BEDFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Update

Latest news and information for all towers and ringers in Bedfordshire

February 2024

Please forward to other ringers in your tower and print off a copy for your tower notice board.

Review of the Association

A presentation was given at each of the ADMs in January, giving details of proposed changes to the structure of the Association. A copy of this presentation can be found on the Association Review page of the website:  https://www.bacbr.org.uk/association/association-review-information/

It you have any further questions or comments about the proposals please email Linda (president@bacbr.org.uk) as soon as possible so that these can be taken into account by the General Committee at their meeting on Saturday 17 February. The proposals will be finalised at this meeting prior to being put to the vote at the AGM on Saturday 18 May.

Ring a First In February

What would you / members of your band like to achieve for YOUR First in February this year? ....

When and where? Any time during February on a practice night, at a District Meeting or specially arranged just for you!

What? Here's some ideas for starters ....

• First Quarter/ First Quarter of ../First Quarter as conductor/local band Quarter ..
• Conduct call changes (to Queens and back)
• 120 of Plain Bob Doubles (treble, tenor behind, inside bell or as conductor) 
• Ring the treble to a course of Treble Bob or Surprise Minor
• Course/touch of Cambridge S Minor inside

How?  Can you arrange to ring this with your local band? If not:

• Go along to your District Meeting (Contact your District Ringing Master in advance to check that what you are hoping to ring might be possible)
• If you would like to attempt or need help with arranging a Quarter Peal, request help by completing the form below or email president@bacbr.org.uk We will do our best to faciliate! https://forms.gle/H487hw4CjuF2Bji96

DON'T FORGET! Please submit any Firsts rung during February to BellBoard  
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/submit.php
and, once submitted, link them to the Bedfordshire Association's Ring a First in February event: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18225 
Or email details to president@bacbr.org.uk

Good luck and enjoy achieving a First in February!

Forthcoming Training Sessions and Meetings

Saturday Ringing Meetings  

3 February     Renhold (6) Morning ringing 10:00 -11:30
10 February   Arlesey (6) Afternoon ringing 15:30 - 17:30 
24 February   Studham (6) Afternoon ringing 16:30
 
You are always very welcome to go along to any of these events, not just those in your own area!  For details of all forthcoming events please see:  https://www.bacbr.org.uk

Association Annual General Meeting
Saturday 18 May

Hosted by the Bedford District (Venue tbc).  Afternoon ringing, service and meeting followed by supper and a quiz. Details to follow, but please book the date!

Second Saturday Training
 
at the R J Sharp Ringing Centre 
at St Andrews Biggleswade

Next session: Saturday 10 February

10:00 - 11:00  Bellhandling
11:00 - 11:15  Coffee (and cake!)
11:15 - 12:30  Foundation skills - rounds, call changes, Plain Hunt

These sessions are aimed at less experienced Bedfordshire ringers who would like to improve basic skills and confidence.  
Students: please sign up in advance by completing the googleform:  https://forms.gle/2ozrFHM8Rp3Gttym9
or email Chris Williams  christine.williams.bells@gmail.com  
so that we know who is coming and can plan accordingly. (If you haven't signed up but find yourself able to come at the last minute, please do still come along.)
Helpers: if you haven't already received an email requesting your availability for the first 6 months 2024 but would like to be a helper, please email president@bacbr.org

Dates for your Diary

Surprise Major Practices

The next practice is on
Sunday 18 February 14:30-16:30
at All Saints, Clifton

Further dates to be confirmed. (Note: they may change from those published last month)

These advanced practice are aimed at ringers who:

• can already ring Surprise Major inside
• or have rung the treble to Surprise Major and have learned Cambridge S Major
• or have rung Surprise Minor and would like to extend this to Major

The success of the practices does depend on experienced ringers coming along too. 

We look forward to seeing you!

Bedfordshire Young Ringers

The next practice is on
Sunday 11 February 
at All Saints Campton, 14:30-16:30

Future dates - 17 March, 14 April, 12 May, 9 June All Sundays 14:30 - 16:30 at All Saints Campton, plus Saturday 6 July RWNYC in London (Ringing World National Youth Contest)

It's great to be back!  A very enjoyable practice was held on Sunday 21 January at All Saints Campton with the next generation of Bedfordshire Young Ringers. Lots of bellhandling, rounds, handbells and cake! Thank you to young ringers, parents and helpers for coming along!

Bedfordshire Young Ringers is for all young ringers aged 18 or under, whatever your ringing experience. (Experienced tutors will be there to help!) 
Come along to ring with ringers your own age, eat cake and have fun!

For safeguarding reasons, we ask that all young ringers under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to stay for the whole session (though you are very welcome to do so - tea, coffee and a warm place to sit will be available). We will need some paperwork to be completed for each young ringer the first time they attend. 

For further details please email Linda president@bacbr.org.uk
 

Ridgman Trophy ... A Grand Day Out!

Saturday 8 June 2024 at Biggleswade

This year Bedfordshire are hosting the Ridgman Trophy, a Ten Bell Striking Competition with teams representing Guilds and Associations across the Eastern Counties..

Come along to support the Bedfordshire team (who will be aiming to put the home advantage to good use by reclaiming the Trophy ... previous winners 4 times, but not since 2013!), listen to some excellent ringing, enjoy refreshments and meet lots of people! We will also need volunteers to help with stewarding, refreshments etc.
Please book the date!
More details to follow in due course.
 

Essex Ringing Course

New Rickstones Academy, Witham, Essex 
with practical sessions at various Essex towers       
Thursday 4th April — Saturday 6th April 2024

For details see  https://eacr.org.uk/education/course.html 

Places are available to non-Essex Association members on this well-established non-residential course.  Closing date for applications:16 February.

Other News and Notices
 

Updates from the CCCBR
Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

Do keep an eye on the Central Council website for wider ringing news, resources and helpful information!   https://cccbr.org.uk

Linda Garton
President, BACBR 
president@bacbr.org.uk

www.bacbr.org.uk

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