52 ringers, mostly from across the A&P district but with a handful from elsewhere, gathered at Blackmoor on August 10th to take part in a Rounds Striking Competition.

There were no rules as such, just that each team should aim to strike their best rounds for 4 minutes with everything from the pull off to the stand being marked.

In all 11 teams took part, some ringers were in more than one team, some teams were made up of members of several towers, but everyone was welcome to have a go whatever their level of experience. From Blackmoor’s newest learner who just rang the back stroke whilst his teacher rang the hand stroke, to the Life Members, of which there were several present, everyone gave it their all and, judging by all the smiles, had a great afternoon.

As a few people left after the competition finished, more arrived for the barbecue swelling the numbers to around 65, the most we have had at a social event for some time. As the food was cooking, games were borrowed from the Scouts’ shed (with permission), the raffle was set up, ringing related quiz sheets were handed out and dogs tried to keep out of the way of bustling feet.

Once everyone had finished tucking into their burgers, sausages and salads, beer, wine, soft drinks and an impressive array of desserts, Roger Barber announced the competition results with a short critique of each performance and certificates were handed out. Roger thanked everyone who took part and hopes that the success of the event will encourage more teams to enter the annual district striking competition in October.

Thanks were also given to everyone who helped to organise the myriad of elements that go into running a successful event such as this. Pretty sure we’ll be doing it again.