St John the Baptist’s Church, Bishop’s Castle was the venue on 15th August for the newly introduced RingFest and Open Day.
Many ringers, from various towers were asked to display posters advertising the event, which gave attendees the opportunity to ring at a tower they may not already have rung at, or with people they have never rung with. It also offered the opportunity for non-ringers to have a go on both a portable mini ring and tower bells.
Over 250 people took the opportunity to come and look around the beautiful St John the Baptist’s Church, with many of them coming from the town itself to see ‘what was happening’!
Local ringers came to ring with others from towers across Shropshire and Herefordshire, and those with less experience were encouraged to ring with more experienced ringers. This was itself a valuable opportunity. There were about 75 ringers in all. Those that were not ringers were encouraged to ‘have a go’ and as a result the tower (and some others around here) can expect to welcome new learners to the art of ringing.
There were other attractions for those that came – one being the opportunity to ring on the ‘Peals on Wheels’ mini ring – a portable metal framed tower made by the acclaimed Matthew Higby. Although the bells in the mini ring are very light, they were a delight to ring and it was satisfying to see both adults and children ringing them. Within the church was a demonstration of handbell ringing, which again was open to everyone to try – and many did!
And then it was time for a cup of tea and piece of cake! The choices were wonderful – and slices large – and the team serving them very friendly and welcoming to the church.
I came with a friend from Meole Brace tower and we both want to extend our thanks for a wonderful day to Neil, Mark, Jenny and Ashley for the hard work, time and effort that they put into planning and executing the day. Special thanks to all the stewards whose collective enthusiasm and willingness to engage were key to the event’s success. And also many thanks to Martin, Helen, the refreshments team, the church and PCC at Bishop’s Castle for their support. I for one think it was a great success and I look forward to next year’s event.
I would also like to mention – and thank – the team that took on the task of introducing newbies to the art of bellringing. Encouraging people to the ropes was (relatively) easy but at that point it was necessary to hand over these complete novices to the experts.
I hope these photos demonstrate the helpfulness, friendliness and enjoyment of the day.
Jackie Morris
For those interested, Ashley Smith provided a demonstration of the Stoke St Milborough ringing simulator. His eager students were then able to ring plain hunt, plain bob doubles, a course of Yorkshire Surprise Major and two leads of Glasgow Surprise Major on the simulator before the start of the district practice on open bells.
Julie Quinn of Cuckfield was proposed as a non-resident life member by Paul Wells and seconded by Mark Gilham. Penny Bellis of Stoke St Milborough was proposed as a member by Ashley Smith and seconded by Sue Rees. Paul Cross of Ludlow was proposed as a member by Tim Hughes and seconded by Rosie Marshall. Julie, Penny and Paul’s election was agreed unanimously.
