We try to have an outing every year and look for areas within about a hour from home. Finding a mutually convenient date for all of us is usually the biggest challenge but this year lack of response and uncertainty from two towers delayed finalising the day.
However, all was well in the end and we rang at four lovely towers in the Towcester area. They were St Mary’s, Gayton, 6. 13 1/4cwt, Holy Cross, Pattishall, a recently augmented 8 of 11 1/2cwt, St Mary’s, Wappenham, 6. 8 3/4cwt, and finally St Bartholomew’s at Green’s Norton.
We enjoyed lunch at Peggottys at Fosters Booth where the food included traditional English choices and from the Asian menu. The proprietors kindly allowed us to ring handbells in the function room after lunch.
Ringing during the day was generally of a good standard and we enjoyed Grandsire Doubles and Triples, Call Changes, Stedman Doubles, Cambridge Minor, Norwich Minor and Single Oxford. Highlight of the day was Heather Banner, who is still learning, ringing Rounds with her extended family for the first time (ably assisted by David Griffiths). At Green’s Norton we were delighted to meet up with John and Penny Pardoe, long-term ringing friends from Hilton, and we spent a lot of time reminiscing whilst enjoying cake and tea kindly provided by them.
Many thanks to the tower correspondents and those who met us at the churches. We had a splendid day and look forward to the 2027 outing.
Level 1 Certificate for Sam
Sam’s first ringing lesson was on the 11th August and by initially fitting in two 1-hour practices every week during the school holidays, then weekly when term started, plus attending the usual practice nights, he has achieved his Level 1 certificate in the Learning the Ropes scheme within ten lessons.
He is currently gaining skill in call changes including leading, and good striking, and can ring up and down in peal on 2 bells confidently. He also has practised dodging and place making during 1:1 sessions, and enjoys using the simulator ringing tenor behind to doubles.
Here is Sam receiving his Level 1 certificate with the ringers present this evening. Well done Sam, excellent work!
