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Our Branch Outing, arranged by Richard Haseldine, took us to five towers in Northamptonshire – Staverton, Badby, Newnham, Flore and Greens Norton.

All were chosen for their easy going – and two with ground-floor rings (much appreciated).

Nineteen ringers, including two visiting ringers from Faringdon and Hanslope, from six Branch towers came – with two non-ringers and three dogs.

Again, there was something for everyone and we all enjoyed the ringing and each other’s company.

Held in St Mary’s Church, Kirtlington, on Saturday 17th February 2024

On Thursday 12 September at 7.30pm, at Islip Village Hall, come and hear the Launton Handbell Ringers (drawn from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Northamptonshire) who have given recitals in cathedrals, civic centres, theatres as well as on radio and television. Their repertoire includes traditional and folk music, popular classics, children’s nursery rhymes as well as secular music.

45-50 minutes of music and time for questions with the opportunity to have ‘a go’ at ringing 4 in hand!

Donations by cash or card – refreshments available too!

More details from Teresa Carter or Kathryn Grant

At last night’s BP twelve ringers from nine towers (including two visitors) came to ring at Ambrosden where a number of newer ringers are practising regularly on a Tuesday morning – contact Steve Walker for more details or Jill Colyer (Churchwarden jill.colyer12@gmail.com).

We rang a remarkable number of methods mostly on all 8 bells – Rounds and Plain Hunt, followed by Bob Major, Stedman Triples (tenor ably rung by Marcus) and the piece de resistance a touch of Reverse Canterbury Doubles when, teenagers, Marcus rung the 5th and William rang the treble! How good it is to see such enthusiasm and encouragement from the Branch for our youthful ringers.

Thank you to all who came and especially to Richard and Jeremy (suffering a bad back) for a great evening.

Kathryn

Eight members from five towers came – Cheryl was the only local ringer but was persuaded to revive former skills. We rang call changes, plain hunt and Grandsire Doubles – which was good practice for those who ring more regularly with the tenor behind. Ringing down we finished in Weasels!

Apparently there are two or three people in the village who would like to learn and, hearing the bells rung (the first time since Morwen Ashton’s funeral in June) might increase that number. With learners at nearby Ambrosden, being taught by Steve Walker, perhaps putative Piddington ringers might join there and revive ringing in time at their home tower

Kathryn Grant

The ODG held the 10-bell striking competition at Bicester on Saturday 25 November, when five teams took part ; the test piece was 288 Little Bob Royal.

Tower Captain Steve Walker was in charge of the arrangements, and the event received print and TV publicity.

Well done to all involved – we await news of the winning team!

Eighteen ringers came to the Branch Practice in Islip on Tuesday 17 October – including three visitors from Sutton Coldfield who were most welcome and enabled us all to ring Plain Hunt on six, a touch of Plain Bob Doubles, Grandsire and rounds/call changes for all.

We are lucky in Islip to have three teenage boys who are becoming valuable members of the team (and came second in the recent striking competition), and who enhance the enjoyment of the evening too!

So, something for everyone. However we missed Richard and Jan Haseldine, whose intention to come was thwarted by coping with a wasp sting to their puppy (happily recovering).

Kathryn Grant

The Bicester Branch is now the proud possessor of a model bell, made by Robin Noble, in memory of Willie Haynes, our past President.

The bell will be used to show recruits and those interested in ringing how bells are hung and rung. Anyone who would like to borrow it should contact the Branch secretary for its current whereabouts!

On the case and model are two plaques, which were engraved by Keith Thomas. One is worded The Willie Haynes Memorial Bell, while the other is In Memory of Willie Haynes, President Bicester Branch, ODG 2001 – 2022.