Ringing World 5161 (26 March 2010)

Front Cover: New bells at Avebury by Mary Davidge
The bells at St James’ Church, Avebury, Wiltshire, were recently augmented to eight in memory of Jane Lees, Honorary Life Member of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers, who died in June 2004.

The 122nd Annual Henry Johnson Commemoration Dinner by Clare McArdle
On the evening of Saturday, 27th February 2010, 116 ringers and guests, met in memory of the late Henry Johnson, a tradition that has been observed for the last 122 years. This year’s chairman was John Loveless. The venue for this annual gathering, The Banqueting Suite at Birmingham Council House, seems to have become part of this tradition, with an opulence and standard of service unmatched by alternative venues.

Software Review
JBlueLine
Software Author: Philip Abbey, Cheltenham
www.cheltenhambranch.org.uk/jblueline.php#applet
Reviewer: Mike Foster, St Mary’s, Storrington, West Sussex
I’m sure that I can’t be the only person who has thought that the computer should be an ideal tool for learning (or relearning) the ‘blue line’ of a new method.

Letters
Founders’ Prize 2010 - Norman Mattingley
Method Classifications - David G. Hull
Corrosion controlled - John H. Wilton
Bells in music - Charles Pocock, Nick Simon, Keith H. Fleming, Roger Murray

Alan Buswell’s 2009 quarter peal analysis and report
There is little cause for comment on this year’s ringing. There has been the odd celebratory event such as a university anniversary and the 1,000th year of the founding of a diocese but nothing that we could all ring with one accord. Yes, there are the quarter peal events organised by guilds and societies and by individuals and are to be applauded. These bring out the towers that are seldom rung but at the same time, others become dormant. We manage to ring almost 60% of our ringable towers. The most was 63% in 2002 and the least was 55% in 1998. Let’s see if we can achieve more in 2010. There is no need for a special event, only continued effort through out the year. There were 1,262 towers ringing only one quarter and 686 ringing two. Nine towers published fifty or more and are listed in the Leading Towers column.

Organising and running a bell-handling course
A few weeks ago I described the annual bell-handling course which we hold in the Bromyard District. However good the concept of such a course may be, it will only work if the organisation and the teaching itself are right. The purpose of this article is to describe some of the things which our experience suggests anyone planning a similar course needs to consider.

Obituaries
Clifford Barron, Keith Muxworthy

Phil and Amy Taylor – married 12th December 2009
Philip Taylor and Amy Tamarkin first met in October 2007 at a weekly meeting of the University of Bath’s bell ringing club, held at Widcombe Church. Phil was in his final year at Bath University and Amy was on a four month study abroad placement from Bates College, Maine, USA.

Thought for the week
I have never until now thought of ringing in terms of ‘value for money’! But it seems I now have to do so. At today’s first meeting of the Value for Money working group set up by our Diocesan Standing Committee, the first task was to compile a list of all diocesan organisations, whether or not they receive any financial support from the Diocese.

Birds of a feather can spell big trouble for wooden spires …
Woodpeckers and wooden spires don’t get on!
I ring at Terling Church in Essex and our spire is covered with small tiles (Shingles) made from Cedar. Over the years woodpeckers have attacked the spire, drilling holes in search of insects and, according to some, using the spire as a sounding-board to attract mates. Either way, the result is a lot of holes through which other birds have subsequently gained access to a safe, dry place to nest.