Branch Special Practice and Christmas Social at Kirtlington 17th December
A very impressive nineteen ringers plus a very young future ringer – Rowan – turned out for Monday’s last Branch Practice and Christmas Social at Kirtlington last night, followed by our Christmas social, superbly hosted by Caroline , ably assisted by Louise who made a very welcome return.
The ringers came from eight different towers, including Andy and Gerald from Weston, Will and Abbie (with Rowan) from Ambrosden, Richard, Jan, Kathryn , Sue , Rosemarie and Brenda , plus our regular Kirtlington and Bletchingdon ringers.
We rang a number of sets of call changes, including a set with Charlie leading, plus a go at “putting out the fire” at Brenda’s request. For the more experienced ringers we rang a touch of Plain Bob Minor, Will trebling.
As seasonal light relief we tried “Jingle Bells” on the front five, which was “interesting”.
For Sue we rang Plain Hunt on 5 and at Andy and Gerald’s request we rang reducing rounds and then a couple of goes of Churchyard Bob as introduction to Plain Hunt on 5.
Back at Caroline’s we enjoyed a fine selection of party food from the village shop, mulled wine and other beverages, then by popular demand, a medley of popular Christmas Carols on the hand bells, some parts being recognisable.
Video footage taken by Brenda and Judith reliving the experiences and distinctive hand bell ringing is on the Facebook group post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/492630490929740/?multi_permalinks=984724781720306¬if_id=1545130403269643¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic.
That concludes ringing at Kirtlington for 2018, but there is practice at Bletchingdon on 19th December, and ringing for Bletchingdon carol service on 23rd. Islip will be ringing in the New Year on 31st January (contact Kathryn for details) and I intend to get a band for ringing at Kirtlington on 1st January 12 pm. The next Branch Practice will be at 7.30pm on 8th January at Bicester. Hope to see lots of you there!
Thank you for your support and great progress by so many this year. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, ringing New Year!