STRIKING COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE

This year we decided to move the 8-bell Inter-Tower competition to September to avoid conflicts with the 6-bell competition in May which seemed to play its part in a much healthier turnout than we had seen in recent years. We also attempted to hold a novices competition but with no entries which was disappointing. This is something that we are keen to pursue in coming years however but perhaps we need to relook at the format and requirements for entry etc.

Inter-Tower 6-bell competition

20th May saw the Guild Inter-Tower 6-bell competition held at Sherborne St. John in the Basingstoke District. It was a lovely morning and ideal for standing around in the church chatting and listening to some fine ringing. Refreshments were provided by the local ringers in the church. Many thanks to Jackie Roberts from the Guildford Guild who came along to judge the competition for us. There were 5 entries from across the Guild and the results were as follows.

Inter-District 8-bell competition

This was held at Hurstbourne Priors in the Andover District on AGM day. Again we had lovely weather for sitting around in the church yard listening to the bells ringing out across the fields and the ‘thwack’ of willow on leather from the cricket match being held next to the church. The competition was judged by Martin Rice and Mark Robins from the Oxford Diocesan Guild. For the first time in many years we had entries from all of the districts, with two of them providing 2 bands which was fabulous. The results were as follows.

Inter-Tower 8-bell competition

September 16th saw the Guild Inter-Tower 8-bell competition held at St Michael, Basingstoke in the Basingstoke District. Again we saw a good turnout with 7 teams competing. The rain held off allowing those listening to stand in the car park although refreshments were on hand all morning in Church Cottage, with many thanks by the local band. My thanks to David Kircaldy who came to judge the competition, assisted by Kathy Howard, from the Sussex County Association. The results were as follows:

Pete Jordan