Our Guild events began in successful fashion in April with the Inter-Tower 6 and 8-Bell Striking Competitions, held at Botley and Bishops Waltham. We were pleased to see an increased number of entrants, especially in the 6-Bell competition, where Portsmouth Cathedral won a close contest against seven other teams. In the 8-Bell competition, Romsey Abbey were delighted with their win over trophy holders Bishopstoke. In the evening, ringers and friends gathered at the Annual Guild Dinner held again at the Holiday Inn, Winchester, where the company was much entertained by speakers Nigel Herriott and Philip Gorrod, as a fitting end to a very enjoyable day.
In June, bellringing formed an integral part of the country’s celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Guild was proud to compile and send a book of all our Diamond Jubilee ringing to Her Majesty, with a congratulatory message. So many towers rang to mark this wonderful occasion, but special note must go to those towers who achieved Sunday Service band peals; Basingstoke, Bishopstoke, Hursley and Romsey Abbey.
In July, the Guild gathered at East Meon for the AGM, and our thanks go to the Alton and Petersfield District for organising and hosting such a marvellous day. The Inter-District 8-Bell Striking Competition, held at Hawkley on the morning of the AGM, was entered by seven of the Guild’s eight Districts, making the event a noteworthy success, with the Winchester District triumphing. The meeting was equally well supported, and saw Honorary Life Membership of the Guild conferred upon Alan Price of Romsey and Lockerley.
The year also saw conservation work carried out on the historic ring of three bells at West Tytherley; looking ahead, the Bell Restoration Fund approved grants for the new light ring of eight bells at St Agatha’s Portsmouth, and the planned augmentation project at Minstead.
Another ringing highlight must be the long length peal, 10,800 of Winchester Surprise Royal, rung at Bishopstoke to mark the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It has indeed been a busy year in the Guild! We must all remember though that at the heart of our bellringing lies our duty to the church, to ring for services as well as for the special occasions, and to maintain a spirit of fellowship and encouragement so that our towers, our Districts, and our Guild continue to flourish.
This July, we eagerly anticipate gathering in Jersey, where the Channel Islands District will be hosting the Guild AGM. At this meeting, I shall be sad to step down as Secretary. For much of my three years of Office I have been living in Devon, but now feel that it is time to hand over the role to a resident Secretary once again! I have belonged to the W&P Guild for nearly twelve years now, and will be sad to cut those ties, but I have many good memories and good friendships to carry with me, and have been proud to serve as your Secretary. So many people, especially my fellow Officers, have helped and supported me, but particular thanks must go to David Strong, whose encouragement has made everything possible. I shall miss the ‘W&P’ but intend to remain aware and involved in its future and hope to return as often as I may - I also look forward to welcoming many of you to Devon in the years to come. Thank you for teaching me all that I know!
Clare Griffiths