Mid-Devon Tower Talk - Sept 2023
Raising and Lowering morning Sat 2nd September
The sun was shining and the view across South Devon to Dartmoor was stunning as we drove down the hill into the "other" (much older) East Ogwell. Janet and Katie were already hard at work and tea and coffee were efficiently dispensed. It was great to meet some new faces and to have such an enthusiastic group of helpers.
East Ogwell ringing room is a little cramped, so we soon got both windows open and did a bit of "shift" work! Then it was off to a routine of raise – feedback – lower – feedback for the rest of the morning. It soon became clear that not everyone was used to the Devon raise (start on the third swing) and we also needed to define how we wanted to finish the lower – sadly no-one resorted to the old Devon captain's method of Stamped Foot!
All these things caused very useful debate and we did manage one "Bristol Fashion" raise. Well done to Julie for coping with that after a very short briefing. After about an hour we trouped back downstairs where Janet and Katie dispensed Bacon rolls curtesy of Janet. These seem to have become a very welcome tradition for these mornings. Then it was outside for the regulation photo kindly taken by Mike the new church warden. It was also pleasing that four participants asked to join the Guild and were duly elected. We do hope to see you at subsequent practices and events.
Once more back up the tower for a final session and it was clear that quite a bit of progress had been made already. We finally finished a few minutes early and strangely, there seemed very little enthusiasm when it was suggested we carry on again in the afternoon!!
Very many thanks to all. To the students for working so hard and taking our constructive criticism so cheerfully. To the helpers for so willingly filling in for bands and passing on their ideas. To Janet and her team for the refreshments and to Mike and the East Ogwell congregation for the warm welcome and the cakes. We did leave a few for the congregation for the next day. Raising and lowering in peal is definitely not easy – on the other hand, as we found several times, it is very satisfying when you get it right!
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/AiUn2RE8aZTPLDaU6
Branch Outing Saturday 7th October
The Taunton area
Towers requested
North Curry – 8
Pitminster 8 GF Confirmed
Wilton (Taunton) 10
Staplegrove 6 GF
Taunton Minster (St Mary) 12
We will be travelling by car so please consider making up a car-load from your tower.
Full details and timing once we have confirmation of towers.
The committee have decided that with October being a busy month to cancel the scheduled September practice at Churston Ferrers.
However, on the plus side there is plenty going on in October, as follows -
Saturday 7th October - Branch outing to Taunton. See above
Saturday 21st October - Guild striking competitions, hosted by the Aylesbeare branch. Please refer to my recent email or the Guild website for details and get your band involved. We are planning to enter a branch band in the 8 bell inter-branch competition, but if you are a 6 or 8 bell band who don't feel you have enough experience don't worry, there are novice competitions to enter as well. The Guild secretary will very much welcome entries from all towers, however experienced.
Tuesday 17th October - 10 bell practice at St Marychurch. If you normally practice on a Tuesday, please consider supporting the branch and re-locate to St Marychurch instead. All other branch members will be made very welcome. It would be great to have a good turnout for this one and maybe have your first experience of ringing on 10. (Method(s) to follow!
