Bristol Rural Branch
Mayday 2000
MAYDAY 2000 AVON VALLEY OUTING
After the wettest April on record May 1st dawned dry and sunny as members
and friends boarded the coach at Coalpit Heath for our annual outing. Everyone was on time
(yes its true) and at eight o'clock Tony completed the head count, gave
the word to our now familiar driver Allen, and off we set for our first destination -
Pewsey at the head of the valley of the Wiltshire Avon. The journey, initially on the M4
then through beautiful countryside bursting with spring greenery, was uneventful, and we
arrived at our first church - St John Baptist, ahead of time. Fortunately our hosts
arrived shortly after and soon Martin Blanchard had a band to raise organised
and the 12cwt six up and running to a respectable touch of Stedman to set the standard for
the rest of the day! Whilst the various groups were in the tower the rest found St Johns
an interesting church to explore. Of particular interest: the frontal of the High Altar
a patchwork interpretation of the Avon Valley skyline, and the glass
fronted Nave Altar enclosing an Easter tableau. The North Aisle is sensitively screened
from the Nave and it was here that our hosts provided the company with refreshment
drinks and a mouth-watering selection of cakes. Travelling on to Upavon the 14cwt ground
floor ring of six at St Mary the Virgin at first seemed daunting, particularly when
informed by our host there that we were looking at 60 feet of rope! However
Bryn Shackleton our Tower Captain for the tower reminded us that
as learners we were all taught to ring with a tight rope and so long as we remembered that
there wouldnt be a problem and he was right. Tummies beginning to rumble, our
next stop was The Swan at Enford for lunch. Tony and Mary had done an
excellent job advising the Landlord in advance of our individual selections from their
comprehensive menu and it worked a treat for most were served before finishing
their first pint! On-going entertainment was provided by the system there whereby the
kitchen announced each persons dish over the PA mispronunciation of some names
proved hilarious. A short walk from the Inn took us to the Church, All Saints, a 13cwt
six. These bells were rated good by the experienced and less so members of the
company, and under the management of Don Haskins this time everyone had opportunity to
work down their lunch! The last two towers: All Saints, Fittleton (8½cwt/6),
and All Saints, Durrington (11cwt/6) proved more difficult to manage for Garry Crisp and
Alan Pidgeon respectively. With limited space in the ringing chambers it wasnt
possible to ensure that the best mix of skills were present there at any given time.
However with a little shuttling of bodies up and down the spiral stair
everyone was accommodated. In the course of the day a good selection of methods were
addressed. As well as the usual learners exercises Doubles included Stedman, Plain Bob,
Grandsire, Reverse Canterbury, and St Simons. Minor - Cambridge, St Clemants, Plain Bob,
and maybe more when the author wasnt present. Our thanks to the conductors who with
patience guided our sometimes erratic courses! Lyn Angell and Joan Haskins served the tea
and cakes provided by Mary in the church after the last ring, after which the then by now
slightly weary company settled down for the ride home arriving at Coalpit Heath just after
half past seven.
Don Haskins
The following
pictures are placed in the order in which they were taken.
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