Category: Special Practice

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Branch Christmas Practice and Social 18th December 2017

There was a great turnout to Monday’s Branch Christmas special Practice. So good to see our regulars plus Ian and Helen from Bicester, Kathryn Grant and Sue from Islip, Roy, our latest group member and U.S. correspondent as well as Richard, Jan, Jeremy, Ron, Jane, Derek, Tim and Brenda. Some 20 ringers all told.

We rang call changes on 8 for Derek, Sue, Caroline, Judith and Louise, Plain Hunt on 5, 7 (for Roy, Caroline, Louise, Judith and Brenda) and 8 for Helen.
There was a nicely struck touch of Plain Bob Minor, Ian on 2 observation, called by Richard, Grandsire Triples and a touch of Grandsire Doubles, with Sue Macready on 5 observation bell.
Finally a short burst alternating between rounds and Queens, before we rang down sort of in Peal, at which point Gareth Miller, Kirtlington rector, joined us as we took some photos and headed back to Caroline‘s for a wonderful apres bell Social (big thank you to Caroline and Louise for hosting, organising and providing mulled wine, and to everyone who contributed food), later featuring hand bell ringing. Definitely improved over last year.

See the  Kirtlington and Bletchingdon Facebook group for some video clips  uploaded by our remote location editing team!

Hope to see  lots of you at Islip on 3rd January for the first Branch Practice of 2018.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Special Practice at Islip 18 October 2017

Having left ex-hurricane Ophelia behind in the Lake District Tuesday morning, I headed over to Tuesday evening’s special practice at Islip. Not having rung for almost a week, I needed my fix of tower bells.

Our branch president, Willie Haynes and I were initially the only non-Islip ringers to join Teresa, Kathryn, Sally and Sue. The practice had Reverse Canterbury doubles and Plain Bob Minor on the agenda, but for Sue we kicked off with Plain hunt on 5, Sue on 3, which was getting pretty steady after a couple of courses. We later did some more Plain Hunt on 5, Sue ringing 2.

By this time we had been joined by Richard and Jan Haseldine, who formally received the branch striking competition shield from Willie, complete with engraved inscription. We then rang a couple of plain courses of Reverse Canterbury, followed by a touch.

As we were strong enough to provide a stander for Sally, we rang a touch of Plain Bob Doubles, Sally ringing 3 affected, called by RIchard, which went pretty well.

Following the agenda, we duly rang Plain Bob Minor, starting with a plain course, followed by a 120 change touch involving 2 singles at 5th and 10th lead ends, called by myself. However, two calling blemishes to report, the first being ‘bob’ corrected to single – thanks to Richard for putting right a couple confused ringers in the band- the second that I forgot to say “that’s all” immediately after the second single, so we had an extra 60 before coming round again.

Finally, we very nearly completed a 120- change touch of Grandsire doubles, Sally ringing 3 observation, supported by Jan, before we rang down in Peal. All in all a good practice.

Hope to see you at the next branch practice at Bletchingdon on 2nd November.

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Special Practice Bletchingdon 20 September 2017

Twelve ringers from six towers came to tonight’s Special Practice at Bletchingdon, led by Jeremy Adams and Willie Haynes, with Plain Bob Doubles and Grandsire Doubles on the agenda.
First up were a few plain courses of Grandsire, with Stu, Ann and Hilary (advised by Rosemary) inside, Judith covering.

Next we had a touch of Grandsire Doubles, called by the correspondent, unintentionally shortened by calling a third bob instead of a single.
Plain courses of bob doubles followed with Sue on 3 and then a touch of bob Doubles with Ann and Stu inside, called by Jeremy.

We then tried valiantly to ring a couple of courses of Plain Bob Minor, called by Willie, but were, on reflection, just a bit short of ringers.
Jeremy then called a touch of Grandsire for Jean on 3 as the observation bell, then we had a touch called by Steve on 3, Judith on treble. Both touches went quite well.

Finally, before ringing down, we squeezed a quick plain course of bob doubles, Hilary on 3.

See you at the 2nd October Branch Practice at Kirtlington.

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Bicester Branch Special Practice 18 July 2017

Seven including Willie Haynes, our Branch President and Jeremy our new Ringing Master, attended Islip Tower for the special practice which originally had Kent Treble Bob Minor and Grandsire Triples on the billed agenda.  As only two or three could ring Kent Treble Bob and we were overall short on numbers we were obliged to change plans.

After ringing up we rang a number of plain courses of Reverse Canterbury Doubles, with James on treble and Sally inside. James later rang confidently inside, for the first time.

Next we rang some plain courses of Plan Bob Doubles, with James inside, well done to James. Feeling encouraged Jeremy called a 120 change touch of Grandsire Doubles with Sally ringing inside, well done Sally.

After a reasonably struck touch of Reverse Canterbury called by the correspondent (after a restart due to the first bob called late L), we wondered what we could do next. Not having quite enough for Stedman Doubles we had a go at Bob Minor but had to abandon after problems around half way.

We then retrenched with a couple of plain courses of Plain Bob Doubles with James inside before ringing down.

Next Branch Practice is on 4th August at Ludgershall, with the Branch 6-bell Striking Competition at from 6pm at Islip with a social event included. Hope to see you there.

Steve Vickars

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Bicester Special Practice 15 May 2017

On Monday 15th May Bicester hosted the May Special practice. The nominated methods were Little Bob Minor and Grandsire Triples. 11 branch ringers attended making it quite an interesting practice.
First we rang up the back 6 (hoping we would get enough to ring triples) and then we rang up the front 4.
We rang plain courses of Grandsire Doubles for Helen before trying the first of the nominated methods – Little Bob Minor – we managed two plain courses without any trouble 🙂
A few more ringers arrived making it posible to ring 8 bells so we rang plain hunt on 7 and then 8. Feeling we had a good chance of managing it, we attempted plain courses of Grandsire Triples – and managed two courses successfully.
At this point I thought we could actually manage even more advanced ringing, but before we tried that Simon and Amanda arrived making us 11. Whilst they caught their breath from the climb up the tower we rang a touch of Grandsire Doubles with Helen half-hunt and Jeremy calling, again successfully .. nothing was going to stop us it seems 🙂
Time for the 10! We rang plain hunt on 9..shaky at first and then the striking improved as we rang more courses.
Time to push out the boat .. Plain Bob Major.. a few nervous faces and one jibe about bets on how far we would would get.. we only had time for one attempt before Steve had to head off to work, but that was all we needed 🙂 All the way through (with a few pointers) and a very pleased band!
We had time for some more plain hunt on 7 and 8 before ringing the back 8 down in peal (rather well struck too!)

An excellent last special practice for Sarah and I, but we still have one more branch event before we move north of the border. Hopefully see some of you at the practice at Middleton Stoney on Wed 7th June.


Anthony Cole

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Bletchingdon Special Practice March 2017

On Wednesday 15th March Bletchingdon welcomed 15 ringers from across the Bicester and Witney & Woodstock branches to focus efforts on Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles.

We started with plain courses of Grandsire Doubles before moving on to plain hunt on 5 and 6 (well done Sue for first attempt on 6). We then tried a touch of Grandsire but that didn’t go quite to plan.

We next had a go at Plain Bob Doubles (plain courses) and then more plain hunt on 5 & 6.

More Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles followed and more plain hunt for Sue. We managed a touch of Plain Bob Doubles (well done Stephen and Steve inside, and Judith on the treble) and a further touch of Grandsire (well done Steve).

We finished with a shaky but successful touch of Plain Bob Minor (with Singles.. thanks Fay for suggesting Singles :D), and a fairly good down.

Next on our schedule is the branch practice on Wed 5th April at Stratton Audley – see you there!

Anthony Cole

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Special Bicester practice Jan 2017

Monday 16th January was reported in the news today as being the most depressing day of the year. From a branch ringing perspective, it was anything but! Bicester played host to the January special practice to which 9 ringers (3 from outside the branch) came along.

After ringing up we started with plain courses of Plain Bob Minor (the first of the nominated methods for the evening). We set a fast pace and the striking was really good 😀 Then following a straw poll of the (then 8) ringers to see the capabilities we raised the back 4 so we could ring 8 bell methods as well as 6 bell ones.

Having raised them we rang plain hunt first on 7 and then on 8. Then whilst Helen came up the stairs we rang Winchendon Place (the other nominated method).

We then rang some plain courses of Grandsire Doubles for Helen before a successful touch of Plain Bob Minor with singles to stretch Jeremy.

Time to push the boat out (so to speak).. with Helen on the treble we rang two courses of Grandsire Triples! We then rang Winchendon Place again with Ian inside. Jeremy then challenged Kathryn to follow suit which she did successfully.

We finished with some plain courses of Grandsire Doubles and then rang down the back 8 in peal (not too bad really). What an excellent practice and a good start to 2017.

Our next practice is slated to be the branch practice at Kirtlington on Feb 6th, but (subject to confirmation) we will be swapping this to Bicester (and the Bicester practice on March 6th will be at Kirtlington) as Kirtlington have work scheduled on their bells early February. Please watch the website diary and emails for confirmation of this revision.

Anthony Cole

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Ding dong Christmas 2016

On Mon 19th Dec we had 16 ringers representing 6 branch towers, one Oxford City tower and the Bicester Branch Cornwall office attended the final special practice of 2016 which was held at Kirtlington, and followed by a social at Caroline’s house.

We started with ringing up on all 8 (brave.. perhaps a bit too brave) before moving on to rounds and call changes (well done to Ellie and Brenda), followed by plain hunt on 7 (well done Judith, Caroline, Louise and Rachel).

Steve suggested we try something more advanced so we “attempted” one of the chosen methods for the evening.. St Clements Minor.. we didn’t manage a course despite a few attempts. More call changes followed, then plain hunt on 7 and then 8. We were encouraged to ring something more advanced again, but this time opted for a touch of Plain Bob Minor which went much better and was applauded at the end.

We rang down on 8 (good most of the way down) and then headed across the green to Caroline’s house for the Christmas social where nibbles & mulled wine (and other beverages) were consumed and the handbells made an appearance also (see facebook for our rather failed attempts at some Christmas carols!)

It’s been a busy year and we seem to have made some great progress. Have a great Christmas and a Happy 2017 everyone. Our first practice of 2017 is on 3rd January in Islip – hopefully see you there.

Anthony Cole

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November 2016 Special – Islip

On Tues 22nd Nov 8 ringers attended the “special” practice at Islip.

It was clear from the start we would have fewer ringers than usual, and thus Plain Bob Triples (scheduled for that practice) was not on the cards. However, St Simon’s looked possible.

After ringing up we started with call changes on all 8 bells. Next we rang plain hunt on 5 with Sue making good progress.

Next we rang some plain courses of Grandsire Doubles with Becky on the 3 – a little shaky, but not bad really.

Next was some more plain hunt with Becky attempting the tenor behind for the first time, and Sue inside – getting better!

Another few courses of Grandsire Doubles were rung for Becky before she had to go home.

Next we tried St Simon’s Doubles and,  although shaky, we got through two courses.

More plain hunt for Sue (this time without anyone stood behind, and she rang it very well).

We rang more St Simon’s to finish (slightly different band) then rang down 6 in peal.

The pub was sadly closed 🙁

The next branch event is the branch practice at Charlton On Otmoor on Wed 7th December – hopefully see lots of you there (must get my Christmas cards sorted!!)

Anthony Cole

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October 2016 special at Islip

On Tuesday 18th October Islip hosted our monthly special practice. On the schedule was Reverse Canterbury Doubles and Plain Bob Minor. 10 ringers (from 5 towers) attended.

After ringing up we started with plain hunt on 7 – looked to be the first time for Becky and she managed well as did our youngest member, Sam, on the treble. Next we tried a touch of Plain Bob Minor (Jeremy requested “Singles”).. well, after a few attempts we determined to try again later!

Next we rang plain courses of Grandsire Doubles with Becky inside with help from Kathryn. Next we rang plain courses of Reverse Canterbury Doubles (Kathryn and Teresa fought over who would ring the treble – Teresa won :D).

We tried the Plain Bob Minor again, and after a few tries with “Bobs” we settled for a plain course to ensure we got all the way to rounds!

We rang some more plain hunt on 7 before Becky had to leave and then rang a touch of Plain Bob Doubles with Steve attempting inside ahead of his attending the Steeple Aston course this coming Saturday.

As our finale we rang a couple of plain courses of Grandsire Triples which went well.

We rang all 8 down in peal which was rather well struck before heading home (or for some to Kathryn’s home for a few glasses of water (!) – the pub is now closed on Tuesdays sadly).

Our next branch event is the November branch practice in Bletchingdon on Wed 2nd Nov. Hopefully see lots of you there.

Anthony Cole