Guild 6-Bell Striking Competition at Branston and Nocton
14th September 2019

The Guild 6 bell contest was held at Branston and Nocton on Saturday 14th September. It was the anniversary of the first 6 bell contest held at Branston 50 years ago organized by the late Dennis Frith. The judges for the John Freeman Cup in the method ringing were, fittingly, John Freeman's daughter and her husband and the judges for the Ted Colley Plate in the rounds and call changes were Kath and Tony Cocks. It was a beautiful day for the contest, well organized by Chris Woodcock with a marvellous tea laid on by Yvonne Woodcock and the Branston ringers. There were 6 teams in the 6 bell method ringing contest with Gainsborough being the winners of the Cup which they also won 50 years ago! The trophy for second place went to Bourne. The other 4 teams were placed thus: Potterhanworth, Messingham, Stow and Ingoldmells.

The Plate was won by Alford with a joint team from Coningsby and Old Bolingbroke coming second. The third team did not finish and therefore, was not placed. A good result for the Eastern Branch winning both trophies in the Plate contest.

Congratulations to the winning teams and to all taking part. Although Lincoln Cathedral were unable to enter a team they were represented by Les Townsend whom it is always nice to see.

The Raffle was held after tea and as none of the three winners were present they will be notified of their win. There was also a quiz set by Chris Woodcock, testing local knowledge, which got people thinking.

All in all, it was a very pleasant day thanks to Chris Woodcock, Yvonne Woodcock and the Branston ringers - and the good weather.

Helen Brotherton.