Once again we managed to welcome 2019 with bells. This year we had a few more than usual which allowed us to ring some nice rounds and some methods too. For once we made the effort to properly muffle the old year out and then after a swift change welcome the new year with open ringing.

Tonight we rang all three bells for the Carol Service. Ringing for the first time in two years the front two bells especially took a bit of time to "warm" up. Xavier managed to ring here for the first time contrasting Dick who was also ringing. Nearly eighty years separate them - not many places where you can witness this now.

Busy practice night - whilst ringing some plain hunt we had five people sitting out all who have started learning this year. Two of these ringers can ring competently in rounds and the other three can all just handle a bell on their own. It is a very nice thing to have almost as many learners in the tower as ringers. Any more volunteers?

On the exact anniversary of the 1918 armistice our tower was full. Half muffled ringing this morning and then open ringing as part of the "Nation Remembers" event. This morning ringing was half muffled in respect for those who have died whilst this evening ringing was open as a celebration. Our two ringing remembers recruits both rang for both events and thus fulfil the aims of part of the 1400 recruits to replace the 1400 bellringers lost in WW1.

Our two learners Sharon and Xavier have received their badges and certificates this week as part of the commemorations around the Armistice 2018 - A Nation's Thank you. Our ringing is registered with this nationwide celebration and is also posted on the central ringing councils BellBoard list of events planned.
The 11th of November is getting closer and both our learners are now able to ring independently in the basic ringing of rounds keeping their bell reasonably in the right place and independent of help and supervision. Quite a task especially which needs a proper well done if you seem them in person. Both received their exclusive badge pictured here.

Bit is a practice tonight. Our two usual learners, Sharon and Xavier are now ringing in rounds a lot more confidently and after a bit of a break, Sean returned who quickly picked up where he had left off. It was also nice to welcome two new people who had a go on the ropes for a very first time and have promised to return.

We have two learners trying to get ready to ring for Remembrance this year. Find out more via the ringing remembers website here.

A beautiful day for walking was celebrated at St Giles with a short service which we managed to ring for. If you are interested in the walk please click here but it was nice to still  be able to raise five ringers on a record breaking warm Bank Holiday.

Not so much the amount of snow but the shear wind chill and road conditions made it prudent to miss tonights practice. Not often we fail to meet but it really is rather cold. 

Mike, Quentin, Jane, Roy, Ian and Dick ring the New Year in maintaining the tradition for another year.