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Category Archives: Andover Towers
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Contact Mike Hopkins Till
Telephone: 01256 350718
Address: 425, Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG23 8PT
Thank you from Stockbridge!
To mark our move into the Winchester District a training morning was held at Stockbridge yesterday morning (Saturday 22nd June).
We were really happy to welcome learners from nearby towers, but special thanks must go to Ringing Masters Jenny Watson and Edmund Wratten, together with Bruce Purvis and his kind helpers from Winchester – Charlie and Colin, and Jen Churchill from Lockerley who were all amazingly patient and encouraging as they led us through our journey into Reverse Canterbury Doubles.
We had a brilliant morning – thank you all. PS. If I’ve missed out any of the helpers – sorry and thank you too!
Micki Nadal
Winchester District Training morning – Sat 22nd June, 9.30-11.30am at Stockbridge.
Dear All,
Please find attached the poster for the next Winchester District training morning, 9.30-11.30 on Saturday June 22nd.
Plain Bob Doubles, and its variant based on making places instead of dodging, Reverse Canterbury, are the foundation of almost everything we do in change-ringing, so once you can plain hunt these two methods are your essential next steps.
Hope to see lots of people at Stockbridge on the 22nd. Do be sure to let Jenny Watson know if you wish to come along to learn or to help.
Best wishes
Bruce
District Secretary
Winchester District
Contact Janet Larkins
Telephone: 07711 732672
Email: Use Form
Beyond Bob Doubles at Stockbridge – Wednesday 24th April at 19:30
Dear All,
The next Beyond Bob Doubles will be at Stockbridge on 24th of April from 19:30. Anything goes (except Bob Doubles) so if you have any requests let me know on the night. To give those who haven’t been before an idea of what it is about, methods we have been ringing recently include Grandsire, St Simon’s and Stedman doubles, Plain Bob, Little Bob, Kent and Cambridge minor, I also want to do Double Oxford, and Cambridge and Plain Bob spliced if we have the people. Please pass the word around, everyone is welcome from the District and beyond.
Guild Education – Grandsire Doubles and Triples – Sat 6th April at Goodworth Clatford
Just to let everybody know that, whilst the closing date for the receipt of applications is still three weeks away, we now have only ONE place left on the Doubles course. Interest has been very high indeed.
So, if you are still “thinking about it” ……. remember that places are filled on a “first-come-first-served” basis and you need to get your application in very quickly. It might be a race to the finish!! Once this place has been filled then, of course, we will start a waiting list.
The Education Committee is running an Education Day on Saturday 6th April covering Grandsire Doubles and Triples, based at Goodworth Clatford. Just in case they have been mislaid, I attach further copies of the poster and application form (both Word and pdf versions).
Applications have come in thick and fast, and whilst there are a few places left, if you have been “…. thinking about it ….” you need to get your skates on and send in your application form sooner rather than later. Old hands will know that these are dealt with on a “first come first served” basis, so leaving it until the closing date might result in disappointment. Talk about it with your friends and maybe ask your Tower Captain’s advice.
As always – any queries, give me a call, or email me and I will do my best to help.
For: The Education Committee
With places filling up for the Cambridge Surprise Major course in March, the Education Committee is turning its attention to those whose current experience doesn’t stretch to that. We are holding another full-day course on Grandsire Doubles and Triples, on Saturday 6 April, based at Goodworth Clatford. There may be lots of new ringers who started early on in the Ringing Remembers campaign who may now be ready to think about Grandsire Doubles, and hopefully it will also appeal to “returning ringers” who need to brush up on past skills. If in doubt, talk to your tower captain.
I have attached the poster and application form (both Word and pdf versions). Places are filled on a “first come first served” basis so check your diaries now, as leaving everything until the closing date is not a good idea!
If you, or anybody else in your tower is interested, I am more than happy to answer any questions – email: Christine or ‘phone 01962 886939.
Christine K-W
For: the Guild Education Committee
Tommy in Tangley – 6th Nov 2018
I was picked up on Monday and although still in my box enjoyed my ride to Kingsclere Church and listened to the Andover District Practice night; there was a mixed bag of ringing.
After spending Tuesday morning in the car being moved about as this nice lady hoovered around me; I went to Tangley Church as saw one of the Ringers Remembered volunteers practice her handling skills, improving every time.
After a short break a team of ringers and visitors stayed in the church to listen to the ringing of 1918 changes in memory of all those lost during WW1 from the Pastrow Benefice which includes Hatherden, Penton Mewsey, Tangley and Weyhill; the names of those lost were displayed in the Tangley Church during the ringing. Tangley is the only church in the benefice with bells.
I was packed back in my box and taken to Ludgershall via the Old Bell and Crown at Hatherden.
I am hoping to be at the Ringers WW1 Memorial in Winchester Cathedral on 11th November 2018.
Longstock’s Re-enactment of WW1 photo scene – 18th and 19th August
Hi all,
This video is also now available on our website here (for those who do not have social media who might like to see it):
https://www.big-ideas.org/longstocks-pioneering-women-ringers-in-world-war-one/
IWM let us share it on the basis that it was for non-commercial use and a subscription was not required for it to be viewed.
It is also available on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RingingRemembers/permalink/429029997620612/
And here on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Big_Ideas_Co/status/1042021216398307328
Best wishes,
Jamie
Jamie Singleton
Campaign
Coordinator
Big Ideas
020 3011 5275
Report from the Ringing Remembers Event at Longstock on Sunday 19th August 2018
Please take the time to read the report by the Big Ideas team following the terrific event hosted by the band of St. Mary’s Church, Longstock on Sunday 19th August.
From my perspective as it was an exciting couple of hours watching Bryony Leyland and the camera operator interview and film for South Today. All those placed in front of the camera did a brilliant job telling their stories and it was a real pleasure hearing them. Sadly so much of it wasn’t aired, and what was broadcast that Sunday night is now no longer available to view. Unfortunately, due to licencing restrictions on the famous old photograph of the Longstock Ringers and Reverend Routh, the BBC could only make the clip available for 24hours.
Particular thanks go to Mary Saunders, Longstock Captain and ringer for over seven decades, the Routh family, the band who worked to make all feel welcome with tea, cake and pizza, and of course BBC South and Hampshire Chronicle and Daily Echo.
Big-ideas.org delivers community and education projects and is promoting Ringing Remembers at many levels. It was great to meet some of the team who travelled down from London for the event.
Please do read their report for the full story which can be found here https://www.big-ideas.org/longstocks-pioneering-women-ringers-in-world-war-one/
Gary Marsh, Wonston Tower and Guild Comms Team Member
Longstock – Saturday 18th August from 2.30pm
Longstock church and ringers will be having a busy weekend!
In addition to the major event on Sunday, 19th August (details here) they will be in the church on Saturday 18 August from 2.30pm to welcome anyone who would like to try Bell Ringing.
Ringing Remembers Event – Longstock – Sunday 19th August – 2.00-4.00pm
Ringing Remembers is a national campaign to recruit new bell ringers in memory of the 1,400 ringers who died in World War One. All new ringers will ring together on Armistice Day this year as part of the national commemorations to mark the centenary since the end of the war.
Longstock is a village in Hampshire. It had a population of 413 in 1911, 212 men and 201 women. St Mary’s Longstock has 5 bells. The oldest, the tenor, was cast in 1593.
http://www.longstockvillage.com/longstock_bellringers.htm
75 of the village’s men served in WW1, including bell ringers http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Hampshire/Longstock.html
The following photo shows “THE WOMEN’S WORK IN SERVICES, 1914-1918.
Girls of Longstock village in Hampshire replacing the male bell ringers who joined the armed forces. They are assisting the local vicar in ringing the bells.”
Female bell ringers in the village church of Longstock in Hampshire.
Ringing was largely closed to women before the war, and their involvement was one of many steps towards the parity we see today.
We have located the descendants of the Vicar in the photo; his great-grandson, great-granddaughter, and two great-great-granddaughters. They are all ringers today.
They will be involved in a ringing event to commemorate this historical moment; for both the ringers at Longstock, and more broadly for women taking part in ringing across the country during WW1. This will take place on Sunday 19 August at St Mary’s church from 14:00 to 16:00.
New Ringing Remembers learners will also take part in this commemoration. 100 years ago,women took up ringing there because of WW1. 100 years later, new ringing recruits who are learning for the WW1 centenary as part of Ringing Remembers will mark this historical moment. We hope to find the descendants of the women in the photo through this event, and to learn more of the story behind the photo.
Jamie Singleton from Big Ideas said, “It was remarkable that, through Ringing Remembers, we were able to find the descendants of the ringers taking part in this historical moment at Longstock. This event will be a special way to remember what happened there and help us to look forward to the Armistice Day commemorations for the WW1 centenary.”
Longstock is a tower in The Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers. The Guild has 200 towers and is always looking to find new ringers to help them sound out all the bells. So far, nearly 60 recruits have come to them through Ringing
Remembers. The Longstock Bell Ringers will be in the church on Saturday 18 August from 2.30pm to welcome anyone who would like to try Bell Ringing.
Ringing Remembers is led by Big Ideas and the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers and supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
8 bell ringing on Thurs 26th July at Hurstbourne Priors
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 26th July 2018, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
We’ll ring a selection from the usual repertoire of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Bob Triples/Major, Double Norwich, and maybe even some Yorkshire Surprise Major, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Helen and Roger Thomas
Wedding Ringers Needed at Stockbridge August 4th
Stockbridge has a 12.30 wedding on August 4th and is in need of ringers. Ringing after only, £20 a rope. If any one can help out it will be much appreciated. Sue
Contact Ken Porter
Email Use Form:
8 bell practice on Thurs 28th June at Hurstbourne Priors
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 28th June 2018. Forget the football for an evening, because England have already qualified! It’s time instead for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
We’ve had no specific requests for methods, so we’ll ring a selection from the usual repertoire of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Double Norwich, and various Surprise Major methods, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Andover District Half-Yearly Meeting and 10 Bell Practice 2nd July at Whitchurch
Andover Half-Yearly Meeting Agenda
To be held at Whitchurch All Hallows on 2nd July at 7pm.
- Apologies
- Welcome
- Minutes of the previous Meeting
These minutes were agreed at the ADM in January this year. No ‘Matters Arising’.
- Election of New Members
| Surname | Forename | Tower | Proposed by | Seconded by | Membership type |
| Turner | Susan | Amport | Probationer | ||
| Melanie | Freeman | Burghclere | Probationer | ||
| Pearce
Slade |
Richard
James |
Kingsclere | Probationer
Probationer |
||
| SMB | |||||
If possible it would be very much appreciated if details could be sent to the secretary prior to the meeting.
- Change of Tower Details
Please inform the secretary any changes different from those in the current Guild Report.
- Proposal
None.
(If there are any proposals (for subsequent meetings) these must be circulated a month before the meeting. The proposal title and content will be entered here together with a proposer and seconder.)
- Future Dates
The DP list sent out at the beginning of the year is correct. Venues and times are confirmed.
October 2018 – The Andover District Outing tba
11th November – Ringing in as many towers as can to commemorate 100 years since the Armistice.
17th November – Exec Committee Meeting, St Barnabus’ Church Hall.
Saturday 12th January – Andover ADM to be held at Whitchurch.
Spring 2019 – Services at Winchester 19 May 3.30pm and Portsmouth 12 May 6pm cathedrals to remember those lost in WW1and to present a book of ringing in commemoration.
- Education Days
13 October – Plain Hunt and Trebling to Doubles – Basingstoke
24 November – Surprise Minor – Shedfield
- AOB
Annual District Ringing Outing.
Since there were not enough volunteers to support the outing to London it had to be cancelled.
Is there anyone willing to organize an alternative?
Fund raising for the Guild’s WW1 project.
Meeting closed
Date of Next Meeting:
Ringing Room Refurbishment complete at St. Mary Bourne
We are fully up and running at St Mary Bourne now (clock back in action, ringing room carpeted, spider back in place!).
Our Sunday ringing times were never updated – it’s 10.30 rather than 10.00.
We are no longer a ground floor ring but we now have a toilet.
St Mary Bourne Ringing Times
Sundays: 10.30am & 5.30pm
Practices: Thursday (not 4th)
Andover to be featured on Radio 4 on June the 3rd
BBC Bells on Sunday program will feature Grandsire Triples on June the 3rd. If you miss the broadcast it will be available on iPlayer afterwards.
Wedding Ringers needed – Stockbridge May 26th
Would anyone be able to help us out at the following wedding please:
Stockbridge 26th May. 1.30pm wedding. I think ringing before and after £25 a rope.
Handbell Concert at Thatcham – Sat 19th May
Dear everyone,
Just a note to let you know that our next concert – “Wedding Belles” – will be at St Mary’s Church, Thatcham on Saturday 19 May commencing at 7.30pm. As the date coincides with a certain Royal wedding, some wedding-themed pieces will be included in our programme.
Tickets (£6 full, £5 concessions, accompanied children free) include light refreshments in the interval and will be available on the door.
Dianne (Barfield Handbell Ringers)
Contact form at the bottom of the screen.
8 Bell Practice at Hurstbourne Priors Thu 26th April
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 26th April 2018, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
We’ve had no specific requests, so we will ring a selection from the usual repertoire of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Double Norwich, and various Surprise Major methods, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Helen and Roger Thomas
8 Bell Practice at Hurstbourne Priors Thurs 22nd March
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 22nd March 2018, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
I’ve had a request for Double Norwich, and we will also ring a selection from the usual repertoire of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, and various Surprise Major methods, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Helen and Roger Thomas
8 Bell Practice at Hurstbourne Priors Thu 22nd Feb
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week (already!), on Thursday 22nd February 2018, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
I’ve had requests for Superlative Surprise Major and Double Norwich, and we will also ring a selection from the usual repertoire of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Cambridge Surprise Major and Yorkshire Surprise Major, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Hurstborne Priors 8-bell Practice Thurs 25th Jan
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 25th January 2018, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
This month’s methods will include Middlesex Bob Triples (https://rsw.me.uk/blueline/methods/view/Middlesex_Bob_Triples) and Superlative Surprise Major, and requests from the usual selection of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Double Norwich, Cambridge Surprise Major, Yorkshire Surprise Major, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Helen and Roger Thomas
Plain Bob Doubles and Minor – Guild Education – Saturday 17th March 2018 – 9.30-5.00pm – St. Mary Bourne
This course is completely full, with a waiting list for cancellations.
I now attach the poster and application form (both Word and pdf versions) for the first of the Education Committee’s full-day courses, which will be 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.
Any queries – let me know, either by email or by telephoning 01962 886939 – but whatever you do, don’t leave it until the closing date to send in your application as you might find places have already been filled!
Christine Knights-Whittome
For: The Guild Education Committee
Agenda of 2018 Annual Andover District Meeting
click here for neatly laid out version
To be Held at Andover, St. Mary’s
On 13th January 2018 at 5.50pm
1. Welcome and Vote of Thanks
Remembering those District ringers who passed away in 2017
- Apologies for absence.
-
Acceptance of 2017 ADM minutes. ( Goodworth Clatford 14.1.17)
-
Matters arising.
Item 6. Reminder of new rules for election of officers.
Item9. Reinstatement of Half-yearly meeting -
Acceptance of Half-Yearly minutes. Whitchurch 25.11.17
- Matters arising
Item 7 a) Use of District funding for rope fees on the annual District outing.
b) Change of date to accounts year-end (see Item 7c Treasurer’s report)
Item 11. New venue for December District practice. SMB has building work taking place. It was suggested Longparish might prove a good alternative venue. -
Officers’ reports.
a. Chair
b. Secretary
c. Treasurer
d. Ringing Master
HP would like members to bring their ideas about District Practices to the meeting. Attendances have not been as successful as they might and she would like to know how they might be improved.
e. Guild Exec Report -
Election of Officers
At the 2016 ADM it was decided that the officers elected at the 2016 ADM would continue to serve until 2018 when the new rules (below) would be adopted.
‘District officers are to be elected for a term of two years on a rolling basis from 2018’
i.e. Year 1 – Chair, Vice Ringing Master, Treasurer Year 2 – Vice Chair, Secretary, Ringing Master.
(This choice is an example only. It may be changed at the next District Committee meeting) -
Appointments
Internal Examiner
Guild Exec Reps
District Forum Reps -
Election of new members
-
Proposals
The Meeting resolves that the current accounting period for the District be extended to cover the thirteen months ending 31st December2018; thereafter, the accounting year-end to be 31st December.
Background: to bring the District’s accounting year-end in line with that used by the bulk of the districts within the W&P Guild.
Proposed by Ros Brandwood, seconded Maggie Hiller -
Venues and events
Monthly District practices
Annual District outing
Education Days -
Guild Master’s report
-
AOB
Date of next meetings: Half-yearly – provisionally at Whitchurch on Monday 2nd July 2018
2019 ADM at Whitchurch on Saturday 12th January 2019
Meeting closed:
Signed__________________________ Name___________________________
Office held_______________________ Date_______________
Monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors 7:30pm Thurs 23rd Nov
Dear all,
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month this week, on Thursday 23rd November 2017, time for our monthly 8 bell practice at Hurstbourne Priors from 7:30pm.
This month’s methods will include Middlesex Bob Triples (https://rsw.me.uk/blueline/methods/view/Middlesex_Bob_Triples) and Rutland Surprise Major, and requests from the usual selection of Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Double Norwich, Cambridge Surprise Major, Yorkshire Surprise Major, depending on demand and the abilities of those present.
Hope to see you there.
Extra ringers needed to support learners at Stockbridge and King’s Somborne
Dear All,
Kings Somborne and Stockbridge have 5 adult learners. Practise is in Stockbridge on a Tuesday at 7pm to 7.45pm.
We would really appreciate some help, 1 or 2 ringers who could stand with a learner. on Tuesday 21st. 4 of them are ringing on their own but need someone there “in case” and to advise on handling.
Any help on Tuesday’s, plus our normal practise on Mondays, at Kings Somborne, with the learners there too, would be appreciated.
Please contact me if you would be able to help out.
Many thanks.
