Bell-ringers’ spring meeting followed by meat tea (From Cotswold Journal)

Bell-ringers’ spring meeting followed by meat tea

10:38am Thursday 26th May 2011 in Past

The Spring Meeting of the Four Shires Guild of Bellringers was held 75 years ago at Bourton-on-the-Hill.

The Journal of 1936 reported: “Six bands of ringers competed, an increase of two from last year, these being Mickleton (last year’s champions), Wolford (runners-up), Ebrington, Longborough, and the two new bands, Campden and Bourton-on-the-Hill. The judges were Mr W Heath, of Willersey, and Mr J Hall, of Bretforton.

“Ringing commenced at 2.15pm and the bells were kept going till 4.30pm, when a short service was held in the Parish Church conducted by the Vicar, the Rev E T Murray.

“After the service, a move was made to the Church Rooms where an excellent meat tea was provided by the Church Council and served by ladies of the village. After tea the business meeting of the Guild took place.

“The judge’s report on the day’s ringing gave the following results: Ebrington, rising and falling, 82 points; call changes, 90; method ring, 89; total 261. Bourton 92, 86, 84, total 262. Wolford 86, 91, 83, total 260. Campden 80, 93, 82, total 255. Mickleton 93, 98, 97, total 288. Longborough 73, 73 72 total 218.

“Mr Heath said the ringing on the whole was not too bad, but some of the striking was faulty.

“Some of the bands needed practice.”