Following last years failed attempt to hold a branch practice (only 3 ringers turned up) we were apprehensive about the turnout for this years attempt.
I started off playing the organ and Jeremy went outside to mow the churchyard grass, but no sooner than he had gone out 2 more ringers arrived. Having seen me on the organ they came to show me how to do it properly (!). One more ringer arrived then so we had to stop playing the organ and ring.
After an eventful ‘up’ we had several goes at Plain Hunt, making sure everyone moved to a different bell for each attempt – always a good idea so you don’t get used to just one bell. We then rang some call changes and more plain hunt before calling it a night. Stratton Audley only has 3 resident ringers so I wonder how many in the pub next door noticed two extra bells were ringing? The bells are not the easiest – you do have to pull them as they are on plain bearings (except the 4th), but you need some towers with more interesting handling to perfect your ringing technique. Anyway, nice to hear them all going.
Next practice is a Grandsire Doubles practice for Bletchingdon on 18th. Looks like I have to work, but will see if I can make it there before the end.