“Wow” is the first word that comes to mind to describe the special practice at Bletchingdon on Wednesday 25th March. Ringers usually arrive at our practices in a slow trickle, but at exactly 1930 we already had 8 ringers in the tower and within minutes 22 ringers had arrived representing 6 branch towers and (such is the draw of the Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles practice, or maybe the Bletchingdon bells – I am not sure which) representatives from 2 Witney & Woodstock branch towers and an Oxford City tower too! It was also lovely to see a ringer who has just moved to the Bicester branch area – great to see you Demelza 🙂
After a (poor sadly) ring up we started with Plain Bob Doubles followed by Grandsire Doubles (plain courses of both). We then gave the newer recruits some call changes practice. We concentrated on plain courses of Grandsire Doubles for a while before more call changes, and Plain Bob Doubles. As the evening moved on we moved to trying touches for a couple of the progressing ringers with mixed success.
Before the evening finished the newly elected member of the guild, Samuel was presented with his membership certificate by the branch president to a round of applause. I look forward to presenting the other newly elected members their certificates later today at our weekly practice – to slightly less an audience I suspect!
Having so many ringers at a practice is a challenge for the ringing master to ensure everyone gets a fair amount of ringing, but is also a great benefit to those there to learn thanks to the willing helpers who can give tips and guidance to those who are learning; helpers do not need to be experienced peal ringers (though we did have a few of those present) – ringers capable of ringing a touch of Plain Bob Doubles are able guides for those learning to ring plain courses so nearly everyone can help. We had a good mix of capabilities on Wednesday and a good number of ringers stood behind those learning – ringing is a team effort after all so my thanks to all who helped and encouraged.
Next week is Holy Week, and therefore a week off for ringers countrywide. However, as April approaches we have a busy month’s ringing ahead with the Branch Practice at Ambrosden on Fri 10th April, the Branch Outing on Sat 18th April and (for Caversfield ringers and those who would like to join us) a trip to Mark Walker’s mini ring on Fri 24th April. Looking forward to it!
Anthony Cole