RNGB Trafalgar Weekend 2006 in Northumberland

Royal Naval Guild of Bellringers

AGM 2008
Outing Report

RNGB - Outing on Saturday 8 March 2008

A total of 16 RNGB ringers, plus some partners, gathered at the small Somerset village of Doulting near Shepton Mallett at 1000 on 8 March 2008, for the first ring of a five tower outing. The octagonal and spired tower is home to the superb 20 cwt six of St Aldham's. Refurbished in recent years by Nicholsons, the lovely tone and good going of the bells was complimented by excellently struck ringing. We also found a Royal Navy connection when it was discovered that the tower contact who kindly opened the tower for us, had completed his National Service in the Royal Navy. He was swiftly rugby tackled by the Guild Secretary and promised that he would soon receive a membership application form. The general consensus of all ringers was this must now be considered one of the finest sixes in the South-West.

A short journey along the A361 brought us to West Cranmore and the 8 cwt six at St Bartholemews. Ringers quickly adapted to this much lighter ring and were going well with very good striking when the unexpected happened; the rope of the 4th parted company at the garter hole. It would be ungentlemanly to mention the name of the lady ringer who was unfortunate enough to be on the sally at the time but we are not aware of any weight training or power lifting in her fitness regime. Little excuse was needed to run down the road to the Strode Arms for a splendid lunch. This hostelry goes well recommended with very tasty food, speedily served by cheerful and welcoming staff. The beer was excellent too! Whilst at St Bartholemews we found another RN connection in the form of Admiral Sir Edward Chetham Strode, Admiral of the White, who lies undisturbed in the churchyard. An extra reason for being in the village of Cranmore during the lunch period was to take advantage of an out of season visit to the engine shed and machine shop of the East Somerset Railway. Those who failed to achieve the boyhood ambition of becoming an engine driver but still own Hornby Dublo electric train sets were in their element.

Restored by the fine victuals of the Strode Arms we moved on to the heavy bells of Mells. The 26 cwt ring of 8 at St Andrews has a good reputation and the Guild ringers responded with some very good touches. We failed to discover a Naval connection at St Andrews, but did learn that the churchyard is the final resting place of Siegfried Sassoon. A useful point for the pub quiz one day......

With careful navigation most arrived in a timely fashion at the next venue which was the lovely little ring of 8 at St Leonard's, Marston Bigot. These small bells made a joyous sound across the open countryside and we began to realize that this outing had been put together with great care and consideration by Bob and Jill Lock and that we were the lucky recipients of the fruits of their hard work.

The final tower of the day was at Beckington, just over the county border in Wiltshire. We much enjoyed the challenge of the long draught, 16 cwt ring of 8, rung from the ground floor of the splendid architectural interior of St George's. Covered by the fine roof timbers, Guild members were gazed upon by numerous gargoyles and punky faces high on the wall stringers and truss buttresses. This was also a most appropriate setting for our short service, ably and enthusiastically conducted by the Reverend Michael White, a local Royal British Legion Chaplain. Rousing hymns and fine organ playing were accompanied by strong voices preparing for the afternoon tea and followed by the AGM in the local Baptist church hall nearby. The tea went down well and all members were most grateful to the local team who did so well in accommodating us.

The main aim of this day was to enjoy good ringing amongst like minded friends. We succeeded admirably, indeed, quite a lot of the ringing was so well struck as to be of competition standard. On 6 bells we covered Call Changes, Grandsire, Stedman, Plain Bob and Cambridge; on 8 bells we added Oxford Bob Triples and Yorkshire to this list. The happy band finally departed, all agreeing that Bob and Gill had delivered a wonderful outing and we were very grateful.