Eighty-four members from the Winchester District of the Winchester and Portsmouth D.G. gathered [Jun. 4th] at St. Peter’s, Ropley, for the Annual Six-bell Striking Competition.
Mr. Michael Church, now resident at Upton Grey, an ex-member of this Guild and a Past-Master of the Guildford Diocesan Guild judged the competition. Eight bands competed with two bands from both Winchester Cathedral and Romsey Abbey. Mr. Church commented that the standard of ringing was extremely high although the speed at which the bells were rung varied considerably. Once again, the first Winchester Cathedral band emerged the winner closely followed by Hursley in second place and Southampton University third. Other bands taking part were from New Alresford and North Stoneham.
Following the competition a service took place in the church. Immediately afterwards a substantial tea was served from within the church by Mrs. Sue Skinner, wife of Ropley’s Tower Captain, Rodney Skinner together with help from parishioners and ringing friends from neighbouring towers. A fine day allowed for the refreshments to be taken outside into the church yard.
The Quarterly District Meeting them took place with Mr. A. P. Smith (Hursley) presiding with his officers from the wooden scat outside the west wall of the church with members sitting on the grass or nearby on a convenient tombstone. The meeting concluded in the early evening, perhaps sadly for the midges who were enjoying the company, and the bells were rung briefly to end a most enjoyable afternoon.
J.R.
The Ringing World No. 3767, July 8, 1983, page 554