Sunday morning Jan 25th saw the second qtr peal rung by the Alderney band with our new flat 6th

https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1928597

We weren’t entirely sure what to expect of our new bell but it is absolutely lovely:-)

To practice triples and major we had sometimes been (naughtily) ringing 1 – 8 so 2- 9 (with flat6) is not only musically far more pleasing obviously, but also just a tad heavier so has more ‘substance’ but the unexpected benefit is that the rope circle is tremendous:-):-) the 9 has always been a bit more forward/closer to the middle than the 8 & 0 so having it as the tenor of the middle 8 works VERY well indeed, and as flat 6th is also forward of the old 6 the circle is doubly improved. Our old middle 6, 3-8 has 3, 4, 5 & 6 in almost a straight line but 4-9 with flat 6th is VASTLY more circular.

Now we have 2 eights and 3 sixes – affording us a huge variety on a practice night.

Whole band very upbeat about it, watching the hoisting and cleaning the tower afterwards – we even had an Indian to celebrate – attached

The Alderney band is delighted to report that the new flat 6th has been installed. It handles beautifully and is pitched perfectly with its new companions. The rope circle of our new middle 8 is great – all in all a huge success

Tonight we had some general ringing and then our first qtr:

https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1928478

Tomorrow morning we are ringing a qtr of doubles on the back 6 of the middle 8, with 4 more of the local band who weren’t in tonights qtr – Helen & Peter will ring again

Helenx

4 of the Alderney band are spending a week in February in Tulloch pursuing Level 5 ART Minor Stepping Stones programme. We didn’t feel quite ready for the challenge so invited 5 friends to join us in Alderney for a pre-course week. Starting on Friday Jan 2nd with Cambridge minor (one lead at a time to knock the rust off), we concentrated on lead end and half lead dodges and rang some touches. This was then followed by Ipswich on Saturday, Bourne & Hull on Sunday, Beverley and Berwick later in the week and also a session on London. It was certainly the case that the more surprise minor we rang the easier to learn/understand/see the lines it became:-) We scored qtr peals in Cambridge, Ipswich, Primrose, Primrose & Norwich, and finally one of Bourne.

We even managed a plain course of Double Norwich Ct Bob Major when Storm Goretti delayed departure so we could squeeze in a bonus session on 8. Everyone agreed it had been educational and fun and that we were now ready to throw ourselves into Level 5 next month:-)

HMMcG