Inter-Branch 8-Bell Striking Competition

West Lindsey Branch wins the Henry Law James Shield


Grimsby Minster

This year it was the turn of Northern Branch to host the competition on the back eight at Grimsby Minster, the method chosen by the master being St Simon's Bob Triples - ah! those four dodges on the front, to test the bands!!

For those who have yet to ring at the Minster access to the ringing chamber, via and outside door, is an initial climb of a narrow circular 30 step staircase followed by a walk along an even narrower open gallery and a final further 40 steps to the ringing chamber. It is said that the "larger than life" master - in all aspects - Rupert Richardson - never rang at Grimsby for that reason. Not true! - he rang a peal there. However one band member did comment that no-one had told him of the need to diet in the run-up to the competition. Having enjoyed himself so much last year- David Phillipson, needed but little persuasion to return to judge this year's event. By early afternoon the first concern was raised as at all striking competitions "we are worried we haven't got enough food" - there was plenty!! Then it transpired that the place for David to judge the competition from was "out of bounds" - the church being locked at 1430! David took it upon himself and quickly resolved the situation by visiting St James hotel opposite the Minster and securing a suite at no cost overlooking the Minster to judge the competition. I am informed that the delivery of refreshments during the break by the ringing master and the ringing deputy ringing master of Eastern Branch failed to influence the result!!

Yes the results!!


The Henry Law James Shield

Closely fought in the end between Eastern and West Lindsey - with Central Branch saving their method mistakes for the test piece a distant third.

 1stWest Lindsey Branch- 41 faults
 2ndEastern Branch- 46 faults
 3rdCentral Branch- 75.5 faults
 4thSouthern Branch 
 5thNorthern Branch 


The winning West Lindsey band
(image Mark Giddings)


Second placed Eastern Branch
(image Mark Giddings)


Ian Till receives the Henry Law James Shield

Ian Till receives the Henry Law James Shield on behalf of the victorious West Lindsey Branch from David Phillipson. The shield having been in the very safe care!! of Southern Branch for the past 12 months. Only Bourne, by winning the method section of the 6 bell striking competition this year - prevented a West Lindsey clean sweep of the striking competitions, with bands placed first and second in the 6 bell call change section and second and third in the 6-bell method section. Next year sees Central Branch hosting the 6 bell striking competitions and Elloe the 8 bell striking competition. Thanks go to Northern Branch for organising an enjoyable afternoon.

Keith Butter (Master and Acting Secretary)