BEDFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Update

Latest news and information for all towers and ringers in Bedfordshire

Forthcoming Events

Association Annual General Meeting
at St Owen's Bromham
on Saturday 18 May

15:00 Open ringing, 16:00 service,
17:00 AGM at which we will be voting on changes to the structure of the Association

All the meeting information can be found on the website here: https://www.bacbr.org.uk/association/business/agm-minutes-archive/
This includes the Agenda, Minutes of the 2023 AGM, Accounts and full details of the proposed rule changes. 

These are important changes to the Association so please take the time to read the documents and come along to the meeting to vote. 

Followed at 19:00 by
Quiz Evening and Supper

A fun social evening for all ringers, friends and family. Bring a team of 6 or come as individuals to make up teams on the night 

£12.50 per person including supper. (Payment by cash on the day)
Supper: jacket potatoes with fillings, including vegetarian option.
BYO drinks.
Raffle in aid of the Association Bell Restoration Fund

Booking essential by Wednesday 15 May ideally via this GoogleForm:
https://forms.gle/XEk42qUq891KQTPX7
or email sarahlouiseward34@gmail.com
 

Saturday Ringing Meetings  

11 May   Steppingley (6) Afternoon ringing 15:30 -17:30
18 May   Bromham (8) AGM Details above

Everyone is 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
 

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

Next session: Saturday 11 May

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/FSstb6kafFtn8B8K8
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.)
 

Bedfordshire Young Ringers

The next practice is on
Sunday 12 May
at All Saints Campton, 14:30-16:30

Future dates - 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
 

Surprise Major Practices

The next practice is on
Sunday 16 June 14:30-16:30
Venue tbc

Dates for future practices, to be held on the third Sunday of alternate months: 18 August, 20 October, 15 December 
 

Ridgman Trophy ... A Grand Day Out!

Saturday 8 June 2024 at Biggleswade

This year Bedfordshire are hosting this Ten Bell Striking Competition with teams representing 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 friends old and new!! 

Bedfordshire Ringing Summer School
Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 August

Please save the dates if you are interested in coming along either as a student or a helper. Details to follow!

Other News...

Congratulations to ....

Simon P Smith  First Quarter on an inside bell on 18 April, and first peal on 26 April, both Plain Bob Minor rung at Biddenham to mark the 140th anniversary of the first peal by the Bedfordshire Association, Plain Bob Minor rung at Biddenham on 26 April 1884.

Dean R G De-Matteis First Quarter of Grandsire Caters, rung at Kempston on 28 April

Updates from the CCCBR
Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

Bell Sunday 12 May
Endorsed by the Bishop of St Albans, himself a ringer, it is hoped that this annual day will raise awareness and emphasise the importance of the sound of bells in our communities and help bring Church and Community together. To find out how you can take part, look at:https://bellsunday.org/ 
 

As part of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, we hope that as many Bedfordshire towers as possible will Ring Out for Peace on 6 June at 6.30pm (or at a suitable time that day).

To find out more go to https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/02/03/ringing-out-for-peace/. 
Please record any performances to the BellBoard and link to the Ringing Out for Peace - 80th Anniversary of DDay Landing event:   https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18605
 

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

www.bacbr.org.uk

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