The Association Striking Competition/Ringing Festival is coming up soon and I find myself to be a taxi for hire.
In 2018, our extremely novice band entered the Novice Rounds category and did not cover ourselves in ringing glory, but we did put on an excellent tea for 140 hungry ringers which counts for something.
In 2019, our still inexperienced band entered the Novice Rounds category (this time without the need for minders) and won. A composite band of Ringing Remembers recruits from 2 towers dared to throw our hats into the Call Change category ring and came a very respectable 3rd. We also put on an excellent tea because by then we knew how to.
In 2020 and 2021 there were no Competitions/Festivals to enjoy, although a band did enter the virtual (Inter)National Call Change competition where, in the heats, we did poorly enough not to have to ring twice but well enough not to embarrass ourselves, so overall an excellent result.
In 2022, the ringing community bounced back but our band was not able to organise an entry. I had a grandchild due that weekend and others were busy so we could not commit. A few of us turned up anyway (grandchild delayed, as they can be) and joined the odds and sods band for Call Changes. Gratifyingly, we won and Reedham's name was added to the Wymondham Abbey Shield call change trophy coupled with King's Lynn.
In 2023, again people are busy. No grandchildren due, so I am available but find myself without a band. Naturally I want to join in the festivities (it is a Ringing Festival for me and a Striking Competition for others) but who to ring with? Therefore, I have offered my services to any Ring4the King band who require a bit of ballast either end to steady things should they start to collapse. I am also hawking myself around other ringing acquaintances to see if anyone is short a call change ringer. I have a shield to defend.
In addition, I will put the handbells in the car and look for some likely folk to nip behind the bushes with. No-one to judge our striking and much more fun anyway.
Perhaps I will see some of you there. I think of it as 3 minutes of terror followed by an afternoon of social cheer. Others see it as 3 minutes of ringing followed by an afternoon of social terror. If you find the socialisation tricky, listen out for the sound of tiny bells, track us down and come and join us. Conversation will not be required other than to choose your weapons and method. There is fun to be had, if you know where to look for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment