News - 2006

Open Day - Saturday 30th September 2006

Around 40 towers opened their doors for the Open Day - more information here.

Original article here.

Striking Contest - Saturday 16th September 2006

The three Districts held their individual Striking Contests earlier in the year, and the top two teams from each went forward to the Association Striking Contest which was held at Eaton Socon on the back six.

The judge was John Thurman from Towcester, who commented that on the whole the ringing was good and the results were quite close.  He felt that in all cases the ringing improved as it continued and would have been even better if it had continued for a longer period, as ringers became more used to the bells.

The results were as follows:

Campton - "The Last Ring", 3rd September 2006

It seems only a few months since January 2004 when the Campton Bells Appeal was launched with "The Big Ring".  But a lot has happened in that time!  Including numerous and varied fundraising activities.

Now as the financial target is being approached we have had the excitement of visiting Loughborough, to see bells cast, and Appleton, to see them prepare for the new frame.  Next on the work schedule is to remove the existing bells from the tower in readiness for building work to accommodate the new ones, this means that there will be no ringing at Campton for a few months.

In true Campton style a suitable event was organised for "The Last Ring".  This took place on Sunday 3rd September and was in the form of an informal striking contest accompanied by the usual copious volume of tea and cakes etc.  There were 9 teams entered for the competition which proved to be a great leveler, where the less experienced ringers were interested to note that the president of the Central Council (with over 3000 peals behind him) could also miss his sally.  Not once but three times.  Wendy Piercy, quietly assisted by George Bonham, placed Campton first in the rounds competition and Richard Horne's team won the change ringing section.  Each of the winners were presented with a Campton Bells Appeal Pen.  Can there still be any ringers without one?  The formal proceedings were completed by presenting Jean Luddington with a framed record of quarter peals rung in memory of Peter, who had been a stalwart of the tower for many years.

Overall the afternoon proved to be a huge success with over 60 people from a wide area attending, and we thank the organisers for their efforts. Now all that remains is for the Campton band to keep practising together so that they are on top form for "The First Ring" which should take place sometime in the spring.

Original article here.

The Queens 80^th Birthday – 21^st April 2006

The following is an email from the Archdeacon of Bedford in respect to the Queens birthday.  All members are encouraged to try their hardest to ensure that church bells are rung for this august event.

Dear Colleagues,  I have been asked by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire to advise you that Her Majesty The Queen is celebrating her 80th birthday on 21st April 2006.  The Queen’s private secretary has advised the Lord Lieutenant that as far as County celebrations are concerned, the “tone should not become one of a mini jubilee”.  However, it is suggested that churches with bells should be encouraged to ring them on 21st April and I would be obliged if you could encourage those churches in your deanery that are able to, to do just that.

Kind Regards, Paul

Venerable Paul Hughes

Archdeacon of Bedford

17 Lansdowne Road

Luton, Bedfordshire.

LU3 1EE

Tel: 01582 730722

Fax: 01582 877354

E-mail: archdbedf@stalbans.anglican.org

Update:  throughout the Association bells were rung to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday, including a great many quarter peals as well as less ambitious but equally worthy ringing.

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