More Progress for the Weston Team 26.01.2023

Very big congratulations to Gerald Bushby, who achieved his first Quarter Peal on the treble and third overall, on Thursday evening at Weston, supported by a strong band of Bicester and Oxford Branch ringers.

This also marks Gerald’s completion of the requirements for ART Learning the Ropes Level 3, which is a great achievement for himself and the Weston team in only a few years, with COVID lockdown as well.

Many thanks to Mandy for providing refreshments in the church afterwards.

The Bellboard entry is at: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1590559

Well attended Branch Practice at Islip 24.01.2023

An incredible eighteen ringers came to tonight’s Branch Practice at Islip, where we were joined by Guild Master Katie Lane and a strong showing from Bicester, including first visits by Diane, Pinda and Aimee. We also welcomed Celia, Anne and Graham.

As we had quite a few needing to acclimatise to different bells and surroundings we rang a fair number of rounds and call changes. It was great to see Pinda and then Aimee become familiar with their bell.

We rang a number of plain courses of Grandsire Doubles, called by Kathryn and Teresa for Sue on four and Diane on Treble and James also in the team. We also got in two touches of Plain Bob Doubles for Judith to practice being affected, the second touch achieved without a stander, so great progress. A plain course of Bob Minor was squeezed in before several of our ringers needed to head off home on the icy roads.

Celia led our lower on six, which had a nice chimed finish. A good practice, with quite a few ringers getting their prime ring in. Next Branch Practice is at Ambrosden on the 8th February, so I hope we get a good turnout there

More progress at Winter Ringing School 21.01.2023

Another successful session at yesterday’s Winter ringing School at Kirtlington, where David from Witney graduated having covered all required skills.

Here is Emma presenting David with his certificate. Congratulations David!

Afterwards Kirtlington held a tower open morning with plenty of helpers, a big thank you to Judith, Christine, Ruth, Dana, Vikki, Jonathan and Janice from Wolvercote.

We had four visitors plus two youngsters who watched some ringing and then had a go on backstroke and then chiming. We are hopeful that at least three will continue to learn the amazing craft of Bellringing!

If you would like to find out more about Ringing School, email training-officer@bicester.odg.org.uk

Branch Practice at Weston on the Green 12th January

Eight ringers from five towers came to tonight’s branch practice at Weston on the Green. We were joined by Diane, Anne and Jeremy, branch ringing master, with the Weston Four hosting proceedings.

After ringing up we rang a number of courses of Plain Hunt on Five, followed by some Grandsire Doubles, with Mandy on 3 and Nick tenoring. Next some Grandsire Doubles and plain hunt for Nick to treble to.

We managed a couple of passable plain courses of Plain Bob Doubles, with Gerald inside, Mandy on treble and Andrew tenoring, which must mark a first for some time that Weston ringers have made up at least half a band for Bob Doubles in their own tower!

Next we got Nick trebling to Churchyard Bob, with its helpful coursing order (2-3-4-5), which Nick was getting the hang of, with Diane joining in on the two.

By popular demand we rang Switcheroo, a Weston favourite and we upped the ante by switching automatically between rounds and backwards rounds every handstroke.

Finally after a photo opportunity we rang a set of call changes, moving Nick from 5th to lead position, taking in Queens and Kings, before we lowered in peal.

A good practice, with several getting a prime ring. The next branch practice is on the 24th January at Islip.

Branch ringers at Weston

Young Ringers come to Bicester Branch

On Sunday 8th January Kirtlington hosted the Young Ringers’ practice of 2023, attended by 11 young ringers, including Marcus from Islip.

Susan Read, who with husband Brian, organises these very useful sessions, said:

“Eleven young ringers gathered at Kirtlington for a ringing practice organised by the Old North Berks Branch on Sunday 8th January 2023. Some came quite a long way for the practice, coming from six branches, including Banbury, Vale of White Horse and Reading. Ringing included the much enjoyed game of setting after a number of whole pulls determined by the throw of a dice, forward and backward rounds as well as plain bob doubles and triples. Refreshments included mince pies, chocolate cake and peanut butter cookies!”

The Young ringers at Kirtlington

Winter Ringing School’s latest Graduate

On Saturday 7th January, Winter Ringing School sessions started again for the New Year. At Kirtlington we celebrated another graduate, Rachel Mackenzie.

Rachel reflected :
Winter Ringing School has been a great boost to my skill and confidence. It has been great to visit new towers, try new bells and get the benefit of excellent 1:1 tuition in a really friendly and supportive atmosphere – I would definitely recommend it to all new ringers. Thank you to all who have generously donated their time to help develop our skills.

Congratulations, Rachel! Very best wishes for your future ringing career!

Rachel receiving her certificate from Steve Vickars, Training Officer, Bicester Branch of Bellringers