforms/

The Christmas Eve edition of PM featured experiences during Covid of two ringers. It can be played through this link:  https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/12/24/covid-chronicles-on-bbc-radio-4s-pm-programme/

The YouTube contest to promote and find good ringing on the platform reached a conclusion. The winners of the people’s vote was announced and can be found here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/12/21/youtube-competition-overall-winner/

President’s Christmas blog was published just prior to Christmas. https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/12/18/presidents-yule-blog/

And an article on ringing appeared in “People’s Friend”. https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/12/29/it-becomes-this-amazing-team-effort/

Thanks

Helen

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Dear Peterborough Branch members

This year we have to hold the AGM via Zoom since we are unable to meet in person. The AGM will be held on January 16 th at 2 pm and is kindly being hosted for us by Nassington tower who hold a Zoom account.

If you would like to attend the AGM please register with Hilary who will then send you a link to the meeting. You can contact her on

hilary.hardie@btinternet.com

We will keep the meeting brief this year but wish to include a discussion of possible future events and the return to ringing as possibly some “refresher” sessions may be needed.

I will post the agenda, the accounts and the annual report prior to the meeting in

petbells.org.uk/downloads

I will be standing down from the secretary role and Angela from the treasurer role so we are hoping for people to step up and join the committee.

So I am signing off now from my final message to you as secretary. It’s been a challenging year for us all but thank you to all the lovely people who have kept in touch and my best wishes to everyone for a very much happier time in 2021.

Sylvia

So Christmas is nearly here, but it’s going to be somewhat different from usual and what we had hoped.

Ringing for Christmas
Unfortunately we are not necessarily going to be able to ring as much as we may have hoped over the holidays. Saturday’s announcement of Tier 4 and the reduced relaxation for Christmas in other Tiers will necessarily have an impact.

·         No ringing at all in Tier 4, even if there were services.

·         In areas that are still in Tier 2, ringing will remain permitted as per Tier 1, but only on Christmas day.
This is also as communicated to clergy in the Bishop’s latest bulletin. Not yet available online, will be posted here:  https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/bishop-of-peterborough/bishops-bulletin
Like many, this may be my first Christmas not ringing in a very long time.

And to the more fun stuff to keep you entertained over the break.

Christmas themed puzzles
Festive Song Twister. Something a little bit seasonal to get the brain warm under your Santa hat. The numbers are the number of letters in words of the title or first lines of Christmas carols or other seasonal songs.
Get humming… https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/212038043734927
The Christmas Karaoke machine seems to be broken, it is only showing the first letters of the words. Can you work out the carol or seasonal song, all featuring bells, that it is trying to play?  https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR/posts/212041203734611

Carols
Have you tried ringing carols on handbells? If not in person (it’s turning cold out there!) you can use Ringing Room.
To get you started, 4 carols that all use up to 10 bells.
https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/211501240455274

Puzzle time
A selection of ringers were asked to provide the first words that came to mind when presented with some ringing terms. What ringing related item are they thinking of from this cloud of words? https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/211418037130261
Seeing everyone else has broken into the chocolate advent calendar, we have a chocolate topped letter M to introduce this week’s wordsearch. All mmmm methods, which takes your fancy? https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/208818590723539
Another set of answer smash questions. The two answers overlap, letters at the end of the first answer are the start of the second. What’s the smashed answer to each pair of clues? https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/194353488836716
Some times we all need a little love. This puzzle features those towers that might be a little less loved. They’re all towers with 3 or 4 bells or greater numbers but unringable. Show you care and get them to fit in the grid.  https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/204047091200689

With bells on
There are any number of songs and carols featuring bells in the title or text. A short selection here.
Seeing half the world seems to have their Christmas lights up, I thought we’d follow suit, starting with the Carol of the Bells. Sung by St George’s Chapel Choir https://youtu.be/FydDhuAYcOI
Another ringing related Christmas Carol, this time it’s Ding Dong Merrily on High by Ensemble Corund. Don’t forget to take a deep breath for the Glooooooooorias! https://youtu.be/Dzc2TUNPA4I
A Christmassy song this time, it’s Jingle bells – although you’ve probably not seen it done quite like this before. Courtesy of Hey Duggee. Ah-Woof! https://youtu.be/TCQ-IV6l3ns

Training
Leading can be a tricky skill to perfect, this article may help. http://www.cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/…/200303.pdf
What is ropesight? https://youtu.be/4Rd8ZgNp1Tw

Preparation activity
With the news that we could ring over Christmas, and at closer spacing than previously, now might be the time to write or update your Covid risk assessment. Helen Allton was invited to give some advice on how to go about this task to the Truro Guild, and the talk is available here: https://youtu.be/B7hQKe_xyjg
Link to the completed sample is here: https://btckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/…/R2R%20sample%20…<https://btckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site8108/R2R%20sample%20assessment%20Dec%202020.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2urgbsTdq-9vdWa7exv7FWc20SE5RobTkc7uiJUbVvm3ev0q3nrq9ud0Y>
https://www.facebook.com/pdgcbr/posts/214653080140090

And with that I will wish you all as Merry a Christmas as you can manage and to hope that 2021 is better in many ways.

Thanks
Helen

Helen Allton
Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR
Website: http://www.pdg.btck.co.uk/
e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk<mailto:secretary@pdg.org.uk>
telephone: 01832 735266
[PDG badge small]

Just to confirm, the change of Tiers locally does not impact on the already agreed concession to allow ringing over Christmas. 

The following can be found on the CC website, update for 16^th Dec. https://cccbr.org.uk/coronavirus/

Christmas guidance for England is unchanged from the announcement made on 8^th December.

The current guidance for ringing in Tier 1 will be adopted for towers in all three Tiers just for the five-day Christmas period – 23^rdto 27^th. That is to ring up to six bells, with 1m+ separation and using facemasks. The recommendation is to ring for 15 minutes but to assess your tower’s characteristics. Ventilation is key to reducing the risk of aerosol transmission. Note that bellringing guidance no longer has 72 or even a 48 hour recommended gap between sessions, but to maintain good ventilation and hand hygiene.

Review the Guidance Notes on this page to assess the risk of your own ringing chamber and for members of your band to assess their own personal risk. No doubt many ringers (especially those at special risk personally or in their family) will decide not to ring, just as many towers will lack sufficient ventilation to sufficiently mitigate risk even for this one-off occasion.

The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer are urging us to exercise caution and to “keep Christmas celebrations small, short and local to reduce these risks.” We can do that in our ringing of bells to celebrate Christmas – small, short and local.

Helen Allton

Secretary: Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDGCBR

Website: http://www.pdg.btck.co.uk/

e-mail: secretary@pdg.org.uk

telephone: 01832 735266