The format of the striking competitions changed again slightly this year with the inter-tower 6 and 8 bell competitions being held in separate towers, but with the results being given together.
Alton was chosen as the venue, with the 6 bell competition being held at All Saints, and the 8 bell at St. Lawrence.
A slightly disappointing turn out of 3 teams at St. Lawrence was judged by Will Willans from Bath, with the trophy going to Bishopstoke. Congratulations to the St. Lawrence ringers on plucking up the courage to enter the competition. It’s great to see the local band entering.
| Tower | Faults | Drawn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishopstoke | 16.25 | 3rd |
| 2 | Hursley | 17.5 | 2nd |
| 3 | Alton | 27.75 | 1st |
Four teams entered the 6 bell competition at All Saints, with Eling walking away the winners. Thanks to Ben Carey for judging this competition.
| Tower | Score | Peal Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eling | 75% | 2hrs 40m |
| 2 | All Saints, Basingstoke | 73% | 2hrs 33m |
| 3 | Bramshott | 66% | 2hrs 37m |
| 4 | St. Mary Bourne | 63% | 2hrs 34m |
A huge thanks to all the Alton ringers for the use of the bells and for providing refreshments on the day.
Following positive feedback about the format of the morning, the 2008 inter-tower competitions are going to follow the same format at Old and New Alresford.
July saw the AGM and the inter-district 8 bell competition. A good turn out for this saw 5 teams entering. It would be good to try and get a full turn out this year. The Portsmouth district walked away with the trophy in a very closely contested competition at Upham.
| District | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Portsmouth |
| 2 | Alton & Petersfield |
| 3 | Winchester |
| Christchurch & Southampton | |
| Isle of Wight |
September was the inter-district 10 bell competition held at Carisbrooke. 3 teams entered and the Winchester district were awarded first place. A huge thanks here to Rosemary Hill who stood in on the day to judge the competition.
| District | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Winchester |
| 2 | Portsmouth |
| 3 | Isle of Wight |
Judges continue to be an issue, especially when arranging 4 separate competitions in a single year. I also query the necessity of two inter district competitions, especially when the turn out is so low.
Due to other commitments, I am not standing for striking competitions convenor this year. Thanks to all those teams that have entered the competitions, and hopefully had enjoyable mornings out, and I wish all the best to my successor.
No income or expenditure for 2007 was reported.
Adam Greenley