We hope that the good news about the Guild Competition Day has spread far and wide! We had a really positive day, holding three competitions, but more importantly, we met together, made friends and celebrated ringing at all stages.
The results of the day were as follows:
Novice Challenge
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- Bronze was awarded to Kington A, Kington B and Coalbrookdale
- Silver was awarded to Dorstone and Wellington
- Gold was awarded to Hereford Cathedral
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Call Change Competition – The Osbaldiston Shield
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- 1st Hereford
- 2nd Bridgnorth
- 3rd Bromyard
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Method Competition – The Thomas Cooper Trophy
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- 1st Church Stretton B
- =2nd Clifford & Kington
- =2nd Church Stretton A
- 4th Ledbury
- 5th Hereford
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The atmosphere was warm and friendly, we were very pleased to welcome ringers who were not taking part, and non-ringers to the occasion, it was great to see non-ringers stood outside listening to the ringing as intently as the ringers who were competing. We estimate there may have been around 100 people in the church at some points, and the wonderful refreshments kept flowing all afternoon.
Thanks are due to all who helped to make the day a success, especially Gareth Jones , Master of the Shropshire Association, who acted as judge and undertook the mammoth task of judging 14 teams, and whose judging and comments reflected the positive and encouraging atmosphere we were aiming for; John Clayton, tower captain of Kington, and all the ringers and helpers whose hospitality made the day; Dan Jones who ran a handbell workshop, it was great to hear the ringing in the church; and to Ledbury District, and Frank Seabright in particular for the loan and transport of the Wombel which created such interest during the day. Most importantly, thank you to all the teams who took part – you were fantastic!
We received some lovely comments after the event, and would like to share some of them with you:
‘I really enjoyed taking part in the competition…top marks for creating such a lovely afternoon of ringing fun.’
‘Thank you for putting on such a great day on Saturday! It was wonderful to walk into the church and find it full!’
‘We all thoroughly enjoyed it and were very pleased with ourselves afterwards. We all benefitted immensely from the experience, and are keen to return next year!’
‘It was excellent. So much enthusiasm amongst the newer ringers.’
‘Really enjoyed the day. A chance to catch up with other ringers and a new tower grab! It was great to feel part of the ringing community.’
Any stress of competing seems to have been quickly dispelled as the genuine happy smiles on the face of bands leaving the tower were a joy to see!
Let’s build on this positive day, it would be great to see you all again, and meet even more ringers we don’t yet know at the Guild AGM.