Once again, the decision was made to travel by car. Coach prices have risen dramatically since Covid and, sadly, train travel was again threatened by strikes. First stop was the ring of six at Rockwell Green just outside Wellington. A fairly small ringing room meant we had to ring in shifts but we soon got to grips with these very pleasant bells.
Next were Pitminster, a ground-floor ring of 8. We were made very welcome by the parishioners who were keen to show us round their very interesting church. The bells were soon going to a variety of methods and were much enjoyed. The lovely weather meant that picnics in the churchyard were the order of the day for those who had not taken up Mike's offer of organising a pub lunch.
We then moved towards Taunton starting with the 10 at Wilton. Another rather tight ringing room and a very light ring of bells but we managed to get used to them fairly quickly and ringing included a course of Cloister Caters which was a new experience for some. We were delighted to see the plaque on the wall commemorating Roger A's father who rang at this tower for over 40 years. Another ground-floor ring was next with the six at Staplegrove. This followed today's trend - small ringing rooms - but made less difficult as there was plenty of room in the church yard for us all to mingle between touches.
Our final tower had been much anticipated and definitely did not disappoint. The ring of 12 at St Mary's (now Taunton Minster) are a very fine ring and well worth the climb to the ringing room. For several of the band this was their first ring on 12. Rounds on 12 predominated in order to accommodate as many of our ringers as possible but we also managed Cloister Caters and Plain hunt caters – the plain hunt Cinques was not quite so successful!
So altogether a very successful day with one of our best attendances for a long time. Thankyou to all who attended and to the local ringers who came to meet us and make us so welcome.
Photos from Hilary Tompsett and Martin Mansley https://photos.app.goo.gl/VdT8Qtneao2TTyhk6
