Branch Newsletter
Kirton Induction of new Vicar
A quarter peal of Plain Bob Triples, prior to the Licensing Service of Rev. Gary Morgan as Priest in charge of the Parishes of Kirton, Algarkirk and Fosdyke, on Thursday 21st January 2010, gave a resounding welcome! The Bishop of Grantham, The Right Revd Dr tim Ellis conducted the service. The Bishop's sermon included a snippet of a recording of the Eagles' 'Hotel california' played on two guitars to illustrate Synergy to show that the suns of parts gives a result not achievable by working separately. Rev Gary was welcomed by many local organisations in the three villages including Fosdyke who gave him a pen for filling in expenses, where 2 + 2 definitely = 3 (not 5 as in the case of Synergy!) Sadly at the appropriate point in the service, he did not ring the tower bell set up for him, but the tiny Sanctus bell hanging on the back wall of the church.
Kirton church was almost full to capacity including members of his previous parish, Spilsby, who were so plentiful that they filled a bus and a mini-bus! One person asked a bellringer is they had just been making that din (not quite the description we use for a good quarter peal) as where they came from had no bells - let's hope he wasn't from Spilsby!
After the service Fr. Gary was able to mingle amongst everyone, while enjoying some of the lovely refreshments provided at the back of church.
Diana Street
New Vicar for Kirton on Thursday 21st January 2010
Kirton church was full for the licensing of Father Morgan as the Priest in Charge of the Parishes of Kirton, Algarkirk and Fosdyke. The service was led by the Bishop of Grantham. The congregations of the three churches were joined by the Patrons of Kirton Church, the Mercers Co; the Mayor and Mayoress of Boston Borough Council; the Clergy of the Deaneries of Holland East and West; family and friends of Father Morgan, including a coach load of the congregation of Spilsby, Gary's former parish.
The evening commenced with the Kirton Bell Ringers ringing a quarter peal of 1260 Plain Bob Triples in 47 minutes. The team were: 1 John Collett, 2 Val Wild, 3 Diana Street, 4 Peter Udy, 5 Wayne Francis, 6 Tom Freeston, 7 Ian Ansell (c), 8 Robert Ingamells.
Peter Udy
New Vicar for the Haven Group, licensed on Tuesday 12th January 2010
St Mary's church, Swineshead was full when the five parishes (Swineshead, Bicker, Donington, Sutterton and Wigtoft)of the Haven Group met for the licensing of David de Verny as the new Priest in charge.
Bells were rung before the service by Rhoda, David, and Michael Reynolds, Val Wild, David Collin and Penny fountain, and Rhoda later helped the new vicar to chime the treble, as a sign of the beginning of his ministry.
The Bishop of Grantham led the service, attended by the Archdeacon, the Rural Dean and the Clergy of the Deaneries of Holland East and West, plus the patrons and other dignitaries, and everyone was invited to refreshments in the church afterwards. AS a special entertainment, during the service, Andrew Wickens sang Bach's Cantata no. 82, accompanied by the organ.
Penny Fountain
Cinders (from scratch)
A new year pantomime at Pinchbeck church was performed during the afternoon of Saturday 9th January 2010, all put together by Nicki (a ringer) and John Bland (choir master). It was rehearsed in the morning and performed in the afternoon to a enthusiastic audience who had braved the snow to be there.
In total five ringers were involved, and one curate Lynda Pugh, who together with her ringer husband Peter took the parts of Lord and Lady Posh, guests at the ball (you know the story).
The church choir mainly took the character parts including Richard Rowell (a Pinchbeck ringer and chorister) as 'Bella'.
Who had an equally beautiful sister, 'Ella'. The crowd, which included more ringers, were encouraged to hiss, boo, and shout hurray, with the help of flash cards held aloft by various children. On one occasion we were directed to 'ssih', when the card was upside down!
Hot drinks and biscuits followed the performance, served at the back of the church, along with the chance to mingle with the stars of the show.
In all, a fun afternoon which raised £150 for church funds, and it was worth every penny.
Val Wild
Ringing the Old Year out, and the New Year in at Spalding
An article in the January issue of 'Tidings' the Spalding parish magazine by tower captain Sue Slater.
Carol service and meeting, held at Gunby and Burgh-le-Marsh
On Saturday 12th December 2009, well wrapped up ringers walked through the Victorian gardens of Gunby Hall, to ring on the ground floor five. A variety of methods were rung including St Nicholas as we were getting in the festive spirit.
A recent addition to the church is the candle holder shown above, given in memory of Ray Ayres, bells being depicted top and bottom.
Burgh church had been prettily decorated by various Guilds and Associations, who each sponsored a Christmas tree in one of the windows. I don't think I have ever seen so many trees in one church!
By 4.15 ringers started to enter the church and deposit their contributions in the vestry ready for tea. Fr Terry returned from his walk with his new beagle rescue dog "Murray". Fr Terry's previous dog "Jack" featured on the cover of a book called "Dog Collars - Inspiring Stories of Clergy and their Dogs" by Richard Surman, published by Collins. Murray, being a true scent hound, soon located a box of dog biscuits that had been put on one side as a present for him, later. They were rescued, just in time, by a quick thinking ringer who saw Murray's head disappear into a shopping bag and not come out.
By 4.30 pm the pews began to fill up, Fr Terry was robed up, Murray had his lead on and our versatile organist was raring to go, so the carol service began. After singing five well known carols the ringers were getting a bit parched and were ready for some tea, but before that, Fr Terry was presented with a bottle of wine and the rescued dog biscuits, and was thanked for taking the service and for the use of the bells.
The faith tea then commenced in the bottom of the tower, and the ringers made short work
of the food provided. A short business meeting followed, John Collett thanked the tea ladies and Geoffrey Evison for travelling so far to play the organ for us.
At 6.30 the ringers made their way up the tower to raise the bells. Peter Udy was again ringing master, call changes, Plain Bob, Grandsire, Oxford Bob Triples and Cambridge Surprise Major were amongst the methods rung. The ringing ended at 7.45 and all present said they had enjoyed the event.
Julia Limage
Kirton Church Christmas Tree Festival 5th to 13th December 2009
The tree decorators, Diana and Penny
All's fine at All Saints, Friskney
The sun shone for the drive to Friskney for the Eastern Branch's November meeting, held on Saturday 7th. Tony, Isabelle and family met us at 9.30 and the ringing was organised by Peter Udy. a mixture of methods up to surprise minor were rung on this easy going 6.
A DIY tea and coffee stall raised £8.75 for the bell repair fund, and the ringing continued throughout until 11.30. Audrey Harrison from Benington was elected a new member and Tom Freeston gave the vote of thanks.
Guild Inter-branch 8 Bell Striking Competition
The competition was held at Market Deeping on Saturday 24th October 2009, and judge Judith Williamson placed the bands as follows:
First Southern Branch with 15 faults
Second Central Branch with 17.5 faults
Third Northern Branch with 21 faults
Forth West Lindsey Branch with 22 faults
The test piece was two courses of plain bob major.
The Judge's Verdict
I have to admit that I have always been rather nervous about ringing in striking competitions. I have always found them stressful because I am not a particularly competitive person. To me they are like the first ten minutes of a special peal when you are wrestling with your nerves and praying you do not make a silly mistake and spoil it for everyone else.
Having said all that, I do think that striking competitions allow you to measure your performances against those of your peers. In Guilds, particularly those as large and geographically remote as the Lincoln Guild, it is essential that ringers from the whole Guild have the opportunity to come together at times other than the AGM. The social side, sharing views and information is a vital part of promoting and improving the ringing exercise as well as bringing the individual branches together.
I was sorry to find that not all branches had entered this year's competition. I know that it is not always possible to raise a band. Eastern Branch and Elloe Deaneries were not represented this year. If both branches were unable to raise a band, would the rules allow for them to combine to enter? They are geographically close, so would be able to get together to practice. I think that the Guild Committee should actively encourage all Branches to participate in striking competitions principally to improve ringing across the Lincoln Guild.
Judith Williamson
Lincoln Diocesan Guild 6 Bell Simulator at Boston for the 700th Anniversary
Early in 2008, with the celebrations for the 700th anniversary of Boston Stump on the horizon, thoughts of booking the Guild 6 bell simulator to be on display and used in the church were discussed.
Having helped on the simulator at Lincoln Cathedral where the annual Festival of Schools takes place, we met our vicar Rev Robin Whitehead and Peter Coleman, and suggested that the simulator be booked for the whole of September 2009, where it would be on display in the church for everyone to experience the art of bellringing. The suggestion was agreed and in May 2008 the booking was made.
Letters were then sent out to all local schools suggesting that groups of children visit the church to have a go on the simulator, and also try their skills on handbells.
Other childrens' organisations were approached, and two Saturday and two Wednesday mornings would be open to the public.
Experienced ringers were also required to supervise the ringing, and also others to assemble and dismantle the simulator.
As the date approached arrangements were made for the simulator to be collected from the Lincoln area on 22nd August and it was assembled on the 1st September. All helpers met at 10 am and when many nuts and bolts were put in their right places the 'bells' were ready to be raised with the aid of a hoist, and made safe for ringing. At approximately 12 midday all connections to the computer were checked and with fingers crossed, one bell was rung and the sound of a bell was heard. Six ringers then rang all six bells.
Many visitors to the church on the public open days were anxious to have a go, and the simulator was proving to be a big attraction to the church.
Schools arranged for about 30 children to attend the weekday morning sessions, and these were split into 3 groups - one group on the simulator, one on handbells and the other group were taken around the church with a quiz sheet dealing with prominent parts of the building, and after half an hour each group changed. The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councilor Maureen Dennis and Councilor Mary Wright also attended and saw the children enjoying themselves.
Brownies, cubs and beavers attended early evening sessions, and members of the Guild of Vergers also tried out their skills on their visit.
Certificates were handed out to all teachers and leaders to be presented to the children on appropriate assembly dates.
A quarter peal was scored on the simulator during Battle of Britain week, and the 75ers rang 700 changes to celebrate the 700 years anniversary of Boston Stump.
The 30th September quickly arrived and after ringers had their final ring on the bells it was time to dismantle the simulator - this did not take quite as long as it did to assemble.
Many thanks to those who gave up their time to help with all the above activities.
Tom Freeston and John Collett
A non-ringer's day out
My father was a bell-ringer. I am not, but I've been on more bell ringers' outings than he did. In my experience ringers are fairly happy to take along a few non-ringers because we help to pay for the bus and don't want to take a rope.
"October 3rd", they said. "How much?" I said. My top line is £7.53, so I signed up. About nine tenths of the way through the day Val Wild asked me to write this. I hadn't made any notes so places and churches may merge. I am a woman from the Fens, but it's always nice to ride up into North Lincolnshire, to the hills and beautiful fields.
We went almost to Yorkshire. The first stop was at Winterton. Our task was to search for morning coffee. We walked round a very pleasant little plant nursery which had a garden where all plants were labelled. There wasn't a coffee shop attached but we found elevenses in a community centre which seemed to be run by volunteers, sells Traidcraft goods and holds 'knitting and a natter' afternoons.
Our rest stop was at Burton upon Stather, by the river Trent. The church is dedicated to Saint Andrew. There is a very modern stained-glass window there. I looked at it for a while and felt sure I could see a moody blue and brown Sea of Galilee with a purple boat on it which had a pink sail and a yellow one. This would all be quite apt as Saint Andrew was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. But guess what - the blurb on the piece of card said that the designer called it 'Creation'.
In the olden days we took our sandwiches and squash for lunch on bellringers' outings, and we had fish and chips on the way home, loitering in the streets while we ate them. Nowadays we throw money around on pub lunches, making sure we get salads or five portions of vegetables. Most of us had lunch at the Sheffield Arms. Basket cases were separated from full roasts which made for splits in marriages and friendships. Such are pub apartheid laws - roasts to the right, baskets to the left. I hope everyone's lunch was as good as my beef roast was.
Our afternoon stops were in Bigby and Tealby. Tealby had some pretty roads and a little stream over the road, known only to non-ringing wanderers. The Tealby tea-rooms stay open until 5.30 p.m. but teacakes were off. In Tealby churchyard the gravestones haven't yet gone to the wall so there are many to be read. In Bigby I had a walk to look at some new houses which I thought were nicely designed. I think it was in Bigby church that there were some very ornate monuments with several headless figures which had presumably received attention from 'Cromwell's men'. Above the altar were the prettiest angels of the day, white painted ones against a blue background.
The last stop was at Market Rasen. The harvest flower arrangements had some nice red leaves among them and one of those all-hours eating places served the best coffee of the day. At the back of the church were some stashes of rather up-market bric-a-brac so I did a deal with the lady who was going to lock up the church. She would give 'them' my money and I carried home a small wooden box which should hold ten elastic bands, two small screws, one unknown key, a broken hair slide , three spent matches etc. etc.
We came back down to the Fens in the moonlight, to where we started, in the comfort of our own bathrooms and beds. On our mini-cruise we'd called in at ports we've never seen before and probably never will again. There is always something of a gentle adventure when you take up a seat as an also-ran on a bell-ringing outing. Thank you to the organisers of the day.
Frances M Richardson, Surfleet
Lincolnshire Day, 1st October 2009
Lincolnshire Day this year was marked by a quarter peal at St Andrew's, Butterwick. Ringers left to right: Viv Simpson, Brian Bunting, Tom Freeston, Tom Palmer, John Collett and Audrey Harrison who has just returned to ringing after a gap of more than 20 years.
Bicker Steam Threshing 13th September 2009
The weekend of steam at Bicker is the annual fund raising event for St Swithun's church. The bells were rung for the Sunday afternoon service on the field, taken by the vicar of Boston, The Rev'd Robin Whitehead. The ringers hitched a ride after ringing to the service.
A mixture of Elloe Deaneries and Eastern Branch ringers joined together and later sang hymns accompanied by Northern Branch member Dorothy Robinson's steam organ.
Val Wild
Bourne Again!
Once again Bourne were victorious in the Plate, and Messingham won the Cup for the Guild 6 bell striking competition held on Saturday 12th September 2009 in the Northern Branch.
Plate competition held at Middle Rasen
1st Bourne, 15 faults, rang 3rd
2nd Stow, 18 faults, rang 5th
3rd Epworth, 19 faults, rang 7th
4th Barton on Humber, 23 faults, rang 4th
5th Welton, 45 faults, rang 6th
6th Wragby, 69 faults, rang 2nd
7th Coningsby, 91 faults (including 10% penalty) rang 1st
Cup competition held at Tealby
1st Messingham, rang doubles, 78 faults, rang 6th
2nd Market Deeping, rang minor 81 faults, rang 8th
3rd Lincoln Cathedral, rang plain bob minor 83 faults, rang 7th
4th Alford, rang grandsire doubles 100 faults, rang 3rd
5th Rippingale, rang doubles 104 faults, rang 4th
6th Eagle, rang doubles 107 faults, rang 5th
7th Middle Rasen, rang grandsire 125 faults, rang 2nd
8th Market Rasen, rang call changes 128 faults, rang 1st
New Priest in Charge for Wyberton and Frampton
General ringing preceded The Licensing Service at 7.30pm at St Mary's Frampton on Tuesday 8th September 2009.
The Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev'd Tim Ellis led the service and, assisted by The Archdeacon of Lincoln, The Venerable Tim Barker, welcomed Rev'd Charles William Bartholomew Sowden to his new parishes of Frampton and Wyberton. The leaders of both Parish Councils welcomed Charles and presented him with maps of their village! The local farmer representative handed over a huge box of locally grown vegetables and The Pram Service representative gave a welcome card, made that afternoon.
Rev'd Charles was supported by his daughter and two grandsons, one of whom wore a shirt supporting a different football team from that of the Bishop it seems.
The church was full of people from the village and surrounding area, many of whom were thanked for their help during the interregnum. The sponsors were welcomed from Yorkshire and even thought they needed their passports to enter Lincolnshire it was hoped that they would be able to return before midnight!
The new vicar announced the service times for next Sunday, the 11am at Frampton has an American family coming over to present a WW1 medal which they had discovered had local connections, so they wished to give it to Frampton church, and the 6.30pm is a Battle of Britain service at Wyberton.
The local ladies provided excellent refreshments, as usual, at the back of the church after the service, everyone tucked in. The new vicar talked informally to members of the congregation and it was said that it was nice to hear the bells rung.
Diana Street, Boston
September Meeting at Langton
Click on the link for Julia Limage's report
New Clergy for the Haven Group
Those who came to the licensing of Rev'd Stuart Dobson, as part-time Community Chaplain to the Haven Group at Wigtoft Church on August 19th, were welcomed by a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Minor. This was followed by general ringing.
The Right Rev'd Dr John Saxbee led a very enjoyable service, with various local representatives taking part in introducing Stuart to the Haven Group (Swineshead, Bicker, Donington, Wigtoft and Sutterton).
Eastern Branch assistant ringing master, Peter Udy, helped Stuart chime the treble, which was the indication that Stuart's ministry had begun.
The church was full, as was the village hall for excellent refreshments after the service, when everyone had a chance to meet the new Community Chaplain, and renew acquaintances with other parishes.
Penny Fountain, Sutterton
Independence Day Barbecue at Sibsey Trader Mill
Ringing on the ground floor 6 of St Mary's Old Leake, started the proceedings on July 4th 2009. with Mick Smith, Eastern Branch ringing master, in charge. After over an hours ringing, enjoyed by the local Old Leake residents, the action moved to Sibsey Windmill.
Ian Ansell kindly hosted the barbecue for the seventh year on the trot. This year we even had good weather!
Approximately 90 ringers, family, friends and a dog enjoyed barbecued meat, salads and puddings, the cooking was done by father and son, Richard and Ian Willoughby, with wives Mary and Clare's help. Kate Meyer did sterling work once again in the kitchen, with 'volunteer' help.
This year's quiz was again organised by the Evans family, 57 entertaining questions with an American theme, all for the price of a pound. Andrew Evans won the junior prize and Paul from Spalding won the grown up one. Thomas Evans gave us all the answers, whereupon we realised we knew more than we could remember. £34 pounds raised towards the total.
Pinchbeck ringers enjoying the quiz
Tom Freeston, the Eastern Branch President, having recovered from erecting the tent in a gale, the previous Thursday (John Collett, Tom Palmer and Ian were also in the team) organised the raffle. Many varied prizes and generous purchasing of tickets raised £92.
The notices included reminding us all that the Guild simulator will be in Boston Stump in September and everyone is encouraged to visit and have a go, help, or even ring a quarter peal. Also Mick Smith told us that the annual coach outing will be to North Lincolnshire, with 5 towers and a pub lunch on Saturday Oct 3rd. Tickets will be on sale soon, £7 each for the coach, good driving guaranteed.
Tom Freeston then gave the vote of thanks, for an evening of good food, good company good fun and good weather.
£571 was raised for the Branch bell repair fund, so many people helped and contributed in so many ways, thank you!
Val Wild
Royal visit on St Botolph's Day
The ten bells of St Botolph's church, Boston rang out on Wednesday 17th June 2009, prior to the Service of Thanksgiving to commemorate 700 years of the life of the Church (1309 - 2009). The bells were rung by the following band: Viv Simpson, Janice Elley, Penny Fountain, John Collett, Aubrey Pepper, David Bennett, Tom Palmer, Tom Freeston, Mick Ross and Peter Udy.
Patron of the church's restoration appeal, Princess Anne, attended the service and read the lesson, having had a look around the flower displays before the service.
Branch 6 Bell Striking Competition held at Sts Mary & Nicholas, Wrangle
Upwards of 25 ringers attended the striking competition on Saturday 6th June 2009, at Wrangle. The judge, Jim Benner, declared Alford the winners, beating Coningsby into second place, with Fishtoft third. After his comments on each team's piece of ringing, Jim presented the George Brewster Cup to the Alford team. Mick Smith gave Jim a present and thanked him for judging the competition. Refreshments were provided by the locals and ringing continued up to 9pm.
Photo shows Jim with the Alford team: Ben, Jim, Kate, Dan, Gemma, Edward and Richard.
Tom Freeston
Guild AGM 25th April 2009 at Lincoln
Candlesby Fund Raising Ringing Tour, Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2009
This outing was organised by Fr Martin Daniels assisted by Geoffrey Evison and took place in Derbyshire.
The first tower was Pinxton, St Helen (8) 5-2-8. This was a cheeky little eight that was accessed via a drop-down metal ladder and a hatch that had to be shut before ringing could commence. There were only seven of us, but after a very welcome cup of tea, we raised the bells. I was put on the tenor (to stop me doing any damage) and we had nicely got in to call changes when the light started going on and off, which was a bit disconcerting, to say the least. Someone shouted "stand"and we lifted the hatch to see a few faces peering up. Apparently the light flashing was a signal from below!
After this it was on to Swanick, St Andrew (6) 17-2-13 with it's huge tower and upstairs, spacious ringing chamber. We were joined here by an additional ten ringers, a dog and a baby. These bells were more to my liking and we rang rounds, call changes, plain bob minor, little bob, grandsire doubles, and Cambridge.
Then it was on to Horsley, St Clement (6) 12-2-11, which was an easy going ground floor ring. The same methods were rung whilst the younger members of the party amused themselves with the toys in the well stocked children's area of the church.
After lunch, Peter and I headed for Mugginton, All Saints (6) 7-2-24. After going nearly all the way into Derby on the A38 we realised we were lost and gave it up as a bad job and turned off for Ashbourne, parish church of St Oswald (8) 14-0-7. This is a splendid church the size of a small cathedral. It was featured many years ago on the Songs of Praise bellringers programme. Unfortunately the ringing vicar, has moved to another parish. When we entered the church we saw a chap sat in a pew near the chancel crossing who looked like he might be the tower captain, so we introduced ourselves. "Where's the ringing chamber?" I asked brightly. "You are standing in it" replied the tower captain. I looked blank, so he and Peter both pointed heavenwards and to my horror I saw a 'spider' carrying eight ropes way, way up above. "Er, no thanks" I said, "I'm going to look at the effigies over there". The other ringers soon arrived, including two newcomers. After a bit of a struggle to raise the bells, Fr Martin wisely decided to stick to rounds and call changes, and some brave souls made a valiant effort to master the long draught.
After Ashbourne, it was on to Chellaston, St Peter (6) 4-3-19 and time for tea break. This tower was interesting. The ringing room was accessed via an open wooden staircase and platform on the outside of the tower,which led to a very narrow door. Some of the group did not attempt the climb, but those who did faced more challenges once inside, especially the treble ringer who had to ring with the rope passing through the slats of an open staircase.
The next tower was Spondon, St Werburg (6) 8-1-18. The chamber was big and roomy, and the bells were deep set, Peter's assistance was required to pull off.
The final tower was Breaston, St Michael (6) 7-1-14, which we skipped due to early work commitments the following day. After tower fees and donations, £86 was raised for the new ringing chamber floor at Candlesby. Everyone enjoyed the day out and we are looking forward to Fr Martin organising another one.
Julia Limage
The Royal British Legion, Lincolnshire, County Service of Rededication Sunday 10th May 2009 held at Boston St Botolph
All ten of The Stump's bells were rung for the service of rededication on Sunday afternoon. Tower captain Tom Freeston was in charge of a mixed group of ringers, prior to the service conducted by the Revd Robin Whitehead, with preacher the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, The Royal British Legion National Chaplain and Bishop of Manchester.
Thirtynine banners were counted processing down the aisle for dedication.
Branch Meeting at Butterwick and Fishtoft
Butterwick, St Andrew
The Eastern Branch met and rang at the easy going, ground floor 6 of St Andrew's Butterwick on Saturday 2nd May, during the afternoon.
The ringers' service was held at St Guthlac, Fishtoft, with the Rev Andrew Higginson giving a thought provoking address. A delicious faith tea followed, with plenty of 'bringing' and even more 'sharing'.
A swift meeting was held after tea, with Tom Freeston in the chair, the secretary, Julia Limage, amused us all with a slip of the tongue whilst referring to the Archdeacon. Two new junior members were elected to the Guild, Emily and Joe Waters from Langton. Gemma Evans was awarded her first peal certificate by Tom. Ringing at Fishtoft carried on the proceedings through the evening.
Thanks to all involved, particularly the non-ringers.
Val Wild
Quarter peal rung at St Andrew's for St George's Day
A quarter peal of plain bob doubles was rung to celebrate St George's Day on April 23rd 2009 at Butterwick. The ringers are shown above L to R: Aubrey Pepper, Tom Palmer, John Collett, Viv Simpson, David Bennett and Tom Freeston. The ringing was also an 85th birthday compliment to Tom Palmer.
The bells of St James Frieston were rung by the same band, later the same day to mark St George's Day.
April Practice at Kirton in Holland
The Eastern Branch held it's April ringing practice at St Peter and St Paul, Kirton on Saturday the 4th, in the evening. Mick Smith, ringing master, was in charge and an opportunity to ring on 8 bells was enjoyed by 19 ringers from across the Branch. The bells were kept in continuous use from 6.30 until just before 9, people were able to ring methods they wouldn't try at home!
Guild BRF Fund Raiser Quiz Report, 21st March by Phil Ford
Additional cash has been received to bring the total raised for the Guild BRF to £256
Phil Ford
Learners' Practice at Spilsby, Saturday 7th March
The March event in the Eastern Branch was a learners' practice, held at the easy going, ground floor six of St James, Spilsby. Despite the cold weather, there was an excellent turnout of ringers at Spilsby, and various methods were rung with plenty of rounds and call changes for the inexperienced. Refreshments of tea and coffee halfway through the evening preceded a short meeting, when two new members from Butterwick were elected.
Annual General Meeting at St Peter and St Paul, Ingoldmells
The Eastern Branch AGM was held on Saturday 1st February 2009 at Ingoldmells. A warm welcome awaited the brave souls who travelled through the snow, to find clear and sunny conditions. The local parishioners made tea whilst the eight bells were rung during the afternoon under the direction of Peter Udy, Branch Assistant Ringing Master.
A well supported service, which included the bellringers hymn, was followed by tea just across the road from the church. More and more, delicious sandwiches, puddings and cakes kept appearing to feed even the hungriest of ringers.
Despite the poor road conditions the AGM attendance was very good, and included the Guild Master, Sue Faull, the Guild Treasurer, Roger Lord, and visitors from outside the Branch. Tom Freeston was in the chair and kept order, moving through the items on the agenda, without too much heckling from the floor!
The programme for this year was printed on the back of the agenda and appears in the diary page of this website. Following the meeting, ringing at Ingoldmells carried on into the evening, with the newly elected ringing master, Mick Smith, in charge.
The whole event was a success of good fellowship, good food and good ringing, and grateful thanks are due to Tony and Isabel Barker, for the arrangements and to everyone else who contributed in any way.