Most of the things we do are routine. We meet for ringing every week on a Thursday evening and hold tied bell practices too to hone our skills in bell control and theory of ringing. We sometimes take for granted the enjoyment of the fellowship of ringing, something which I am sure we all value as we ring for ourselves and the village.
So, what has happened in the last month?
Well, in summary, Josh was presented with his Level 2 certificate in the Learning the Ropes scheme (his achievement reported last month). Five of us attended the Hunts District Training Day on Plain Hunt and Hunting the treble to Plain Bob. This was very successful and we were able to practice our new found skills at our own practices. Hazel and Tricia have been learning how to take off and re-set the clock hammers before and after ringing, and there seems to be a constant replenishment of sweets from ringers returning from holidays, or simply because, as with many things, we share the resposibility!
One major event was the return visit by Aston Bellringers. Aston is near Stevenage and is where our ringer James learned to ring. We visited their practice last November and we were delighted to welcome twelve of their ringers to our practice on the 29th June.
We rang call changes, Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles. Some of the call changes were called using the “down” bell, the tradition at Aston. Much of the ringing was by mixed bands and I think it is fair to say that we all enjoyed the evening. We were particluarly pleased to welcome learner ringers too amongst their number.
After the practice a few visited the clock and bells, a new experience for some!
The recent popularity of enamel badges produced for the Platinum Jubilee, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III, led to an interest in producing an enamel badge featuring our own logo. After discussion with Rebecca Banner, who’s original idea it was, I placed a order with a firm called Black Rooster and subsequently received a batch on 100 badges. They are £5 each +P&P. Please contact me if you would like one.
We have a full diary of events over the summer and I’m looking forward to reporting on them in due course.
Great Gransden Bell Ringers 