Category: Branch Practice

Disaster!

I lost the copious notes I made at the Islip Branch Practice on 27 January, so am relying on memory to produce these highlights….

Sixteen members from six towers came to enjoy a rainy evening, outside the tower, but within, a welcoming practice led by our joint Ringing Master, Richard. I forgot to check whether Steve Walker, who usually cycles, had left his bike behind on such a stormy night but, judging by the Mini in the flooded road in Islip, perhaps he would have been better off on two wheels anyway. The home team was well represented but top marks go to Weston-on-the-Green as 60% of their band braved the A34.

We rang, or attempted to ring, a variety from call changes to Bob Triples (including a touch), plain hunt on 8 and Little Bob. All very enjoyable – as were the sweets which were energetically circulated – and a subsequent drink at the in-house local. Next month it’s Stratton Audley on Wednesday 25 February – congratulatory stickers for everyone who comes…..

Kathryn Grant

Fifteen ringers (four of whom were under eighteen) arrived at Ludgershall for the Branch Practice on 24th October. We rang rounds, call changes, Grandsire Doubles and Bob Doubles, with touches of the latter two, just to make things a little more interesting. With only five bells at Ludgershall, it was a good practice for those who are used to always having a tenor at the back for doubles methods.

Everyone said they had enjoyed the practice and all went home happy.

It was great to see twelve ringers from three towers turn out for the Launton Branch Practice on Wednesday 27 August, and the first rain for ages held off so we were able to enjoy each other’s company in the churchyard when not ringing. It was also fun that, amongst the twelve, were four young ringers – all of whom are becoming increasingly expert so we were able to ring quite a variety from call changes/plain hunt to Plain Bob Minor and Stedman – something for everyone on the easy-going Launton bells.

The Branch BBQ is next Saturday 6 September at Helen’s house in Bicester – all warmly invited – she says: ‘There is a flag pole in the garden, we will fly St Edburg’s Priory flag! I think it will just be a BBQ jolly with the church open for anyone that wants to ring. All fun and no stress! The Bicester band are really looking forward to seeing everyone here on 6 September. Please let me know numbers and any dietary requirements by 1 September.

The Branch Practice at the ground floor ring of St Laurence, Caversfield drew 16 ringers from 7 towers (Bicester, Ludgershall, Launton, Stratton Audley, Weston-on-the-Green, Islip, Kirtlington) – interestingly the gender split favoured the men (9:7) which is unusual these days!

Under Richard’s expert eye, we rang call changes, Grandsire, Reverse Canterbury and Stedman.

The congregation had very kindly (this has happened before too) provided coffee/ tea/ soft drinks and biscuits – much appreciated as was the social gathering of local bellringers.

If you don’t usually come to a Branch Practice try to get to the one at Launton on Wednesday 27th August – easy bells and space outside to socialise as well!

Eleven ringers came to the practice at Woodeaton on Wednesday evening – the intrepid Steve Walker had cycled from Bicester whilst others negotiated the roadworks by car.

Bicester, Islip, Ludgershall, Weston-on-the-Green and Stratton Audley were all represented and the ringing ranged from Stedman, St Simon’s, Grandsire, Plain Bob with some being stretched out of their comfort zone, but all left feeling encouraged!

Thank you to Jeremy and Richard who help us to enjoy our ringing and make it possible to ring something new.

Those who came to this month’s BP (eleven ringers from six towers – Charlton, Stratton Audley, Islip, Ludgershall, Launton, and Bicester) had a great evening!

Richard and Jeremy make everyone feel welcome whatever their ability and willingness (or otherwise) to try something new. We rang call changes, Grandsire Doubles, Little Bob, Plain Bob Doubles and Minor with Stedman and Kent thrown in! And for those of us whose last memory of Louise Brown was seeing her at Willie Haynes’ funeral in Charlton two years ago, it was especially poignant to be there.

Do try to come to the next Branch Practice on Wednesday 28^th May 2025 at Middleton Stoney.

On Thursday 27th March our branch practice at Weston was surprisingly well attended. We had approximately 20 ringers with queuing on the stairs!

We think 8 towers in the branch were represented and we were also joined by ringers from Somerton and Steeple Aston.

We rang a variety of methods ranging from rounds to Cambridge Minor and attempted to let everyone have a go at something they wanted to ring, with a few new things thrown in for good measure.

It was pleasing to see such a good turnout and, hopefully, we can maintain this at future practices throughout the year.

Richard

Sixteen ringers from seven towers (Bicester, Ludgershall, Stratton Audley, Launton, Weston-on-the-Green, Kirtlington and Islip) came to the Branch Practice on 25th February at Islip where we rang something for everyone! That included plain hunt on eight, touches of Grandsire Doubles and plain courses, call changes and plenty of support for all.

It was good to see so many enjoying their ringing and we all look forward to our next BP (Weston-on-the-Green Thursday 27 March).

Forthcoming Branch Practices

Thursday March 27th. Weston-on-the-Green

Wednesday April 23rd. Charlton-on-Otmoor

Saturday April 26th. Branch outing

Wednesday May 28th. Middleton Stoney

Wednesday June 25th. Bletchingdon

Tuesday July 22nd. Caversfield

Wednesday August 27th. Launton

Monday September 22nd. Ambrosden

Friday October 24th. Ludgershall

Tuesday November 25th. Bicester

Monday December 15^th. Kirtlington

Tuesday January 27th. Islip

Wednesday February 25th Stratton Audley

Fifteen members of the Bicester Branch came to the October practice at Islip – some for the first time. Bolstering the home team, where we’re lucky enough to have three teenagers learning to ring (and doing well), we were able to ring a touch of Grandsire Doubles (shout out to Leandro Shaw who managed this with aplomb!).

We rang call changes and Reverse Canterbury too – what a difference it makes to everyone to get together occasionally.

Thank you to all the visitors – look out for the next BP on Friday 8 November at Ludgershall.

Twelve came to Thursday’s Branch Practice at Charlton-on-Otmoor, from five different towers. Gareth and Angie were delighted to have a practice as the Charlton band has become depleted recently.

We rang a varied assortment giving everyone a chance to try something a little bit more testing or within their ‘comfort zone’. Despite a heavyish tenor the bells go very well  and many commented on how good Branch Practices are for trying new towers within a supportive group.

The next Branch Practice is at Brill on Monday 23 September at 7.30pm, with the Striking Competition and BBQ at Islip from 6pm onwards on Saturday 21 September. Do try to come to both.