Up and down like a ferret in a drainpipe!

TimBaytonTeachingA call came out from the North/Northwest branch for some training on raising and lowering in peal, particularly for four ringers from Bratton Fleming and two from Shirwell. Guild Education Officer Tim Bayton responded with a tailor-made training day on 11th February, with the help of several experienced ringers, and the organisational skills of David Willis.

The day began at Heanton Punchardon, where the bells were raised and lowered some eleven times during the morning! This kept us warmish on a very cold day, with snow flakes in the air. All the ‘students’ had at last two goes with an experienced band and individual tuition.

There was a drive over to Morthoe for a good lunch in the ‘Ship Aground’ right next to the church, where we then went for the afternoon session. Again, the bells went up and down for a couple of hours and were put to good use. Hopefully all the students have plenty to take away and continue to work on in their home towers. Hats off to the many helpers who braved the cold conditions in another unheated chamber, coped with sore hands, and didn’t bail out early to the open fire in the pub!

Conditions weren’t conducive to photo taking, but “here’s one I made earlier” of Tim teaching on a training day…

Lynne Hughes.