Teignmouth outings always seem to require an early start and this one was no exception! However, the sun was up in an almost cloudless sky as we set off eastwards towards Poole. We had full instructions from Julia re parking and meeting place and fairly clear roads meant that we could enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee before joining the group excitedly meeting on the quayside. The ringers were given top priority so were first to board the ferry to Brownsea Island for this was the first stop for the day. Vessels of many descriptions were out in Poole Harbour so there was plenty to see on the 15 minutes or so that it took to get to the island.

Brownsea is owned and run by the National Trust and one of their volunteers was waiting to greet us on arrival. Soon she had us all marshalled and ready for the short walk to the church. The bells are a 4 cwt ring of eight so quite a contrast to St Michael's. They took a bit of getting used to but with some careful band placing we were soon getting to grips with them. There is no electricity in the church but on such a lovely sunny day this was not a problem. Once we had finished ringing there was plenty of time to have some lunch and a look round the island. Brownsea has several claims to fame – it was where Lord Baden-Powell held the first Scout Camp to start a World-wide movement and it is home to a colony of Red Squirrels. Sadly, none were in evidence during our visit but we still had a very enjoyable time exploring part of the island before our lovely volunteer met us again to get us back to the ferry.

Once we landed back at the quay it was a very short walk to Poole parish church where refreshments were available as it was open for the "Ride and Stride" day in aid of Church conservation. We were soon shown the way to the tower where we found a very fine ring of 10 – at just over 19 cwt these were much closer to bells that we were used to. They really are a lovely set of bells and were much enjoyed by everyone.

The last tower was Bridport which involved a fairly long drive but everyone arrived in good time. The guardians of the church for the Ride and Stride event were just packing up when we got there. A few minutes later a cyclist arrived to visit his last church of the day and was relieved when our ringers offered to sign his form to prove he had been there. Bridport are not the easiest of rings and signs of exhaustion were creeping in after a long and quite warm day. Spirits were raised by the prospect of the meal awaiting on the way home.
This was another great outing masterminded by Julia and the novel chance to ring at an island tower will be very happily remembered. Thankyou Julia and the Teignmouth ringers for such an excellent day.

Thanks to Julia Brett and Jeanette Thompson for these photos
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rKStni6R7YXvYmg26