CLAPPERTRAPPINGS

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH STAFFS ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

 

To ring or not to ring?  There’s no question about it – what else are you going to do with your life????

 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

 

EDITORIAL

It would be a sad thing if ringing did turn out to be totally time-consuming.  And, in fact, one of the joys of ringing is the discovery of the range of other pursuits that ringers enjoy, from fly fishing to bowling and water colour painting, not to mention cabinet making, embroidery and calligraphy.  I could go on.  The reasons for ringing are (almost) as many as the other hobbies, arts, crafts, skills, intellectual pursuits, etc that ringers engage in.  It’s all part of the fascination of being a ringer among ringers. One thing that we have in common is that we all darken the doors of a church from time to time, quite often at Christmas, when we ring in celebration of the birth of the Christ child.  In this special season we welcome the vulnerability of God-made-man, recognising the child in all of us.  In this year that has seen so much bloodshed, let us ring to peace, justice and safety in which the children of the world may grow to responsible maturity.

Happy Christmas to all and very best wishes to the next editor of the Association newsletter!  I’ve enjoyed the past twenty years but am convinced that it’s time for a change.

 

Rowena Gay

 

 

WETTON DEDICATION

On Sunday 26^th September St Margaret’s, Wetton, was  crowded well before the appointed time of 12.15 p.m.   Wetton Bell Restoration  Committee: Michael Bingham, Simon and Margaret Humphrey, Karen and Peter Ray, Chris Lucas, Barbara Manns and Andrew Bownes, were out in force to welcome local people and visitors, including the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire and some less aristocratic types who claimed  to represent the North Staffs Association of Change Ringers.  Bishop Christopher Hill, assisted by the Revd Judith Crane, led  an enthusiastic congregation who sang with gusto in celebration of the dedication of the newly augmented six.

After the words of dedication had been spoken, the Bishop handed the bell rope to the ringers.  A few moments’ silence, as the local band took hold, were followed by those familiar words, ‘Look to ..’ and the bells rang out in approved fashion.  It was a wonderful occasion and as the service ended there was no shortage of visitors eager to try their hands on the ring.  Equally splendid was the buffet lunch and the opportunity to talk to ringing friends from the surrounding area.  Thank you, Wetton, may your ringing  prosper.

RG

 

 

8 BELL STRIKING COMPETITION Saturday 2^nd October

 

 

This was an occasion which I missed, but am able to tell you that once again Stafford claimed the prize and rolled home ahead of, consecutively, Stone, Eccleshall and R-R-R-Rolleston.  Congratulations to Stafford and well done to the rest who at least managed to find a band ready and able to ring on the day.  As on all such occasions, the tea was superb and the judge (Alan Burbidge of  the St Martin’s Guild and elsewhere) was talented, perceptive, fairminded and came up with the right result.  Thanks to everyone concerned.

 

 

Ten Green Bottles in the Quarter Master’s Stores

.

Ringers from Rolleston, Stretton, St Modwen’s Burton, and friends had an outing to Hereford on Sept 18^th.  First tower of the day was the lovely 6 at Tenbury Wells, but before that we had a 2 hour sing-along on the minibus.  There were Bluebirds [see left. Ed.] over Old MacDonald’s Ardvaak, Postman Pat in a yellow submarine, and we were all imagining spreading the news about the price of doggies in Donald’s missing trousers.  Ringing at Tenbury included call changes, Cambridge Minor and hunting, and a well deserved cup of tea.  Then it was on to Eye, another 6, where we treated the locals to several courses of Burton Pleasure Bob Minor (X14X1236X16-14).  Lunch at the Black Horse in Leominster and Sarah tried out her videoing skills whilst Moss tied several people up in knots with his lead.  (Moss is Sarah’s dog [see right. Ed.], not her husband, just in case anyone is getting confused).  A short walk took us to the lovely 10 bells of Leominster Priory, and the afternoon was rounded off with the 5 bells of Stoke Prior.  With the ringing out of the way we called in at Castle Hubbard for a magnificent evening buffet courtesy of Margaret and Mike – two Burton exports who had arranged the day for us.  The Burtonian kite flyers association demonstrated their expert skills in a nearby field, and then it was time for the journey home which was somewhat subdued by comparison.  Charles and his nocturnal feathered flying friend were thankfully put to sleep.  A thoroughly good day was had by all and we would like to thank our Eccleshall, York and Coventry friends for joining us for the day and supporting the ringing.  When’s the next trip, Stewart?  

Antony Allen   

    

to Ann and David Becket of Betley

Betley, Staffs  21^st August 2004

1260 Plain Bob and Grandsire Doubles

Terry French 1, Tricia Stephens 2, Denzil Spencer 3, Robert Bailey 4, Phil Stephens (C) 5, Syd Scott 6.

To celebrate the Ruby Wedding of local ringers Ann and David Becket

and to Ray and Wendy Daw of Stoke

for whom a Ruby Wedding compliment comes from the Brian Warwick peal band in a new method pealed especially for them, Rayanwendy D Major.

 

 

Congratulations also go to Lee Cooke and Ant Allen who have decided to launch out into a new venture as Editor in Chief and Assistant Editor in Chief of the Association newsletter.  Don’t forget to let them have your contributions by 25^th January for the first day cover February issue.  Lee can be contacted by email via steve@nstaffsbellringers.co.uk  Please support your new eds.  Congrats to me also on my retirement! xxx

 

 

 

Dont Forget

 

Tuesday 21^st December

Tuesday Daytime Band meets at Mavesyn Ridware (8) [SK082169] 11.00 am – 12.15 pm and Rugeley (yet to be confirmed) (6) [SK451186] 2.00 pm – 3.15 pm.

Saturday 25^th December

If not today, yesterday or tomorrow, ring out those Christmas bells!

Saturday 8^th January

Ringing meeting at Cheddleton (6) 10.30-12.00, followed by a pub lunch and a training session at Cheadle Roman Catholic church (8) at 2.15

Tuesday 18^th January 2005

TDM meets – contact Marian Owen for details

Saturday 5^th February

Ringing meeting at Sandon (6) 3.00-5.00 and Stone (8) 7.00-9.00.  Tea at Stone after service at 5.00, names for tea to Frank or Jenny Beech  by email to f&jbeech@nstaffsbellringers.co.uk  by previous Wednesday. 

 

 

 

 

GO EAST YOUNG DINER!

The Taste of Raj did us proud on the occasion of the annual dinner.  I don’t think anyone opted for the chicken ‘n’ chips and I don’t think anyone was disappointed by the range and quality of the dishes served, beginning with poppadoms and chutneys and moving on to korma, curry, biriyani with pilau rice and naan bread.  We only just managed to find a tiny corner for the cardamon flavoured dessert and coffee. 

David Kelly of the Keltek Trust proved that brevity is indeed the soul of wit and it was good also to see our President, the Ven Godfrey and Mrs Stone.

Catching up with old friends is always a pleasure on these occasions: the Norton mob, the Moddershall Duo (for example), and to meet some newcomers like  Phil and Jeanette Routledge and over-the-border adjuncts like Stuart Hutchieson, to name but one.

Thanks go to everyone who came and contributed to such an enjoyable evening, and to Jenny and Frank Beech for organising it.

 

DEAR AUNT SALLY ....

 

Dear Aunt Sally,

just a few tips to pass on to Rowena on her quest to find a new Editor for the Clappertrappings. I have heard of a very able young man who rings in the metropolis of Burton-on-Trent by the name of  Burt Maile.   If he shows signs of reluctance to take on the editorship, the threat of a poke in the eye works wonders, and you never have to resort to kidnapping.  I hope you find these tips helpful. 

Happy recruiting

Scarey Mary D.D. (Daft and Drippy)

Burton-on-Trent

 

Dear Mary,

All attempts to track down Burt Maile ended with AA (Antieditorial Anonymous). Could this be he ...

(turn page for pin-up on page four – yes, you madam, this could be the pre-Christmas boost  you’ve been waiting for.  Take a deep breath, loosen your curlers and go for it.  ONE,  TWO,  THREE!)

 

 

                                               

 

  Nevertheless, I am pleased to tell you that someone else is interested in helping out our old and ailing Ed and I have great hopes of acquiring a new, younger, brimful of energy replacement as my boss in the near future.

 

Dear Aunt Sally,

Is it true that the association dinner took place in a Chinese takeaway this year?  If so, I think it is an utter disgrace.  Some of you youngsters will do anything to hang about in pubs and avoid listening to dignified speeches from experts in the field of campanology.  I don’t think it should be allowed.  I expect you ate the meal under the nearest lamp-post – you should be ashamed of yourselves!

Disgusted and Dinnerless,  Rostbeevington, Yorks

 

Dear Disgusted,

No, we didn’t go to a Chinese takeaway and we did have  speeches.  Just think, you could have come and enjoyed chicken ‘n’ chips and Titanic, just the fare we used to have at the Dog and Doublet.  Oh dear.

 

Dear Aunt Sally,

My 4th decade is upon me, I've sold my sports car, and I've just rung 6 quarters in one day.  Does this count as a mid-life crisis?

Blistered of Burton

 

Dear Blistered,

I’m very much afraid that it does.  But don’t worry about it, from here the only way is up!

 

Dear Aunt Sally,

After three too many White Montanas I foolishly agreed to ring six quarters in one day.  The footnote of "First 6 in a day: me, Phil Gay" appealed to my vanity.  After 8370 changes I am well and truly sober and have very sore wrists.  How can I avoid such situations in future?

Hung-over, Horninglow

 

Well, Hung,

Yes,  vanity does tend to have high numbers  on the price tag.  You could (a) avoid too many White Montanas; (b) go on a self-flagellation course of penitence; (c)  ring more often and keep in practice just in case another opportunity heaves itself over the horizon.

Oh and PS, well done, Hung!

 

Dear Aunt Sally,

Every time I go to the pub after practice I keep hearing the word "peal" cast in my direction.  I checked with my counterparts and its not just me - they hear it too.  Is selective deafness the way forward, or is sabotaging the ropes my only escape?

Stewy the Steepley-keeper

 

Dear Stewy,

Selective deafness is not entirely reliable and can end in nightmares; sabotaging ropes is very naughty.  I suggest you give in and ring a peal or six.

 

Dear Retiring Aunt Sally,

I will be very sad to see you step down from your illustrious role as NSA Agony Aunt.  Are rumours

of a listening ear from Scottish Aunt Tail-end to be trusted, or should I seek future solace by writing to Great Uncle Crack-stay?

Hanxious of Hatton

 

Dear Hanx,

The next Ed will have the final say (cracked or otherwise) in the employment of an Agony Aunt.  No rumours have reached my ears so far and I can only say ‘I don’t know’.  Perhaps you would care to apply for the post?  If you  wish to wear a kilt I’m sure that would be more than acceptable.  Personally, I find an old pair of pyjamas extremely comfortable and comforting when I have to deal with complex psychological problems.

 

 

 

 

WHO’S A BIG BOY NOW?

 

Go on, admit it, you’d never have recognised him!  This isn’t the kind of vehicle he propels nowadays.  But he’s had a birthday and whichever one it was, it was important enough for Lee Cooke to forego the dinner the evening before in order to be right up to the mark to take part in the six celebratory quarter peals on November 13^th. 

I have it on very good authority that it was a great day – congratulations all round, especially to Antony Allen, whose birthday it was, but also to Lee Cooke, Alan Burbidge and Phil Gay on ringing six in a day for the first time, and to all the other ringers who took part:  Rachel Moss who also rang in all six; Stewart Bannister, Steve Cooke, Richard Gibson, Peter Marriott and Alan Walters who swelled the band when required. 

The quarter peals were rung at Rolleston, Stretton and all four of the Burton towers.  On the list of methods we have Grandsire Triples; Cambridge, Plain and Little Bob Minor; Single Oxford Triples; Woodbine Delight and College Exercise Treble Bob Minor; Morning Exercise Delight and Burton Pleasure Bob Minor; and Stedman Triples.  Six members of the group took it in turns to conduct a quarter.

Congratulations on a fine achievement.

Oh, and  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANT!

 

6 quarters in a day in Burton

=============================

 

Once described as a "celebration of youth", 10 ringers rang 8370 changes in 10 methods, at 6 towers, all in and around Burton on Trent, and to cele-brate the arrival of one 4th decade.  Special thanks go to the ringers who made this possible, the key holders and tower correspondents who made various and flexible arrangements, and to Becky and Stewart for facilitating tea drinking at the crucial moment.

 

Rolleston on Dove, Staffs

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1974 Grandsire Triples

1 Steve Cooke

2 Peter Marriott

3 Rachel Moss

4 Lee Cooke

5 Alan Burbidge

6 Phil Gay

7 Antony Allen (c)

8 Stewart Bannister

Composition by Alan Burbidge

Rung to celebrate the 30th birthday of Antony Allen.

 

Stretton, Staffs

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1296 Cambridge Surprise & Plain and Little Bob Spliced Minor

1 Peter Marriott (c)

2 Lee Cooke

3 Rachel Moss

4 Alan Burbidge

5 Phil Gay

6 Antony Allen

First Cambridge: Lee Cooke

 

Burton upon Trent, St Chad's Horninglow, Staffs

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1260 Single Oxford Bob Triples

1 Steve Cooke

2 Phil Gay

3 Lee Cooke

4 Peter Marriott

5 Alan Burbidge

6 Antony Allen

7 Rachel Moss (c)

8 Stewart Bannister

First Single Oxford Triples: Antony Allen

 

Burton upon Trent, St Mark's Winshill, Derbys

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1320 Woodbine Delight & College Exercise Treble Bob Minor

1 Lee Cooke

2 Rachel Moss

3 Alan Burbidge

4 Alan Walters

5 Antony Allen

6 Phil Gay (c)

First College Exercise: Alan Walters, Rachel Moss

 

Burton upon Trent, All Saints, Staffs

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1260 Morning Exercise ("Boatrace") Delight & Burton Pleasure Bob Minor

1 Lee Cooke

2 Rachel Moss

3 Phil Gay

4 Alan Burbidge

5 Antony Allen

6 Alan Walters (c)

First Morning Exercise: Phil Gay, Antony Allen, Rachel Moss

First Burton Pleasure: All

 

Burton upon Trent, St Modwen, Staffs

Sat 13 Nov 2004

1260 Stedman Triples

1 Lee Cooke

2 Richard Gibson

3 Rachel Moss

4 Phil Gay

5 Alan Walters

6 Alan Burbidge (c)

7 Antony Allen

8 Steve Cooke

First Stedman: Lee Cooke

 

General footnotes:

Most quarter peals on a single day: Lee Cooke, Phil Gay, Alan Burbidge Donation: £10

 

 

 

This seems to be a congratulatory issue all round.  As I write, congratulatory peals and quarters are being planned to celebrate a December wedding, that of Kelly Bishop and Andreas Schrocksnadel.  Kelly, daughter  of   Pat and Peter, has flown the nest but can still be seen ringing locally, as can Andreas, on visits home.  The wedding will take place in frozen  Geordieland and a roving reporter will provide details of The Dress and The Bride’s Mother’s Hat etc.  In the meantime, we all join in wishing Kelly and Andreas a wonderful wedding day and a long and happy marriage.

 

 

A POSTCARD FROM HOME

 

DEAR LEE AND ANT,

Just to wish you good luck and, in so doing, to attempt to fill that last empty space at the end of the page.  You’ll notice that the clipart is more numerous and a mite  larger than usual.  Who knows, I may even be reduced to increasing the font size. (It’s not exactly tiny as it is but there was no way I was going to fit everything onto four sides so I’ve had to cheat a bit to cover six.

I know you’re going to make a huge success of the newsletter – I’m not calling it Clappertrappings because I hope you’ll find a name that’s all your own.  You’ll probably enjoy doing it too, all of it, not just dreaming up a name.  I think I shall mention to some members of the committee that I think it’s time we had the occasional colour supplement (or at least colour photocopied issue) just to add a little sparkle and make a few snapshots a worthwhile addition.

I very much look forward to reading the February newsletter.

All good wishes, ex-Ed, Ro.  xx