Doubles peals 2006

SIR, - I have analysed the peals of Doubles rung during 2006 and published in The Ringing World to date. I found 151 peals, all but one on tower bells; 33 in one method and 90 in from 2 to 54 methods. The remaining 28 peals contained variations and the two in figure 1 did not comply with Decision (D) C.4 as the methods and variations in each extent or round block were not listed separately. The conductor has forgotten what he called and, without this information, it is not possible to see that the extents and round blocks conformed with Decision (D) C.3.

When peal reports have contained extents that did not conform with Decision (D) C.3, the extents concerned have been treated as containing just the methods used and not the variations. This has provided a consistent way of recording the peals and the extents in question could have been reported like this in the first place.

In the absence of any further information, and there is no reason to doubt that all the 120 rows were rung 42 times, the most we can say with certainty is that each of the peals consisted of a round block of 5040 changes containing just the methods.

Accordingly for the purposes of the Peals Analysis we recommend that the peals should be treated as follows:-

4Mar Lytchett Minster.- 15m: New Bob, Huntspill, St Vedast, Blaisdon, St Simon's, St Martin's, St Osmund, Eynesbury, St Nicholas, Winchendon Place, St Remigius, Huntley Place, Plain Bob, Reverse Canterbury Pleasure Place, Grandsire.

10Mar Bishop's Caundle.- 23m: Bishops Caundle, Bledlow, New Bob, Huntspill, St Vedast, Blaisdon, St Bartholomew, All Hallows Place, St Sebastian, Abbey Place, Union, St Faith, St Simon's, St Martin's, St Osmund, Eynesbury, Plain Bob, St Nicholas, Winchendon Place, St Remigius, Huntley Place, Reverse Canterbury Pleasure Place, Grandsire.

Moreover the peal listed in figure 2 claimed a "variation" which uses only standard calls for the parent methods and, in accordance with Decision (E) A.3, is not entitled to a different name.

If any band is unsure how the numbers were arrived at for their peal, I will be pleased to provide details on request.

ANTHONY P. SMITH
Chairman, Methods Committee

The Ringing World, April 27, 2007, page 419