We had a super day on Saturday 26th April on our springtime mini-outing to Northants for fifteen ringers and friends. Three towers visited, ringing mostly call changes.
Warkton (6. 8cwt) where the east end of the church was rebuilt in 1754 to commemorate the Montagu family. Greeted by noisy sheep adjacent to the churchyard. Bells were tricky for some due to very long ropes and longish draught. Local team has some new learners with a training scheme. Grandsire Doubles and Stedman Doubles were our exhibition pieces.
Brigstock (8. 13 3/4cwt) ground floor ring. Church of Saxon origin with nice original architectural features. Lovely to meet up with Linda Ellison, former ringer at Gt Gransden. Very long ropes and low sallies required many knots but Grandsire Doubles featured on the back six.
Lunch was taken at the Duke Arms in Woodford. Good pub grub (ordered in advance) and a warm welcome; and they allowed us to ring handbells in the bar where we rattled off a couple of 120s of Plain Bob Minor.
Final tower was Woodford, a pleasant short walk from the pub where we enjoyed panoramic views over the Nene valley. One of our ringers reported hearing a cookoo, alas, now seemingly absent from South Cambs!
Bells, (8. 14cwt), an augmentation by Taylors in 2000 and we immediately noticed how odd the trebles are in tone and tuning! Grandsire 5 and St Clements on the back six were our change-ringing pieces here. No local band but a monthly Tuesday night S Major practice is held.
Lovely weather, pleasant countryside, good pub and good company. Special thanks to Tricia for organising the towers and pub lunch for us – much appreciated.
Great Gransden Bell Ringers 