ACTIVITIES OF BOURNEMOUTH AND DISTRICT RINGERS.
A combined meeting of the Christchurch Branch of the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild and the Wimborne Branch of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild, held on Saturday in the garden of the Rev. C. A. Phillips’ house at Bournemouth, proved to be very successful.
The ringers began to arrive shortly after 2.30, and the handbells were soon going to Grandsire and Stedman Triples, Bob Major, etc., as well as to ‘Crazy’ Doubles. The Methods Committee need not get alarmed, as this latter is merely a Morris’ 240, the new name being the idea of one of the participants after a rather rapid performance.
Cooling drinks were provided by Mr. Phillips and much appreciated by the company, who afterwards attended evensong at St. Peter’s. The service was conducted by the Rev. Nevil Tucker, who gave the ringers a short address of encouragement.
During tea the party were cheered at the news that the annual meeting at Poole would take place, all being well, towards the end of November.
Mr. George Preston mentioned the question of subscriptions to the Winchester Guild, and it was decided to ask members to continue to pay them as usual.
The conversation that took place at the gathering revealed a determination to keep going, and one detected much disappointment at the decision made by the Winchester and Portsmouth Guild. The Exercise is very much alive in the district, and the co-operation between the two neighbouring Diocesan Guilds is doing much to keep it so. A weekly practice on handbells takes place at St. Peter’s Hall and is well attended, much, progress having been made. The combined meetings take place quarterly and are well attended by all ringers in the district from Ringwood and Christchurch to Poole.
The handbell ringers hope before long to record a performance or two. Attempts have been made, but have been so far unsuccessful.
The Ringing World No. 1593, October 3rd, 1941, page 475