On Friday 3rd Feb, 8 intrepid ringers (from 4 towers) braved temperatures of -2C (-5C when we went home) to ring the heaviest bells in the branch at Ambrosden. We decided to stick to the back 6 (which would keep us warm!) and rang touches of Plain Bob Doubles, plain courses of Grandsire, a touch of Plain Bob Minor and a touch of Rev. Canterbury Doubles. Due to the temperatures the ropes were very slippery (or maybe our hands were too shiny/dry), and blood was shed on the tenor rope (that’s the second time that has happened on there to my knowledge.. at least it wasn’t me this time!), but it was a useful practice and Ali is making good progress with Grandsire.
The vicar was looking forward to hearing the bells again (as Ambrosden only have one practising ringer now – sadly unable to be with us), but the sound of the bells did tempt a former ringer to pop in to say hello, but we couldn’t tempt Martin to ring – maybe next time!
Of course, any visit to Ambrosden is not complete without a trip to the Turners Arms which had a lovely fire to warm us up.
The next practice is a special practice at Islip on Tues 21st, just before the branch AGM – hopefully see some of you at one or both of those events soon.