Start of Great War Commemorations

Transcription

1 Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers Face to Face Newsletter Spring 2014 Number 140 Start of Great War Commemorations Commemorations, p1 Great War Roll of Honour, p 3 Full list of New Members page 7 Months Surprise Major Methods, page 8 9:10 11/12/13 page 10 Inside this issue: From the Master 1 Great War Commemorations 1 Great War Roll of Honour 3 Months of the Year 6 Magna Carta 800th Anniversary 7 List of New Members 7 Education & Training 8 Calne Branch News 9 Devizes Branch News 9 Dorchester Branch News 11 East Dorset Branch News 11 Marlborough Branch News 12 Mere Branch News 13 Salisbury Branch News 14 Guild Festival & AGM Saturday 10 May 2014, Amesbury, Salisbury Branch Deadline for the Next Issue Final Deadline: May 19th f2f@sdgr.org.uk West Dorset Branch News 15 From the CCBR: The Great War 17 From the Editor 17 Calendar 18

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3 Guild News From the Master I have enjoyed my travels around the Guild observing all of the hard work in the various branches. I am always impressed with the individual character of each branch and the committees involved. Unfortunately I have been unable to attend as many meetings around the Guild as I would like to due to a close family member being seriously ill. I did attend the Marlborough Branch AGM at Chiseldon in October. The meeting was well attended with some well-run ringing beforehand. The unique double act of Ursula and Dorothy has now changed as Ursula has handed the Chairmanship to David Close. I wish David all the best during his tenure and thank Ursula for her dedication to the smooth running of the branch. She always ran an entertaining but thorough business meeting. The Dorchester Branch AGM also took place in October in a pleasant little hall in Long Bredy. A pleasant practice was held before the meeting which was well attended. Mavis relinquished her position as Branch Secretary and handed over to Claire Dillistone. I would like to thank Mavis for all she has done for the branch and look forward to the good work being continued by Claire. On Saturday 2nd November I attended a special meeting of the Devizes Branch at Horningsham and Warminster to celebrate 70 years membership of Eric Hitchens. Eric and Trish had travelled from Norfolk to be at the meeting. Ross gave a history of Eric s work for the Guild and I presented the certificate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eric for all the work and dedication he has shown supporting the Devizes Branch and the Guild during those 70 years. I would also like to congratulate Don Lee and Fred Slatford on achieving 70 years membership. The West Dorset AGM took place at Broadwindsor on 16th November. A good and lively meeting took place with a well-run ringing session attached. I can assure those that were there, that what I ended up being covered with was not very bad dandruff but bits of rope. The Guild Striking Competitions took place on Saturday 26th November, a cold but generally pleasant day although some rain did add to the variety. The 8 bell competition took place on the fairly demanding bells at Gillingham, ably judged by Brian Bladon from Swindon. The standard was good and Brian gave a well presented review of how each band performed. Silton was the venue for the 6 bell competition and a good afternoon s ringing took place. Margaret Chapman and Simon Edwards from Marston Bigot in Somerset were responsible for the judging. Once again they did a thorough job and presented the results well. Simon is a young lad and gave a very good description of each band s performance. Congratulations to the East Dorset Branch band for winning the 8-bell competition and the Wimborne Minster band for winning the 6-bell competition. The Silton ringers provided a rolling tea through the afternoon and did a magnificent job, for which I would like to thank them very much. There was plenty of food, and it was delicious. Once again, thank you all the ringers throughout the diocese who keep our bells ringing and all the effort that goes into keeping the bands going. Tom Garrett Saturday May 10th - Guild Festival & AGM, Amesbury See Guild website for further details SDGR Clothing Is your SDGR sweatshirt or polo shirt in need of replacing, or maybe you have been thinking about purchasing a new one? If so, now is the time to buy! All the details of clothing (including an order form) can be found on the Guild website so do have a look as new colours have been introduced as well as some additional items. NOW AVAILABLE Royal Blue 4" square embroidered logo badge. For sewing onto own clothing, rucksack, bag, etc. Not yet on the website but available to order in the same way as clothing items. Also available from Guild Bookstall. Price 6 Patricia Davidson: Face to Face is the acknowledged Newsletter of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers. First published in 1975, the publication is now produced four times each year and circulated free to all affiliated towers throughout the Guild, as well as to various other bodies. Compiled and Edited by Michael Bailey Guild Hon Gen Sec: Anthony Lovell-Wood Website Manager: Teresa Goatham Page 1

4 The Great War Commemorations 2014 The Start of Four Years of Centenary Commemorations Introduction Private Thomas George Taylor On 4th August 1914 Great Britain entered the Great War. At the end of the war, on 11th November 1918, it is estimated that 743,000 British servicemen were dead. On the first day of the battle of the Somme alone (1st July 1916), the British Army suffered 20,000 losses. In addition to those who died, of course, were the countless who survived with physical and/or mental injuries and those who served, waited, worried and grieved at home (both men and women). The Somme in particular, alongside Mons, Ypres, Jutland and Passchendaele, was to become a byword for the horrors of modern war. The recruitment of a huge volunteer army, the formation of local so called Pals regiments, followed by conscription, meant that this war, unlike any before, touched almost every family and every town, village or hamlet, as the war memorials in our churches and churchyards still bear witness. A single case study of one name listed there hits home: Private Thomas George Taylor. The eldest of four children of John (a gardener) and Mary Taylor, Thomas was born about 1890 in Kempsey, Worcestershire. The 1901 census shows Thomas living with his grandmother, Isabella, in Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, while other members of the family (including his parents) were living in Commemoration The focus of national events over the next four years will be on the commemoration of key dates between the start of war and the armistice. As John Harrison (on behalf of Central Council PR Committee) has previously commented: as ringers we will all hold personal views about the war and what should and should not be commemorated, but I am sure that we ringers, as always, will collectively play our part in these national events. However, to me, the real poignancy of the war is brought home by each individual story of quiet bravery and loss that lies behind each name on a memorial. Therefore I hope that ringers will also help undertake local research and take part in local commemorations especially those focused on the anniversaries of local men who were lost. Guild Roll of Honour I think that there is a particular emotion for us, as today s ringers, in remembering our predecessors; ringers like us, who lost their lives. Attached to this article is the current Roll of Honour of Guild members and other local ringers who are known to have died in the war. Copies of this can be obtained from me or the Guild website at Especially if your tower is listed here, I urge you to visit the Central Council website mentioned and undertake your own research and ring to mark the centenary of a local ringer s death. If you discover any new names or information please contact me ( below) and Alan Regin via the link on the site. If you undertake any research (on ringers or others who served) you may also be interested in contributing to the main commemorative project, Lives of the First World War ( This project is led by the Imperial War Museum and will provide a permanent online memorial to all those who served. Please do keep me informed of any discoveries and/or commemorations over the next four years and I will collate these into regular articles for Face to Face. Batheaston, Somerset. In 1907, aged 17, he rang his first peal (probably conducted by his father). In 1911, Thomas was with his aunt, Rosina, in Morcombelake (still within the parish of Whitchurch Canonicorum), aged 20, employed as a local carter. In 1911, other family members, including his parents, were still in Batheaston and his parents had been married for 25 years and by then had had seven children, six of whom were still alive at that point. Thomas enlisted in Bridport in Salisbury Cathedral Memorial Screen the First Battalion Welsh Guards and died on 11th September 1918, exactly two months before the end of the war, aged 28. His name is recorded on the war memorials of Whitchurch Canonicorum and Batheaston. His grave in the Moeuvres Communal cemetery in France is shown on the front page of this edition of Face to Face. Like the nation as a whole (with the Cenotaph and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and each town and village with its own war memorial, our Guild in the post war years wanted to remember those who had been lost. Off the South Transept of Salisbury cathedral, in the chapel of St Michael (which is dedicated to the memory of those who fell in the Great War), is a carved wooden screen. The western section of this screen was paid for by the Guild and the eastern section forms the Diocesan memorial. Quote from the account of the first 50 years of the Guild: It was the natural wish of the Guild to erect a permanent memorial to those of their number who had sacrificed their lives in the Great War. At the request of Dean Burn the Guild undertook to raise 200 Page 2

5 for a carved oak screen in the Cathedral as part of the Diocesan War Memorial. The zealous Assistant Secretary, Hervey Beams, acted as treasurer to this fund and just lived to see its completion in The screen bears an inscription commemorating Ringers of the Diocese who died but not I think by name and is decorated with a handsome model of the Guild Badge, carved and gilded by a Bridport Ringer. The Great War Commemorations then the known numbers who fell has increased as indicated in the current Roll). Neil Skelton adds: It would appear that the fund was started in The Bridport ringer who carved and gilded the badge was W S B Northover who resided at 'Greenwood', Allington, Bridport. The screen was designed by H S Rogers, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A., (who may have been the Cathedral architect) and was executed by A R Mowbray & Co, Ltd of London and Oxford. The Guild Executive will be exploring with the cathedral authorities whether any renovation work is required on this section of the screen to commemorate the centenary of the war. Memorial Service I have also been in contact with the cathedral, on behalf of the Guild, to arrange for a short memorial service to be held in and around St Michael s chapel in the autumn, to which all Guild members will be invited to attend and remember the members of our Guild and other local ringers who died in the Great War details to be published in the summer. The inscription on the screen reads: This Screen given in Memory of 58 Members of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers and other Bellringers of the Diocese who fell in the War (Since Summary and thanks So, in summary: do undertake local research and take part in local commemorations; also research into, and ring to, mark the centenaries of local ringers who died; if you can, attend the Guild memorial service later this year; and please do keep me informed of any discoveries and/or commemorations over the next four years. My thanks to the following, who helped in the preparation of this article: Ivan Andrews, Neil Skelton, Anthony Lovell-Wood, Alan Regin, David Underdown, David Sherratt, Linda Jones and Dorothy Blythe. Robert Wellen Guild Public Relations Officer The Great War Roll of Honour Guild Members Who Died In The Great War (Also covering post-war ) (Date of death shown) Amesbury: 1. Private Joseph Harper Thorne (19 August 1917) Berwick St John: 2. Lance Corporal William Henry Marchant (2 November 1917) Bishops Cannings: 3. Private Joseph Henry Cowdrey (23 November 1917) 4. Private Arthur James Merritt (10 August 1915) 5. Private Aubrey Barrow Mogg (19 August 1916) 6. Lance Corporal Alec George Ruddle (19 October 1915) 7. Private Stanley George Waite (20 September 1917) Page 3

6 The Great War Roll of Honour Bournemouth St John: 8. Private Fred Forsyth (24 July 1917) Dinton: 23. Private Henry George Burt (29 October 1914) Bratton: 9. Lance Corporal Arthur Frank Carter (14 June 1915) 10. Private Harold Mead (12 March 1915) Broadwindsor: 11. Private Arthur James Legg (19 June 1917) 12. Private George Smith (23 January 1917) Bromham: 13. Private William Oliver Gee (12 October 1917) Buckhorn Weston: 14. Private Sidney George Oates (20 February 1916) Buckland Newton: 15. Lance Corporal Edwin Henry Foot (9 August 1915) Charminster: 16. Private Frederick Charles Northover (27 August 1918) Chideock: 17. Private Stephen John Samways (21 August 1915) 18. Lance Sergeant Eleajar John Squire (28 September 1917) Corscombe: 19. Staff Sergeant Thomas George Wareham (30 November 1917) Devizes, St John: 20. Colour Sergeant Russell Laurence Poole (8 May 1918) Devizes, St Mary: 21. A Little (unknown) Devizes (Southbroom): 22. Lance Corporal Leonard Hunt (1 July 1916) Dorchester (St Peter): 24. Lance Corporal William Alfred Painter (21 April 1918) Edington: 25. Rifleman Thomas James Blagden (19 January 1919) 26. Private Leonard Drewett (12 March 1918) 27. Private John Frederick Pike Lawes (18 August 1916) 28. Gunner Reginald Charles Rogers (28 December 1917) 29. Lance Corporal William John Wheeler (23 March 1918) 30. Private Reginald Cecil Wordley (1 December 1917) Hazelbury Bryan: 31. Sergeant Thomas Drake (26 August 1918) Hilperton: 32. Rifleman Alfred Pocock (22 November 1917) Hilton: 33. Private William Benjamin Drake (21 August 1915) 34. Private Frederick William Samways (8 January 1919) Kington Magna: 35. Private Robert Yeatman (11 October 1917) Leigh: 36. Private Joseph William New (19 October 1918) Litton Cheney: 37. T Collins (unknown) 38. Stoker First Class (RN) Reginald George Northover (31 May 1916) 39. Private Thomas Robert Weller (24 August 1916) Lyme Regis: 40. Private Samuel Nathan Crane (11 January 1917) Page 4

7 The Great War Roll of Honour Lytchett Minster: 41. Private Edward Ernest Brown (18 November 1917) 42. Private William James Gile (9 April 1918) 43. Sergeant (RAF) C W W Speck (3 December 1918) Sturminster Marshall: 58. Private William Frank Ford (11 July 1917) 59. Corporal John Henry Shave (17 February 1918) 60. Private Sidney James White (25 October 1918) Maiden Newton: 44. Private Jonathan Hardy (11 September 1916) Swanage: 61. Private Harry Mitchell (31 July 1917) Milton Abbey: 45. (probably) Sergeant Harry Wilson (21 August 1915) Netherbury: 46. Private Samuel Herbert Davy (16 October 1914) Poole: 47. Private Ernest Bridle (12 April 1918) 48. Rifleman Thomas J Rigler (22 May 1916) Rampisham: 49. S Cooke (unknown) 50. Private Ernest William Ellis (4 September 1916) 51. Private George Henry John Hoare (28 November 1915) Salisbury: 52. Private Reginald Godfrey Harris (26 October 1917) Shillingstone: 53. Gunner Reginald Sidney Hart (27 October 1917) Silton: 54. Private Seth Suter (12 June 1918) Steeple Ashton: 55. Lance Corporal Arthur James Berrett (22 June 1915) Stoke Abbott: 56. Gunner Richard George Meech (26 October 1918) 57. Private Wilfred John Swaffield (4 February 1917) Tollard Royal: 62. Private Percy John Ridout (13 August 1916) Trowbridge: 63. Private Harold Butcher (4 June 1917) Upwey: 64. Private Hope Brake (5 October 1917) Westbury: 65. Private Herbert Frederick Kerley (26 August 1914) Whitchurch Canonicorum: 66. Private Hubert John Bugler (14 November 1917) 67. Private Thomas George Taylor* (11 September 1918) Wimborne Minster: 68. Private W T Bennett (26 August 1918) Wyke Regis: 69. Second Lieutenant Harry John Anderson (10 April 1918) Sources and Notes: Sources: Guild Report 1918 and Central Council Roll of Honour at website below: id=29&name=salisbury%20diocesan&warid=1 Details on this website of regiment, age and a link to full details of each casualty from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site: Page 5

8 Following recent correspondence with Alan Regin, CCCBR Librarian the following names of additional local ringers who died have come to light (although it is understood they were not actual members of SDGR): Fontmell Magna: Lance Corporal Victor George Merrifield (21 August 1915) Lance Sergeant Sydney Shute (11 January 1917) Second Lieutenant Humphrey Osborn Springfield (5 August 1916) Preston: Private Arthur John Marsh (21 March 1918) Private Henry Arthur Miller (17 April 1917) Private William Read (31 August 1917) The Great War Roll of Honour Shipton Gorge: Private Alexander William Sanders (2 May 1915) Whitchurch Canonicorum *Private Thomas George Taylor: he was, at some stage, a ringer at Batheaston and he is listed under that tower and, therefore the Bath & Wells Diocesan Association on the Central Council website. However, he enlisted at Bridport and his name is on the War Memorial at Whitchurch Canonicorum (as well as Batheaston). He is also listed in the Salisbury DG 1918 Report. The following note appears in his entry on the Central Council website: recent research has shown that Private Thomas George Taylor was also a ringer at Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, Salisbury Diocesan. Compiled by Robert Wellan Guild Public Relations Officer Ringing the Complete Months of the Year Surprise Major Methods During 2013 a group of ringers from Dorset set out to ring the months of the year surprise major methods. We were all ably organised by Matthew Pike from Swanage, ringing at towers across the county, culminating in a successful quarter at Fordington in December. Blandford Forum, Dorset. SS Peter & Paul, Monday 14 January 2013 in 49 mins (19-3-5), 1280 January Surprise Major Rosemary Duke 1, Julian Newman 2, Angie Jasper 3, Linda Hough 4, Matthew Pike 5, Graham Duke 6, Phil Miles 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Bryanston, Dorset. St Martin, Monday 18 February 2013 in 49 mins ( ), 1312 February Surprise Major Sas Watson 1, Rosemary Duke 2, Linda Hough 3, Angie Jasper 4, Graham Duke 5, Matthew Pike 6, Phil Miles 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Wareham, Dorset. Lady St Mary, Monday 11 March 2013 in 50 mins ( ), 1312 March Surprise Major Graham Elmes 1, Rosemary Duke 2, Linda Hough 3, Angie Jasper 4, Phil Miles 5, Matthew Pike 6, Tim E Rose 7, Graham Duke (C) 8. Swanage, Dorset. St Mary the Virgin, Sunday 7 April 2013 in 46 mins ( ), 1280 April Surprise Major Hayley Newman 1, Linda Jasper 2, Linda Hough 3, Julian Newman 4, Angie Jasper 5, Matthew Pike 6, Peter Jasper 7, Phil Miles (C) 8. For Choral Evensong. First blows in method: 3, 4, 7 and 8. 50th quarter peal together for sister and brother, Linda and Peter Jasper: 2 and 7. Kingston, Dorset. St James, Monday 10 June 2013 in 53 mins ( ), 1344 June Surprise Major Eddie Dicken 1, Graham Elmes 2, Julian Newman 3, Angie Jasper 4, Linda Hough 5, Matthew Pike 6, Graham A Duke 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Wareham, Dorset. Lady St Mary, Monday 8 July 2013 in 48 mins ( ), 1280 July Surprise Major Peter Jasper 1, Tim E Rose 2, Linda Hough 3, Angie Jasper 4, Matthew Pike 5, Phil Miles 6, Julian Newman 7, Graham A Duke (C) 8. Bournemouth, Dorset. St Peter, Monday 12 August 2013 in 55 mins (20-2-7), 1312 August Surprise Major Paul R Smith 1, Julian Newman 2, Rosemary Duke 3, Angie Jasper 4, Linda Hough 5, Matthew Pike 6, Graham A Duke 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Ringwood, Hampshire. SS Peter & Paul, Monday 9 September 2013 in 50 mins ( ), 1280 September Surprise Major Thomas R Harris 1, Julian Newman 2, Linda Hough 3, Linda Jasper 4, Angie Jasper 5, Matthew Pike 6, Tim E Rose 7, Graham A Duke (C) 8. Rung with the band's best wishes for Julian Newman s birthday today. Charminster, Dorset. St Mary the Virgin, Monday 14 October 2013 in 47 mins ( ), 1344 October Surprise Major Gareth R Evans 1, Julian Newman 2, Angie Jasper 3, Thomas R Harris 4, Linda Hough 5, Matthew Pike 6, Graham A Duke 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Cranborne, Dorset. SS Mary & Bartholomew, Monday 13 May 2013 in 50 mins ( ), 1312 May Surprise Major Sas Watson 1, Julian Newman 2, Angie Jasper 3, Linda Hough 4, Matthew Pike 5, Phil Miles 6, Graham Duke 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Fordingbridge, Hampshire. St Mary, Monday 11 November 2013 in 43 mins (13-2-1), 1280 November Surprise Major Linda Jasper 1, Julian Newman 2, Thomas R Harris 3, Matthew Pike 4, Linda Hough 5, Angie Jasper 6, Tim E Rose 7, Graham A Duke (C) 8. Page 6

9 Ringing the Complete Months of the Year Surprise Major Methods Fordington, Dorset. St George, Monday 9 December 2013 in 47 mins ( ), 1312 December Surprise Major Gareth Evans 1, Julian Newman 2, Thomas R Harris 3, Angie Jasper 4, Graham A Duke 5, Matthew Pike 6, Linda Hough 7, Tim E Rose (C) 8. Completes the months of the year surprise major to quarter peals: 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 For the Most Conducting Trophy: Tim (7) & Ben (4) not forgetting Phil who also conducted one. For Ringing the Same Bell Award: Matthew Pike 8 times on Julian Newman the six, closely followed by Julian with 7 times on the two and Tim 7 times on the tenor. Most stepping in & ringing Award: Rosemary (4), closely followed by Linda Jasper (3) Consistency Award being in all 12 quarters Linda Hough, Angie and Matthew Hardest Method of the Year Award: October (Closely followed by September) Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Many of you will have seen the article on this anniversary in The Ringing World published on 13 December. You can follow the arrangements for this commemoration in detail on Ringers are being asked to note that Sunday 14th June 2015 has been designated the Big Ringing Day, with ringing also encouraged for the preceding Saturday and following Monday (15th June being the actual anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede). The possession by Salisbury Cathedral of one of only four original copies of the Magna Carta means that our cathedral city and whole diocese will have a special place in this anniversary. I have already been contacted by Robert Key, the former MP for Salisbury, who says: I am the Chairman of the Salisbury Cathedral Magna Carta 2015 Project. We are planning a high-profile and wide-ranging programme of celebrations to mark this important anniversary. Nationally we are partnering Lincoln Cathedral and the British Library - the guardians of the only 2015 Magna Cartas remaining. The Dean and the Bishop are very keen that the celebrations should be Cathedral led and Diocese-wide. Mr Key is going to be in contact with me over the year as plans are developed for this Project to ensure that ringing plays a full part in celebrations in the city and across the diocese. Also, more specifically, according to The Ringing World article, there is Henry de Bohun, one of the Magna Carta Barons (see and his connections to Trowbridge: Earl Henry was a notable figure in the development of modern Trowbridge, as it was he who secured the grant of a market and annual fair from the Crown in From this privilege flowed the laying out of the market place along the curved line of the castle ditch, the removal of the church from the castle s inner bailey and the construction of the present church of St James in the heart of the town. Perhaps a 12 bell peal event? It is obviously early days as yet but as I hear more I will keep you informed. Robert Wellen Guild Public Relations Officer At the beginning of each year we publish in Face to Face a list of new members elected during the previous 12 months, verified by respective Branch Secretaries. A record is therefore held ensuring that such members receive early recognition of their involvement in the Guild. Calne Branch (6): Avebury: David Throup (former member of Marlborough Branch), Steven Morris Bromham: Gillian Hanam (P), David King (P) Calne: Kim Clifford (full member from probationer) Lyneham: Ian Boyland Devizes Branch (10): Bradford: Frances Hewiston, Jane Mann, Thomas Pelham Devizes: Paul Brown (J) Holt: Desiree Eksteen Welcome New Members Melksham: Laura Amor Seend: Alan Brier Steeple Ashton: Matthew Lavington Warminster: Nick Andrew, Tim Illingworth Dorchester Branch (15): Bere Regis: Terry Kent, Alan Townsend Cattistock: Alex Butler Dorchester: William Haydock, Alastair Simpson, Helen Simpson Fordington: John Ungley Long Bredy: Liz Hemsley, Caddy Sitwell, Upwey: Phil Say, Louise Dominey, Jane Nicklen Wyke Regis: Steven Booth, Kate Rogers, Mike Lovegrove East Dorset Branch (9): Corfe Castle: Kathy Rowe Lytchett Minster: Kayleigh Jones, Lloyd Jones (J) Page 7

10 Poole: Andy Nelson Spetisbury: Mark Newton Swanage: Bill Furniss, Winterborne Whitechurch/Stickland: Genevieve Hakimzedah, Julian Wilson, Kevin Oakly Marlborough Branch (5): Aldbourne: Victoria Parmiter Chiseldon: Ron Raymond Preshute: Peter Lewis Wylde Wootton Rivers: Patricia Belbin, Geoffrey Belbin Mere Branch (16): Chilmark: Angus Menzies East Knoyle: Justin Brown (J) Hindon: Laura Kirkland Kington Magna: Len Roberts Melbury Abbas: Tavy Bradley-Watson,Yvonne Gallimore Motcombe: Georgina Alban, Benny Milton, Rupert Milton, Clara Bracey, Rebecca Bracey (all Juniors) Shaftesbury (St Peter): Maureen Truscott Zeals: Four new probationary members - Maggie Bloe, Mary Burden, Robyn Clee and Rachel Potter. Below are the details of the Guild Training Day, please consider signing up for one of the courses, you will find the forms on the Guild Website. April 26th 2014 Base for the day Hinton Hall, Tisbury meet for coffee and registration depart for course towers Morning session to Lunch to (Own arrangements) Afternoon session 1400 to meet at Tisbury, tea and debrief depart for home Courses and basic entry requirements for students Beginners Course: Students required to be confident at ringing a bell on their own. Aim of course to progress students to confidently ring rounds, lead and hopefully progress to call changes. Plain Bob Doubles: Students must be able to ring plain hunt doubles on any bell unaided. Aim of course to introduce students to dodging and place making and hopefully look at touches. Plain Bob Minor: Students must be confident at ringing touches of Bob Doubles inside. Aim of the course to introduce students to ringing a method without a cover bell and leading from different bells. Welcome New Members Salisbury Branch (10): Amesbury: Barbara Maddocks, Hannah Wright Barford St Martin: Roy Wilde (P) Berwick St John: Pat Avrell Breamore: Trudi Broughton Chitterne: Annie Brain Fovant: Christine Bantingham Salisbury St Thomas: Martin Corry Stratford sub Castle: Jim Platt Winterbourne Earls: Charlie Hunt West Dorset Branch (9): Askerswell: Susan Hardy Bradford Abbas: Jim Chapman, Jonathan Vellam, Meghan Vellam (J) Melbury/Cattistock: Christine Ashley, Richard Ashley Sherborne: Jack Carling Whitchurch Canonicorum: Jo Marsden, Sam Milburn My thanks to Branch Secretaries for their assistance with the above. Ivan Andrews Education and Training Stedman Doubles: Students must be confident at ringing touches of Grandsire Doubles on a non-observation bell. Aim to master the Stedman principle, including touches, this course will probably need the students to receive a few notes before the day and for some homework to be done at home. Conducting: Students to be confident at ringing touches of Plain Bob Minor on an inside bell. Aim of this course is to introduce students to basic conducting, coursing orders, and keeping people right. Introduction to hand bell ringing: This will be a basic introduction to change ringing on handbells for those with little or no experience in this art. Aim to ring two handbells to simple changes. There will be a charge of 10 per student for the day which will include refreshments at the registration and at the debrief. Please send your cheque, made payable to Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers, with your registration form. We will need to limit the number of students on each course and therefore it is advisable to book early. I have received some requests for another Belfry Maintenance Course and I am currently trying to arrange one to take place in the early Autumn. These courses have proved extremely popular over the past few years and give the opportunity for students to see different types of installations on plain and ball bearings in metal and wooden frames and give a good insight in what to look for regarding maintenance and what should be done to overcome any obvious problems to keep the bells and fittings in good working order. David Hacker Page 8

11 Branch News Calne Branch News We are grateful to the Devizes Branch for hosting a very enjoyable joint Carol service in December. There was afternoon ringing, a service and a very substantial tea at Rowde before further ringing at St John s Church in Devizes. The Calne branch AGM was held in Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday 11th January. Revd Jemma Sander-Heys, the curate for St Bartholomew s Church in Royal Wootton Bassett, took the service and the usual high quality tea was provided by the local ringers. We are very grateful to Ross Robertson and his wife who made the journey to join us. Most of the committee was re-elected with the only change being the ringing master. Hester Wall stood down and Michael Moore was elected as the new ringing master. Certificates were presented to three new members, and three members who had rung their first quarter peals in quarter peal week. Two new members were also agreed. We are looking forward to our Calne Branch - Quarter Peal Week We made a decision quite early in 2013 that our aim for quarter peal week would be for as many people as possible to get firsts. We started off the week with a first quarter for Phillip Harrison then a first quarter at first attempt for Kenneth Muhumaza, who had been ringing less that two years, this was quickly followed by a first quarter since 1965 for Bernard Harvey, which was also a first inside for Catherine Mealing-Jones. The week was rounded off by a first quarter for Doug Miller. We also had two first quarters of Major at Royal first social event of the year - a skittles evening in March at Avebury. Other things discussed at the meeting included some plans for ringing to commemorate aspects of WW1 and the proposal to have a ring of bells at Derry Hill Church. The ringing before and after the meeting accommodated a range of ringing abilities from simple rounds and call changes upwards. Training mornings are planned for the fourth Saturdays in January, February and March. Those in February and March will be looking at improving ringing skills, further details available from Andrew Woolley. Triples practice at Calne continues on the first Friday of even months and Surprise practice at Heddington on the third Friday of every month. Visitors are welcome at all these practices although it may be wise to check with the website before travelling. Elaine Leighton Wootton Bassett and two most methods at Yatesbury. Many thanks go to Andrew Woolley, who called 7 of our 9 quarters. It looks as though our aim next year should be to get some footnotes for first as conductor! At the end of the week we really felt that we had done our best to achieve our aim and had also managed to ring quarters in 8 of our 11 towers in the Branch! Jane Ridgwell Devizes & Calne Branches Joint Carol Service 14 December 2013 Following the success of last year s joint Carol Service, the Devizes and Calne branches again joined forces to celebrate the Christmas season. Ringing commenced at St Matthew, Rowde; 6 bells in Ab. St Matthew, Rowde From 1086 until 1833, the Church of St Matthew was known as the Church of St Mary, however in 1833 it was rebuilt and rededicated. Only the lofty 15th century tower survives from the earlier building. Five bells were in the tower in 1553 and that number remained until 1870 when six new bells were cast from the old ring of five (two dated from 1639 and the others from 1654, 1709 and 1754) by John Taylor & Co. The bells were rung from the ground floor until 2008 when a mezzanine floor was erected and the ringing chamber was moved upstairs into a gallery. A variety of methods were rung including Bob Doubles, Cambridge, London and call changes. At least 45 members from the Devizes and Calne branches attended the Service which was taken by Rev Norma Ferguson and Richard Ferguson from the Benefice of Rowde and Bromham. It included readings by members of both branches and the singing of seven popular carols. This was followed by a festive bring and share tea in the Church after which the raffle was drawn, successfully raising 81. Further donations were also received resulting in a total of 132 being donated to LEBRF. Evening ringing took place at St John s, Devizes, and again there was a good representation from both branches with ringing to suit new ringers, those with aspirations to Surprise Major and anyone in between! The Ringing Master for both afternoon and evening sessions was Julian Ferrar of the Devizes branch. We all hope that this enjoyable occasion, shared by the two branches, will become an annual tradition. Thanks go to everyone who helped to organise a very enjoyable day. Julia Russell (Devizes Branch) & Jane Ridgwell (Calne Branch) Page 9

12 Branch News Devizes Branch AGM - 4 January 2014 On the wet and windy afternoon of 4 January, about 30 members plus two visitors braved the flooding to attend the AGM meeting at Bradford-on-Avon. Ringing commenced at Christ Church which was built in 1841 and is a notable example of Victorian architecture, having a handsome spire, some beautiful stained glass, wall paintings and woodcarvings. The peal of 8 bells, cwt in G, were donated by Brigadier General Palmer of Berryfield House and installed in 1923 by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon. A variety of methods, including Bristol, Double Norwich, Stedman, Cambridge, Bob Minor, Plain Hunt on 7, rounds and call changes were rung with much success. This was followed by our service which was taken by the Rev Ann Keating after which we moved to the Lambert Community Rooms where we were served delicious hot soup, sandwiches and cakes by the Bradford band. Once replete, we commenced our Annual General Meeting, which included the following presentations: New Members: Alan Bryer (Seend). A number of other new members, including Juniors Joe Ayris (Rowde), Ella Barker and Beth Padfield (Edingers), were not present. Winners of the Six and Eight Bell Striking Competitions: Melksham Winners of the Rounds Competition: Seend (pictured) Norman Knee Trophy awarded to All Cannings Charlie Andrews Trophy awarded to the Edington Ringing Centre. The following new officers were elected: Chairman: David Hacker (Gillean Macdonald stood down) Vice Chairman: Len Murray (replacing David Hacker) Treasurer: Richard Heath (Brian Coward stood down) Assistant Ringing Master: Chris Jenkins (Bob Purnell stood down). The Publicity Officer reported on the commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. There are 17 members of the Branch Devizes Branch - Ringing at 9:10 on 11/12/13 Striking Competition Winners, Seend, l to r: Mike Taylor, Ruth Beavin, Rachael Taylor, Janet Gudge, Sarah Chard, Len Murray who gave their lives during 1914 and 1918 and it has been proposed that towers ring a half-muffled performance as a fitting tribute on the centenary of their death, supported where possible by publicity about the individual. Events for 2014 were announced, which include: 1 February: Ringing at Westbury followed by Skittles at The Crown, Westbury 1 March: Striking Competition, Market Lavington 26 April: Guild Training Day in the Tisbury area 5 July: Rounds Competition followed by Summer BBQ, Great Cheverell The meeting was followed by evening ringing at Holy Trinity. The current peal of 8 bells, 29cwt - 2qr - 26lb in Db, date from Unfortunately, due to the flooding conditions, attendance was low but the quality of ringing was of the usual high standard! Julia Russell The bell ringers of Steeple Ashton and Keevil churches marked a brief moment in history by ringing rounds at precisely 9.10pm on the 11th day of the 12th month in the 13th year of this century. The ringers were divided into two teams and each rang rounds with a short gap in between for a part of the actual tenth minute at St Mary s, Steeple Ashton. Bellringers from left, Judy Buxton Dean, Pat Tucker, Geoff Buxton Dean, Ann Woodhead, Janice West, Roger Carter, Lynda Beaven, Gill Verschoyle, Steve Turpin, Ian Woodhead, John Tucker and finally Michael Moore, Tower Captain. Saturday May 10th - Guild Festival & AGM, Amesbury See Guild website for further details Page 10

13 Branch News Dorchester Branch News Saturday 11th January was a cold and dank winter s day, however those of us who braved the miserable weather were treated to a warm and hospitable reception from the ringers at Dorchester St Peters, who hosted our Quarterly Meeting. There was a good number in attendance who, following a service led by Vicky Furtell, were well fed in the adjacent church hall. During the meeting which followed tea, four new members joined the branch from Upwey and Bere Regis. Also from Bere Regis, Adrian Stansfield was recognised for fifty years Guild membership, as was Alan Brown from Wool. Both were present at the meeting to receive their certificates and the appreciative round of applause from those present. The meeting also approved the proposal of Barbara Chiplen as an HLM which will now go forward for Guild ratification. Dorchester Branch, Dorchester Prison St Peter's Bells Toll the Closure of Dorchester Prison On Tuesday 17 December 2013 the St Peter's ringers tolled the bells to mark the closure of Dorchester Prison, which is located immediately behind the church. A Service took place in the Prison Chapel, followed by ringing at 2.30pm as Prison Officers marched out of the premises. Staff members joined former workers and a host of local dignitaries as the prison's flag was lowered for the last time. The procession then travelled down High West Street, passing by the church and assembling around the Town Pump, where Town Crier, Alistair Chisholm, gave the last 'Oh Ye' for the now redundant Her Majesty's East Dorset Branch - AGM The Winter Quarterly Meeting and AGM were held on Saturday 11th January 2014 at Cranborne. The appalling weather of the past few weeks gave way to a beautiful day, although the planned evening ringing at Tollard Royal had to be abandoned as the village was still flooded. Well-attended afternoon ringing preceded the service, which was taken by the rector, David Paskins, with John Radford playing the organ. This was followed by tea in the village hall, which included very tasty home-made soup and the usual surfeit of cakes. Opening the meetings, the Chairman welcomed those present but noted that attendance was slightly down on last year and commented on the number of members who never came to any Branch events. He urged people to ensure that these were well publicized within their towers and actively to encourage more ringers to come along. Three new members were elected: Philip Clarke (Bournemouth St John), Marisa Bartlett and Katie Child (Wimborne Minster). The Branch also welcomed back as members at Sturminster Marshall John, Eddie & Stella Warren. Charminster church has been badly affected by the recent floods and ringing is currently suspended until the church is repaired. For any enquiries regarding ringing at this tower please contact the correspondent for the current position. The next meeting with be the striking competition on Saturday 12th April at Piddlehinton. Please try to support the event by entering a team. Recent rule changes now allow ringers to ring in more than one team and also to allow teams to have two ringers who are not members of their tower. Hopefully this will encourage a few more teams to enter and we look forward to seeing you all there. Andrea Jacob Prison. Dorchester became the County Town of Dorset due to the jail, which dates back to 1305 and appears on the Mayor's Badge of Office. Ringing was for half an hour, and consisted of Rounds, a Plain Course of Grandsire Triples, Firing, and ended with the tolling of the tenor bell. Ringing were Janet Ranger and Niall Simpson, Steve Kinnersly, Beryl Shuttleworth, Steve Ryder, Felicity Morgan, Ted Shuttleworth, Nigel Culliford & Wil Haydock (TC). Janet Ranger John Riley (Secretary) and Ross Robertson (LEBRF Trustee) both wished to stand down and were thanked for their many years of service. The following officers were elected unopposed: Graham Reynolds (Chairman), Sally Jenkins (Vice Chairman), Kathryn Tyson (Secretary), Sue Challoner (Treasurer), Matthew Pike (Ringing Master), Chris Smithies (Assistant Ringing Master and LEBRF Trustee), Harry Blamire (Training Officer). Other committee members are Ben Duke, Andy Grant, Chris Payne and Deborah Snelling. Officers and Tower reports were read, and members were reminded of some key dates for 2014: Guild Training Day, Guild Striking Competition and The Ringing World Road Show. There then followed some lively discussion of the proposals put to the meeting. Although funds held by the Branch had been gradually increasing over time, there was never enough to give more than token assistance to all towers requesting financial help and the committee found it difficult to deal with such requests equitably. The committee took the view that it is not the Branch s role to provide funds for tower expenses and that the Branch surplus should be run down. It was agreed to allocate funds to all applications received to date and to make an additional donation to the LEBRF, to whom future requests should be made. The balance remaining in the bank should be used to cover administrative expenses, which would be kept to a minimum, and to support and develop training and other ringing activities within the Branch. The meeting concluded rather too late for further ringing at Cranborne but many members adjourned to the local hostelry for further conviviality. Kathryn Tyson Page 11

14 Branch News Marlborough Branch - News Our last two meetings in November and January were at Aldbourne and Marlborough. At both there was enough to ring but attendance was once again disappointing, but thank you to everyone who came. Marlborough Branch - Ogbourne St Andrew I have recently been doing research about Ogbourne St Andrew s bells and with Allan Keen s help found the following items: Tenor - Ogbourne St Andrew, cast by a Bristol Foundry C1450. Estimated weight now listed as 15cwt. Black letter inscription is Trinitatem Adoremus Drawing taken from An Account of Church Bells by Lukis 1875 Taken from the Ringing World, 27 April 1923, page 262: "In the village of Ogbourne St Andrew there is an interesting ring of 5 bells, with a pre-reformation tenor, and the Rev W.C. Lukis, in his book says: 'The tenor bell of Ogbourne St Andrew. Which was cast in the 15C, and weighs about 15 cwt, cannot be surpassed for richness and dignity of tone.' In 1934 the tenor was badly cracked and following much correspondence was successfully repaired by a new welding process by Barimar in London, and at this time the canons were removed from the bell. There was a report and picture of this event in The Times newspaper. Pre-Reformation Bell Restored Large Crack Welded A church bell 400 to 500 years old, which had become badly cracked from the expansion of the iron support for the clapper, has had its note restored to its former beauty by a process of welding. It belongs to a peal of four in the fifteenth century village church of Marlborough Branch - Calling the Changes My name is Neil Hall, and I started ringing when I was a pupil at Marlborough College in the early sixties. We were led by the talented Richard Inglis and frequently received help and support from those indomitable members of the team at St.Mary s, Don Lee and Alf Johnson. Life was very different in those days as we cycled around the countryside, clambering up towers in remote parts of Wiltshire and dinging and donging for hours on end. No one ever complained at what was certainly in the early days a less than expert interpretation of our art. Years later, I took up ringing again at Ramsbury and was the Treasurer of the Marlborough branch of the SDGR for nine years. In 1962, we faced a real challenge when we realised that the bells at St Peter s, Marlborough were un-ringable. Woodwork was rotting, Page 12 Restoration is progressing at Little Bedwyn and we are still waiting for new clappers at Upper Chute. Dorothy Blythe Ogbourne St Andrew, near Marlborough. It is the tenor, and the other three bells are dated 1630, 1661 and Careful search has failed to reveal the date, the founder s name, or the foundry where the cracked bell was cast, but experts say that it is clearly pre- Reformation and must have been, when cast, one of the largest tenor bells in England. It weighs about 25cwt. It has the inscription in Longobardic lettering, Trinitatum Adoremus; this style of lettering went out of general use about the fifteen century. The church authorities were unwilling to have the bell recast, and were persuaded to have it welded. The work has been carried out by Barimar Limited, the London firm. When the engineers removed the bell from the belfry they had to take away a cartload of straw and similar building materials, accumulated during centuries by jackdaws, pigeons and starlings. On examination of the fine old bronze casting it was found that there was a crack 5 foot in length and 1/16 of an inch in width. This ran across the crown and both sides. The canons from which the bell was originally suspended are of beautiful design. They have been cut away from the main casting of the bell, of which they formed a part and are being carefully preserved. The clapper will be supported in a modern fitting and the bells note is described as perfect. This article appeared in The Times newspaper, I don t have the date. Allan and I have try to find out more about Barimar, they had branches all over the country and were mainly involved in motors, motor bikes and industrial welding. Dorothy Blythe & Allan Keen wheels were broken, ropes had disintegrated and the ball bearings had cracked. The bells were in danger of jumping out of their open sockets and tumbling down through the tower. Why am I telling you all this? It is because I have written a book called An English Baby Boomer: My Life and Times. The chapter relating to my time at the College contains considerable detail of our escapades and how we finally managed to get the eight bells at St. Peter s ringing in time for a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury. But what about all the other chapters? We English Baby Boomers have lived through an extraordinary time and many of us have had to call the changes frequently during the second half of the 20th century. No fighting wars for us, but many have had to adapt and re -invent ourselves, politically, socially, psychologically and technologi-

15 cally, time and time again. Our children may well say: "Was life really like that?" My story begins in South Africa, followed by a five year stretch at a converted U-Boat base in British Occupied Germany. After difficult school years in England, I broke the family tradition and went into trade, initially importing fleecy white coats from Istanbul the first to do so! In 1966, a chum and I started painting and decorating in London s West End "why was a Marlborough educated boy doing that?" I hear you ask! We started with 100 in the bank, but it became a huge success. This was the swinging sixties the can do time - and we were soon employing a team of talented men. We attracted many famous people and others who became our customers and the business lasted, in one form or another, for 17 years. I think you will enjoy the book which hunts more than a plain course and includes some nostalgia and much social history. The story goes on with meetings with remarkable men, further business adventures, travel, living in Istanbul (where our cat is buried in the grounds of the Crimean Memorial Church), time spent in the dangerous frontier regions of North West Pakistan and publishing my son, Mere Branch - AGM The Mere Branch s Annual General Meeting was held on 30th November 2013 at Hindon, Wiltshire. This was a well attended meeting and excellently hosted by the ringing team there. Amongst those items discussed, it was decided to keep to the branches usual system of quarterly business meetings in each year. The main topic, however, was the noticed gradual slowing in numbers of members attending branch practices. A number of reasons were offered as to why this should be and several suggestions made Branch News Tarquin s, first book (tarquinhall.com). I am pleased to say that he has a few fans among the bell ringing community! Neil G M Hall Website: neil@anenglishbabyboomer.co.uk to encourage greater attendance. It was decided, as a start, to set aside the first two branch practices of 2014 solely for members who were able to ring rounds and plain hunt and thus encourage ringers, who might be unsure about attending for the first time, an opportunity to experience the help and encouragement available. Michael Williams Publicity Officer, Mere Branch Mere Branch - Silton The number of active ringers at Silton has declined from 10 just a couple of years ago to its current complement of just six. Despite this small number, the Silton bells have been rung at every Sunday service in 2013, including Christmas Day, with the exception of December 29th. This has been achieved thanks to ringers from outside, especially from Zeals, filling in the inevitable gaps in our weekly line-up. Some of these ringers perform a double 'gig' on Sunday mornings, ringing at an earlier service at Zeals, Bourton or Stourton before driving onto Silton, where the bells have been rung up in eager anticipation of their arrival. On some days these welcome visitors have arrived to find the core Silton band ringing 'Three Blind Mice' just to fill in the time. Silton is a small village and so it is only to be expected that new ringers are hard to find locally. In fact, only one of our ringers actually lives in the Silton parish and anyone in nearby parishes wishing to join our band (beginner or experienced) would be welcome (extra strong mints are provided free at half time). This loose association between Silton and Zeals seems to be working quite well. Our tower captain, Peter Martin, has helped train beginners at Zeals and the practice night (Wednesday) has been combined, alternating between the two churches and, occasionally, Stourton. Some of the Silton ringers also practice at Maiden Bradley and ringers from this church also help us out on Sundays. In September, Henry Crabbe (Maiden Bradley), assisted by John Burrows (Silton), painted the clappers with a rubber based paint to prevent the new muffles from slipping during use (although the bells are secured, I expect that the 'elf and safety guys would probably throw a fit). The muffles were used for the Armistice Day service Page 13

16 and the Velcro straps of 'Big Wilf's' muffles with the non-slip rubber paint on the clappers was judged to be a successful combination. Fitting the muffles was also a lot easier. When the clappers were painted, several tortoiseshell butterflies were found hibernating inside, apparently oblivious to the regular exposure to noise and being swung through 306. Mere Branch - St Martin s Church, Zeals On Sunday 12th January the Reverend Chris Moorsom conducted his final service at St Martins, Zeals, as Rector of the Parish of Upper Stour. Ringers helped to mark the occasion by ringing both before and after the Parish Communion service. The church was packed and everyone enjoyed an uplifting musical service. The choir gave a spirited rendition of ABBA s Thank You for the Music which in turn the congregation spontaneously joined in with! Gifts were exchanged and to finish all enjoyed refreshments. Chris is to be licensed and installed as Precentor and Canon Residentiary of Derby Cathedral on Sunday 2nd March - everyone wished him well in his new post. Branch News Silton church is also a popular venue with visiting ringers and, being situated in a sparsely populated village, these visits do not inconvenience the villagers. While visiting bands are welcome, we do ask that they contact the tower correspondent beforehand for clearance so that we don't have several turn up in one week disturbing the tranquillity of the locale. John Burrows Ringers: David Gatehouse, David Corbin, Roger Pitts, Frank Attrill, Jenny Lucas, Lynda Daoud. Jenny Lucas & Lynda Daoud Reverend Chris Moorsom (front) (c) G M Cotton LRPS "a new candle was lit and passed to John Rowe, Upper Stour PCC Vice-Chair" Salisbury Branch - Annual Skittles Evening On November 16th the Salisbury Branch Skittles Evening was held at Martin Club. Whilst numbers attending were slightly down on previous years six teams still competed for the coveted trophy. After two rounds the scoring was very close and, as the food which had been prepared by the club was being laid out, a break was taken at this point. Everybody enjoyed a hot supper which included sausages, chicken drumsticks and chips. Following the final round of skittles the Nadder Valley Team were declared the winners by just two skittles and presented with the trophy by David Todd (Branch Deputy Chairman). The highest scorer (Pat Davidson) and lowest scorer (David Todd) also received a prize. During the evening a raffle took place to cover the cost of the hall, the profit being donated to the LEBRF. Thanks to Jackie McFadden for organising another enjoyable skittles evening and we look forward to the next one which is planned for Saturday November 15th. Ian Davidson Salisbury Branch - Wedding Anniversary Celebrations In recent months some of our members have celebrated significant wedding anniversaries. Unfortunately these events did not get recorded in this publication so I would like to rectify this now. St. Thomas, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Sunday, 4 August 2013, 1260 Stedman Triples Ted Haines 1, Patricia Davidson 2, Ali Orchard 3, Margaret Romano 4, Tony Tyers 5, Richard Harvey 6, Nigel Orchard (C) 7, Andy Teed 8. For evensong and to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Ted and Christine Haines (belatedly) and the first wedding anniversary of Nigel and Ali Orchard (on the day). First quarter: 8 St Lawrence, Stratford sub Castle, Wiltshire. Saturday 28 September 2013, 1260 Plain Bob Minor Patricia M. Davidson 1, Mary Melbourne 2, Alison Orchard 3, Malcolm J Penney 4, Nigel R Orchard 5, Neil O Skelton (C) 6. Compliment to David and Mary Todd on their Golden Wedding Anniversary Day. David is Tower Captain and Steeple Keeper at this tower and was instrumental in the installation of these bells in Ian Davidson Page 14

17 Branch News Salisbury Branch - AGM 25th January This year s AGM was held at Amesbury. Afternoon ringing took place at Great Durnford (5) and Amesbury (8). The Eucharist service in the Church of St Mary and St Melor was taken by Reverend Patricia Powell with Mary Melbourne, a Branch member, at the piano. Following this members adjourned to the Church Hall for a splendid hot meal. 36 people (including visitors) were present and 14 Branch Towers were represented. Following tea the raffle was drawn, the profit of which ( 71) was given to the LEBRF. Andrew Howes (Chairman) welcomed the Guild President, the Guild Hon General Secretary and the Guild Treasurer and thanked Reverend Powell and Mary Melbourne. The tea providers were thanked and received generous applause. The usual AGM agenda then followed during which seven new members were elected Carol Higgins, Salisbury St Martin; Brian Tunnicliffe, Salisbury St Thomas; Katie Hamon, Wylye and Steeple Langford; Stephen Jefferson and George Jefferson, Ebbesbourne Wake; Nicky Tinkler, Broad Chalke and Revd Canon Gary Philbrick, Fordingbridge. Ron Dunn of Salisbury St Thomas was ratified as an Associate Life Member of the Guild. West Dorset Branch News For the very first time in the history of the Branch the AGM on the 16th November was held at Broadwindsor. Afternoon ringing was followed by the service led by Team Vicar, Jo Neary. The warmth in the adjoining Comrades Hall was fully appreciated as was the excellent tea prepared and served by the local ladies and gentlemen helpers on what was an extremely cold and dull afternoon. The actual AGM which followed ran smoothly with no changes being made in officers and just a few in the committee members. At the close of the meeting Basil Dent (see elsewhere in this edition) was presented with a small gift on the forthcoming occasion of his 90th birthday. Attendance had been good throughout the afternoon and skittles replaced evening ringing. The local ringers are to be warmly thanked for making the occasion what it was. On the following Wednesday members and friends met at Beaminster for ringing and a pre-christmas get-together consisting of drinks and mince pies. A happy time was had by all! In December two Bradpole ringers, Peter Carnell, tower captain, and Ann Medley reached significant birthdays and invited the local team to drinks and refreshments at The King's Head after practice ringing on the 17th December. Congratulations to you both, and thank you! Also in December (18th) Basil Dent of Burton Bradstock celebrated his 90th birthday in fine style. The afternoon started with ringing at the tower with the complete local band, obligatory group photographs, and then a tea party in The Three Horseshoes where, not only ringers attended, but seemingly the whole population of the village. What a memorable and enjoyable celebration! It appears that towers across the Branch rang especially during the Christmas/New Year period some towers welcoming in the New Year with the occasional drink, light refreshments and song. In the election of Branch Officers Andrew Howes (Chairman and also LEBRF Trustee), David Todd (Vice Chairman), Louise Gay (Treasurer), Malcolm Penney (Ringing Master) and Ian Davidson (Publicity Officer) were all re-elected. Vicki Rowse was elected as Secretary, replacing Liz Wrighton who was standing down. Andrew thanked Liz for all her work during her time as Secretary and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. As no nomination had been received for Training Officer Vicki agreed to take on this position also. Karen Johnson was appointed as Independent Financial Examiner replacing Peter Cates who is leaving the area. Peter was thanked for his help as were also Elizabeth Champion and Jo Barter, retiring committee members. Margaret Romano and Helen Nield were re-elected as Committee Members. Salisbury St Thomas tower was congratulated on gaining second place in the Guild Six Bell Striking Competition and presented with a certificate by Margaret Chapman from Marston Bigot, one of the judges. The evening concluded with further ringing at Amesbury. Ian Davidson The January Branch practice held on the afternoon of the 18th at Netherbury saw a group of around 20 ringers attending despite the presently hard-going, heavy peal and the wet and windy conditions. This peal, however, is to be rehung soon and fund raising is well advanced more news, hopefully, next time. Bradpole Ringing Centre continues to be well used; one of the latest courses being an all-day basic one kindly run by Robert Wellen and helpers. The annual Branch Commemorative Meeting Bradpole 22nd February. Ivan Andrews Presentation to Basil Dent (centre), Tom Garrett, Master (left) and Ross Robertson, President Page 15

18 Branch News West Dorset Branch - Basil Dent, 90 A short while before Christmas I spent a happy afternoon in conversation with Basil Dent at his bungalow in Burton Bradstock, as he was about to celebrate his 90th birthday on the 18th December. Basil related to me a most interesting life, though space is naturally at a premium in Face to Face, and so brief details must suffice in some respects. Basil was born in Worting, close to Basingstoke, in 1923, but remained there for just three years. There was at that period a high level of unemployment and lack of opportunity in the area so that in 1926 his father and mother moved north to Stockport in search of employment, naturally taking with them Basil and his brother. Father became a bus driver for Northern Western right through the War years while the two boys received their basic education. Basil's mother, who came from Dorset, would no doubt have looked after the homae and family. In time Basil's father took on a garage that included the hire of cars while Basil was called up to the Army in 1942, until returning home where he worked with his father. His brother worked, among other occupations, in engineering and the Health Service. Basil's mother, being a Dorset person, meant that family holidays were spent in Dorset before the War. Eventually the parents became ill and so sold the business and the family moved down to Bridport. Basil found employment, working with his cousin Gordon, at Cheney's Garage, Burton Bradstock and, having settled into the Village, met and married his beloved Molly who, sadly, after 15 years of devoted care, died in Upon the retirement of the Revd Bull Ridler, the Revd Toby Salisbury arrived in the village as Rector of Burton Bradstock; he was a ringer though sadly ringing at the time was at a very low ebb. The late Bill Cammell was then tower captain and was joined by a few older ringers, but with the instigation of Toby Salisbury things soon improved and Basil found himself as one of the new recruits actually learning to ring in The Bride Valley Team Ministry was inaugurated at this time and soon afterwards the neighbouring towers came under the influence of Toby's drive. Basil, assisted by Eddie Fry of Litton Cheney, played a full part restoring certain neighbouring towers and encouraging ringers, and can vividly recall one particular instance when seven bags of debris was extracted by ladder from Long Bredy tower to make it ringable again. A significant meeting of the West Dorset Branch was held at Burton Bradstock at the invitation of Toby Salisbury on Saturday 20th April 1974 when the tower, with its eleven members, became affiliated to the SDGR. This tower, ever since, has played a prominent part within the Branch; Basil has been a committee member ever since 1996 and he and some of his helpers arrange and run the raffle at all meetings. The tower has hosted many quarterly meetings and the occasional striking competitions over the ensuing years. Despite a spell of ill health earlier this year it is pleasing to record that Basil, the tower captain ever since 1974, is back ringing in the tower, and there is no talk of retirement! Come this Easter Basil will have been churchwarden for 30 years, member of the PCC years and vice chairman for 20 years, vice-chairman of the Royal British Legion, Parish Council member in the '70s, help at the Alzheimer Day Centre 17 years, Meals on Wheels 16 years, and he ran the Football Club On his 90th birthday Basil was met at the tower by the full band and all rang prior to the taking of the attached photograph. The happy day concluded with afternoon tea at The Three Horseshoes where seemingly the whole population of Burton was in evidence. A family get-together of 24 members followed on the 21st. Thank you, Basil, for giving us your story and congratulations! Basil is the fourth ringer associated with the West Dorset Branch to have attained his 90th birthday over the last few months. Ivan Andrews The entire Burton Bradstock team (Basil seated centre) Highway Code for Ringers Coursing the Treble Cruciform Church Uneven Striking Tower Grab Compiled by David Godwin, Bradford on Avon Page 16

19 From the CCBR - The Great War World War 1 Centenary The centenary of the war is approaching, and it will generate a lot of public attention. The government has committed 50 million to make this a major event. The Culture Secretary is chairing an expert advisory panel to oversee a 4-year programme, building a commemoration "fitting of this significant milestone in world history". Other key organisations have begun to plan their response. The Royal British Legion is "determined that the tone will be one of commemoration, not celebration; and that Centenary activities will be available to all and kept free of partisan or sectarian bias". Churches Together in England recognises that there will be much debate about the nature of the commemoration and intends to help churches and local communities to work together. Other stakeholders include the Imperial War Museum, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the National Archives. A four year centenary will last a long time. The Government has already listed what it considers six key dates: the declaration of war in 1914, the start of the battle of Gallipoli in 1915, the first day of the battle of the Somme and the battle of Jutland both in 1916, the battle of Passchendaele in 1917 and the 100 days from the start of the Battle of Amiens to the Armistice in While the nation will wish to remember the heroism and sacrifice of so many during the war, there will undoubtedly be many who are Forthcoming Events uncomfortable with the focus on so many horrific events. Some will undoubtedly think that the only event worth marking is the Armistice in 1918 (though cynics call that the start of a 20 year cease-fire until the next war). What will almost certainly generate significant interest, though not on the Government s agenda, is when the carnage briefly paused at Christmas 1914 and the opposing troops played football together. As ringers we will all hold personal views about the war and what should and should not be commemorated, but as the custodians of the nation s bells we have collective responsibility to use them in ways that enhance public sentiment at such times, whether to enhance rejoicing, to dignify mourning or to support sober reflection. The Central Council is working with the other bodies involved in planning WW1 centenary events, to ensure that bell ringing can make a full and appropriate contribution, and we will keep ringers informed of progress, especially where there are requests for widespread national ringing. In representing the ringing community it would help us to know the thoughts of ringers at large about the emphasis and type of ringing that you would like to contribute to this centenary. John Harrison (on behalf of CC PR Committee) Saturday April 26th - Guild Training Day Saturday May 10th - Guild Festival & AGM, Amesbury See Guild website for further details Saturday June 21st - Guild Striking Competition Sat 6th Sept Ringing Roadshow at Newbury Racecourse Will all Branches please leave this date clear of any events so that all ringers have the chance to attend. Anthony Lovell-Wood From the Editor [Next Deadline 19 May 2014] Thanks My thanks to all who have contributed to this edition of Face to Face, particularly to Robert Wellen for his contributions regarding the Great War. Contact Me Michael Bailey f2f@sdgr.org.uk In the Next Edition The next edition will be published in May, after the Guild Festival and AGM. May I request that copies of all relevant reports are sent to me as soon as possible after the event, for inclusion in Face to Face. I also hope to bring new from the Guild Training Day - thanks to David Hacker for his hard work in planning this. (for all Face to Face contributions and enquiries) Page 17