In the second of our Bicester branch World Tour (or at least one of our members!) I have received the following report from Ian about his experiences in the Big Apple!!
I contacted the Trinity ringers via email, to ask if I could come along and ring with them whilst I’m working in New York at JFK. I had a lovely reply welcoming me to NY and to come along to ring. Trinity church, from the outside, looks like a quaint little church, but once inside you realise that it’s only it’s setting amongst all the skyscrapers in the financial district of Manhatton that give it the appearance of being small. There are 12 bells and the ringing chamber is bigger than Bicester! The bells were all hung in 2006 and go really well. I rang the 24cwt tenor and it goes so much better than the (slightly) lighter tenor in Buckingham and no box to stand on! Practice is on a Wednesday night from 6.30 to 9 pm, ringers travel from all round NY and this gives them time to travel in to the city.
We started off ringing Grandsire and Plain Bob doubles then a touch of PB minor, before hunting on 9 and even rounds and calls on 12 – a first for me! I was then treated to some excellent ringing, including Superlative major and spliced Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Superlative. I went back to ring on Sunday before the service, to find there was a quarter attempt, they attempt quarters every Sunday prior to ringing before the service – something we could try in Bicester branch?? Going back tomorrow, Wednesday evening practice and I’ve been given homework to learn the bobs to grandsire, which I haven’t done yet!! Hannah is due to visit next week and I’ll take her along so she can ring on 12 too. Will let you know how we get on!!
If I’m honest, a Quarter Peal every Sunday isn’t likely, but we do need to perhaps try a few more each year 😀