Guild 8 Bell Striking Competition Final - 10th October 2015

This year's competition was hosted by the Southern Branch at All Saints' in Stamford on Saturday, the 10th of October. A last minute entry from the Southern branch boosted the number of teams to seven, far better than the total of four in 2014. Even so, only four branches were represented. Geoff Wells from the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Guild was judge, assisted by his wife, Sue.

West Lindsey Branch Team X
Central Branch Blue Team

West Lindsey Branch Team Y
 
Southern Branch Team 1
(minus Jim Benner)

Central Branch Green Team
Eastern Branch Team

Southern Branch Team 2
(minus Robin and Judith Rogers)

Some competitors found it difficult to hear their own bells distinctly due to their loudness in the ringing chamber. There lies a clue in the accessory door of the ringing chamber, it being made of sound-deadening material. It didn't stay closed for the first team, contributing to a "disastrous" performance from a team perfectly capable of respectable striking. The bells didn't seem to have a natural rhythm and Geoff commented about rows opening and closing in three performances and the odd slow row in another. The winning team managed five leads without a fault and the runners-up, similarly, had large parts fault-free.

The Results for The Henry Law James Shield
Position
Team
Faults
1st
"Southern 2"
5
2nd
"Central Green"
9
3rd
"Eastern"
10�
4th
"Southern 1"
13�
5th
"West Lindsey Y"
15
6th
"Central Blue"
26
7th
"West Lindsey X"
44

So, "Congratulations!" to Southern 2.

The Presentation of the Henry Law James Shield

Alan Payne pronounced it a successful day. He gave a vote of thanks, not forgetting Sandra Underwood for arranging the event and Barry Jones' help with stewarding that involved many ascents of the stairs. Particular thanks were due to Kate Riley and her helpers for providing a good runnin' tea that didn't run out!

Geoff alluded to the FIFA debacle, but cheques being unacceptable, no one gave him a brown envelope! He and Sue were rewarded in the traditional manner with bottled gifts.

Stephen L Clarke