November practices at St Nicholas and All Saints Hereford

There will be the following practices during November:

Please message Ann on 07988 750673 if you would like to join us, as if numbers are low we will have to cancel.

 

 

Tower Open Day report

It was a surprisingly sunny Saturday for our Tower Open Day around North Herefordshire, with a couple of last minute changes due to the deluge a couple of days earlier, we kicked off the day at Tarrington. Twenty-two towers were open throughout the day, with thanks to Anne at All Saints, offering the bells last minute to replace Marden and Bodenham, both
which had been flooded the previous day.

The route took ringers through some of our county’s pretty black & white villages, towers varied, with ground floor ringing rooms, detached towers, an anti-clockwise ring, the recently rehung and those still on plain bearings, from the three bell tower of Brinsop to the 10 at Leominster. Refreshments were available at several churches, with a selection of
cake and some fabulous soup provided by the ringers at Burghill.

Visitors included those who were new to ringing, experiencing their first new towers outside of their district, to those who had ventured across the country. We had ringers that travelled from Essex, Suffolk, North Wales and further afield with one making the trip down from Dunblane in Scotland. Five ringers managed to ring at all 22 open towers during the day, a small prize awaited them at the final tower, Leominster.

We are delighted to say that over £1100 was raised for the Bell Restoration Fund. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, whether as a visitor, a steward or to help out with refreshments, your support is greatly appreciated.

Tower Open Day – * URGENT UPDATE 2 *

Due to some very wet weather a couple of days ago we have had to make a couple of changes to the towers tomorrow.
The first tower will now be Tarrington 9:00-10:00.
Unfortunately both Marden and Bodenham churches have flooded in the past 8 hours, we have however arranged for Hereford, All Saints to be open 10:30 – 11:30.

We hope this doesn’t dampen your excitement too much and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Our Events Team has also been out and about checking the route, we still have a couple of roads flooded that we hope will have subsided by Saturday. We will update if an alternate route is necessary

We look forward to meeting you on Saturday!


On Saturday 19th October, join us to enjoy a day in north Herefordshire visiting our famous black & white villages, ringing at 23 towers, from 3 bells at the recently rehung Brinsop, to 10 bells in the market town of Leominster.

As the Guild has not held a Tower Open Day for over 30 years, you might not be sure what a Tower Open Day entails or what to expect. A Tower Open Day is similar to our AGM days, or a ringing outing in reverse, we open our towers for an advertised time and ringers will come along to ring. Open Days are a popular way for ringers to experience ringing at new towers in different parts of the country.  They are very social and friendly events and are an excellent way of raising money.  Any profits we make from the day will be donated to the Hereford Diocesan Guild Bell Restoration Fund (charity number 508531) so we hope as many local ringers as possible will support the event.

Towers will be open for one hour from the time shown (see list of towers below). Local ringers and stewards will be at each tower to help the day run smoothly. Some towers will also be providing refreshments for a small donation.

Tickets

Earlybird tickets £20, tickets on the day £25, or £2 per tower. Cash only – no card facilities on the day.

Earlybird tickets are available to book from 15th September to 13th October, email Nicky at peo@hdgb.org

Day tickets, allowing access to all towers open on the day will be available from the first five towers.

Download a poster of the tower list with lots of information about the towers here:

All towers will be open for 1 hour from the time shown, stewards and local ringers will be at each to to help the day run smoothly.

All funds raised will go to the Hereford Diocesan Guild of Bellringers Bell Restoration Fund, Charity No. 508531.

Stewards- can you help?

We are looking for people to help out on the day as tower stewards. If you would like to volunteer either by yourself or as a small group, please let us know, email eventsteam@hdgb.org. We will need 3 or 4 people for each tower, don’t worry if you’re not sure what’s involved, everything is explained here!

More information

We will be keeping tower captains and steward volunteers informed in the run up to the event, but if you would like any more information about how the day will work at any time please get in touch – email eventsteam@hdgb.org.

We hope that you will be able to support the event and look forward to seeing you somewhere on the day.

HDGB Events Team

Nicky Aubrey, Richard Bracher, Tim Hollinghurst, Fran Watkins

Towers

Time Place Bells
09:00 Tarrington 6
09:25 Withington 6
09:50 Sutton St Nicholas 6
10:30 Hereford, All Saints 8
11:05 Wellington 6
11:30 Canon Pyon 6
11:50 Kings Pyon 5
12:15 Weobley  6
12:40 Brinsop 3
13:00 Burghill 8
13:25 Pipe cum Lyde 6
13:45 Holmer 6
14:15 Norton Canon 6
14:40 Almeley 6
15:05 Eardisley 6
15:30 Dilwyn 6
15:55 Pembridge (tbc) 5
16:20 Staunton on Arrow  6
16:45 Eardisland 8
17:10 Kingsland 8
17:35 Eye 6
18:00 Leominster 10

Leominster Priory Church

 

Opportunities on 26th October 2024

We have vacancies on two Guild-organised events, both of which are being held on 26th October. To ensure that participants get the most out of the sessions numbers are limited, but if you are interested in either event please do get in touch.  If the events are over-subscribed we can arrange further sessions.

Guild Learners Session

 Saturday 26th October 10am – 1pm at Presteigne LD8 2BS. 

Bell Maintenance Training Session

 Saturday 26th October 10.30am – 3pm at Fownhope, HR1 4PS.


Guild Learners Session

Saturday 26th October 10am – 1pm at Presteigne LD8 2BS.

These sessions are aimed at those people who would like support to improve bell handling, ringing rounds, called changes, plain hunting and even moving towards methods like Plain Bob and are an opportunity to meet and make friends with other ringers from around the Guild.

A voluntary donation of £3 per person is welcomed for this session.

As there are a limited number of spaces available, if you would like to attend this session, please could you let Kris know either by email: master_elect@hdgb.org or on WhatsApp: 07400 322002.


Bell Maintenance Training Session

Saturday 26th October 10.30am – 3pm at Fownhope, HR1 4PS

This session is being run by Ashley Fortey, the Guild Belfries Officer and was initially organised on behalf of the Hereford District. There are still some spaces left, so we thought we would open the invitation to the rest of the Guild.

If you a new or experienced steeple keeper and would like to learn some new skills, or brush up existing ones, or even if you just have an interest in bell maintenance and engineering – this session is for you.

£5 per person. Bring your own lunch.

Only 6 places available!

To book a place, contact Kris by email: hfd_education@hdgb.org or Tel/message: 07400 322002.


St Laurence Ludlow Guild’s Scottish Odyssey

As with most ideas in ringing – good and bad – it started with a conversation in the pub. Post one quarter peal, the conversation turned from ringing on 10 bells to ringing on 12. The Hereford Guild does not have a ring of 12 bells within its boundaries so if we want to ring on higher numbers, it means a trip to Kidderminster, Worcester, or Shrewsbury. A little voice inside my head said, ‘why not go to Tulloch?’ but that little voice didn’t stay inside my head …. and the half-expected responses of ‘it’s a bit far’ came back as ‘now that’s a great idea’!

The Highlands Ringing Centre is a forward-thinking, purpose-built ringing training facility. It is the inspiration of its owners, Peter Bevis and Helen McGregor. Based at Tulloch Farm in the Scottish Highlands and backing on to the Nevis Range (yes, that is Ben Nevis over there …) it is in a very scenic location. There are two rings of bells – 12 (07-2-04) and 8 (03.0.21) alongside a simulator bell. All the bells are very easy and pleasant to ring. The ring of 8 was only installed in April of this year (replacing a lighter ring). There is plenty of self-catering accommodation on the farm as well as a kitchen and self-catering rooms in the ringing centre itself. It is ideal for groups to gather and ring whatever – the bells are practically inaudible outside (not that there are any neighbours to annoy).

Fast forward 12 months and a group of ringers who regularly ring at Ludlow headed north for our Scottish Odyssey.

The Ludlow band has changed somewhat in the last few years with several ringers moving into the area. So, in addition to ringing, this was an opportunity for the group to socialise and get to know each other better than we have been able to up to now.

From the ringing perspective our aim was to practice ringing, striking and rhythm on higher numbers. The week was divided into practice sessions (for all abilities) alongside quarter peal attempts and focus practices. Some made use of the simulator to practice methods and striking and, of course, there were handbells. Trips to ring at Inverness Cathedral and the majestic 10 bells at Inveraray were also arranged, enabling us to ring on different bells and experience the stunning Highlands scenery. Some of the more intrepid ventured further east of Inverness to ring on the Forres mini ringing.

We scored 12 quarter peals in the week – and lost a few more (which will give us food for thought as to how to improve) with several ‘firsts’ being recorded. The highlight was undoubtedly the quarter peal of Little Bob Maximus, which for a band that does not ring on 12 bells, was an excellent piece of ringing – a performance to be very proud of. Details of all the performances can be seen on Bellboard.

The week was a resounding success, with many wanting to know when we plan to return. It was particularly pleasing to see people develop their skills as well as seeing the group gel – with banter aplenty and the occasional dram of the amber nectar – as the week progressed. We now need to think about how we take our ringing forward – but a trip back to the Highlands is very much on the cards!

The Ringing Centre is available to anyone, however experienced you or your band may be. It’s well worth the visit!

Paul Wells

ART Course Report

Susannah from Burghill attended a recent Association of Ringing Teachers M1 course. Here is her report …

As August drifted its way into September and my mind was beginning to fill up with thoughts of algebra and teenagers, and how to make the latter learn the former, I found myself with one last challenge left for the summer holidays: the ART M1 course.

I am a Teacher by trade, and a bellringer by hobby, but I hadn’t really expected to bring these two things together until our tower captain at Burghill proposed that several of us should do an ART course. So, setting aside all thoughts of algebra for the day, I popped my soup into a thermos and headed out to church on Saturday to learn how to teach bellringing.

Our group was made up of a wide range of people – from those of us who have only been ringing a couple of years ourselves, to those who have been ringing and teaching for years or even decades. This definitely made for a very interesting course as the wisdom and advice from the course leaders Paul and Frank were complemented by stories, experiences and techniques from those on the course. Learning alongside such a range of ringers made it very easy to ask lots of questions to really deepen our understanding and the course leaders were great at taking on board what we were asking and explaining a technique in more detail, or talking us through the reasoning behind various choices that the ART scheme has made.

The course combined theory and practical, helping us to really get to grips with what Frank and Paul were recommending, and to realise the aspects of teaching that might be most challenging (such as remembering not to catch the sally if you’ve told the learner to catch it – the muscle memory was not easy to unlearn!)

It was clear by the end of the day that all of us were feeling reassured, equipped, and enthused to go away and teach more people how to ring bells, and we have already started to organise a follow up session between ourselves to help us practice some of the exercises and techniques that we’ve learnt so that we can be even more confident and comfortable when we use them on our new learners.

I expected to get quite a lot out of this course, but I have to say that the day surpassed my expectations, and I am very much looking forward to making the most of my learning and doing my bit to encourage more people to ring, and teach them to do so!

Norman Mattingley – funeral arrangements

From Norman’s family …

With sadness we announce the death of Norman Mattingley, who died on 25th August 2024. The family invite you to join us in celebrating his life at his funeral service at Kenwyn Church, 27th September at 11am. We plan for there to be open ringing before the service.

Following the funeral, please join the family to celebrate Norman’s life at The Alverton in Truro.

All are welcome to join. If you can, please let Helena (helena.j.mattingley@googlemail.com / 07814254942) know if you intend to be with us in person, and if there are any access or dietary requirements.

Quarter Peal of Stoke St Milborough Surprise Major rung for the first time

On Friday 30 August 2024, a quarter peal of a brand new method was rung at St Milburga’s for the first time. The method, now named Stoke St Milborough Surprise Major, was devised by Martin Scott, who also conducted the quarter peal with a band of ringers from The Hereford Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.

Members of the band agreed that the composition used produced a lot of pleasant “music” that made it enjoyable to ring.  Thanks to Stewart and Helen Sharp for recording the performance and to Henry Lewis, without whom none of this would ever have been possible.

Details of the performance are featured here on Bellboard. More details and an excerpt of the performance on their website here.

Norman R Mattingley

We are sad to announce the death of Norman Mattingley, one of the Freemen of our Guild on 25/08/2024.

Norman died at home, funeral details will follow when they become available.

Norman joined the Guild in 1969, and quickly became a hard-working member whose enthusiasm and knowledge helped drive and develop the Guild during 1970s, 80s and 90s.    Initially joining the Guild Committee as a District Representative in 1970-76, from then onwards Norman fulfilled almost all roles within the Guild. He was Guild Master 1976-1977, served as Acting Guild Secretary 1977-1979, Report Secretary 1989-1991 and was a Guild Central Council Representative from 1981-1995.

In addition, he served on the 1976 Central Council organising committee, and the 1986 Centenary Committee both of which were hugely positive events that helped the Guild members form closer fellowships.

He was a founding member of the Bell Restoration Fund in its current form and served with drive and enthusiasm for many years.

Norman held active District roles and was Tower Captain of Hereford St Nicholas from 1976 until 1994 during which time they were augmented from 6 to 8. He was also a Tutor on the Hereford Ringing Course for many years.

Norman rang 1063 peals in total including 671 for the Guild.  Notable among his HDGB peals were the 15,000 Doubles rung at Eardisley in 1974, and the first peal of Maximus for the Guild in 1981.

This is an impressive list of achievements, and there are many more not noted here, but these do not reflect one of the most memorable things about Norman – his sense of fun.  It is clear that he was serious about ringing and the Guild, but he carried people with him because of his enjoyment of ringing and silliness.  Those of us who have witnessed one of Norman’s impromptu ‘speeches’, or taken part in the party games at Guild social events he organised will not forget him, often we all giggled away, as he looked like a 6ft 4, well built, schoolboy.

When Norman and his family moved from Herefordshire in 1994, Val Roberts, who was Master at the time wrote ‘We wish him and his family all the best.  He was a gentle giant amongst us and we will miss his leadership in the Guild’.  Truly Norman was one of the great characters of our Guild and we cannot underestimate the work he has done for us and ringing in general.

Our sympathies are with his wife Steph, and his children David, Christina and Helena.

Guild Quarter Peal Festival

You may be familiar with the Hereford District Quarter Peal Festival we have held over the last few years. This year it has been extended to become a Guild-wide Quarter Peal Festival from 10th – 25th August.

As usual, ringers are encouraged to organise and ring quarter peals to celebrate and advance their ringing. As the event is Guild-wide we simply cannot arrange all the quarter peals and need individual ringers to seize the initiative, so please talk to the ringers in your group and see what you can come up with. We are happy to help to coordinate quarters and to try to find extra ringers to make up a band where needed, Ledbury District is keen and has expressed an interest in ringing some ‘combined district’ quarters, so there should be lots of opportunity to make the most of the event.

So, what we would like you to do is:

  • Think about what you would like to ring, perhaps this could be a ‘first’ – first quarter, first in method, first as conductor, or something you have not had the opportunity to ring for while
  • Talk to your band and see if you can arrange a quarter
  • You can add your planned ‘attempt’ to the event on the Bellboard diary https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18675
  • If you cannot find a complete band, you can try using the Whatsapp General Chat to see if anyone else is interested, or contact Nicky (peo@hdgb.org) or Fran (guild_secretary@hdgb.org) to see if they can help find a ringer who might be available
  • Let us know how you get on!

We will be issuing certificates to ringers who achieve a notable first, hopefully you will feel inspired to try something new, and your band will benefit from the opportunity to ring for an extended time. Quarter peals offer an opportunity to really get to know a method much more than a five minute attempt on a practice night, as well as a really good chance to work on improving your striking together as a band.