A bit smaller than we are used to but we were thrilled to ring on this little ring of bells in the Wellington Cathedral ringing chamber.
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1210684
We were saddened at the beginning of November to hear of the death of Harry White.
Harry had been a member of the Vale Church since the 1940s. He lived in the Parish all his life, apart from the Occupation years when he was evacuated; in his early years at Pond House and latterly in the Northlands estate. He was a faithful member of the choir and a bellringer, singing and ringing at evensong, He never wanted to become involved with ringing working bells, but was content to ring the tenor, which he did with great skill, rhythm, and good humour. He rang 406 quarter peals at the Vale, his first in 1974 and his last in 2014, and one or two elsewhere. He particularly enjoyed the two or three ringing outings we had to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. As far as we can trace he only rang one full peal.
The evening before his funeral we rang a quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles as a thanksgiving for his life, Grandsire was a method he had particularly enjoyed, and we rang Grandsire again as his coffin was carried out of church and the people left.
John David,
for Vale ringers
It has been another difficult six months for us at Vale. With two of the band being servers they are not always able to ring for the full time prior to the service. Barry, who started learning last year, has had to give up ringing, hopefully temporarily due to illness. He did, however, ring his first quarter peal, on 24th September
Harry White, who had been a stalwart member of the band passed away in November. A quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles was rung open in his memory. After his funeral 240 Grandsire Doubles was rung.
With the exception of a couple of Sunday mornings we have been able to ring for the 10 30 service. Calling the faithful to worship and reminding those not so faithful of the Church’s presence in the Vale.
Our quarter peal’s have again been few and far between. Of worthy mention is Nicky’s 900th quarter peal rung on 17th December.
As I write the Vale Church is closed for redecoration and a big thank you to Peter Gallienne and the Forest Church for allowing us to practice there of a Monday night. We should be back to the Vale on 4th March if all goes well and nothing nasty is found when the roof is inspected.
6th Feb 1260 Grandsire Doubles
2nd Sep 1260 Doubles in 6 methods and 1 principle
24th Sep 1260 Plain Bob Doubles. Jointly cond. First quarter, Barrie Linnecor
2nd Oct 1260 Plain Bob Minor
5th Nov 1260 Doubles in 3 methods & 6 variations. Most methods to a quarter, Olivia
15th Nov 1260 Grandsire Doubles. Rung open in celebration of the life of Harry White
17th Dec 1260 Doubles in 6 methods and 5 variations. 900th quarter peal Nicly
24th Dec 1260 Doubles in 2 methods
Mike Bubb
Tower Captain
Traditionally many towers remain silent during Holy Week. On Tuesday 27th March, therefore, the Guild Education Committee is offering an evening covering “An Introduction to Rope Splicing”. This will be in The Undercroft at Winchester Cathedral, from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm. This hands-on evening is FREE, though donations are invited towards expenses. See Guild website for more details
(CI District members who wish to learn closer to home can ask Peter Bevis next time they see him)
W & P full-day course on PLAIN BOB DOUBLES and MINOR to be held on Saturday 17th March 2018, based at St. Mary Bourne. From experience, this is a popular subject and places can fill up very quickly. Is this something you have tried, but found there isn’t time on a busy practice night to have a really good go? Did you do it years ago but haven’t had an opportunity to pick it up recently? Are you stagnating with plain courses and want to progress to touches? Do you have friends in your tower in the same boat? This is your chance! If this sounds like you, why not take the opportunity to book a place and spend a whole day concentrating on one method, at your own particular level, with others doing the same thing who may well be facing the same problems and have the same queries. If you haven’t been before I can promise you lots of help, both verbal and practical, from experienced tutors and very patient helpers. More info from:
A message from the W&P Guild Secretary: