BEDFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Update

Latest news and information for all towers and ringers in Bedfordshire

March 2024

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

Review of the Association

The General Committee is currently in the process of finalising proposals to change the structure of the Association and drafting the required rule changes. Notice of these will be given by the end of April, prior to being put to the vote at the AGM on Saturday 18 May.

Ring a First In February

Congratulations to everyone who achieved a First in February! 
Details of 40 performances at 17 towers are recorded on BellBoard, many of which contain more than one First! 

Have a look at: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/search.php?event=18225 for details of everything that was rung, including first unassisted rounds, ringing handbells and calling call changes by some of our Young Ringers (well done Joe, Sam, Declan, Oscar and Harry), first courses of various methods from Grandsire Doubles, Fairly Slow Treble Place Minor (!) to Swindon S Royal, first quarters inside and of Minor, Triples, Major and Caters, and first blows in (and QPs of) Lincolnshire and Cornwall S Major... and other things in between! Particular congratulations to the following, who rang the milestone achievement of their First Quarter Peal:
Annette Brooks, Debbie Gilbey, Marc Kasfiner, Ann Steward, Ian Steward
A total of 14 Quarter peals were rung, with 44 members taking part in at least one!
Thank you to everyone who organised a First and supported those ringing something new. Lots of great achievements to build on during 2024! Well done to all!

Forthcoming Training Sessions and Meetings

Saturday Ringing Meetings  

2 March    Bedford (St Peter de Merton) (8) Evening ringing 19:30 - 21:00
9 March    Potton (6) Afternoon ringing 15:30 - 17:30 
23 March  Eversholt (6) Evening ringing 19:00 - 20:30

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
at Bromham on Saturday 18 May
Afternoon ringing, service and meeting followed by supper and a quiz. Details to follow. 

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

Next session: Saturday 9 March

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/hBYkd8NVPvwhKhSK9
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 21 April 14:30-16:30
Venue tbc

Dates for 2024 practices, to be held on the third Sunday of alternate months: 21 April, 16 June, 18 August, 20 October, 15 December (Note: NOT as published in January Update)

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 17 March 
at All Saints Campton, 14:30-16:30

Future dates -  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)

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

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

We have been asked to circulate the following notice:
 

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

www.bacbr.org.uk

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