Western District – Meeting 14th March 2009

 

At 3.00pm on the dot on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Northchurch belfry was already full of eager ringers wanting to test out the bells that had recently been given some attention by Rod Bickerton and to see if their odd struck characters had been tamed into submission.  It was soon apparent that the work had paid off, and all levels of ringing from rounds for a district meeting 'first-timer', to Rutland for an aspiring youngster were rung.  At the height of the afternoon, there were 26 ringers in the belfry and the Ringing Master, Chris Hoare, did a magnificent job ensuring that everyone had their turn.

 

The service was taken by Eva Wallace-Hadrill, a local reader.  Jenny Hoare played the organ, and the congregation sang the hymn 'Glad bells ring loud and clear' with great gusto.  In their usual style, the Northchurch ringers provided a generous tea for 27, with beautiful home made scones and teapots that seemed bottomless.  

 

The business meeting followed.  Penny Watson was elected to the Chair and kept a tight reign on proceedings.  It was reported that there had been 2 first quarter peals, for Alex Wells and William Osborn, and also that our Secretary, Valerie Clark, had been successful in scoring her first peal.  All these would be recorded for the 125th Anniversary of the County Association.  Our second Improvers’ practice held in February on the morning of the district meeting had been a great success.  All had enjoyed the morning and the next was scheduled for the morning of the April meeting.  In aid of the District Bell Fund, a delicious cake was auctioned by Steve Crawley, bids requested in guineas!  4½ guineas was raised, and added to the Caribbean dollar, 10 Swiss cents and £16.64 from our usual ‘collection plate’.

 

The meeting closed and, with the Western District members being the social animals they are, it was some time before the Ringing Master managed to prize them away to the belfry to continue ringing.  Once again the belfry was full with a wide range and high standard of ringing, finishing at 8.00pm and continuing the social side of the meeting at the George and Dragon.

 

Liz Middleton